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Swami Prasad Maurya brazens it out after calling Hindu Dharma a ‘Dhokha’ and claiming it is a business to fool people

ANI
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Swami Prasad Maurya brazens it out after calling Hindu Dharma a ‘Dhokha’ and claiming it is a business to fool people

Samajwadi Party leader Swami Prasad Maurya, who is infamous for his controversial statements, explained his “Hindu ek dhoka hai” remark, saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had said the same thing.

“In 1955, the Supreme Court said in its order that Hindu is not a religion but a way of life. It is a conglomeration of more than 200 religions. Even Mohan Bhagwat had said, not once but twice, that Hindu is not a religion but a way of life. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also said that Hindu is not a religion. Even Gadkari had said the same thing in a media conclave,” Maurya said while speaking at National Buddhist and Bahujan Rights Conference in New Delhi on Monday.

The Samajwadi Party leader questioned why no one’s sentiments get hurt when they say the same thing on Hinduism that he had said.

“But when they say these, no one’s sentiments get hurt but when Swami Prasad Maurya says that Hindu is not a religion but a betrayal and what we refer to as Hindu religion is a business for some people, the whole country gets into a storm,” Maurya said.
“When the Supreme Court said the same thing in 1955, no one took offence. But when Swami Prasad Maurya says it, FIRs are registered throughout the country. I am saying the same thing that the Indian Constituion is saying,” he added.

The Samajwadi Party leader said that the Hindu upper classes make use of the Bahujan vote bank to come into power, but after doing so they cancel reservations for them.

“Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vaishyas together make up 8% of the population. These 8% cannot form a government on their own. They have expolited the backward classes and formed the government in the name of Hindu. For the purpose of votes, we are Hindus. But after forming the government, we are no longer Hindus. If it had been the case, they would have never canceled reservations for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes or backward castes,” Maurya said.

The Samajwadi Party MLC said that those sitting at the top echelons of power are weakening democracy by doing away with reservations.

“Those who swear by the Constitution, the Prime Minister and the Chief Ministers, those who are at the helm of power are prioritizing Manuvaad. The Constitution is being made ineffective…Reservations are being done away with. Even democracy is being weakened. Almost 150 MPs were disqualified from Parliament. Is it not a conspiracy against democracy? Is the government not imposing its say on its people?” Maurya said.

Swami Prasad Maurya, who came to limelight after stoking a major controversy with his ‘Ramcharitmanas’ comments had earlier said in August the Hinduism is a “betrayal”.

In a video posted on ‘X’ Maurya was heard saying, “The roots of Brahminism are very deep and the reason for all the disparity is also Brahminism. There is no religion called Hindu, Hinduism is just a hoax. There is a conspiracy to trap the Dalits, tribals and backward people of this country by calling the same Brahmin religion as Hindu religion.”

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

Mangaluru cooker blast case: NIA chargesheet reveals connection to Shivamogga blast case, Isha Foundation and other religious places were on ISIS target

OpIndia Staff
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Mangaluru cooker blast case: NIA chargesheet reveals connection to Shivamogga blast case, Isha Foundation and other religious places were on ISIS target

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had on 29th November filed the chargesheet in the Islamic State (IS)-sponspored cooker blast case that took place in Mangaluru, Karnataka, last year. The NIA chargesheet has revealed that several prominent religious places including Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev-led Isha Foundation were on ISIS target, as pointed out by Republic TV. The terror accused used fake Hindu names and identity cards while carrying out the terror conspiracy, as per the NIA chargesheet.  

On 19th November, an auto-rickshaw exploded in Mangaluru, Karnataka. The auto driver, Purshottham, and one passenger later identified as Mohammed Shariq suffered burn injuries due to the explosion of the cooker bomb in the vehicle. It was revealed that the 24-year-old Mohammed Shariq was carrying a pressure cooker bomb in the auto-rickshaw. The NIA chargesheet reveals that he had planned to deploy the IED at Kadri Manjunatha Temple, Mangaluru, with the aim to create terror among the Hindu community but the low intensify bomb accidentally exploded on the way.

Shariq was using a fake Aadhaar card with the Hindu name Premraj. He was already on the radar of the investigating agency for months. Following the incident, a case was registered at Kankanady police station and later on the case was transferred to the NIA.

The NIA chargesheet in this case details the connections of the Mangaluru terror plot with the Shivamogga trial blast in which the Shivamogga rural police department filed the initial complaint on 19th September 2022. Incidentally, both Mohammad Shariq and Syed Yasin have been chargesheeted by NIA in both the terror cases – Shivamogga trial blast case and Mangaluru cooker blast case.    

According to a report in Republic TV, several religious places and tourist spots were on the radar of Mohammed Shariq who is the accused in Mangaluru cooker blast case. For this, he had conducted recce in Karnataka and across South India. 

The ongoing NIA investigation in the Mangaluru cooker blast case has revealed that Shariq conducted reccee in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka to select a target. As per the findings of the investigation, from 31st August to 2nd September, he did recce in Nilgiris. During those three days, he stayed at a lodge in Gudalur. 

He had conducted a reccee in the Nilgiris hills, Ooty, Packer Waterfalls, Needle Rock View point and the Saint Sebastian church. Using the identity of a Hindu man named Arun Gouli, Shariq later shifted to Tamil Nadu. 

On 2nd September, he left Gudalur to Metupalyam where he booked a lodge in the name of Arun Kumar Gouli. There he conducted reccee for two days. The investigation revealed that he went completely off the radar and had also switched off his mobile phone.

ISIS had a target on the Isha Foundation in Coimbatore

Afterward, the Manguluru cooker blast accused Shariq reached Coimbatore where he stayed in a dormitory near the bus stand. While staying there, he conducted reccee till 7th September. For four days, he was at the Isha Foundation where he took several pictures with the statue of Adiyogi. 

In the course of the investigation, it was revealed that Shariq had uploaded an image from the Isha Foundation with the statue of Adiyogi in the background on his WhatsApp profile. Later, he discarded his old SIM card and purchased a new SIM from a private service provider.

From Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu to Kerala, Shariq did recee of various religious places as well as tourist spots

As per the NIA chargesheet, on 7th September, Shariq left Coimbatore and reached Nagercoil via Madurai a day later. After conducting recee there, he reached Kanyakumari via Madurai where he assumed a new identity of a Hindu man named Prem Kumar. 

As per the agency, the terror accused Shariq rented a room in a lodge near the bus stand. From 8th September to 13th September, he conducted reccee at Kanyakumari Beach, Kanika Parameshwari Temple, Vivekananda Statue, and Sunset View Point. He also went to Manakudi Beach View Point and a private Mart.

On the 13th of September, Shariq left for Kerala and reached Aluva where he booked a room at a lodge in Ernakulam. Under the identity of Prem Raj, he stayed there for the next 6 days til 18th September. 

Based on the NIA chargesheet, Republic TV reported that in Kerala, Shariq conducted reccee of densely populated spots like bus stands, malls and theatres. He also took photographs and videos of the Kochi airport, railway station, Lulu mall, marine drive, Wellington and major beaches. As per the agency, he send all the digital data to his handler. 

Afterwards on 17th September, he purchased a railway ticket to travel to Maharashtra’s Sholapur via Pune express. However, he canceled his journey at the last moment and didn’t board the train. After cancelling his journey, he stayed back in Kerala and searched for a house in Karnataka via online platforms.

NIA chargesheet in Mangaluru cooker blast case reveals its connections with the Shivamogga trial blast case

On 15th August 2022, a person named Prem Singh was stabbed to death in Shivamogga. Following the incident, a case was registered at Doddapet police station. Later on, two accused Zabiullah and Nadeem Faisal were arrested in this stabbing case. 

Mohammad Shariq who was also involved in the stabbing case went absconding. After abscounding from Shivamogga, he went to Ulaibettu in Mangaluru where he stayed with Ansar, who was with him in jail in an earlier case.  

Both of them were earlier arrested in the Mangaluru “Lashkar Zindabad” case. While staying in Mangaluru, Shariq got in touch with Syed Yasin. 

Incidentally, both Mohammad Shariq and Syed Yasin have been chargesheeted by NIA in both the terror cases – Shivamogga trial blast case and Mangaluru cooker blast case. 

Click here to read the NIA chargesheet in the Shivamogga trial blast case. The accused charge-sheeted in the case include Mohamed Shariq (25), Maaz Muneer Ahmed (23), Syed Yasin (22), Reeshaan Thajuddin Sheikh (22), Huzair Farhan Baig (22), Mazin Abdul Rahman (22), Nadeem Ahmed K A (22), Zabiulla (32) and Nadeem Faizal N (27).

Based on NIA chargesheet, Republic TV reported that Shariq was in constant touch with his handler, a person who goes by the contact name ‘Colonel’, and they were talking through Vicker Me, Signal and a wire app.

From 15th-19th August, Shariq stayed in Mangaluru and on 20th August morning, he returned to Theerthahalli. Subsequently, he began gathering matchsticks to amass phosphorus and instructed Syed Yasin to do a similar task for the Shivamogga trial blast and Mangaluru cooker blast.

Meanwhile, the police intensified their search for the accused involved in the Prem Singh stabbing case in Shivamogga. On examining Zabiullah and Nadeem Faisal’s mobile phones, they found links to the Islamic State (ISIS) on Zabiullah’s device.

On 28th August, Shariq came to know about these developments and immediately informed Colonel and left the town on his instruction. However, before that, Shariq had met Syed Yasin near the Nadti river bridge in Theerthahalli. He also handed over the phosphorus powder to Yasin who gave him a time relay circuit, which had been assembled for the trial blast. Afterward, Shariq left for Bengaluru, as reported by Republic TV based on NIA chargesheet.

After getting instructions from Shariq and online handler Colonel, Syed Yasin conducted the trial blast on the banks of the Tunga river in Shivamogga using an improvised explosive device or IED.

The accused conducted the trial blast for several reasons including – 

1) To check if the IED functioned well without any problems and to see the intensity of the explosions. 

2) The accused wanted to instil confidence in youth who were being radicalised by the outfit by posting videos of the trial explosion on social media.

3) The accused were getting ready for future attacks, like a Wolf attack (attacking VIPs and VVIPs), or using heavy vehicles to attack places, similar to a suicide attack.

As per the agency’s chargesheet, ‘Colonel’ instructed Shariq to carry out the trial blasts, with Shariq supplying the raw materials. Syed Yasin, arrested in connection with the trial blast, assembled the bomb and prepared a timer. Following Syed Yasin’s arrest, Shariq went into hiding. In the last week of August, Shariq went missing after visiting Mysuru, where he spent a few days staying at a lodge. While in Mysuru, Shariq adopted a new identity and presented a fake Aadhaar card of a Hindu man named Arun Kumar Gouli.

Meanwhile, during the investigation, Syed Yasin revealed details about the entire nexus and operation. He also spoke about the ISIS ideologies and its aim to establish an Islamic Caliphate by 2047.

Terror financing and funding through Dark web and cryptocurrency

The NIA chargesheet submitted before the court revealed that Shariq and ISIS terror modules down south were funding terror activities through the dark web and cryptocurrency while using fake identities. The investigation findings have revealed that the Mangaluru cooker blast accuse Shariq had been getting online payments via regular transactions in cryptocurrency to the account.

As per the probing agency, an account in the name of fictitious Saral Devi was being used to deposit money for terror activities. The handler ‘Colonel’ had dispatched an ATM card under the name of Saral Devi. Shariq obtained the ATM card through Maaz Muneer Ahmed, a co-accused in the Shivamogga trial blast case. It is only after the Shivamogga trial blast case that Shariq started using this ATM card.

Funds were being directed to Shariq through a FINO Payments Bank Rupay Debit/ATM Card and associated mobile number that had been fraudulently acquired. Mohamed Shariq received the said bank debit card and SIM card through his associate Maaz Muneer Ahmed.

While doing reccee in Mangaluru, Mohamed Shariq lost his mobile phone. His online handler ‘Colonel’ then arranged him another FINO Bank ATM card along with a linked SIM card of mobile number via DTDC courier on 25.10.2022 which were also obtained fraudulently. The card was in the name of Pinki Bai Ahirwar, a resident of Madhya Pradesh.  

Further, Mohamed Shariq registered the said mobile number on the MEXC Crypto platform. Through this platform, he received funds from the online handler ‘Colonel’ with the intention of advancing the terror activities of the banned terrorist organisation Islamic State (IS) within India, as per the NIA investigation.

After receiving funds in Crypto currency, Shariq converted into fiat money and Indian Rupee (INR) with the help of Crypto traders on Telegram. He used to transfer cryptocurrency to the accounts of these traders, who reciprocated by transferring INR to the accounts managed by Mohamed Shariq. Funds were also directed to the accounts of point-of-sale (POS) agents in Mysuru, with their UPI details provided to cryptocurrency traders by Mohamed Shariq.

After paying commission to these POS agents, Shariq used to receive cash. As per the agency, on 18th November 2022, a day before the blast, Shariq converted Crypto currency worth Rs.41,680/- which he withdrew from the POS agents by paying commission. The purpose of this withdrawal was to use the funds during the absconding period after deploying the IED.

On 12th December 2022, the agency conducted searches at the residence of witness Akshay Raj @Royal Sonu. He was a member of Telegram Groups “Bitcoin Mall”, “BTCEmpire”, “BTC World” and “Supermarket BTC Mall that converted Crypto currencies into Indian Rupees for Shariq. During the search, the agency seized his digital gadgets.

The investigation also unveiled that Shariq and co-accused Syed Yasin used Binance and WazirX cryptocurrency exchanges. The analysis of the data gathered from Binance and WazirX revealed the financial transactions between them.

Chained, slashed with a blade, burnt alive: Woman techie killed by her former classmate who had undergone sex change operation to marry her

OpIndia Staff
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Chained, slashed with a blade, burnt alive: Woman techie killed by her former classmate who had undergone sex change operation to marry her

A woman techie in Tamil Nadu was brutally killed on the eve of her 26th birthday by her former classmate and colleague who had undergone a sex change operation to marry her. R Nandhini was chained, slashed with a blade, and burnt alive by 26-year-old Vetrimaran alias Pandi Maheswari, under the guise of a birthday surprise on the eve of Nandhini’s birthday.

The incident took place in Thalambur near Kelambakkam, a suburb of the capital Chennai. The victim, a native of Madurai, was lured into a trap by Vetrimaran on the pretext of a birthday surprise. The two were classmates in Madurai, and later even worked together in same company in Chennai.

Vetrimaran, who was earlier known by the name Pandi Maheswari, had undergone a sex change operation and wanted to marry the victim. A police officer said that Vetrimaran had become possessive of Nandhini and did not want her to have other male friends. As per reports, Nandhini refused to enter into a relationship with Vetrimaran and this made him very upset.

“They were friends and were living together in Chennai. No indication yet of any sexual assault. Whether Vetrimaran had displayed violent tendencies earlier is not clear. An investigation is on,” Tambaram Police Commissioner Amalraj said as per NDTV report.

Vetrimaran reportedly invited Nandhini for a birthday surprise, where he blindfolded her and then chained her. After slashing her with a blade, Vetrimaran burned her alive. Local residents discovered Nandhini, still chained and burning, and immediately rushed her to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.

The accused has been arrested and sent to judicial custody. Police have said that he has shown no remorse for his actions.

‘I was in the wrong era’: Former athlete Anju George takes a dig at Congress govts over indifference to sports

OpIndia Staff
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‘I was in the wrong era’: Former athlete Anju George takes a dig at Congress govts over indifference to sports

Former athlete Anju George on Monday took a dig at the Congress government over the lack of respect accorded to sportspersons during the UPA years.

“When I got India’s first global medal twenty years back, even my department was not ready to give me a promotion…I was in the wrong era,” George said in an apparent dig at the Congress governments, often slammed for not doing enough for the sportspersons.

On the occasion of Christmas in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the Christian community. A program was organised at the Prime Minister’s residence, during which children made special presentations. Renowned Indian athlete Anju Bobby George was also present, delivering a brief speech and lauding Prime Minister Modi.

Anju Bobby George said, “As an athlete, I have been witnessing everything for the past 25 years. I see significant changes compared to earlier times. After Neeraj Chopra won a medal, I saw considerable changes. The way we, you, and the entire India celebrated, made me quite envious. I feel I was in the wrong era for sports.”

“Now, there is a vigorous discussion about sports in the country. ‘Khelo India, Fit India’ campaigns have created awareness among the masses. India has embraced fitness and is progressing in sports. Our athletes are performing well at the international level. In our time, there were only one or two athletes. Now, there are many players. This has happened because of your leadership. Women empowerment is not just a phrase now. Indian girls are dreaming. They know that their dream will come true. It is gratifying to know that we are preparing to host the 2036 Olympics. We have started preparations for the Olympics, and meetings are underway for that,” George said while praising the Modi government and its focus on building sports and guiding young athletes in their formative years.

Anju Bobby George made history at the 2003 Paris World Athletics Championship. She secured a bronze medal in the long jump, becoming the first Indian athlete to achieve this feat. She clinched the medal with a leap of 6.70 meters at the World Athletics Championship.

Kapil Sibal, who opposed Ram Mandir in SC, now calls the consecration ceremony a ‘show-off’ while saying Lord Ram resides in his heart

OpIndia Staff
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Kapil Sibal, who opposed Ram Mandir in SC, now calls the consecration ceremony a ‘show-off’ while saying Lord Ram resides in his heart

On 25th December (Monday), Former UPA Law Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal described the Pran Pratishtha, or consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla at the Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya as a “show-off”, hinting that he would decline any invite extended to him to attend the grand inauguration of Ram Mandir.  

Notably, while responding to the news agency ANI regarding the opposition’s stance on Ram Mandir, the Former Congress veteran leader, and UPA Minister argued that Lord Ram resides in his heart and the grand spectacle for Pran Pratishtha is a “show off”. 

Targeting the Bhartiya Janata Party, the Rajya Sabha MP claimed that the BJP doesn’t follow the traits of Lord Ram but they are building a Ram Mandir.    

The former Congress leader said, “This whole issue is a show-off. They (BJP) talk about Ram but their behaviour, their character are nowhere close to Lord Ram’s. Truthfulness, tolerance, sacrifice, and respect for others are some of the traits of Lord Ram but they do exactly the opposite and say we are glorifying Ram.”

Responding to the query whether he would attend the ceremony on 22nd January, Sibal added, “Mere dil mein toh Ram hai, main koi dikhave ke liye kaam nahi karta hoon.” (Lord Ram resides in my heart, I don’t do anything for show-off).

He added, “Ram has taken me here, then I must be doing something right.”

Incidentally, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor had earlier used the same rationale to oppose the construction of a Ram Mandir. He had claimed that no ‘good Hindu’ would want a Ram Mandir at the Babri site and urged that one should have the Ram Mandir in one’s heart.

However, it is pertinent to note that Kapil Sibal was spearheading legal course of action in courts, opposing the rights of Ram Lalla and the reclamation of the birthplace of Lord Ram. 

UPA government had denied the existence of Lord Ram

In September 2007, the Congress-led UPA1 government had submitted in court that there is no historical proof of Lord Ram’s existence.

In 2007, an affidavit filed by the Congress-led government read, “Valmiki Ramayana and Ramcharitmanas admittedly form an important part of ancient Indian literature, but these cannot be said to be historical records to incontrovertibly prove the existence of the characters and occurrences of events depicted therein.” The affidavit was filed to register the UPA government’s opposition to the demand to scrap the Setusamudram project as it would damage the Ram Setu.

Additionally, former UPA Minister and Supreme Court advocate Kapil Sibal fought the Ram Janmabhoomi case for the Sunni Waqf Board opposing the building of a magnificent Ram Mandir at the then-disputed site in Ayodhya. He also employed dilatory tactics and asked the apex court to delay the decision in the Ram Janmabhoomi case till the 2019 elections. 

Opposition’s stance on Ram Mandir

On 22nd January, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will perform the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. For the grand occasion, the Ram Mandir Trust has sent invites to eminent personalities from all walks of life. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and the party’s leader in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have also been invited.

CPI(M) leader and I.N.D.I. Alliance member Sitaram Yechury has reportedly already turned down the invite while his counterpart in the CPI D Raja could also skip the ceremony. Further on the list now, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal has hinted that he would not be attending the Ram Mandir citing Lord Ram’s place in his heart.  

Everything you need to know about The Telecom Bill 2023, and how it aims to modernise and secure the telecommunication sector in India

Anurag
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Everything you need to know about The Telecom Bill 2023, and how it aims to modernise and secure the telecommunication sector in India

On 21st December, the Telecom Bill 2023 was passed in Rajya Sabha, a day after it was passed in Lok Sabha. The bill introduced several critical changes aimed at benefitting the general public by modernising and securing the telecommunication sector in the country.

Replacement of outdated laws

The telecom industry was managed in India by the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885 and the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933. These two laws needed to be updated, and were not fully aligned with the current technological realities. The Telecom Bill 2023 replaced both of them and introduced several clauses that will streamline the telecommunication industry as per the latest technological scenario in the country.

Streamlined Authorisation and Spectrum Allocation

One of the most prominent aspects of the bill is the streamlined authorisation and spectrum allocation. The bill mandates prior permission from the union government for telecommunication-related activities. The main aim is to streamline the process of managing telecommunication services. Spectrum allocation is primarily done via auction, except the allocation is done for specific purposes such as disaster management and national security.

The approach will provide for a more flexible and scalable regulatory framework. It will help in forming a mechanism for quicker responses to technological advancements. The central government will be authorised to re-purpose or reassign any required frequency range. The government of India now holds the power to permit the sharing, trade, lease, and surrender spectrum.

Enhanced Security Measures

The bill emphasises on a strong verification process for telecom service provided. Now, it will be mandatory to get biometric-based identification for the subscribers before issuing SIM cards. The government has brought this change to enhance security and accountability within the telecom sector.

Notably, the new bill has introduced strict penalties for fraudulent SIM procurement, mandatory consent for advertising messages, biometric-based subscriber verification, specific conditions for spectrum allocation, and stringent penalties for unauthorised telecom services or equipment. Furthermore, companies can procure telecom equipment only from trusted sources per the government’s guidelines.

The government has now the power to intercept the messages and a class of messages between two or more persons if the government deems it necessary to do so for reasons including national security, prevention of incitement of offences or public order. On similar grounds, the government will have the right to suspend the telecom services. Furthermore, the government may take temporary possession of any telecom infrastructure or service for any public emergency. However, unlawful interception will attract penalties.

In the earlier draft of the Telecom Bill, Over-The-Top services were categorised under telecommunication services. However, in the revised bill, the government opted for a more inclusive approach and encapsulated OTT within a broader definition of telecommunication. In short, if the government wishes to classify OTT services as “telecommunication services”, it can do it. The aim is to combat digital fraud and misuse of communication platforms.

While services like WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram are out of their purview, it has to be noted that OTT content is going to be monitored. The OTT entities will come under the purview of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and the content distributed on these platforms will be overseen by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

Policy Shift in Satellite Spectrum Allocation

In the case of the satellite spectrum allocation, the bill specifically benefits the satellite broadband services sector. The bill has moved away from auction-based allocation to an administrative assignment model. It will allow the operators to bring enhancements efficiently in the sector.

No Fee Refunds for Surrendered Licenses

If the company surrenders the spectrum license, it could claim the fee paid at the time of the allocation. However, as per the new bill, there is no option to receive a refund of the fee if the entities surrender their license, registration, authorisation or assignment. It is aimed to bring financial discipline and commitment across the telecom sector and operators.

Absence of Restructuring and Insolvency Provisions

The bill has removed the provisions of restructuring, the default of payment and insolvency. The aim is to bring a more market-driven approach to the sector where the telecom operators will be held responsible for their financial sustainability and risk management. It has been seen in the past that telecom operators leave the market all of a sudden due to financial mismanagement. By removing the provisions that may support such withdrawal of service from the market, the government aimed to bring more accountability on the operators’ part.

Renaming and Expansion of USOF

The government renamed the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) “Digital Bharat Nidhi”. The bill introduced a broader operational scope to allow its use for new and existing telecommunication services and technologies. The idea is to move towards a more inclusive approach to telecommunication development in India.

Clear Distinction between Telecom and Broadcast Services

The bill has brought a clear distinction between broadcast services and telecommunications. Now, the broadcasting services have been referred to as per the Cable Television Networks Act for regulatory guidance. It will bring clearer regulatory boundaries and help streamline the frameworks across the sectors.

The criticism that should die 100 deaths

Media houses are criticising the bill as it puts journalists under the scanner. According to mainstream media, as the new bill requires to furnish correct information, it could “impede whistle-blowers as well as journalists who operate under anonymity”. Interestingly, in recent times, several of the mainstream media stories turned out to be fake. Be it the Meta fiasco of The Wire or the Pegasus story that turned upside down when investigated. Who can forget how The Wire forged a complete investigation to blame the BJP for running an underground app, “Tek Fog“?

Furthermore, PRS Legislative Research claimed that the provision of surveillance would lower the degree of privacy of communications for all users. However, such arguments fail to comprehend the depth of telecommunication usage by the anti-India elements and terrorist organisations. Any such activity can be put to rest at the foundation stage if the interception of such messages is done properly as per the guidelines.

Ram Mandir consecration ceremony: Engraver of foundational stone among chief invitees to ‘pran pratishthha’ event

OpIndia Staff
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Ram Mandir consecration ceremony: Engraver of foundational stone among chief invitees to ‘pran pratishthha’ event

Among many dignitaries invited for the pran pratishthha event during the consecration of Ram Lalla in the garbh-griha (sanctum sanctorum) in Ayodhya is one man whose contribution to the construction of the Ram Mandir is unparalleled. Annubhai Sompura, the skilled engraver responsible for crafting the inaugural stone for the forthcoming Ram temple, is among the distinguished luminaries invited for the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir, a report published in New Indian Express said.

Recognising Sompura’s significant role in the temple movement, Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has extended an invitation to the engraver to be a part of history. The event, graced by the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries in the temple town, marks an epoch-making milestone in the ongoing journey of the temple’s construction.

Upon the advice of the esteemed chief architect and sculptor Chandrakant Sompura, Annubhai, who was 45 years old at the time, shifted from Ahmedabad to Ayodhya in 1990. Accompanied by his brother Pradeep Sompura and son Prakash, he established Ayodhya as his permanent residence. Together with his brother and son, Annubhai commenced the carving of stones and pillars intended for the future temple. This marked the beginning of their dedicated efforts, with Annubhai earning the distinction of being the craftsman behind the first stone crafted explicitly for temple construction.

The engraver’s accommodations in Ayodhya were organised by Ashok Singhal, the former international president of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and a key figure in the temple movement. Sompura reportedly resides in housing provided by temple trust chief Mahant Nritya Gopal Das at Maniram Chhavni Ashram.

With only two stones and no machinery at his disposal, Annubhai began his carving journey. Armed with a hammer and chisel, he began sculpting the raw stones in a secluded location surrounded by a dense forest. Over time, this once desolate spot has transformed into a fully equipped workshop dedicated to the construction of the upcoming temple.

According to local sources, the initial stone-cutting machine reached Ayodhya in 1996. Subsequently, a significant number of heavy machinery units were brought in for stone cutting, accompanied by the hiring of hundreds of artists to further refine and carve these stones.

“In the beginning, Annubhai, alongside his son and brother, were the sole artists engaged in chiselling the stones. However, over time, the workforce expanded. Currently, approximately 150 workers from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Mirzapur, and Ayodhya are tirelessly working day and night to engrave the stones destined for use in the temple,” reported a local source.

Furthermore, the completion of carving a significant quantity of stones intended for the ground floor of the temple occurred under the supervision and guidance of Annubhai Sompura until November 9, 2019. This milestone coincided with the Supreme Court’s resolution of the longstanding Ram Janmabhoomi Babri Masjid title suit.

Overcome with emotions over the consecration of Rama Lalla in the sanctum sanctorum, the 78-year-old Annubhai considers the forthcoming moment when Ram Lalla will be enthroned in the garbh griha as the most significant festival of his life. Expressing a sense of fulfilment, he describes his life as nothing short of a penance, dedicated to witnessing this historic occasion. Anticipating the culmination of his devotion on January 22, when Ram Lalla takes residence in his palace amid celebrations, Annubhai reflects on the emotions that will engulf him during those long-awaited moments that have defined his existence.

CPM leader Brinda Karat says their I.N.D.I. Alliance partner, Congress, is working with the BJP

ANI
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CPM leader Brinda Karat says their I.N.D.I. Alliance partner, Congress, is working with the BJP

Hitting out at the Congress, Communist Party of India (Marxist) senior leader Brinda Karat said on Monday that in Kerala, the grand old party is aligning with the RSS and the BJP against the ruling CPI (M).

The Politbureau member of the CPI (M) was responding to Congress leader KC Venugopal’s allegations that his party workers are being attacked in Kerala. “Everywhere, our boys were brutally attacked by the police and CPI(M) goons in the state,” Venugopal had alleged.

In response, Brinda Karat said that the Congress speaks the same language as the Bharatiya Janata Party and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

“In Kerala, the Congress is clearly with the RSS and the BJP against the CPI(M). At the national level, they talk about fighting against Modi, but in Kerala, where there is a government with alternative policies and a pro-people stance, the Congress cannot tolerate it,” she said.

“What the BJP and RSS say in the morning, the Congress says in the evening. This is the politics in Kerala, and it is a shame that the national party, which claims to be mentally fighting against Modi, should be in a state like Kerala, an oasis of communal harmony, an oasis for pro-people policies, is using the most wild tactics to destabilise the state government,” Karat said while speaking to ANI.

Earlier on Sunday, Venugopal claimed that Congress workers were brutally attacked by CPI(M) goons and the police.

He further claimed that Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was treating the opposition the same way the BJP does with opposition parties.

“Everywhere, our boys were brutally attacked by the police and CPI (M) goons. We are fighting against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the dictatorial government and their attitude at the national level, but unfortunately, Kerala CPI (M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan is doing the same thing to attack the opposition parties, basically Congress and the UDF. This is condemnable,” Venugopal had 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)

OP Jindal University dating App row: FIR filed against professor Sameena Dalwai for harassing students and breaching their privacy

OpIndia Staff
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OP Jindal University dating App row: FIR filed against professor Sameena Dalwai for harassing students and breaching their privacy

The Haryana Police have filed an FIR against Sameena Dalwai, a professor at the OP Jindal University, for harassing students and breaching their privacy by displaying their profiles in a dating App inside a classroom.

The FIR has been filed on the complaints of Renu Bhatia, the chairperson of Haryana State Women’s Commission. As per a report in the Indian Express, Anjoo Mohun, the Chief Communication Officer at the varsity, said, “We will follow the next steps as required by the authorities. Nothing is in place as of now as to what exactly is going to be the next step, but authorities have our cooperation.”

Earlier this month,  the Haryana State Commission for Women (HSCW) had called for an FIR against the professor in the dating-app case. Notably, Dalwai did not appear before the commission on 6th December.

The HSCW said the “safety, security and dignity of the female students cannot be compromised with merely because she has chosen not to appear before the commission”.

In September, Dalwai allegedly violated the privacy of a student in the classroom by opening their Bumble dating-app account. Dalwai displayed the student’s private account on a Smart TV in a classroom full of students.

A video and screenshots of some chats doing rounds on X, formerly Twitter, showed the professor indulging in a detailed discussion about a dating account, which was allegedly a student’s. Moreover, as per reports, when the students refused to open their profiles, Dalwai allegedly told them to create fake IDs and suggested using Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s picture.

After Dalwai failed to appear before the HSCW twice, chairperson Renu Bhatia had written to the Police commissioner seeking an FIR against her. Bhatia insisted that the HSCW has spoken to several students in the University and has video evidence of their testimony against the professor.

It is notable here that, prior to the Bumble dating App row, an email by Sameena Dalwai had come to the fore, where she had claimed that Hamas didn’t do any atrocities on Israeli civilians, and it was all ‘fake news by Indian troll armies’. She wrote, “India’s response has been sad. Fake news of Hamas atrocity is created by Indian troll armies. We know their power- many of us get trolled regularly for our writing.”

The email was reportedly written to some persons who were against a talk held at the University by Professor Achin Vanaik, Retired Professor of International Relations and former Head of the Department of Political Science at the University of Delhi, now an activist.

The talk, titled ‘The History and Politics of the Palestinian Present’, reportedly made statements condoning the terrorist activities of Hamas against Israel, and glorifying ‘suicide bombing’ by terrorists.

Send kids towards Lord Hanuman, not towards Santa Claus: Dhirendra Shastri asks Sanatan followers to stop celebrating Christmas

OpIndia Staff
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Send kids towards Lord Hanuman, not towards Santa Claus: Dhirendra Shastri asks Sanatan followers to stop celebrating Christmas

Bageshwar Dham Sarkar Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, while interacting with the media, announced that Bageshwar Dham Peeth will openly oppose the celebration of Christmas and Santa Claus. He asserted that this is Western culture that is not in accordance with the Indian, and Sanatani traditions and culture. 

He advised that Hindu parents should send their kids to the nearby Hanuman ji temple instead of sending them to Santa Claus. He also urged all Sanatanis to boycott the Western culture. 

Dhirendra Shastri said, “Christmas on 25th December is not in accordance with Indian culture. Parents of Hindu children should send their kids to the nearby temple of Param Sant Hanuman Ji Maharaj and not to Santa Claus. We are Indians, we should think about this. We are Sanatani. Indians and Sanatanis should boycott this culture. Bageshwar Peeth openly opposes this culture.” 

The Chief of Bagheswar Dham also proposed that Hindus should embrace and observe Tulsi Pujan and celebrate Matra-Pitra Diwas instead of partaking in the Christmas celebrations. 

He added, ‘Tomorrow is also ‘Matra-Pitra Divas’, do Tulsi Puja, get in the service of your parents. Go to Hanumanji’s temple and have a darshan. Bring Prasad from there.”

Shastri also issued an appeal to the parents urging them to tell their children about great men like Swami Vivekananda. He asserted that parents should inspire their kids with great personalities like Meera Bai, Maharani Lakshmi Bai, and Swami Vivekananda among others. 

Meanwhile, regarding the query that schools mark Christmas celebrations, Dhirendra Shastri opposed the Christmas celebration in schools. It is important to note that recently Madhya Pradesh’s Shajapur district made it mandatory for all schools to take parents’ permission before involving a student in Christmas celebrations, including children dressing up as Santa Claus or Christmas trees.

(The order was issued by the education officer of the Shajapur district on 14th December. Sourced from India Today)

The order was issued by the education officer of Shajapur district on 14th December. The order warned that both government and private schools will face action if students are found to be taking part in Christmas-related events without the permission of their parents. 

It read, “Students should have written permission from parents before they are made part of Christmas-related events, which include making them dress up as Santa Claus, Christmas tree, or any other role.”

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