Home Blog Page 1208

As usual suspects rant against electoral bonds, an old video of Arun Jaitley explaining how bonds would clean political financing goes viral

Paurush Gupta
-
0
As usual suspects rant against electoral bonds, an old video of Arun Jaitley explaining how bonds would clean political financing goes viral

Following the disclosure of Electoral Bonds data by the Election Commission, the opposition and its friendly ecosystem went into a frenzy to churn canards and fake news in their perpetual smear campaign against the incumbent Modi government. 

Conspicuously, the usual suspects suffered a massive setback in their original attempt to anyhow implicate Adanis and Ambanis in their conspiracy theories. Allegations of their corrupt nexus with PM Modi fell flat when their names were conspicuously absent from the list of donors who contributed money to political parties through the now-defunct Electoral Bond scheme. 

Notably, spearheaded by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the coterie has been alleging that all policies of the Modi government are to benefit select business persons like Adanis and Ambanis. Despite failing in their planned scheme of things, the ecosystem led by Congress, however, went ahead to display its selective amnesia alleging that the ‘Electoral Bonds scheme is the biggest scam (extortion) in the history of Independent India’.  

Islamist propagandist Rana Ayyub ranted, “Astounding data from the Electoral Bonds to prove the deeply entrenched crony capitalism aided and enabled by Central agencies meant to contain corruption, led by a man who famously said ‘Na khaunga, Na khaane doonga’.”

The Islamo-leftist coterie also alleged that the Modi government used coercion like using probing agencies ED, and CBI to solicit donations from scam-ridden firms. As usual, the coterie, however, applied their own conspiracy theory partially and selectively against their perennial adversary, Modi and the BJP. While they have alleged scams in the donation scheme and coercion by agencies, they granted immunity to opposition-ruled states and opposition parties for being the benefactors of this very scheme. 

Incidentally, Santiago Martin of Future Gaming has come out to be the largest buyer of electoral bonds and has links to opposition parties in the likes of CPIM, DMK, Congress, and TMC. 

Apart from baseless allegations, surmises, and conjectures that the corruption-strained firms donated to the Bhartiya Janata Party and not to the opposition parties, the cabal also retorted to using fake news. Notably, OpIndia had earlier busted how the Congress and DMK supporters were spreading fake news and lies about a ‘Pakistani company’ donating money to the BJP through electoral bonds. Click here, to read the truth.

It is pertinent to note that contrary to the cabal’s calibrated whining and grinning, several regional parties have garnered a substantive, in several cases, a disproportionate amount of donations through the Electoral bonds. For example, TMC which is at the helm only in one state, received Rs 1609 crores surpassing the national political party, Congress (Rs 1,422 crore). 

Amidst the usual rhetorical tirade against the Modi government and canards around the Electoral Bond scheme, old videos of BJP stalwart Arun Jaitley defending and explaining the need for Electoral Bond schemes have surfaced on social media.

Electoral Bond brought to curb black money for electoral funding

The electoral bond scheme was announced by the then finance minister Arun Jaitley in his Budget speech for 2017-18. He pitched it as an alternative to cash donations made to political parties as part of efforts to bring transparency to political funding.

He had said that there was a need to “cleanse the system of political funding in India”. Subsequently, he also went on to limit the cash donations to Rs 2,000 from one entity and proposed the electoral bond scheme.

Speaking about the electoral bond scheme that he had placed before Parliament, he said, “It envisages total clean money and substantial transparency coming into the system of political funding. A donor can purchase electoral bonds from a specified bank only by a banking instrument. He would have to disclose in his accounts the amount of political bonds that he has purchased.”

One of the viral videos pertains to April 2019 when the late Arun Jaitley, the then finance minister, defended the electoral bond scheme. He asserted that it was aimed at curbing the use of black money for funding elections, which the UPA-II regime sought to achieve through electoral trusts. 

Jaitley had highlighted that both the electoral trusts – proposed by the then finance minister Pranab Mukherjee in 2010 — and electoral bonds brought by the Modi government assured total white money and improved transparency while masking the identity of the link between the donor and the party. Defending the anonymity clause for donors, the BJP stalwart emphasised, “If you ask people to disclose that (identity of a donor) also, then I am afraid the cash system will be back.” 

He also highlighted that Pranab Mukherjee, the Finance Minister under the UPA II era also had made provisions for the anonymity of donors. According to Jaitley, Mukherjee had “masked” the identity by creating a pass-through electoral trust in 2010. A donor could donate to a registered electoral trust which in turn would donate to a political party.

Further, Jaitley also highlighted that people who are finding fault with the scheme were not coming up with any alternative to curb the use of black money in the electoral process.

On 7th January 2018, Arun Jaitley had also issued an official statement explaining the necessity of electoral bonds.

He had said that despite strengthening various institutions in the last seven decades, India had not been able to evolve a transparent political funding system.

(Excerpt from Arun Jaitley’s article titled – ‘Why Electoral Bonds are Necessary, Source – PIB)

He further said, “I do believe that donations made online or through cheques remain an ideal method of donating to political parties. However, these have not become very popular in India since they involve disclosure of donor’s identity.” 

In fact, as part of political funding reforms, Arun Jaitley when he was the Law Minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, he had moved a Bill legitimising donations by cheque. However, the bill had a mandatory disclosure clause that the donor had to declare the same to Income-tax and the Election Commission.

Proponents of the anonymity clause have pointed out that in its absence, the donors would be susceptible to retributive and coercive measures by political parties that didn’t receive funding from them or for funding their rival party. 

Return to cash donations would breed corruption: Union Home Minister Amit Shah

Recently, in an interaction with India Today’s Rahul Kanwal, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also strongly batted for the Electoral bonds. However, he noted that while he is ready to debate with anyone over the Electoral bond issue, he respects the Supreme Court’s ruling in the matter. He highlighted that the Electoral Bond scheme was brought to end the use of black money in the Electoral process. He also added that return to cash transactions for donations would result in corruption.

“Do you think the large corporate houses never donated to political parties until now? Where’s the data? Because of electoral bonds, those who donated, their names are out. We brought electoral bonds to end black money in politics. What secrecy are these people (opposition) talking about? They took thousands of crores in donations, did corruption to the tune of Rs 12 lakh crores, and are now demanding an explanation from us?” said Shah, hitting out at the allegations of corruption against the central government over electoral bonds.

Shah added, “I want to ask the people of the country. Before bonds were introduced, where did the political parties get money for elections? Was it black money or white money? The money donated through electoral bonds is white. Companies show in their balance sheets that they have donated money for elections. It is accounted for, unlike cash.” 

Explaining the secrecy of the electoral bonds, the Home Minister stressed, “It was kept secret so that donors are assured that no one can harass them for donating to a particular political party. The electoral bonds are reflected on the party’s P&L sheet. It is also reflected in the company’s balance sheet. There is no secrecy about it. It was the earlier cash system where secrecy was needed and caused massive corruption.” 

Conclusion

Contrary to the opposition’s shrill rhetoric, which relies on conjectures, surmises, and half-baked conspiracy theories, the Supreme Court struck down the Electoral Bond scheme citing a ‘lack of transparency.’ However, this does not necessarily imply that the scheme was a scam. In a nuanced debate between the need for secrecy (legally provided sanctity) to protect donors from witch hunts by rival parties following the disclosure of such data and the right of voters to have information about electoral funding for better judgment, the latter prevailed. This has sparked a possible redux of the Kesavananda Bharati judgment and a debate regarding the superiority of one fundamental right over another or Article 14 versus Article 368.

The usual suspects have used every possible permutation and combination to make preposterous allegations against the Modi government. From the Rafale deal to Adani and Ambani jibes, Agniveer, etc., desperately hoping that some of them will stick and deter the public from voting for the BJP. However, with no tangible evidence to pin the Modi government down, the usual suspects and their ecosystem is now grasping at the straws, relying on a combination of sensationalism, fear-mongering, and exaggeration to malign the Modi government. The outrage against electoral bonds is one such sordid attempt at undermining a democratically elected government, and it certainly won’t be last as Modi appears poised to return to power with an even greater majority.

Haryana: Pet Pitbull dog attacks private parts of a man in a society’s elevator in Sonipat, victim hospitalised

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Haryana: Pet Pitbull dog attacks private parts of a man in a society’s elevator in Sonipat, victim hospitalised

A gruesome Pitbull dog attack has been reported from Haryana’s Sonipat, where the canine who was accompanied by its female owner, attacked a man’s genitals in an elevator. The entire incident was captured on CCTV camera. The victim has notified the authorities about the attack.

According to the information, the incident transpired at Kundli Parker Residency located on National Highway 44. A man named Sudarshan entered the society’s lift after he returned from his routine morning walk. Meanwhile, a woman named Poonam and her Pitbull were already there. The animal pounced on the male as soon as the lift’s doors opened and the latter entered.

Sudarshan suffered severe injuries as a result of the shocking dog attack on his private parts, and he was taken to a hospital for treatment. He is under medical care there. He informed that not one, but three to four canines of the same breed are kept as pets in the society. Pitbull dogs are being bred there even though the government has now proposed a ban on them.

Sudarshan complained that a report has been submitted to the authorities but the senior officials are not taking any strict action in the matter. A complaint has also been lodged with the Residents’ Welfare Association. They have promised that the dog’s owner will face consequences in addition to legal action in the case.

However, the matter at hand concerns how this breed of dog is being raised in spite of its impending ban. Sudarshan revealed that the society has at least three or four Pitbulls, and that too without permission. Notably, the administrative officers refused to say anything in front of the camera. The Kundli police station in-charge acknowledged that there had been a complaint but gave no specifics regarding the action taken.

The central government recently asked the states to prohibit the importation, breeding and sale of twenty-five “ferocious” dog breeds in order to combat the growing number of fatalities resulting from aggressive dog attacks. The breeds that are considered threatening to human life include Rottweilers, Pitbulls, Terriers, Wolf dogs and Mastiffs among others. Mixed breeds and crossbreeds of these species will also be banned. This ruling follows the submission of a report by an expert committee and animal welfare organisations in response to a Delhi High Court order.

2024 Lok Sabha election dates announced: Seven phase voting starts from 19 April, counting on 4 June

OpIndia Staff
-
0
2024 Lok Sabha election dates announced: Seven phase voting starts from 19 April, counting on 4 June

The Election Commission today announced the dates for the 2023 Lok Sabha elections, along with the dates of assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Odisha. The poll body held a press conference at the Vigyan Bhavan to announce the dates of the General Election 2024 with the model code of conduct coming into force immediately. The elections will be held in seven phases, starting from 19 April.

The votes will be counted on 4th June, and the results are expected on the same day.

Following are the dates of the Lok Sabha elections as announced by the Election Commission today:

First Phase          –              19 April 2024

Second Phase    –              26 April 2024

Third Phase         –              7 May 2024

Fourth Phase      –              13 May 2024

Fifth Phase          –              20 May 2024

Sixth Phase         –              25 May 2024

Seventh Phase   –              1 June 2024

Here is the detailed schedule of all the phases of the elections, and the phase-wise map of the constituencies.

The detailed schedule of the elections for all the states and union territories is given below.

    State/UT  No. of PCsPoll Day No/ Date of Poll / Day of the week
1234567
19 Apr 202426 Apr 202407 May 202413 May 202420 May 202425 May 202401 June 2024
FridayFridayTuesdayMondayMondaySaturdaySaturday
Andhra Pradesh25   25   
Arunachal Pradesh22      
Assam14554    
Bihar404555588
Chhattisgarh11137    
Goa2  2    
Gujarat26  26    
Haryana10     10 
Himachal Pradesh4      4
Jharkhand14   4343
Karnataka28 1414    
Kerala20 20     
Madhya Pradesh296788   
Maharashtra4858111113  
Manipur221     
Meghalaya22      
Mizoram11      
Nagaland11      
Odisha21   4566
Punjab13      13
Rajasthan251213     
Sikkim11      
Tamil Nadu3939      
Telangana17   17   
Tripura211     
Uttar Pradesh80881013141413
Uttarakhand55      
West Bengal423348789
Andaman and Nicobar Islands11      
Chandigarh1      1
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu2  2    
Jammu and Kashmir511111  
Ladakh1    1  
Lakshadweep11      
NCT of Delhi7     7 
Puducherry11      
Total PCs543102899496495757
No. of States/UTs on each Poll Day 21131210878
Date of Counting of Votes04.06.2024

The detailed schedule of all the phases is given in the slides presented by the EC during the press conference.

With the announcement of the poll dates, the model code of conduct has come into force, and the govt will effectively work as a caretaker govt, unable to make any major policy decisions.

The dates of the assembly elections are as follows:

Andhra Pradesh – 13 May

Arunachal Pradesh – 19 April

Odisha – 13 May, 20 May, 25 May, 1 June

Sikkim – 19 April

Votes for the assembly elections will also be counted on 4th June.

Love Jihad in Uttar Pradesh: Nizam claims to be Sanjay Kumar to lure Hindu girl on Instagram, rapes her in a hotel in the name of government job

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Love Jihad in Uttar Pradesh: Nizam claims to be Sanjay Kumar to lure Hindu girl on Instagram, rapes her in a hotel in the name of government job

On 14th March, an alarming case of love jihad came to light in Gajraula Uttar Pradesh’s Amroha where a young woman from the Deehat police station area of Hapur district was befriended on Instagram by Nizam, a resident of Bhadaura which falls under the jurisdiction of Saidangali police station, by pretending to be Sanjay Kuma. The accused also took the victim to a hotel in Gajraula on 8th March and raped her. He has now been arrested.

The perpetrator not only used a fraudulent Hindu identification on his Instagram ID to trap the female but also duped her under the guise of a government job and sexually assaulted her in the hotel. Afterwards, she was shocked to learn the truth and his real name. She then narrated the entire ordeal to her family members.

Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal members also reached the police station with the girl and her family to submit a complaint as well as demanded strict action against the Muslim man on 14th March. The in-charge of the Brijghat police station who was present there reportedly misbehaved with them. The Hindu activists then started a protest in response and raised slogans against the official. They sat outside the police station’s gate and also demanded his transfer.

Enraged by the cop’s conduct, Hemant Kumar, Ashok Kumar, Vinod Garg, Vipin, Piyush, Kushal Chaudhary, Yogesh Chaudhary, Akhilesh Kumar, Abhishek, Pradeep Verma, Pritam Singh, Dinesh Agarwal and other Hindu activists started the demonstration. Circle Officer (CO) Swetabh Bhaskar and police station in-charge Harish Vardhan Singh pacified the people. The circle officer revealed that a report had been registered and the culprit was apprehended. He was sent to jail on 15th March.

Madhya Pradesh: ASI excavation underway in Nachne village to find ‘India’s oldest temple’

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Madhya Pradesh: ASI excavation underway in Nachne village to find ‘India’s oldest temple’

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is excavating a site in a small village to uncover India’s oldest temples, which could predate the Gupta period. As per reports, the digging operations are underway in Nachne village on the Katni highway where the experts have identified two mounds. 

These excavation sites are reportedly just 30 meters away from two ancient temples: a Gupta-era Parvati temple and the Chaumukhi temple (built by the Kalachuri Dynasty in the 6th-7th centuries CE). Additionally, these historically rich excavation sites are located less than 100 km from Khajuraho.

Speaking with the Times of India, ASI Superintending Archaeologist (Jabalpur circle) Shiva Kant Bajpayee said, “We are carrying out this excavation with the objective of finding the oldest temple in India.” 

He added that the excavation work began on 4th March. According to him, it would take 3-4 months to complete the whole excavation process.

Bajpayee told TOI, “The oldest known temples in the country are from the Gupta era (4th to early 6th century CE). The majority of the earliest known temples of the country are in Madhya Pradesh — Temple No. 17 in Sanchi, the Nachne Parvati temple, Tigwa’s Vishnu Temple (in Katni district, 140km away) and Bhumara’s Shiva Temple (50km away, in Satna district). We are conducting these excavations with the hope of finding pre-Gupta-era temples.”

He added, “If we are not able to find it here, we will continue our exploration in the area as it cannot be that only Gupta-era temples exist. There can be temples older than that.” 

According to the TOI report, sources with first-hand knowledge of the Nachne excavation site revealed that archaeologists believe what they have found so far indicates the discovery of the upper portion of a temple.

Bajpayee added, “There are eight archaeological mounds there. After seeking all requisite permissions, we have started excavation on two mounds. Both are around two metres in height and spread over 1,000 sqm.”  

The Parvati temple was discovered in 1883-84 by Alexander Cunningham, the famed British military engineer. Cunningham is known for his excavations at Sanchi and Sarnath. Indian archaeologist R. D. Banerji visited the site in 1919. Nearly a century later, experts believe the area could uncover India’s oldest temple that would re-write history. 

‘Deep connection with Sanatan Dharma’: Famous singer Anuradha Paudwal joins BJP in Delhi

OpIndia Staff
-
0
‘Deep connection with Sanatan Dharma’: Famous singer Anuradha Paudwal joins BJP in Delhi

Renowned singer Anuradha Paudwal, who gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s with her hit songs and devotional music, became a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday, 16th March, in New Delhi. Anuradha Paudwal expressed her happiness at joining a party with a “strong bond with Sanatan Dharma.”

“I am happy that I am joining the party which has a deep connection with Sanatan (Dharma). It is my good fortune that I am joining the BJP today,” she stated while addressing a press conference. Upon being asked if she would be contesting in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the seasoned singer responded, “I don’t know yet, (I will follow) whatever suggestion they give me.”

Anuradha Paudwal is a multilingual singer who has sung hundreds of bhajans and thousands of songs. She was born in Karwar, Karnataka and made her singing debut at the age of 19 in the popular film “Abhimaan,” in which she gave her melodious voice to Shiv Stuti “Omkaram Bindu Sanyuktam.” SD Burman, whom she would later collaborate with on multiple occasions, composed it.

Paudwal’s smash hit song “Tu Mera Hero Hai” from the Jackie Shroff-Meenakshi Sheshadri starrer ‘Hero’ established her reputation in Bollywood in 1983. She went on to win the first of her four Filmfare Awards three years later for “Mere Man Bajo Mridang” in Girish Karnad’s film Utsav. Her career peaked in the 1990s when her soundtracks for Aashiqui, Sadak, and Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin mesmerised music fans.

Anuradha Paudwal concentrated mainly on spiritual music throughout the 2000s. She is recognised for her charitable endeavours as well. Anuradha Paudwal established the Suryoday Foundation in 2016 to help those in need of healthcare.

The recipient of several accolades, including a National Film Award, four Filmfare Awards (winning consecutively during 1990–92) and two Odisha State Film Awards, she has been honoured by the Government of India with the Padma Shri, the country’s fourth-highest civilian honour for her contribution in the field of arts. She was given the Mother Teresa Award in 2011 in recognition of her impressive work.

Citzenship Amendment Act: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi moves Supreme Court to oppose CAA that protects persecuted minorities

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Citzenship Amendment Act: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi moves Supreme Court to oppose CAA that protects persecuted minorities

Asaduddin Owaisi, President of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), moved the Supreme Court on Saturday (16th March), urging for a halt on the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). In his plea, Owaisi contended that the Act poses a threat to the Muslim community in India.

In his plea, Owaisi said, “The evil posed by the CAA is simply not one of under-inclusion of the grant of citizenship, but is very blatantly the isolation of a minority community to selectively take action against them consequential to the denial of citizenship.”

Asaduddin Owaisi contended that the government should refrain from entertaining or processing any applications for granting citizenship status under Section 6B of the Citizenship Act, 1955, as amended by the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, while the legal proceedings are ongoing.

Additionally, his petition also requested that no recourse be permitted under the proviso to Section 2(1)(b) of the Act. It is pertinent to note that in 2019, Owaisi submitted a petition to the Supreme Court, contending that the current Citizenship (Amendment) Act falls short of meeting the standards set by Article 14 of the Constitution.

The petitions come amidst the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) by the Central government. The Act, passed by Parliament in 2019, aims to expedite citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, who arrived in India before December 31, 2014.

The notification of the Act has sparked criticism from opposition leaders. However, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reiterated that the CAA does not strip anyone of their citizenship and is in line with the constitutional promise to grant refuge to persecuted religious minorities from neighbouring countries.

Asaduddin Owaisi’s move to challenge the CAA in the Supreme Court follows a series of developments, including the recent notification of the Citizenship Amendment Rules 2024 by the Central government. These rules aim to enforce the provisions of the CAA.

While the Supreme Court is set to hear the petitions on 19th March, the Government has defended the Act, emphasising its compliance with constitutional principles and its humanitarian intent to provide shelter to persecuted minorities from neighbouring Muslim countries.

Religiophobia against Non-Abrahamic faith must be acknowledged: India opposes special UN envoy for Islamophobia, abstains from Pakistan’s resolution

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Religiophobia against Non-Abrahamic faith must be acknowledged: India opposes special UN envoy for Islamophobia, abstains from Pakistan’s resolution

During the UN General Assembly session, India categorically asserted that it is time for the UN body to acknowledge the prevalence of religiophobia beyond Abrahamic faiths. India also, in principle, opposed the creation of the post of a special UN envoy for Islamophobia asserting that it would “potentially divide the UN into religious camps”. Further, the Indian Permanent Ambassador to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj also launched a scathing attack against her Pakistani counterpart, slamming him for making references to the Ram Mandir and Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

Notably, India abstained from voting on a resolution titled ‘Measures to combat Islamophobia’ which was introduced by Pakistan. The resolution was however passed with 115 votes in favour and none against, with 44 countries choosing to abstain. The general assembly called upon Member States to take all necessary measures — including legislative and policy steps — to combat hatred and violence against Muslims. It also requested the Secretary-General to appoint a United Nations Special Envoy to combat Islamophobia.

Explaining India’s stance over religiophobia, Kamboj diplomatically criticised the resolution for its narrow scope and failure to address the growing intolerance against non-Abrahamic faiths.  

Kamboj said, “India stands against all forms of religiophobia, be it anti-Semitism, Christianophobia, or Islamophobia, as we stand against all anti-Hindu, anti-Buddhist, and anti-Sikh sentiments.” 

Pointing out rising hate against non-Abrahamic faiths, she stressed, “In our world today, we are confronted with escalating geopolitical tensions and unequal developments resulting in a concerning rise in intolerance, discrimination, and violence based on religion or belief.” “India, as a proud champion of pluralism, firmly upholds the principle of equal protection and promotion of all religions and all faiths,” she added.

She added that India provides a sanctuary free from persecution or discrimination to Zoroastrians, Buddhists, Jews, and adherents of any other belief, highlighting India’s ardent belief in ‘Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava’.

She said, “At the heart of this ethos is our principle of Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava, encapsulating Indian secularism and affirming the inherent goodness of all religions, each deserving of equal respect.” 

This principle isn’t merely a facet of our culture, it is firmly enshrined within the constitution of India, Kamboj added.

Clear evidence that followers of non-Abrahamic religions have also been affected by religiophobia

She further strongly condemned the acts motivated by antisemitism, Christianophobia, or Islamophobia. 

She added, “It is therefore with deep concern, that we observe the growing manifestation of intolerance, discrimination, and violence against followers of various religions. We condemn all acts motivated by antisemitism, Christianophobia, or Islamophobia.” 

She, however, emphasised that it is crucial to acknowledge that such phobias extend beyond the Abrahamic religions. Notably, the term Abrahamic faiths is a category to group the three major religions namely Judaism, Christianity, and Islam together.

The top Indian diplomat at the UN added, “Clear evidence shows that over decades, followers of non-Abrahamic religions have also been affected by religiophobia. This has led to the emergence of contemporary forms of religiophobia, particularly anti-Islam, anti-Buddhist, and anti-Sikh elements.” 

Highlighting the increasing attacks on religious places of worship, Kamboj said that these contemporary forms of religiophobia are evident through such attacks on gurudwaras, monasteries, and temples, as well as the spreading of hatred and disinformation against non-Abrahamic religions in many countries.

She further stated, “The destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas, violations of Gurudwara premises, massacres of Sikh pilgrims in Gurudwaras, attacks on temples, and the glorification of breaking idols in temples, all contribute to the rise of contemporary forms of religiophobia against nonabrahamic religions.”  

Hinduism, with over 1.2 billion followers, Buddhism, with more than 535 million and Sikhism, with over 30 million followers worldwide, are all subject to religiophobia, Kamboj pointed out before the UNGA. 

Pressing on the UN body, she asserted, “It is time that we acknowledge the prevalence of religiophobia rather than just single out one.”  

She urged, “I would ask all member states to consider the broader scope of religious discrimination that persists globally.”

While the issue of Islamophobia is undoubtedly significant, however, other religions are also facing discrimination and violence. 

Acknowledge religiophobia beyond Abrahamic faiths, India opposes ‘special envoy’ based on a ‘special religion’

Kamboj further said that allocating resources solely to combat Islamophobia while neglecting similar challenges faced by other faiths, might inadvertently perpetuate a sense of exclusion and inequality.

Moreover, these substantial budgetary implications of establishing such a position prompt us to pause and reflect on whether this is the most effective use of resources. 

Regarding the appointment of a United Nations Special Envoy to combat Islamophobia, Kamboj said, “We are in principle opposed to the creation of the post of a special envoy based on a special religion.”

She stressed, “We trust that the resolution adopted today does not establish a precedent that could result in numerous resolutions centred on phobias tied to specific religions, potentially dividing the United Nations into religious camps.” 

Kamboj emphasised the need for the United Nations to maintain its stance above such religious concerns adding that such a resolution would have the potential to fragment the UN body rather than unite the members under the banner of peace and harmony, embracing the world as one global family. 

Following her explanation, India abstained from voting on the resolution on Measures to combat Islamophobia. It was introduced by Munir Akram, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations during the 62nd plenary meeting of the General Assembly on the Culture of peace.

India slams Pakistan for its “broken record”

In her concluding remarks, Kamboj also lambasted Pakistan for ranting against India and making needless references to consecration at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and the implementation of CAA. 

She said, “One final point concerns a delegation (and its remarks) that, much like a broken record, remains sadly stagnant while the world progresses.” 

Kamboj added, “It is unfortunate indeed to witness this delegation’s (Pakistan) limited and misguided perspective on matters relating to my country, the more so, when the General Assembly considers a matter that demands wisdom, depth, and a global outlook from the entire membership – perhaps not the forte of this delegation.”

MP: Rape accused kills girl’s father, brother after court grants him bail, victim goes missing

OpIndia Staff
-
0
MP: Rape accused kills girl’s father, brother after court grants him bail, victim goes missing

On Friday, in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur district, a 52-year-old railway employee and his eight-year-old son were reportedly killed by a 19-year-old man. This man was accused of raping the government employee’s teenage daughter, who was subsequently discovered to be missing, according to the police.

According to the police, the incident was brought to light when the 14-year-old rape survivor sent a voice message from her father’s phone to her grandfather immediately after the murders committed by their neighbour and the rape accused, Mukul Kumar.

Jabalpur Superintendent of Police (SP) Aditya Pratap Singh stated, “Upon receiving information from the girl’s grandfather, a police team quickly arrived at the government quarter where the family lived. The house was found to be locked from the outside. After breaking the lock, police discovered the railway employee’s body in a pool of blood on the floor, while the son’s body was recovered from a fridge.” He added, “However, the minor girl was not found at the scene.”

Police indicated that a preliminary investigation revealed the father and son were killed with a sharp-edged weapon.

Singh mentioned, “In September, Mukul Kumar was charged under sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly raping the girl. He was apprehended, imprisoned, but recently released on bail.”

“The police are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity outside the railway employee’s residence, and a thorough investigation is ongoing,” Singh stated. “Efforts are underway to locate both the accused and the minor rape survivor.”

The police noted that the railway employee and his children had relocated to the government quarter following his wife’s passing last year.

Over 1 crore households register for PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana in 4 weeks after PM Modi launched it, read more about the free electricity scheme

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Over 1 crore households register for PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana in 4 weeks after PM Modi launched it, read more about the free electricity scheme

On Saturday (16th March), Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to his X handle to appeal to the people in the country to register for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. He also informed that since the scheme was launched last month, over a crore households have already applied for it. The free electricity scheme encouraging people to set up roof-top solar electricity generation panels was launched in February 2024 by the government of India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote in his post, “Outstanding news! In about a month since it was launched, over 1 crore households have already registered themselves for the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Registrations have been pouring in from all parts of the nation. Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh have seen over 5 lakh registrations. Those who haven’t registered yet should also do so at the earliest.”

He further wrote, “This initiative promises substantial reductions in electricity expenses for households, along with ensuring energy production. It’s poised to encourage Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) on a grand scale, contributing to a better planet.”

The central government has initiated numerous schemes aimed at benefiting the general populace, many of which entail subsidies for recipients. One such initiative is the PM-Surya Ghar: Free Electricity scheme, which aims to install solar panels on the rooftops of 1 crore households. This is PM Modi’s dream project, which has been started under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. This scheme was launched by PM Modi on 15th February 2024.

This is expected to greatly benefit the rural people. Under this scheme, the solar system is connected to the existing grid connection. The household uses electricity from the solar panels, and if there is any excess electricity generated, it is fed to the grid, and the household is paid for this electricity by the distribution company. Similarly, if the generation is less than the use, the excess power is drawn from the grid. At the end of the month, the household is billed for the net power drawn from the grid. In case more power was contributed than drawn, the house gets paid instead.

The central govt is providing subsidies to install the systems. However, obtaining the subsidy requires adherence to a detailed application process beyond the mere installation of solar panels.

How to apply?

To initiate the process, one needs to access the official website. From there, navigate to the “Apply for Rooftop Solar” section. Then proceed by selecting the respective state, electricity distribution company, electricity consumer number, mobile number, and email address. Upon clicking “Proceed,” users will be directed to a login page where they must input their consumer number and mobile number. Following this step, a form will appear allowing individuals to apply for a rooftop solar panel, following the provided guidelines.

Additionally, individuals have also the option to register offline by visiting the nearest post office.

After that, the DISCOM will conduct a feasibility study for the installation. After the company grants approval, the consumer can install the system through a registered vendor. After the installation is done, the household needs to submit the details of the system installed and apply for a net meter. After that, the DISCOM will install a net meter, and generate a commissioning certificate from the portal.

Upon installation of the system including the net meter and examination by the distribution company, beneficiaries of the scheme will receive a commissioning certificate through the portal. Upon receiving the commissioning certificate, individuals must submit a cancelled cheque and provide bank account details on the portal.

The subsidy amount will be deposited into the beneficiary’s bank account within 30 days of submitting these particulars. As per the scheme, a subsidy of ₹30,000 is allocated for a 1-kilowatt capacity solar panel, ₹60,000 for a 2-kilowatt capacity panel, and ₹78,000 for a panel with a capacity of 3 kilowatts or more. The market rate for a 1 KW solar panel is around ₹ 50,000, so the household will need to pay only ₹20,000.

The government announced that 1 crore families will receive benefits under this scheme, allowing them to install solar panels on their rooftops with subsidy. The total expenditure for the entire project is estimated to be Rs 75,021 crore.

The objective of the scheme

The objectives of the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme include providing up to 300 units of free electricity monthly to illuminate one crore households. By installing solar panels on rooftops and harnessing solar energy, the scheme endeavours to lower household electricity expenses. Additionally, it seeks to diminish reliance on traditional energy sources by promoting the adoption of rooftop solar panels and advancing towards sustainable energy practices. The scheme underscores the importance of embracing clean and sustainable energy solutions.

Benefits of PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme

The PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme offers several advantages. Firstly, households can save between Rs 15,000 to Rs 18,000 annually by selling surplus power to distribution companies and charging electric vehicles with free solar power. Secondly, the scheme enables the charging of electric vehicles, contributing to cleaner transportation options. Moreover, it creates entrepreneurial opportunities for numerous vendors involved in the supply, installation and after sales service of solar panels. Additionally, there are employment prospects for young individuals with technical skills in solar panel installation, manufacturing, and maintenance, further boosting economic growth and sustainability initiatives.

Notably, net meters installed with solar plants allow households to sell excess electricity generated by the solar panels. When solar power generated is more than the power consumed in the house, the excess power flows into the grid. And if the consumption is more than the solar generation, and at night when there is no solar power, the house gets power from the grid. The meter keeps track of the electricity drawn from the grid and contributed to the grid, and the bill is generated for the net power consumed, if any. In case the households also invest in a battery system and uses it during the night, it is possible to not use grid power at all, and make money by selling excess power to the DISCOM.

1...1,2071,2081,209...7,606Page 1,208 of 7,606