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After supporting Khalistanis who want to break India, Canadian govt objects to Trump officials secretly meeting Alberta separatists

Raju Das
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After supporting Khalistanis who want to break India, Canadian govt objects to Trump officials secretly meeting Alberta separatists

As U.S. President Donald Trump continues to express his willingness to make Canada the 51st state of the United States, his government has now started to talk to separatist groups in Canada. As per reports, leaders of the Alberta Prosperity Project (APP), who want to make Alberta province an independent nation, had multiple meetings with Trump officials in Washington, DC. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and other leaders of the country have objected to these meetings.

PM Carney has urged the United States to respect Canada’s sovereignty following reports of the secret meetings. Speaking at a press conference after a gathering of provincial premiers, Carney stated, “I expect the US administration to respect Canadian sovereignty. I’m always clear in my conversations with President Trump to that effect.”

He said that discussions about separatist movements in Alberta or Quebec did not arise in his direct talks with President Donald Trump, but he echoed sentiments from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, supporting her call for non-interference. British Columbia Premier David Eby condemned the American action, labelling the separatists’ outreach to US officials as “treason”. Ahead of the premiers’ meeting in Ottawa, Eby remarked, “To go to a foreign country and to ask for assistance in breaking up Canada, there’s an old-fashioned word for that – and that word is treason.”

He argued that while Canadians have the right to express views through referendums, seeking foreign aid to fragment the nation crosses a line, particularly from a US president who has shown little regard for Canadian independence. Eby described the actions as “completely inappropriate” and urged unity against external meddling.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, whose province is at the centre of the controversy, distanced herself from the separatist efforts. She affirmed her support for “a strong and sovereign Alberta within a united Canada” and stated, “I would expect that the US administration would respect Canadian sovereignty and that they would confine their discussion about Alberta’s democratic process to Albertans and to Canadians.”

However, Smith noted that polls suggest up to 30% of Albertans feel disillusioned, attributing this to years of federal policies under previous governments. She declined to “demonise” those supporting a referendum, acknowledging their “legitimate grievances” without endorsing separation.

These comments came after a report by the Financial Times said that Trump administration has held three covert meetings with the separatists from Canada’s oil-rich province of Alberta. The Alberta Prosperity Project is planning for another meeting next month to seek a $500 billion credit facility to fund the independent province, if a referendum yet to be announced is passed.

AAP legal counsel Jeff Rath said, “The US is extremely enthusiastic about a free and independent Alberta,” and added that his relationship with Trump admin is much stronger than Carney govt. While White House has confirmed the meetings saying they regularly meet civil society groups, an official denied offering any support for the separatists.

The Alberta separatist movement, sometimes dubbed “Wexit” or Alberta sovereignty, was formed after longstanding grievances over federal resource policies, equalisation payments, and perceived eastern dominance.  

The APP promotes “faith, family, and freedom” as core values, and aims for a prosperous Alberta free from Ottawa’s “overreach”. Their key demands include low taxes, robust property rights, full resource ownership, and independence to negotiate trade deals directly. The movement gained momentum after Smith lowered the referendum threshold in 2025, allowing citizen-initiated petitions.

A current petition, led by Mitch Sylvestre and endorsed by the APP, is seeking 177,000 signatures by early May 2026 to trigger a vote on the question: “Do you agree that the province of Alberta shall become a sovereign country and cease to be a province in Canada?”

Organisers are aiming for over one million signatures to demonstrate widespread support, and meetings and rallies are planned at various places. This is unfolding against a backdrop of strained US-Canada relations, with Trump imposing 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and repeatedly talking about annexing Canada as the 51st state. Alberta’s oil wealth makes it a strategic target. While the separatists are aiming for an independent nation, a faction among them favours joining the USA as the 51st state.

Notably, while the Canadian government is now objecting to the Trump administration talking to Alberta separatists, the Canadian government for decades has been supporting Khalistanis who want to break India and form an independent Khalistan state. Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau even destroyed his country’s diplomatic relationship with India by accusing the Modi government of killing Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed by gunmen in June 2023 in Surrey, British Columbia.

While Trump officials held talks with Albertian separatists in secret meetings, Canadian officials and ministers openly attend Khalistani events in Canada, which are regularly held. The Canadian government continues to support the Khalistanis who openly issue death threats to PM Narendra Modi, other Indian ministers and diplomats, and celebrate the assassination of former PM Indira Gandhi.

After the tariff assaults of Trump, Canadia government has realised the mistake of distancing itself from India, and has started efforts to improve trade relations. And now it is seeing the danger of foreign interference in separatist movements, as it is the target now.

Fastest growing economy, robust exports, expanding service sector and more: Economic Survey 26 highlights India’s impressive growth story amid global challenges and US tariffs

Rukma Rathore
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Fastest growing economy, robust exports, expanding service sector and more: Economic Survey 26 highlights India’s impressive growth story amid global challenges and US tariffs

On 29th January (Thursday), Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey 2025-26 to Parliament. For the fourth year in a row, it confirmed the country’s status as the fastest-growing major economy. According to the report, India’s economy is set to grow between 6.8% and 7.2% in the fiscal year 2026-27.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reacted to the key findings and remarked, “The Economic Survey tabled today presents a comprehensive picture of India’s Reform Express, reflecting steady progress in a challenging global environment. It highlights strong macroeconomic fundamentals, sustained growth momentum and the expanding role of innovation, entrepreneurship and infrastructure in nation-building.”

He mentioned that the survey emphasises the significance of inclusive development, devoting particular attention to MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), farmers, youth employment and social welfare. “It also outlines the roadmap for strengthening manufacturing, enhancing productivity and accelerating our march towards becoming a Viksit Bharat. The insights offered will guide informed policymaking and reinforce confidence in India’s economic future,” PM Modi shared.

This is in line with the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) outlook which recently increased the country’s growth estimate for 2025-26 to 7.3% up 0.7 percentage points from its October projection of 6.2%. Additionally, the IMF raised its 2026–2027 assessment from 6.2% to 6.4%.

The survey observed that India’s economy has remained stable amidst global unpredictability. It pointed out that trade interruptions, especially those brought on by tariffs and slower development in important international markets might have an impact on exports and investor confidence. India has consistently registered incredible GDP numbers overtaking forecasts.

India’s continuous growth despite US tariffs

India’s overall exports (merchandise and services) hit a record $825.3 billion in FY25 and continued to grow in FY (Fiscal Year) 26 amid the uncertainty surrounding global trade. According to the survey, merchandise exports rose by 2.4% (April–December 2025) while services exports surged by 6.5% despite the hiked tariffs.

The government has set growth for the current fiscal year at 7.4% which is higher than the 6.3-6.8% range predicted in the analysis from the previous year. The survey outlined that the development accelerated despite the significant tariff hikes. It read, “Although growth estimates were reduced after the US imposed a combined 50 per cent tariff on several Indian exports in 2025, actual performance exceeded expectations.”

Trump’s decision to penalise the Modi government for refusing to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize and countering his claims of mediation between New Delhi and Islamabad seems to have failed to halt India’s growth trajectory.

The provisional accounts informed that India’s budget deficit decreased from 9.2% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) in FY21 to 4.8% in FY25 and will likely reach 4.4% in FY26. The revenue shortfall as a share of GDP has continuously reduced, reaching its lowest level since FY09. The quality of government spending has improved as a result of higher funds available for capital expenditures.

According to the First Advance Estimates, real GDP growth in India is believed to be 7.4% in FY26, demonstrating the country’s sustained strong development pace. The survey conveyed, “Private consumption and capital formation continue to support expansion, while services remain the key contributor on the supply side. Manufacturing activity has strengthened, and agriculture has provided stability, notwithstanding structural constraints.”

Fiscal indicators have also improved with the centre’s income receipts jumping to 9.2% of GDP in FY25. Three international organisations upgraded India’s sovereign credit rating in 2025 as a result of its meticulous fiscal management. In September 2025, Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) fell to a multi-decadal low of 2.2%, reflecting an outstanding improvement in asset quality in the banking industry. As of December 2025, credit growth was 14.5% signalling strong momentum in lending activity.

Meanwhile, India’s external debt went up from USD 736.3 billion at the end of March 2025 to USD 746 billion at the end of September 2025. The country’s external debt to GDP ratio was 19.2%. Moreover, under five per cent of its overall debt is external, which reduces the risks associated with the external sector. India’s comparatively minor contribution to global indebtedness is shown by the fact that, as of December 2024, it only makes up 0.69 per cent of the world’s external debt.

Strong export numbers, an increase in foreign reserves, controlled inflation and more

Despite increasing US tariffs, India’s product exports climbed 2.4 per cent during April-December 2025, while exports of services jumped 6.5 per cent. Goods and services combined, total exports touched a record $825.3 billion in FY25 and have proceeded to improve in FY26.

During the same time period, there was a 5.9% increase in merchandise imports, however, this was countered by a greater services trade surplus and strong remittances. As a result, in H1 (First Half) FY26, the current account deficit stayed low at 0.8% of GDP.

India’s foreign exchange reserves also grew from USD 668 billion at the end of March 2025 to USD 701.4 billion as of 16th January. The reserves are adequate to service approximately 94% of the outstanding external debt at the end of September 2025 and roughly 11 months of worth of goods imports, offering a comfortable liquidity buffer.

The central government did not allow the erratic global markets and unprecedented shifts to negatively affect the wallets of consumers within the country, adding further to this achievement. According to the survey, India’s average headline inflation rate from April to December 2025 was 1.7%, the lowest since the start of the CPI (Consumer Price Index) series.

India saw one of the biggest drops in headline inflation in 2025, roughly 1.8 percentage points, among the major Emerging Markets & Developing Economies (EMDEs). Significantly, this disinflation coincided with solid GDP growth of 8% in the first half of FY 2026, highlighting India’s sound macroeconomic foundations and capacity to maintain growth while skilfully controlling pricing pressures without overheating.

The survey also pointed out that India’s services sector has become a stabilising factor, providing more than half of the nation’s Gross Value Added (GVA) and acting as a major driver of employment and exports. According to First Advance Estimates (FAE) of FY26, its percentage of GDP surged to 53.6% in H1 FY26 and its share of GVA stood at the highest level ever at 56.4%. This indicated the expanding importance of modern, tradable and digitally supplied services.

India’s share in global services trade more than doubled from 2% in 2005 to 4.3% in 2024, making it the seventh-largest exporter of services worldwide. It is the nation’s main development engine and accounts for more than half of the country’s GDP. The sector grew 9.1 per cent in FY 2025-2026, propelling total growth while the rise of services exports surged from 7-8 per cent before the pandemic to almost 14 per cent in recent years.

With an average of 80.2% of all FDI during FY23–FY25, up from 77.7% during the pre-pandemic period (FY16–FY20), the services sector remained the biggest receiver of FDI inflows. Notably, the industry has grown by an average of 7-8% on an annual basis.

Image via Amit Shah on X

India similarly reinforced its role as a worldwide leader in greenfield digital investment and has been placed fourth in the world for greenfield investment announcements in 2024 with more than 1,000 projects. From 2020 to 2024, it became the most popular location for greenfield digital investments in the world, drawing USD 114 billion.

Image via Amit Shah on X

The domestic economy “is one of steady growth amid global uncertainty, requiring caution, but not pessimism,” according to the survey, which also asserted that a significant infrastructure investment is necessary for India’s economic objectives over the next ten years. India is indeed confronted with various difficulties that it must overcome to realise its future ambitions; however, it illustrated that the nation is on a positive course.

Several cabinet ministers praised the survey, including Home Minister Amit Shah, who declared that it “attests to the might the Indian economy has acquired under the visionary leadership of PM Modi, forging ahead vigorously, tossing challenges aside.”

The minister interestingly articulated the result of the survey in precise terms and added, “When the world plunged from the pandemic to economic instability, our economy sailed ahead smoothly over both the hurdles with everyone on board, thanks to our leadership.”

Himanta Biswa Sarma defends his “Miya Muslims” remark invoking SC comments on Bangladeshi infiltrators: Read how opposition and Islamo-leftists attacked him for saying the truth

Rukma Rathore
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Himanta Biswa Sarma defends his “Miya Muslims” remark invoking SC comments on Bangladeshi infiltrators: Read how opposition and Islamo-leftists attacked him for saying the truth

On 29th January (Thursday), Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma refused to retract his comments on “Miya Muslims” in response to the criticism by the opposition and Islamo-leftist cabal. He explained that the term is utilised for illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators and invoked the Supreme Court to highlight the threat posed by their unlawful entry into the state. “This is not my language, not my imagination and not political exaggeration,” he asserted.

Sarma cited the apex court, which stated, “The silent and invidious demographic invasion of Assam may result in the loss of the geostrategically vital districts of its lower area. The influx of illegal migrants is turning these districts into a Muslim majority region. It will then only be a matter of time when a demand for their merger with Bangladesh may be made. Loss of lower Assam will sever the entire land mass of the North East from the rest of India and the rich natural resources of that region will be lost to the nation.”

The chief minister pointed out that shedding light on the glaring reality is “neither hatred nor communalism, nor is it an attack on any community” because “the highest constitutional court of the country uses words like demographic invasion and warns of the possible loss of territory and national unity.” He added that it is an acknowledgement of a serious and persistent issue that Assam has endured for many years.

“Our effort is not against any religion or any Indian citizen. Our effort is to protect Assam’s identity, security and future, exactly as the Supreme Court cautioned the nation to do. Ignoring that warning would be the real injustice to Assam and India,” he then emphasised.

Sarma also noted that the word “Miya” is assigned by individuals who have come from Bangladesh to themselves. “If I refer to them as Miya, they may call me Assamiya. What is the issue,” he asked.

Sarma’s comments against illegal Bangladeshi Muslims upset the opposition

A day ago, the Bharatiya Janata Party leader clarified that the conflict in the state is not between Hindus and Muslims but rather between Assamese and Bangladeshis. He stressed, “Assam is a polarised society. For the next 30 years, we have to practice a politics of polarisation, if you want to live. If you want to surrender, then surrender, but as an Assamese, I don’t want to surrender.”

“I will fight, I will polarise. However, polarisation is not between Hindus and Muslims but between Assamese and Bangladeshis. That is the difference. So we don’t fight with Assamese Muslims, we only fight with Bangladeshi Muslims,” he further mentioned.

According to him, BJP workers have been asked to file “Form 7” in bulk against them. “It is a known fact that there are Bangladeshi Miyas in Assam. Has anybody got notice in Thowra or Dimou? No one received any notice. If Bangladeshi Miyas do not get notice in the SIR then what it will mean is that there are no foreigners in Assam,” he contended.

Similarly, Sarma earlier conveyed that no intruders will be permitted to vote in the forthcoming assembly elections in the state. On 27th January (Tuesday), he declared that “four to five lakh Miya voters” will be eliminated when the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral records occurs in the poll-bound state. “Vote chori means we are trying to steal some Miya votes. They should ideally not be allowed to vote in Assam, but in Bangladesh,” he expressed.

A Special Revision is going to take place in the state on the direction of the Election Commission. It is a procedure akin to the regular updates to the electoral records while SIR campaign is happening in 12 states and union territories nationwide.

“This (SR) is preliminary. When the SIR comes to Assam, four to five lakh Miya votes will have to be deleted in Assam,” the chief minister stated. “We are ensuring that they cannot vote in Assam,” he assured and added, “Let Congress abuse me as much as they want. My job is to make the Miya people suffer.”

Sarma stated that these intruders would be troubled and face challenges from his government within the ambit of the law. However, the opposition and its ecosystem, which have exclusively served the Muslim votebank in the name of secularism while compromising national interest and security, denounced him for targeting the illegal immigrants.

Opposition approaches court, threatens civil war

Indian National Congress member Debabrata Saikia, who is the leader of the opposition in the assembl,y has written to the Chief Justice of India requesting suo motu cognisance of the alleged abuse of Form 7 “as instruments of intimidation, harassment and targeted disenfranchisement of a particular community.”

“The situation has transcended the realm of administrative irregularity and has assumed the character of a constitutional crisis, where the right to vote under Article 326 (Basis of the Universal Adult Suffrage) of the Constitution of India is being systematically undermined through executive interference, communal targeting, and misuse of statutory procedures,” it read.

He claimed, “This directly undermines the independence of the Election Commission of India, politicises the electoral process, and violates the constitutional guarantees of equality, fraternity, secularism and non-discrimination.” Saikia insisted that Sarma’s remarks “constitute an unprecedented admission of intent to interfere with the electorate on communal lines.”

Veteran Congressman Pawan Khera accused Sarma of attempting to deceive the public with his statements and demanded, “Talk about the thousands of crores you have gobbled up from people of Assam to fill your deep pockets.”

Controversial Congress leader Udit Raj went so far as to threaten another partition and civil unrest. “The fallout will be highly dangerous and they don’t even care. BJP did not participate in the freedom struggle then why its leaders would now be concerned about unity in the country as their primary goal appears to be maintaining power even at any cost,” he charged.

“If this situation persists, there will be severe repercussions, including the potential partition of the country and civil unrest. The RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) and BJP will bear responsibility for this as they are willing to do anything to secure electoral victories,” he warned.

Udit Raj also took the opportunity to promote the “secular” image of his party and added, “Congress neither works for Bengali Muslims nor for Bengali Hindus. Congress views everyone as a citizen. It is good that what was once done covertly, Himanta Biswa Sarma has now openly stated.”

Congress MLA Rekibuddin Ahmed labelled the chief minister’s comments as discriminatory and humiliating for an entire community. He called them extremely disrespectful, undemocratic, unconstitutional, dangerous and detrimental to Assam’s “social ethos.” He asserted that the government was dividing the society for political objectives but his party would continue to defend secular values and social harmony in the state as well as vehemently oppose any attempt to target a community.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP Amaran even dragged the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and other backward classes in his nonsensical argument, arguing that the Sarma government was employing administrative exercises to strip them of their votes.

“This is what the chief minister always does. In the name of SIR, votes are being taken away from Dalits, minorities, SC and STs. Even when people are not being divided on the basis of Hindu or Muslim, votes are being manipulated in the name of SIR. All of these people are citizens of this country, whether Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Christian or Buddhist. Creating hatred against them, I believe, is a betrayal of the country, its Constitution and its unity,” he expressed.

Islamists and Leftists join hands to demand action against Sarma

The jihadis and their leftist allies banded together to demand action against Sarma just as the opposition went after him. “Assam CM brazenly prompting economic apartheid,” Lawyer Aman Wadud posted on social media.

A furious Arfa Khanum Sherwani of The Wire lashed out, “Is the Supreme Court in this country actually functioning,” and then questioned, “Why does it not take suo motu notice and ensure that this Chief Minister is immediately held accountable under the law of the land?”

She stated that he is publicly defending the persecution and discrimination against Muslims while holding a constitutional office as well as even encouraging others to follow suit. Arfa then proceeded to charge that the “disgraceful” Sarma “is turning Assam into Hitler’s Germany.”

“Only in India, people can call for economic apartheid of Muslims and get away,” wrote another leftist social media account.

“Spewing hatred on communal lines is a serious offence,” declared the infamous anti-Hindu lawyer, Prashant Bhushan and added, “Himanta Biswa Sarma would be in jail if the police were implementing the rule of law,” echoing similar viwes.

Ashish Goel alleged, “Looks like Assam Chief Minister is above Indian Constitution. Wake up every morning and give hate speech against Muslims with complete impunity.” He then insulted the judiciary, suggesting that the judges of the Gauhati High Court must be living under a rock if they cannot take cognisance of the latter’s widely publicised provocative remarks.

The reality underlying Sarma’s statements

While the opposition, its ecosystem and the Islamo-leftists are preoccupied with portraying Sarma as the villain, the reality is that Assam is confronting a significant challenge of demographic change due to illegal immigration from Bangladesh. He outlined it by quoting the Supreme Court. Moreover, in a striking instance of direct admission, even Muslim leaders from Assam have boasted how the region will soon resemble Bangladesh due to the massive flow of intruders further validating the concerns that have been raised repeatedly.

“We will make Sivasagar like Dhubri, will turn Dhubri into Sivasagar, will make Barak (south Assam districts) like Sivasagar and will turn Tinsukia into Dhubri. We are going ahead to make such an Assam under Gaurav Gogoi,” Rejaul Karim Sarkar vowed when he became a memeber of the grand old party. He is the former president of the All Assam Minorities Students Union. Assam Pradesh Congress Committee President Gaurav Gogoi was also present when he made the ominous comment.

Unsurprisingly, these Bangladeshi infiltrators not only impose a strain on state resources but also undermine the rights of legitimate citizens, both Hindus and Muslims. However, neither the opposition nor this cabal can see beyond their lens of communalism and religion, which leads them to have no problems regarding this flagrant abuse of the rights of Indian citizens.

The infiltrators have illegally occupied lakhs of acres of land in the state over the past several decades. The government’s aggressive eviction drives have been successful but not without enduring protests, assaults and stone pelting directed at the administration and the authorities. The locals in Assam’s Darrang have even blamed Congress for establishing Bangladeshis for votes, after which they took over thousands of acres of government property over several decades, including a 5000-year-old Shiva temple and a cave.

The encroachment has caused significant harm to the native communities, dismantled their fundamental culture and destroyed the economic system of the state. Muslims have also submitted petitions in the high court regarding the unauthorised activities as these affect all citizens of the state.

Therefore, Sarma called out these elements as the chief minister of a state grappling with such grave circumstances. However, the opposition, their propagandists and this entire faction latched onto his remarks, attributing a communal tone to them, despite the fact that he had only differentiated between Bangladeshis and Assamese rather than Hindus and Muslims. However, the truth will never deter them from their agenda, even if it comes at the expense of the nation or its people.

Consequently, they have also forgotten that the constitution of the country, the judiciary, and other democratic institutions exist for the citizens and not for intruders. No nation in the world can afford to open its borders to outsiders and jeopardise its stability. However, their anti-BJP rhetoric and blind hatred prevent them from grasping this simple truth.

As Supreme Court stays UGC Regulations of 2026, read about the 2012 Rules that are currently in force and the key differences between them

OpIndia Staff
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As Supreme Court stays UGC Regulations of 2026, read about the 2012 Rules that are currently in force and the key differences between them

On Thursday (29th January), the Supreme Court of India put a stay on the implementation of the draconian University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations of 2026.

For the unversed, the new rules were notified on 13th January this year. The matter was heard on Thursday by a Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi.

The apex court held that the UGC Regulations of 2026 were vague, capable of misuse and lacked essential safeguards. As such, the Supreme Court directed the statutory body to continue with the 2012 regulations on ‘caste-based discrimination’ until further orders are given.

Key provisions in the 2012 UGC Rules

  1. These regulations applied to all higher educational institutions in India. These included universities, colleges, and deemed-to-be varsities
  2. The primary focus was to promote ‘equality’ among students of all sections of the society. Every higher educational institution was directed to safeguard the interests of the students without any prejudice to their caste, creed,
  3. religion, language, ethnicity, gender, or disability.
  4. A special emphasis, however, was laid on the ‘treatment’ of students belonging to the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes.
  5. The regulations explicitly stated that educational institutions cannot ‘discriminate’ against SCs and STs by breaching reservation policies, mishandling applications or withholding original documents to force fee payments
  6. The rules also barred labelling students as ‘reserved category’ or announcing the caste or religion of students in class.
  7. UGC Regulations of 2012 also sought to prevent ‘discrimination’ in the evaluation of exam papers, issuance of library books and access to laboratories or reading halls.
  8. These rules also banned segregation of students in hostels, mess halls, canteens or playgrounds.
  9. It was mandatory for every institution to establish an ‘Equal Opportunity Cell’ and appoint an ‘Anti-Discrimination Officer’
  10. This Anti-Discrimination Officer could not be below the rank of Professor (in case of universities) and not below the rank of Associate Professor (in case of colleges).
  11. The Higher Education Institution was obligated to decide on a complaint within a maximum period of 60 days from the date of receipt. The maximum period to appeal against the complaint was set to 90 days.
  12. The UGC Rules of 2012 stated that punishments for ‘discrimination’ must be commensurate with the nature of the act.
  13. Punishment against students was taken in accordance with institutional statutes, while punishment against teachers is governed by the service rules and statutes.
  14. It was mandatory for all colleges and universities to upload all ‘anti-discrimination’ measures on their official websites
UGC-Regulations-2012Download

Key differences between the UGC Rules 2012 and the UGC Rules 2016

Some of the key differences between the two sets of regulations postulated by the University Grants Commission are stated below:

  1. The 2012 regulations did not limit the definition of discrimination to select caste groups only. However, the 2026 UGC guidelines explicitly left out General Category students. ‘Caste-based discrimination’ in the new regulation was defined as discrimination only on the basis of caste or tribe against the members of the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and other backward classes.
  2. The ⁠2012 guidelines had no mention of students belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The 2026 Regulations included OBC students as a protected category.
  3. ⁠The 2012 UGC Rules had provisions for SC/ST students, but it also emphasised protecting ‘all students’ while addressing the issue of discrimination.
  4. Maximum period of appeal has been reduced to 30 days in the 2026 UGC Regulations from 90 days as was the case with the 2012 UGC Rules
  5. ⁠Neither the UGC Regulations of 2012 nor 2026 specified punishment for filing false complaints.

A detailed explanation of the draconian provisions of the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, can be read here.

24 instances when Saraswati Puja came under attack in 2026: Read how Islamists attacked the Hindu festival in India and Bangladesh

Aditi
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24 instances when Saraswati Puja came under attack in 2026: Read how Islamists attacked the Hindu festival in India and Bangladesh

Targeted attacks on Hindus celebrating their festivals have continued into this year, with 24 incidents of attacks on Saraswati Visarjan being reported in India and Bangladesh. The Hindu festival was targeted in various states, including Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Tripura, West Bengal and Gujarat. A couple of such incidents happened in neighbouring Bangladesh, where Hindus are in the minority. Here is a look at all 24 incidents impacting Saraswati Visarjan in 2026-

Muslim mob attacked Hindu devotees in the Vaishali district, Bihar

A Muslim mob attacked and pelted stones at Hindu devotees near a mosque as they were returning after immersing the Saraswati idol in the Navanagar area of Vaishali district, Bihar. The incident came to light on 27th January. The attack happened in the Navanagar market area when the Hindu devotees taking out the Saraswati idol immersion procession were forced to change their route by some members of the Muslim community. A heated argument took place between the Hindu devotees and the Muslims.

The situation turned to normal temporarily, but violence erupted when the Hindu devotees were returning from the immersion. A Muslim mob assaulted a Hindu devotee, and when other devotees protested, they were attacked with sticks and swords. Muslims were also stoned from nearby rooftops, creating panic in the area and forcing residents to flee for safety. Several Hindu devotees were injured and taken to the Bidupur Primary Health Centre and private nursing homes for treatment. Videos of the attack went viral on social media. The situation was controlled after police intervention. Cases were registered against multiple persons.

Houses of Hindu devotees attacked in Lohardaga, Jharkhand

Hindu devotees taking out the Saraswati puja procession were brutally attacked by a Muslim mob on 25th January in Baridih village, under the Kudu police station area of Lohardaga, Jharkhand. The attack happened after the vehicle carrying the Saraswati idol slightly touched the roof of the house of a Muslim family. A mob of Muslims gathered at the place, and by the early morning, the situation further deteriorated. Hindus and their houses were attacked. Three people sustained serious injuries and were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Upon receiving the information, police from the Kudu police station and a bike squad from the Border Security Force arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control.

Muslims opposed the playing of the ‘Jai Shri Ram’ hymn in Darbhanga, Bihar

In Alinagar, Darbhanga, Bihar, a mob of Muslims opposed the playing of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ hymns by Hindus on a DJ on 25th January. The dispute escalated into violence during Saraswati Puja idol immersion on 26th January. Muslims pelted stones at Hindu devotees and the procession. As the immersion procession passed through Jayantipur village on 26th January, stone-pelting by members of the Muslim community began. According to eyewitnesses, the attack caused panic and theft. Three Hindu devotees were injured. Notably, Darbhanga Senior Superintendent of Police downplayed the initial communal nature of the incident by claiming that the entire dispute began over a motorcycle and later took a communal turn. Police personnel were deployed in the area to maintain peace. The Benipur Sub-Divisional Police Officer personally monitored the situation to prevent a recurrence of violence.

Muslims armed with machetes and sticks tried to disrupt Saraswati Puja in Tripura’s Kailashahar

16 Muslims armed with machetes and sticks tried to disrupt a Saraswati Puja in Katal Dighirpar area of Kailashahar, Tripura, on 24th January, which led to violent clashes. Bharatiya Janata Party Mandal president Pritam Ghosh said that the group created unrest near the puja venue. “As soon as we rushed to the spot after receiving information, they attacked us indiscriminately. The situation turned more violent. These miscreants were trying to replicate the dangerous environment of Bangladesh. We must fight unitedly against such forces,” Ghosh said, who sustained injuries. The house of the district president of the Bharatiya Janata Party youth wing, Arup Dhar, was vandalised. An unofficial office of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Katal Dighirpar was also set on fire. Police personnel were deployed to control the situation.

Saraswari Puja disrupted in Hajipur, Bihar

A Saraswati Puja was disrupted in Hajipur, Bihar, by a local station house officer, leading to protests by villagers on 24th January. The incident happened in Ward No. 7 of Teknari Panchayat in Vaishali district, when the police station chief arrived at the Saraswati Puja pandal during the aarti and ordered that the DJ be stopped. According to Hindu devotees, no DJ was playing at the time, and the interference of the police resulted in the halting of the Aarti. The incident outraged villagers who surrounded the police personnel in large numbers. Angry villagers refused to proceed with idol immersion without their grievances being addressed.

Saraswati Puja discontinued in a school in Katihar, Bihar

Saraswati Puja was prohibited in a school in Bindtoli of Katihar district, Bihar, on 24th January, after a teacher, Shahil Kumar, had objected to the ritual application of Abir (colour) to him last year. Saraswati Puja had been a recurring annual practice at the upgraded middle school in Bindtoli, located under Sohtha Southern Panchayat in the Falaka police station area. However, the practice was discontinued after Shahil Kumar requested the school administration to ban it. The decision caused difficulty for Hindu devotees, many of whom had to travel to other locations to perform the puja.

This led to protests near the school premises on 24th January, prompting intervention by Falaka Police Station officer Ravi Kumar Rai and village head representative Amit Gupta. Local representatives, including deputy head Pawan Kumar Singh and ward member Upendra Mandal, along with villagers Shyamlal Mahato, Tuntun Sah, Shekhon Mahato and Jairam Mahato, demanded that the school administration ensure the proper organisation of Saraswati Puja every year. The school’s principal, Laxman Mandal, acknowledged fault in the handling of the matter and assured the gathering that formal worship of Goddess Saraswati would resume annually from the following year, after which tensions subsided.

Stone pelting on Saraswati immersion procession in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand

Hindu devotees taking part in Saraswati Puja and idol immersion procession in Beltu village in Keredari block of Hazaribagh district, Jharkhand, were attacked by members of the Muslim community at night on 24th January. A scuffle regarding the playing of Saraswati bhajans during the immersion procession escalated into stone pelting and violence by Muslims. Several Hindu devotees and police personnel were injured in the attack. Hazaribagh Superintendent of Police Anjani Anjan and Deputy Commissioner Shashi Prakash Singh reached the site late at night to monitor the situation.

Bombs hurled at Hindu devotees during Saraswati Puja in Jharkhand

Some miscreants hurled bombs at Hindu devotees performing Saraswati Puja in Ward Number 14 of Gohariyon village, Bhagalpur, under the Lodipur police station area in Jharkhand. Several devotees were seriously injured in the attack and were taken to Mayaganj Hospital for medical treatment. Senior Superintendent of Police Pramod Kumar Yadav reached Mayaganj Hospital and met the injured, enquiring about their condition. City Superintendent of Police Shailendra Singh, the Deputy Superintendent of Police, and the Lodipur police station chief camped in the village to bring the situation under control. The accused were identified by the police, who assured strict action against them.

Saraswati idol desecrated in Dibrugarh, Assam

A Goddess Saraswati idol was desecrated and damaged by a few unidentified miscreants in the Jalan Nagar labour line in Dibrugarh, Assam, on 24th January. The incident hurt the sentiments of local Hindus, who demanded strict action against the culprits.

TMC leader threatened students who organised Saraswati Puja in West Bengal

In South Kolkata, West Bengal, a TMC politician named Daud Alam Molla threatened Hindu students who organised Saraswati Puja. The incident came to light when a female Hindu student studying at the government-sponsored Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri College in South Kolkata informed that an All India Trinamool Congress leader, Daud Alam Molla, threatened them against organising Saraswati Puja.  A video of the victim went viral on social media. In the viral video, the victim stated, “Daud Alam Molla is standing outside. He has threatened me that he will f*** my lawyer.” Notably, Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri Law College is the alma mater of West Bengal Chief Minister and All India Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee. Earlier, in January 2025, Mohammad Shabbir Ali, the then General Secretary of the West Bengal State Trinamool Chhatra Parishad, had threatened Hindu students with rape and murder if they dared to perform Saraswati Puja.

Saraswati idol desecrated in Muksudpur Upazila of Gopalganj, Bangladesh

A Goddess Saraswati idol was desecrated in Muksudpur Upazila of Gopalganj, Bangladesh, on 23rd January, on the day of the Saraswati Puja. According to Muksudpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abdullah Al Mamun, the incident took place at the public puja pavilion in Paschim Ujan Kandani Para village of Ujani Union of the upazila after the Saraswati Puja. He said that after the Friday (23 January 2026) puja, the worshippers left the temple around midnight. Then some miscreants desecrated the idol by twisting the neck of the Saraswati murti and hanging its head. Locals found out about the desecration a day later and informed the police. The police said that CCTV cameras were removed before the act was committed.

Saraswati Puja Sonpur, Chapra, Bihar

Saraswati Puja celebrations were disrupted after a drunk man named Devnarayan Pandey started abusing Goddess Saraswati and other Hindu deities at a Puja pandalnear the Baba Hariharnath Temple in Sonpur, Chapra, Bihar, on 23rd January. Pandey also smoked near the pandal venue. When the locals attempted to stop him, he made offensive remarks about Hindu gods and goddesses. After a video of the incident went viral, Devnarayan Pandey was seen apologising with folded hands the next day.

Dancers danced to obscene songs during Saraswati Puja in Surat, Gujarat,

A Saraswati Puja celebration was spoiled on 23rd January after female dancers were made to dance to obscene songs inside the sacred puja pandal, a sacred temporary shrine where the celebrations take place. The incident happened in Anand Park Society in the Katargam Wade Road area, where women dancers were made to dance to vulgar Bhojpuri and Hindi songs. Devotees present at the event were left embarrassed and uncomfortable. Videos of the incident went viral on social media.

TMC members locked a temple, preventing Hindus from performing puja in West Bengal

A Saraswati Puja celebration was disrupted in Kamarhati city in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal by TMC members on 23rd January. Some members of TMC locked up the Belghadia Sarbajanin Sri Durga Chowk Society temple, preventing devotees from performing Saraswati Puja. Local police refused to intervene and unlock the temple, leaving local Hindu devotees outraged.

A fight among TMC members disrupted Saraswati Puja in Cooch Behar, West Bengal

An infighting in the TMC factions led to the disruption in the Saraswati Puja celebration at the Dinhata College in the Cooch Behar district of West Bengal on 23rd January. This led the devotees attending the celebrations to panic and run for safety, which added to the chaos. Viral videos of the incident showed how the college campus was turned into a battlefield due to the fight between the TMC members. After learning about the incident, the in-charge of Dinhata police station and the Sub-Divisional Police Officer reached the college campus to take notice of the situation.

Saraswati Puja disrupted by a drunk man in Surguja, Chhattisgarh

A Saraswati Puja being held at a Junapara Primary School in Gumgra in the Surguja district of Chhattisgarh was disrupted by a drunk government teacher named Buddheshwar Das on 23rd January. The teacher arrived at the school in an inebriated state and tried to take part in the Puja. When devotees suspected his behaviour and asked him whether he was drunk, he lied. After receiving information that the teacher had arrived at school drunk, Sarpanch Rupmaniya Maravi reached the school along with Panchayat representatives. A Gram Sabha was convened, during which a proposal was passed demanding the removal of teacher Buddheshwar Das from the school.

The cluster in charge was directed to conduct an inquiry, following which it was confirmed that the teacher had arrived at school after consuming alcohol. The inquiry report was forwarded to the Surguja District Education Officer with a recommendation for suspension.

Hindu students prevented from performing puja in a school with a majority of Muslim students in West Bengal

Some Hindu students were denied entry and prevented from performing the Saraswati Puja in Moynagadi Free Primary School in the North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, on 23rd January. The Hindu students had obtained permission from the school authorities to perform Saraswati Puja. However, on the day of the Puja, the school remained closed, and the permission was withdrawn. The reason cited for withdrawing the permission was that over 50% of the students in the school were Muslims. Subsequently, the Hindu students had to organise the Saraswati Puja outside the school on a footpath.

Convent with over 70% Hindu students denies permission to hold Saraswati Puja in Sakhaibari, Dharmanagar

Holy Cross Convent School in Sakhaibari, Dharmanagar, denied permission to Hindu students to perform Saraswati Puja at the school. Members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad had approached Holy Cross Convent School on 16th January seeking permission on behalf of Hindu students to observe Basant Panchami on the school premises. On 22nd January, they visited the school again, reiterating their request as the school had over 70% Hindu students. However, the school administration rejected the request.

After the denial of permission, members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad organised a demonstration in front ofthe school, demanding that Saraswati Puja, the Hindu festival dedicated to the goddess of knowledge, be permitted on campus. Parents of Hindu students also joined the protest, but the school administration did not grant permission. As tensions flared, police had to intervene to control the situation.

Hindu man thrashed by Muslims for taking part in the Saraswati Puja in Madhya Pradesh

A Bajrang Dal member, Sohel Thakur, was brutally attacked by a group of Muslim men in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, on 22nd January. The attacker targeted him for his involvement in preventing Love Jihad cases and actively participating in a Vasant Panchami Saraswati Puja event on 21st January.

A group of 10-15 Muslims attacked him when he went to the Malipura area for some work. The Muslim men from the Madargarh and Qazi Mohalla stopped him and began arguing with him. They attacked him with rods and other weapons. Thakur sustained a serious head injury and was taken to Ujjain District Hospital in a critical condition. Speaking to the media, Thakur said that he had been the target of the attackers for a long time because of his actions against Love Jihad incidents. An FIR was lodged against Sappan Mirza, Ehsan Mirza, Shadab, Salman and Rizwan.

Saraswati idol vandalised in Satkhira, Bangladesh

An idol of Goddess Saraswati was desecrated by miscreants in the Tetulia area of Satkhira, Bangladesh, a day before the Saraswati Puja celebrations on 23rd January. The miscreants discreetly entered the Puja venue at midnight and smashed the idol into pieces. The local Hindus found out about the incident in the morning and informed the police. They assured strict action against the perpetrators and started an investigation. As per reports, the incident happened after some radical organisations gave hate speeches against Saraswati Puja.

Man breaks idols of Hindu deities ahead of Saraswati Puja in Odisha

A man named M Krishnaraju mocked Hindu deities and desecrated their idols in a tribal school in Ambadola, in the Rayagada district of Odisha, on 16th January, days ahead of Saraswati Puja. Idols of Ganesha and Saraswati were donated to the school by some former students from the batches of 1997 and 1999. The attacker, who is a teacher by profession, used to mock the idols, saying that they cannot speak English. The incident hurt the sentiments of the Hindu community. Hindu Dharmarakshya Samiti, a Hindu organisation, took cognisance of the issue and filed a police complaint against the teacher and were seeking exemplary punishment against him.

Idols of Saraswati and Kali damaged in Nadia district, West Bengal

Several idols of Hindu deities were found vandalised in Shantipur in Nadia district, West Bengal, on 7th January. About 70-80 idols of Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Kali, prepared by a local sculptor, Jayanta Das, were found broken outside his workshop near the Loknath Temple. The idols had been prepared ahead of the Kali Puja and Saraswati Puja celebrations scheduled on 21st January and Kali Puja on 23rd January. The incident caused distress among devotees as well as artisans, for whom the festive season is a critical period for income and sustenance. The culprit was identified as Amit Dey, who committed the act in an intoxicated state.

Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Basanti idold damabed in the East Midnapore district of West Bengal

Idols of Hindu deities were damaged by some unidentified miscreants on the night of 4th January, weeks before Saraswati Puja, in Kanthal Potti, under the Garkamalpur Panchayat in the Mahishadal area of the East Midnapore district of West Bengal. The idols of Goddess Basanti and Goddess Saraswati were found desecrated on the morning of 5th January. The incident left the local Hindus hurt and outraged. They demanded strict action against the culprits. An investigation was initiated by the police into the incident.

School management comprising non-Hindus did not hold Saraswati Puja in Unakoti, Tripura

Saraswati Puja celebrations were not held at Nalakata High School in Pecharthal, under the Kumarghat subdivision in the Unakoti district of Tripura, this year. The school had a tradition of organising the Saraswati Puja every year. However, the celebrations did not take place this year as the majority of the members on the school Management Committee comprised non-Hindus. The school remained closed on the day of Saraswati Puja on 23rd January.

Many Hindu students and their parents reached the school in the morning on 23rd January to find the school gate locked. Hindu students stated that a majority of the SMC members belong to Christian, Chakma (Theravada Buddhist), and Muslim communities, and instead of holding discussions on the Puja, the school was closed.

Who is Rahul Dewan, the Tech Entrepreneur who moved the Supreme Court against UGC Regulations?

Shriti Sagar
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Who is Rahul Dewan, the Tech Entrepreneur who moved the Supreme Court against UGC Regulations?

The Supreme Court of India on Thursday, 29th January, stayed the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026 and agreed to consider the urgent listing of a petition challenging the constitutional validity of the UGC Regulations, 2026. The move comes amid growing controversy over the new UGC framework, which critics say introduces a “draconian” and one-sided definition of caste-based discrimination in Indian higher education institutions.

The petition was mentioned before Chief Justice of India Surya Kant by advocate Parth Yadav, who appeared on behalf of social activist and entrepreneur Rahul Dewan. Urging the court to take up the matter at the earliest, Yadav argued that, if allowed to operate, the regulations could lead to fresh discrimination rather than preventing it. He submitted that the issue raises serious constitutional concerns and needs immediate judicial scrutiny.

Taking note of the submissions, the Supreme Court agreed to consider an urgent listing of the plea, signalling that the concerns raised around the new UGC regulations warrant closer examination by the apex court.

The petition challenges specific provisions of the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, notified on 23rd January this year. The plea contends that Regulations 3(1)(c), 8(b), and 8(c) violate Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality before law, protection against discrimination, and the right to life and dignity.

Who filed the Petition before the Supreme Court?

The plea has been filed by businessman and philanthropist Rahul Dewan, along with retired IAS officer Sanjay Dixit, Anubhav Pandey, and Rubal Padaliya. Among them, Rahul Dewan has emerged as the most vocal face of the challenge, speaking openly about why he believes the UGC regulations are dangerous and divisive.

Soon after filing the petition, Dewan spoke to OpIndia, explaining his concerns and the reasons for moving to the Supreme Court. According to him, the regulations are not about addressing genuine discrimination but about institutionalising a particular ideological narrative.

Rahul Dewan’s criticism of the UGC Regulations

Speaking to OpIndia, Rahul Dewan said the underlying intent of the regulations appeared deeply problematic. “The idea seems to be to turn every Hindu caste against the upper castes,” he said, adding that the framework was designed to create friction within Hindu society.

Dewan questioned the assumptions built into the rules, noting that the regulations label certain groups as oppressors without identifying who the oppressor is or what evidence supports such sweeping claims. He also warned that by selectively defining victims, the rules could end up empowering misuse.

Sharing his views on LinkedIn after filing the petition, Dewan described the guidelines as “divisive” and said they punish entire communities for historical wrongs without individual accountability. “Brahmins, and upper castes in general, are the most persecuted class of people in India today,” he wrote. “They’re being punished for what was purportedly done by their communities a thousand years ago. If this is not collective punishment, then what is?”

According to Dewan, laws meant to ensure fairness must protect everyone equally, not selectively exclude large sections of society from legal safeguards.

Who is Rahul Dewan?

Rahul Dewan is an entrepreneur, open source and agile evangelist, blogger, activist, amateur photographer, and a guy who sticks to yoga and meditation like clockwork. He built a software services business from scratch, grew it to almost 600 people over 20 years, and sold it to a US company in 2022. 

After leaving his company, he became an angel investor, investing in cool stuff like Ayurveda, surgical devices, synthetic biology, clean tech, food tech, and even films and docs. Back in 2006, he started a non-profit called Sarayu Foundation, focusing on non-formal education for kids from tough backgrounds. It’s helped over 1,000 children across Delhi and villages in eastern India through after-school classes in maths, music, English, and yoga, and by building safe spaces for them to learn and gain confidence.

In 2016, he took it further with SangamTalks, a YouTube channel that has exploded into a hub for Indian Knowledge Systems, history, science, maths, economics, arts, culture, environment, and travel. It has nearly 1000 talks from scholars and researchers, over 1600 long videos, and is available in six Indian languages, with English and Hindi leading. 

Dewan funds most of this from his own pocket and backs about 50 people or groups pushing to “rebuild the Indian Civilisation.” He has a B.Tech in Computer Science, a cert in ornithology, and some in creative writing. Dewan often describes himself as driven by the motto, “Do the right thing, and right things happen to you,” inspired by his spiritual guide, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev.

The Hindu Fund and its long-term vision

One of Rahul Dewan’s primary goals for the next three to four years is to build what he calls the “₹1,000 crore Hindu Fund.” Operating under the Hindu Network Foundation, earlier implemented through Sarayu Foundation, the initiative aims to support individuals and organisations working to preserve and promote Sanatana Dharma and Indian civilisation.

Branded simply as “Hindu Fund,” the platform positions itself as a grant-making movement with minimal bureaucracy. Its guiding principle, “Trust by Default,” reflects Dewan’s belief that dharmic workers should be empowered, not burdened by red tape.

The fund supports initiatives across education, culture, history, civilisational studies, and social work, aligning with Dewan’s larger belief that Hindu society needs to reclaim its historical confidence and civilisational identity.

Background: Why the UGC Regulations triggered a backlash

The controversy around the UGC’s 2026 regulations stems from their narrow definition of caste-based discrimination. The 2026 regulations ruled out the general castes as victims of caste-based violence by restricting the category of victims to SCs, STs, and OBCs. There is no provision for general category students to raise a complaint when subjected to caste-based discrimination. 

The 2026 regulations not only assume that caste-based discrimination is only directed towards people from the SC, ST, and OBC communities, but, in a way, promote reverse caste-based discrimination by excluding general castes, which form a large section of the academic community, from protection.

The new framework is blatantly biased against students in general, leaving them with no institutional recourse if the rules are misapplied against them. This is why the 2026 regulations are facing outrage from people, primarily students, whose lives would be directly affected. 

Canada looking towards India for trade to diversify business partners and reduce dependence on US: Trump’s tariff wars may result in another deal

Rukma Rathore
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Canada looking towards India for trade to diversify business partners and reduce dependence on US: Trump’s tariff wars may result in another deal

The foreign policy of the United States, designed to impose its will on other nations, appears to have produced the opposite effect. The targeted parties, including key allies such as the European Union, are now actively seeking alternative relations and working to reduce their dependence on Washington. This has also contributed to a thaw in ties between significant economies like India and China.

Likewise, Canada, which was historically a close partner of the United States, has also joined the league as their diplomatic links have sharply declined. This downturn has been exacerbated by President Donald Trump’s frequent characterisation of Canada as the “51st US state,” threatening its sovereignty.

On the other hand, the previously strained links between Ottawa and New Delhi under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau seem to be improving as Canada aims to establish a robust trade partnership with the Modi government. Energy and essential minerals are going to form the foundation of this future alliance as the two nations restore their relationship after a protracted diplomatic schism.

Trade in energy and critical minerals, dig at global hegemons, praise for India and EU FTA

Canada’s Energy and Natural Resources Minister Timothy Hodgson said that India’s anticipated increase in energy demand presents a “great opportunity” for his country, which has substantial reserves of oil, gas and vital minerals. He remarked, “We produce 6% of the world’s oil today, and India gets less than 1% of its oil from Canada.” He mentioned that both nations would become stronger, more resilient and secure if that proportion reached a greater scale.

The comments were made to Bloomberg Television on 28th January (Wednesday) at the India Energy Week in Goa. He attended the program on the invitation of Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri. It was the first high-level participation of a cabinet minister from a Western country. Furthermore, Hodgson did not refrain from taking an indirect shot at the Trump administration during the event.

He said that exporting 98% of its energy to the United States was a “strategic blunder”, and saw an opportunity to work with India. “We used to be in a world where we sought to integrate with our closest trading partners and we now find that that integration is used for coercion or tariffs are used to gain leverage. Canada now needs to rewire its economy and build relationships beyond those with its neighbours,” he highlighted.

The minister also referred to the United States as “hegemons” and expressed, “What is happening in the world today is not a gradual economic transition. It is a rupture. The hegemons of the world have decided that the rules-based order is no longer how the world will work. They have decided that’s not the way the world’s going to work anymore.”

He described the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union as the “perfect” reaction to global hegemons that use tariffs and economic integration as intimidation tactics. He stressed that the former’s intention to sign the deal sent a strong statement in favour of free trade and dependable allies.

Hodgson pointed out, “What you just did with the EU signing, the mother of all deals, was a perfect example of how to say no (to hegemons). We’re not going to live in a world where the strongest put tariffs on everyone else. We’re going to live in a world where we believe in free trade, where we believe in trusted relationships.”

He even noted that trade between Canada and India is currently just $30 billion and Prime Minister Mark Carney wants to double this figure by the end of the decade.

India and Canada release a joint statement on energy cooperation

Puri and Hodgson had a meeting after which the former announced that a delegation would be sent to discuss joint efforts on crucial minerals. A joint statement was also released, which outlined Canada’s goal of becoming an “energy superpower” through a variety of exports, with India being seen as a “natural and symbiotic” partner because of its size and potential for long-term demand.

It read, “The importance of energy security and diverse energy supply chains. India, as a major consumer and Canada as a safe, secure and reliable supplier, can act in partnership to deepen trade and ensure stable and secure energy supplies. The two sides will collaborate to promote and strengthen cooperation across trade in the energy sector comprising services.”

Meanwhile, Canadian officials disclosed that as global trade dynamics change especially due to protectionist measures by the United States their country is firmly turning towards India to strengthen energy and vital mineral relations. They are additionally communicating with foreign partners to form fresh frameworks for the trading of important minerals including off-take agreements and strategic stockpiling.

This could entail supplying its “highest quality” uranium to assist India in reaching its objective of constructing 100 gigawatts of nuclear power by 2047. Canada’s 12 million-ton-per-year plant began production in June and is projected to expand to a capacity of 50 million tonnes and hence it is in a position to supply India with an abundance of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

Canada extends invitation to Union Minister Piyush Goyal

Canada has indicated that it intends to accelerate the start of formal negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with India marking a restart in bilateral trade engagement. The talks were put on hold in 2023 under the hostile Trudeau government. Maninder Sidhu, the country’s Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development has invited Piyush Goyal, the Minister of Commerce and Industry to visit the nation during the third week of next month.

An official conveyed, “Canada has expressed its desire to speed up the FTA negotiations,” reported The Times of India. The two nations have decided to restart the proposed accord with officials highlighting that the last two years have witnessed a dramatic shift in the global trade environment which necessitated a new strategy.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal earlier stated that Canada and India are finalising the terms of reference (ToR) to formally begin negotiations. The agreement’s scope and procedures would be underscored in the ToR. Brij Mohan Mishra and Bruce Christie have been selected as chief negotiators.

PM Mark Carney to land in India to ink crucial deals

Dinesh Patnaik, India’s High Commissioner to Canada, told Reuters that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney would likely come to India during the first week of March to sign agreements on uranium, energy, minerals and artificial intelligence. He is trying to expand Canada’s connections outside of its main trading partner, the United States due to the eroding ties.

According to Patnaik, formal talks for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India might begin in March as well. The nations decided to resume their delayed trade negotiations in November. During his visit, Carney is set to sign multiple agreements on nuclear energy, oil and gas, environment, artificial intelligence and quantum computing alongside education and culture.

“A 10-year (Canadian) $2.8 billion uranium supply deal is likely to be included,” the Indian diplomat highlighted and mentioned that a pact on critical minerals and crude oil alongside LNG transactions could transpire in the coming days. The primary accomplishment of this visit could be a 10-year deal on uranium supplies to India which might even feature a deal on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Patnaik remarked that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal would probably travel to Canada in the near future. He added that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is also scheduled to go to Ottawa next month as part of routine meetings between the two nations to share intelligence and talk about security measures.

“There ‍are plans for the prime minister to visit at some point this year and it will depend on the progress we make,” Hodgson also confirmed. “We know that India is a major nuclear country and it has major plans ‌to grow ‌its civilian use of nuclear energy. So that would be one of the topics I expect that we will discuss with my counterpart. We need to focus on economies that are large and growing. India squarely falls into that category. It is a growing user of critical minerals that Canada can supply,” he stated before his India trip.

Carney replies to Trump

The nosedive in the relationship between Canada and the United States was showcased during Carney’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos where he warned middle powers like his country not to expect “compliance” to protect them from major power aggression, asserting that the rules-based international system headed by Washington for decades was experiencing a “rupture.”

He reiterated, “The world has changed. Washington has changed. There’s almost nothing normal in the United States now,” while addressing Canada’s House of Commons and highlighted the need to formulate economic ties with other nations.

Carney even declared, “Canada doesn’t live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian,” in a national address. The counter took place after Trump claimed, “Canada lives because of the United States” at the World Economic Forum.

Conclusion

A recent “fruitful conversation” between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand amid the Republic Day programs restored the diplomatic momentum between India and Canada. They talked about sustaining regular high-level exchanges, forming economic alliances and boosting engagement in artificial intelligence.

Canada faces the risk of punitive measures as trade tensions with the Trump administration continue to escalate. Therefore, Anand emphasised the value of the diversification efforts and asserted that Washington’s threats “won’t be derailed.” She expressed that Canada’s long-term goal is to grow its exports outside of the United States in ten years and conveyed, “That is why we went to China, that’s why we will be going to India and that is why we won’t put all our eggs in one basket.”

Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Canadian goods if the country becomes a transit point for Chinese exports into the United States. Carney responded that his nation honours its pledge to abstain from pursuing free trade deals with non-market economies under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

The relationship with India likewise deteriorated after it rejected his claims of mediating a ceasefire between New Delhi and Islamabad. Afterwards, 50% tariffs were implemented on the nation including 25% for purchasing Russian oil and gas, blaming the Modi government for fuelling the Ukraine war.

The two countries affected by Trump’s erratic policies and obnoxious claims are currently working to mend their fractured ties which were at the lowest due to Trudeau’s unfounded allegations against the Modi government and his blatant support for Khalistani terrorists and anti-India elements in his nation.

Canada seems to have regained some clarity, at least for the moment and acknowledged the importance of fostering a relationship with India after the unexpected series of events with the US.

SC puts a leash on unchecked Waqf Tribunal powers, limits jurisdiction to registered properties

Shriti Sagar
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SC puts a leash on unchecked Waqf Tribunal powers, limits jurisdiction to registered properties

The Supreme Court on Wednesday, 28th January, made it clear that Waqf Tribunals can deal only with disputes related to properties that are officially recognised under the Waqf Act. This means the Tribunal has jurisdiction only over properties that are either listed in the official “list of auqaf” or registered under the Act. Any dispute involving an unregistered or unnotified property does not fall within the Tribunal’s authority.

The bench consisting of Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice K Vinod Chandran delivered this verdict while setting aside the Telangana High Court order that had upheld the injunction granted by the Waqf Tribunal in respect of a property that was not registered under the Waqf Act.

Tribunal cannot decide status of unregistered property

Contrary to the finding of the High Court, the Supreme Court said that a plain reading of the case itself showed that the disputed property was neither included in the list of auqaf published under Chapter II of the Waqf Act nor registered under Chapter V. Since this basic requirement was not met, the Tribunal had no power to decide whether the property was a waqf property.

The court observed that Sections 6(1) and 7(1) of the Waqf Act require that a property must be listed in the official auqaf list before the Tribunal can be approached. Without this, the Tribunal simply cannot assume jurisdiction.

Resolving conflicting Supreme Court judgments

Justice K Vinod Chandran, who wrote the judgment, also clarified a long-standing confusion that had arisen due to conflicting Supreme Court decisions on the extent of the powers of Waqf Tribunals.

One line of earlier decisions, such as Anis Fatma Begum vs State of Uttar Pradesh (2010), which was subsequently followed by Rashid Wali Beg vs Farid Pindari (2022), had taken a wider view. These decisions held that Section 83(1) of the Waqf Act conferred broad powers on Waqf Tribunals to decide any dispute about a waqf or a waqf property, irrespective of whether the property had been formally registered or not.

However, another line of judgments, especially Ramesh Gobindram vs Sugra Humayun Mirza Wakf (2010), had clearly held that the Tribunal’s powers are limited and apply only to matters specifically mentioned under the Act. According to this view, Section 83 only allows the creation of Tribunals and does not give them unlimited authority.

The Supreme Court said it was restoring the principle laid down in Ramesh Gobindram, making it the correct legal position.

Why registration matters under the Waqf Act

The bench explained that some earlier judgments had quoted only part of Section 83(1) while ignoring the crucial words “under this Act.” The court stressed that a property can be treated as waqf property under the law only if it has legal recognition, either by inclusion in the list prepared after a statutory survey or by formal registration.

Only such properties fall under the jurisdiction of the Waqf Tribunal, and only in those cases does the civil court’s jurisdiction stand barred under Section 85 of the Act.

“There is hence no absolute and all-pervasive ouster of jurisdiction of the Civil Court even under Section 85 of the Act of 1995,” the Court said.

Background of the case

The case began when a suit was filed before a Waqf Tribunal seeking a permanent injunction. The plaintiff claimed that a room in a residential complex had become a mosque due to long religious use since 2008 and should therefore be treated as waqf property.

It was not disputed that the property was neither listed in the official auqaf list nor registered under the Waqf Act. Despite this, the Tribunal entertained the case and allowed relief, which was subsequently confirmed by the Telangana High Court.

Challenging these decisions, the appellant submitted to the Supreme Court that the Tribunal lacked jurisdiction to even consider the nature of the property. The Supreme Court agreed with this and held that the suit itself was not maintainable.

Consequently, the Supreme Court allowed the appeal, vacated the decisions of both the Waqf Tribunal and the High Court, and rejected the plaint under Order VII Rule 11 of the Civil Procedure Code on the grounds of lack of jurisdiction.

waqf judgementDownload

Madhya Pradesh: Luring Hindus with money and miracles, Raisen police arrest husband-wife duo for illegal conversions; read what the FIR says

Anurag
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Madhya Pradesh: Luring Hindus with money and miracles, Raisen police arrest husband-wife duo for illegal conversions; read what the FIR says

On the intervening night of 26th and 27th January, Raisen police in Madhya Pradesh raided a house and detained a husband-wife duo for coercing Hindus to convert to Christianity. Police were called by activists of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) after they received a tip-off about a late-night prayer meeting happening at a house in Mandideep, which falls under the Satlapur Industrial Area police station.

According to the complainant in the matter, Hindus were being coerced to convert using inducement, pressure and monetary benefits. OpIndia accessed the FIR registered in the case. A video by Hindu activist Prince Pathak exposing the conversion racket has since gone viral on social media.

Background of the case

The incident took place in Ward No 15, Mandideep, which comes under the Satlapur Industrial Area. A Christian prayer meeting was being held at the residence of Jam Singh Kanas at around 10 pm on 26th January. Activists of the Vishva Hindu Parishad reached the spot after receiving information about the gathering and staged a protest at the site. They said that Hindus were being targeted for religious conversion through inducements.

According to VHP activists, Hindus attending the meeting were promised money and so-called miraculous cures. A young man present at the spot said that he was offered Rs 1 lakh to convert and was assured that his illness would be cured. The accused were promising that converting to Christianity would solve issues including broken bones and complications in childbirth.

Police intervention and seizure of religious material

After receiving the complaint, Satlapur police reached the location and brought the situation under control. Those present at the prayer meeting were questioned. The organiser, Jam Singh Kanas, was taken to the police station for questioning. Additional police force was deployed considering the tense atmosphere.

Speaking to the media, VHP activists said that religious books were recovered from the spot, which were seized by the police. Speaking to the media, VHP’s Bhojpur district minister Surendra Keer confirmed the seizure of the material. OpIndia spoke to Keer for more details in the matter.

Speaking to OpIndia, Keer said that they had been receiving information about the conversion events being organised by the couple. Last year, the couple’s own son stood firmly against the conversions, after which the events were halted for some time. However, they restarted the conversions recently.

When VHP activists reached the spot, they found several Hindus attending the meeting. While some had come for the first time, others were added to groups to coerce them to convert to Christianity. One of the Hindu youths present at the spot informed Keer that he was offered Rs 1 lakh if he converted to Christianity.

Keer confirmed that all three accused mentioned in the FIR were arrested by the police and have been sent to judicial custody.

Video by Hindu activist goes viral

Hindu activists from other organisations were also present, raising objections over the conversion racket. One of the Hindu activists, Prince Pathak, shared a video on social media exposing the racket, which has gone viral.

What the FIR says

The FIR was registered at Satlapur police station on the complaint of Anil Solanki, a resident of Mandideep, under Sections 3 and 5 of the Madhya Pradesh Religious Freedom Act, 2021, against the accused Jam Singh Kanas, his wife Sundar Bai Kanas, and one unidentified person.

Source: Madhya Pradesh Police
Source: Madhya Pradesh Police

According to the complainant, on the night of 26th January, his uncle Jam Singh Kanas took him to his house in Satlapur. Jam Singh’s wife Sundar Bai Kanas and another unidentified person were present. The three pressured him to convert to Christianity and promised him Rs 1 lakh in return. They promised to pay Rs 25,000 as the first instalment, with the remaining amount to be paid later.

The complainant further stated that he was asked to participate in prayers and read the Bible and was pressured to change his religion against his will. Feeling uncomfortable, he left the house and later informed his friends, including Prince Pathak, Brajesh Prajapati, Vivek Vishwakarma, Shubham Kevat, Kamlesh Rai and Rohit Chouksey, after which he approached the police station to lodge a complaint.

Further investigation in the matter is underway.

The illusion of 118% rise in caste discrimination complaints: How UGC data is being used to distort the caste discrimination debate

Dhruv Mishra
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The illusion of 118% rise in caste discrimination complaints: How UGC data is being used to distort the caste discrimination debate

Over the past few days, headlines pushed by The Wire and amplified by left-leaning social media influencers have repeatedly claimed a 118.4% rise in caste-based discrimination complaints in higher education. At first glance, an 118.4% rise in caste-based discrimination complaints sounds concerning, and that is precisely the point. Percentages create shock when stripped out of context. even when the underlying numbers remain small. Statistics presented without institutional scale distort reality and short-circuit reasoned debate. While discrimination must be addressed, reliance on headline percentages without proportional context has produced a misleading narrative now being used to justify sweeping regulatory changes under the UGC’s 2026 framework.

What the data really shows

Between 2019–20 and 2023–24, reports of caste-based discrimination rose from 173 to 378. This increase is estimated as 118.4%. The University Grants Commission recorded 1,160 complaints in these five years. However, what is almost never highlighted is where these complaints came from and how they are distributed.

According to UGC data submitted to Parliament and the Supreme Court, these complaints were reported across 704 universities and 1,553 colleges, totalling over 2,200 higher education institutions nationwide and over 90% of these complaints were marked as ‘resolved’.

The statistics appear significantly different when viewed through this perspective: 378 complaints from thousands of institutions, even in the year with the greatest reporting, is fewer than one complaint per institution annually.

It is crucial to have this institutional denominator. Indian higher education serves crores of students and employs lakhs of faculty and staff. It spans a vast and diverse academic ecosystem. Yet, the statistical framing used in public discourse rarely reflects this scale. Instead, the focus remains fixed on the percentage increase, detached from proportional reality.

Furthermore, the year-wise data shows a gradual rise, but an explosion. The complaints increased marginally from 173 (2019-20) to 182 (2020-2021), 186 (2021-22), and 241 (2022-23), before rising sharply in 2023-24. This pattern suggests not a sudden collapse of campus ethics but a slow build-up followed by increased reporting.

At the same time, Pending cases increased from just 18 in 2019–20 to 108 in 2023–24. This rise is rarely highlighted in public discourse. While overall resolution rates are cited to project institutional efficiency, the growing backlog suggests that the system is now facing pressure from increased inflow, raising questions about capacity, timelines, and the quality of resolution rather than its mere completion.

Importantly, senior UGC officials themselves have attributed the growth mainly to increased student knowledge of the existence and operation of SC/ST cells. To put it another way, the data shows enhanced reporting and visibility rather than necessarily deteriorating behaviour.

None of this is to deny that discrimination exists or that complaints should be taken seriously. But when absolute numbers remain small relative to the system’s size, presenting them exclusively as percentage increases creates a distorted sense of crisis. As there is a famous quote that “The statistics you don’t see are often more important than the ones you do.” The missing context here is not incidental, but it fundamentally alters how the data should be interpreted.

When percentages are highlighted without institutional scale, per-campus averages, or outcome breakdowns, statistics stop informing policy objectively. They begin to function as narrative tools, shaping public perception and justifying regulatory overreach rather than enabling proportionate, evidence-based reform.

Why the increase is not necessarily alarming

Crucially, even UGC officials have admitted that greater awareness and better visibility of SC/ST Cells and Equal Opportunity Cells on campuses are major factors in the increase in complaints received. Institutions have been regularly instructed over the past few years to formalise reporting procedures, conduct sensitisation campaigns, and publicise grievance channels. Higher reporting in these situations does not always translate into a corresponding rise in discriminatory behaviour. More often than not, it indicates increased trust in institutional processes and a readiness to voice complaints that could have gone unreported in the past. Therefore, rather than indicating worsening campus conduct, increased reporting can just as likely indicate better access to remedy. It is dangerous to draw policy conclusions unsupported by the facts if improved reporting is confused with growing prejudice. 

How numbers are weaponised

Despite this nuance, the public discourse has been dominated by a single figure: 118.4%. The Left ecosystem consistently foregrounds this percentage jump while carefully avoiding critical context, such as the number of institutions involved, the size of the student population, and the per-campus average. An exaggerated sense of crisis is produced by this selective concentration. Even minor numerical increases can result in significant percentage spikes when the base number is small. When statistics lack scale and balance, they become persuasive rather than educational tools. In this manner, numbers are not used to inform policy but to manufacture urgency and justify sweeping regulatory expansion already ideologically favoured. 

Our position: Against UGC 2026, not against justice

It is incorrect to portray opposition to the UGC’s 2026 regulations as a denial of discrimination. Discrimination exists and must be addressed firmly. However, the new framework redefines caste-based discrimination in a way that excludes the General Category by design, while simultaneously removing safeguards against misuse. By narrowing protection to select groups and weakening procedural balance, the regulations risk institutionalising administrative fear rather than justice. Equity cannot be achieved by replacing one form of exclusion with another or by presuming guilt in the name of compliance.

Conclusion

Statistics are meant to illuminate policy choices, not intimidate public debate. The 118% figure, when presented without institutional scale or proportional context, misleads rather than informs. Used this way, numbers stop guiding reform and begin justifying power.

India needs anti-discrimination mechanisms that are firm yet fair, protective yet balanced, and evidence-based rather than ideologically driven. Policies shaped by inflated narratives may appear decisive, but without proportionality and due process, they risk undermining the very justice they claim to uphold.

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