TIRUPATI l friday l august 30, 2024 l `9.00 l PAGES 12 l LATE CITY EDITION U.K. univ to open first foreign campus in India under NEP 2020 The University of Southampton was on Thursday granted approval by the University Grants Commission to set up a branch campus in India Campus expected to come up in Gurugram One of UK’s top research universities External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan handed over the Letter of Intent to the UK university at an event in Delhi. The new campus is likely to be located in Gurugram, within the Delhi NCR. It will offer a wide range of undergraduate and post-graduate degree courses starting in July 2025 ■ ■ The University of Southampton is one of the UK’s top research institutions with one-third of its research rated as ‘world-leading’ The National Education Policy 2020 calls for internationalisation of education in India by inviting leading foreign universities to set up branch campuses here and collaborate with local institutions 80th rank for university of southampton in the latest QS world university ranking CHENNAI ■ MADURAI ■ VIJAYAWADA ■ BENGALURU ■ KOCHI ■ HYDERABAD ■ VISAKHAPATNAM ■ COIMBATORE ■ KOZHIKODE ■ THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ■ BELAGAVI ■ BHUBANESWAR ■ SHIVAMOgGA ■ MANGALURU ■ TIRUPATI ■ TIRUCHY ■ TIRUNELVELI ■ SAMBALPUR ■ HUBBALLI ■ DHARMAPURI ■ KOTTAYAM ■ KANNUR ■ VILLUPURAM ■ KOLLAM ■ TADEPALLIGUDEM ■ NAGAPATTINAM ■ THRISSUR ■ KALABURAGI We are not interfering with the marriages solemnised by Islamic rituals under thre Muslim Personnel Law at all. Our only condition is that Islam prohibited marriages will not be registered In the pre-Independence Act, There was scope of misuse by both authorised licensee as well as by citizens for underage/ minor marriages and forcefully arranged marriages without the consent of the parties Himanta Biswa Sarma, chief minister Jogen Mohan, revenue minister Registration of Muslim marriages mandatory New bill passed in Assam House to deter teenage pregnancy: CM P r a s a n ta M a z u m d a r @ Guwahati Croc scare in flood-hit Vadodara A huge crocodile being rescued from a residential locality after flood water recede, in Vadodara on Thursday. “We have rescued 10 crocodiles in the last five days. Two have been released and eight are still with us. We will release them when the water level of the Vishwamitri river decreases,” an official said | PTI SC slams T’gana CM’s remarks on Kavitha bail Purported audio of calls to family show insensitivity S U CHITRA K ALYA N MOHA N TY Su l a g n a Sen g u p ta @ Kolkata @ New Delhi THE Supreme Court on Thursday slammed Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for his inappropriate comments over the granting of bail to BRS leader K Kavitha and AAP leader Manish Sisodia in cases linked to the Delhi excise policy scam. During a media interaction, Reddy had wondered how Kavitha got bail in just five months, when Delhi deputy CM Sisodia got it only after spending 15 months in jail, while Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal is yet to get relief. He hinted at a ‘deal’ between the BJP and BRS for securing bail for Kavitha. The statements did not go down well with the apex court, which expressed its strong disp l e a s u re. “ I s this a kind of statement which should be made by a CM? A constitutional functionary is speaking in this manner! Why should they drag the court in political rivalry? Do we pass orders after consulting political parties? We are not bothered by politicians or if anybody criticises our orders,” a three-judge bench headed by Justice B R Gavai said. The bench, also comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and K V Viswanathan, asked senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Reddy, how can a constitutional functionary speak like this. It said it is the duty of political parties to show respect to institutions. Relief to DKS IN DA CASE, hc JUNKS CBI PLEA Bengaluru: In a major relief for Karnataka deputy CM D K Shivakumar, the Karnataka High Court on Thursday dismissed the pleas by CBI and BJP MLA Basanagouda R Patil Yatnal, questioning the Siddaramaiah government’s decision to withdraw the previous BJP regime’s consent to the agency to prosecute Shivakumar in a disproportionate assets case. The HC also dismissed the plea challenging the state govt’s order referring the `74.93 crore DA case to the Lokayukta for probe Three purported audio recordings of phone calls allegedly made by RG Kar Medical College on August 9 to the parents of the rapemurder victim surfaced on Thursday indicating the in, stitution’s muddled approach and insensitivity while breaking the horrific news to the relatives. In the first call, the hospital authorities simply said their daughter was ‘a little ill’ and asked them to come immediately. Two minutes later, another call came saying she was very sick. In the third call, again after two minutes, the caller claimed their daughter had committed suicide. The victim’s family members said the hospital authorities deliberately mislead them, though they knew their daughter had been raped and murdered. The victim’s father said when they went into the hospital, they saw their daughter’s body wrapped in a green bedsheet. But media images later showed the body in a blue bedsheet. What prompted the hospital to change the bedsheet, he wondered. “There has been a deliberate attempt to suppress facts. We want the CBI to investigate why the Kolkata Police misled us.” he said and demanded a thorough investigation into the events leading to her murder. On August 10, authorities The Assam assembly on Thursday passed the Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Bill, 2024, which makes it mandatory to register marriages with the government. Since the legal age of marriage of 18 years for girls and 21 years for boys cannot be contravened, it will act as a strict deterrent against teenage pregnancy and improve overall growth of girls, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. The bill replaces the Britishera law, The Assam Moslem Marriages and Divorces Registration Act, 1935. “Today is a historic day in our effort to fight the social evil of child marriage. The #AssamLegislativeAssembly has passed the Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Bill, 2024,” Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma posted on X. “I thank all the legislators who pledged their support to this Bill and Govt’s vision of preventing child marriage. This Bill is above party politics and is a means to give our girls Kazi cut out New law to help check polygamy, enforce maintenance rights All earlier registrations of marriages conducted by Kazis will remain valid, said Himanta Biswa Sarma 1 Only new marriages will come under the purview of the legislation where registration has to be done with govt 2 a life of dignity Sarma said. ,” Earlier in the day he told the , Assembly that the government’s aim was not only to abolish child marriages but also to replace the Kazi (religious official) system. He said all marriages would be registered as per an order of the Supreme Court. It emerged during the discussions in the Assembly that Assam has 90 Kazis, most of them government teachers. On August 22, revenue and disaster management minister Jogen Mohan had stated in the statement of Object and Reasons that The Assam Moslem Marriages and Divorces Registration Act was adopted by the British India government for the then Province of Assam for AMID growing chorus for the resignation of CPM MLA M Mukesh, Kerala police on Thursday booked the actorpolitician following the complaint of an actress from Kochi. However, Mukesh secured interim protection from arrest from a local court. Besides Mukesh, actor-producer Maniyanpilla Raju and actor Edavela Babu were charged with rape by the police in Kochi, while a case was filed against actor Jayasurya in Thiruvananthapuram for outraging the modesty of a Muslim religious and social arrangements. He said under it, the registration of marriages and divorces is not mandatory and the machinery of registration is informal. “There remains a scope of registering marriages of intended person below 21 years (in case of male) and 18 years (in case of female) and hardly any monitoring (is) made for (the) implementation of this Act throughout the state, which attracts and invites huge amount of litigation in the criminal/ civil court,” Mohan said. “There is a scope of misuse by both authorised licensee as well as by citizens for underage/minor marriages and forcefully arranged marriages without consent,” he stated. Spl officer to probe Mumbai actress case E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @ Vijayawada NTR district Commissioner of Police SV Rajashekhar Babu on Thursday appointed an assistant commissioner of police (ACP) rank officer as a special officer to probe the alleged harassment of a Mumbai-based actress Kadambari Jethwani and her family members by a few IPS officers. The action comes in the wake of allegations levelled by Kadambari Jethwani during a debate on a ver nacular news channel on Wednesday and various media reports stating that two IPS officers, who earlier worked in K Sravanthi Roy Vi j ayaw a d a Police Commissionerate tormented the actress and her family on the instructions of the then ruling YSRC leaders. YSRC leader Kukkala Vidyasagar had lodged a case against the actress in February 2024, alleging that she had usurped his property by forging documents. Vidyasagar and Jethwani met long ago at a private function and became friends. Jethwani later distanced herself from Vidyasagar after he allegedly began to torture her by sending nude pictures of himself. He also allegedly threatened to cause danger to P4 her and her family . Two YSRC MPs resign from Rajya Sabha E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @ Vijayawada Women participate in a rally in Kolkata on Thursday | PTI arrested Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer frequently seen at RG Kar, whose presence was captured on CCTV near the seminar hall where the body was first seen. A Bluetooth device found at the scene further implicated Roy Ac. cording to CBI sources, Roy confessed to the crime during interrogation. Meanwhile, the Kolkata Police arrested a woman, Renuka Singh (38), whose alleged stoning left police sergeant Debasish Chakraborty badly injured in an eye during the Nabanna Abhiyan rally a couple of days ago. The city police are also looking for other miscreants who indulged in large-scale violence during the rally that day . In a major jolt to the YSRC, two of its Rajya Sabha MPs — Mopidevi Venkataramana and Beeda Mastan Rao — resigned from the Upper House of Parliament on Thursday They sub. mitted their resignation to Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and the same was accepted. While Mopidevi has announced his decision to join the TDP Mastan is yet to decide , his next move. The development comes close on the heels of the resignation of a few MLCs, Mayors and former MLAs from the YSRC after the party’s dismal performance in the recent elections. The YSRC’s representation in the Rajya Sabha has now dropped to nine from 11. On the other hand, the TDP does not have any MPs in the Upper House since April this year after the retirement of Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar. However, the yellow party M Venkataramana & Beeda Mastan Rao Naidu trying to weaken Jagan, alleges Perni Nani YSRC leader Perni Nani accused TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu of trying to weaken Jagan. “A total of 23 YSRC MLAs joined TDP after 2014 polls, but Jagan bounced back. Naidu is focusing on politics rather than fulfilling his promises. People will teach Naidu a lesson in 2029 elections.” is set to enter the Rajya Sabha once again with two seats falling vacant. A loyalist of the YS family, Mopidevi had served as a minister in the cabinets of former Chief Ministers YS Rajasekhara Reddy and YS Jagan FIR against CPM MLA Mukesh in rape case E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @ Kochi The Kazi system for registering Muslim marriages will end. Assam has 90 Kazis, most of them govt teachers 3 plaint lodged woman. In all, the police filed six cases in Kochi and one in Thiruvananthapuram on the day based on the complaint of an actress who worked in Malayalam and Tamil films. The case against Mukesh was registered under IPC Sections 376 (rape), 354 (assault or criminal force to women with intent to outrage her modesty), 452 (house trespass with the intent to hurt or assault someone), and 09 (insult the modesty of a woman by word, gestures or acts) . The complainant alleged Mukesh sexually harassed her at a villa at Maradu when she approached him for membership of Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). Mukesh was an office bearer of AMMA then. The complaint against Edavela Babu says that he called the actress to his apartment twice in 2009 in connection with AMMA membership; in the first instance, he made sexual advances towards the actor and the second time, he raped her. The charges against Maniyanpilla Raju include making sexual advances towards the actress while she was staying at a hotel in Kochi as part of a film shooting in 2009. Jayasurya allegedly sexually harassed the actress during a shooting in Thiruvananthapuram in 2008. Meanwhile, the CPM has decided to brazen it out by openly supporting Mukesh for now with senior party leaders E P Jayarajan, K K Shailaja, Veena George, and P K Sreemathi saying there is no need for him to quit until and unless the charges against him are proven. Mohan Reddy. He was also jailed in the alleged disproportionate assets case along with Jagan. Mopidevi unsuccessfully contested the 2014 and 2019 elections from Repalle constituency Subsequently Jagan . , nominated him to the Legislative Council and made him his Cabinet colleague for a brief period. Later, Mopidevi was asked to resign as MLC and elevated to Rajya Sabha. His tenure was till June 2026. Announcing his decision to join the TDP soon, Mopidevi explained that he was always interested in State politics rather than national. “I wanted to contest from Repalle, but my plea was not considered by the party high command,” he said indicating that he might not be nominated to the Rajya Sabha again. Mastan Rao, whose term will end in June 2028, has a long- term association with the TDP . A businessman, he switched over to the YSRC in June 2019. He said he will announce his decision on joining the TDP or any other party later. Galla Jayadev to return to Parliament? Meanwhile, sources said the TDP might field Mastan Rao and find a replacement for Mopidevi. There is speculation that the yellow party might consider nominating former MP from Guntur Galla Jayadev to the Upper House. However, there are also reports that the BJP, an ally of the TDP, might seek one of the two vacant seats. Further, it has also been learnt that more Rajya Sabha MPs, besides the elected leaders, from the YSRC might switch over to the TDP or its alliance partners in the coming days. I was always interested in State politics rather than national. I wanted to contest the 2024 elections from Repalle, but my plea was not considered by the party high command. I will join the TDP soon Mopidevi Venkataramana express read Fishmonger kidnapped outside R’varam jail Rajamahendravaram: A fishmonger from Odisha was abducted near the Central Jail on Wednesday soon after he was released from prison on bail. A search operation was launched to trace the victim & the accused |P3 Aadhaar validation for sale of Srivari laddus Champ at 101 Commander (retd) Vallabhajosyula Sriramulu, 101, wins gold at World Masters Athletics event | PTI Tirupati: In a bid put an end to middlemen menace, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) enforced Aadhaar validation for the sale of Srivari Laddus to tokenless devotees with immediate effect on Thursday | P3
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