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Prajatantra 2024: Building Blocks of Democracy

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Prajatantra 2024: Building Blocks of Democracy

Mumbai : Prajatantra 2024: National Youth Festival was inaugurated today, marking the sixth edition of this annual celebration of democracy. Prajatantra offers Indian youth a distinctive platform to gain first-hand experience and understand how city governments operate. Participants take on the roles of fictional city government officials, such as Mayors, Chairpersons of Municipal Committees, and Councillors, to present their ideas, visions, and policies for effective governance.

This year, Prajatantra highlights the importance of Active Citizenship through the theme, ‘Citizen Participation: Building Blocks of Democracy’. Under this theme, participants are encouraged to envision how city governments can meaningfully involve citizens in local decision-making. They will propose policies on topics such as creating participatory budgets, integrating technology to make citizen engagement more accessible, developing civic engagement infrastructure, and actively involving marginalised communities, among other sub-themes.

Prajatantra 2024, is proud to host 418 teams, representing over 100 cities from 28 states and seven union territories, have registered for this event. These participants come from diverse educational and socio-economic backgrounds. Today, they gathered virtually for the Opening Ceremony. The event featured addresses by Ms Debolina Kundu, Director (Additional Charge) at the National Institute of Urban Affairs, Ms Parul Agarwala, Country Manager at UN Habitat, and Mr Nitai Mehta, Founder and Managing Trustee of Praja Foundation. They spoke on topics of governance and youth engagement.

“It is crucial for today’s youth to collaborate and engage with decision-makers like us to shape their future,” said Ms Agarwala in her opening remarks. “I am deeply committed to empowering young people, and through the mandate of UN-Habitat and all UN Agencies, we are dedicated to providing platforms and forums that amplify your voices on the global stage.” Ms Agarwala also praised the significant growth of Prajatantra over the years at the national level.

Mr Mehta shared, “Praja was established in 1997 with the mission to reform urban governance. It is vital that the three key stakeholders—elected representatives, the administration, and citizens—actively participate in dialogue to create solutions at the local level. Prajatantra brings young people together to develop these solutions. Every year, we witness remarkable ideas from youth across the country on urban governance.”

In her concluding remarks, Ms Kundu underscored the significance of urbanisation and the role of youth in this process. “Urbanisation is an inevitable trend, with an increasing number of citizens living in urban areas. The youth represent the largest demographic, and it is imperative that we harness their potential. How we can leverage this demographic dividend through employment and skill development is a key focus area for NIUA.”

Following the Opening Ceremony, Prajatantra participants will engage in competitive events throughout the weekend. The Qualifying Rounds will be followed by the Semi-Finals in September 2024. Finalists will convene in Lucknow in November for anin-person Grand Finale.

International News

Mumbai Police Reach Kapil Sharma’s House After Kap’s Cafe Firing In Canada

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Hours after shots were fired at comedian Kapil Sharma’s eatery, Kap’s Cafe, in Canada, the Mumbai Police on Friday reached his house in Mumbai to question him about the incident. Around 1 am on July 9 (Canada time), several rounds were fired at the cafe, located in Surrey.

Khalistani terrorist Harjeet Singh Laddi claimed the responsibility for the attack, and demanded an apology from Kapil for his alleged objectionable remarks.

the attackers felt that Nihang Sikhs were insulted on Kapil’s show. The report also mentioned that the attackers said the comedian ignored their calls seeking an apology, and that shots were fired at his eatery to warn him.

Kap’s Cafe team issues statement

Kapil is yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

The management of the eatery, however, took to their social media handles and wrote, “We opened Kap’s Cafe with hopes of bringing warmth, community, and joy through delicious coffee and friendly conversation. To have violence intersect with that dream is heartbreaking. We are processing this shock but we are not giving up (sic).”

It further stated, “Your kind words, prayers, and memories shared via DM mean more than you know. This cafe exists because of your belief in what we’re building together. Let’s stand firm against violence and ensure Kap’s Cafe remains a place of warmth and community. From all of us at Kap’s Cafe, thank you and see you soon, under better skies (sic).”

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Maharashtra

Torres Investment Scam: Key Accused Lurchenko Igor Traced In Ukraine

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Mumbai: In the Torres Investment scam, one of the Ukrainian Gang accused, Ukrainian national Lurchenko Igor, has been located in Ukraine. Igor is among nine foreign nationals alleged to have orchestrated the multi-crore investment fraud before fleeing India, evading law enforcement.

Ukraine Authorities Monitoring Igor’s Movements

A senior officer from the Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) confirmed that Ukrainian authorities recently informed Indian agencies that Igor, who was under a Blue Corner Notice issued by Interpol at EOW’s request, was traced in May. Authorities in Ukraine are reportedly monitoring his movements closely. The extradition process for the foreigner accused was started, according to sources. He is likely to be brought to India soon.

Ukranian Actor Booked

Meanwhile, in another development in the multi-crore Torres scam, the Bhoiwada Police have registered a case against accused Armen Ataine (48) for illegally obtaining a fake birth certificate from the BMC’s F-South Ward. Along with Armen, two unidentified individuals who assisted him in acquiring the fraudulent document have also been booked under sections 120B, 34, 420, 465, 467, 468, 471, and 474 of the Indian Penal Code.

During the investigation, the Bhoiwada Police discovered that Armen’s father, Garun Ataine, had lived in Lalbaug’s Jam Building between 1975 and 1978. Armen allegedly used this information to fraudulently secure an Indian birth certificate.

The Torres Investment scam involved duping many investors with promises of high returns. The fraud came to light after the accused had already left the country, making it challenging for local agencies to initiate immediate legal action. Indian authorities are now working with their Ukrainian counterparts to pursue further legal proceedings.

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Maharashtra

Maharashtra News: ‘Decisive Steps Taken For Widening Of Hatlot Ghat Road Connecting Ratnagiri And Satara,’ Says Minister Yogesh Kadam

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Mumbai: In a crucial move to improve road connectivity between the tourism-rich districts of Ratnagiri and Satara, a high-level meeting regarding the widening of the Hatlot Ghat road in Khed Taluka was held today in the legislature office of Public Works Minister Shivrendra Raje Bhosale. The meeting was chaired by Minister Bhosale and attended by Minister of State for Home Affairs, Yogesh Kadam.

During the meeting, Minister Yogesh Kadam expressed serious concern over the delay in the project and instructed officials to immediately acquire the required forest land to expedite the remaining work. He emphasized the importance of completing the road as soon as possible to enhance transportation and boost tourism between the two districts.

Public Works Minister Shivrendra Raje Bhosale also directed the appointment of a technical consultant to oversee the completion process and assured that the project would be prioritized and completed at the earliest.

Once completed, the Hatlot Ghat road will significantly improve travel between Ratnagiri and Satara and serve as a major boost to local tourism.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Public Works Department, including the Department Secretary, Chief Engineer, Superintending Engineer, and representatives from the Forest Department.

With the active intervention of Minister Yogesh Kadam, hopes have risen that the long-pending issue will finally be resolved.

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