Imphal, 26 August 2016 ( Evening News ) : Former convener of JCILPS Khomdram Ratan is produced before the Judicial Magistrate first class at Lamphelpat today. Sources said the court is hearing the arguments whether he will be further remanded to police custody or granted bail. Supporters of Ratan are seen on the court complex waiting for the decision of the court. It may be recalled that Khomdram Ratan was arrested by police at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai on the 17th of this month while taking part in the relay hunger strike of the JCILPS and remanded to police custody for 9 days.

Impact, 26 August 2016 ( Evening News ) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated NITI Aayog’s lecture series on the theme of ‘Transforming India’, borrowing the concept from western universities and think tanks. Talking at the event, PM Modi said transformation of India cannot take place without the transformation of governance. He added that we need to change laws, eliminate unnecessary procedures and to adopt technology in order to speed-up the processes. The prime minister said each country has its own resources, experiences, and strengths. Today countries are inter-dependent and inter-connected as well. Now no country can afford any longer to develop in isolation. Deputy prime minister of Singapore  Tharman Sahnmurugatnam will also speak on ‘India in the Global Economy’.  Nearly 1,400 delegates, including Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, and senior officers attended the event. A panel discussion and brainstorming session is also part of the event where ministers and officers will exchange ideas on economy, governance and development with Shanmugratnam. The annual lecture series on Transforming India was proposed by PM Modi in order to bring in international personalities to share their experiences, ideas and opinion in India.

Imphal, 25 August 2016 ( Evening News ) : Janmasthami, the birthday of Lord Krishna is being celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm by the Hindus in Manipur today. A large number of people thronged the Shri Shri Govindajee temple on palace compound and Hanuman temple to offer their prayers since early morning. Several nupi palas performed religious songs at the Govindajee mandap. Police maintained a strict vigil to avoid untoward incidents near the temples.

Imphal, 25 August 2016 ( Evening News ) : International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Manipur today celebrated its Golden Jubilee and 120 Sri Vyasa Puja of Srila Prabhupada coinciding the grand celebration of Krishna Janmastami. Achintya Youth Festival organised by ISKCON Youth Forum was also held as part of the celebrations of the 50 years of ISKCON at Mani Mandir at Sangaiprou. Deputy Chief Minister, Gaikhangam, Commerce and Industries Minister, Govindas Konthoujam, Social Welfare Minister, AK. Mirabai Devi among others also participated in the celebration. The Special Edition of the journal of ISKCON was also launched on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, deputy chief minister Gaikhangam said social unrest and chaos are all caused by lack of faith, untruth and acting on one’s whim. Prizes were also distributed to the winners of State Level Open Essay, Painting and Debating Competition held during the 4 day Achintya Youth Festival.

Imphal, 25 August 2016 ( Evening News ) : Responding to media query on the action to be taken by the Home Department in connection with the cancellation of the recruitment process for constables in police department held in 2013, Home Minister, Gaikhangam today said law will take its own course and nothing much can be said on the matter at this stage. Speaking to media after attending the Golden Jubilee celebration of ISKCON, at Sangaiprou, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said discrepancies were found in the physical efficiency test of the recruitment of 2000 police constables held in 2013 during an inquiry into the recruitment. He said the decision to cancel the recruitment was taken after thorough consideration. The deputy chief minister also added that a completely new recruitment will start from August 30 for the convenience of those who took part in the 2013 recruitment. Gaikhangam also appealed to them not to call for bandh or blockade and take advantage of the new recruitment.