Saad bin Atif al-Awlaki, the leader of the Yemen-based terrorist organisation Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), has released a 34-minute video inciting Muslims to wage jihad against America. In this video, Awlaki has openly appealed to Muslims living in America to wage jihad and kill prominent people like US President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance and Tesla company owner Elon Musk. The name of this video is “Inciting the Believers”. AQAP supporters are circulating it online as a propaganda weapon.
In the inflammatory video, jihadi Atif al-Awlaki (also spelt Atef al-Awlaki), said that the United States is supporting Israel in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas and for this it is necessary to take revenge. He told the approximately 4.5 million Muslims living in America, “You don’t need to consult anyone, just take revenge! Take revenge! Kill those infidel Americans.” He called Trump, Vance, Foreign Minister Marco Rubio, Defence Minister Pete Hegseth and Elon Musk ‘scum of the earth’ and ‘the biggest criminals’. He talked about targeting these leaders, their families and people associated with the White House.
BREAKING: Al-Qaeda leader, Sa'ad Bin Atef Al-Awlaki, has just now called for American Muslims to wage Jihad on US soil and to assassinate President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Elon musk, others. pic.twitter.com/1QQzKOWVd9
“Go after the scum of the earth and its greatest criminals. These are Trump and his vice president [JD Vance], his advisor and his supporters in terms of finance, administration, and technology,” Awlaki said.
Awlaki further lamented the situation in Gaza saying that there is no limit to atrocities being committed against Muslims there. He said, “It is necessary to take revenge for what is happening to our people in Gaza.” He also tried to incite violence against Jews and said, “There should be no safe place left for Jews, just like they left no place for Palestinians.” He referred to the bombing of hospitals in Gaza and appealed to Muslims to take revenge.
After inciting Muslims to launch attacks in America and crying hoarse over Israel’s prolonged retaliation against Hamas in the aftermath of October 7 massacre, Yemeni Islamic terrorist lauded the attack on Israeli embassy staff in May this year and last year’s assassination attempt against Donald Trump. Atif al-Awlaki not only justified these attacks but also asserted that more such attacks should be carried out.
Besides calling for attacking Israeli nationals in the US and the American President, al-Awlaki also spoke about harming the US economy. He asked hackers to target the economies of the US and Gulf countries. He also described companies like Microsoft and Elon Musk’s Tesla as ‘legitimate targets’. Referring to AQAP’s magazine ‘Inspire’, he advised people to learn bomb-making techniques so that they can carry out attacks.
Notably, this video comes at a time when AQAP is considered to have weakened in the last few years. Its strength has decreased due to US drone attacks and internal conflicts within the organisation. Despite this, according to the United Nations, AQAP still has 3,000 to 4,000 members. The US has declared AQAP a foreign terrorist organisation. This Islamic terror outfit was formed in 2009 after the merger of Al-Qaeda groups from Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
Experts opine that Saad Atif al-Awlaki is raking up the Gaza issue to challenge the growing popularity of Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The Houthi rebels are also carrying out attacks against Israel, and Saad feels that the popularity of the Houthis is diminishing AQAP’s importance. Experts believe that this video is an attempt by AQAP to regain its diminishing relevance.
Who is Saad Atif al-Awlaki
Saad bin Atif al-Awlaki is from the al-Awaliq tribe of the al-Shubah area of Shabwa province in Yemen. He became the leader of AQAP in 2024, when the organisation’s former leader, Khalid al-Batarfi ,died. Earlier, Saad was part of AQAP’s Shura Council and was involved in planning attacks. He is a relative of Anwar al-Awlaki, a notorious terrorist who was killed in a US drone attack in 2011. The US has placed a bounty of $6 million on Saad because he had previously talked about attacking the US and its allies.
Born in Yemen, al-Awlaki has been spreading the jihadist ideology of Al-Qaeda for many years. In 2023, he was also seen in a video in which he asked the southern tribes of Yemen to fight against the United Arab Emirates and the Southern Council. His terror group commits crimes like bank robbery, arms smuggling and ransom to meet its expenses.
In an era where infrastructure defines a nation’s global standing, India’s engineering marvels are no longer just headlines but life-changing realities. From the newly inaugurated world’s highest railway bridge, the Chenab Rail Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir, to the vertical-lift Pamban Railway Sea Bridge in Tamil Nadu, these ambitious projects are not only transforming landscapes but connecting lives. Whether it is easing commutes, boosting tourism, or asserting strategic presence, India’s mega infrastructure push is scripting a new chapter of national development.
Engineering Marvels of New India!✨
From the Pamban Railway Sea Bridge in Tamil Nadu; India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge, to the #ChenabBridge in Jammu & Kashmir; the world’s highest railway bridge, these iconic structures are redefining connectivity and showcasing… pic.twitter.com/HISkvB00wr
Chenab Rail Bridge and how it is set to change lives
The Chenab Rail Bridge is 359 metres above the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir. It is the tallest railway bridge in the world and surpasses the Eiffel Tower. It is a crucial link between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country. Chenab Rail Bridge represents more than just an engineering feat as it promises transformation of the region that has been long isolated by terrain, weather and conflict.
Source: BBC
There was no such bridge in the country to serve as an example for the team that built the Chenab Bridge. The steel arch of the bridge required innovation at every stage. Engineers behind the bridge adopted a design-as-you-go approach to deal with the unstable Himalayan geology. The bridge has been built using 63-mm-thick steel which is blast resistant and concrete piers. The bridge is capable of withstanding earthquakes, high-velocity winds and sabotage.
For over two decades, the region waited for better transport infrastructure. The bridge, which is a critical part of the Rs 35,000 crore USBRL project, will provide better accessibility to remote villages that were only reachable via foot or boat. Around 70 villages will benefit from the 2,015 km approach road and will open avenues for economic activity, education and healthcare.
Furthermore, it also provides a strategic route for the Indian defence forces in Kashmir and Ladakh. As it will provide all-weather rail access, the troops will no longer be hampered by snowfall or highway closures.
For the locals, it will provide an efficient route to transport perishable goods such as apples and walnuts. These products suffered losses due to poor road conditions. Tourism will see an uptick with the new rail link.
Dhola-Sadiya Bridge: Connecting Assam to Arunachal, powering the Northeast
Dhola-Sadiya Bridge was inaugurated by PM Modi in May 2017. It is 9.15 km long and built over the Brahmaputra River in Assam. It is the longest river bridge in India and provides 24×7 all-weather connectivity between upper Assam and the eastern districts of Arunachal Pradesh. It has reduced the travel distance between Rupai in Assam and Meka in Arunachal Pradesh by 165 km. Because of the bridge, the distance between these two regions can now be covered in just one hour instead of six hours earlier.
Source: India Today
Prior to the bridge, the transportation system relied on ferries that were often impacted by floods. It has changed the way both civilian and military travel within the region. It is vital for ensuring milk runs of goods and services, as well as the rapid mobilisation of defence forces towards border regions. This connectivity boost has contributed to economic growth in the region and has closed the gap between the Northeast and mainland India.
Vizhinjam International Seaport: A new gateway for India’s maritime future
Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport was built in Kerala, and it cost the government Rs 8,800 crore. It is a major achievement for India’s maritime infrastructure. It was dedicated to the nation in May 2025 by PM Modi. Vizhinjam International Seaport is India’s only dedicated container transshipment port.
Source: Cargo Insights
There is less reliance on foreign ports, allowing India to reclaim cargo revenues and better position itself as an international trader. Vizhinjam is located just a short ten nautical miles away from the international shipping lane.
It has a natural draft realisation of almost 20 metres, which easily fits the world’s largest cargo ships. It is a modern-day transshipment hub that can handle massive cargo volumes without complications. In the coming years, the port will increase its capacity, making Kerala a key logistics and trade node.
As it is a part of Sagarmala and PM Gati Shakti initiatives, the seaport is well-connected to roads, railways, waterways and airways. Because of the seamless connectivity, it will drastically reduce turnaround time for ships and reduce logistics costs. Furthermore, it will improve supply chain efficiency for industries across the country.
It brings economic opportunities and job creation. A shipbuilding and repair cluster in nearby Kochi is underway. It will open thousands of employment avenues, especially for youth and local talent. The surge in maritime activity will also uplift allied sectors like tourism, MSMEs and fisheries.
Pamban Bridge: India’s first vertical lift sea bridge opens new paths of progress
The New Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu was inaugurated in April 2025. It is India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge. It spans around 2.07 km across the Palk Strait and connects Rameswaram Island to mainland India. It has replaced the century-old 1914 cantilever bridge that had long served pilgrims and traders.
Source: Drishti IAS
The bridge has been constructed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited. Its 72.5-metre navigational span can be lifted up to 17 metres, thus allowing larger vessels to pass beneath without disrupting rail movement. It has been built using corrosion-resistant stainless steel reinforcement, special polysiloxane coating and high-grade protective paint. Its lifespan is 100 years.
The new bridge is 3 metres taller than the old one. It features a substructure ready for double-track use. The advanced construction can withstand harsh marine weather, seismic activity and cyclones.
For the people of Tamil Nadu and pilgrims to Rameswaram, it guarantees faster, safer and uninterrupted travel. It also strengthens maritime navigation in the region, reducing dependency on ferry-based transport.
Atal Tunnel: India’s longest highway tunnel transforming Himalayan connectivity
The Atal Tunnel was inaugurated in October 2020. It is a marvel of modern engineering. It spans 9.02 km under the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas. The Atal Tunnel is the world’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet. Named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, it ensures all-weather connectivity between Manali and the remote Lahaul-Spiti valley. Earlier, it would be cut off from the mainland for around six months each year due to heavy snowfall.
Source: Civilianz
The tunnel was constructed by the Border Roads Organisation. It reduced the distance between Manali and Leh by 46 km and reduced travel time by 4 to 5 hours. The South Portal lies 25 kilometres from Manali at an altitude of 3,060 metres, while the North Portal emerges near Sissu village at 3,071 metres.
It is a horse-shoe shaped, single-tube, double-lane structure with an 8-metre roadway and an overhead clearance of 5.525 metres. There is also a built-in emergency escape tunnel. It can support 3,000 cars and 1,500 trucks per day at speeds of up to 80 km/h.
Through the Z-Morh Tunnel, all-weather access and tourism in Sonamarg is possible
The Z-Morh Tunnel is bi-directional and 6.5 km long with an approach road length of 5.6 km. The tunnel is a vital link between Gagangir in Ganderbal and Sonamarg. The tunnel has been built at an elevation of over 8,500 ft and provides an alternative to the Z-shaped portion of the road that is avalanche-prone and had rendered Sonamarg inaccessible in winter.
Source: ET
The tunnel is part of the Srinagar-Leh highway. It is going to be particularly important for connectivity in terms of facilitating access to Ladakh. In addition, the tunnel provides considerable strategic utility in terms of defence movement, logistical support and mobilisation. Importantly, roads also lead to economic growth and tourism in the Kashmir Valley.
The tunnel will allow Sonamarg to become a year-round tourist destination. The original project began in 2012 by the Border Roads Organisation but was subsequently transferred as a project to be completed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited. The Z-Morh Tunnel was completed by APCO Infratech as a public-private partnership.
Atal Setu: India’s longest sea bridge enhances connectivity to Mumbai
The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu was officially opened in January 2024. It is the longest bridge and the longest sea bridge in the country and connects a total of 21.8 KM, of which 16.5 KM are over the open sea, as the six-lane Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) bridges the 3.4 km between Sewri in Mumbai to Nhava Sheva in Navi Mumbai.
Source: Narendra Modi/X
The bridge is a direct and reliable link for transport from South Mumbai to the mainland of India, reducing travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. It improves the last-mile approach to Mumbai International Airport and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, while also reducing travel times to Pune, Goa and the southern India gateway.
The importance of this bridge is significant, considering it is an important link for cargo traffic between Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port.
With its size, geographical significance and engineering excellence, Atal Setu is more than just a bridge, it is emblematic of the ambition of modern India to build infrastructure that accommodates its growth.
India’s mega infrastructure projects are more than engineering milestones, they are instruments of national transformation. From connecting remote villages to reducing travel times and boosting trade, each bridge, tunnel and port reflects the country’s commitment to inclusive development. These initiatives not only enhance strategic readiness and economic integration but also bring everyday ease to citizens’ lives.
Railways are developing a system to provide passenger charts with confirmed seats 24 hours in advance, rather than the customary four hours prior to a train’s departure, in an effort to alleviate a key concern among train passengers. Currently, waitlisted passengers are unaware of their ticket status until the railways release the final list, especially those traveling long distances to catch trains.
According to a senior railway official, a pilot run in Rajasthan’s Bikaner division began on 6th June and is proceeding smoothly thus far. “We will carry out this pilot for some more weeks to identify any issues and how to fix them. There have been several instances of passengers facing problems as they come to know that their wait-listed ticket has not been confirmed, barely hours before reaching the station. An advanced chart will help people plan better and reduce stress,” he stated, reported The Times of India.
According to officials, the primary objective of the new system is to assist travelers in making better travel plans. For example, passengers arriving from 100 kilometers or more away will have more time and clarity to get to the boarding station without any last-minute confusion.
Those who purchase Tatkal tickets and travel at the last minute would not be impacted by the planned regulations, according to sources. “Since Tatkal tickets are booked 48 hours before the scheduled departure of trains, bringing out the full chart a day before won’t be an issue,” conveyed another official.
There is ambiguity as to whether the railways will make public the second and third lists of passengers with confirmed bookings because many of them could have canceled their reservations in the last 24 hours. A source mentioned, “Let the pilot run be over and then decisions will be taken keeping in mind the best interest of passengers.”
Railway reservation charts are usually produced twice in the past. The first chart is created four hours prior to the train’s scheduled departure and the second and final, chart is generated between thirty minutes and the train’s departure time.
Beneficial for passengers
This action seeks to improve the ticketing system since many customers are left in the dark until the last minute because tickets are currently confirmed just two to four hours before to departure. Passengers had to wait until the day of departure to receive confirmation of their tickets which has been a problem for many years.
Passengers on waitlists, especially those who travel long distances to board trains, are oblivious of their ticket status until the final list is released. Now, one chart will be created by the new system 24 hours in advance and any cancellations or new reservations will be updated in real time thereafter.
However, maintaining synchronization between passenger data across several stations and ticketing systems is a challenge because any discrepancy could seriously interfere with boarding, ticket validation and seat assignment.
Currently, charts are prepared around four hours prior to departure, giving travelers little time to make changes if their seats are not confirmed. According to officials, travelers with waitlisted tickets will have enough time to look into other travel options, cancel reservations or choose other forms of transportation if the passenger chart is made public 24 hours before to the train’s departure. Those boarding from intermediate stations, who frequently don’t know their ticket status until the last minute, will particularly benefit from this adjustment.
The concept was born on 21st May when Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was in Bikaner. The chart should be developed sooner, according to local railway officials, to avoid confusion at the last minute. The concept was approved by him right away and it was put into trial use.
A top railway board official revealed that Indian Railways is now testing the viability of this 24-hour charting system on a few chosen routes. These tests will assess the system’s ability to manage dynamic reservations and cancellations as well as the feasibility of real-time synchronization amongst railway servers.
Travelers on popular routes like Delhi-Bihar, Uttar Pradesh-Mumbai, or Bengal-Gujarat, whose waiting lines sometimes reach the hundreds and tickets are regularly tagged as “regret,” will particularly benefit from the improvement. According to sources, this trial’s preliminary findings are extremely encouraging. In the first four days alone, passengers had more time to arrange their trip and experienced greater clarity.
The move is a part of a broader initiative to modernize railway operations, streamline services and lessen last-minute rush and confusion at stations, based on railway sources. The project is a component of a larger railway technology update that aims to improve service delivery, passenger happiness, and digital transformation.
When properly implemented, it might also allow for earlier seat allocation notifications by email or SMS, which would lessen the anxiety brought on by uncertain travel. Officials believe that because they would have more precise information available well in advance, the system will also help ease traffic and assist railway employees in better managing berths and waiting lists.
84% of all train ticket reservations are made through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), according to sources. Physical reservations are made for the remaining 16% of tickets (window tickets).
Aadhaar authentication must for Tatkal ticket
The Railway Ministry took a significant step to stop agents and brokers from defrauding people when they book Tatkal tickets. Verification of an Aadhaar card will now be required on IRCTC in order to purchase Tatkal tickets. Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Railway Minister announced this decision. “Bharatiya Railways will soon start using e-Aadhaar authentication to book Tatkal tickets. This will help genuine users get confirmed tickets during need,” he wrote on social media.
“With effect from 01-07-2025, tickets under Tatkal scheme can be booked through the website of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)/ its app only by Aadhaar authenticated users,” the official circular stated.
“Tatkal tickets shall be available for booking through computerized PRS (Passenger Reservation System) counters of Indian Railways/authorized agents only after authentication of a system-generated OTP, which shall be sent through the system on the mobile number furnished by the users at the time of booking. This shall also be implemented by 15/07/2025,” it added.
The circular also stated that during the first half hour of the Tatkal booking window, authorized Indian Railways ticketing agencies will not be allowed to purchase opening day Tatkal tickets. In particular, they will not be able to grab Tatkal tickets for sessions with air conditioning between 10:00 and 10:30 am and other classes between 11:00 and 11:30 am.
The Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) and IRCTC have been instructed by the Railways Ministry to update the system as needed and notify the zonal railways of the changes. The circular also promised that these changes would receive extensive dissemination through all available channels to educate the public.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided multiple locations linked to four Congress leaders in the Ballari district in Karnataka on Wednesday (11th June). As per reports, the raids were conducted at several locations connected with Congress Ballari MP E Tukaram, and Congress MLAs, Nara Bharath Reddy, J N Ganesh, N T Srinivas and former Minister B Nagendra and his close aide Govardhan Reddy.
As per reports, the central agency searched five locations in Ballari and three sites in Bengaluru under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The raids are reportedly related to the investigation of an embezzlement of funds worth crores from the Karnataka Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Limited (KVSTDCL). The money was allegedly used to fund the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign.
In its chargesheet filed last year, the ED said that two of Nagendra’s personal assistants and an associate “admitted” to handling large sums of money. It added that the three MLAs ensured that the cash was disbursed to voters and party workers in their respective constituencies.
What is the Valmiki Scam
The alleged scam surfaced after the superintendent of corporation accounts, Chandrasekharan P was found dead on 21 May 2024. A suicide note recovered from him mentioned about an unauthorised trabsfer of ₹187 crore from the corporation, out of which, ₹88.62 crore was illegally deposited into IT company accounts and cooperative bank in Hyderabad. This is resulted in the suspension of two officials and the resignation of Karnataka Tribal Welfare and Sports Minister Nagendra, who was later arrested by the agency. The corporation, set up in 2006, aimed at the socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribe communiyies in the state by running welfare schemes for them.
The investigation in the case is being carried out by the Karnataka Police, the CBI and the ED.
A Shiva Mandir was vandalised by a mob in South 24 Parganas in West Bengal on Tuesday after Hindus objected to encroachment of temple land. The clash then escalated as the mob attacked police with stones and bricks, and vandalised several vehicles and shops in the area. Several people including police personnel have been injured in stone pelting.
The incident took place in Maheshtala near Rabindra Nagar Police Station in Budge Budge area. Recently, the Hindus in the area noticed that the pond inside the local Shiva Mandir premises was gradually being filled with soil to encroach it. The locals had filed complaint with authorities regarding this, but no action was taken.
On Tuesday, some Muslims tried to set up some fruit shops on the encroached land of the temple. Seeing this, the Hindus in the area prevented them from doing so. This led to a communal clash between the two sides, which soon turned violent.
The Muslim mob then proceeded to vandalise the temple, and threw stones and bricks at it. When police from the nearby police station arrived, they were also attacked by the mob, escalating the situation. Soon, the entire area looked like as if was hit by a massive disaster, filling the entire area with stones, bricks and ruins of vandalised items.
According to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, the mob attacked the sacred Tulsi Manch, nearby Hindu shops, homes, apart from the temple. Stones and bricks were thrown at the temple, damaging installations.
Diamond Harbour Model
The disgraceful incident of vandalism at the Shiva Temple in Ward No. 7, Maheshtala, under Metiabruz Assembly constituency, near Rabindra Nagar Police Station is simply unacceptable. Miscreants had illegally encroached upon Temple Committee land, set up… pic.twitter.com/QUBSQxKYhK
He said that the incident took place just a stone’s throw distance from the Rabindra Nagar Police Station, but the police did nothing to stop the mob. “The Police simply couldn’t block the vandals and the entire episode happened in the presence of Police,” he wrote on X.
He also posted a video, where a huge crowd protesting can be seen. The video also shows the vandalised temple, and the police station can be seen in front of it on the opposite side of the road. A local Hindu said in the video that the mob also asked the Hindus to shut down the temple. He added that the temple will remain open.
The mob pelted stones and bricks at the police, and vandalised several vehicles on the road, apart from nearby shops. One two-wheeler belong to a cop was set on fire, and several other police vehicles were vandalised. A policeman said that they were outnumbered by the mob, and therefore could not do anything in the beginning. He said that several cops were injured in stone pelting, including a female constable. As per reports, stones and bricks were pelted at the police from the rooftops of the nearby buildings.
Police fired tear gas shells to bring the situation under control. Additional police forces and the RAF were rushed to the spot to control the situation. But the frenzied mob didn’t relent, and they continued to attack the police. Due to the gravity of the situation, the police were forced to retreat.
Later more police forces arrived, and the situation was brought under control. However, sporadic incidents of stone pelting still continues. Even the vehicles on the police reaching the spot are being targeted. Large number of police forces are being sent from Kolkata.
The All India Congress Committee (AICC) on Tuesday (10th June), scrapped the Karnataka government’s caste census which was to be tabled two days later on 12th June before the state cabinet. Concurring with Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, the AICC asked the Siddaramaiah government to conduct a fresh caste survey in the state based on the ‘Telangana Model’.
Following the AICC meeting in Delhi, Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar said that the caste census will be conducted afresh in a “very transparent manner”. “A fresh survey (enumeration) will be carried out now to clear the air over the earlier caste census with respect to its data accuracy and concerns raised over under-representation of certain communities. Data will be collected once again through door-to-door and online surveys. The entire process would be done in a very transparent manner,” said Shivakumar. He added that this time, when the fresh caste census is conducted, everyone will be taken into confidence.
The controversial caste census, which was conducted a decade ago, in 2015, during the earlier term of Siddaramaiah, has been the cause of infighting within the Congress government in the state. While CM Siddaramaiah, hailing from the backward Kuruba community, has been pushing forward the caste survey, Deputy CM Shivakumar, belonging to the OBC Vokkaliga community, has been demanding the survey to be reconducted purportedly to dispel the suspicion being raised on its sanctity.
The survey drew strong criticism from the dominant caste groups in the state such as the Vokkaligas and the Lingayats, which questioned the scientific basis of the survey and claimed that their numbers have been distorted to show a decline in their population. However, the state’s backward communities, including the Kurubas, have been calling for the immediate implementation of the survey report. Several leaders in the Congress party, including veteran Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Karnataka, Veerappa Moily, expressed apprehensions of polarisation resulting from the survey report and called for a fresh caste survey.
The survey report made several contentious recommendations like increasing OBC reservation from 32% to 51%, raising the EWS reservation from 10% to 24%. If the recommendations of the survey report were implemented, the net reservation in the state would stand at 85%. Furthermore, it categorised the relatively well-off community of Kurubas (to which CM Siddaramaiah belongs) as the ‘most backward.’
The Karnataka government spent ₹175 crore on the survey
The Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes (KSCBC), headed by H. Kantharaj, conducted the caste census in 2015 and submitted its report to CM Siddaramaiah in 2018. The Karnataka government spent a whopping ₹175 crore on the survey, which has now been reduced to garbage. Interestingly, the original survey report submitted by the KSCBC, was somehow mysteriously ‘lost’ by state government, after which, a revised report by submitted by K Jayaprakash Hegde in 2023.
How Congress government splurges on freebies
The scrapping of the Karnataka caste survey shows how the taxpayers’ money under the Congress regimes is either splurged on freebies or on government incompetence. The Congress government in Karnataka has been squandering freebies under its five guarantee schemes, viz. Griha Jyothi, Griha Lakshmi, Anna Bhagya, Shakti Yojana, and Yuva Nidhi. The freebie schemes intended to lure party’s voters, have increased the burden of the taxpayers and have exhausted the public exchequer.
The Karnataka government’s freebie schemes have pushed the state into a financial crisis. In July last year, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s financial advisor, Basavaraj Rayareddy, admitted that the state lacked funds for development projects due to guarantee schemes. The crisis arose as enormous amounts of funds had to be set aside for Congress’ freebies.
Similalry, due to freebie schemes implemented by the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh, led by Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, has left the state’s economy in shambles.
Rahul Gandhi cast aspersions on the Centre regarding a caste census
The development has come as a major embarrassment for Congress scion Rahul Gandhi, who recently cast aspersions on the BJP government at the Centre regarding the conduct of a national caste survey. Earlier this month, Rahul Gandhi claimed that the Modi government would never conduct a caste census properly in 2027 because it would destroy its politics while promising that he would get it done. “Do not be mistaken. They (the BJP) will never get the real caste census done in the country because it will destroy their politics. I feel they will not do it properly in 2027. Either the BJP should get it conducted properly or I promise to get it done,” Gandhi said.
Rahul Gandhi’s boastful claims of getting the national caste census done in a better manner compared to BJP fell flat as his own party’s government in Karnataka, which had a real chance of conducting the state caste census, messed it up badly due to infighting, incompetence and vote bank politics which possibly compelled his party’s high command to scrap the caste census.
Possible reasons for scrapping the state caste census
The most plausible reason for scrapping the caste census appears to be that its findings did not align with the Congress party’s pre-determined narrative of social justice. Perhaps, one would be inclined to believe that these assumptions were debunked by the Karnataka caste census, which is why Congress govt in the state junked an exercise that cost over ₹170 crores to the public exchequer.
When a party fails to execute a basic caste enumeration exercise in a single state where it holds full power, how can it be trusted to carry out a complex, nationwide caste census? Rahul Gandhi’s recent allegations against the central government seem, like many of his past claims, to be politically motivated jabs with little factual grounding. Before pointing fingers at others, he would do well to set his own house in order — starting by providing clarity to his party leadership on what exactly he expects from a caste census, and ensuring that state units like Karnataka don’t fumble such crucial initiatives again.
This is not the first time that Gandhi has made baseless claims, he is actually quite habital of randomly throwing around arbitrary numbers. Last year, Gandhi’s statement backfired after he said that his party would conduct a wealth redistribution claiming that around 90% of the country’s wealth was controlled by a small minority. Following the major backlash for his unfounded remarks, Gandhi later retracted from his statement.
On 10th June 2025, Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs of India, Manohar Lal Khattar, announced new guidelines that will make it mandatory for air conditioners across India to operate only within a set temperature range. The step has been taken to promote energy efficiency and reduce electricity consumption.
After imposition of new rules, users will not be able to set their air conditioners below 20°C while cooling a room, and while using the heating functions, found in inverter or ducted systems, users will be unable to exceed 28°C. The new directive from the Centre will be applicable to all air conditioners, whether in homes, offices, shops or industrial settings.
“Regarding air conditioning standards, a new provision is being implemented soon. The temperature standardisation for ACs will be set between 20°C to 28°C, meaning we won’t be able to cool below 20°C or warm above 28°C. This is a first-of-its-kind experiment, aiming to standardise temperature settings,” Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, said.
#WATCH | Delhi: Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar says, "Regarding air conditioning standards, a new provision is being implemented soon. The temperature standardization for ACs will be set between 20°C to 28°C, meaning we won't be able to cool below… pic.twitter.com/Iwnaa4ZPKN
At present, most air conditioners available in the market allow temperatures as low as 16°C and heating settings up to 30°C. The manufacturers will now need to reprogram their devices to ensure compliance with the new 20°C–28°C range.
Why is the government meddling in my choice to set my AC to 16°C? Everyone has unique cooling needs—how can they enforce a one-size-fits-all rule? Those on higher floors often need lower temperatures; are they supposed to install multiple ACs just to stay comfortable? https://t.co/uleAL2XFEW
While the Central government aims to promote energy efficiency and reduce electricity consumption, a section of social media users is outraging over the proposed new rules.
Gov to People: Let's do some innovation. Gov Themselves: Let's lock the AC Temperature. pic.twitter.com/OInYW4gLb9
Some deem it as government’s interference in their choices, some call the new rules unnecessary, while others are supporting the government’s move.
Why are people offended by this? Who are these people who need to set thermostat to below 20 degree in Indian summers? Or people don’t understand how a thermostat functions? if your outside temperature is 40 degrees it is unlikely that your AC will anyways be able to cool it down… https://t.co/7eILmPNaI6
It is, thus, pertinent to understand why the government has taken this step and how it will bring a positive impact.
Why is the government bringing new AC temperature rules
The government decision stems from a larger national policy push for sustainable energy use. India is seeing a dramatic increase in energy consumption during the hottest summer months due to the fast expansion of urban middle class in India and rising air conditioner penetration rate.
The power grid is heavily burdened by air conditioners, especially when they are used at extremely low temperatures. The majority of Indians set their air conditioners at temperatures between 20 and 21°C, which is much below what is required for thermal comfort, according to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). In addition to raising electricity costs, these activities increase pollution from coal-fired power stations, which provide the majority of India’s electricity.
Source: BEE/PIB
The Modi government intends to increase energy efficiency, ease the burden on the national power grid, lessen greenhouse gas emissions, and bring a behavioural change in how people use cooling systems by setting a default minimum cooling threshold of 20°C and a maximum heating cap of 28°C. The objective is not just technological compliance but also a shift in perspective regarding energy-efficient usage of air-conditioners.
Responsible air conditioning methods have long been promoted by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. The BEE says that people can save about 6% on power by raising the temperature of their air conditioner by just one degree.
Just increasing the temperature from 20°C to 24°C could result in savings of up to 24%. This might result in much lower household electricity bills and less strain on the national grid over the course of a summer season.
The BEE says that normal human body temperature is between 36-37 degree Celsius. It is generally observed that in large commercial establishments like hotels, airports and offices, the AC operating staff, try to set the lower temperature (around 18-21 degree Celsius), believing that it indicates a better cooling performance of AC system. However, technically this is not true and the cooling action of compressor is same at other settings also.
On the contrary, setting the temperature in the range of 18-21 degree Celsius results into a very cool internal ambient conditions leading to wastage of energy. As per the comfort chart, the temperatures up to 25 degree Celsius are quite comfortable for human body, along with desired humidity and air movement values.
It is a misconception that setting the thermostat at 18 degree Celsius cools the room faster than keeping it at 24 degree Celsius. The thermostat simply measures the room’s air temperature and turns off the compressor when it reaches the preset setting. This implies that if the temperature is set to a lower level, the compressor will operate for a longer period of time; that is, it will operate longer and consume more electricity if the temperature is set at 18 degrees Celsius as opposed to 24 degrees Celsius. Because the compressor is using the same amount of power or wattage, the air will reach 24 degrees Celsius faster than 18 degrees.
It is neither essential nor beneficial to cool a room to 16°C in a country as hot and humid as India. The ideal temperature range for indoor areas is between 24°C and 26°C. The new rules the Centre is set introduce are thus, in line with health-friendly comfort levels, cost-effective not only for users but also ease burden on power grids.
Is India the only country set to regulate AC temperature? What are global standards
India is not the first country which is moving towards regulating indoor cooling to save energy and emissions. Many countries have either implemented government rules or have issued public guidelines in this regard.
The USA’s Energy Star programme recommends households set air conditioners to 25.5°C (78°F). Meanwhile, China strictly imposes a minimum cooling temperature of 26°C in government buildings in peak summers and levies penalties for non-compliance.
In Italy, the minimum temperature cannot be set below 25° in public buildings like schools etc. The country legally enforces this to conserve energy and foster an environment of energy responsibility in public infrastructure.
In Spain, a legislation was passed in 2022, which mandated that cooling temperatures will not be lower than 27°C in public buildings, offices, and commercial establishments.
In Australia, however, the focus is more on energy efficiency of ACs than on restricting lowering of temperature. The country has Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), and only those air-conditioners meeting specific efficiency standards are allowed to be sold there. Australia does not legally enforce specific thermostat settings, however, the government authorities recommend comfort temperatures of around 22°C to 24°C.
Standardising AC temperatures can significantly help India
The Indian government mandating standardisation of AC temperatures between 20°C and 28°C is likely to significantly help the nation reduce power consumption, slashing electricity bills, and promoting energy efficiency. This becomes even more crucial in a populous country like India since cooling demand is rising due to climate change and expanding urban middle class. With ACs accounting for around 50 gigawatts of power load, which is approximately one-fifth of India’s maximum demand, just 1° Celsius increase in temperature can curb energy consumption by 6 per cent, which in turn, will potentially save up to 3 gigawatts during peak summer times.
This reduction will alleviate strain on the national power grid, curb reliance on coal-fired power plants, and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with India’s sustainability goals. In addition, the new policy is also expected to save massive infrastructure costs estimated at ₹7.5 lakh crore by 2035. Contrary to the assertion that the government is interfering in personal choices, it is actually pushing a much-needed behavioural shift towards a more responsible cooling practice across households and public buildings.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday said that it has filed a chargesheet in French Embassy Visa fraud case against 8 accused persons. This includes Local Law Officer in Visa Department of the Embassy of France, his father, brother and wife, two visa agents and two middle men. The chargesheet was filed before the CBI Court in New Delhi.
International Operations Division of CBI had registered the case on the basis of inputs of a visa fraud in the Embassy of France in New Delhi. During investigation, it was established that during the period of January, 2021 to May, 2022, while working as Local Law Officer in Visa Department of the Embassy of France, New Delhi, the accused targeted applicants from Punjab seeking Schengen visas, through a network of visa agents. The applicants were induced to give huge amount of money for obtaining Schengen visas.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a chargesheet in French Embassy Visa fraud case against 8 accused including Local Law Officer in Visa Department of the Embassy of France, his Father, Brother and Wife, Two Visa Agents and Two Middle men before the CBI Court at… pic.twitter.com/xvdvC7CKRT
As per CBI, a network of visa agents, mostly based in Punjab, received money ranging from Rs. 13 Lakh to Rs.45 Lakh from each visa applicant. In lieu of these large sums of money, visa applications were processed by the accused. Moreover, after issuing the Schengen visas, the accused destroyed the visa documents and files.
Notably, a Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows a person to travel to any of the 27 Schengen Area countries in Europe for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, for tourism, business, or transit purposes. It enables border-free travel across member states, which include most European Union nations and a few non-EU countries like Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland. Travelers only need one visa to move freely within the entire Schengen Zone, making it highly convenient for multi-country European trips.
During investigation, huge amounts of cash and multiple documents relating to properties worth crores in India and abroad were found at various locations in Punjab and Delhi. Two accused Visa agents were the key co-conspirators who funnelled the money through various bank accounts. The money ultimately reached the accused Local Law Officer and his family members, which included his brother, father and wife.
In order to trace the proceeds of crime in foreign countries, International Operations Division of CBI, in coordination with International Police Cooperation Unit of CBI, were also successful in getting India’s first Silver notice published in this case. CBI successfully coordinated with multiples agencies including international agencies to secure evidence in the case.
The Indian Army is ready to receive a significant upgrade worth Rs 30,000 crore, with the expected purchase of the indigenous Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) systems. The Defence Ministry is likely to authorize the proposal in the near future, in a major initiative aimed at bolstering the country’s air defence capabilities.
Three regiments of the highly mobile QRSAM systems are set to be considered for acceptance of need (AoN) later this month by the Rajnath Singh-led defence acquisitions council. They will be jointly produced by Bharat Electronics and Bharat Dynamics, both defense PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings).
Over the past three to four years, the Army and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have tested the QRSAM systems against fast-moving airborne targets that simulate different kinds of threats to assess their performance in a variety of daytime and nighttime tactical settings.
“The QRSAM systems can operate on the move with search and track capability and fire at short halts. They are tailor-made to move along with tanks and infantry combat vehicles to provide them air defence in the tactical battlefield,” informed an official. The system can counter threats from airplanes, hovering helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles and other airborne targets because it is constructed for multi-target engagement.
The Army Air Defence (AAD) which did a fantastic job during “Operation Sindoor” after the Pakistan-backed Pahalgam terror attack, needs 11 regiments of the QRSAM. Additionally, it also incorporates units from the native Akash system which currently has an interception range of roughly 25 kilometers.
The introduction of the QRSAM systems will supplement the Indian Air Force and Army’s current air defense network which includes the Russian shoulder-fired Igla-S missiles (6 kilometers), the upgraded L-70 anti-aircraft guns (3.5 kilometers), the indigenous integrated drone detection and interdiction systems (1-2 kilometers).
It also consists of the long-range Russian S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile systems (380 kilometers) and Barak-8 medium range surface-to-air systems (70 kilometers) which were developed in partnership with Israel. The Defense Acquisition Council meeting is scheduled for the fourth week of June.
“Operation Sindoor” brought India’s air defence into the limelight
This significant development followed “Operation Sindoor” in which Indian air defense effectively intercepted and destroyed multiple aerial threats, including drones, missiles and even aircrafts of Pakistan. Three QRSAM regiments are set to increase New Delhi’s ability to respond swiftly and precisely to short-range aerial strikes, which are becoming quite challenging along the northern and western border along Pakistan.
The Indian Army’s air defense units employed L-70 and Zu-23 air defense guns to destroy most of the drones during the four-day conflict with the Islamic Republic which was armed with Chinese weapons. The Indian Air Force’s Spydwr and Sudarshan S-400 air defense systems, as well as the Akash and MRSAM (Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile) were also instrumental.
Furthermore, the Army Air Defense is receiving several new radars, very short range air defense systems, jammers and laser-based systems to combat Chinese and Turkish drones.
The true game-changer will be an air defense system with a 350 kilometer range being developed under the ambitious Project Kusha as the DRDO continues to manufacture the very short-range air defense missile systems (VSHORADS), which have a 6 kilometer interception range. India intends to put this long-range system into service by 2028-2029. The defense minister authorized the AoN to purchase five of its squadrons for the IAF at a cost of Rs 21,700 crore in September 2023.
Interestingly, defense inventories have risen since “Operation Sindoor” which targeted Pakistani terror facilities. The stock prices of BEL (Bharat Electronics Limited), BEML (previously Bharat Earth Movers Limited), BDL (Bharat Dynamics Limited) and Paras Defence have increased by up to 43% in the past month and 81% in the last three months.
What is QRSAM
A cutting-edge, domestic air defense system called the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) was created to protect armored and motorized mechanized forces from enemy aerial threats. The short-range air defense system designed to meet the demands of the Indian Army’s frontline, has substantially improved India’s domestic defense capabilities.
Since QRSAM is a canister-based system, it is kept and used in compartments that have been expressly made for the purpose. The environment inside the canister is regulated which not only makes transportation and storage simpler but also greatly extends the weapons’ shelf life.
The complete weapon system can provide air defense while in motion as it is propped up on a platform that is both mobile and maneuverable. The command and control mechanism for the QRSAM armament ensemble is completely automated. It also has one launcher and two radars.
It has a mid-course inertial navigation system with a two-way data link and terminal active seeker that was developed by DRDO. It is small and employs a single stage solid propelled missile. It is intended for high mobility and quick deployment in dynamic battlefield settings and was created by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) in partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).
Why QRSAM is important
Indian troops can maneuver with continuous air support from the QRSAM, which is mounted on an 8×8 high-mobility Ashok Leyland Defence Systems vehicle and can fire either on-the-go or from brief stops. It includes a tracking radar that works at 80 kilometers and a phased array surveillance radar that can detect up to 120 kilometers of distance.
Its dual radar structure, the Active Array Battery Surveillance Radar and the Active Array Battery Multifunction Radar, is a major technological achievement. Both radars offer 360-degree coverage for the simultaneous engagement, tracking and identification of multiple aerial objects.
It is also connected with Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) technology. The system is capable of engaging several aerial targets, including fighter planes, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles and other airborne threats even when it is moving or making brief stops. It has the ability to engage six targets at once.
The QRSAM has been built to detect threats as far as 10 kilometers above the ground and within a 25-30 kilometer range. It uses a laser proximity fuze coupled with an in-house active radar seeker that operates in both the Ku and X frequency bands, improving strike accuracy and lowering susceptibility to electronic jamming.
Developed for both day and night operations, QRSAM is extremely effective against contemporary aerial threats since it can destroy helicopters, drones, cruise missiles and fast-moving aircraft. Its capacity to take on several targets simultaneously guarantees strong protection for troops moving through dangerous territory.
QRSAM and India’s air defence ecosystem
In India’s multi-layered air defense shield, QRSAM serves a crucial short-range function by protecting ground forces in situations where longer-range systems would not be practical or timely enough.
It is positioned between medium to long range systems like the L-70 and Igla-S cannons and very short-range systems like the indigenous medium-range Akash Missile System which has an operating distance of about 25 kilometers, MRSAM which is developed jointly with Israel and has a range of about 70 kilometers, the Russian-made S-400 Triumf which is a long-range system with a 380-kilometer capacity and the India-Israeli medium-range missile Barak-8 with capability of about 70 kilometers.
The Army uses QRSAM for frontline air defense because of its unique mobility and responsiveness, especially along India’s delicate northern and western borders. The system will be installed in several regiments as part of a Rs 30,000 crore purchase strategy that aims to modernize the Army’s air defense regiments and improve their capacity to respond in real time to changing aerial threats.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee recently made a bold claim in the state assembly, asserting that the Other Backward Classes (OBC) list in the state “is not based on religion.”
“A section is trying to campaign that our government is giving reservation based on religion. This is baseless… There is no question of making the OBC list on the basis of religion,” she stated while laying the annual report of the West Bengal Commission for Backward Classes (WBCBC) for the financial year 2024–25.
At first glance, this statement appears to uphold the constitutional principle that affirmative action must be based on social and educational backwardness — not religious identity. However, a closer scrutiny of the data provided by her own government betrays a very different story.
Not only does it exposes the hollowness of this claim, but it also raises serious concerns about misuse of the OBC category for blatant minority appeasement, in direct violation of judicial verdicts and the Constitution.
What the data actually shows
Let’s start with the numbers. Before 2010 — the year Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress rose to power — West Bengal had 66 OBC classes, of which 11 were Muslim and 55 were non-Muslim. That means Muslims accounted for only 20% of the total OBC categories at the time.
OBC = Other Backward Classes, but in West Bengal under Mamata Banerjee, it has become nothing more than a brazen attempt to appease Muslims, in gross violation of constitutional provisions.
? Mamata claimed in the Assembly: “OBC list not based on religion.” ? FACT CHECK: Her… pic.twitter.com/Y5Fun4XP4h
Fast forward to 2025, and the picture has changed dramatically. The state government recently added 76 new classes to the OBC list.
These were split into two parts:
Part 1: 51 new classes — 46 are Muslim (90%)
Part 2: 25 new classes — 21 are Muslim (84%)
West Bengal’s new OBC listWest Bengal’s new OBC list
This clearly indicates that the additions were overwhelmingly skewed toward a single religious community — Muslims. Such a pattern can hardly be defended on solely socio-economic grounds, especially when it so disproportionately benefits one religious group over others.
OBC or religious appeasement?
When over 86% of new inclusions to the OBC list in West Bengal belong to one religious group, it no longer appears like a neutral effort at benefitting the socially backward. Instead, it resembles a systematic, state-sponsored attempt to include Muslims under the ambit of reservations in the guise of caste-based social justice.
The fact that this reclassification was followed up with a June 3, 2025 decision to increase OBC reservation in State Services from 7% to 17% only deepens suspicions. This hike inordinately benefits these newly included Muslim groups — effectively turning the OBC quota into a backdoor for religion-based reservation.
This is not just unconstitutional — it’s a deliberate manipulation, and perhaps a willful undermining of India’s reservations policy, to serve a political objective even if it comes at the cost of sabotaging the interests of OBC communities.
Mamata Banerjee insisted in the Assembly that these inclusions were “scientific” and “based on field surveys” carried out by the WBCBC. She added that the recommendations were made after a Supreme Court directive in December 2024 allowed the state three months to prepare a revised list, following a Calcutta High Court order that had previously struck down several OBC categories introduced since 2010 — including many of the same Muslim groups.
The CM claimed that the WBCBC proposed 140 communities (49 under OBC-A and 91 under OBC-B) based on “scientific surveys,” and that a survey of 50 more communities is underway. She also stated that all legal procedures were followed, including public notification and SC-mandated criteria. While such procedural compliance may appear reassuring, it does not explain the disproportionately high percentage of Muslim groups in the list — a figure that cannot be coincidental or purely data-driven.
In a state where Muslims make up roughly 27% of the population, this skew cannot be justified as a statistical coincidence. Instead, it appears to be a calculated political maneuver aimed at securing the Muslim vote ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Judicial red flags ignored
The most glaring issue here is that both the Supreme Court and the Calcutta High Court have explicitly ruled against this very approach.
On December 9, 2024, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that “reservation cannot be granted on the basis of religion.”
Even before that, the Calcutta High Court struck down the previous iteration of the same OBC list, citing that it was religion-based and therefore invalid under constitutional norms.
Yet, the West Bengal government seems undeterred. By reintroducing a near-identical list of Muslim groups into the OBC category, the government has effectively shown contempt of court and undermined the very principle of secular, caste-based affirmative action. What’s unfolding is not an administrative error, but a calculated defiance of both constitutional morality and judicial authority.
An assault on social justice
OBC reservation exists to uplift those historically disadvantaged due to their caste, not to serve as a tool for political appeasement of any religious group and reinforce a loyal vote bank. By flooding the OBC list with Muslim groups under the garb of socio-economic backwardness — and then inflating the reservation ceiling — Mamata Banerjee’s government is diluting the purpose of caste-based affirmative action, sidelining genuinely backward Hindu, SC, and ST communities in the process.
If this trend continues unchecked, it sets a dangerous precedent where any political party can simply bypass constitutional checks, override court orders, and redefine social justice according to vote-bank priorities.
Mamata Banerjee’s claim that the OBC list is “not based on religion” is not only misleading — it is demonstrably false. Her own government’s data reveals a massive, deliberate skew toward including Muslim groups under the OBC umbrella, despite Supreme Court and Calcutta High Court rulings explicitly prohibiting such actions.
At its core, this episode is not about backwardness or social justice — it is about securing electoral gains at the expense of constitutional morality and judicial compliance. If this trend is allowed to continue, the very foundation of India’s reservations policy could be upended, and well, replaced — not by data or justice, but by political convenience.
