Pre-poll 'guarantees', putting up united front and BJP’s corruption did the trick for Congress in Karnataka

New Delhi, Sept 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed "historic decisions" - referring to his government's controversial moves on Article 370 and the GST and 'One Rank-One Pension' bills - in opening remarks on the first day of a special session that will see Parliament shift to a new building.

In a lengthy speech - which included jabs at the opposition, including a subtle dig at the row over speculation the country's name will change from 'India' to 'Bharat' - the Prime Minister recalled "bitter-sweet memories" associated with the old building, including the terror attack of 2001.

"The House will always say proudly that (the abrogation of) Article 370 became possible due to it... GST was also passed here... 'One Rank-One Pension' was witnessed (and) 10 per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections was successfully allowed for the first time without dispute," he said.

"Bidding goodbye to this building is an emotional moment...many bitter-sweet memories associated with it. We had differences and disputes but we witnessed 'parivaar bhaav' ('feeling of family')," he continued as MPs from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party thumped their desks in agreement.

"There was a terror attack (on Parliament). This was not an attack on a building.... in a way, it was an attack on the 'Mother of Democracy'... on our living soul. The country can never forget that incident," he said as he paid tribute to security personnel who were killed in that attack.

The reference to India as the 'Mother of Democracy' was a repeat of what was said in material handed to G20 leaders and foreign officials during the summit in Delhi earlier this month.

Striking nostalgic notes, the PM also praised the Chandrayaan-3 Moon mission and said India had "made the world proud... highlighted a new form of India's strength". He also spoke about the success of the G20 Summit and attributed it to " 140 crore citizens... not any individual or party".

"Today... you have unanimously appreciated the success of G20. I express my gratitude to you. The success of G20 success is that of 140 crore citizens of the country. It is India's success (and) not that of an individual or a party. It is a matter for all of us to celebrate," the Prime Minister said.

"India will be proud the African Union became a member (of the G20) when it was President... I cannot forget the emotional moment when the announcement was made... (the) African Union President (Azali Assoumani, President of Comoros) said, 'Perhaps I will break down while speaking'."

The Prime Minister also referred to the historic Delhi Declaration and said negotiating the joint communique from G20 leaders underlined India's strength and standing in the world.

The Delhi Declaration was seen as nearly impossible till hours before it was announced due to complexities arising from Russia's war on Ukraine and the West's stance on the conflict.

"You can imagine (role) India had to fulfil... such huge hopes and expectations. It (was) India's strength that (made) it (the declaration) possible," Prime Minister Modi declared.

Bengaluru, Sept 18: In an elaborate dating scam, a woman claiming to be a divorcee trapped a divorced man from Bengaluru and cheated him of Rs 1.05 crore.

CK Baba, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast), said the man, a HR professional at a private company, met the woman on a matrimonial site this year.

The woman, who goes by the name Prakathi Sreedharan on social media, is reportedly based in Kerala. She reached out to the man, aged between 35 and 40, on the matrimonial site after their profiles matched.

In the course of their chats, the woman told him she was divorced. The duo reportedly bonded over discussions on failed marriages and ongoing divorces and became close in three to four months.

Having gained the man’s confidence, the woman said she was investing in an online foreign exchange trading platform. She lured him into sharing his personal and financial details with her, promising big returns after describing how she had earned Rs 12 crore as returns on her investment.

Investing small amounts over time, the victim spent a total of Rs 1.05 crore on the trading platform. However, when he tried to contact her to recover his returns, she threatened him with serious repercussions, holding his personal information as leverage.

Without his knowledge, she had changed his pin and security information, logging him out of his bank account.

The man then lodged a complaint with the southeastern CEN police, who swiftly blocked the bank account and began the process of recovering the lost amount.

Cautioning people against falling victim to online fraud, Baba said, "Awareness is your shield against digital deceit. This is a reminder that trust should be earned and not bought at the cost of losing your hard-earned money."

Police advisory to those using dating/matrimonial platforms: 
1) Don’t share personal & financial information, address, or documents
2) Meet in public spaces a few times and verify their authenticity
3) Avoid intimate chats/calls through virtual platforms
4) Be wary of casual, quick declarations of love or personal details
5) Do not get into hasty investment decisions, especially online
6) Contact 1930 or 112 if you suspect fraud

Kasaragod, Sept 19: The negligence on part of authorities, who failed to understand the consequence of potholes on Kasaragod – Chandragiri state highway has claimed the life of a future doctor. 

The victim is Shivani Baliga (20), who was pursuing her MBBS studies at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal. She is the daughter of Mahesh Chandra Baliga who was the former president of Kannur Chamber of Commerce, and resided near St. Michael's School, Kannur.

The girl lost her life when her scooter went out of control due to a potohole near Chandragiripalam between Kasrargod and Kanhangad on Sunday, September 17 night. 

Shivani sustained serious injuries in the accident and was rushed to a private hospital, where she breathed her last the very next day. She is survived by her father, mother Anupama, and her brother Rajat Baliga, who is employed as an engineer in Bengaluru. Kasargod police have initiated an investigation into the incident.

Unheard pleas

Local residents and motorists had been urging the authorities at least to temporarily fill the potholes on the road to avert tragedies. The residents reiterated their demand when a 20-year old Ajit Kurup suffered severe injuries in an accident and landed in Mangaluru hospital a few days ago the same road. Had their demand been met at least temporarily, this major tragedy would not have happened.

According to reports at least eight two-wheelers were involved in accidents just two days (September 17 and 18) on the same road injuring many people including women and children. 

The road through Chandragiripalam is full of potholes. Three huge potholes near Pulikun Junction pose major threat. Most of the potholes were at the end of the interlocked section between Chandrigiri Bridge and Chandragiri Junction and at a distance of 5 meters from there to the bridge. It is almost impossible for two-wheeler riders to escape these potholes. 

After the major tragedy, the authorities took steps to fill some of the potholes temporarily with jelly stones without tar. However, due to rain and passing of cargo vehicles the some of the potholes have already reappeared.

Even though various organizations and drivers had repeatedly urged the authorities to take up the repair work before the commencement of the rainy season, no action was taken. Due to the construction work of the national highway, long-distance buses and goods vehicles ply on this road. The officials of the maintenance department on the other hand claim that the rains have hindered the pothole filling work.