Belagavi: In an effort to provide a permanent identification for small and marginal farmers and prevent land-related fraud, Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda announced the government's plan to link the Records of Rights, Tenancy, and Crops (RTC) with farmers' Aadhaar numbers. The move aims to streamline the disbursal of relief measures and enhance the accuracy of ownership records.

During a debate on drought in the Karnataka Assembly, Gowda highlighted the disparity between Central government data, which indicates 44% of farmers as small and marginal, and the state's estimate of 70%. He urged the Central government to calculate drought compensation based on the state's data on small and marginal farmers.

Explaining the benefits of linking RTC with Aadhaar, Gowda emphasized the importance of preventing land-related fraud and ensuring certainty of ownership. The RTC contains crucial information, including landowner details, land area, soil type, nature of possession, encumbrance, and crops grown.

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Gowda also announced plans for 'end-to-end automation' in the disbursal of compensation to farmers. The new system aims to minimize irregularities by directly disbursing funds to beneficiaries' accounts without manual intervention. The automation will commence in Challakere taluk, starting with the disbursement of the first installment of Rs 2,000 as crop loss compensation.

Expressing criticism of the Central government's response to the drought situation, Gowda stated that Karnataka had not received National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) funds and highlighted the lack of response to letters seeking appointments for discussions on the matter. Despite the challenges, the state government has undertaken efforts, including surveys in vulnerable villages and releasing Rs 900 crore to deputy commissioners of affected districts.

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Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday defended a fresh military offensive in the Gaza Strip, calling it “more sweeping than previously announced” and asserting that Israel “has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas.”

Speaking amid mounting condemnation at home and abroad over the 22-month conflict, Netanyahu said the security cabinet had directed the dismantling of Hamas strongholds not only in Gaza City but also in the “central camps” and Muwasi. These areas, according to UN estimates, shelter more than half a million displaced people and had not been mentioned in Israel’s earlier announcement on Friday.

A source familiar with the operation, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed Israel’s plans to extend military action to both areas. Netanyahu maintained that “safe zones” would be established, though such areas have been bombed in previous strikes.

The announcement came as heavy bombardment was reported in Gaza City late Sunday. Shortly before midnight, Al Jazeera confirmed the killing of its correspondent Anas al-Sharif in a targeted Israeli strike. The attack hit a tent for Al Jazeera journalists outside the main gate of al-Shifa Hospital, an area known for hosting medical personnel.

Shifa Hospital’s administrative director, Rami Mohanna, said the strike killed five Al Jazeera journalists, including Sharif, whom Israel accused of leading a Hamas cell responsible for orchestrating rocket attacks. Sharif was killed moments after posting a video showing intense bombardment in Gaza City.