Home Blog Page 1381

‘Aurangzeb built mosques after breaking temples in Varanasi and Mathura’: Old video of Irfan Habib admitting to temple destruction by Mughals goes viral

OpIndia Staff
-
0
‘Aurangzeb built mosques after breaking temples in Varanasi and Mathura’: Old video of Irfan Habib admitting to temple destruction by Mughals goes viral

Ahead of the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony scheduled to take place on 22nd January, an old video of the Marxist historian Irfan Habib is making rounds on social media in which he is seen admitting that several temples in Mathura and Varanasi were demolished by Mughals to built Mosques on them.

The video dates back to May 2022, days after the Shivling was discovered in the Gyanvapi structure. “Temples in Varanasi and Mathura were demolished by Aurangzeb,” he stated as he further questioned the government over the demolition of the disputed structure. “Can the government demolish something that was built in 1670?” he said.

“It is correct that Aurangzeb demolished the temple but it is not specified that it was Lord Shiva’s temple. It became a Shiv Temple after they found a Shivling. Aurangzeb demolished this temple in Varanasi. Another temple was demolished in Mathura. There’s no two ways about it. The question is can the government demolish something that was built in 1670? It is against India’s Monument Protection Act,” he was quoted as saying.

The video was shared by Journalist Abhijeet Majumder who hinted that Gyanvapi, Krishna Janmasthan, and Mathura must be returned to their rightful custodians.

The video was also shared by Kanchan Gupta who is a senior adviser at the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. Gupta stated that the ‘historian’ Irfan Habib of AMU spent his life singing paeans to the Mughals and now was revealing the truth that Hindu temples in Varanasi and Mathura were demolished by Aurangzeb to build Mosques.

Hindu temples demolished by Mughals

It is important to note that several temples in India were demolished by the Mughals to establish their rule over the country and build Mosques instead. The Ram Mandir also has a similar history which dates back to 492 years. The temple believed to have been demolished by the Mughal tyrant Babar in 1528, has been at the centre of a historical and spiritual quest for centuries. This quest, deeply embedded in the hearts of millions, has seen countless devotees laying down their lives for the cause. Today the temple is being built and every Hindu devotee is looking forward to the ceremony of Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha scheduled on 22nd January in Ayodhya.

Also, the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi had stood tall for centuries before becoming an eye sour for the Mughals. The Islamic rulers, who were on a mission to destroy anything that was against Islam, saw Kashi Vishwanath Dham as one of the main targets challenging the supremacy of their faith. 

On April 18, 1669, Islamic ruler Aurangzeb gave the order to demolish Kashi Vishwanath Temple. In his order, he had written that the temple was the place where “the foolish Pundits teach evil knowledge from junk books.” On the explicit orders from Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, Kashi Vishwanath Dham, one of the holiest Hindu sites of pilgrimage, was plundered, desecrated, demolished, and converted into Gyanvapi Mosque in 1669. 

Further, after the Ram Mandir verdict, the Krishna Janmabhoomi Nirman Nyas is hoping to reclaim the four-and-a-half-acre land next to the mosque to use it as a ‘Ranga Manch’ for religious and cultural functions organized by it and the temple authorities.

Ever since the Babri mosque was demolished in 1992, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has been calling for the ‘liberation’ of Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura and the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi.

Following the Supreme Court verdict on the Ram Janmabhoomi case, there has been a growing demand among Hindus to reclaim Kashi and Mathura, along with Ayodhya. Taking back the disputed sites of Kashi Vishwanath temple and Krishna Janmabhoomi temple at Mathura has now become a priority for various Hindu groups in the country.

Places of Worship Act – a major hurdle

However, the major roadblock for the Hindus to reclaim its spiritual and cultural sites that have been lost due to Islamic conquest in the past comes in the form of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which was passed by the then PV Narasimha Rao government. The controversial law prohibits the conversion of places of worship, like churches, mosques, and temples, into places of worship of a different religion.

Section 4 of the Act claims to preserve the “religious character” of a place of worship, as it existed on August 15, 1947. It also says that any court proceeding regarding any such conversion would cease after the Act came into force.

However, there was a relaxation in the law concerning the Ram Janmabhoomi dispute as Section 5 of the Act specifically mandated an exemption to the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute under the law and its court proceedings.

‘Historian’ Irfan Habib’s statements against RSS, PM Modi

It is worth mentioning that Marxist ‘Historian’ Irfan Habib has always praised the Mughals and criticized the Hindu community. He has also time and again criticized the BJP government for making changes to the history of the NCERT syllabus. In an exclusive interview with NewsClick the ‘historian’ had criticized the Hindu outfits saying that Mughals would not disappear from history just because Sangh wished so.

Also, in the year 2020, Habib said that in Aligarh Muslim University RSS was formed to attack Muslims and that the Hindutva ideologue Veer Savarkar was responsible for the partition of the country, extenuating Mohammad Ali Jinnah who propounded the two-nation theory.

Habib had also said that there is strong circumstantial evidence that Savarkar was involved in the murder of Mahatma Gandhi, and referred to PM Modi as ‘Jahil’.

Notably, Author Meenakshi Jain, in an interview with Open Magazine, asserted that leftist historian Irfan Habib was among the pro-Babri group who tried to discredit in vain an inscription that fell from the walls of the Babri structure during its demolition in 1992. The inscription said it was built for the person who destroyed the 10-headed Ravan.

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes resulted in over ₹1.03 lakh crore investment till November 2023, contributes to exports over ₹3.20 lakh crore

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes resulted in over ₹1.03 lakh crore investment till November 2023, contributes to exports over ₹3.20 lakh crore

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes launched by the Modi government has resulted in over Rs. 1.03 lakh crore of investment till November 2023, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry said on Wednesday, 17th January 2024. A statement issued by the ministry said that this has led to production/ sales of Rs. 8.61 lakh crore and employment generation (direct & indirect) of over 6.78 lakhs. PLI Schemes have witnessed exports surpassing Rs. 3.20 lakh crore, with significant contributions from sectors such as Large-Scale Electronics Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals, Food Processing, and Telecom & Networking products.

As on date, 746 applications have been approved in 14 Sectors with expected investment of over Rs. 3 lakh crore, the ministry informed. 176 MSMEs are among the PLI beneficiaries in sectors such as Bulk Drugs, Medical Devices, Pharma, Telecom, White Goods, Food Processing, Textiles & Drones. Several MSMEs are serving as investment partners/ contract manufacturers for large Corporates.

Incentive amount of around Rs. 4,415 crore has been disbursed under PLI Schemes for 8 Sectors -Large-Scale Electronics Manufacturing (LSEM), IT Hardware, Bulk Drugs, Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals, Telecom & Networking Products, Food Processing and Drones & Drone Components.

As a result of the PLI scheme, manufacturing of various electronic components like battery, chargers, PCBA, PCB, camera modules, passive components and certain mechanics have been localized in the country. This has also caused green shoots in the component ecosystem wherein large companies such as TATAs have entered into component manufacturing.

PLI beneficiaries account for around 20% of the market share only, however, have contributed to nearly 82% mobile phones exports during FY 2022-23. Production of mobile phones increased by more than 125% and export of Mobile Phones increased around 4 times since FY 2020-21. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) increased by ~254% since the inception of the PLI scheme for LSEM.

Due to the PLI Scheme, there has been a significant reduction in imports of raw materials in the Pharma sector. Unique intermediate materials and bulk drugs are being manufactured in India including Penicillin-G. Production of 39 Medical Devices have commenced such as CT-Scan, Linear Accelerator (LINAC), Rotational Cobalt Machine, C-Arm, MRI, Cath Lab, Ultrasonography, Dialysis Machine, Heart Valves, Stents, etc.

Import substitution of 60% has been achieved in the Telecom sector and sales of Telecom & Networking Products by PLI beneficiary companies in FY 2023-24 increased by 370% vis-a-vis Base Year (FY 2019-20). Significant impact on investment in the Drone industry with a CAGR of 90.74%.

Under the PLI Scheme for Food Processing, sourcing of raw materials from India has seen significant increase which has positively impacted income of Indian farmers and MSMEs. Sales of Organic Products increased and Indian brand visibility enhanced in the international market through Branding & Marketing abroad. The Scheme has also led to increased Millet procurement – from 668 MT (FY 20-21) to 3,703 MT (FY 22-23).

Keeping in view India’s vision of becoming ‘Atmanirbhar’, PLI Schemes for 14 key sectors [with an incentive outlay of Rs. 1.97 lakh crore (over US$26 billion)] are under implementation to enhance India’s Manufacturing capabilities and Exports.

PLI Scheme across these key specific sectors has started to make Indian manufacturers globally competitive, attract investment in the areas of core competency and cutting-edge technology; ensure efficiencies; create economies of scale; enhance exports and make India an integral part of the global value chain.

PLI Schemes have transformed India’s exports basket from traditional commodities to high value-added products such as electronics & telecommunication goods, processed food products etc.

Ram Mandir including Garbhagriha and five Mandapas complete: Construction committee chairman Nripendra Mishra on controversy over Pran Pratishtha

ANI
-
0
Ram Mandir including Garbhagriha and five Mandapas complete: Construction committee chairman Nripendra Mishra on controversy over Pran Pratishtha

Amid the allegations that the Pran Pratishtha ceremony is being done when the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is unfinished, chairman of the Ram Mandir Construction Committee Nripendra Mishra on Wednesday said that the temple of Ram Lalla is complete.

The construction committee chairperson said that the temple of Ram Lalla has a sanctum sanctorum–Garbhagriha–and it is complete.

“Mandir Toh Ban Gaya Hai. The temple of Ram Lalla will have ‘Garbhagriha’, five mandaps and that temple will be on the ground floor. That temple is complete. The first floor, which is under construction, will have Ram Darbar…The second floor is just for ‘Anushthan’, the different types of ‘Yagyas’ and ‘Anushthan’ will take place there,” he said.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Mishra said that the ‘Shubh Muhurt’ or auspicious time for the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla at the temple in Ayodhya is 12.30 pm on January 22.

“The ‘Muhurt’ on January 22 is around 12.30 pm. The prayers and rituals have already begun. The Ram Lalla will probably be brought inside the sanctum sanctorum tomorrow morning. Different types of rituals, like the Abhishek (bath) of the idol, among others, will be performed. Finally, when the auspicious time comes at 12.30 pm on the 22nd of this month, the Pran Pratishtha will be done,” he said.

The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of the Ram Temple will be held in the temple town. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the installation of the idol of Ram Lalla at the grand temple on that day.

The black-stone idol of Ram Lalla, exquisitely sculpted by a Mysuru-based sculptor–Arun Yogiraj–has been selected for enthronement.

The rituals started on Tuesday and will continue for seven days. Thousands of VIP guests have received invitations from the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust for the ceremony.

The Trust has made elaborate arrangements to welcome and honor all attendees, presenting them with gifts that include ‘Ram Raj.’ As part of the celebration, Teerth Kshetra Trust will also distribute special ‘Motichoor laddus’ made from desi ghee as ‘Prasad’ to the guests.

A member of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust shared that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, set to attend the event, will be presented with a 15-metre picture of the Ram temple enclosed in a jute bag featuring an image of the sacred structure.

More than 11,000 guests nationwide have received invitations from the Trust for the Pran Pratistha ceremony, with special arrangements underway to provide memorable gifts to all attendees. According to a Trust member, the revered Ram Raj soil excavated from the temple will be bestowed upon the guests, serving as a cherished memento.

This sacred gift can be used in home gardens or pots, adding a touch of divinity to their homes. Even those unable to attend the Pran Pratishtha program may receive this meaningful gift in the future.

A team of priests led by Lakshmikant Dixit will perform the main rituals of the Pran Prathistha.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

France: Angry farmers dump manure and rotting produce in central Toulouse in a major demonstration against agricultural policies

OpIndia Staff
-
0
France: Angry farmers dump manure and rotting produce in central Toulouse in a major demonstration against agricultural policies

In Toulouse, a city in southwest France, furious farmers buried mounds of manure in front of city buildings on 16th January in a strong statement against the government’s agricultural policy which they claim is putting them at a greater disadvantage. About 400 tractors and 1,000 farmers from all around southwest France descended upon the city and assembled at various locations around the region before daybreak.

Rumbling into the ancient city centre of Toulouse in the early morning light, they blocked full lanes on certain roads and created enormous traffic jams while blowing their horns and towing trailer loads of hay and excrement.

The head of the local police force urged people to stay away from central Toulouse and bus services were forced to alter their routes. The tractors dumped dozens of trailer loads of rotten fruit, hay and manure in front of the regional authority headquarters as soon as they arrived. Approximately one thousand farmers flocked to the Capitole square on foot and later in the day, a delegation was scheduled to meet with the chief of police in the area.

Protesters contended that farmers around the region are suffering as a result of rising taxes and social charges. The cost of living has risen nationwide and this is in addition to the tax increases and other levies, other expenses include rising fuel and animal feed prices.

Farmers in other parts of the neighbourhood set out to destroy manure in the parking lots of big suburban supermarkets. According to the farmers, a lot of large grocery chains won’t provide their produce at fair prices. The development came after multiple demonstrations in the area in November of last year when farmers expressed fear for their livelihoods.

Earlier, German farmers began a week-long statewide agitation on 8th January by clogging roadways and major highways in almost all 16 Federal states of Germany with thousands of tractors and trucks. There have been reports of blockades in Bavaria, Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Baden-Württemberg. Notably, the administration has reversed its prior plan to eliminate diesel subsidy reduction, yet the protests have persisted.

The convoys also stopped production at a Volkswagen auto plant in the city of Emden in northwest Germany, bringing thousands of tractors and trucks with them. The staff were unable to report to work due to the roadblock. The blockade in the northern state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania received backing from haulage companies protesting against the increase in lorry tolls. Reports highlighted that thousands of participants carried banners with the words “No farmer, no future” as they gathered in front of Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate.

Farmers protests rock Europe

Tractor columns have been obstructing roads in Germany, causing traffic jams and hassles for commuters. The most intense pushback has been in the Netherlands, where government efforts to dismantle farms and reduce the number of animals on them have been met with violent and ongoing protests following a 2019 court ruling on nitrogen emissions. Similar brawls in Belgium resulted in tractor convoys jamming Brussels’ European Union district in March of the previous year. Dairy farmers in Ireland, where there have been fewer demonstrations, marched last month with their cows to the offices of three government officials in protest of the nitrogen restrictions.

Following the government’s announcement in January 2023 that it would limit the amount of water farmers may extract from the drought-stricken Tagus river, farmers protested in Madrid’s streets following the country’s warmest year ever. French farmers protesting a ban on pesticides drove tractors through Paris the following month.

The German government softened a plan to reduce subsidies for diesel in farmyard vehicles after incensed farmers dumped manure on Berlin streets in December. However, advocacy groups are pressuring them to abandon the idea completely. The German Farmers’ Association President, Joachim Rukwied, announced that 100,000 tractors had taken to the streets for a week of disruptive protests. “Farmers today sent a clear signal to the federal government to completely withdraw the planned tax increases.”

The cost of having to pay for more of their pollution is too much for some farmers, who are already trying to make ends meet in the wake of the energy crisis and epidemic. Some complained that they are devalued by city people who eat the food they raise without understanding its source and that they are burdened by excessive regulations. Farmers in agricultural superpowers like the Netherlands and France have voiced their dissatisfaction with government pressure to reduce production after years of encouragement to increase it.

Shot in the head, put in jail, tortured: Karsevak Jairaj Yadav passed away after fighting death for 32 years, daughters say ‘Ram Mandir a true tribute’

राहुल पाण्डेय
-
0
Shot in the head, put in jail, tortured: Karsevak Jairaj Yadav passed away after fighting death for 32 years, daughters say ‘Ram Mandir a true tribute’

On Monday (22nd January), the idol of Ram Lalla is to be consecrated in the Ram temple under construction in Ayodhya. Hindus across the country and the world are preparing to celebrate a Deepawali-like festival on this occasion, which came after a struggle for Ramjanmabhoomi for 5 centuries.

The Hindu community is remembering those Ram Bhakts who laid their lives for Ram Janmbhoomi from the Mughal period to the Mulayam period. Karsevak Jairaj Yadav was one such Ram Bhakt.

Jairaj Yadav was shot in the Sandpur village of Basti district on 22nd October 1990. He was protesting against the police team entering the village in search of karsevaks and committing atrocities. Subsequently, Jairaj Yadav experienced persistent health issues, ultimately succumbing to them in May 2023. OpIndia paid a visit to Jairaj Yadav’s residence to gather information regarding the present circumstances of his family.

Family living in distress

Martyr Karsevak Jairaj Yadav originally hailed from the Hengapur village in the Basti district of Uttar Pradesh. He is survived by 50-year-old widow Radha Yadav, two daughters Khushbu and Chanchal and a son Durgesh. All of Jayaraj’s children are aged between 18 and 24 years.

When the OpIndia team reached their house, Radha and Durgesh had gone out somewhere. Both daughters were present at home. Jayaraj’s family is living in abject poverty.

Numerous sections of the house lacked plaster, and instead of a finished floor, there were brick pebbles. The kitchen items were in a state of disarray. The living conditions were such that for external visitors, the only offering available was water, presented in a broken glass.

Jairaj Yadav was shot in the head

Khushbu Yadav, the younger daughter of the late Karsevak Jairaj Yadav, told us that her mother had narrated to her the true story of her father’s work on Ramjanmabhoomi in her childhood.

During those times, karsevaks from different parts of the country used to stay in the Sandpur village. The villagers used to provide food and shelter to the karsevaks. They would also help karsevaks to cross the river by boat and reach Ayodhya. Meanwhile, someone informed the police. On 22nd October 1990, the police raided this village early in the morning.

When the police could not find any karsevak, they started harassing the women and children. The villagers started protesting this police action. Jairaj Yadav was also involved in this protest. The police force, along with the paramilitary, then opened fire at the protestors.

Khushbu Yadav welled up with tears as she remembered her father. She explained that shrapnel from a police-fired bullet hit her father Jairaj Yadav’s head, causing him to collapse in injury immediately upon being shot.

The police team moved forward to apprehend him and take him along. Simultaneously, a few villagers shouldered the wounded Jairaj Yadav, attempting to move him away from the gunfire. However, the police rushed to snatch him from the villagers.

Jairaj Yadav was sent to jail without better treatment in an injured condition. According to family members, the pellet that hit Jairaj’s head caused pus formation in Jairaj Yadav’s brain. The villagers also claim that Jairaj was brutally tortured at the police station despite being injured.

Jairaj Yadav was made an accused despite being shot at

Jairaj Yadav encountered a dual setback when the government of Mulayam Singh Yadav implicated him as an accused in the police onslaught on the village. On 23rd October 1990, the case was filed based on the complaint by the then SHO Dubaulia. Jairaj Yadav, among numerous villagers from various castes and classes, faced charges under section 7 of the Criminal Act, along with sections 147, 149, 307, 332, 333, 353, and 336 of the IPC.

Jairaj Yadav’s already frail health further deteriorated after learning about the case. Yet, the fellow villagers arrested alongside Jairaj Yadav supported him. This helped him become normal.

Jairaj Yadav mentioned in FIR. Image Source: OpIndia Hindi

In an injured condition, Jairaj Yadav was kept in jail for about 1 month. The family members somehow got him bailed with the help of the villagers. Munnilal Yadav, saddened by the torture on his son, also suffered from many diseases after a few days. About 20 years ago, Jairaj Yadav’s father Munnilal died.

Jairaj Yadav combated against death for 32 years

Jairaj’s elder daughter Chanchal Yadav told us that Jairaj was undergoing treatment since 1990 when he was shot at. She told that some bullet shrapnel was stuck in the head. Due to this, pus had formed in a part of the head. Despite extensive medical care, Jairaj never fully recovered. He lived for approximately 32 years but never managed to regain normalcy. Jairaj was treated from Basti to Lucknow but the bullet shrapnel in the head never allowed him to become normal.

Jairaj’s younger daughter Khushbu Yadav told us, “Our father’s head ached almost every day. He would start screaming in pain. Many times he even fainted. For this reason, we would not send him anywhere alone. After becoming conscious, he used to remain normal for a short time but later suddenly the pain would start.” According to Khushbu, all medicines were ineffective in her father’s treatment. Finally, after fighting death for a long time, Jairaj Yadav passed away on 29th May 2023.

Chanchal and Khushbu Yadav still cry when they remember their late father. Image Source: OpIndia Hindi

Jewelry and fields sold for treatment and lawsuit

Khushbu, the younger daughter of the late Jairaj Yadav, shared that their family’s financial situation is currently dire. The household is facing a shortage even of basic food grains. The extensive medical treatment endured by Jairaj over nearly three decades and the legal proceedings against him compelled the family to sell their jewelry and farmland.

In addition to this, they are burdened with debts amounting to lakhs of rupees, presenting a separate and considerable challenge. Money lenders visit their home daily, demanding repayment. Jairaj Yadav’s dependents are left with some farmland and a house. The family expresses concern that selling these remaining assets would leave them homeless.

Inside Jairaj Yadav’s house. Image Source: OpIndia Hindi

Khushbu Yadav wanted to become a doctor, but had to quit education

All three children of Jairaj Yadav have dropped out of studies. His son Durgesh Yadav is trying to improve the family’s financial condition by doing some job. At the same time, both daughters Chanchal and Khushbu have also stopped going to school due to financial constraints. Khushbu Yadav told us that since childhood she wished to become a doctor but circumstances kept her away from school. Khushbu told that now her first priority is to help her mother. However, after getting some help, the daughters of late Jairaj Yadav are still mentally ready to fulfill their dreams by studying.

The family of late Jairaj Yadav worships by Lord Ram. This family is very happy about the Ram temple being built in Ayodhya. Khushbu and Chanchal Yadav said that their father had sacrificed for Ramjanmabhoomi. Today, the daughters of Jairaj Yadav consider the construction of the temple as a true tribute to their father.

Wild wild Bihar: Car parking argument leads to 4 murders in Aurangabad; 6 arrested

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Wild wild Bihar: Car parking argument leads to 4 murders in Aurangabad; 6 arrested

On the night of 15th January, a heated argument about parking turned violent in the Aurangabad region of Bihar. Three of the victims were travellers from neighbouring Jharkhand and two others suffered significant injuries as a result of a full-fledged altercation between the two parties. An argument broke out between a shopkeeper and a person after the latter parked his car in front of his shop in the Nabinagar locality. Police on 16th January arrested six persons for beating three people from Jharkhand to death and wounding two others.

The incident occurred in Tetaria Mod under the jurisdiction of the Nabinagar police station while five people from Palamu district, Mujahid Raain, Arman Ansari, Charan Mansoori, Wakil Ansari and Ajeet Sharma were driving towards Sasaram. They got into a fight with the store owner over parking the car after stopping at a restaurant. One of them pulled out his pistol and fired a shot at the store owner as they were arguing. However, 60-year-old villager Ramsharan Chouhan was wounded by the bullet and then died while receiving treatment.

The event incensed the locals who beat Mujahid, Arman and Chaman who were all in their mid-30s to death after holding all five individuals captive. Wakil and Ajeet are receiving medical attention at a hospital after sustaining severe injuries.

“Six persons have been arrested in the case, based on technical evidence. We have registered two FIRs, one for the murder of Ramsharam Chauhan and another for the death of the three youths,” proclaimed Sapna Gautam Meshram, Superintendent of Police Aurangabad.

Aurangabad Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mohd Amanullah Khan informed, “Although the incident involves members of two different communities, there was no communal angle to the clash. Nonetheless, adequate deployment of forces has been made to prevent any eventuality.” He stated that the passengers were from the Hydernagar region and the four-wheeler had come from the Palamau district.

He mentioned, “Upon reaching Nabinagar, the driver stopped by, parking the vehicle in front of a shop in Taitariya Mod. The shopkeeper objected, leading to a heated exchange. One of the occupants of the car whipped out a gun and fired a shot which hit a bystander.” He added that a bystander identified as local Ramsharan Chauhan passed away instantly which angered the onlookers who had gathered there.

The official noted, “The irate mob pounced upon the occupants of the car, hitting them with whatever they could lay their hands on. By the time a police party reached the spot and dispersed the mob, Mohd Mujahid, Charan Mansoori and Mohd Ansari had been beaten to death.” Ajeet Sharma was referred to a hospital in Gaya due to his serious condition whilst Vakil Ansari who was admitted to the Sadar Hospital in Aurangabad was stable.

Uttar Pradesh Anti Terrorist Squad arrests ISIS Aligarh module terrorist Faizan Bakhtiyar

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Uttar Pradesh Anti Terrorist Squad arrests ISIS Aligarh module terrorist Faizan Bakhtiyar

On Wednesday (17th January), the Uttar Pradesh Anti Terrorist Squad (UP ATS) said that an ISIS terrorist Faizan Bakhtiyar has been arrested in Aligarh. The accused was a student of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

According to a statement issued by Uttar Police ATS, Faizan Bakhtiyar was wanted by the ATS, and a Rs 25,000 reward was announced for information leading to his arrest. The accused was a part of the Aligarh module of the Islamic terrorist outfit Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and had enrolled in the Aligarh Muslim University Master of Social Work course.

Reportedly, accused Faizan informed the authorities during questioning after his arrest that one Rizwan Ashraf had made him take the oath of allegiance to ISIS. Subsequently, he along with several others was involved in anti-national activities.

According to reports, Faizan Bakhtiyar was also collaborating with terrorism-accused students Abdullah Arsalan, Maaz Bin Taraki, and Wajiduddin, who were recently apprehended. During the investigation, the police found that these individuals had been planning to carry out terror activities in the country. Notably, Abdullah Arsalan and Maaz bin Tariq, members of the ISIS Pune module, were taken into custody on 3rd November last year.

The UP ATS had confiscated “prohibited” literature from the accused. The anti-terrorism unit had received information that, influenced by ISIS, certain radicalised persons were engaging in anti-national activities and formed a “jihadi group” on the orders of their handlers in the ISIS. Bakhtiyar was connecting people with the ISIS Aligarh module.

As reported earlier, 24-year-old Faizan Bakhtiyar, a native of Prayagraj was residing at the VM Hall hostel of AMU and was pursuing a master’s degree in social work from there. Bakhtiyar and another accused Abdul Samad Malik had links to the Students of Aligarh Muslim University (SAMU) and used to participate in propaganda for ISIS.

The module comprised multiple Aligarh Muslim University students. ATS identified these students and discovered that they were associated with Aligarh Muslim University students Abdul Samad Malik, Faizan Bakhtiyar, Mohammed Arshad Warsi and Mohammed Shahnawaz Alam from Jharkhand, Rizwan Abdul Haji Ali who is a native of Delhi, Wajihuddin Ali Khan, Abdullah Arsalan and Maaz bin Tariq from Aligarh, Mohammad Naved Siddiqui of Chandausi, Sambhal and Rizwan Ashraf from Uttar Pradesh.

On 3rd November 2023, the ATS filed a formal complaint against Shahnawaz and ten other individuals under various sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and Indian Penal Code sections 121-A (conspiracy to wage war against the country) and 122 (collecting arms and ammunition with the intention to wage war against the nation).

On 11th November, Wajihudeen who is another module member was captured in Chhattisgarh’s Durg. Officials revealed that he possesses a PhD from AMU and is employed by the ISIS network while masquerading as a member of SAMU. Wajihuddin Ali Khan, the recently arrested ISIS terrorist, was associated with the Al Haya Min Allah campaign at AMU, promoting extremist ideologies against democracy, nationalism, and other religions. Wajihuddin was also involved in the anti-CAA protests.

Congress refuses to answer why it signed MoUs with Adani in Telangana after attacking the BJP for favouring the conglomerate

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Congress refuses to answer why it signed MoUs with Adani in Telangana after attacking the BJP for favouring the conglomerate

After relentlessly attacking the BJP and accusing it of favouring businessman Gautam Adani, the Congress party refused to answer why its government in Telangana signed MoUs worth Rs 12,000 crores with the business conglomerate in Davos.

In a press conference, Congress leaders seemed to dodge answering the question about why the Telangana government signed MoUs with Adani.

When a journalist highlighted that while the Congress party has aggressively attacked the BJP government over Adani, then why did the Telangana government ink a deal with the business conglomerate in Davos, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram shifted the mics for spokesperson Supriya Shrinate to answer. However, Supriya, too, refused to answer, asserting that the press conference was held for the manifesto launch and questions should be limited to that topic only.

Notably, the party leaders were left red-faced after the Congress-led Telangana government on 17th January signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 12,400 crore with the Adani group at the sideline of the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2024 in Davos, Switzerland.

According to a media release by Adani Group, the agreements were signed in the presence of Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, and Adani Group’s Chairman Gautam Adani. The MOUs signify a major stride towards fostering green, sustainable, inclusive, and transformative economic growth in the region.

In the first MOU, Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) has pledged to invest over Rs 5,000 crore in establishing a cutting-edge 100 MW data centre over the next 5-7 years. The data centre will prioritise sustainability and it will rely on renewable (green) energy sources for its operations. The initiative is expected to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities for 600 people. The AEL will collaborate with local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and startups to develop a globally competitive supplier base for the project.

As part of the second MOU, Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) announced an investment of over Rs 5,000 crore for the establishment of two pump storage projects (PSPs) to bolster sustainable energy solutions. These projects will have capacities of 850 MW at Koyabestagudem and 500 MW at Nacharam.

The third MoU was signed by Ambuja Cements for an investment of Rs 1,400 crore to construct a state-of-the-art 6 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) cement plant in the next five years. The plant will be spread across 70 acres and it will increase Ambuja’s production capabilities, and offer employment opportunities for over 4,000 individuals, both directly and indirectly.

Additionally, Adani Defense Systems and Technologies Limited has pledged over Rs 1,000 crore for the next decade to set up counter-drone and missile facilities. The investment focuses on establishing a comprehensive ecosystem dedicated to the research, development, design, manufacturing, and integration of counter-drone and missile systems. 

The Adani Aerospace Park will generate employment for over 1,000 people and serve as a hub for these critical defence capabilities contributing to India’s defence preparedness.

However, the business deals run counter to the long-drawn smear campaign run by Congress leaders, including former president Rahul Gandhi, who had accused the Centre of crony capitalism by favouring Adani and his companies.

Notably, according to Rahul Gandhi’s allegations, Gautam Adani’s wealth soared higher only because the Union and state governments (specifically accusing BJP) made quid pro quo deals with the business group and sold or leased strategic assets, opened new frontiers only for the business tycoon, while overlooking other business groups – favouritism. He further alleges that this is all done illegally to favour the Adani group. He had been trying to implicate Adani as a partner in crime with PM Modi coining the word MODANI by merging the names of Modi and Adani.

Even as Rahul Gandhi and Congress craft a political narrative for the upcoming general elections in 2024 that involves running a smear campaign against PM Modi and linking Adani’s economic rise to favouritism by the Centre as a centrepiece of their poll strategy, their party leaders and alliance partners continue to ink deals with the business conglomerate to fulfil their election guarantees and realise growth plans.

New Zealand stadium plays Big Show’s WWE theme music to welcome plus-size cricketer Azam Khan, Pakistani fans furious

OpIndia Staff
-
0
New Zealand stadium plays Big Show’s WWE theme music to welcome plus-size cricketer Azam Khan, Pakistani fans furious

Pakistan cricket team is touring New Zealand, a series that the team will not like to remember. Pakistan has already lost the ongoing T20 series after losing first 3 matches. Now to add to that humiliation, the DJ at a stadium in New Zealand seemingly trolled Pakistani cricketer Azam Khan for his obesity.

The incident took place during the 3rd T20 at Dunedin on 17th January, when The Big Show theme music was played on the stadium sound system when Pakistani power-hitter came to the crease. When Pakistan was at 95 for 3 after 8 overs, Azam Khan joined Babar Azam at the middle. But when he was entering the field, the theme music for WWR superstar The Big Show was played in the stadium. Big Show was known for his giant size, and therefore it didn’t take long for people to figure out that the music was played to troll overweight Azam Khan, angering Pakistani cricket fans.

Pakistanis slammed New Zealand over the incident.

Azan Khan didn’t last long, and he was dismissed after scoring just 10 runs. The Pakistan team managed to score 179 after losing 7 wickets in 20 overs, chasing 224 scored by NZ.

It is notable that Azam Khan has been regularly trolled for his plus-sized body. The heavyweight cricketer has been called Aloo, Laddu, Haathi, Fatso, Big Boy etc on social media. Similarly, World Wrestling Federation (later World Wrestling Entertainment) star Big Show, real name Paul Donald Wight II, is also known for his massive size. Before WWF he was part of World Championship Wrestling, where he was known as The Giant.

7 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 230 kg, Big Show dominated the wrestling world with his massive body size alone. Therefore, it seems that the DJ decided to welcome Azam Khan with the theme music of Big Show. At WWF/WWE, most star wrestlers have their own theme music, which is played when they enter the ring, and when they win a match.

New Zealand has a history of playing WWE theme music at cricket grounds. In 2022 when Kiwi player Glenn Phillips walked out to bat against Pakistan during a triangular series with Bangladesh, the theme music of WWE icon John Cena was played.

Despite his weight, Azam Khan remains a big hitter of the ball. According to his trainer Shehzar Muhammad, his weight helps him generate power. Muhammad also said that if Azam Khan loses a lot of weight suddenly, he will lose power to hit the ball.

Azam Khan has said that he uses the insults hurled at him as a motivational tool, and he scribbled such insults on paper and sticks to his wall. Earlier he used to weigh 130 kgs, but has lost 30 kgs in recent years. Azam Khan’s father and former cricketer Moin Khan has also said that he would advise his son to lose weight.

Rahul Gandhi rants against Adani, but Congress govt in Telangana signs MoU with conglomerate at Davos to attract 12,000 crore investment

Paurush Gupta
-
0
Rahul Gandhi rants against Adani, but Congress govt in Telangana signs MoU with conglomerate at Davos to attract 12,000 crore investment

In a major development, the Congress-led Telangana government on 17th January signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 12,400 crore with the Adani group at the sideline of the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2024 in Davos, Switzerland.

According to a media release by Adani Group, the agreements were signed in the presence of Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, and Adani Group’s Chairman Gautam Adani. The MOUs signify a major stride towards fostering green, sustainable, inclusive, and transformative economic growth in the region.

In the first MOU, Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) has pledged to invest over Rs 5,000 crore in establishing a cutting-edge 100 MW data centre over the next 5-7 years. The data centre will prioritise sustainability and it will rely on renewable (green) energy sources for its operations. The initiative is expected to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities for 600 people. The AEL will collaborate with local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and startups to develop a globally competitive supplier base for the project.

As part of the second MOU, Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) announced an investment of over Rs 5,000 crore for the establishment of two pump storage projects (PSPs) to bolster sustainable energy solutions. These projects will have capacities of 850 MW at Koyabestagudem and 500 MW at Nacharam.

The third MoU was signed by Ambuja Cements for an investment of Rs 1,400 crore to construct a state-of-the-art 6 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) cement plant in the next five years. The plant will be spread across 70 acres and it will increase Ambuja’s production capabilities, and offer employment opportunities for over 4,000 individuals, both directly and indirectly.

Additionally, Adani Defense Systems and Technologies Limited has pledged over Rs 1,000 crore for the next decade to set up counter-drone and missile facilities. The investment focuses on establishing a comprehensive ecosystem dedicated to the research, development, design, manufacturing, and integration of counter-drone and missile systems. 

The Adani Aerospace Park will generate employment for over 1,000 people and serve as a hub for these critical defense capabilities and contributing to India’s defense preparedness.

Yet another embarrassment for Rahul Gandhi with his colleagues busting the baseless allegations that had already been rejected in the court of law

It is important to note that the MOUs between the Congress-led Telangana government and Adani Group on 17th January came despite a long-drawn smear campaign against the Indian conglomerate by Gandhi scion Rahul, who is considered to be dictating terms in the grand old party.   

Notably, according to Rahul Gandhi’s allegations, Gautam Adani’s wealth soared higher only because the Union and state governments (specifically accusing BJP) made quid pro quo deals with the business group and sold or leased strategic assets, opened new frontiers only for the business tycoon, while overlooking other business groups – favouritism. He further alleges that this is all done illegally to favor the Adani group. Notably, he had been trying to implicate Adani as a partner in crime with PM Modi coining the word MODANI by merging the names of Modi and Adani.

Yet both his I.N.D.I. alliance partners and Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled states have trashed his allegations and bunkum against the Indian business tycoon. Here are examples of how Congress’ I.N.D.I. alliance partners and their Chief Ministers have gone ahead to draw investment from the Adani group.  

Before that, it has to be stated that the developments come against the backdrop that concerned financial regulating authorities and the Supreme Court had categorically stated that SEBI had not found evidence against the Adani group. 

Congress and alliance partner-ruled governments rush to seek investment from the Adani Group

The Telangana government signing a deal with the Adani group is not the only setback to Rahul Gandhi’s tirade against the Group. 

Most recently, on 9th January 2024, Adani Group signed memorandums of understanding (MoU) with the DMK-ruled Tamil Nadu government, to invest over Rs 42,700 crore at the Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024. DMK is Congress’ alliance partner in the I.N.D.I.A. bloc. 

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, State Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa, and the Managing Director of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Karan Adani were present at the signing of the MoUs, along with Cabinet Ministers and Secretaries of various government departments.

Previously, on 23rd December 2023, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar showered praises on the business tycoon Gautam Adani for donating Rs 25 crore to set up a new technology center in Baramati. 

Following the inauguration, Pawar thanked Gautam Adani and Vijay Shirke of Shirke Constructions for donating the funds for the project. He had said, “I must take Adani’s name and thank him for his contribution.”

Before that, on 14th December 2023, in the Bihar Business Connect 2023 event, the Adani Group announced to significantly boost its current investment in JDU-RJD-ruled Bihar from Rs 850 crore to a substantial Rs 8700 crore.  

In November 2023, West Bengal’s commerce and industry minister clarified that the state government is working with the Adani Group to build a deep-sea port at Tajpur in the East Midnapore district. The Minister in the TMC-ruled government dismissed reports that the Adanis have withdrawn from the joint venture. TMC is also an alliance partner of the Congress party in the I.N.D.I.A. bloc. 

In October 2023, Congress and CPI(M) were up in arms to get credit for Adani’s new mega port in Kerala which was India’s first deepwater container transshipment hub in Vizhinjam. It was inaugurated on 15th October. The port has been developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. in collaboration with the LDF-ruled Kerala state government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. 

On 20th February 2023, two Adani Group-owned cement plants that had shut shop since December 2022 resumed their operations in Himachal Pradesh, following the intervention of Congress CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

After the plant resumed its operation, the Congress Chief Minister boasted of how he helped Adani-owned cement factories to resume operations. 

Additionally, when the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government was in power in Rajasthan it had signed deals for several projects from the Adani group during the Invest Rajasthan 2022 Summit. The conglomerate has outlined plans to invest Rs. 65,000 crores in Rajasthan over the next 5-7 years.

During the tenure of the Maha Vikas Agadhi government, in which Congress was an alliance partner, the Adani Group was able to secure the Dighi port project in Maharashtra.

The company successfully purchased a 100% stake in Dighi Port Limited (DPL) for Rs. 705 crores with a plan to invest over Rs 10,000 crore to develop it as an alternative to Jawaharlal Nehru Port, the country’s largest container port.

Apart from the investment front, there have been rifts within the I.N.D.I. alliance over Rahul Gandhi’s unhinged diatribe against the Adani group with allegations that didn’t stand its ground in the courts. 

Evidently, according to media reports, in September 2023, Rahul Gandhi raised the issue of Gautam Adani during the third I.N.D.I. alliance meeting in Mumbai. He tried to attack the central government by raising the name of Adani, however, Mamata Banerjee was upset over the development. She stated that Rahul Gandhi did not take any of his allies into confidence before raising the issue of Adani.

Mamta Banerjee said that without discussing with fellow parties and without their consent, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi raised the issue of Gautam Adani. 

Conclusion

The shoot-and-scout strategy by Rahul Gandhi against the Adani group considers itself immune from accountability and facing defamation proceedings by exploiting a deep-rooted communist mindset where ‘profit’ is a dirty word and there is a pessimistic perspective about capitalists, assuming that wealth generation is inherently linked with corruption. But successive elections have shown that the public has moved past such sly-of-hand tactics and doesn’t see wealth generators as ‘anti-national’ if there is no criminality involved.  

Click here, to read how the opposition particularly the one shepherded by Rahul Gandhi has used baseless allegations with the sole intention of personal angst against PM Modi. 

The underlying intention or the wishful dream behind Rahul Gandhi’s repeated attacks on Adani has been to destroy the “incorruptible image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi” to smithereens as once admitted by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi himself. As stated above, the I.N.D.I. alliance partners including DMK, TMC, NCP, JDU-RJD, and CPI(M) as well as all Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled states have signed agreements with the Adani group clearly hint that even they don’t buy Rahul Gandhi’s baseless smear campaign against the Indian conglomerate choosing ways to do employment generation rather than sycophancy.

1...1,3801,3811,382...7,595Page 1,381 of 7,595