Rs 70 Crore Allotted For Rayagada Railway Division: BJP MP Balabhadra Majhi

Speaking to the media persons in Begusarai on Thursday, Union Minister Singh outlined his itinerary, which includes stops in districts of the Seemanchal region, known for their Muslim-majority populations.

His Yatra will go from Bhagalpur to Katihar via Naugachia on Saturday, then proceed to Purnea on October 20, Araria on October 21, and conclude in Kishanganj on October 22.

His decision to travel through these specific districts has sparked controversy due to the religious demographics of the region. Union Minister Singh, however, has emphasised that the focus of the Yatra is to promote Hindu unity and pride, positioning it as a response to what he views as the need to consolidate the Hindu community in these areas. 

The Yatra is likely to trigger political debate and reactions, especially in the context of Bihar's communal dynamics, as the region is often seen as a flashpoint for religious and political tensions. The scheduled Yatra has drawn criticism from opposition parties while the BJP has distanced itself from the programme. 

Bihar BJP chief Dilip Jaiswal has clarified that the Yatra is not being conducted under the party's banner.

JD-U leader and MLC Neeraj Kumar, along with leaders from the RJD, Congress, and the Left parties, have condemned the Yatra.

Union Minister Singh, while defending the purpose of his Yatra, said: "The Hindu community must unite to avoid a fate similar to that of Hindus in Kashmir, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. My Yatra aims to awaken Hindus to the potential dangers of disunity." 

"If Hindus lose their status in the country, Indian democracy itself would be endangered," he added. 

Union Minister Singh sought to reassure critics by asserting that his Yatra is not promoting any illegal activities but is a means to protect the identity and survival of Hindus. 

He also hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of wanting a civil war in India through provocative statements and a disregard for the law. 

Additionally, Union Minister Singh said that the Waqf Board is an "illegitimate child of the Congress" and accused the Congress of unquestioningly supporting the Board’s decisions. 

The Union Minister's strong and controversial remarks have intensified the political friction surrounding the Yatra, particularly in the communally sensitive Seemanchal region. 

--IANS

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In the 2023 T20 World Cup final, South Africa lost to Australia by 19 runs to miss out on their maiden ICC silverware. However, this time they overcame the Aussie hurdle and will eye to clinch the title on Sunday. The second semifinal will be played between West Indies and New Zealand in Sharjah on Friday.

Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and opted to bowl first. South African bowlers backed their skipper's decision and bowled economically to restrict Australia to 134/5 in 20 overs with Beth Mooney playing a knock of 44 runs while Ellyse Perry contributed 31.

Chasing a below-par 135, Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits gave a cautious start to South Africa in the powerplay before Annabel Sutherland drew first blood for Australia in the fifth over. She removed Brits for 15 as Anneke Bosch joined her captain in the middle. The senior duo lived up to the occasion and stitched a 96-run match-setting stand for the second wicket. Bosch played the role of aggressor and hit eight fours and a six in a 74-run knock while Wolvaardt struck 37-ball 42 including three fours and a maximum before Sutherland got her second for the night in the 15th over.

It was too late for Australia to further dent South Africa's chase as new batter Chloe Tryon only contributed one run with Bosch finishing in fashion to take her side over the line in the 18th over.

Before the start of the match, South Africa have never defeated Australia in the women's T20I. On the other hand, Australia will not play the T20 World Cup final for the first time since 2009. In the tournament's history, Australia have won six titles and finished runners-up once.

Earlier, Australia managed to score 134 runs in front of economical Proteas bowlers. Grace Harris, who had previously scored 40 as a makeshift opener against India, was dismissed for just three off Ayobonga Khaka, giving South Africa their first breakthrough of the match. The Aussies also lost Georgia Wareham early on, but Beth Mooney and Tahlia McGrath steadied the innings with a solid 50-run partnership for the third wicket.

Left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba broke the partnership by dismissing McGrath for 27. Mooney continued until the 17th over, scoring 44 runs off 42 balls before being run out. Ellyse Perry then came in with an attacking mindset, boosting the innings with a quickfire 31 runs off 23 balls.

Phoebe Litchfield, who had a useful cameo against India, followed up with 16 runs off nine deliveries. Khaka stood out among South Africa's bowlers with figures of 2-24 in four overs. Marizanne Kapp and Mlaba bagged one wicket each while Chloe Tryon finished with the figures of 0-25 in her four overs.

Brief scores: Australia 134/5 in 20 overs (Beth Mooney 44, Ellyse Perry 31; Ayabonga Khaka 2-24) lost to South Africa 135/2 in 17.2 overs (Anneke Bosch 74*, Laura Wolvaardt 42; Annabel Sutherland 2-26) by eight wickets.

--IANS

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\All zodiac signs have their own characteristics and traits which define someone’s personality. Know all about the astrological events and influences that will be affecting each of the 12 zodiac signs. Read on to find out whether the odds will be in your favour today.

Aries
With the increased busyness in business activities, you may face problems of debt repayment. You may neglect your own work by interfering others’ work. Do not reveal your reaction instantly to the family.
Favourable Colour- Red
 Favourable Number-9
Remedy- Give some help to some lame people.

Taurus
Due to loss of business, your business may shrink gradually. Students may improve in their studies. You may be happy in the field of art, literature, research. Students may be interested in  their studies.
Favourable Colour- White
 Favourable Number- 6
Remedy – Recite the mantra of Sukra.

Gemini
You may prefer silence even if your mind is filled with many things. Your mind may always be distracted due to the intrusion of other people's work, leaving aside important work. You may face tension over land or house boundaries. It may be difficult to reach a fair compromise in family life.
Favourable Colour- Green
 Favourable Number- 5
Remedy- Keep Yantrika of Goddess Tripura Sundari.

Cancer
Good conjugal life on the cards. Will be profitable in business and will collect wealth. There will be some problems in the legs. He will be able to buy something of his choice while coming from office. Students will perform well in the examination
Auspicious Color- White and Auspicious Number- 2
Remedy – Start the day by pouring some milk on the root of the banyan tree.

Leo
Businessmen may obtain profit. You are suggested to express your opinion clearly. You may get information about any auspicious event in your family. You are suggested to check the auspicious moment before buying land property. If you are too emotional, your mind may be restless. Be careful while driving.
Favourable Colour- Orange
Favourable Number- 1
Remedy- Keep the Yantrika Mahakabach of Goddess Matangi. 

Virgo
You may not feel good due to hard work. In the case of family problems, you may be forced to remain silent even knowingly. With the help of a friend, your worries related to house, land, vehicles etc may be removed. It would be better to work with the discussion rather than competition.
Favourable Colour- Green
Favourable Number- 5
Remedy - Apply Harida sandalwood paste on the head

Libra
With the presence of eminent people and friends, you may have a great day. Even if mental health is intact, you may be upset due to health problems in the family. You may achieve expected success by getting the help of friends. Another person may have to give clarificarion for the delayed work.
Favourable Colour- White
Favourable Number- 6
Remedy- Keep the Yantrika Mahakabach of Goddess Kamala.

Scorpio
You may gain fame in work field. Children may make mistakes in assignments due to illness. You should consult a doctor without neglecting the body. You may set new standards in career. You may gain fame in the field of dance and music. One of your classmates may expect your cooperation.
Favourable Colour- Red
Favourable Number- 9
Remedy – Recite Ma Mangala Mantra

Sagittarius
Be careful with choice of food. You may have professional growth from professional business. Students may achieve success. The lawyer may win the old cases. Merchants may get sudden wealth.
Favourable Colour- yellow
Favourable Number- 3
Remedy- Keep the Yantrika Mahakabach of Goddess Tara

Capricorn
You may borrow money due to financial stagnation. No matter how good you are for your family or a friend, others may find fault in you. Arguing with your own people over petty issues may not go well.
Favourable Colour- Blue
Favourable Number- 8 
Remedy – Worship Goddess Dakshinakali.

Aquarius
You may achieve work by applying intelligence in the field of work. Your family life may be peaceful. You may get rid of physical weakness. Your plans to increase wealth may be successful.
Favourable Colour- Blue
Favourable Number- 8
Remedy- Keep the Yantrika Mahakabach of Goddess Dakshinakali. 

Pisces
You need not worry too much about your health. You may get good results of hard work at the workplace and may succeed in getting high position. Your neighbours may forget all and extend their friendship. Employers may gain the respect of their superiors.
Favourable Colour- Blue
Favourable Number- 8
Remedy – Recite Rahu's Gayatri Mantra