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PM Modi to inaugurate ISRF, new dry dock of Cochin Shipyard Ltd at Kochi: Know how the major infra boost will highlight CSL on world map

OpIndia Staff
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PM Modi to inaugurate ISRF, new dry dock of Cochin Shipyard Ltd at Kochi: Know how the major infra boost will highlight CSL on world map

On Wednesday (17th January) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is inaugurating the International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) of the Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) at Kochi in Kerala. The 310-meter-long drydock built along with India’s first fully developed ship repair ecosystem ISRF is set to become a game-changer for India’s marine sector.

Along with this, PM Narendra Modi is also inaugurating various infrastructure projects at Kochi worth Rs 4000 Crores. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal took stock of the preparations before the Prime Minister arrived in Kochi and reviewed these projects.

The International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF)

CSL can currently build ships up to 110,000 deadweight tonnes (DWT) and repair ships up to 125,000 DWT. The International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) situated at Cochin Port Trust in Kochi is set to enhance India’s ship repair capacity by approximately 25%. Developed for Rs 970 crore, this state-of-the-art facility features a 6,000-tonne capacity ship lift and transfer system capable of accommodating vessels up to 130 meters in length and 26 meters in width.

With six dedicated workstations, the facility enables concurrent and independent repair operations for six vessels, allowing for the efficient handling of repairs for approximately 84 ships annually. It is built on 42 acres of land leased from Cochin Port Authority.

The ISRF is poised to serve over 2,000 Indian-owned vessels navigating Indian waters, creating a consistent demand for local ship repair activities. Moreover, the facility is strategically positioned to meet the repair and maintenance needs of the numerous vessels frequenting Indian ports. Its proximity to the international sea route connecting Southeast Asia to the Middle East adds to its allure, positioning Kochi as a global hub for ship repairs.

Additionally, the ISRF is set to offer swift turnaround times for naval warships, coast guard ships, and offshore vessels, catering to both emergency docking requirements and scheduled refits. Aligned with the strategic initiative to establish ship repair clusters, the “Kochi cluster” is anticipated to catalyse substantial growth in ship repair services and ancillary offerings, akin to established clusters in Dubai and Singapore.

The Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) is known for building INS Vikrant

Cochin Shipyard Ltd, renowned for constructing India’s largest double-hull Aframax tankers and various other vessels for both Indian and international clients, has achieved notable milestones. Notably, the shipyard proudly delivered the Indian Navy’s inaugural indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, commissioned in September 2022 with an impressive 76% indigenous content.

In the coming weeks, the cityscape of Kochi is set to transform as Cochin Shipyard Ltd prepares to elevate and install its new 600-tonne Goliath gantry crane above the dock. This addition will significantly enhance CSL’s capabilities, enabling the handling of blocks weighing up to 600 tonnes, surpassing the size of the existing two orange gantry cranes.

The Dry Dock at Kochi

The construction of the dry dock, estimated at Rs 1,799 crore, represents a significant investment in a high-grade strategic asset. This facility boasts the capacity to manage crucial naval assets and commercial vessels during emergencies. With a design life extending to 100 years, the dry dock positions India to build substantial aircraft carriers weighing up to 70,000 tonnes displacement.

The newly established dry dock is set to be a pivotal factor in advancing skill development for the construction and repair of highly intricate and large vessels, along with complex marine structures. It is anticipated to directly generate employment opportunities for approximately 2,000 individuals, with a ripple effect amplifying this impact by 5-6 times. Additionally, the facility will catalyse the growth of ancillary and supporting industries, as well as foster the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), ultimately contributing to the augmentation of the local economy.

The new dry dock, constructed by Larsen and Toubro LTD, will be India’s largest. With the new dry dock, CSL can now build large LNG carriers, Suezmax vessels, oil rigs, and more. The new dry dock will start its first building assignment in May this year, building a Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD) for the State-owned Dredging Corporation of India Ltd, as per a report in Economic Times.

Union Minister visited Kochi a day before inauguration

The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed the preparation of the key strategic projects at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in Kochi yesterday. Addressing a press conference, he said, “Kochi is going to become one of the most important hubs of ship repair and shipbuilding. This modern facility will definitely make India proud in the global maritime sector. This is the biggest operational ship repair ecosystem infrastructure in the entire South Asia, which has been built for the Viksit Bharat by 2047.”

He added, “We are providing requisite impetus to the shipping sector, including an ambitious Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), which is likely to steamroll India’s shipping sector prospects to become a global leader in the production of green ships. We are also working on building a ship repair cluster in Kochi to provide a robust ecosystem for India’s shipping industry.”

‘Mandir wahin ban raha hai’: CM Yogi Adityanath says if the Opposition is so worried about ‘politicisation’ of Ram Mandir, why didn’t they get the Temple built

OpIndia Staff
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‘Mandir wahin ban raha hai’: CM Yogi Adityanath says if the Opposition is so worried about ‘politicisation’ of Ram Mandir, why didn’t they get the Temple built

With less than a week remaining for the much-awaited Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha on 22nd January, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath gave an exclusive interview with Aaj Tak. In the interview, he responded to queries on a host of issues including the court proceedings in Kashi and Mathura. During the interview, he categorically affirmed, “Mandir wahi ban raha hai” while refuting opposition and their ecosystem’s mischievous conspiracy ‘4KM’ theory on Ayodhya Ram Mandir. Notably, the theory had already been debunked. 

Here are the excerpts from UP CM Yogi Adityanath’s interview with Aaj Tak –

Yogi Adityanath recalls ‘Mandir wahin banayenge’ vow

According to media reports, Sanjay Raut and several other usual suspects had claimed that the place where BJP is building the Ram temple is not the original Ram Janmabhoomi. The temple is being built 3-4 kilometers away from the birthplace of Lord Ram, they had claimed. 

It is important to note that the disputed structure was illegally built on the birthplace of Shri Ram, however, the illegal structure on usurped land was demolished on 6th December 1992.  

Responding to the debunked conspiracy theory, CM Yogi recalled the vow Ram Bhakts had taken during the Ram Janambhoomi movement, “Mandir wahin banayenge’. He emphasised that the struggle of the entire Ram Janambhoomi movement was that ‘Ram Mandir will be built at the exact place (birthplace of Shri Ram)’. Stressing that the vow has been materialised, CM Yogi said, “Mandir wahin ban rha hai”. 

He added that Sanjay Raut and Uddhav Thackeray themselves had visited Ayodhya to seek darshan. Taking a jibe at the Uddhav Sena leader, CM Yogi added that when Sanjay Raut and Uddhav Thackeray came to Ayodhya, why did they not give this invaluable suggestion? Taking a dig at him, CM Yogi cited the Hindi proverb, saying anybody can say that the grapes are sour (Angoor Khate hai). 

Yogi Adityanath lambasts the Opposition, asks what stopped Congress from doing such a ‘political event’?

CM Yogi Adityanath launched a scathing attack on Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party’s allegation that the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha is a ‘political event’ with Rahul saying today (on 16th January) that it is a ‘Modi ka function’. 

He asked who had stopped Congress from organising such a ‘political event’ if they are so upset at BJP governments doing it. Congress has ruled the country for a long time since 1947. Why didn’t they organise any such event? Regarding Rahul, CM Yogi said that he has been an MP since 2004 and has been running the government from behind and it is not a secret. So why didn’t Rahul organise such an event? 

He further slammed the Gandhi scion and accused him of organising events that insulted the Constitution of India. CM Yogi Adityanath said that Rahul has always been organising events that insult the Constitution of India. They have been organising events in which he tore down the ordinance passed by the Parliament. 

(Video Courtesy – Aaj Tak)

Responding to the opposition’s allegations that the Ram Mandir inauguration has been hastened because of election consideration, CM Yogi retorted by asking who has stopped Congress from attending this program. 

He asked whether it is not true that in 1989, Congress had started its election campaign from Ayodhya itself. He further asked whether it is not true that on the one hand, Congress fools Hindus and on the other hand it was not able to give up its fascination with the Muslim vote bank. 

He asserted that Congress and other opposition parties were the ones who always did politics on this issue adding that they (BJP) never did politics on this issue. He added that the Mandir construction has always been BJP’s aim, mentioned in its election manifesto.

Further in the interview, CM Yogi stated that some people had tried to make Ayodhya a victim for their personal gains. But today Ayodhya is free from all this. Our Vedas honoured Ayodhya as the first of the Saptapuris. Ayodhya is now being equipped in the same form.

He was asked about the opposition’s allegations that Pran Pratishtha is taking place before the Shikar (Peak) of Ram Mandir has been constructed. Responding to this, CM Yogi said that the ritual is for the idol we install there. He said, it is not that this is happening for the first time. Whatever is happening in Ayodhya is happening as per the scriptures.

CM Yogi said that according to Hindu tradition, the auspicious time for the program comes after Makar Sankranti. This date has been fixed considering the same.

Ayodhya has transformed completely

Emphasising the changes that have taken place in Ayodhya, CM Yogi said that ten years ago no one could have imagined that a four-lane road would be built in this city. Wires were dangling on electric poles and filth was visible in the city. CM Yogi said, previous governments had troubled the people of Ayodhya even for electricity. There were no facilities there. 

He added that today there is a four-lane road inside the city. Today the city has a railway station equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, which was once a narrow gauge railway station. Today the international airport is ready in Ayodhya. 

He further added that now there is a cruise on the Saryu River whereas earlier there were governments who used to fire bullets, a direct reference to the massacre of Ram Bhakts and Karsevaks in the 1990s by the Mulayam Singh Yadav government. 

CM Yogi Adityanath asserted that the political leaders who did not accept Lord Ram and his power suffered the same fate in their political careers as the characters in the scriptures who refused to accept God.

Responding to the reports that Shankaracharyas are not coming to attend the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha, the CM said that the Trust sent an invitation to every Dharmacharya and every Acharya. He added that this is not an occasion for respect or insult, whether I am an ordinary citizen or the biggest Dharmacharya of this country, no one is bigger than Lord Ram. We all are dependent on Ram, Ram is not dependent on us. 

Regarding the Ram Janmabhoomi Court verdict, he noted that the court’s ruling could have come earlier had the previous governments wanted it. He asserted that the BJP government did its part and paved the way for the court verdict to be delivered.

Regarding the question on Kashi-Mathura, CM noted that Hindus fought for Ramlala for 500 years adding, “We will present the evidence before the court, when the time comes, all the facts will come out and things will become clear as a day sky.”

“VP, VP, VP”: Crowd chants as Donald Trump introduces Vivek Ramaswamy on stage at New Hampshire rally

OpIndia Staff
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“VP, VP, VP”: Crowd chants as Donald Trump introduces Vivek Ramaswamy on stage at New Hampshire rally

Call it Trump’s best investment so far or Vivek Ramaswamy’s ‘trump’ card. Donald J Trump’s election rally in New Hampshire was all about Vivek Ramaswamy, who announced his exit from the race for US President on 16th January.

Ramaswamy announced his decision after losing the Iowa caucuses with 7.7% votes while Trump emerged with a historic win of 51% votes. It was the largest margin of victory in GOP history.

During the announcement of the withdrawal of his campaign, the Indian-American entrepreneur announced that he will be joining Trump at his New Hampshire rally.

It was a defining moment when Trump introduced and welcomed Vivek Ramaswamy on stage, a moment that hinted that Vivek Ramaswamy could very well be team Trump’s Vice Presidential candidate in the US Presidential elections.

While no official statement has been made about the same, Trump and Ramaswamy supporters at Atkinson, New Hampshire were heard chanting “VP, VP, VP” as Ramaswamy concluded his speech and greeted Trump.

Welcoming Ramaswamy on stage, Trump said, “Last night I was honoured to receive the endorsement of a man who has become a true leader and earned the admiration of so many patriots. I have been a friend of his even though we were competing against each other but I was a friend of his and we got along. And he was saying ‘he’s a great President’ and I kept saying ‘Why is he running, he keeps calling me a great President’. But he’s a fantastic guy, a very smart guy. He’s got some tremendous ideas. And he’s young and he’s got some young ideas too and that’s a good thing. So he’s got a big, beautiful and bright future ahead…Vivek Ramaswamy.”

Trump stood behind Ramaswamy the entire time of the latter’s address wherein he endorsed Trump as the “commander-in-chief”.

Republican netizens continue to put their weight behind Ramaswamy with many disappointed with his campaign withdrawal but happy that he is endorsing Trump. However, the same support base is now rooting for Ramaswamy for Vice President all over social media too.

Many others also lauded his decision to withdraw and endorse Trump. Ramaswamy has also called upon Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis to withdraw and declare their support for the former President of the United States.

Atonement, cow donation, havan, and beginning of Ramayana recital: Know what rituals were performed on Day 1 of the week-long Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya

OpIndia Staff
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Atonement, cow donation, havan, and beginning of Ramayana recital: Know what rituals were performed on Day 1 of the week-long Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya

On Tuesday (16th January) Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust posted updates on the rituals completed on the first day of the festivities for the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir at Shri Ram Janmbhoomi in Ayodhya. The main consecration ceremony is scheduled to take place on 22nd January. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present for those rituals. The trust shared the statement of Vedic scholar Acharya Shri Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid wherein he informed about the processes done on the first day of the consecration rituals.

Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust posted, “Statement by Vedic scholar Acharya Shri Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid at the conclusion of the first day of Pran Pratishtha Pujan: On January 16, Shri Anil Mishra performed Sangopang Sarva Prayashchitta under the Pratishtha Mahotsav of Shri Ram Temple built at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi place in Ayodhya. Shri Anil Mishra took a bath in river Saryu.”

The trust further said quoting Acharya Shri Ganesh Shastri Dravid, “Shri Anil Mishra performed Panchgavya Prashan by performing Vishnu Pujan with Panchgavya and Ghee. He did Godan (cow donation) as an atonement. After Dashdan, Karmakuti Homa was done at the idol-making place.”

Providing further details of the rituals, the trust said, “The event was organised with a grandeur. Acharya Vedic Pravar Shri Laxmikant Dixit himself was present during the Havan. The recital of Valmiki Ramayana and Bhusundiramayana started in the pavilion.”

Informing on the rituals scheduled for Wednesday (17th January), the trust said in its X post, “Tomorrow, on Wednesday (17th January), after 1:20 pm, Jalyatra, Tirtha Pujan, Brahmin-Batuk-Kumari-Suvasini Pujan, Vardhini Pujan, Kalash Yatra will take place and the idol of Lord Shri Ramlala will be taken in a procession around the premises of the newly constructed temple.”

Notably, Sangopang Sarva Prayashchitta is a ritual to perform atonement towards the deity and seek pardons for the centuries of inconvenience caused to Lord Ram who is in the child form. Panchgavya Prashan and Godan are also a part of the atonement processes.

Today, a ritual of worshipping Brahmins, Batuks (Young Scholars and Students of Dharmik Scriptures), Girls, Women, etc. will take place. A Kalash to be worshipped in the consecration rituals will also be taken around the temple premises. The idol of Lord Ram made in a child form will also be taken out to visit the premises of the grand new Ram Mandir.

Rakesh Bedi, Vindu Dara Singh to perform ‘Ramleela’ in Ayodhya

ANI
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Rakesh Bedi, Vindu Dara Singh to perform ‘Ramleela’ in Ayodhya

Actors Rakesh Bedi and Vindu Dara Singh are all set to perform ‘Ramleela’ ahead of Ram Temple ‘Pran Pratishtha’ in Ayodhya.

Speaking to ANI, Vindu Dara Singh said, “I have been invited to perform Ram Leela in Ayodhya from 16th to 22nd January. I am playing the role of Lord Shiva. Ayodhya will become the world’s top pilgrimage site. It is said that Satyayuga is coming even within Kaliyuga, this is happening. This is our Ram ji: Modi ji, Yogi ji they are doing so much work they are serving the country.”

Rakesh Bedi said, ” A lot of changes will automatically start coming after the construction of the airport. Wherever the airport is built, development automatically starts very fast.”

Ramleela has started from today onwards in Ayodhya. In the Ramleela, Vindu Dara Singh will play the role of Shiva.

Earlier, the Uttar Pradesh government decided to organize performances of over 18 forms of Ramleelas across the country and abroad in Ayodhya to showcase the global significance of Lord Ram.

The decisions were taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on January 2.

While Ramleela is staged in the traditional local styles in various states of India, several forms of Ramleela are also performed overseas.

In this context, to enhance the glory of the consecration ceremony of Lord Ram in Ayodhya, the staging of various Ramleela forms will take place in different cultural centres of Ayodhya from Makar Sankranti (January 15) to January 22.

The Pran Pratishtha ceremony will be held on January 22.

Ramleela troupes from countries such as Nepal, Cambodia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, and more have been invited to the Ramotsav celebrations.

Additionally, Ramleela troupes from states such as Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Karnataka, Sikkim, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Chandigarh will present various events based on the life of Lord Ram.

Performances are planned on the Tulsi Manch at Tulsi Bhawan Memorial, showcasing Ramleelas from different regions of India and the world.

Moreover, various cultural, spiritual and folk art-based programs including Ramleela will be staged on the Purushottam Manch at Ramkatha Park, Saryu Manch at Bhajan-Sandhya venue, Kagbhusundi Manch at Tulsi Udyan and Tulsi Manch at Tulsi Smarak Bhavan. (ANI)

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

Iran fires missiles and drones at terrorist bases inside Pakistan border, just when Pakistani PM was meeting Iranian FM in Davos

OpIndia Staff
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Iran fires missiles and drones at terrorist bases inside Pakistan border, just when Pakistani PM was meeting Iranian FM in Davos

Iran has attacked the headquarters of a terrorist group with drones and missiles inside Pakistan’s territorial borders, as per reports. Two “important headquarters” of Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice) in Pakistan were “destroyed,” Al Arabiya News reported citing Tasnim News Agency.

The strikes were concentrated in an area in Pakistan’s Balochistan where “one of the largest headquarters” of Jaish al-Adl was located, the report said.

Formed in 2012, Jaish al-Adl, designated as a “terrorist” organization by Iran, is a Sunni terrorist group that operates in Iran’s southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, Al Arabiya News reported. Over the years, Jaish al-Adl has launched numerous attacks on Iranian security forces.

In December, Jaish al-Adl took responsibility for an attack on a police station in Sistan-Baluchistan that claimed the lives of at least 11 police personnel, according to Al Arabiya News reported.

Sistan-Baluchistan borders Afghanistan and Pakistan. The region has a history of clashes between Iran’s security forces and Sunni terrorists, as well as drug smugglers. Sistan-Baluchistan is one of Iran’s poorest regions and most of the population in the region is Sunni ethnic Baluchis, Al Arabiya News reported.

Interestingly, the missile attacks inside Pakistan’s territory were carried out roughly at the same time when Pakistan’s caretaker PM Anwaar Kakar was meeting Iran’s FM Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on the sidelines of WEF in Davos.

These long-range missile attacks were launched just a day after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) hit areas near the US consulate in Erbil, in Iraq’s Kurdistan region. Iran had stated that the targets were Israeli spy bases. Iran had also targeted ISIS terrorist bases in Syria.

Pakistan ‘strongly condemns’ Iran’s missile strike

Following Iran’s missile strike on Jaish al-Adl, Pakistan has ‘strongly condemned’ what it called an ‘unprovoked violation’ of its airspace and territory. Pakistan has added that 2 children were killed and 3 girls were injured in the missile strike.

In a statement, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “Pakistan strongly condemns the unprovoked violation of its airspace by Iran and the strike inside Pakistani territory which resulted in the death of two innocent children while injuring three girls. This violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty is completely unacceptable and can have serious consequences.”

“It is even more concerning that this illegal act has taken place despite the existence of several channels of communication between Pakistan and Iran,” it added.

According to the statement, Pakistan has lodged strong protests with the concerned senior official in the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tehran.

In a statement, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “Pakistan’s strong protest has already been lodged with the concerned senior official in the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tehran.”

“Additionally, the Iranian Charge d’affaires has been called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to convey our strongest condemnation of this blatant violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and that the responsibility for the consequences will lie squarely with Iran,” it added.

Pakistan also said that “Such unilateral acts are not in conformity with good neighborly relations” which can “seriously undermine bilateral trust and confidence.”

It is notable here that Iran had recently joined BRICS and Indian EAM Dr S Jaishankar had just visited Iran and met with the foreign minister and President.

(with inputs from ANI)

‘They kept two dolls in a tent, called it Ram’: Karnataka Minister KN Rajanna mocks Ram Lalla idol and Ram Mandir in Ayodhya

OpIndia Staff
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‘They kept two dolls in a tent, called it Ram’: Karnataka Minister KN Rajanna mocks Ram Lalla idol and Ram Mandir in Ayodhya

On a day when the rituals for Pre-Pran Pratishtha at Ram Mandir in Ayodhya commenced, another Congress leader and Karnataka Minister mocked the Ram Lalla idol and devotees by comparing the Ram Lalla idol to ‘dolls in a tent’.  

On 16th January, while addressing an event in Bengaluru, Karnataka’s Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna alleged that the Bhartiya Janata Party is cheating people in the name of Lord Ram claiming that Ram Lalla idol was like ‘two dolls in a tent’.

According to the Congress leader, he visited Ayodhya when the Babri mosque was demolished in 1991. The Hindus had placed “a doll in a tent” and called it Ram. The minister went further and drew a parallel with other Ram temples, he claimed that the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya had no spiritual vibration as one feels at a holy place.

Rajanna said, “There are Ram Mandirs with a history of thousands of years back home. These are holy places. Now BJP is building temples for election. BJP is cheating people.” 

“I went there when Babri masjid was demolished, they kept two dolls in a tent and called it Ram. Back home when we go to Ram temple there’s a vibration that one can feel. In Ayodhya I felt nothing, it was like dolls in touring talkies,” he was quoted saying by Republic TV.

The Central leadership of the Congress party has altogether boycotted the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha with Rahul Gandhi mocking the consecration ceremony as a ‘Modi Ka Function’. 

In Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had stated that he would visit the temple after 22nd January. On 31st December, Siddaramaiah had said that his government and his party are in full support of Ram Mandir. However, his Ministers had been repeatedly giving controversial remarks. 

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 had 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.” 

Further, on 2nd January, Congress leader and former Karnataka minister, H Anjaneya, stoked a major controversy, equating Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with Lord Ram. According to the Congress leader, Ayodhya’s Ram is BJP’s Ram, while their Ram is CM Siddaramaiah. 

Speaking to reporters, Anjaneya had said, “He (Siddaramaiah) is our Ram. Why should he visit Ayodhya for the consecration event? He could pay obeisance at his native village which has a Ram temple.”

Similarly, several leaders of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc had given disparaging remarks against Ram Mandir with RJD leaders claiming that temples mean a path of Mental slavery. 

On 5th January (Friday), Janata Dal (United) MP Kaushalendra Kumar joined leaders of the I.N.D.I. Alliance in making disparaging remarks over the Ram Mandir inauguration ceremony. Mocking the invites extended for the inauguration ceremony, the JDU MP stirred controversy by arguing against the need to send invites for the ceremony. 

Speaking on a media query on invitations being extended to attend the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of Ram Mandir, JD(U) MP Kaushalendra Kumar said, “Kisi ke bete ka vivah hai, jo nauta de rahe hai. What is the need for this invitation? Kya kissi ke pita ka shraadh hai? Hume nauta nahi diya hai to kya hum Ayodhya nahi jayenge.” 

Before the announcement of dates for Ram Mandir’s inauguration, the I.N.D.I. alliance leaders including Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin had launched a tirade against Sanatan Dharma on one pretext or the other likening the faith of over 100 Hindu believers with diseases. 

Delhi HC summons Delhi Government’s principal secretary over non-payment for constructing 10,000-bed Covid care facility

ANI
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Delhi HC summons Delhi Government’s principal secretary over non-payment for constructing 10,000-bed Covid care facility

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday summoned the Principal Secretary (PWD) of the Delhi Government in a matter related to non-payment for the construction of the Sardar Patel Covid Care Centre with 10,000 beds in Chhatarpur in 2020.

Earlier, the High Court had directed the chief secretary to take steps in this regard in March 2023.

Justice Subramonium Prasad summoned the Principal Secretary of the Public Works Department (PWD) and gave four weeks time. The matter has been listed on February 14.

The high court passed the direction while hearing the plea of Shri Balaji Exims moved through advocate Siddharth S Yadav.

During the hearing, Senior Advocate Mohit Mathur appeared for the petitioner and submitted that the PWD has been taking time since last year.

Earlier, on March 24, 2023, the high court had directed the Chief Secretary, GNCTD to consider the fact that the petitioner has incurred expenses in providing the services of air-conditioning, donning, and doffing of the roof, waterproofing of the roof, electricals to the entire system, infrastructure for the blood banks for constructing the COVID care facility centre as per the spot quotation/tender dated June 27, 2020, issued to them by GNCTD.

Chief Secretary, GNCTD is directed to file an affidavit within three weeks clearly bringing out the stand of the GNCTD in respect of the case of the petitioner, the bench had directed.

“Prima facie, it appears to this court that the respondents are trying to avoid their responsibility for making payments towards the construction of the largest COVID care facility with 10,000 beds,” Justice Gaurang Kanth had observed in the order.

The Chief Secretary is directed to process the necessary work order and relevant approval if the case of the petitioner warrants the same, the bench had ordered.

The petitioner stated that he has undertaken the works for the COVID care facility offering 10,000 beds to the patients of the Sardar Patel COVID Care Centre on an emergent basis within 17 days.

The Delhi government took over the project and inaugurated the same on July 5, 2020, with much fanfare and publicity, the petitioner stated.

Political parties took credit for the construction of the first COVID Care Centre in the city, consisting of 10,000 beds, it added.

Senior Counsel N Hariharan for the petitioner has submitted that after the inauguration of the project, it received a lot of global applaud for being the country’s largest COVID-19 facility Centre.

He further submitted that When the petitioner approached the respondent for the issuance of a work order and preparation of the necessary and protocol-driven paper work, the respondent went completely silent and non-responsive to the claims of the petitioner.

The petitioner firm sought a direction to the respondents to expeditiously complete & process the paperwork in a time-bound manner including the issuance of work orders enabling the petitioner to submit its bills and invoices for payments for the work already accomplished/completed for constructing and maintaining infrastructure at the Sardar Patel Covid Care Centre offering 10,000 beds to patients located at the Radha Swami Satsang Beas, Chattarpur, New Delhi.

It also sought direction to respondent to expeditiously process the bills & invoices of the petitioner upon its submission in a time bound manner.

The high court had noted, “However, in spite of clear admission, PWD is not processing the petitioner’s case for issuance of work order and preparation of the necessary protocol-driven paper work because the administrative approval and expenditure sanction from the Competent Authority is still not available.”

The High Court had said that Once it is admitted that the petitioner has undertaken the work of air-conditioning, donning and doffing of the roof, waterproofing of the roof, electricals to the entire system, infrastructure for the blood banks of the Sardar Patel COVID care facility based on the spot quotation/tender dated June 27, 2020 issued by the Government of NCT of Delhi, the petitioner cannot be left to bear the expenses incurred by them subject to the verification as pointed out by the learned counsel for the respondent for creating the World-class COVID Care Centre.

It is to be noted that in an emergent situation, Government of NCT of Delhi had used the services of the petitioner in constructing one of the largest COVID care facility, the bench had said.

The high court had noted, “The construction of COVID care facility was applauded not only within the country but also all across the globe for the commitment which the petitioner has shown towards the citizens of this city. In spite of having undertaken the work of providing the services of Air Conditioning, donning and doffing of the roof, waterproofing of the roof, electricals to the entire system, infrastructure for the blood banks for the COVID care facility, the respondents have till date failed to even issue the work order to the petitioner for the work undertaken by it in construction of the so-called largest COVID care facility during such testing times,” the bench had said.

“Even after two years of successful completion of the work, the petitioner’s case for issuance of work orders has not seen the light of the day and the respondents are passing the buck from one Department to another,” the High Court said in a March order last year. 

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

‘No lapses found’: Barbeque Nation denies customer’s allegations of dead rat and cockroaches in vegetarian meal served by the restaurant

OpIndia Staff
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‘No lapses found’: Barbeque Nation denies customer’s allegations of dead rat and cockroaches in vegetarian meal served by the restaurant

After a Prayagraj-based lawyer claimed that his vegetarian meal was contaminated and had dead rat and cockroaches, (Mumbai) Worli-based Barbeque Nation has refuted the allegations. Issuing a clarification over the controversy, the restaurant chain claimed that it had not found any such lapses during an internal investigation or during an inspection done by the concerned authorities.

According to a reports, the company in an official statement said, “We are in receipt of a complaint from one Mr Rajeev Shukla with an allegation that there were pests found in the food he had ordered from one of our outlet on the 8th Jan, 2024. We have done our internal investigation and found no such internal lapses. Further, we have also got an inspection done from the concerned authorities and have not found any such instances as alleged. We will fully cooperate with the concerned authorities on any further inspection/ audit.” 

Recently, a Prayagraj lawyer visiting Mumbai was hospitalised after he claimed he had consumed food he had ordered online from a Worli-based restaurant Barbeque Nation.

35-year-old Rajeev Shukla said he was shocked to find a dead rat and cockroaches in his Classic Veg Meal Box Regular which he ordered online from Barbeque Nation.

Unfortunately, Rajeev had already tasted the Dal Makhni when he noticed a dead rat and cockroaches in it. As per reports, he began to develop gastric trouble and was rushed to the civic-run BYL Nair Hospital.

Rajeev took to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, and wrote, “I Rajeev shukla from prayagraj visited Mumbai, on 8th jan’24 night ordered veg meal box from BARBEQUE NATION, worli outlet that contained a dead mouse,hospitalised for 75+ hours.complaint has not been lodged at nagpada police not filing my FIR yet.”

Complaining that the Nagpada Police has not filed his FIR yet, Rajeev shared images of the bill. The address displays the Mumbai Central branch of Barbeque Nation.

He also shared images of the food parcel, the dead rat in the dal and a photo of himself in the hospital.

Rajeev Shukla was quoted by Free Press Journal as saying that he had come to explore Mumbai but this may be his last trip. He said that he is a pure vegetarian and has suffered food poisoning due to the food. 

Rajeev reportedly also emailed Barbeque Nation complaining about the food.

“Received food with rat and insect and unfortunately I consumed its major portion. This is just not done since I am a vegetarian, also this is intolerable and I feel like puking; vomited already and it’s continuously running in my head and giving me nausea. Food business is (intended) to keep us alive and not to kill us”, Shukla wrote, sharing an image of the rat floating in the dal.

Rajeev received a response from the restaurant but no one from the establishment came to pay a courtesy visit to the hospital and he had to bear the hospital expense.

6 days later, Shukla filed an FIR against the owner, manager, and chef of Barbeque Nation at Nagpada Police Station.

UK: Tunisian asylum-seeker Maher Marroufe, who killed and nearly beheaded Indian-origin Student Sabita Thanwani, gets Psychiatric confinement from court

OpIndia Staff
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UK: Tunisian asylum-seeker Maher Marroufe, who killed and nearly beheaded Indian-origin Student Sabita Thanwani, gets Psychiatric confinement from court

On 15th January (Monday), a UK court ruled that the Tunisian asylum-seeker, who killed and nearly beheaded an Indian-origin student, will be indefinitely confined to a psychiatric hospital. 

Notably, the 24-year-old man from Tunisia, Maher Maaroufe brutally killed Sabita Thanwani, an aspiring psychologist at her university accommodation. On 19th March 2022, she was fatally stabbed in the neck by Maaroufe at Arbour House student flats in the Clerkenwell area of London. 

The family of the Indian-origin student described Maaroufe as an “evil predator” and a “monster”. According to Sabita’s family, she was brutally killed for rejecting Maaroufe’s advances. The judge, however, observed that she was in an abusive relationship with the Tunisian man.

While pronouncing sentencing in the case at the Old Bailey, Judge Nigel Lickley KC said, “Sabita had her whole life ahead of her. You ended her life. Your actions will continue to cause enduring pain and suffering.”

The Judge added that Maaroufe had been “aggressive” and “controlling” towards Sabita during their relationship and hit her at least once. He added that Maaroufe attacked her during the “height” of a psychotic episode. 

According to the prosecution, during his psychotic episodes, Maaroufe, who sometimes smoked 10 pounds of cannabis a day, “thought she was the male devil“. He “almost beheaded her”, as per prosecutor Louis Mubly.

The family claims that the convict murdered her in cold blood and was influenced by religious extremism

The court was informed that the Tunisian man Maaroufe had illegally overstayed in the UK and had sought asylum when he carried out the murder. 

Last year, on 30th June, he pleaded guilty to manslaughter with diminished responsibility, as well as to assaulting a police officer while appearing at the Old Bailey — the central criminal court of England and Wales. 

Maaroufe, who had no fixed address, stated that he was suffering from schizoaffective disorder at the time of the crime. He also admitted guilt to assaulting an emergency worker.

On the night when the murder took place, Maaroufe had gone to a mosque. Thanwani met Maaroufe outside a mosque, donning a balaclava. The court was told that after they had returned to Sabita’s accommodation, other students heard her shouting “stop”, “I can’t breathe” and “I beg you, don’t kill me”. 

On the student’s complaint, the Police intervened. However, Maaroufe left the room wearing a balaclava and passed the police which had arrived following the 999 call. 

Nonetheless, the police found a book in Arabic on “how to expel demons” when they discovered Sabita’s body with a deep wound across her neck among 31 injuries inflicted by a razor blade. She succumbed to her injuries on the spot. 

Police found Maaroufe asleep under a tarpaulin in a garden shed, the next day. He was hiding in women’s clothes. He had also stolen the victim’s phone and credit card. When the police tried to arrest him, he head-butted a police officer.

While delivering the sentencing, Judge Nigel Lickley said that the main driver of the killing was Maaroufe’s schizoaffective disorder. He said, “Without the illness you would not have killed Sabita.”  

While the prosecution accepted his plea to the lesser charge of manslaughter, her family described Maaroufe as a “murderer”.

They said, “He is an evil, sadistic murderer, his actions were calculated to kill her because she rejected him.”

Following the court ruling, the family of Sabita Thanwani, in a statement, expressed disappointment stating that they have been let down by the judgement. The family asserted that it was a cold-blooded murder as the convict was influenced by religious extremism. 

The statement read, “There is no doubt whatsoever in our minds that this was a premeditated, cold-blooded murder. The murderer was well known as a violent, jealous, controlling man, influenced by religious extremism. He brutally murdered our beloved, beautiful Sabita.” 

The family further pointed out that the convict had a criminal history and the UK immigration department had to share the blame as he was living illegally in the UK. 

The statement added, “It beggars belief that the murderer, who was illegal in the UK, was not only arrested by the police prior to the murder but he was imprisoned multiple times… If immigration was informed and did not take action, it is culpable. Had the immigration process followed through, as it should have, this man would not have been in the UK to commit the vicious and merciless murder of Sabita.”

Sabita’s parents, Manoj and Rheea, live in Dubai.

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