Konaje: Apple Mart Hypermarket inaugurated their new store near Kanachur Hospital in Deralakatte on Thursday.

The new store was inaugurated by Natekal Businessman P. M. Kunhi Bava.

Mangaluru University’s Registrar Dr. Kishore Kumar C. K., who was among the Chief Guests at the event inaugurated the Apple Mobile Mart Division and said that the opening of Apple Mart's new modern store in the developing area had greatly benefited the people of the area and wished for the new store to run successfully in the future.

Chief Guest K. Aboobacker of Natekal Wood Industries inaugurated the Reems counter and wished success for the outlet. The Vegetable and Fruits counter was inaugurated by John Victor Mendonca from Konaje’s Mangala Traders. Chairman of Apple Mart and A. K. Group of companies, M Ahmed was present. Shareholders of Apple Mart and dignitaries were also present during the occasion.

One Year Offer

The new store offers coupons for a new offer of 'One Year Free Shopping'. The lucky draw will be held on the 15th of August. Up to 10 winners will be selected, who will be provided an opportunity to do free shopping on the fixed amount of commodities once a month for one year.

Affordable Pricing

The new store has high-quality and multi-brand glassware, consumables, stationery, toy and sports goods, imported and Indian chocolate, cold drinks, groceries, organic pulses, and other items available at affordable prices.

The counter with the city's prestigious Dry Fruits distributor Reems has a variety of dry fruits of excellent quality available, while multiple brands of mobile phones are also available in the newly inaugurated Apple Mobile Mart section along with mobile accessories all under the same roof.

Apple Mart's stores which are already operating in the Attavar, Kadri, Padavinangady, and Valencia in Mangaluru has now started their operations in their new store near Natekal.

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Washington DC: In a scathing critique of human rights abuses, the United States State Department has released its annual report titled "India 2023 Human Rights Report." The document, compiled by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, sheds light on a myriad of issues, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and surveillance of civil society activists and journalists.

One of the most concerning issues outlined in the report is the outbreak of ethnic conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities in Manipur. The conflict has resulted in significant human rights violations, with hundreds dead and tens of thousands displaced from their homes since early May.

The report criticises the Indian government's response, citing minimal credible steps taken to identify and punish officials responsible for human rights violations. Instances of arbitrary or unlawful killings, including extrajudicial killings, are highlighted, such as the case of former Samajwadi MP Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf Ahmed, who were shot dead in custody in Uttar Pradesh.

Furthermore, the report highlights an alarming incident where constable Chetan Singh fatally shot three Muslim passengers and a Railway Protection Force official on a train from Jaipur to Mumbai. Witnesses claimed Singh selectively targeted his victims based on their names, leading to allegations of a hate crime.

Extrajudicial killings are not isolated incidents, as the report reveals a staggering 813 cases registered between 2016 and 2022, with Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh recording the highest numbers. Additionally, disappearances allegedly involving government authorities and arbitrary arrests are widespread, with police accused of failing to file required arrest reports, resulting in unresolved cases.

The report sheds light on the misuse of special laws to delay judicial reviews of arrests, particularly citing the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, which accounted for over 8,000 arrests between 2015 and 2020. It also documents instances where individuals were detained for custodial interrogation without proper identification or arrest warrants.

Property seizure and forced evictions without due process are also condemned in the report. Numerous cases were reported where individuals were displaced from their residences and had their properties seized or demolished, often under the pretext of municipal regulations.

Of particular concern is the targeting of vocal critics from the Muslim community by state governments, especially after protests or communal violence. Human rights activists report instances where bulldozers were used to destroy homes and livelihoods without adequate legal recourse, raising questions about the abuse of power.

In addition to physical harassment and attacks, journalists critical of the government face intimidation tactics, including raids on their workplaces and homes, seizure of electronic devices, and threats of legal action. The report highlights instances where government officials, at both local and national levels, exert pressure on media outlets, constrain freedom of movement, and disrupt access to communication services, such as mobile telephones and the Internet.

The report concludes by emphasising the Indian government's restrictions on digital media and frequent monitoring of users, undermining freedom of expression and privacy rights.