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'Election Mitra': Andaman Cops Develop Chatbot For Effective Policing During Polls

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'Election Mitra': Andaman Cops Develop Chatbot For Effective Policing During Polls

This chatbot was born out of limited resources, says DGP Devesh Srivastva

Port Blair:

Two young officers stationed at a remote district of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI) have brought pride to the entire Union Territory police department with their in-house chatbot named ‘Election Mitra’.

Developed by North and Middle Andaman SP Geetanjali Khandelwal (IPS) and Rangat SDPO Rahul L Nair (IPS), ‘Election Mitra’ has been trained on all handbooks of the Election Commission of India (ECI) pertaining to the roles and responsibilities of police.

It provides prompt and accurate responses to user enquiries by referencing authentic sources, an official said.

This initiative underscores the emphasis placed by DGP Devesh Chandra Srivastva on the development and utilisation of state-of-the-art technology in everyday policing, the official added.

Geetanjali Khandelwal, a former army captain and a 2015-batch AGMUT cadre IPS officer, is renowned not only as an excellent team leader in catching poachers in deep jungles and mid-sea, but also for her involvement in various social initiatives.

These include providing free coaching to school students, offering self-defence training to girls, and conducting self-sustainable workshops for rural women.

Rahul L Nair (2021 batch AGMUT cadre), currently serving as the SDPO at Rangat in North and Middle Andaman, was also part of Geetanjali Khandelwal’s team and played a key role in the creation of ‘Election Mitra’.

Devesh Srivastva said, “This chatbot was born out of limited resources and extensive discussions with various stakeholders involved in the election process. There was a need to ensure that all police personnel, right up to the last man, must have ready and all-time access to authentic information put out by the ECI, in a user-friendly and interactive manner.” The ‘Election Mitra’ is easily accessible by scanning a QR Code distributed throughout the rank and file of the Andaman and Nicobar Police department and the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) deployed for election duties in the Islands.

In addition to the chatbot, another technological initiative has been launched – geotagging and colour coding of all polling stations, vulnerable pockets, locations of repeat offenders and history sheeters, and other useful/relevant information.

“These geotagged maps are available on the platform of Google Maps and have been made available through scanning of QR Code to all the field police personnel and CAPFs deployed for election duties. The launch of these initiatives underscores Andaman and Nicobar Police’s unwavering commitment to embracing innovation and leveraging technology to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election in the archipelago,” added the DGP. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Hyderabad

Let’s pray to Lord Ram, but defeat BJP in LS polls: KTR

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Addressing the party cadre at the Chevella parliamentary constituency preparatory meeting in Vikarabad on Wednesday, Rama Rao rallied party workers, criticising BJP’s strategy of leveraging religious sentiments for political gains, cautioning against falling prey to its divisive tactics.

Published Date – 3 April 2024, 08:22 PM


Let’s pray to Lord Ram, but defeat BJP in LS polls: KTR

File Photo

Hyderabad: BRS working president KT Rama Rao gave a clarion call to the people of Telangana to bow before Lord Ram, but defeat the BJP in Chevella in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The BJP was the main opponent for the BRS in Chevella parliamentary constituency and it must be shunted out for its failure to contribute for the constituency’s development, he said.

Addressing the party cadre at the Chevella parliamentary constituency preparatory meeting in Vikarabad on Wednesday, Rama Rao rallied party workers, criticising BJP’s strategy of leveraging religious sentiments for political gains, cautioning against falling prey to its divisive tactics. He said the BJP was invoking Lord Ram’s name to seek votes, rather than contributing to development and welfare of the people.

Stating that the BJP had no credible candidates nor cadre in Telangana, he said the party was fielding leaders who defected from the BRS as MP candidates in several constituencies like Chevella, Malkajgiri, Nalgonda and Warangal among others. “G Kishan Reddy from Secunderabad is the only original BJP leader to contest in these Lok Sabha elections,” he said, questioning the rationale behind importing leaders from other parties, if Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance was indeed exemplary.

Taking a dig at the BJP’s slogan of bowing to Lord Ram and voting for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BRS working president asked why people should vote for Modi who had done nothing for Telangana. He urged voters to evaluate BJP’s performance objectively, citing instances of unfulfilled promises and lack of developmental initiatives in Chevella from the Centre in last 10 years.

Rama Rao criticised BJP’s failure to deliver on its electoral promises, including job creation and agricultural reforms. He also drew attention to key issues including cancellation of the ITIR project and the absence of critical infrastructure development like medical colleges, Navodaya schools, railway line or any major factory. He reminded that the BJP did not sanction national status for Palamuru Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme despite repeated requests and constitutional provisions.

Middle East

Israel cannot cope with Aqsa Storm aftermath

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Adressing the virtual meeting dubbed Al-Quds Platfrom on Wednesday, the Secretary-General of al-Nujaba Movement in Iraq, Sheikh Akram al-Kaabi affirmed that the Iraqi, Lebanese, and Yemeni resistance will steadfastly support the Palestinian resistance to the very end.

Al-Kaabi criticized Washington for sending over 30,000 tons of aid to ‘Israel’, calling it an accomplice in the occupying entity’s heinous crimes.

The Iraqi Resistance leader warned that the Israeli enemy and its American partner that the Resistance has thus far utilized only a fraction of its strength.

The next speaker was the Secretary-General of the Islamic Jihad Movement, Ziad Nakhalah, who emphasized the need to unify the resistance against efforts to fragment the countries of the region in service of ‘Israel’.

Nakhalah noted that the resistance in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen has stood strong in solidarity with Gaza.

“Let us make Al-Quds Day a pivotal moment to strengthen the unity among our people, our resistance fighters, and our shared goals,” the Islamic jihad leader said.

“Together, we will face the challenges ahead and intensify our efforts to defend Al-Quds and Palestine,” Nakhala added.

Secretary-General of the Iraqi Badr Organization, Hadi Al-Amiri, for his part, stated that International Al-Quds Day serves as an annual reaffirmation of loyalty, victory, and sacrifice for the Palestinian people and Al-Aqsa Mosque.

According to Al-Manar TV website, Al-Amiri emphasized that the Iraqi people stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza, offering their condolences and pledging their lives and blood in support.

Yemen’s Ansarullah Leader, Sayyed Abdul Malik Al-Houthi, was the fourth speaker who expressed commitment to supporting the Operation Al-Aqsa Flood from the outset, dedicating all available resources with an intent to enhance capabilities further in that regard.

“The Palestinian issue holds central importance to the nation, as the right to it is unequivocal, any attempts to disregard this right are destined to fail,” Houthi said, adding that “The Palestinian issue is intricately linked to the fate of the entire nation, and the Palestinian people are at the forefront of fighting for the rights of the entire nation.”

“We assure the Palestinian people that Yemenis are unwavering in their support and will spare no effort to assist them,” the Yemeni leader said.

Hamas Politburo Chief, Ismail Haniyeh, for his part, said that, “This year, Al-Quds will be marked by the significant battle of Al-Aqsa Storm.”

 “Today, Gaza’s relentless resistance represents a glorious chapter in the nation’s history,” Haniyeh said, adding that “The processions of martyrs across the Gaza Strip serve to bolster its strength, determination, courage, and resilience.”

Haniyeh went on to say that, “The people of Gaza, matching their sacrifices, are Palestine’s most precious treasure.”

He further said that, “In this battle, all the illusions that the enemy had crafted for themselves and their army shattered.”

“Without direct American cover and participation, the occupation would not have been able to continue its campaign of killing and aggression,” Haniyeh said, adding that “The heroes of Gaza and Palestine have fearlessly overcome the barriers, presenting us with a historic opportunity to achieve victory over the enemy.”

“The resistance has declared that we are a nation unwilling to remain silent in the face of injustice, and we refuse to allow the enemy to dominate Gaza,” the senior Hamas official said, adding that, “We deeply appreciate South Africa’s stance to hold the enemy accountable for the massacres it perpetrated in Gaza.”

“We adhere to our demands for a permanent ceasefire, a comprehensive withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and the return of the displaced,” he concluded.

Hezbollah Secretary General Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah also addressed “Al-Quds Platform” held annually in support of the Palestinian cause.

Nasrallah hailed the Palestinian resistance fight against one of the most powerful armies in the region, saying that “The Palestinian people performed the epic of steadfastness in face of the Zionist aggression as well as siege and starvation.”

“The Palestinian people performed the epic of steadfastness in face of the Zionist aggression as well as siege and starvation,” Nasrallah said.

He hailed the locals of the West Bank who confront the Zionist attacks, violations, and arrests, underlining the role of the support fronts inflicting losses upon the enemy and making sacrifices.

Nasrallah recommended supporting the Palestinian resistance till it emerges victorious in Gaza battle, noting that , ” Al-Aqsa Storm (Flood) has shaken the bases of Israel’s existence.”

“‘Israel’ will fail to cope with the disastrous consequences of Al-Aqsa Storm,” Hezbollah leader said. 

This item is being updated…

Top News

Tamannaah Bhatia Recreates Summer 2024's Hottest Makeup Trends With Frosty Lids And Vivid Lashes

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Tamannaah Bhatia Recreates Summer 2024's Hottest Makeup Trends With Frosty Lids And Vivid Lashes

Tamannaah Bhatia Recreates Summer 2024’s Hottest Makeup Trends

When she is not busy setting the red carpet ablaze, you will find Tamannaah Bhatia leaving a trail of beauty inspiration behind. Her clean girl aesthetics have always reigned supreme while her red carpet appearances have mostly sided with an edgy glam. So when we heard the star was turning digital cover girl for Cosmopolitan India, we couldn’t keep calm. From graphic eyeliners, kohl-rimmed eyes, bold red lips or simple dewy glam, her latest collaboration recreated 2024’s hottest makeup trends.

(Also Read: Tamannaah Bhatia In A Rs 75K Green And Gold Dori Embroidered Saree Aces Ethnic Modernity)

For the first look, Tamannah allowed her “skin’s natural texture to come through” by siding with the “minimalist technique”. She paired a flawless dewy base with the draped blush look. Ditching deep bronzers and contour, the actress wore a white kajal and mascara-laden lashes. Giving her a fresh lively appearance was her naturally brushed brows. It was all paired with pink lip gloss, which matched her minimal glam. Tamannaah carried this look with a pristine white dress from self cntrd. Adding an extra edge was her loosened tresses styled in a wavy look.

Latest and Breaking News on NDTV

Photo Credit: Cosmopolitan India

Next up, Tamannaah Bhatia made sure that her eyes did all the talking. The actress gave a nod to blue mascara. Her striking lashes were paired with ice-blue eyeshadow. The perfectly arched brows brought all the focus to her eyes.  Those blue lashes unapologetically complemented her bright yellow knitted ensemble. Demi-matte nude pink lips and coral blush strokes elevated the glam game.

Looking for the perfect ombre lips inspiration? We have been taking cues from Tamannaah Bhatia. Her 90s-inspired ombre lips looked nothing less than a renovated version of the trend. To ace it, Tamannaah wore a dark mauve liner. A dash of rose pink matte lipstick created a soft gradient glam. Her gradient lips were paired with neutral eye shadow and wispy lashes. The final touch was the sleek high bun that complemented her off-shoulder dress.

Latest and Breaking News on NDTV

Photo Credit: Cosmopolitan India

Finally, for the fourth look, Tamannaah Bhatia gave her eyes a metallic upgrade. The actress carried a complete mermaid look with beetle green shimmery eyeshadow that was paired with her glistening wet hairstyle. The dramatic smokey eyes were sealed with nude glossy lips and sleek brows. Her off-shoulder shimmery outfit was rightly a cherry on top of the mermaid-core trend.

Latest and Breaking News on NDTV

Photo Credit: Cosmopolitan India

Which of these looks were your favourite?

(Also Read: Tamannaah Bhatia Felt Like “A Greek Goddess” In This Sculpted Cosmic Gown By Gaurav Gupta)

Hyderabad

ECI Inks MoU with various Ministries to improve voter turnout during LS polls

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Speaking on the occasion, State Chief Electoral Officer Vikas Raj emphasized the exploration of avenues for expanding awareness activities, including discussions on pro-bono hoarding space provision as directed by ECI.

Published Date – 3 April 2024, 08:15 PM


ECI Inks MoU with various Ministries to improve voter turnout during LS polls

File photo

Hyderabad: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ministries of Railways, Postal, and Petroleum to improve voter awareness in the State and help enhance voter turnout on poll day.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday, the MoUs aims to bolster the democratic process by promoting voter education programmes and initiatives, leveraging the extensive infrastructure of these ministries to enhance inclusivity, information dissemination, and participation in the electoral process.

Speaking on the occasion, State Chief Electoral Officer Vikas Raj emphasized the exploration of avenues for expanding awareness activities, including discussions on pro-bono hoarding space provision as directed by ECI.

Whereas, Joint CEO Sarfaraz Ahmad emphasized the significance of collaboration and the execution of the MoU between the ECI and the Ministries of Railways, Postal, and Petroleum.

Chief Post Master General of Telangana PVS Reddy highlighted ongoing voter awareness endeavors within the Postal Department, including digital outreach, special stamp creation, and employee sensitization.

South Central Railway Deputy Chief Commercial Manager P Bhasker Reddy outlined railway department initiatives, focusing on digital displays and railway announcements.

World

Leader holds meeting with government, military officials

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The Leader is receiving the government officials, military commanders, formers officials, lawmakers, the heads of the three branches of the Iranian government (legislative or parliament, executive or government and Judiciary), a report by the national TV’s correspondent said earlier on Wednesday.

President Ebrahim Raeisi will present a report about his administration’s performance and future programs to the Leader at the meeting, which will be held in Imam Khomeini Hoseyniyeh in Tehran. 

This is the fourth meeting by the Leader during this Ramadan.

This item is being updated…

MNA

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Blast After Fire At Factory In Telangana's Sangareddy, 5 Feared Dead

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Hyderabad:

At least five people have died and 10 others have been injured after the reactor in a chemical factory in Telangana’s Sangareddy district exploded.

Several others are still trapped, officials told NDTV, meaning the number of dead could increase, perhaps drastically. Local reports suggest 50 men were in the building at the time of the explosion.

Disturbing visuals from the scene showed the magnitude of the blast; one photo showed a smouldering pile of wreckage with smoke rising from the debris and the setting sun, a fiery ball of orange, providing a poignant backdrop. Others showed the body of some of the men who died.

One of the men who died is believed to be the factory manager.

Local media have said there is concern another reactor in the building could explode next, and authorities have begun evacuating people from surrounding areas.

The injured have been shifted to a government hospital.

More details are awaited.

On Monday, a fire broke out at a cotton storage shed in the same district. Officials told news agency PTI the cause was a short circuit. The fire was brought under control and there were no casualties.

And last week a fire broke out at a food production unit in the district’s Katedan industrial area. That incident took place on March 28. Six fire tenders were rushed to the unit, which made biscuits, wafers, and confectionary. Fortunately, no casualties were reported from this incident either.

With input from agencies

Hyderabad

Dairy farmers stage protest demanding releasing of pending bills in Nizamabad

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The dairy farmers have been requesting the management of the Vijaya Dairy to release the pending bills since the last three months, but it has been postponing it on one or the other grounds.

Updated On – 3 April 2024, 08:07 PM


Dairy farmers stage protest demanding releasing of pending bills in Nizamabad

The dairy farmers have been requesting the management of the Vijaya Dairy to release the pending bills since the last three months, but it has been postponing it on one or the other grounds.

Nizamabad: Dairy farmers staged a protest on the Bodan-Banswada road in the Kotagiri mandal centre demanding the government to release the pending bills of Vijaya Dairy on Wednesday. The protest disrupted the vehicular traffic for over half an hour on the national highway.

According to reports, the State government has not released the bills of dairy farmers for the last three months. The dairy farmers have been requesting the management of the Vijaya Dairy to release the pending bills since the last three months, but it has been postponing it on one or the other grounds. The farmers stated that they were facing financial hardship due to non-payment of dues and were not able to procure cattle fodder from the market.

The farmers urged the government to intervene in the issue and release the pending bills at the earliest. The dairy farmers claimed that they never faced such problems during the BRS government.

The dairy farmers warned that if their pending bills were not released at the earliest they would intensify their protest.

World

Different Resistance leaders address Al-Quds Platform

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Adressing the virtual meeting dubbed Al-Quds Platfrom on Wednesday, the Secretary-General of al-Nujaba Movement in Iraq, Sheikh Akram al-Kaabi affirmed that the Iraqi, Lebanese, and Yemeni resistance will steadfastly support the Palestinian resistance to the very end.

Al-Kaabi criticized Washington for sending over 30,000 tons of aid to ‘Israel’, calling it an accomplice in the occupying entity’s heinous crimes.

The Iraqi Resistance leader warned that the Israeli enemy and its American partner that the Resistance has thus far utilized only a fraction of its strength.

The next speaker was the Secretary-General of the Islamic Jihad Movement, Ziad Nakhalah, who emphasized the need to unify the resistance against efforts to fragment the countries of the region in service of ‘Israel’.

Nakhalah noted that the resistance in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen has stood strong in solidarity with Gaza.

“Let us make Al-Quds Day a pivotal moment to strengthen the unity among our people, our resistance fighters, and our shared goals,” the Islamic jihad leader said.

“Together, we will face the challenges ahead and intensify our efforts to defend Al-Quds and Palestine,” Nakhala added.

Secretary-General of the Iraqi Badr Organization, Hadi Al-Amiri, for his part, stated that International Al-Quds Day serves as an annual reaffirmation of loyalty, victory, and sacrifice for the Palestinian people and Al-Aqsa Mosque.

According to Al-Manar TV website, Al-Amiri emphasized that the Iraqi people stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza, offering their condolences and pledging their lives and blood in support.

Yemen’s Ansarullah Leader, Sayyed Abdul Malik Al-Houthi, was the fourth speaker who expressed commitment to supporting the Operation Al-Aqsa Flood from the outset, dedicating all available resources with an intent to enhance capabilities further in that regard.

“The Palestinian issue holds central importance to the nation, as the right to it is unequivocal, any attempts to disregard this right are destined to fail,” Houthi said, adding that “The Palestinian issue is intricately linked to the fate of the entire nation, and the Palestinian people are at the forefront of fighting for the rights of the entire nation.”

“We assure the Palestinian people that Yemenis are unwavering in their support and will spare no effort to assist them,” the Yemeni leader said.

Hamas Politburo Chief, Ismail Haniyeh, for his part, said that, “This year, Al-Quds will be marked by the significant battle of Al-Aqsa Storm.”

 “Today, Gaza’s relentless resistance represents a glorious chapter in the nation’s history,” Haniyeh said, adding that “The processions of martyrs across the Gaza Strip serve to bolster its strength, determination, courage, and resilience.”

Haniyeh went on to say that, “The people of Gaza, matching their sacrifices, are Palestine’s most precious treasure.”

He further said that, “In this battle, all the illusions that the enemy had crafted for themselves and their army shattered.”

“Without direct American cover and participation, the occupation would not have been able to continue its campaign of killing and aggression,” Haniyeh said, adding that “The heroes of Gaza and Palestine have fearlessly overcome the barriers, presenting us with a historic opportunity to achieve victory over the enemy.”

This item is being updated…

Middle East

Muslim leaders turn down Biden’s dinner invitation amid Israel’s Gaza savagery

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President Joe Biden of the United States had to host a subdued dinner to celebrate the Muslim holy month of Ramadan at the White House after a group of Muslim leaders turned down his invitation over the administration’s support for Israel’s savagery in the besieged Gaza Strip.

The White House initially invited a group of Muslim community leaders for iftar — the fast-breaking evening meal of Muslims in Ramadan.

But the event was cancelled after many leaders refused to have dinner with Biden and his Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday evening.

The White House then chose to hold a smaller event with the presence of Harris, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, senior White House aides and fewer than a dozen people who work for the administration.

The White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, said Tuesday the Muslim leaders “expressed the preference” of a policy meeting, and the White House adjusted its plans to accommodate their request.

Muslim leaders still said no, believing that one day was not enough time to prepare for an opportunity to sway Biden’s mind on the Israeli atrocities in Gaza, according to Wa’el Alzayat, who leads Emgage, a Muslim advocacy organization.

“It’s completely surreal. And it’s sad,” he said. “It’s inappropriate to do such a celebration while there’s a famine going on in Gaza.”

Salima Suswell, leader of the Black Muslim Leadership Council, told the Washington Post she and other Muslim leaders were invited to dinner at the White House this week but declined the offer. Instead, they asked to speak with the president and other White House officials about Gaza and other issues in their community.

Suswell said some activists “speculate that there will be no positive result from speaking with the president.”

Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), said he encouraged other Muslim leaders to decline invitations to the White House if they received one.

The message, he said, should be “unless he calls for a ceasefire, there will be no meeting with him or his representatives.”

Last year, Biden did not hold an iftar event, but hosted some 350 people for a reception celebrating Eid al-Fitr, a festival marking the end of Ramadan.

This year, Ramadan is observed at a time Israel has killed nearly 33,000 people in Gaza since early October. Nonetheless, the Biden administration still approves weapons sales to the regime.

“He can pick up the phone and literally tell Benjamin Netanyahu, no more weapons, just stop it, and Benjamin Netanyahu (prime minister of Israel) will have no choice but to do so,” Awad said.

 “I believe that the president is the only person in the world who can stop this.”