Residents from Jajpur and Bhadrak districts held a protest at East Coast Railway's headquarters in Bhubaneswar, demanding expedited approval of the detailed project report for the Jajpur Road-Dhamra Port rail line. The delay, extending beyond eight weeks instead of the stipulated three, has frustrated locals. The project is proposed to be completed by 2027-28 with a budget of Rs 3315.
The Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority has advised implementing strict KYC verification to address online gaming addiction among minors. A study involving 1.50 lakh students exposed the detrimental effects of such addictions. Awareness campaigns and educational videos have been initiated, while the state is appealing against online gaming portals like Poker and Rummy.
The Odisha government has increased accidental death benefits for construction workers from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 6 lakh and natural death benefits from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh. Chief Minister Mohan Majhi announced this during a convention, urging workers to join the Welfare Board for various schemes and support.
The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to Odisha's chief secretary for an action taken report on frequent lightning deaths. Activist Radhakanta Tripathy pointed out that 1,625 people have died in five years and criticized the lack of a state action plan. The government is urged to develop and implement preventive measures quickly.
In Sangrur, Punjab, two men were attacked twice by a group armed with sharp-edged weapons, including once inside a hospital emergency ward. This incident coincided with doctors protesting for better safety measures. Police have identified the attackers and are conducting raids to apprehend them. The assault is linked to an old animosity between the parties.
Indian diaspora groups held a protest near the UK Parliament in London to raise awareness about Pakistan's state-sponsored terrorism and counter a propaganda event. They highlighted the neglected plight of Kashmiri Hindus and other communities, urging action against Pakistan's destabilizing activities in Jammu and Kashmir, including human rights abuses and terrorism support.
