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Delhi High Court warns YouTuber Shyam Meera Singh of contempt proceedings for making remarks against the court: Details

OpIndia Staff
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Delhi High Court warns YouTuber Shyam Meera Singh of contempt proceedings for making remarks against the court: Details

The Delhi High Court voiced its disapproval on 8th January and cautioned YouTuber Shyam Meera Singh that he could face contempt proceedings for comments he made against the Court. Shyam Meera Singh, in one of his latest social media posts, had mentioned that he was being pressured by the Court in the case against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

The court was hearing a plea filed by Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, seeking an interim stay on a video, and the deletion of a video Shyam Meera Singh uploaded to YouTube. The YouTube video is titled “How Gurmeet Ram Rahim Fooled His Bhakts?”.

At the outset, counsel for the YouTuber requested an adjournment because Senior Advocate Salman Khurshid was not available to argue today. Senior Advocate Mohit Mathur, meanwhile, standing for the Dera Sacha Sauda Chief, informed the court that Singh has tweeted that he is under pressure.

The senior counsel quoted Shyam Meera Singh’s tweet, “Samne wale paksh ke karan hume 2 din ke liye video private mode pe krne ke liye majboor hona pada (Because of the opposite party, I have been forced to put the video on private mode for 2 days).”

“This is not fair. This is unfair. The court doesn’t force anybody. He’s saying he’s being forced. It was a concession. I could have passed an order. The court is very competent to pass an order with regard to the merits of the case. It was done voluntarily. Where is the majburi (Compulsion)? You bring him here, and we’ll ask him what he wants, then it will not be a majburi (compulsion),” the court of Justice Jasmeet Singh then said.

“Please understand…When you write about the court, you have to be a responsible citizen. You cannot say that the court is pressuring you. The court cannot pressure anybody. Your counsel had suggested putting the video in ‘Private Mode’ if any such tweet is posted in the future. I’ll issue a contempt order against you,” the court said advising the YouTuber Shyam Meera Singh.

The court deferred the hearing to January 10, 2024, citing the absence of Singh’s senior counsel. “The video will remain in private mode until January 10,” the court instructed.

Senior Advocate Salman Khurshid, who represented Singh at the last hearing, stated that both sides will get down and review the defamatory portions of the video to determine what can be done.

Last week, YouTuber Shyam Meera Singh informed the Court that he would remove the tweets he had written against Dera Sacha Sauda founder Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. The plaintiff’s counsel stated that his client issued a legal notice to YouTube and Shyam Meera Singh, the person who uploaded the video, on December 21. He had claimed that the film was “clearly derogatory, disparaging, and denigrating.”

“He (Shyam Meera Singh) is a habitual offender… After we put him to notice, he put out a comment on Twitter (now known as X) saying, ‘I’m not going to delete these videos’. Defiant. He has also been accused by the UP administration of insulting the Chief Minister. An FIR came to be registered at the instance of a UP resident,” the counsel of the Dera chief had said.

Israel highlights beauty of Lakshadweep, says they are ready to start desalination project to help the island

OpIndia Staff
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Israel highlights beauty of Lakshadweep, says they are ready to start desalination project to help the island

In another embarrassing moment for Maldives, Israel has appealed to people to visit the Lakshadweep islands. This comes amid the ongoing controversy between Maldives and India after some politicians of the ruling government in Maldives insulted India, Indians and PM Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 4th January urged people around the world to visit Lakshadweep islands and enjoy the scenic beauty of the union territory of India in a big boost to tourism.

He dedicated the Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) plant at Kadmat and said that the work of providing piped water to every household in Lakshadweep is moving at a fast pace. This plant will produce 1.5 lakh litres of clean drinking water every day.

In no time, Lakshadweep became one of the most searched topics on the internet. Netizens began comparing the island’s beauty with that of Maldives which irked some senior politicians of the People’s National Congress government in Maldives.

Mariyam Shiuna, Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, made insulting remarks against PM Modi referring to him as a ‘clown’ and a ‘puppet of Israel’ after he posted pictures from his visit to Lakshadweep Islands.

Now, the embassy of Israel in India has taken to X, formerly Twitter, saying that it is ready to commence working on the desalination project in the Indian union territory.

“We were in #Lakshadweep last year upon the federal government’s request to initiate the desalination program. Israel is ready to commence working on this project tomorrow. For those who are yet to witness the pristine and majestic underwater beauty of #lakshadweepislands, here are a few pictures showing this island’s enchanting allure. #ExploreIndianIslands,” the Israeli embassy posted.

They also shared enthralling images and a video from Lakshadweep showing the beautiful marine life that would give Maldives a run for its money.

This response comes as a big blow to the likes of Mariyam Shiuna, now suspended, who called used derogatory terms for India and Israel and PM Modi and Israel’s friendship.

Notably, Mariyam Shiuna is highly anti-semitic. Her engagement on X includes sharing posts that call for the defeat of Zionism.

Similarly, other ministers, officials and prominent personalities too have taken to social media, making obnoxious remarks against India and Indians.

The trend as it stands now is #VisitMaldives versus #ExploreIndianIslands #BoycottMaldives #MaldivesOut #LakshadweepTourism.

Incomplete studies or unfinished courses? How Modi govt’s Academic Bank of Credits scheme has helped many students, with over 3 crore registrations so far

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Incomplete studies or unfinished courses? How Modi govt’s Academic Bank of Credits scheme has helped many students, with over 3 crore registrations so far

Governments have traditionally introduced numerous schemes to support students in their academic pursuits. Yet, there has been a lack of attention given to students whose education has been interrupted or left incomplete for various reasons, be it familial or economic. The consideration of whether there would be any record of incomplete studies was often overlooked. However, the Modi government transformed this system and introduced a platform that tracks students’ progress not only on an annual basis but also on a semester-by-semester scale.


The Modi government introduced the New Education Policy (NEP) in 2020, bringing forth a digital system. Under this, a digital record of all the students in the Indian higher education space will be maintained, allowing an opportunity for those who had to discontinue their studies to resume without any hassle. This scheme is known as the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC). Recently, the University Grants Commission informed that over 3 crore students (3.17 crore) from across the country have already registered for this scheme. This number is expected to increase further in the coming times.

The distinctive feature of this system is that registered students of undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses can make multiple entries or exits in any college. They do not need to collect documents from various places. With just one click, they can obtain information about admission to the same course in another college. Additionally, they will not be required to study the same semester again in case they had discontinued their studies.

All student data on this government portal will remain secure. In simple terms, this platform will function like a commercial bank, where the customers are students, and instead of money, credits for courses are deposited. When students wish to redeem these credits, it can also be done easily. 

Under this scheme, if a student completes one full year, it will not be considered that they dropped the course midway; instead, they will be awarded a certificate. Similarly, upon completing two years, they will receive a diploma, and after three years, they will be granted a degree.

Students who had to opt out mid-way in their academic careers, can resume their studies from where they left at a later stage and a time of their choosing. They can present those documents and continue by redeeming credits. But the most crucial aspect is that students need to register in the Academic Bank of Credits scheme for this facility.

After that, the student needs to be reassured about their documents. As of now, around 1693 academic institutions (universities, INIs) are registered under this portal. In addition, the UGC is consistently urging every university to enroll students on this platform and pay equal attention to their data.

To avail the facility of the Academic Bank of Credits, students have to follow the following steps.

• First students have to log in to www.abc.gov.in, afterward they would have to go on to the My Account section.  

• Then students will need to create an account through DigiLocker that requires a mobile number or an Aadhaar number.

• In the next step, students will have to enter the security PIN, which they will receive on their phone.

• With this, a student’s account will be created.

• After this, the student will get a unique ID and password, through which the candidate can log in anytime.

• By using their ABC ID, students will be able to see all the courses and their credit scores.

• They can simply select the course information they need to transfer and share it further.

• They can redeem the credit kept in their account for seven years.

• With its help it will be easier for students in the Indian higher education space to study further. 

  • In the ABC system, the student won’t need to provide any documents from their end. The information provided by the higher institute will be entered into its feed.

• Through this, students can take admission in courses, including both online and distance mode courses. Everyone’s credit scores will be linked to the platform.

• On this portal, in addition to all the courses of UGC-approved higher institutes, engineering, medical, dental, law, and other professional courses are also covered.

(Video Courtesy – UGC)

This is not an election-year scheme

It is important to note that the ABC scheme was launched in 2021, a year after the introduction of NEP 2020. The concept behind it is to provide students with a platform where they can access information about all their credits in one place. The special thing about this platform is that whether students have pursued an offline course or an online one, they don’t need to update anything separately.

Additionally, the ABC Regulations aim to promote a blended learning approach, enabling students to accumulate credits from diverse Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) participating in this initiative, as well as through SWAYAM, an online platform offering a variety of courses. Under this framework, a student has the flexibility to earn up to 50% of the credits from institutions other than the one where they are currently pursuing their degree or diploma program.

The educational institution itself will share students’ credit scores on this platform. If during this period, studies are discontinued, students will receive documents based on their credits, assisting in admission for the next year or semester within 7 years. The noteworthy aspect is that it is not necessary to pursue the next semester from the same place. If students have earned credits for a semester from Delhi University, and they are capable of pursuing the next one from Indraprastha University, they can resume their studies as per their suitability.

India is transforming with the efforts of the Modi government

It is noteworthy that at a time when the Lok Sabha elections are approaching, and the opposition is continuously trying to find flaws in the policies of the Modi government, it is essential to know that 10 years of Modi government has not only developed the country by initiating major projects but has also worked on strengthening the youth through various small steps.

Practically speaking, when we look at the use of ABC today, through such a scheme, women who faced pressure to get married and had their education interrupted can now complete their studies. Alternatively, men who had aspirations for higher education but had to divert their paths towards employment due to family responsibilities can also benefit from it. Young individuals who, due to the influence of their surroundings, drop out of education at a certain age and later realize that completing their studies could have led to better opportunities in life, can also take advantage of this.

Nigerian televangelist TB Joshua raped, tortured his church disciples, claims of ‘miracle healing’ were fake: BBC probe reveals

OpIndia Staff
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Nigerian televangelist TB Joshua raped, tortured his church disciples, claims of ‘miracle healing’ were fake: BBC probe reveals

A two-year investigation by the BBC, in cooperation with the worldwide media platform Open Democracy, has revealed frightening accusations of widespread abuse and torture within the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), one of the world’s biggest Christian evangelical churches which was led by the late Nigerian televangelist TB Joshua.

TB Joshua, who died in 2021, was a captivating and extremely successful preacher and televangelist with a massive global audience. The probe against him by the BBC has lasted nearly two decades, exposing terrible tales from former church members in many countries.

Over 25 ex-church members’ testimony, including five from the United Kingdom, reveals a horrifying pattern of horrors including rape, forced abortions, and physical assault. The most recent accounts extend back to 2019, with many victims characterizing their experience as similar to being in a cult.

The victims said that they were sexually assaulted by Joshua, with a number claiming they were repeatedly raped for years inside the compound.

Rae, one of the British victims, described what happened when she abandoned her degree at Brighton University in 2002 to join the SCOAN at the age of 21. She reported Joshua’s brutal sexual abuse and protracted solitary detention on the church compound in Lagos.

“We all thought we were in heaven, but we were in hell, and in hell terrible things happen,” she was quoted as saying. Rae’s narrative is similar to those of other interviewees, including Jessica Kaimu from Namibia, who claims Joshua raped her at 17 and forced her to have many abortions.

The probe also discovered instances of Joshua’s phony “miracle healings” and manipulation of followers. Victims described being undressed, beaten with electrical cords and horsewhips, and often denied sleep.

According to the BBC, the crew experienced hostility, including being shot at by church security, while attempting to get the footage in Lagos. At present, Evelyn, Joshua’s widow, leads SCOAN, which continues to function globally.

The allegations of torture in a secluded Lagos facility stretch back nearly 20 years. However, the church has disputed past allegations against TB Joshua, adding, “Making unfounded allegations against Prophet TB Joshua is not a new occurrence. None of the allegations were ever proven.”

The UK Foreign Office, although not explicitly reacting to these specific charges, emphasized its commitment to investigating reports of criminality, including sexual assault, against British nationals abroad.

With millions of followers on social media and a Christian TV program named Emmanuel TV, the Synagogue Church of All Nations enjoys a large global following. During the 1990s and early 2000s, tens of thousands of pilgrims from Europe, the Americas, South East Asia, and Africa visited the church in Nigeria to hear Joshua perform “healing miracles”. At least 150 visitors lived as disciples inside his Lagos property, some for decades.

TB Joshua, who died in June 2021, was regarded as one of the most important preachers in African history. Rising from poverty, he established an evangelical empire that included scores of government figures, celebrities, and international football players.

He did, however, spark controversy during his lifetime when a guesthouse for Catholic pilgrims collapsed in 2014, killing at least 116 people.

This BBC investigation is the first time that many insiders have openly spoken out against the abuse at SCOAN. The disclosures have highlighted serious concerns about religious leaders like TB Joshua wielding unrestrained authority and influence, as well as the necessity for stricter oversight of religious institutions to prevent such abuses.

“I will never shoot in Maldives again”: Poonam Pandey cancels her Maldives trip over anti-India barbs by Maldivian politicians

OpIndia Staff
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“I will never shoot in Maldives again”: Poonam Pandey cancels her Maldives trip over anti-India barbs by Maldivian politicians

Amid the rising clamour against racial commentary by Maldivian Netizens and politicians, Bollywood actress, and Model Poonam Pandey has announced to cancel her forthcoming shoot in the Island nation asserting that she will never shoot in the Maldives again. 

She noted that when she told her team that she would not be shooting in Maldives, they agreed to her demands. Pandey also added that she hopes to shoot in Lakshadweep. Asserting that Nation comes first amid anti-India barbs by some Maldivian Ministers, she used hashtags #NationFirst and #ExploreIndianIsland along with tagging the Indian PMO in her post. 

She wrote, “I love shooting in Maldives but I will never shoot in Maldives again. When I was scheduled to shoot my next shoot in Maldives, I told my team that I will not Fly if this shoot gets stuck in Maldives. Fortunately, they agreed and now hoping to shoot in Lakshadweep.” 

In the post, she also shared a screenshot detailing her discussion with her travel and schedule planner. 

Notably, following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep earlier this week, a large demand erupted among Indians to explore Indian Islands and boost our tourism sector before visiting beaches or tourism sites in other countries. However, jittery Maldivian politicians interjected and reacted to the churn in Indian social media by making racial commentary on Indians. 

It is important to note that neither the Indian PM mentioned any country nor it was targeted toward any nation, yet some Maldivians feared a potential hit to their tourism economy. 

Subsequently, politicians and public figures from the island nation of Maldives went on a racist diatribe against Indians triggering an outrage from Indian users and celebrities. From prominent Cricketers to Actors all have in unison slammed Maldives for their hateful remarks against Indians and promoted tourism in Lakshadweep and other Indian Islands snubbing Maldives.  

Additionally, as per reports, a large number of Indians have cancelled their trips to the Island nation in the wake of the Maldivian Minister’s disparaging and racial and Hinduphobic comments on Indians. Reportedly around 8000+ hotel bookings and 2000+ flights have been cancelled while Indian travel operators noted that they have not received any new inquiries for holidays in Maldives adding that the impact of the Boycott would be visible in the coming days.  

Further, Indian online travel company, Ease My Trip, announced to suspension of all flight bookings to Maldives on its platform amid the ongoing diplomatic row between India and the island nation.

The Background of the Controversy

On January 4, PM Narendra Modi shared some pictures of his recent visit to Lakshadweep as he exhorted people to explore the scenic island in what could be seen as a push to his ‘vocal for local’ slogan, and an effort to give a boost to tourism in the island.

Following PM Modi’s tweet posting stunning vistas from the Lakshadweep Islands, several social media users in India called for Indians to visit the place over foreign destinations, including the Maldives, which shares similar geographical characteristics as the Lakshadweep Islands.

That touched off bitter reactions from Maldivian counterparts, including governmental functionaries and prominent citizens, many of whom resorted to making churlish remarks against India, Indians, and the Indian PM.

Screengrab of Maldivian Deputy Minister Mariyam Shiuna’s deleted post.

Mariyam Shiuna, Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, recently made insulting remarks against PM Modi, referring to him as a ‘clown’ and a ‘puppet of Israel’ after he posted pictures from his visit to Lakshadweep Islands. She later deleted the tweet and was among one of the three Ministers who were suspended by the Maldivian government for making disparaging remarks on India. 

On Friday (5th January), Zahid Rameez, a Council member of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) also took to the microblogging site X to mock Indians.

In response to Maldivian users’ and politicians’ uncalled-for and racial commentary, trends like #BoycottMaldivians and cancelling trips to Maldives are picking steam.

Saraswati Devi, who was on Maun Vrat for 30 years for Ram Mandir, will now speak during Mandir’s inauguration: Another saga of devotion for Shri Ram

OpIndia Staff
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Saraswati Devi, who was on Maun Vrat for 30 years for Ram Mandir, will now speak during Mandir’s inauguration: Another saga of devotion for Shri Ram

The Pran Prathishtha or consecration ceremony of Ayodhya Ram Mandir, set for January 22, 2024, is the ultimate victory for the families of lakhs of individuals who gave their lives for the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. As all Hindus excitedly await Shri Ram’s historic return to his birthplace, the holy city of Ayodhya, we must remember the sacrifices all the Karsevaks made over the course of 500 years for the Ram Mandir movement.

Nevertheless, we should also acknowledge several such individuals who, in their own unique way, made enormous sacrifices and endured arduous penances in the hope of witnessing the construction of the Bhavya Ram Mandir in Ayodhya one day.

Saraswati Devi would break her 30-year-long maun vrat by chanting ‘Ram Siyaram’ during the consecration ceremony of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir

Saraswati Devi Agarwal, an 85-year-old resident of Karamtand in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, is one such person. She has kept a vow of silence (Maun Vart) for 30 years and pledged to break it only after the Ram Mandir is erected in Ayodhya. Her joy now has no bounds because what she wished for has finally come true. She is now scheduled to break her three-decade penance on January 22 during the consecration ceremony of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. She will be breaking her maun vrat by seeking the blessing of Ram Lalla. “Ram…Siyaram’ are the first words that Saraswati Devi would utter as she would break her silence.

The Shri Ram Temple trust has invited Saraswati Devi to participate in the Pran Pratishtha event. Her family is thrilled with the invitation. On January 8, her brothers would take her to Ayodhya. Manish Das and Shashi Das, students of Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, the head of Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas and Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra, will welcome her at the Ayodhya Dham railway station. Aggarwal will stay in Swamiji’s ashram, Patthar Mandir Chhoti Chhawni for the next four months.

Saraswati Devi’s spiritual journey

According to her son Hariram Agarwal, Saraswati Devi commenced her spiritual journey in May 1992 when she visited Ayodhya and met Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, the head of the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust. He told her to circumambulate (parikrama) the Kamtanath Mountain. She proceeded to Chitrakoot on his orders and stayed in Kalpavas for seven and a half months, subsisting on a glass of milk per day and circumambulating the 14-kilometer path around Kamtanath mountain every day. After finishing the parikrama, she returned to Ayodhya. On December 6, 1992, she met Swami Nritya Gopal Das, who motivated her to observe Maun Vrat (vow of silence). She pledged that she would break her silence only on the day the Ram temple was consecrated.

Saraswati Devi married Devkinandan Agarwal 65 years ago. Devkinandan Agarwal, who hailed from the Bhonra village in Uttar Pradesh, passed away 35 years ago. The couple had eight children, four sons and four daughters, three of whom have since passed away. Saraswati Devi was born in Rajasthan and never attended school, but her husband provided her with the basics of education. She eventually learned to read and write by looking at books and has been since, regularly reading religious books like the Ram Charit Manas. She lives a very simple life and eats only once a day that too only Satvik food.

When she informed her family of her desire to observe the vow of silence, they welcomed and supported her spiritual journey.

Modi is Raja Dashrath of Ayodhya while Yogi is sage Vashishtha: Saraswati Devi says her sacrifices have paid off

Saraswati Devi has now reacted to the consecration ceremony invitation that was issued to her. Because she does not speak, she expressed her gratitude by writing on a piece of paper, “My life is complete.” Ram Lalla called me for the pran pratishtha ceremony. My prayers and meditation have proved fruitful. After thirty years, I shall break my maun vrat with Ram Naam,” she wrote, as she compared PM Narendra Modi to Raja Dashrath, the king of the Kosala kingdom and a scion of the Suryavamsha dynasty in Hinduism and Yogi Adityanath with sage Vashishtha, one of the oldest and most revered Vedic rishis.

Strong stance against terror, commitment to democracy, regional stability and more: Why Sheikh Hasina’s election victory is good news for India

OpIndia Staff
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Strong stance against terror, commitment to democracy, regional stability and more: Why Sheikh Hasina’s election victory is good news for India

On Sunday (7th December), Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina clinched her fourth consecutive term and secured another five years in office.

Her party Awami League and its allies won 223 out of the 300 Parliamentary seats in the federal elections, despite attempts by the United States to bring about a ‘regime change‘ in the country.

The main Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which has been involved in violence in the run-up to the elections, had boycotted the polls.

While speaking about the development, Bangladeshi Law Minister Anisul Huq said, “We have continued the democratic process which has given this political stability. I think the world should credit Sheikh Hasina for that. (Her biggest achievement) is the confidence that she has ushered in in the minds of the people of Bangladesh. They have come to believe in themselves.”

Sheikh Hasina first assumed office in 1996 and has been the longest-serving leader in the country’s history. Under her leadership, Bangladesh has experienced tremendous economic growth and has become one of the fastest-growing economies in the region.

The per-capita income of the country has tripled between 2010 and 2019 and about 2.5 crore people were successfully lifted out of poverty in the past 20 years.

Political career of Sheikh Hasina

Sheikh Hasina had a remarkable and enduring political career that spans several decades. She was born on 28th September 1947 into the family of ‘Bangabhandhu’ Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder of Bangladesh.

Her journey in politics began early and was shaped by the events surrounding the creation of independent Bangladesh in 1971. Sheikh Hasina’s father and family members were assassinated during a military coup in 1975.

Despite personal and political challenges, she remained committed to Bangabandhu’s vision of a democratic and prosperous Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina became the leader of the Awami League in the 1980s.

Her first term as Prime Minister began on 23rd 1996. It was characterised by economic reforms and infrastructure development. Her key areas of focus have been social welfare, education, and poverty reduction.

After a setback in the 2001 elections due to State interference by the caretaker government, Sheikh Hasina emerged as the leader of the opposition.

Following the two-year rule of a military-backed caretaker government, she led her party to a decisive victory in the December 2008 parliamentary elections. She assumed office for the second time on January 6, 2009.

She enacted laws to establish the International Crimes Tribunal to prosecute those responsible for crimes against humanity during Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971.

Her commitment to democratic values and social progress has earned her international recognition. She has received several awards and honorary doctorates from various universities for her contributions to social work, peace, and stability.

As Bangladesh looks towards the future, Sheikh Hasina remains a primary figure in the country’s political landscape. She is known for her strong stance against fundamentalism, militancy, and terrorism.

Relationship with India and its significance

One of the key highlights of Sheikh Hasina’s political career has been her commitment to regional cooperation and stability. Under her leadership, Bangladesh has fostered strong ties with neighbouring countries, especially India.

The improvement of bilateral relations has led to collaborative efforts in trade, security, and connectivity, which has indirectly contributed to the overall development of the region. Sheikh Hasina’s tenure in Bangladesh witnessed a significant collaboration with India in terms of intelligence sharing and security matters.

It has helped India in addressing concerns related to insurgents, terrorists, and separatists. The 2013 Extradition Treaty further strengthened mutual trust, aiding both countries in managing security challenges.

The handover of key terrorists such as Anup Chetia of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), demonstrated Sheikh Hasina’s commitment to combating cross-border threats.

Her resolute stance against Islamist groups, including Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh, has resulted in a decrease in terrorist activities. Sheikh Hasina’s no-nonsense approach has been crucial in maintaining stability and safeguarding against elements hostile to India.

The re-election of Prime Minister Hasina holds strategic importance for India’s security. Under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership,anti-India activities and influence of Pakistan-backed terrorists have largely been curbed.

India is the largest trade partner of Bangladesh in South Asia. Despite disruptions caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, bilateral trade witnessed a growth of almost 44%.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) pointed out that India and Bangladesh’s geographical locations complement each other and offer the opportunity for better connectivity and economic development.

Several development projects were initiated last year by PM Modi and Sheikh Hasina to boost trade and connectivity between Bangladesh and Northeastern states.

It must be mentioned that India’s strategic interests lie in maintaining friendly relations with Bangladesh including securing transport routes for its north-eastern states and countering Chinese influence in the region.

US interference in Bangladesh elections

Ahead of elections in Bangladesh, the United States government, its agencies and the embedded media were called out for orchestrating a ‘regime change operation’ in Bangladesh.

Attempts were made to distort the public perception of incumbent Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and present her as an ‘autocratic leader.’

The Joe Biden-led-US government was accused of election interference under the pretext of ‘saving democracy’ and conducting ‘free and fair elections’ in the Islamic Republic.

Coercion, virtue signalling and arm twisting were being carried out by the US in Bangladesh through its representatives, agencies and policies.

However, nothing could impact the Faith of the people in the incumbent government and the re-election of Sheikh Hasina as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann engrosses himself in hosting Arvind Kejriwal and leasing a new aircraft as the state’s debt crisis worsens

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Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann engrosses himself in hosting Arvind Kejriwal and leasing a new aircraft as the state’s debt crisis worsens

The economic situation in Punjab is so dire that the Aam Aadmi Party government in the state is advocating a moratorium on loan repayment for five years. Even so, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann has been indulging in profligacy as reports suggest he is busy acquiring a new aircraft for welcoming the party supremo Arvind Kejriwal. The extravagance is underway even as a significant portion of Punjab’s budget is directed towards servicing old loans.

Both Congress and AAP are equally responsible for the economic crisis facing Punjab. While Congress holds the blame for pushing the state’s fragile economy into the ICU, the Aam Aadmi Party government has put it on ventilator support. Punjab is the country’s sole large state with a debt burden exceeding 50% of its economy.

Despite the substantial debt encumbering the day-to-day operations of the Punjab government, the AAP administration has shown little inclination to revise its policies. The government persistently offers freebies, further straining an economy already pushed to its limits. Whether it be the free electricity initiative or the provision of complimentary bus rides, AAP remains steadfast in its approach.

What is the current economic condition of Punjab?

Punjab, which was once considered one of the most prosperous states in the country, is currently burdened with a debt of approximately ₹3.40 lakh crore, a report recently published said. This debt accounts for more than 50% of Punjab’s total economy. The total size of Punjab’s economy was around ₹6.29 lakh crore in the fiscal year 2022-23. There was a change in power in Punjab in 2022, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) coming into government.

In the period between 2017 to 2022, Congress was in power in Punjab. During this term, the Congress government accumulated new debts of about ₹1 lakh crore to the state. Subsequently, the AAP government, which came into power in March 2022, added approximately ₹50,000 crore of new debt to Punjab by the end of 2023.

It is worth noting that the recent astronomical rise in Punjab’s debt cannot be attributed to significant developmental projects in the state. A chief concern is that more than 50 per cent of Punjab’s Gross State Domestic Product is saddled by debt. Additionally, in the financial year 2022-23, the state’s fiscal deficit (the gap between the government’s revenue and expenditure) was 5.2% of its GDP. The government is spending more than it is earning, exacerbating the financial challenges faced by Punjab.

Taking debt to pay off old debts

The staggering amount of debt on Punjab has a cascading effect on its ability to repay loans. The Punjab government has drawn new loans to repay old debts, exacerbating the state’s economic woes. According to a report, since coming to power, the AAP government in Punjab has taken a loan of ₹47,000 crores, of which ₹27,000 crores have been utilised to pay off the interests on existing debts and the principal amount.

In the fiscal year 2022-23, the Punjab government allocated ₹20,100 crores to pay off the interest on old debts. Additionally, ₹15,146 crores were used to repay the principal amount of old debts. This means that in the fiscal year 2022-23, the AAP government not only paid off the actual loan but also had to cover more in interest payments. This trend does not seem to be changing shortly.

In the fiscal year 2023-24, the AAP government in Punjab is expected to spend approximately ₹22,000 crores on the interest of old debts and around ₹16,000 crores to repay the actual principal amount. If attention is not given to economic reforms and unnecessary expenditures in Punjab, its debt is likely to surpass ₹4 lakh crores soon.

Amidst scarce income and plentiful expenditure, the AAP govt continues to promise freebies

Instead of focusing on improving the state’s economy, the government is pushing it down a debt spiral. The AAP government-formulated policies are wreaking havoc on the economy. When AAP came to power in 2022, they promised to provide 300 units of free electricity to every household in the state. AAP also pledged free bus rides for women.

According to the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission, the AAP government in Punjab will have to spend ₹18,714 crores in providing free electricity in 2022-23. Out of this, ₹8,809 crores will go towards providing free electricity to farmers, ₹5,886 crores for providing 300 units of electricity to families, and ₹1,427 crores for other expenses. In addition to this, providing free bus rides to women is also becoming a significant burden on the government.

The AAP government has incurred ₹550 crores in providing free bus travel for women in the state. Besides, the state government is considering several other schemes that will involve additional expenses. In a situation where a state is compelled to take loans continuously just to pay off debts, spending on promised freebies may not be a wise decision.

Even as Punjab staggers under the burden of debt, CM Bhagwant Mann goes for aircraft shopping

Even as Punjab staggers under the weight of ever-increasing debt, CM Bhagwant Mann has demonstrated little restraint in curtailing expenses and bringing his state’s economy in order. In August 2023, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann invited tenders for the acquisition of a 10-seater aircraft.

This tender was floated even when the state already possesses a helicopter, which Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann routinely uses. There were allegations levelled that Arvind Kejriwal would be using the leased aircraft. When criticism of Bhagwant Mann’s government surfaced on Twitter, the tender was withdrawn. The Punjab Police even reportedly threatened an RTI activist for seeking details of the retracted tender.

The state government’s apathy and disinclination to ease Punjab’s economic stress is striking. CM Mann has been accused of spending time welcoming and hosting party members, including chief Arvind Kejriwal. Even when Kejriwal visited Punjab for meditation in December 2023, Bhagwant Mann was present there. Before this, Kejriwal visited Punjab almost every month.

Money received was not spent; instead, a moratorium on loan repayment was requested

The Punjab government consistently accuses the central government of not allowing it to take more loans. However, even with the funds provided by the central government, Punjab is struggling to spend it wisely.

Facing severe economic crises, the ‘Aam Aadmi Party’ (AAP) government in Punjab, which received ₹11,000 crores from the central government, has only managed to spend ₹3,000 crores in the nine months of the financial year 2023-24. Now, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has directed his officials to come up with strategies that would prevent the need to return the money to the central government.

On one hand, where it is unable to spend the money it received, on the other hand, it vigorously insists that it should not be required to repay any kind of debt for the next five years. In a letter to the Punjab Governor Banwari Lal Purohit in October 2023, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann urged him to persuade the Modi government for a moratorium on debts from Punjab for five years.

What should be the ideal situation?

The current level of debt on Punjab is not reasonable from any perspective. Moreover, its fiscal deficit exceeds the norms set by financial management laws. Laws formulated in the country regarding the financial management of states, such as the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act (FRBM Act), dictate that a state’s debt should not exceed 20% of its total GDP.

In certain cases, a provision is made to allow a maximum of 25% with exemptions. Punjab’s debt is 50% of its GSDP, and there are no signs of abatement. Furthermore, concerning fiscal deficits, it should be capped at 3% of the GSDP as per the FRBM Act, but in Punjab, it stands at 5.2%. Despite these regulations, the Punjab government does not seem to make any efforts to reduce these figures.

‘Just 1 meal a day for 22 years, no stitched clothes’: Karpatri ji Maharaj’s Tapasya to be fulfilled on 22 January with Pran Pratishtha of Ram Mandir

OpIndia Staff
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‘Just 1 meal a day for 22 years, no stitched clothes’: Karpatri ji Maharaj’s Tapasya to be fulfilled on 22 January with Pran Pratishtha of Ram Mandir

Many Hindu saints and spiritual leaders of India had been working, actively trying and making efforts in their own ways to one day see a grand Temple at Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya. Some of them had been observing strict ‘Tapasya’, and have taken unique pledges to witness a Ram Mandir being manifested in the Holy site.

Some Hindus took a vow not to marry until they sat in the sanctum sanctorum of Ramlala’s temple, while others took a vow not to wear turban and shoes. Similarly, Karpatri Ji Maharaj had taken an oath to eat only once a day for the last 22 years and that too only 18 mouthfuls. He also had taken an oath not to wear stitched clothes, until he sees a glorious temple at Ram Janmabhoomi.

Now, when Ramlala is slated to arrive at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on 22nd January 2024, the saint’s resolution appears to be accomplished. He will now eat a complete supper on 22 January 2024, with Lord Ram’s blessings. This saint gave this information in a conversation with ‘The Rajdharma’ YouTube channel.

Eating on hands until Lord Ram arrives at Ayodhya

Explaining the meaning of his name, Karpatri Maharaj says that the one whose palm is strong is a Karpatri. He says, “22 years ago I had taken a resolution that will have food only from my hands and not from a plate or bowl. I will take water only after doing so. My meal will be only 18 mouthfuls. And it will happen once a day.”

He further said, “I resolved not to wear stitched clothes. I will wear a Khadau (wooden sandals). Till then I will remain like this. Since then my penance has been going on. On the 22nd, when my God gets established in his home, then I will ask for his blessings and have a full meal. I will start wearing stitched clothes because our wishes have been granted by God.”

Karpatri ji further says, “I hold the highest post of the Vaishnav sect. Ramanujacharya, Jagatguru, Jeeyar Swami, Karpatri Ji Maharaj… these are the most venerated posts among Hindu sects. We can’t tell you the full name. But people know us only by the name of Karpatri Maharaj.”

The conference of 18 Puranas and 4 Vedas on 22nd January

Regarding the date of 22 January 2024 for Ram Lalla’s consecration, Karpatri Maharaj stated that Ram Lalla has a special way of going to the temple. Ramji’s appearance is based on the Vedas and Puranas. He recited the Ramcharitmanas chapter ‘Sumati Bhoomi Thal Hriday Agadhu’ while explaining this. Udadhi Ghan Sadhu, Veda Puran, Ram Sujas Bar Bari, Barshahin, ‘Madhur Manohar Mangalkari’ was also cited. “18 Puranas and four Vedas add up to 22,” he explained. The date 22 was chosen because the idol of Ram is made up of 18 Puranas and 4 Vedas, he said.

He continues, “God will arrive on this day. My Thakur ji is on his way. Now there will be no ‘Janbari’. That’s why he is coming in ‘January’. In our Hindi literature, Jan means a person and Bari means no one should be separated, no one should remain alone,” he says of January.

Referring to Lord Ram, he said, “Maybe you don’t know that when Ram came in Chaturbhuj form, he started crying. Cried a lot. Then Kaushalya Maa said stop crying now. Have children. Everything is fine. Everything went well. Then Lord Ram told Kaushalya Maa that till the time I did not come into the world, people were crying. I have now come into the world. No one will cry now.”

After this, Karpatri Maharaj while singing ‘Suni Bachan Sujana Raudan Thana, Hoi Balak Sur Bhupa’ said that due to Pran Pratishtha, this date and the Abhijeet Muhurta chosen for 88 seconds, will be Pran Pratishtha. He said that they will start the celebration of Pran Pratistha on the 15th itself and will continue till Pran Pratistha.

Praising PM Modi, he said, “Our beloved PM Modi will come. When he comes, he will first take a bath in Saryu. By taking this bath, if there is any kind of defect in the body, it gets cured. Before that, he will keep fast. Will take a bath only during fasting. Up means proximity and vas means near the mind. In this way, fasting is observed to go closer to God.”

Pune: Junaid Shaikh Gang booked under MCOCA for threatening and attacking locals with sharp weapons and vandalising vehicles, 3 members arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Pune: Junaid Shaikh Gang booked under MCOCA for threatening and attacking locals with sharp weapons and vandalising vehicles, 3 members arrested

The Pune police eventually apprehended Juned Ejaz Shaikh and his gang members after a series of violent acts, including vandalism, that endangered the lives of Yerwada residents and damaged multiple vehicles in the region. Junaid, and 3 other of his gang members, have been charged under the relevant sections of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) and three of them, including Junaid, have been arrested.

According to the initial reports,Junaid and his aides brandished sickles and swords near the Hyderabad hotel in the area, frightening people with abusive speech and threatening them. The complainant, his brother, and other citizens were also supposedly assaulted with sharp weapons and stones by the gang.

“Koi aage nahi aayega. Sab apne apne ghar jao (Nobody will come ahead. All go to your homes),” the gang members were quoted as saying. The incident is said to have happened in the Yerwada region of Pune on 26th December last year. The accused gang members threatened the local citizens and vandalised around 27 vehicles. The accused members also threatened the citizens using sharp weapons.

The arrested accused have been identified as Juned Ejaz Shaikh, 23, a resident of Laxminagar, Yerwada, Avinash alias Sukya Sanjay Shinde, 21, Mangesh alias Ghulya Deepak Kalokhe, 19, all residents of Yerwada.

Nikhil Jagannath Shinde, the fourth accused, is still absconding. Junaid Shaikh, the gang’s suspected leader, and his associates have imposed terror on the Yerwada region. This organised crime syndicate sought financial gain while solidifying authority in the area. Their strategy involved generating fear among citizens, allowing them to engage in a variety of illegal acts.

The gang operated as a cohesive criminal unit, engaging in a wide range of illegal activities such as robbery, attempted culpable homicide, unlawful assembly in public places, and rioting. They were also involved in possession of lethal weapons, preparations for causing injury or assault, home-trespassing, instilling terror, death threats, vandalising vehicles belonging to daily wage earners, burglaries, and luring vulnerable youths from neighbouring areas into their criminal fold. Previous preventive measures against this group reportedly were ineffective in preventing them from committing serious crimes.

In reaction to their increasing criminal activity, senior police inspector Balkrishna Kadam of the Yerwada police station proposed that MCOCA be invoked against them. This suggestion, which was supported by Circle Four deputy commissioner of police Shashikant Borate, was forwarded to the Eastern Regional Division’s Additional Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma for consideration. Ultimately, Pune police commissioner Ritesh Kumar accepted it. This legal strategy attempts to confront and reduce the gang’s growing threat, emphasising the necessity for prompt action to protect the community from their abhorrent actions.

Team OpIndia called the Yerwada Police Station to confirm the incident. Officer Sachin Mali confirmed the arrest of three persons. Meanwhile, he said that all the efforts are being taken to arrest the fourth accused who is absconding in the case. He also added that the accused members had been threatening the local residents while trying to spread their terror. Further investigations are underway.

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