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Opposition leaders need to learn how to accept defeat: How shady YouTubers and politicians are hurting India’s democracy with their EVM lies

Anurag
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Opposition leaders need to learn how to accept defeat: How shady YouTubers and politicians are hurting India’s democracy with their EVM lies

The spirit of a vibrant democracy, like India, is not limited to voting only. It expands to the grace with which the outcomes of elections are accepted. A concerning pattern has emerged in the political landscape of India, especially since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under Prime Minister Narendra Modi started its journey of electoral victories in 2014.

In the wake of the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024, several opposition parties, including that of Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Samajwadi Party (SP) and Communist Party of India (CPI), among others, have repeatedly levelled accusations of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) tampering. Sadly, their knee-jerk reaction lacks substantial proof in all the cases. In a sense, it is nothing but a blunt refusal to accept the electoral defeat. Such intentional denial of the voters’ sentiments signifies a deeper issue among the losing parties, which is a disrespect of the democratic choice of the electorate.

The narrative is that EVM hacking or VVPAT hacking has a problematic foundation. First things first, there is no credible evidence presented by those who raise suspicion. These allegations not only question the integrity of the electoral process of the world’s largest democracy but also insinuate that the choice that voters have made is somehow invalid or manipulated. The narrative is slowly creating a sense of erosion of the trust in democratic institutions that have worked tirelessly to ensure the elections run smoothly in the country.

Figures like Prashant Bhushan, Manmohan Mishra, Rahul Mehta, Pragya Mishra, and Abhisar Sharma provide a foundation for political leaders to raise suspicion over the authenticity of the EVM machines.

Take the example of Prashant Bhushan. He first shared a video of Rahul Mehta, who happens to be the founder of the “Right to Recall Party”, where Mehta was seen raising questions on VVPAT. In the video, Mehta claimed the black glass on VVPAT machines gives the BJP a chance to siphon off the votes from opposition parties in their favour.

Mehta insinuated that the light in VVPAT machines is on for a few seconds and does not record the actual vote but shows a dummy vote as the paper does not fall in front of the eyes of the voter. He did it using a mock or fake VVPAT machine that he had created himself. Interestingly, when we look at the videos explaining the process given by the Elections Commission, it is clear that the voters can see the slip coming out and falling irrespective of the light being on or off.

His claims were on the lines of one of the bizarre showcases of “engineering skills” and fear-mongering by AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj, who claimed EVMs could be tampered with in the Delhi Assembly. He used a mock EVM machine to demonstrate his “theory”, only to become a laughing stock.

Recently, Congress leader Digvijay Singh also raised questions over the working of EVM machines and VVPATs. He quoted a video of controversial YouTuber Mummohan Mishra, known for creating anti-BJP and anti-Modi videos, and thanked him for raising the questions on EVM. Not to forget, Mishra was arrested by UP Police in 2021 for using derogatory language against the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath.

It is funny that these activists and political leaders who claim EVM tempering change their notion when the BJP loses in any state. For example, in the recent assembly elections, the BJP stood victorious in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. However, the party lost elections in Telangana. The activists claimed that the BJP tempered EVM machines in the three states where they won but did not temper the EVM machines in the state where they lost to “ensure trust is maintained over the credibility of the machines”.

The selective scepticism casts doubt on the credibility of their assertions and suggests that they follow a pattern of scapegoating rather than being a substantive critique of the electoral process. Their idea appears to be less about safeguarding democracy and more a face-saving tactic after losing the elections. It is highly problematic to insult the intelligence and choice of the voters. Going by the results of the elections in the last couple of years, it is evident that voters do not care about the allegations of EVM tempering, and they come out to use their democratic right to choose the candidate of their choice.

The leaders of the losing parties need to understand that democracy is fundamentally about respect – respect for the process, the institutions and most importantly, the choice of the electorate. When they refuse to accept their defeat gracefully, the leaders are not only failing themselves but the spirit of the democratic process of India. It is consistently weakening the very foundation of the democratic process, making voters more upset with the losing candidates.

Such attempts to whitewash the defeat with baseless allegations may result in long-term detrimental effects on the political landscape. It creates a risk of a cynical electorate, disillusioned with the political process and sceptical of every election result. It may become the antithesis of democratic engagement, leading to apathy, a dangerous trend in any democracy.

The political leaders need to realise, too quickly, that the strength of a democracy is measured not only by the enthusiasm of the campaigning or the promises they have made but by the humility and grace with which they acknowledge the electoral defeats. Since BJP started its victorious journey, none of its leaders disrespected the electorate’s choice the way other parties have. The grace missing in acknowledging defeat is laying down the foundation of defeat after defeat for the opposition parties in future elections.

It is high time that political leaders across the spectrum commit to upholding the dignity of the electoral process, respect the mandate and work constructively in the role of a responsible opposition when called upon to do so.

One of the best examples is Union Minister Smriti Irani. She did not abandon the constituency when she lost the Lok Sabha election from Amethi in 2014. Irani consistently stood for the people of Amethi and worked hard to get projects for the region, and when she fought the elections again in 2019 against Rahul Gandhi, the unimaginable happened. The people of Amethi chose Smriti Irani over Gandhi. The “family constituency” of the Gandhi family slipped out of their hands only because Smriti Irani gracefully accepted defeat and continued to work for the constituency.

The health of a democracy is contingent on the behaviour of the leaders. Respect the mandate is about accepting the defeat and reaffirming faith in the democratic process. It is about honouring the electorate’s choice and maintaining the sanctity of the institutions based on democratic values. For the sake of the democratic future of Bharat, it is of utmost importance that leaders learn this lesson in respect.

ISRO launches X-ray Polarimeter Satellite, which will measure X-ray emissions from celestial bodies

ANI
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ISRO launches X-ray Polarimeter Satellite, which will measure X-ray emissions from celestial bodies

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite on the very first day of the New Year, in continuation of its stellar space odyssey from the previous year.

The satellite that was launched from Sriharikota spaceport on Monday at 9.10 am, as scheduled, among others, would offer insights into space-based polarisation measurements of X-ray emission from various celestial sources.

ISRO’s PSLV-C58 Mission is to launch XPOSAT Satellite into an Eastward low inclination orbit. After injection of XPOSAT, the PS4 stage will be re-started twice to reduce the orbit into 350 km circular orbit to maintain in 3-axis stabilized mode for Orbital Platform (OP) experiments. The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) experiment will be executed meeting the objective of 10 identified payloads, supplied by ISRO and IN-SPACe.

The XPOSat (X-ray Polarimeter Satellite) is India’s first dedicated polarimetry mission to study various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions.

According to ISRO The XPOSAT satellite has two payloads:

POLIX: This will measure the polarimetry parameters (degree and angle of polarization) in medium X-ray energy range of 8-30 keV photons of astronomical origin. The payload is being developed by Ramam Research Institute (RRI), Bangalore in collaboration with U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC). The instrument is made of a collimator, a scatterer and four X-ray proportional counter detectors that surrounds the scatterer. The scatterer is made of low atomic mass material which causes anisotropic Thomson scattering of incoming polarised X-rays. The collimator restricts the field of view to 3 degree x 3 degree so as to have only one bright source in the field of view for most observations. POLIX is expected to observer about 40 bright astronomical sources of different categories during the planned lifetime of XPoSat mission of about 5 years. This is the first payload in the medium X-ray energy band dedicated for polarimetry measurements.

XSPECT: Will give spectroscopic information in the energy range of 0.8-15 keV. An X-ray SPECtroscopy and Timing payload onboard XPoSat, which can provide fast timing and good spectroscopic resolution in soft X-rays. Taking advantage of the long duration observations required by POLIX to measure X-ray polarization, XSPECT can provide long-term monitoring of spectral state changes in continuum emission, changes in their line flux and profile, simultaneous long term temporal monitoring of soft X-ray emission in the X-ray energy range 0.8-15 keV. An array of Swept Charge Devices (SCDs) provide an effective area >30 cm2 at 6 keV with energy resolution better than 200 eV at 6 keV. Passive collimators are used to reduce the background by narrowing the field of view of XSPECT. XSPECT would observe several types of sources viz X-ray pulsars, blackhole binaries, low-magnetic field neutron star (NS) in LMXBs, AGNs and Magnetars.

The objective of the mission is to measure polarisation of X-rays in the energy band 8-30keV emanating from about 50 potential cosmic sources through Thomson Scattering by POLIX payload. To carry out long term spectral and temporal studies of cosmic X-ray sources in the energy band 0.8-15keV by XSPECT payload. To carry out polarisation and spectroscopic measurements of X-ray emissions from cosmic sources by POLIX and XSPECT payloads respectively in the common energy band.

The emission mechanism from various astronomical sources such as blackhole, neutron stars, active galactic nuclei, pulsar wind nebulae etc. originates from complex physical processes and are challenging to understand. The exact nature of the emission from such sources still poses deeper challenges to astronomers. The polarimetry measurements add two more dimension to understanding, the degree of polarization and the angle of polarization and thus is a diagnostic tool to understand the emission processes from astronomical sources.

In a stellar display of prowess, India soared to new heights in 2023 with the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the south pole of moon and the launch of Aditya-L1, India’s first solar mission.

The primary objective of the Chandrayaan-3, the country’s first successful lunar landing mission, was to demonstrate a soft landing near the lunar south polar region and perform experiments using the instruments onboard the lander ‘Vikram’ and rover ‘Pragyaan’.

On August 23, Vikram Lander made its historic touchdown on the Moon and subsequently, the Pragyan rover was deployed to survey the uncharted lunar south pole.

These milestones not only secured India’s standing in the global space economy but also fueled the engines for the private space sector in India.

Among other feats India now aims for are the Gaganyaan Mission, setting up ‘Bharatiya Antariksha Station’ by 2035, and sending the first Indian to the Moon by 2040.

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

Kanpur: Minor Hindu girl kidnapped, raped, forced to eat non-veg & converted to Islam by ‘Instagram friend’ Danish

OpIndia Staff
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Kanpur: Minor Hindu girl kidnapped, raped, forced to eat non-veg & converted to Islam by ‘Instagram friend’ Danish

A minor was allegedly kidnapped, raped and made to convert to Islam in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur by a Muslim youth identified as Danish. The 14-year-old Hindu girl was befriended by the accused on Instagram.

According to the girl, she had befriended Danish through Instagram a few months ago. On 22nd October 2023, Danish reportedly convinced the victim to elope with him.

She claimed that in an attempt to impress her, Danish sent her images of luxury homes and cars and claimed them all as his own. However, when he took her home, the victim found that he lived in an old and dilapidated house.

Danish then raped her and even forced her to consume non-vegetarian food and performing namaz. She was assaulted by Danish and his family too when she resisted.

Danish allegedly arranged for a visit to a cleric and scheduled their ‘nikah’ for 30th December 2023. The victim was allegedly taken to a mosque and her name was changed to Muskan Khan.

The girl was rescued owing to the efforts of Hindu groups who intervened upon learning about the situation. While Danish and his family escaped earlier, the accused was subsequently arrested by the police.

A complaint was made after which police filed a case under Sections 363 (kidnapping), 376 (rape) and relevant provisions of the POCSO Act, SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Lakhan Singh reportedly stated that further investigation is underway.

BJP expels three people after they were arrested for gang-rape of IIT-BHU student

OpIndia Staff
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BJP expels three people after they were arrested for gang-rape of IIT-BHU student

The Bharatiya Janta Party has removed three of its workers after they were arrested in connection to the gang rape of an IIT-BHU student. The development was confirmed by BJP’s Varanasi district chief Hansraj Vishwakarma on Sunday (31st December).

As per reports, the accused men were identified as Kunal Pandey, Abhishek Chauhan and Saksham Patel. The Crime Branch and Lanka police station arrested the three accused from the Susuwahi area, and the accused are now under interrogation.

On social media, it was claimed that the trio were members of the BJP IT Cell unit of Varanasi. The student wing of the BJP, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), had demanded strong action against the three men.

While speaking about the development, BJP Varanasi district chief Hansraj Vishwakarma said, “Definitely their (accused) names have appeared in the police probe, so they will be expelled from the party after an investigation.”

He emphasised,”The three accused have been expelled from the BJP and further action will be taken as per the directions of the party leadership”.

As per various local media reports and social media posts, it is being reported that the arrested accused were connected to the BJP IT cell. It is reported that Kunal Pandey holds the position of metropolitan coordinator in the BJP IT cell in Varanasi, while Saksham Patel is said to serve as the Varanasi metropolitan co-convenor in the IT cell. Numerous social media users have shared screenshots of the Facebook profiles of the arrested individuals, alleging links with the BJP IT cell.

ABVP demands strict action against BJP IT Cell members arrested for the gang rape of IIT-BHU student: Details

OpIndia Staff
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ABVP demands strict action against BJP IT Cell members arrested for the gang rape of IIT-BHU student: Details

On 31st December (Sunday), the Police arrested all three accused in the alleged gangrape incident of a female IIT-BHU student near her hostel in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi in November this year. The Crime Branch and Lanka police station arrested the three accused from the Susuwahi area, and the accused are now under interrogation.

As per reports, the arrested accused have been identified as Kunal Pandey from Brij Enclave Colony Sunderpur, and Anand alias Abhishek Chauhan and Saksham Patel from Jivadhipur Bajardiha. The police have also recovered the motorcycle used in the crime.

Speaking to The Indian Express on Sunday morning, a senior police officer said, “The three accused have been arrested. We will release more details during the day.”

As per various local media reports and social media posts, it is being reported that the arrested accused were connected to the BJP IT cell. It is reported that Kunal Pandey holds the position of metropolitan coordinator in the BJP IT cell in Varanasi, while Saksham Patel is said to serve as the Varanasi metropolitan co-convenor in the IT cell. Numerous social media users have shared screenshots of the Facebook profiles of the arrested individuals, alleging links with the BJP IT cell.

After the arrest of the accused, ABVP released a statement demanding strict action against the perpetrator. They also demanded that those who were harbouring the accused should be arrested.

The national media convener ABVP wrote on social media platform X, “Take immediate action by filing chargesheet against the accused arrested in the gangrape case of a student @Uppolice. The people who were giving protection to the accused till now should be identified and action should be taken. The council is protesting demanding action from the beginning in the matter.”

The arrests have taken place two months after a female student was allegedly disrobed at gunpoint, gang-raped by three unknown men, and recorded the incident. It had triggered a massive protest on the campus with thousands of students staging a protest against the sexual assault incident.  

As per reports, late on the 1st of November night, three unidentified men forcibly kissed the victim student, took off her clothes, and then recorded a video of her. She also alleged that the miscreants had brutally beaten up her friend before sexually molesting her. They snatched her mobile phone and threatened to kill her if she spoke about her ordeal with anyone or approached the police. 

In her complaint to the police, the student said, “I am a resident of a hostel at IIT-BHU. On November 2 around 1.30 am, I left my hostel for a walk. I met a male friend at the Gandhi Smriti hostel intersection. We were walking together and when we were 300-400 metres from Karman Baba temple, a motorcycle approached us from behind with three men.”

In her complaint, the victim wrote, “They parked their motorcycle and separated my friend and me. They shut my mouth tightly and took me to a corner, kissed me forcibly; took off all my clothes, and recorded photos and videos. When I shouted for help, they threatened to kill me. They let me go after 10-15 minutes.” 

The complaint further stated, “When I ran towards my hostel, I heard the sound of the motorcycle. I got scared and went inside the professor’s house. I stayed there for 20 minutes. After that, the professor escorted me to the main gate of his house. From there, Rahul Rathore of the Parliament Security Committee dropped me to the IIT BHU patrolling guard booth.” 

As per reports, on the second day of the incident, all three accused riding a bullet were captured on CCTV cameras in Chetganj. The purported CCTV footage is now viral on social media. Following the confirmation, the police arrested all the accused in this case.

Karnataka High Court stays Bengaluru Police order to shut down Phoenix Mall of Asia for 15 days, says no action till further hearing

OpIndia Staff
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Karnataka High Court stays Bengaluru Police order to shut down Phoenix Mall of Asia for 15 days, says no action till further hearing

On 31st December (Sunday), the vacation bench of Karnataka High Court directed Bengaluru Police not to take any precipitative action against the Phoenix Mall of Asia till the matter is resolved amicably or further orders from the court. This came after the police ordered the mall to remain shut for the next 15 days due to the massive traffic congestion caused by a large number of people visiting the mall. The next hearing in this matter is on 2nd January. 

Justice M.G.S. Kamal passed the order after the Mall voluntarily gave assurance that it would not operate for a day on 31st December. The urgent petition has been filed by Sparkle One Mall Developers Pvt Ltd, which manages the Phoenix Mall of Asia. It is situated on the service road in Byatarayanapura on Bellary Road, leading to the international airport.  

The Court observed, “Needless to note that any order passed by the executive should be capable of its effective implementation in its letter and spirit. If it carries any ambiguity or is incapable of implementation such order per se becomes unsustainable.” 

The Sparkle One Mall developers had challenged the legality of the order passed by the Bangalore City Police Commissioner on 30th December in which it directed the petitioner to “restrict public access to the mall between 10 pm on 31st December 2023 and midnight of 15th January 2024 to prevent annoyance and disturbance to public tranquillity and provide a safe environment for traffic and public at large”.

Notably, the Commissioner had passed the Prohibitory Order under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). The High Court heard the urgent plea at noon on Sunday for about half an hour in which both sides presented their arguments. 

On behalf of the petitioner company, Senior Advocate Dhyan Chinnappa contended that the prohibitory order is unconstitutional. He argued that the orders amounted to closing down the mall and the businesses of shops in the mall. He also contended that invoking Section 144 of the CrPC is illegal as the circumstance does not contain any ingredient for invoking a prohibitory order. 

During the proceedings, the A-G argued that it was for the petitioner to figure out how to implement the prohibitory order issued for “only restricting the entry of public” into the mall and not entirely prohibiting the entry of public into the mall. 

After presenting their arguments, the Court proposed that both parties attempt to find a mutually agreeable solution. The hearing was adjourned for approximately 20 minutes to allow for a consultation between them. 

When the court reassembled at around 12.50 pm, the petitioner’s counsel gave assurance that the petitioner company would voluntarily close the mall for a day on 31st December (Sunday) to show its bona fide commitment to addressing the issue of traffic congestion.

He urged the court to allow the petitioner to use the mall from January 1, 2024, until a mutual resolution between the petitioner and the police could be reached. This would be for the benefit of the public, taking into consideration all concerns raised by the police, or until the court thoroughly heard the petition.

However, he requested the court to clarify the effect of the prohibitory order given A-G’s claims. In reply, the Attorney General stated that the proposal presented by the petitioner warrants consideration. This is because the petitioner has voluntarily offered to shut down the mall for a day, and the police are willing to provide all necessary cooperation to achieve a mutually agreeable resolution of the matter.

Meanwhile, the petition alleged that “CCTV footage has disclosed that traffic disruption caused by vehicles was not due to the petitioner but was mainly owing to the fact that the vehicle entry was blocked by the police resulting in a jam outside the mall.” 

The petition further pointed out that the police did not respond to the petitioner’s suggestions made in October on traffic management. 

It is claimed that the prohibitory order was issued as the traffic congestion caused by vehicles gathering on the road waiting to enter the mall, had affected the movement of ambulances, BMTC, and school buses. 

The police had reportedly received complaints about these issues from various quarters. The prohibitory order stated, “If the matter is left unattended, there will be uproar and frequent disputes, and significant chances of cognizable offences in the near future,” pointing out that there would be more chances of traffic congestion due to New Year and Makara Sankranti celebrations.

The Bengaluru Police issued the orders to restrict public access to Phoenix Mall of Asia from 31 December to 15 January after massive traffic chaos on Christmas eve on the Bellari Road (Airport Road),  with crowds thronging Phoenix Mall of Asia near Yelahanka. Police had to issue an advisory after this. After the police found that the parking facility in the mall is not adequate, the restriction order was issued. The order had said, “An emergency measure is imminently necessary to prevent annoyance, obstruction, offenses, and disturbance of public tranquility that may occur during New Year celebrations tomorrow (December 31) and to maintain public peace and order in the days that follow”.

Giving the reasons for issuing the orders, the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B Dayananda said, “There are incidents of disruption of public peace and order every day, making it difficult to maintain peace and order. In the coming days, there is a significant possibility of traffic congestion, disruption, noise pollution, disturbance to the public, and peace disturbance in the surrounding areas. This applies especially to the occasions of New Year celebration on December 31, the second Saturday on January 13, 2024 and Sunday on January 14, 2024 when the Makara Sankranti festival is celebrated. Larger crowds visiting the mall during these times will lead to more inconvenience and disturbance to the public than before.”

The police officer said that as per the report of the Joint commissioner of police (traffic), there is a need to provide parking space for at least 10,000 cars and 10,000 two-wheelers in the ‘Phoenix Mall of Asia’ building. But the mall has only two basements to park 2,324 cars and two-wheelers.

Apart from the order to virtually shut down the mall for 15 days, the traffic police have also asked the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to withdraw or cancel the partial Occupancy Certificate (OC) issued to the mall. According to the partial OC issued by BBMP, the mall is a 12-storey building including 2 basement floors with a total area of 86,421 square meters from the ground floor to the third floor. However, the mall has only two basements to park 2,324 cars and two-wheelers.

Ram Janmabhoomi is a cultural issue for us, it is not a political issue to get votes: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

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Ram Janmabhoomi is a cultural issue for us, it is not a political issue to get votes: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

With a couple of weeks left to inaugurate Ram Temple, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that Ram Janmabhoomi is not merely a political issue but a cultural issue for them.

“The consecration ceremony will be held on January 22, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present there.” When asked about getting electoral benefits from Ram Temple he said, “This is not a political issue for us to get votes, Ram Janmabhoomi is a cultural issue for us.”

The consecration ceremony in Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir will be held over seven days, starting on January 16. On the final day, January 22, after the morning puja, the deity of Ram Lala will be consecrated in ‘Mrigashira Nakshatra’ in the afternoon.

Talking about the country’s economy Singh said, “By 2027 India will be among the world’s top three economies and by 2047 we will be the world’s largest economy.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was speaking at the 21st convocation of Tezpur University said that students are acceptable to new ideas.

Sharing his past experience as a teacher and the academic world, Singh highlighted the acceptability of new ideas among students. He acknowledged the innovative spirit of the youth, stating, “As far as I have been able to understand the youth, I can say that students are more innovative than teachers. A lot can be learned from students, and they are receptive to new ideas.”

“Assam has given such icons to the country who have excelled in art, valour, religion, politics and almost all fields,” added Rajnath.

Talking about start-up culture and innovation ecosystem prevailing in the country, he said, “To enhance the capabilities of youth like you, we have promoted start-up culture and innovation ecosystem. Due to the efforts of the government and the youth entrepreneurship initiative, today we have more than 1 lakh start-ups and there are more than 100 Unicorns in India. We have promoted innovation through start-ups in the Defence Industrial Corridor,” he added.

Highlighting the pivotal role of youth in shaping the vision of New India, Rajnath Singh said that the key difference between the old Bharat and the new Bharat lies in the evolution of thought and the approach.

Addressing the 21st Convocation Ceremony of Tezpur University in Assam, Rajnath Singh said that today’s youth are receptive to new ideas.

“I think a lot can be learned from students. Our youth are receptive to new ideas. They have creativity, ambition and all this can be called new thinking which creates the background of a new India. The youth of this country are the creators of our new India. The difference that is visible between the earlier India and the new India is the difference in thinking. India is no longer tolerant of the ‘Let it be’ approach but Under the leadership of PM Modi, New India is working on the ‘Let us do’ approach,” he said.

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

‘Maryada Purushottam Ram is our need to build character of the future generation’: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on book launch on Ram Mandir

OpIndia Staff
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‘Maryada Purushottam Ram is our need to build character of the future generation’: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on book launch on Ram Mandir

On 31st December (Sunday), Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan launched the book ‘Ram Mandir Rashtra Mandir Ek Sajhi Virasat’ at Rang Bhawan Auditorium in Delhi. Prominent dignitaries in the likes of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) President Alok Kumar, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Treasurer Govind Giri Maharaj, RSS leader Indresh Kumar and others were also present at the book launch.

Speaking at the event, Arif Mohammed Khan emphasised that Maryada Purushottam Ram is our need so that we can build the character of our future generations. He stressed that Lord Ram is called Maryada Purushottam because of what he did for us. 

Khan pointed out that when it was decided that he would have to go to the forest, King Dashrath said to Ram alone, ‘You can imprison me; you did not make the promise—I made the promise. You are not bound by my word; you can become the king.’ To this, Ram replied, ‘If you have given the words, then I will fulfill it.'”

Arif Mohammad Khan further stated that today, every country possesses so many nuclear bombs that it is enough to destroy the world. The world is divided into sections, and it requires a message from a country that can unite everyone, a country that respects every human being as an individual. The purpose of life is not solely to attain happiness; rather, it is to acquire knowledge. Knowledge must be pursued. 

The Kerala Governor said, “It is not important in which house I was born. What is important is what I do. According to Indian culture and also according to Islam, karma is important.”

He noted that man cannot live alone and needs society, some principle and basis for society. Indian culture is defined neither by colour, nor by language, nor by the way of worship. Indian culture is defined by the soul, Khan added. 

Explaining that Ram achieved greatness through his acts and deeds, Khan stated that Lakshman gets angry when Ram was asked to go to the forest. 

He explains, Why is Ram called Maryada Purushottam? Because whatever is going to give them happiness, he was not ready to go beyond limits to accept it. Whether we are in politics, doctors, or engineers. Wherever we work, how should we look at the people who are responsible for us? We get this education from Ram, Khan asserted. 

During the event, RSS leader Indresh Kumar issued an appeal to religious places to decorate their prayer spaces on January 22 from 11 am to 2 pm. He encouraged people to watch the Consecration ceremony on television and pray for global progress.

He said, “With this, you will light lamps in all the temples. This morning when I was coming here, Shah Malang society in the Dargahs of UP, they met me and said that no Dargah will remain where the lamp will not lit. We too started making Deepotsav on Hazrat Nizamuddin in the last 3 years.”

The RSS leader stressed that one can change their religion but they can’t change their forefathers adding that 99% of people in neighbouring countries have converted but their DNA was and will remain the same. 

Kumar said, “You can change your religion but you can’t change your forefathers. If we go to Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Maldives then 99 percent of people are converted. We are of a common ancestor. Everyone’s DNA was and will remain the same.” 

Reacting to Farooq Abdullah’s remark where he emphasised that Lord Rama doesn’t only belong to Hindus; he belongs to everyone in the world. 

While referring to Abdullah’s remarks, he took a dig at the opposition I.N.D.I.A. bloc. He responded by saying, “Our dream identity is also the same that we think and dream in the Hindustani language, and our face identity will always remain Indian, it can never change. Recently, Farooq Abdullah stated that Ram is not only yours but also ours. So when did we say no? Just explain this to your group also. You should tell this in I.N.D.I.A. bloc too that there is no need for an invitation to go to God’s house.” 

He added, “I also want to say to the whole nation that Lord Rama doesn’t only belong to Hindus; he belongs to everyone in the world. He is the Lord for all the people across the world. It’s written in the books.” 

Passenger finds worms in a veg sandwich served on an Indigo flight, video goes viral

OpIndia Staff
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Passenger finds worms in a veg sandwich served on an Indigo flight, video goes viral

On 29th December, Khushoo Gupta, who goes by the handle ‘little__curves’ on Instagram, shared a video of live worms she found in her vegetarian sandwich during an Indigo flight. In a post on Instagram, she pointed out that despite informing the flight staff that the rest of the sandwiches might be infested, they continued to distribute the food.

She wrote, “I will Lodge an official complaint via email soon. But as a Public Health professional, I want to know that despite knowing the quality of the Sandwich was not good and informing the Flight attendant prior, she still continued to serve sandwiches to other passengers. There were kids, elderly and other passengers. What if anyone catches an infection?

A polite note or informing the Passengers would have saved them from eating the Sandwich. After consuming one bite, I immediately rushed or conveyed to her, but she said, ‘I will replace it with some other thing.’ I will bring it to the department notice and later come with a Goodie, which I refused to take. I didn’t want to create a panic situation. But her first action should have been to make other passengers aware so that they could make an informed decision about consuming the sandwich.”

Further, she pointed out that the idea of sharing the post was not to seek a refund or compensation but assurance from the airline that the passenger’s health and safety are the airline’s top priorities. She said, “You are trained to save our lives if, god forbid, anything happens, but shouldn’t this be included in the same SOP? 1. The quality needs to be questioned two despite having the knowledge of why she served another fellow passenger. I brought this issue under consideration to Create awareness. I don’t need any compensation or refund. Just ensure passenger health and safety are your top priorities.”

Expressing her dismay that the flight attendants did not approach her to provide information on the official channel to file a complaint, she said in a comment, “When Celebs travel in these airlines, we see Flight attendants giving them Thank you Notes or a small welcoming gesture note to make them feel special for travelling with XYZ Airlines. But when such an incident happens. I was expecting the Flight attendant to come to me later or even after the Flight landed to assure me my Complaint would be Heard or to direct me to where particularly (email ID or number) I could share the Complaint. She didn’t even bother to assure me that she would bring it to the notice from her side too or else ask whether I have any video or photo so that she can also update their seniors about this experience.”

Source: Instagram

“I waited till the last expecting she would show up or any other staff member would. But nobody cared. She casually walked off while I waited for all the passengers to leave. Later, I went to another flight attendant who had an idea about the incident while she was about to leave. I asked her what she had done about this incident, and she said, please WhatsApp me the video after I Questioned her many times. Wasn’t it their duty to assure me at the start itself that this would be Heard or brought to their senior notice? Or to guide me on where I can file a complaint or take a written complaint from me so that she can share it with her Seniors. Many questions need to be raised, not just one of serving it to other fellow passengers and all,” she said.

In an official press release, Indigo said, “We are aware of a concern raised by one of our customers regarding their experience on flight 6E 6107 from Delhi to Mumbai. We want to emphasize our unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest food and beverage service standards on board. Upon investigation, our crew immediately ceased the service of the specific sandwich in question. The matter is currently under thorough examination, and we are working closely with our caterer to ensure appropriate corrective measures are taken. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused to the passenger.”

‘We are in favour of Ram Mandir’: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah says after his minister called Ram Mandir inauguration ‘a political stunt like ‘Pulwama’

OpIndia Staff
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‘We are in favour of Ram Mandir’: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah says after his minister called Ram Mandir inauguration ‘a political stunt like ‘Pulwama’

On 31st December (Sunday), Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that his government and his party are in full support of Ram Mandir. The Congress leader added that they are in favour of the Ram Mandir and not against building the temple. 

“We are not against the issue of Ayodhya Ram Mandir, we are not against building a temple either, we are not against Ram Mandir we are in favour of Ram Mandir,” Siddaramaiah was quoted saying by News agency ANI on Sunday.

A day earlier, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah had said that so far he had not received the invitation for the consecration ceremony and he would consider whether to attend it or not only after getting the invite. 

Strikingly, as per media reports, Siddaramaiah gave these remarks to cover up his minister’s controversial statement against the Ram Mandir inauguration ceremony describing it as a “political stunt” just like ‘Pulwama’. 

(Video Courtesy – India Today)

Earlier in the day on 31st December, Congress leader and Karnataka Planning and Statistics Minister, Dasharathaiah Sudhakar claimed that the BJP government was using a similar strategy and exploiting the Ram Mandir as it used Pulwama in previous Lok Sabha elections.

Sudhakar said, “The BJP government used the Pulwama terror attack to secure votes in the last Lok Sabha elections, and this time, they are holding Lord Ram’s photo now.”  

While speaking to media personnel in Chitradurga, he added, “The inauguration of Ayodhya Ram Mandir is a stunt. People are not fools. We have been fooled twice. I am confident that we won’t be fooled for the third time.” 

The Karnataka Minister stated that it is true that the opening of the Ram Mandir is in the background of the Lok Sabha Elections. He said, “MLA Raghumurthy and I contributed money to the Ram Mandir. We have also given bricks in the past.” 

While he noted that Lord Ram is a god for everyone, he called the temple’s inauguration a gimmick during the election period.

He argued, “BJP is using India’s religious beliefs to garner votes. Where was the Ram Mandir in the last elections?”  

Pulwama Terror Attack

On February 14, 2019, a convoy of vehicles carrying Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel to Srinagar via National Highway 44 came under a suicide bombing attack in Pulwama. 22-year-old Adil Ahmad Dar, a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist from Kakapora in Jammu and Kashmir, rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into a bus carrying the CRPF personnel. 40 of our jawans were martyred in that cowardly terror attack.

The terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), based in Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the attack. They also posted a video of the Islamic terrorist Adil Ahmad Dar, who had joined the outfit a year before. In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that Pakistan was responsible for assisting terrorist attacks and that JeM founder Maulana Masood Azhar had been “given the freedom to target India.”

However, the ghastly terror attack was not spared by certain opposition leaders and political parties who tried to spin conspiracy theories around the attack. They have been trying to pin the blame on Narendra Modi instead alleging it to be a staged attack despite Pakistan-based terrorists staking a claim for it. Incidentally, several of the perpetrators of this ghastly attack have died in mysterious circumstances in Pakistan and elsewhere in the recent past. 

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