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Meenakshi Jain, Sadanandan Master for Rajya Sabha: How Modi govt broke the UPA-era habit of rewarding loyalists and brought recognition to real leaders who worked for the nation and its heritage

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Meenakshi Jain, Sadanandan Master for Rajya Sabha: How Modi govt broke the UPA-era habit of rewarding loyalists and brought recognition to real leaders who worked for the nation and its heritage

In the past decade, India’s recognition system has evolved significantly. Prominent figures are being honoured not just through civilian awards but also through key appointments, such as those to the Rajya Sabha. Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in 2014, these honours have increasingly been conferred upon individuals who promote India’s cultural, spiritual, and civilisational heritage.

From veteran politicians to historians, activists, and spiritual leaders, the face of these awards and appointments has shifted dramatically. Figures like Meenakshi Jain and Sadanandan Master, who were recently nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, reflect the changing landscape of national honours. It highlights the growing emphasis on contributions to India’s heritage and cultural identity. Here is a list of individuals who have worked extensively in the fields of public service, academics, and cultural work and were rightly awarded by the Government of India for their contributions.

Meenakshi Jain

Image: Wiki

Born in 1964, Meenakshi Jain is an Indian historian and political scientist. She has been recently nominated by the President of India for the Rajya Sabha. She served as an associate professor of history at Delhi University’s Gargi College.

Jain is known for her work on medieval and modern Indian history. She wrote a school textbook Medieval India and books on colonial-era topics, including the practice of Sati.

Her notable works, including Rama and Ayodhya (2013) and The Battle for Rama (2017), provided historical evidence supporting the Ram Temple’s existence, countering leftist distortions. In 2020, she was awarded the Padma Shri for her contributions to literature and education.

C Sadanandan Master

Source: Amar Ujala

Born in 1964, C Sadanandan, affectionately known as Maash, is a schoolteacher from Kerala whose life exemplifies resilience. In 1994, at the age of 30, he survived a brutal attack by CPI(M) goons who severed both his legs in a politically motivated assault.

Despite the traumatic experience, he returned to teaching in 1999. Later, he became an active member of the BJP. His ideological shift from communism to RSS values came in 1984 when he was influenced by reading about cultural nationalism.

In 2025, he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu, recognising his contributions to education, social work, and his remarkable journey of personal and ideological transformation.

Lal Krishna Advani

Image: Hindu Tone

Lal Krishna Advani was born in 1927. He is a veteran Indian statesman and founding leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). LK Advani served as Home Minister of India between 1998 and 2004 and as Deputy Prime Minister between 2002 and 2004. He was instrumental in popularising the BJP on the national stage.

LK Advani is best known for his role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. His rath yatra brought Hindus together to raise the demand for a Bhavya Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, replacing the disputed structure then-known as Babri Masjid.

Advani has served for many years as a member of Parliament. He was BJP’s first President and served as Leader of Opposition for many years. Recognising his public service, LK Advani was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2015. His lengthy career and organisational skill are widely acknowledged as having strengthened his party’s role in Indian politics.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Image: First post

Atal Bihari Vajpayee was born in 1924. He was a poet, writer, and statesman who served three times as Prime Minister of India. He led the first non-Congress government to complete a full term between 1999-2004. Vajpayee was co-founder of the BJP and a respected orator. He is remembered for his charismatic leadership, diplomatic initiatives, and nuclear tests at Pokhran.

Vajpayee was a published Hindi poet and author of several books. He also played a vital role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement alongside Advani. In honour of his contributions to the nation, Vajpayee was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 2015. Previously, he received the Padma Vibhushan in 1992. He passed away in 2018.

Nanaji Deshmukh

Image: The indian express

Nanaji Deshmukh was an Indian social activist and politician known for his work in rural development and education. He was the founder of the Deendayal Research Institute in 1969 and later established Chitrakoot Gramoday Vishwavidyalaya, India’s first rural university.

These institutions played a vital role in transforming scores of villages in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, improving agriculture, cottage industry, healthcare, and education at the grassroots.

Deshmukh was a longtime associate of the RSS and leader of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. He was known for his simple lifestyle and emphasis on self-reliance. He was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan in 1999 and after his death in 2010, he posthumously received the Bharat Ratna in 2019 for his dedicated social service.

Madan Mohan Malaviya

Image: Hindu Janajagruti Samiti

Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya was born in 1861. He was an eminent educator, lawyer, and leader in the Indian independence movement. He is celebrated as the founder of Banaras Hindu University in 1916. He championed higher education for Indians. Malaviya also served four times as the President of the Indian National Congress and worked on issues like Hindu-Muslim unity and social reforms.

Malaviya was a prolific writer and nationalist. He launched newspapers, including the Hindustan Times, and worked to spread education in Hindi. In 2015, the Government of India recognised his lifetime contributions to education and nation-building, and he was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna. Malaviya passed away in 1946.

Sadhvi Rithambara

Image: X

Born in 1963, Sadhvi Rithambara is a Hindu monk and activist. She is best known for her role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement of the late 1980s and 1990s. She founded and led the Durga Vahini, the women’s wing of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), and became a prominent speaker advocating for Hindu nationalist causes.

In recent years, she has been active in social and religious work. In 2025, she was awarded the Padma Bhushan, recognising her social and religious work. She is an amazing orator and organiser within her movement.

David Frawley (Vamadeva Shastri)

Image: American Institute of Vedic Studies

David Frawley, also known as Pandit Vamadeva Shastri, was born in 1950. He is an American author and teacher of Hinduism and Vedic Studies. He has written many books on subjects such as the Vedas, Ayurveda, yoga, and astrology, introducing Western readers to traditional Indian knowledge systems. In 2015, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan for his contributions to the understanding of Vedic and Sanskritic culture.

Devendra Swarup

Image: Jagran

Born in 1926, Devendra Swarup was an Indian journalist, historian, and social worker. He was closely associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He served as editor of the RSS weekly Panchjanya for many years and later became a senior fellow at the Deendayal Research Institute.

He wrote over 15 books and numerous articles on history, politics, education, and social issues. He also lectured widely on cultural and ideological subjects. In 2019, the Government of India recognised his lifetime of scholarship and service to Indian historical studies and posthumously awarded him the Padma Shri.

Bibek Debroy

Image: Free Press journal

Bibek Debroy was born in 1955. He was a distinguished Indian economist and author. Debroy served as Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister between 2015 and 2019. Later, he served as a full-time member of the government’s NITI Aayog, shaping economic policy.

Debroy was a prolific writer, having translated many ancient Indian texts, including the Ramayana and Mahabharata. He authored books on economics, history, and literature. He was also known for his academic career and commentary on economic reforms. For his contributions to economics and literature, Debroy was awarded the Padma Shri in 2015. He received the Padma Bhushan posthumously in 2025.

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

Image: The Tribune

Jaggi Vasudev, also known as Sadhguru, was born in 1957. He is an Indian yogi and spiritual leader who founded the Isha Foundation. He is a popular author and public speaker. Sadhguru teaches yoga and meditation and has initiated large-scale social and environmental projects such as “Project Greenhands” and the “Cauvery Calling” campaign aimed at tree-planting and river rejuvenation.

Through Isha’s programmes, he has gained a worldwide following. In 2017, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Vibhushan for his contributions to spirituality and humanitarian activities.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Image: Art of Living

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was born in 1956. He is a spiritual leader and humanitarian. He is best known as the founder of the Art of Living Foundation, which was established in 1981. He promotes a breathing technique called “Sudarshan Kriya” to reduce stress and has led interfaith dialogues and peace initiatives across the world.

Under his leadership, the Art of Living runs numerous educational and relief projects around the globe. In 2016, the Government of India recognised his social and spiritual work and conferred the Padma Vibhushan.

Swami Dayanand Saraswati

Image: Swami Dayananda Ashram

Swami Dayananda Saraswati was born in 1930. He was a respected Hindu monk and scholar. He was the founder of the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam (Advaitic Vedanta Centres) in India and the United States. He was noted for his mastery of Sanskrit and Advaita Vedanta philosophy.

Swami Dayananda Saraswati served as a spiritual teacher for many, including public figures. In 2016, the Government of India honoured him posthumously with the Padma Bhushan for his service to spirituality and education.

Amish Tripathi

Source: Deccan herald

Born in 1974, Amish Tripathi is a renowned Indian author and former diplomat. From 2019 to 2023, he served as the Director of the Nehru Centre in London and as Minister (Culture & Education) at the High Commission of India in the UK.

During his tenure, he revitalised the Centre, hosting over 250 annual programmes. He was involved in producing acclaimed documentaries like Ram Janmabhoomi: Return of a Splendid Sun and Legends of Shiva. His literary works, including the Shiva Trilogy, Ram Chandra Series, and Legend of Suheldev, continue to influence global perceptions of India’s cultural heritage.

Navjivan Rastogi

Image: Academia.edu

Navjivan Rastogi was born in 1938. He is a veteran Sanskrit scholar and retired professor at Lucknow University. He earned a PhD specialising in Kashmir Shaivism and went on to head Lucknow University’s Sanskrit department until his retirement.

Rastogi is known for his scholarly publications on Shaiva philosophy, including an acclaimed book on Abhinavagupta’s tantric thought. In 2024, he was awarded the Padma Shri for his lifetime of contribution to Sanskrit literature and education.

P Parameswaran

Image: Hinduism Today

P Parameswaran was born in 1927. He was a Hindu thinker and RSS pracharak from Kerala. He founded the Bharatiya Vichara Kendram in 1982 and later served as its director, promoting Indian philosophical and cultural ideas.

He was a prolific writer and orator. He wrote on several topics, including spiritual and social issues. One of his noted works is a study of Sri Narayana Guru. He is well-regarded across ideological lines in Kerala. In 2018, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Vibhushan for his contributions to literature and education.

KK Muhammed

Image: Wiki

Karingamannu Kuzhiyil (KK) Muhammed is a distinguished Indian archaeologist and former director in the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). In the 1970s, he led the ASI team that first found temple remnants beneath the disputed structure, then known as the Babri Masjid, in Ayodhya. The discovery later became historically significant.

He also helped restore numerous monuments. In recognition of his archaeological work, particularly at Ayodhya, KK Muhammed was awarded the Padma Shri in 2019.

Swapan Dasgupta

Image: X

Swapan Dasgupta was born in 1955. He is an Indian journalist, columnist, and politician. For decades, he wrote opinion columns in leading English newspapers, often expressing Hindu nationalist views. He served as a member of the Rajya Sabha (nominated) and has held academic posts as a political commentator. In 2015, Dasgupta was awarded the Padma Bhushan for his contributions to literature and public affairs.

Arun Jaitley

Image: Live law

Arun Jaitley was born in 1952. He was a distinguished Indian politician and lawyer. He served as a senior leader of the BJP. Jaitley held several key portfolios in the Indian government, including Finance, Defence, Corporate Affairs, Commerce and Industry, and Law and Justice.

He played a crucial role in the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), a significant reform in India’s taxation system. He was also instrumental in the demonetisation initiative of 2016 and the introduction of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.

Jaitley was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2000 and served as the Leader of the Opposition before becoming the Leader of the House. In 2020, he was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan in recognition of his exceptional service to public affairs.

Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya

Image: ETV Bharat

Born in 1950, Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya is a Hindu spiritual leader, educator, and Sanskrit scholar. Blind since childhood, he overcame adversity to master fourteen languages and has authored around 75 books and numerous poems in Sanskrit and other Indian languages.

He founded a university for disabled students in Chitrakoot and became the lifelong head (Jagadguru) of the Ramananda order. He is a widely respected teacher of Hindu scriptures, and his testimony in the Ram Janmabhoomi case provided historic evidence of the temple in the court.

Rambhadracharya was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2015.

Murli Manohar Joshi

Image: The Outlook

Murli Manohar Joshi was born in 1934. He is a senior BJP leader and former cabinet minister. He is one of the founding members of the BJP and headed the party in the early 1990s. Joshi is an academic by training and served as a physics professor at Allahabad University. He served in Prime Minister Vajpayee’s government as Human Resource Development and Science & Technology Minister from 1998 to 2004.

In 2017, Joshi was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in recognition of his long service in education and public life.

Vishwesha Teertha Swami

Image: Chennai Online

Vishwesha Teertha was born in 1931. He was the pontiff (Seer) of the Pejawar Matha, one of the major Dvaita Vedanta monasteries in Karnataka. He was a vocal proponent of Hindu traditions. He was also known for social outreach; for instance, he broke caste taboos by visiting Dalit colonies and even organised Iftar meals for Muslims in a temple setting.

He played a crucial role in state politics as a spiritual advisor, including during the Ayodhya movement. After his passing in 2019, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Vibhushan in 2020 for his lifetime of spiritual service.

Manohar Joshi

Image: Wiki

Manohar Gajanan Joshi was born in 1937. He was a prominent leader of the Shiv Sena party in Maharashtra. He became the first Chief Minister of Maharashtra from Shiv Sena between 1995 and 1999. Later, he served as Speaker of the Lok Sabha. He was also active in journalism and theatre in Mumbai. After his passing in 2024, he was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2025, recognising his decades of public service.

Cho Ramaswamy

Image: The Hindu

Cho Ramaswamy was born in 1934. He was a well-known Tamil writer, actor, and political satirist. He founded the Tamil magazine Thuglak in 1970 and used sharp wit and interviews to critique politicians. Cho was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 1999 and served till 2005 for his contributions to literature and public life.

He was a leading figure in Chennai’s cultural scene and was also active as a screenwriter and stage performer. In 2017, he was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan for his lifetime work in journalism, literature, and the arts.

Rewarding the deserving

Since PM Modi assumed office in 2014, the recognition system in India has undergone a significant transformation. There was a time when Padma awards had become a way to “honour” the loyalists. However, the approach has changed to celebrate those who actively promote India’s civilisational heritage. The same has happened with the nominations to the Rajya Sabha and appointments to different offices.

The recognition now often extends beyond political or bureaucratic achievements to those who are champions of India’s cultural, spiritual, and ideological identity. This shift can be seen in the increasing nominations to key positions like the Rajya Sabha, where figures promoting the values of Indian heritage are now receiving greater recognition.

One of the most notable changes has been the growing emphasis on individuals connected to the RSS or associated ideologies. Figures like Meenakshi Jain and C. Sadanandan Master, who were recently nominated to the Rajya Sabha, reflect this changing focus.

Their contributions in preserving India’s cultural identity and their ideological alignment with nationalistic causes have earned them prestigious recognitions. It is a deliberate move to honour individuals who are seen as preserving India’s traditional values, rather than simply acknowledging political service.

Furthermore, the changing nature of recognition under PM Modi’s leadership is also apparent in the rise of figures like Sadhvi Rithambara, Swami Rambhadracharya, and others, who have been recognised for their efforts to strengthen India’s spiritual and cultural foundation. This reflects a broader ideological turn in India’s national honours, where the focus has gradually shifted to honouring individuals who are shaping the cultural and spiritual narrative of the country. The increasing recognition of these figures is an acknowledgment of their significant role in redefining the nation’s identity on the global stage.

Maharashtra: Migrant auto driver beaten by the Uddhav Sena and MNS goons in Palghar days after “main Hindi bolunga” remark in viral video

OpIndia Staff
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Maharashtra: Migrant auto driver beaten by the Uddhav Sena and MNS goons in Palghar days after “main Hindi bolunga” remark in viral video

Another case of violence over linguistic politics came to light from Virar, Palghar district, Maharashtra. A migrant auto-rickshaw driver was brutally beaten in full public display by the supporters of Uddhav Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) after a prior confrontation video over the use of the Marathi language had gone viral on social media.

The incident stems from an earlier confrontation, between Bhavesh Padolia, a migrant from Uttar Pradesh, and an auto-rickshaw driver who is also a migrant, at Virar station. In a video, the driver is saying “Main Hindi Bolunga” (“I will speak Hindi”) when asked about not speaking Marathi in public. According to Mr. Padolia, he just asked the driver why he was not speaking Marathi, to which he answered that he would rather speak in Hindi and Bhojpuri.

On Saturday (12 July 2025), near Virar railway station, the rickshaw driver was tracked down and confronted by the members of Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS. Visuals from the scene show that the driver was slapped multiple times, including by women members of the groups. After the physical assault, the driver was forced to apologise to Padolia, his sister, and the people of Maharashtra, for what the attackers claimed was an insult to the Marathi language and cultural icons.

Uday Jadhav, the Virar city chief of Shiv Sena (UBT) who was present at the scene during the assault, defended the actions by saying “If anyone dares to insult the Marathi language, Maharashtra, or Marathi people, they will get a reply in the true Shiv Sena style. We will not sit silent”. He also said, “The driver had the audacity to speak ill of Maharashtra and Marathi manoos. He was taught a befitting lesson. We made him apologise to the people of the state and to those he had offended”.

No police case registered

Despite the public nature of the assault and the video circulating widely on social media, the Palghar district police has not registered any complaint yet. Police officials told news agency PTI. “We have seen the viral video and are verifying the facts, but as of now, no complaint has been received from either party”.

Tensions over the language issue have spilled

The incident is the latest in a series of attacks motivated by linguistic politics in Maharashtra. On 1st July, in Bhayander, Thane district. MNS members assaulted a food vender for not speaking in Marathi. After widespread critrisism, Seven MNS workes were later got arrested.

In Mira Road, Mumbai, the owner of the Jodhpur Sweet Shop, Babulal Choudhary was slapped and threatened by seven MNS workers. His employee, Bagharam, a resident of Rajasthan, spoke to the MNS workers in Hindi. The MNS workers demanded that both Choudhary and Bagharam speak in Marathi. However, Choudhary reportedly said that all languages are spoken in the state. The MNS workers allegedly assaulted them and also made a video of the incident.

Arunachal Pradesh: Locals drag Riazul Karim out of police station, kill him for molesting 5-year-old kids, school shut down temporarily

OpIndia Staff
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Arunachal Pradesh: Locals drag Riazul Karim out of police station, kill him for molesting 5-year-old kids, school shut down temporarily

On Friday (11th July), angry parents and locals in Roing of Arunachal Pradesh stormed the local police station and lynched a 20-year-old construction worker named Riazul Karim.

A resident of Assam’s Bongaigaon district, Karim had molested at least seven girls, aged 5 to 7, staying at the hostel of the Mount Carmel School.

The child molester was detained by police on Thursday (10th July), but tensions erupted over the next day.

Parents and locals dragged him out of the station and beat him severely. Even after police took him to a hospital, the angry locals thrashed him again, leading to his death.

“The body was handed over to the contractor today after post-mortem and other necessary formalities. It was later sent to Assam with a police escort,” the SP said.

A case has been filed at Roing Police Station under Section 329(4)/75(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita(BNS) and Sections 10 and 12 of the POCSO Act, and the investigation is ongoing.

School shut down temporarily

Mount Carmel School in Roing of Arunachal Pradesh has been shut down temporarily by the Lower Dibang Valley district administration after serious allegations of sexual assault involving several young girls at the school’s hostel. 

The decision comes as a response to growing concerns about the safety of students, and parents have been asked to take their wards out of the school and enrol them in nearby government or recognised private schools.

Authorities are taking this seriously. Superintendent of Police Ringu Ngupok said they’re planning tough action against the school’s management. For now, the school will shut down as investigations continue.

Curfew remains in force in Roing, though no further untoward incidents have been reported, the SP added.

To maintain law and order, the administration has deployed four additional companies of security forces, including the IRBn, ITBP, and CRPF. Inspector General of Police P.N. Khirmey is currently stationed in Roing to monitor the situation.

Babydoll Archi: Assam Police arrest Archita Phukan’s ex-boyfriend for creating fake social media profile and posting her morphed, AI-generated images claiming she is joining US porn industry

OpIndia Staff
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Babydoll Archi: Assam Police arrest Archita Phukan’s ex-boyfriend for creating fake social media profile and posting her morphed, AI-generated images claiming she is joining US porn industry

Assam police arrested a man in Dibrugarh, Assam, on Saturday (12th July) for creating a fake social media profile and obscene AI-generated images of a woman named Archita Phukan. The incident has highlighted the dangers of misuse of Artificial Intelligence, as major media houses had believed the fake profile to be real, and had exrensively reported on her Babydoll Archi social media profile, which also turned out to be fake.

Recently, Archita Phukan’s morphed images with American adult star Kendra Lust went viral on social media. It was then claimed that Phukan is joining the porn industry in the USA. The development was reported by several mainstream media houses. However, now it has emerged that everything was fake, based of morphed images created one Pratim Bora.

A complaint was filed by Phukan’s brother in connection with the fake profile and images, demanding action against the culprit. Surprisingly, the person responsible for creating the fake profile and images has turned out to be a disgruntled former boyfriend of Phukan, Pratim Bora.

Police arrested Bora from his home town in Tinsukia. He has been hiding from the authorities, but was located after his IP address was tracked. “We tracked the accused using IP address data and technical evidence. He was arrested from a rented apartment in Tinsukia. His phone and laptop have been seized and sent for forensic examination,” a cybercrime officer said.

Bora made a fake social media profile and posted Phukan’s morphed images

Bora was operating the fake profile of Archita Phukan for weeks and has been posting adult content using Phukan’s morphed photos and videos generated with the help of Artificial Intelligence. He admitted to having obtained Phukan’s images from her old social media account and morphed them.

Bora told the police that he uploaded the AI-generated photos and videos to defame and harass Phukan. “During interrogation, the accused said he created the fake account out of anger and emotional frustration following the end of his relationship with the woman,” the officer said. An FIR has been registered against Bora for committing cyber fraud, defamation, identity manipulation, obscenity and invasion of privacy under relevant sections of the BNS and the IT Act.

Phukan’s photos with Lust appeared on the internet in April this year. The photos were posted by a fake social media profile named Babydoll Archi. The profile has been regularly posting Phukan’s morphed images and videos and had gathered a considerable following of over 750 thousand. The fake profile gained attention after a reel showing Phukan with Lust went viral, leaving its followers surprised. The reel garnered millions of views.

A story about Babydoll Archi’s troubled past involving prostitution were also posted from the fake profile. The story mentioned how she “earned” her freedom from prostitution by paying ₹25 lakh.

Soon Phukan’s name appeared in top searches on search engines, and on Monday (7th July), ‘Archita Pukhan video viral Original’ became an active trend on Google Trends. She came to know about the fake profile and pictures through her friends, who came across the morphed videos and images. Subsequently, the authorities were alerted by her brother leading to the nabbing of the culprit.

Indian Railways to install CCTV cameras in all passenger coaches and locomotives after successful trials, Minister Vaishnaw emphasises on deploying the best-in-class equipment

OpIndia Staff
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Indian Railways to install CCTV cameras in all passenger coaches and locomotives after successful trials, Minister Vaishnaw emphasises on deploying the best-in-class equipment

Based on the positive outcome of experimental installation of CCTV cameras in passenger coaches, Indian Railways has decided to install CCTV cameras in all coaches. This move will significantly improve passenger safety, as miscreants and organised gangs take advantage of gullible passengers.

With cameras, such incidents will significantly reduce, said Ministry of Railways in a statement. To preserve privacy of passengers, CCTV cameras will be installed in the common movement areas near the doors.

In a meeting held on Saturday 12th July, 2025, Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu reviewed the progress of CCTV Cameras’ installation in locomotives and coaches. The meeting was attended by the senior officials of the Railway Board.

360-degree comprehensive coverage

The railway officials informed that successful trials have been done in the loco engines and coaches of the Northern Railway. The Union Minister for Railways gave the go ahead to install CCTV cameras in all 74,000 coaches and 15,000 locos.

Each railway coach will be covered with 4 dome type CCTV cameras – 2 in each entrance way, and each locomotive will have 6 CCTV cameras. This will include 1 camera each at the front, rear and on both sides of the locomotive. Each cab at front and rear of a loco will be fitted with 1 dome CCTV camera and 2 desk mounted microphones.

Modern surveillance for modern problems

The officials added that the CCTV cameras will have the latest specifications and will be STQC certified. The Union Minister for Railways emphasised on deploying the best-in-class equipment. He urged the railway officials to ensure that high quality footage should be available even for trains running at 100 kmph plus speeds and also under low lighting conditions. The Minister encouraged the officials to explore the use of AI on the data captured by CCTV cameras, in collaboration with the IndiaAI mission.

The purpose of fitting cameras in the common movement areas of coaches is to improve safety and security of passengers. While preserving privacy, these cameras will help in identifying miscreants. The modernization efforts of Indian Railways are a reflection of its commitment towards a safe, secure, and passenger-friendly travel experience.

UP: Dalit man brutally beaten by Muslim mob for playing Shiv Bhajan during Sawan in Moradabad, case registered

OpIndia Staff
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UP: Dalit man brutally beaten by Muslim mob for playing Shiv Bhajan during Sawan in Moradabad, case registered

In Bilari police station area, Moradabad, Utter Pradesh, a Dalit Hindu e-rickshaw driver Ankit was brutally beaten by a Muslim mob for playing bhajan during Sawan. CCTV footage of the incident has also surfaced, in which the attackers can be seen dragging the victim.

According to the reports, at around 7 PM on Thursday (10 July 2025), Anikit aka Chotu was going to put his e-rickshaw on charging under the Mohalla Imali. When he reached Sabir Chowk, some Muslims stopped him and told him not to play bhajan there. According to the victim, he said that what is the problem with playing bhajan? After saying that he departed ahead.

After this, Bhura, Sameer, Usman, Azim, and Nurrahman, along with his 15 to 20 Muslim friends, surrounded Ankit. They brutally beat him and tried to kill him by strangling him. The accused also used caste-based slurs. Then threatened and fled. When the matter reached the Hindu organizations, an FIR was registered with the police on Friday (11 July 2025).

The police registered a case against 5 nominated and 15 to 20 unidentified accused in other serious sections including assault, murderous attack, and SC-ST Act. Taking action, 3 accused have been arrested and sent to jail.

BJP leader Surendra Kewat shot dead in Bihar, 2nd case of killing of prominent BJP politician ahead of elections

OpIndia Staff
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BJP leader Surendra Kewat shot dead in Bihar, 2nd case of killing of prominent BJP politician ahead of elections

On Saturday (12th July) night, BJP leader Surendra Kewat was shot dead in Sheikhpura town of Bihar. The deceased was the former president of the Punpun BJP Kisan Morcha. 

It’s the second case of the killing of a prominent BJP leader in the last 15 days. Earlier BJP leader Gopal Khemka, was killed outside his Patna residence on 4th July. His murder was caught on CCTV at his residence.

According to police officer Kanhaiya Singh, Kewat was shot by two men on a motorcycle in the Pipra police station area of Punpun block. They fled from the incident spot immediately.

“Surendra was working in the fields when unidentified men shot him dead. He was rushed to AIIMS, but he succumbed to his injuries during treatment,” Singh told reporters.  

As the incident came to light, Phulwarisharif MLA, Gopal Ravidas, and former minister Shyam Rajak reached the hospital, where they met the grieving family and expressed condolences.

This murder has triggered a fresh political showdown in Bihar as the Leader of Opposition, Tejashwi Yadav, slammed the state government over the recent killings of officials in the state. 

He shared a post on his X account targeting the state administration, saying, “And now, a BJP leader shot dead in Patna! What to say, and to whom? Is there anyone in the NDA government willing to listen to the truth or admit their mistakes?”

“Everyone knows about the CM’s health, but what are the two useless BJP deputy chief ministers doing?” he asked.

In response, Union Minister and former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has accused the RJD of backing criminals to malign the state government.

“Criminals are no longer entertained in the Bihar Chief Minister’s residence. They are gunned down. Those raising questions on law and order should understand this,” he said.

‘Expert’ claiming that pilots ‘deliberately’ crashed Air India 171 flight had earlier rejected this theory, goes back on his own beliefs

OpIndia Staff
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‘Expert’ claiming that pilots ‘deliberately’ crashed Air India 171 flight had earlier rejected this theory, goes back on his own beliefs

On 12th July, aviation safety consultant and former Boeing aircraft trainer Captain Mohan Ranganathan made a sudden shift in stance over the Air India Flight 171 crash that occurred on 12th June this year. While he now claims the incident was the result of “deliberate human intervention”, citing the preliminary report on the crash, he had earlier warned against prematurely blaming pilots and urged focus on systemic safety issues.

According to the preliminary report issued by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), in a cockpit exchange, one pilot asked the other why the fuel supply was cut off. The latter denied having done so. Ranganathan concluded this could not have happened by accident and stressed that “the fuel switch does not change automatically” and “must be moved physically”.

However, in an earlier interview with The News Minute, he had presented a more cautious approach. He had criticised the tendency to pin such crashes on pilots or aircraft systems. He had warned, “I can bet the investigators would… definitely blame the pilots.” At that time, he also spoke against revealing crew identities prematurely, noting the trauma such disclosures cause.

Despite the investigation still being underway, his current claim of a “deliberate action” is in contrast with the previously expressed concern. The investigation has not offered any definitive conclusions so far.

Notably, veteran pilot and president of the Federation of Indian Pilots Association, Captain C S Randhawa, has rejected the assertion against the pilots outright. He said, “The report is inconclusive. The fuel switch follows a challenge-response system. It cannot be done in isolation or by accident.”

He added that the report lacks clarity on several key points, including whether the engine was running or control was handed over mid-take-off. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu urged restraint, stating, “This is a preliminary report… We hope the final report brings clarity.” He reiterated his confidence in India’s pilots and crew.

ULFA-I says funeral of its top commander killed in earlier drone strike in Myanmar hit by Indian missile, two leaders killed and many injured, vows revenge on “colonial state”

OpIndia Staff
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ULFA-I says funeral of its top commander killed in earlier drone strike in Myanmar hit by Indian missile, two leaders killed and many injured, vows revenge on “colonial state”

After saying that its camps in Myanmar were attacked by Indian forces earlier today, ULFA-I (United Liberation Front of Asom- Independent) later said that the funeral of its commander killed in the attack was also hit by missiles shot by Indian planes. In a statement issued to media, the group said that two senior leaders were killed in the missile strike.

ULFA-I also said that airstrikes on its camps in the area are still going on. It vowed revenge on Indian forces for the attack.

The statement said, “The occupying forces crossed all limits of humanity by launching a missile this time on funeral of Hon’ble President of the Lower Council of the United Liberation Forces of Assam [Independet], Lt. Gen. Nayan Asom, killed in the drone strike by the colonial forces. Brigadier Ganesh Asom and Colonel Pradeep Asom were killed and several other officers/members and civilians were injured in this brutal and inhuman attack by the mercenary forces. The occupying forces continue to carry out air strikes in certain areas. We would like to inform the indigenous people of Assam that; we are determined to take revenge on this barbaric attack by the colonial state.”

The statement has been sent to Ishan Asom, Associate Editor of the Communication Department of the banned outfit.

Notably, Indian Army launched a major surgical strike on militant camps in Myanmar on the early hours of Sunday. Over a hundred UAVs were reportedly used in the operation, which targeted camps of ULFA-I and other separatist groups of northeastern India. Four camps of ULFA-I, including the Eastern Command Headquarters (ECHQ) at Hoyat Basti and the 779 Camp located at Waktham Basti were reportedly targeted. Apart from killing Nayan Asom, the drone strike had injured several members of the outfit.

The strikes targeted camps in the Naga Self-Administered Zone near the India-Myanmar border. The operation was reportedly carried out in close coordination with the Myanmar military.

However, Indian defence forces have not confirmed any such operation till now. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said that state police have not carried out any such operation, adding that no such confirmation has been issued by the Indian Army also. He said that the matter should be clear by the evening.

Who is Ujjwal Nikam, the new Rajya Sabha MP who secured conviction of 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Kasab as special public prosecutor

OpIndia Staff
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Who is Ujjwal Nikam, the new Rajya Sabha MP who secured conviction of 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Kasab as special public prosecutor

On Saturday (12th July), President Droupadi Murmu nominated Ujjwal Nikam, the renowned special public prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case, to the Rajya Sabha.

Nikam joins the Upper House alongside stalwarts such as the former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, historian Dr. Meenakshi Jain, and Kerala social worker C. Sadanandan Master.

A legal luminary’s journey

Coming from a humble background, Nikam was born in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, on 30th March 1953. His father was a judge. He did his graduation from K.C.E Society’s Maniyar Law College with a Bachelor of Science, laying the foundation for a formidable legal career.

He began his career as a district prosecutor in Jalgaon. After decades of experience and handling India’s most high-profile and complex cases, he built his reputation as one of the best. Nikam has a 30-year-long career during which he secured 628 life imprisonment and 37 death penalties.

Landmark cases that defined a career

Nikam’s name became synonymous with prosecuting terrorism and high-stakes criminal cases. Nikam secured the conviction and death sentence for Ajmal Kasab, a surviving terrorist of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, as a Special Public Prosecutor. His strategic arguments ensured Kasab’s conviction in just two years.

He also spent over 14 years prosecuting suspects in the 1993 Bombay terror attack, resulting in numerous convictions, which cemented his public image.

He successfully prosecuted some high-profile murder trials such as prosecuting the killers of BJP leader Pramod Mahajan (securing life imprisonment for the brother) and music mogul Gulshan Kumar, along with handling the Khairlanji Dalit massacre, Shakti Mills gang rape (securing death sentences), and Kopardi rape case.

In 2010, Nikam represented India at a UN counter-terrorism convention, highlighting his international recognition in this field.

Political foray and nomination

In 2024, Nikam stepped into active politics. He replaced Poonam Mahajan and contested the Lok Sabha election from Mumbai North Central as the BJP candidate. His campaign was based on the themes of rule of law and national security but he lost to Congress’s Varsha Gaikwad by a very narrow margin of 16,514 votes.

Despite the electoral setback, his decades of service were recognized with a Rajya Sabha nomination under Article 80(1)(a) of the Constitution, reserved for individuals excelling in art, literature, science, or social service. His term began on 13th July 2025 and runs until 12th July 2031. While nominated members are technically non-partisan, Nikam is formally listed with BJP affiliation in official records.

Recognition and controversy

In 2016, Nikam was awarded India’s fourth-highest civilian honour Padma Shri. Nikam faced criticism for a remark he made about Kasab demanding mutton biryani in jail during the trial. He later stated that he did it to break the emotional “sympathy wave” for the terrorist.

Vision for parliament

Nikam emphasized his commitment to strengthening the rule of law. By aligning with his focus on legal reform. He stated “Ram Rajya cannot be attained until there is the rule of law amongst the people.”

He has expressed interest in amending extradition laws to bring more criminals to justice. Earlier this year, Nikam made a remark that because of the positive image of India created by PM Modi.

No one can call us ‘Banana‘ country today. His remarks highlighted his ideological alignment with the current government’s narrative on legal matters and national strength

Conclusion

Ujjwal Nikam stepping into the Rajya Sabha is a big deal. He brings decades of real-world experience, the kind he get from taking on terrorists and major criminals in court.

India’s wrestling with some seriously tough legal and security headaches. Having Nikam’s voice in the mix is likely going to really shape how the country talks about and makes laws on justice and keeping people safe.

Just look at his path: one minute he’s prosecuting India’s most infamous bad guys, the next he’s helping write the laws as an MP. It’s a pretty major new step in his work for the public on’s legislative discussions regarding justice and security.

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