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Air India suspends flights to Jammu and Kashmir, holiday declared in educational institutions in J&K, and border areas of Punjab, international flights affected

OpIndia Staff
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Air India suspends flights to Jammu and Kashmir, holiday declared in educational institutions in J&K, and border areas of Punjab, international flights affected

Amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan following the Indian Army’s precision strikes on Pakistani terror camps, Spicejet Airlines on Wednesday issued a flight advisory for airports in the northern parts of the country.

Taking to social media X, the airlines in a post wrote that airports including Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar and Amritsar would be closed until further notice, further stating that departures, arrivals and consequential flights would also be impacted.

The airlines also requested passengers to plan their journey accordingly and check their flight status before flying.

“Due to the ongoing situation, airports in parts of northern India, including Dharamshala (DHM), Leh (IXL), Jammu (IXJ), Srinagar (SXR), and Amritsar (ATQ), are closed until further notice. Departures, arrivals, and consequential flights may be impacted. Passengers are advised to plan their journey accordingly and check flight status,” the post read.

Meanwhile, Indigo Airlines also issued a flight advisory for its commuters flying to and from selected cities in the country.

Taking to social media X, Indigo in a post on X stated that flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh and Dharamshala would be impacted. The airlines requested passengers to check flight status before reaching the airport.

“Due to changing airspace conditions in the region, our flights to and from #Srinagar, #Jammu, #Amritsar, #Leh, #Chandigarh and #Dharamshala are impacted. We request you to check your flight status before reaching the airport,” the post read.

Furthermore, flights to and from Bikaner will also be impacted by the current airspace restrictions. “Update: Flights to/from #Bikaner are also impacted by the current airspace restrictions. We request you to check your flight status before reaching the airport,” the post further reads.

Meanwhile, Air India said, “In view of the prevailing situation, Air India has cancelled all its flights to and from the following stations – Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh and Rajkot – till 12 noon on 7 May, pending further updates from authorities. Two international flights en route to Amritsar are being diverted to Delhi. We regret the inconvenience caused due to this unforeseen disruption.”

Earlier, India’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that the strikes were part of “Operation Sindoor,” targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The ministry stated, “Our actions have been focused, measured and nonescalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted.” The operation followed the “barbaric” Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen.

Srinagar Airfield closed

Amidst the deteriorating situation after the successful execution of Operation Sindoor, the Airports Authority of India has said that Srinagar’s airfield will remain officially closed on 7th May. There will be no commercial flights operating in or out of the region.

Holiday declared in Jammu and  Kashmir educational institutions

On Wednesday (7th May), the Jammu administration announced a holiday for all educational institutions in five districts across Jammu as tensions escalate with Pakistan in the border area. While Pakistani forces have continuously been violating the ceasefire after the Pahalgam attack, it violated the ceasefire on Wednesday, venting frustration over Operation Sindoor and resorted to arbitrary firing from posts across the Line of Control and the International Border opposite Jammu and Kashmir. Reports say that 10 civilians have lost their lives in the indiscriminate firing by Pakistan. Meanwhile, 38 are reported injured.

Taking to X, Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar said, “In view of the prevailing situation, all schools, colleges and educational institutions in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri and Poonch will remain closed today.”

Meanwhile, educational institutions, schools, and colleges in Baramulla, Kupwara and Gurez will also remain closed for today.

In a statement, Kashmir University said that all examinations scheduled for May 7th 2025, stand postponed and that fresh dates for the exams will be announced later.

Similarly, the Ferozepur Deputy Commissioner announced that all schools in Punjab’s border districts, including Ferozepur and Pathankot, will remain closed for the next 72 hours.

Operation Sindoor

On the intervening night of 6th and 7th May, India launched precision missile strikes on terror infrastructure deep inside Pakistan as part of Operation Sindoor, avenging the recent Pahalgam attack on Hindu pilgrims. Nine targets were hit in the coordinated offensive, all of which were successfully neutralised. One of the most significant targets was Markaz Subhan Allah, which is the operational headquarters of the banned terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) in Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan.

10 civilians killed, 38 injured in indiscriminate firing by Pakistan army across LoC and International Border following Operation Sindoor

OpIndia Staff
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10 civilians killed, 38 injured in indiscriminate firing by Pakistan army across LoC and International Border following Operation Sindoor

On 7th May, officials reported that at least ten civilians, including a woman and two children, have been killed and 38 injured in Jammu and Kashmir due to indiscriminate cross-border firing by Pakistani forces. This reckless firing from Pakistan came after India launched missile strikes on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. With the artillery pressed into action, a significant firefight broke out along the Line of Control and the international borders across Jammu and Kashmir. Officials informed that the civilians have died in Poonch and Mendhar.

Lt Colonel Suneel Baratwal, PRO (Defence), Northern Command informed, “During the night of 6-7 May, Pakistan Army resorted to arbitrary firing including Artillery shelling from posts across the Line of Control and IB opposite J&K.” Several sectors along the border experienced heavy bombardment. During the shelling, two members of the CRPF also sustained injuries but both are in stable condition now. Officials stated, “A shell landed at a bus stand, damaging a bus completely.”

According to local accounts, there was cross-border fire in Rajouri’s Laam, Manjakote and Gambeer Brahmana, as well as in Krishna Ghati, Shahpur and Mankote in the Poonch district. The Kashmir valley’s Uri and Tangdhar areas also reported heavy artillery bombardment. The Indian Army is retaliating proportionately to the shelling.

The indiscriminate firing started soon after India launched Operation Sindoor early on 7th May, targeting nine terrorist locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. These “precision strikes” on terror infrastructure were carried out using missiles. The Pakistan Army also verified that six targets had been hit. These include the Lashkar-e-Taiba headquarters in Muridke and the Jaish-e-Muhammad terror base in Bahawalpur in Pakistan’s Punjab province.

“Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution,” the Indian Defence Ministry statement stated. The Border Security Force was placed on heightened alert, particularly along the western borders of India with Pakistan.

The escalation also impacted civilian life across the area. Citing security concerns, authorities have ordered the closure of schools and institutions in five border districts: Rajouri, Poonch, Kathua, Samba, and Jammu. Airport operations were halted in cities near the Indo-Pak border, including Jammu, Srinagar and Leh. Other airlines reported flight diversions and issued travel advisories, while Air India canceled flights to and from a number of northern places until at least mid-day on 7th May.

The recent hostilities are a result of the terror attack in Pahalgam where Pakistan backed terrorists killed 26 Hindu tourists in Baisaran Valley on 22nd April after confirming their religious identity.

Operation Sindoor: Headquarters of terror training in Pakistan, Jaish-e-Muhammad’s Markaz Subhan Allah destroyed by India

OpIndia Staff
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Operation Sindoor: Headquarters of terror training in Pakistan, Jaish-e-Muhammad’s Markaz Subhan Allah destroyed by India

On the intervening night of 6th and 7th May, India launched precision missile strikes on terror infrastructure deep inside Pakistan as part of Operation Sindoor, avenging the recent Pahalgam attack on Hindu pilgrims. Nine targets were hit in the coordinated offensive, all of which were successfully neutralised. One of the most significant targets was Markaz Subhan Allah, which is the operational headquarters of the banned terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) in Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan.

Headquarters of indoctrination and terror training

Markaz Subhan Allah is located near Karachi Mor on NH-5 and spread over 15 acres. It functioned as JeM’s central hub for training and radicalisation. It has been directly linked to the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing. The terrorists involved in the attack received ideological and combat training within the compound.

The facility hosted around 600 terrorists affiliated with the outfit. It included residences of JeM’s key figures, including its founder Maulana Masood Azhar and his de facto successor Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar. In the past few years, the complex expanded under the watch of the Pakistani government and added facilities for the terrorists living in the compound, including a gym, swimming pool, horse stables, and even an “Al Hijama” centre used for cadre conditioning.

Weapons, rhetoric and international links

It is believed that JeM-affiliated terrorists at this Markaz received weapons smuggled from Afghanistan, including leftover NATO M4 rifles. The site also served as a meeting point for JeM’s Afghan commanders and a launch pad for jihadi attacks, including those carried out by the close relatives of Masood Azhar.

The Markaz was partially funded by Pakistan’s provincial and federal governments and partially by donors from Gulf, African nations, and even from UK. As recently as November 2024, Masood Azhar publicly called for “revenge for Babri Masjid” from within the compound.

By striking such an important location for the terror outfit operating from Pakistan, India has sent a clear message that any attack on India’s sovereignty, its people, and national security will not go unanswered.

Operation Sindoor: The what, where and how of India’s precision missile strikes on Pakistan’s terrorist infrastructure to avenge Pahalgam

OpIndia Staff
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Operation Sindoor: The what, where and how of India’s precision missile strikes on Pakistan’s terrorist infrastructure to avenge Pahalgam

India on Wednesday carried out precision strikes aimed at the terror infrastructure in Pakistan. Nine sites were selected for Operation Sindoor, and all nine were reported to be successful. The operation was named Operation Sindoor to mark the barbarity of the Pahalgam attack by Pakistani terrorists on April 22, where Hindu male tourists were asked their religion and shot down while their wives and children watched.

The Pakistan Army, backed by its Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has been supporting, financing and sheltering the activities of anti-India terrorist outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizbul Mujahideen, among others and has systematically coordinated financial, logistics, doctrinal and military support to these outfits including providing direct combat trainings.

These terrorist groups have been provided with infrastructure concealed in government facilities to carry out their operations in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK). Several training camps (Markaz), and Launch Pads of these terror outfits are currently being run near army facilities.

While Launch pads are extensively used for staging / arms training activities, religious indoctrination and other support activities such as funding, propaganda, expansion etc. are being carried out with backing of Pak Establishment in larger facilities that are located well-inside Pakistan.

The Pakistani Army acknowledged the attacks, declaring that Pakistan will retaliate.

Pakistani Army’s alert notice

On target for the precision strike were both the Markaz Taiba (a Lashkar stronghold) in Muridke and the Markaz Subhan Allah (the headquarters of the Jaish) in Bahawalpur. These Markaz not only serve as residences to major commanders of the outfits but also serve as epi-centre for radicalization and various training courses on intelligence, arms handling etc.

Pakistani news channels have reported that the Jaish-e-Muhammad headquarters in Bahawalpur, run from a madarsa, has been completely destroyed, and the sky looks red due to flames.

Additionally, the commanders of terrorist groups have used these facilities (Markaz) to deliver anti-India rhetoric to masses in order to motivate the recruits for Jihad against India such as in Dec, 2024.

Sources have also confirmed the 9 locations were selectively targeted with the aim of destroying this anti-India Terror network. Among the targets for Wednesday’s precision strike were:

1.Markaz Subhan Allah, Bahawalpur, operational since 2015, is main centre of JeM for training and indoctrination and serves as operational headquarter of JeM. It is associated with terrorist plannings by JeM including Pulwama attack on Feb 14, 2019. The Markaz consists of residences of JeM Chief Maulana Masood Azhar, de-facto Chief of JeM Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar, Maulana Ammar and other family members of Masood Azhar. Masood Azhar has made several addresses from this facility extolling anti – India rhetoric and appealing to youth to join Islamic Jihad. JeM conducts regular arms, physical and religious training for its cadres at Markaz Subhan Allah.

2. Markaz Taiba, Muridke, established in the year 2000, Markaz Taiba is the ‘alma mater’ and the most important training centre of LeT located in Nangal Sahdan, Muridke, Sheikhupura, Punjab, Pakistan. The complex holds arms and physical trainings facility, as well as dawa’h and radicalisation for terror entities both from within Pakistan and abroad.

This Markaz enrols around 1000 students in different courses annually thereby highlighting the role of this Markaz in churning out terror entities for LeT annually. Osama Bin Laden had financed Rs 10 million for construction of Mosque & Guest House within the Markaz Taiba complex. At the behest of Pakistan’s ISI, all the perpetrators of 26/11 Mumbai attack including Ajmal Kasab were imparted ‘Daura-e-Ribbat’ (intelligence training) at this facility. David Coleman Headley & Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the prime conspirators of 26/11 Mumbai attacks, had visited Muridke along with Abdul Rehman Sayed @ Pasha, Haroon and Khurram (coconspirators) on instructions of Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi.

3.Sarjal / Tehra Kalan, located in the Shakargarh Tehsil of Narowal District in Punjab, Pakistan, is main launching facility of Jaishe-Mohammad (JeM) for infiltration of terrorists into JK. As part of concerted strategy of Pak- ISI to conceal terror infrastructure in government buildings, Sarjal facility is being operated from the premises of a Primary Health Center (PHC) in Tehra Kalan Village of Sarjal area. This JeM facility holds special prominence due to its close proximity of around 06 km from IB in Samba Sector of Jammu, J&K.

This facility serves as the base for the digging of cross-border tunnels for infiltration of terrorists. It also serves as the launching base for drones by which arms/ammunition/narcotics and warlike stores are dropped into Indian territory. JeM terrorists Mohammad Adnan Ali @ Doctor and Kashif Jan regularly visit this facility and JeM de-facto chief Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar supervises overall operations of this facility. This facility is actively being used by JeM to infiltrate terrorists and for smuggling arms & ammunition into India.

4. Mehmoona Joya Facility, Sialkot: As another example of Pak-ISI establishing terror facilities in government buildings, Mehmoona Joya facility of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) is located in premises of Bhutta Kotli Govt. This facility is used for infiltration of HM cadres into Jammu region of JK. HM cadres are also given training for terrorist operations and handling of weapons by the senior commanders at this facility. Mohd. Irfan Khan also known as Irfan Tanda is commander of this HM facility. Around 20 – 25 terrorists are usually present at this facility at any point of time overseeing infiltration bids and terrorist operations in India.

5. Markaz Ahle Hadith Barnala, Bhimber, located at outskirts of Barnala town on Kote Jamel road, is prominent Marjaz of LeT in PoJK and is used for infiltration of LeT terrorists and arms/ammunition into Poonch – RajauriReasi sector. This Markaz is also utilized as staging centre for LeT terrorists before infiltrating into Indian territory. It can accommodate 100 -150 cadres. LeT terror operatives Qasim Gujjar @ Mahrore, Qasim Khanda and Anas Jarar operate from this Markaz and reside in its vicinity. Operational commanders of LeT visit this Markaz for organizing and supervising terrorist activities of LeT / Jamaat-ud-Dawa /Jammu & Kashmir United Movement.

6. Markaz Abbas, Kotli, is an important terror facility of JeM located in Kotli. Hafiz Abdul Shakoor @ Qari Zarrar, ‘shura member’ of JeM Council and close associate of JeM top commander Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar, is head of this Markaz. Qari Zarrar is directly involved in planning and execution of terrorist attacks in J&K and is wanted by National Investigation Agency (NIA) of India. Markaz Abbas can accommodate around 100 – 125 JeM cadres. JeM’s terror activities including infiltration of cadres from the Poonch – Rajouri sectors are planned and executed from this facility.

7. . Maskar Raheel Shahid, Kotli, PoJK, is one of the oldest facilities of HM. It can accommodate around 150 – 200 HM terrorists. HM terrorists visit this facility particularly for taking arms firing training and specialized physical training. In addition to providing conventional arms / physical training, this Camp specializes in training cadres for BAT/ sniping actions and fighting in hilly area & survival training.

8. Shawai Nallah Camp, Muzaffarabad Shawai Nallah Camp, also known as Bait-ul-Mujahideen, is located near Chelabandi bridge on Muzaffarabad-Neelum Road, Muzaffarabad, PoJK. It is one of the most important camps of LeT. Attackers of 26/11 Mumbai Attack including Ajmal Kasab had received terrorist training in this Camp. This camp is used for recruitment, registration and training of LeT cadres and has been functional since early 2000. It is used as base camp for imparting Daura-e-Aam training, which includes religious indoctrination, physical training, tactical training regarding use of GPS, map reading and arms training for rifles and grenades. Pak-ISI also facilitates by providing trainers of Pak Army to provide weapons training to LeT terrorists. It is a large training camp which can accommodate 200-250 LeT cadres at a time. This camp is also utilized as staging camp for LeT terrorists before infiltrating into Indian territory. LeT terrorists camping here are sent to launching facilities located opposite North Kashmir.

9. Markaz Syedna Bilal, located opposite Red Fort, Muzaffarabad. This facility is used as transit camp for JeM terrorists prior to their launching into JK. At any point of time 50-100 cadres resides in this facility. JeM operational commander and JeM head of PoJK, Mufti Asghar Khan Kashmiri is in-charge of the facility. Abdullah Jehadi@ Abdullah Kashmiri and Aashiq Nengroo (Indian Fugitive) also operate from this centre. Commandos of Special Service Group (SSG) of Pak Army also impart training to JeM cadres at this facility.

Indian Armed Forces successfully struck these nine terror targets, four in Pakistan, including Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Sialkot, and five in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), using special precision munitions in a coordinated operation, sources told ANI.

The operation was jointly carried out by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, with the mobilisation of assets and troops. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was constantly monitoring Operation Sindoor throughout the night, sources confirmed to ANI.

Reports say that all the Indian aircraft and the pilots who participated in the precision strike are accounted for, and are safe. Though details of the strike are yet to become fully clear, it is reported that it was a tri-service coordination. Assets of Indian Navy, Indian Army and Indian Air Force were used in coordination to launch and carry out the attacks. Loitering munitions and drones have also been used.

The Indian Ministry of Defence has made it clear that the targets were terrorist camps and no Pakistani military establishments have been hit. A detailed press briefing will be carried out in Delhi later today.

(With inputs from ANI)

‘6 aircrafts downed’, ‘Srinagar airport attacked’, ‘Indian Prisoners of War taken’: Rattled Pakistanis cook up multiple fake news after ‘Operation Sindoor’ destroyed terror camps in the country

OpIndia Staff
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‘6 aircrafts downed’, ‘Srinagar airport attacked’, ‘Indian Prisoners of War taken’: Rattled Pakistanis cook up multiple fake news after ‘Operation Sindoor’ destroyed terror camps in the country

On early morning of May 7, India launched a devastating strike on terror targets inside Pakistan controlled territory. Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizbul Mujhaideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba terror camps located in Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Muzaffarabad were hit by missiles from Indian forces. Following the attacks, a rattled Pakistani establishment and Pakistani media floated all sorts of fake news to try and save their face.

Embarrassed at being surprised by Indian forces, Pakistani government-linked media channels and social media accounts began circulating one fake news after another to try and show their domestic audience that Pakistan retaliated against the strikes.

Several Pakistani handles claimed that Pakistani forces have hit Srinagar Airport in response. While claiming so, they shared a video from sectarian clashes that took place in the year 2024, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Pakistan Defence Minister was at the forefront of spreading misinformation as he claimed that Pakistan has taken 3 Indians prisoners during the night. However, he later fact-checked himself and retracted his own claim.

He later claimed that Indian soldiers are abandoning their posts. However, he did not offer any proof to back that claim either.

Leading Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir made perhaps the most hilarious claims as he kept increasing the number of Indian Air Force Jets downed by Pakistan every few minutes, eventually settling for 6.

Several posts also claimed that Pakistan had retaliated by launching missile strikes at 15 locations inside India. Some even posted that an Indian Army Brigade Headquarters had been destroyed.

While in the fog of war, it is not always easy to discern the truth, but if it is coming from a Pakistani mouth, one can be certain it is a lie.

Meanwhile, Indian authorities confirmed that everyone involved in the Operation Sindoor is safe and sound.

Ailing children converted to Christianity with false promise of healing: 10 families in Chhattisgarh expose missionary deception, revert to Sanatan Dharma

OpIndia Staff
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Ailing children converted to Christianity with false promise of healing: 10 families in Chhattisgarh expose missionary deception, revert to Sanatan Dharma

In a significant development from Kondagaon district in Chhattisgarh, several tribal families who had earlier converted to Christianity under the influence of missionaries are now returning to their ancestral Sanatan Dharma. On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, ten families from Pitichua village in Baderajpur block, Keshkal Assembly constituency, renounced Christianity and embraced their native faith in a “Ghar Wapsi” ceremony. Among them were three children.

These families revealed that they were lured into conversion with false promises of healing. The missionaries claimed that “holy water” and prayer could cure diseases. One of the returning members, Gaindlal Markam, shared his experience: his young son was suffering from a respiratory illness, and after several failed visits to doctors, someone directed them to Christian missionaries.

“They prayed over us, gave us water to drink, and for a while, my son seemed better,” Gaindlal recounted. “But the illness soon returned. That’s when we realized we had been misled.”

The missionaries handed them Bibles and instructed them to follow Christian practices, but Gaindlal says these changes brought no lasting improvement in their lives.

Shankar Markam, block president of the tribal society, strongly criticized the missionaries, stating, “They exploit the innocence of tribal people, offering false hope of healing, financial aid, and problem-solving—all as a pretext to convert. It’s a well-planned trap.”

He welcomed both the caste census by the central government and the Chhattisgarh government’s proposed anti-conversion law, saying such measures will curb the unchecked activities of missionaries and help preserve tribal roots and identity.

Another returning individual shared how converting to Christianity led to social isolation. “We faced exclusion from community events and traditional rituals like weddings. It caused us immense stress,” he said. After nearly 18 months, his family chose to return to Sanatan Dharma, a decision that brought them peace and was warmly welcomed by their community.

Senior tribal leader Rangeelal Markam leveled serious allegations against the missionaries, saying, “They prey on the uneducated and poor. They fool people in the name of holy water and prayer. But the truth is, neither their prayers heal nor do they change lives.” He emphasized that the tribal community is now waking up and actively working to bring their people back to their original faith.

It is worth noting that the Chhattisgarh government, under CM Vishnu Deo Sai, is taking a tough stance against forced religious conversions and is preparing to introduce a strict new law to curb illegal conversions. Tribal leaders believe this step will play a key role in protecting their culture and identity.

IWT, Triple Talaq, Congress’ vote bank politics, and more: 5 takeaways from PM Modi’s speech at ABP India at 2047 Summit

OpIndia Staff
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IWT, Triple Talaq, Congress’ vote bank politics, and more: 5 takeaways from PM Modi’s speech at ABP India at 2047 Summit

On Tuesday, May 6, Prime Minister Modi took a pointed dig at the Congress-led governments of the past, accusing them of prioritizing political convenience over national interest. He stated that decisions during their tenure were often driven by concerns about how the world would react or how vote banks would respond, rather than what was best for the country.

In his speech at the ABP India At 2047 Summit, PM Modi stressed the importance of prioritizing national interest and having unwavering confidence in the nation’s potential to achieve great goals. He contrasted his government’s approach with that of the Congress, which he claimed was overly focused on maintaining power and appeasing vote banks, often at the expense of necessary reforms.

Here are five key points PM Modi touched upon:

Congress governments’ policies driven by fear of public reaction and vote bank politics:

PM Modi criticized the Congress for a decades-long policy approach that he said often ran counter to the spirit of true national development. He argued that key decisions were often made based on political expediency—concerns like, “Can we retain power?” or “Will this upset our electoral base?” These fears, he claimed, hindered progress, with critical reforms often being stalled for political reasons. True development, he said, can only be achieved when the guiding principle is ‘Nation First.’

Regressive practices like Triple Talaq avoided for vote bank reasons:

PM Modi pointed out how issues like Triple Talaq and Waqf Law reforms were deliberately avoided due to concerns over upsetting vote banks. He emphasized that under his leadership, these long-overdue changes were finally implemented, benefiting women, the poor, and Pasmanda Muslims. He cited the example of Triple Talaq, which he said had ruined countless lives, especially those of women. His government, he noted, passed laws to protect these women’s rights, despite political opposition.

India’s water resources will now serve the nation’s interests:

PM Modi addressed the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty following the Pahalgam massacre, highlighting India’s changing approach to its rivers. He explained that for decades, India’s water resources were used to fuel conflicts, with water flowing aimlessly beyond its borders. However, under his leadership, India has begun redirecting its water resources to serve the nation’s benefit, ensuring preservation and productive use for the welfare of the people.

Self-reliance in defence:

Emphasizing India’s strides towards self-reliance, particularly in the defence sector, PM Modi declared that India, once seen as merely a market for foreign weapons, is now a rising global leader in defence manufacturing. He proudly pointed to India’s growing defence exports, which now reach over 100 countries. He also highlighted the significance of homegrown assets such as INS Vikrant, INS Surat, and INS Nilgiri, showcasing India’s growing prowess in defence technology.

Digital revolution in India:

PM Modi underscored that every step towards a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047 is vital, and he reflected on the remarkable progress of Digital India. Despite initial skepticism, India’s digital revolution is now an integral part of daily life. The availability of affordable data and Made-in-India smartphones has made technology accessible to millions, even in rural areas. He shared the example of YouTube, which has paid Indian content creators over Rs 21,000 crore, highlighting how digital platforms have become a vital source of creativity and income for millions of Indians.

Union Bank under scrutiny for Rs 7.25 crore book order linked to sacked ex-IMF official

OpIndia Staff
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Union Bank under scrutiny for Rs 7.25 crore book order linked to sacked ex-IMF official

Union Bank of India has found itself embroiled in controversy over its ₹7.25 crore purchase of nearly two lakh copies of India@100: Envisioning Tomorrow’s Economic Powerhouse, written by former Chief Economic Adviser Krishnamurthy V Subramanian. Notably, Subramanian was recently sacked by the Government of India from his post at the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The move to purchase such a large number of copies is claimed to be aimed at promoting economic awareness as part of the bank’s centenary-linked initiatives. However, it has triggered calls for a probe by employee unions, and even the bank’s board has raised eyebrows over the decision.

The book deal involved the purchase of 1,89,450 paperback copies priced at ₹100 and 10,422 hardcovers at ₹597. Distribution of the book was intended through the 10 zonal offices to customers, schools, libraries and corporates. However, the scale and cost of the order raised concerns, especially after Subramanian was sacked from the IMF. By the time concerns were raised, half of the payment had already been made.

‘Wasteful expenditure must be probed’

The All India Union Bank Employees’ Association (AIUBEA) has called for an internal investigation into the deal. N Shankar, general secretary of the association, said in a statement, “With the news item of alleged impropriety over promotion of the book purchased by the bank… it has become the responsibility of the bank to ascertain how far the authority who has approved the expenditure has colluded in promoting the alleged impropriety.”

He added, “The bank has also to disclose whether proper procedure was followed in this high-value purchase, and what benefits, if any, were achieved through this mass distribution.”

Suspension, audit, and silence

The general manager of the bank, Giriraj Mishra, who was overseeing the deal, was suspended in December 2024 following internal objections and the refusal of Executive Director Nitesh Ranjan to ratify the expenditure.

However, bank chairperson A Manimekhalai later said in a statement that she had authorised the purchase, suggesting it was done without directing any rule-breaking. A KPMG audit was commissioned in January, but its findings remain undisclosed.

The union believes that Mishra is being made a scapegoat in the matter and has insisted on accountability from higher authorities within the bank. Union Bank is yet to publicly respond to the matter.

Former IAS officer who exposed Rs 1 lakh crore granite scam seeks protection from Madras HC after DMK govt withdraws security

OpIndia Staff
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Former IAS officer who exposed Rs 1 lakh crore granite scam seeks protection from Madras HC after DMK govt withdraws security

U Sagayam, a retired IAS officer, has written to the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, seeking protection after the DMK government in Tamil Nadu withdrew his security. The retired IAS officer who investigated the large-scale illegal granite mining said that there is a serious threat to his life post-withdrawal of his security in May 2023.

Back in 2014, the High Court appointed U Sagayam as Special Officer to investigate illegal granite mining. In his investigation, Sagayam uncovered a powerful mining mafia operating in and around Melur in the Madurai district since 1990. The illegal activities had inflicted a loss of over Rs 1 lakh crore to the state’s exchequer.  In November 2014, U Sagayam submitted his 600-page report before the court.

“No action was taken on this report for two months until social activists exposed it, shocking the state, leading to the government taking action and cases were filed. I have received a second summons on one case, which was registered in the Vikramangalam Police Station. I was provided with an armed guard as escort from 2016 to May 202,3 which has been removed lately by the Tamil Nadu government, due to which I fear threat,” Sagayam said in his letter to Madras HC CJI and other authorities.

Explaining the rationale behind seeking protection two after security withdrawal, Sagayam cited the murders of social activist Jagabar Ali from Pudukottai district and whistleblower Zakir Hussain in Tirunelveli. He also mentioned receiving two death threats.

“I received two death threats in the form of a letter during my tenure, stating that I will be chopped and thrown into the mines and that my wife and children will be chopped into pieces and thrown into the mines. I filed a complaint with the Tallakulam Police, but till now I don’t know what action has been taken,” the former IAS officer said.

Sagayam penned a separate letter to the Special Public Prosecutor of the Special Court dealing with offences related to Mines and Minerals.

“I am of the considered opinion that the decision taken by some police officers under the pretext of a committee to withdraw the security provided to me was clearly biased, flawed and unfair as they did not take into consideration the nexus and track record of the stakeholders in the granite mining arena, the nature of the crimes committed, the scale and magnitude of the irregularities resorted to and resultant pecuniary loss to Government Exchequer, which I brought to fore and the impact caused by my action in this regard. I have initially taken up this issue with the Chief Secretary andthe Director General of Police for restoring the security withdrawn. They have not realistically understood the gravity of the issue as the threat perception is clearly subjective. And as a result, they did not respond positively in this regard,” Sagayam wrote.

“We as representatives of Civil Society should bow our heads in utter shame that we could not prevent such murder and loss of precious lives of the noble and selfless crusaders for common cause who are otherwise the sole breadwinner of their family. It is bitter but true that we all should admit beyond the meaningless and petty party politics that the law-abiding citizens, social activists and whistle blowers are living under constant threat and fear,” he continued.

Meanwhile, Melur villagers and several activists have also demanded protection for U Sagayam. On Monday (5th May), a letter was submitted to Madurai collection M.S. Sangeetha demanding restoration of security for the retired IAS.

Adani Foundation chairperson Dr Priti Adani conferred second honorary doctorate for pioneering social impact

OpIndia Staff
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Adani Foundation chairperson Dr Priti Adani conferred second honorary doctorate for pioneering social impact

In a resounding recognition of her lifelong dedication to public service and nation-building, Dr. Priti Adani, Chairperson of the Adani Foundation, has been awarded a Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) Honoris Causa by the Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research (DMIHER), Wardha. The conferment, presented during the university’s 16th convocation ceremony, marks her second honorary doctorate, reaffirming her stature as one of India’s foremost champions of social change.

Dr. Adani received the honor from the Honourable Chancellor of DMIHER, Mr. Datta Meghe, where she also graced the ceremony as Guest of Honour. Expressing her gratitude, Dr. Adani stated, “I am honored to accept this doctorate. It firmly reaffirms my core belief that ‘सेवा साधना है, सेवा प्रार्थना है और सेवा ही परमात्मा है.’” Her words reflect the spiritual commitment she brings to her mission of empowering communities through sustainable development.

A qualified dental surgeon who chose a path less trodden, Dr. Adani transitioned from clinical practice to public service in the mid-1990s. She has since redefined the landscape of corporate social responsibility in India. As the visionary leader of the Adani Foundation since its inception in 1996, she has overseen the organization’s expansion across 21 states and 6,769 villages, touching the lives of more than 9.1 million people.

The Foundation’s initiatives span five critical domains: education, health and nutrition, sustainable livelihoods, climate action, and community development. Under Dr. Adani’s stewardship, these efforts have not only improved quality of life for India’s most marginalized citizens but have also aligned closely with both national development priorities and global Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr. Adani’s contributions have earned her widespread recognition over the years. In addition to this latest honor from DMIHER, she was previously awarded an honorary doctorate by Gujarat Law Society University in 2020. Her accolades include the Banas Ratna Award by the Rotary Club of Palanpur (2019) and the FICCI FLO Award of Excellence for Social Impact (2022).

As India continues to grapple with vast social and developmental challenges, leaders like Dr. Priti Adani exemplify the power of compassion paired with vision. Her second honorary doctorate is not merely a personal milestone—it is a testament to the transformative role that dedicated individuals can play in nation-building.

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