'Anti-Communal Force' to start operations in three districts in Karnataka
Bengaluru, May 29 (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday said that the "Anti-Communal Force" that was announced earlier to deal with communal incidents will start operating in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Shivamogga districts.
He said a government order has been issued regarding the creation of an Anti-Communal Force with immediate effect.
"After considering and studying -- how to structure it, who will head it, what powers should be given -- and working out all those things took time. We have finally issued a government order for the Anti-Communal Force to come into effect immediately. The DGP will take the necessary measures," Parameshwara said.
Speaking to reporters, he said, "We had planned to disband the Anti-Naxal Force, half of that has been converted into the Anti-Communal Force. All the necessary powers and amenities required will be provided to them. They will begin in three districts--Shivamogga, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada-- with more focus."
Noting that the region consisting of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Shivamogga and other places with communal activities will be considered as "sensitive", Parameshwara said "merciless action" will be taken against those involved in such activities.
"We will not rest unless we suppress such communal activities and murders," he added.
According to the order, the government has approved and ordered the establishment of a new "Special Action Force" (Anti-Communal Force) in the state.
It said out of the total 656 posts of various grades currently existing in the Anti-Naxal Force in the state, 248 posts -- officers/staff -- have been separated and a separate Special Action Force has been established. They include a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP), a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP-Civil), and an Assistant Commandant.
Also, four officials of Police Inspectors rank, 16 officials of Police Sub-Inspector rank, among others.
The order said the newly established Special Action Force will consist of three companies, which will be stationed in Udupi, Shivamogga and Dakshina Kannada districts.
The duties and responsibilities of the Special Action Force include: To have an intelligence unit comprising a technical cell to collect and monitor media and social media and intelligence for hate speech, inflammatory incidents and communal incidents; to create a warning system through human intelligence and surveillance for potential communal violence; to undertake confidence building measures.
Also, to undertake measures to identify and monitor radicalisation; and to take steps to deploy Special Task Force Officers/Personnel by the Zonal IGPs in cases of communal violence.
The home minister earlier this month, following the murder of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty in Mangaluru, had announced that the Anti-Communal Force, on the lines of the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF), will be established to address and mitigate communal disturbances in coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
He had, however, subsequently indicated that it may be extended to other districts in the state.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Rupee dips after India-US trade rally; falls 22 paise to 90.54/USD
Mumbai (PTI): The rupee depreciated 22 paise to 90.54 against the US dollar in early trade on Wednesday, following a sharp rally after India and the US agreed to a trade deal on suspected dollar buying by corporates and importers.
Forex traders said despite the positive sentiment post the India-US trade deal, caution still remains as there is no signed or officially released trade agreement yet — no framework text or final documentation.
At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 90.35 against the US dollar, then lost ground and fell to 90.54, registering a loss of 22 paise over its previous close.
On Tuesday, the Indian rupee emerged as the best-performing Asian currency, registering a record gain of 117 paise or 1.28 per cent in a single trading session to settle at 90.32 against the US dollar, after India and the US agreed to a trade deal.
"After Tuesday's good news the rupee was back to its own self of weakening as RBI bought dollars towards the end to take the dollar up to 90.2650," said Anil Kumar Bhansali Head of Treasury and Executive Director Finrex Treasury Advisors LLP.
Forex traders said investors are trading with caution as the India-US trade deal still awaits formalisation.
"Any sustained turnaround in FII flows will depend on greater clarity around the final structure and commitments within the deal," CR Forex Advisors MD – Amit Pabari said.
President Trump stated that India will end purchases of Russian crude over an undefined timeline, while increasing imports of US energy, including oil and coal, and potentially Venezuelan crude with US approval.
"Moving away from discounted Russian oil could prove challenging for India, given its long-standing commercial and strategic ties with Moscow, and may have implications for India’s energy costs and external balance," Pabari added.
According to Pabari, the 89.80–90.00 zone should act as strong support. "Ultimately, the directional cue for the rupee will hinge on confirmation of the final trade agreement and its specifics. That clarity will determine whether this move extends — or pauses for consolidation," he said.
Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading 0.02 per cent lower at 97.41.
Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, was trading higher by 0.65 per cent at USD 67.77 per barrel in futures trade.
On the domestic equity market front, Sensex advanced 68.49 points to 83,816.96 in early trade, while the Nifty was up 51.90 points to 25,779.45.
Foreign Institutional Investors purchased equities worth Rs 5,236.28 crore on Tuesday, according to exchange data.
