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United Kingdom detects the first human case of influenza strain similar to the pig virus

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On 27th November (Monday), the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) informed that it had detected a single confirmed human case of influenza A(H1N2)v, the UK government’s official press release said. According to the official statement, Influenza A(H1N2)v is similar to flu viruses that are currently circulating in pigs in the United Kingdom. 

According to the release, the individual concerned had experienced a mild illness and has fully recovered. Now, the health agencies are tracing the close contacts of the concerned individual. 

This was the first detection of this strain of flu in a human in the UK. However, the source of this infection has not yet been ascertained and health experts are investigating the matter. The UK’s Health agency is working closely with partners to determine the characteristics of the pathogen and assess the risk to human health, the release added. 

The first human case of this strain of influenza virus was detected as part of routine national flu surveillance. It was undertaken by the UKHSA and the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP). The infected individual was tested by their GP after experiencing respiratory symptoms. 

As per the health release, Influenza A(H1N2)v virus was detected by UKHSA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and characterised using genome sequencing.

Incident Director at UKHSA, Meera Chand said, “It is thanks to routine flu surveillance and genome sequencing that we have been able to detect this virus. This is the first time we have detected this virus in humans in the UK, though it is very similar to viruses that have been detected in pigs.”

Further, Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss highlighted that some viruses found in animals can transmit to humans which is why it is important to focus on animal healthcare. The official said, “We know that some diseases of animals can be transferred to humans – which is why high standards of animal health, welfare, and biosecurity are so important.” 

Influenza Virus and notorious ‘Swine Flu’

Influenza A(H1) viruses are endemic in swine populations in most regions of the world. But when an influenza virus, normally circulating in swine, is detected in a person, it is referred to as a ‘variant influenza virus’. The major subtypes of swine influenza A viruses present in pigs but have infected humans are H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2. 

These infected cases mostly take place after direct or indirect exposure to pigs or contaminated environments. Since 2005, around 50 human cases of influenza A(H1N2)v have been reported globally however none of them relates genetically to this strain, and this Influenza A(H1N2)v was not previously detected in humans in the UK. 

As per initial information, the infection in a human detected in the UK is a distinct clade (1b.1.1). This strand is different from recent human cases of influenza A(H1N2) detected elsewhere in the world. However, the strain is similar to viruses present in UK swine. 

In 2009, a human pandemic was triggered by an influenza virus, specifically the influenza A H1N1(pdm09), often called ‘swine flu.’ This virus carried genetic material from viruses present in pigs, birds, and humans during the 1990s and 2000s. Influenza A H1N1(pdm09) now circulates seasonally among humans and is no longer labeled as swine flu. It differs from the viruses currently active in pig populations.

‘Nefarious attempts to link us to Uttarkashi tunnel collapse’: Adani Group slams malicious claims linking them with Silkyara tunnel construction

On Monday (27th November), the Adani Group denied any connection between the company and the collapse of the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. According to the group, there have been “nefarious attempts” by some elements to connect it to the collapse of the tunnel under construction, which led to the trapping of 41 workers since November 12.

“We strongly condemn these attempts and those behind them. We clarify with utmost emphasis that the Adani Group or any of its subsidiaries has no direct or indirect involvement of any kind in the tunnel’s construction,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson makes it clear that the group has no ownership or equity in the company that is building the tunnel. The National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), a state-run organization, is building the tunnel on the Char Dham route. “At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with the trapped workers and their families,” the statement read.

This is after several people on social media attempted to establish links between Navayuga Engineering Company Limited, which is responsible for carrying out the tunnel’s construction, and Adani.

“Collapsed Uttarakhand tunnel was built by Navayuga Engineering, an incorporated partner of Adani Enterprise,” said one of the users linking the report published by the Wire.

Another one said, “As soon as Navyug Eng. Pvt. Ltd & its owner Adani were exposed, all people who had pitched tents in Silkyara, Uttarkashi, ran away. Adani is actually responsible for the Silkyara Tunnel accident. Modi is a partner.”

Even, YouTuber Abhisar Sharma who was recently raided by Delhi Police in the Newsclick scandal claimed that Adani and the Navayuga company had business links that led to the construction of the tunnel in Uttarkashi. Sharma, while basing his opinion on the Wire, said in the video clearly that Navayuga company was acquired by Adani who is looking after the construction of the tunnel at present.

The Wire in its report published on 18th November claimed that Adani had links to the Navayuga, a Hyderabad-based multi-crore company. “The Adani group had been eyeing the Krishnapatnam Port Company in Andhra Pradesh for several years. However, it had gone to a company of the Navayuga group during the TDP era. With Jagan Reddy then taking on the firm, Adani tried its luck once more and successfully acquired it.”

“In July 2020, the Competition Commission of India under the Union Ministry of Finance gave its consent to the Adani Ports and Special Economic Zones to buy out a 75% stake in that port from Navayuga. The remaining 25% was taken over in 2021,” the report claimed.

However, Adani released a media statement on 27th November and stated that it had nothing to do with the construction of the tunnel in Uttarkashi. The Uttarkashi tunnel is being built by the Hyderabad-based Navayuga Engineering Company Limited as a component of the Char Dham project. The company has no apparent affiliation with the Adani Group. 

Notably, Gautam Adani has faced several attacks from the leftist liberal cabal in recent months which all began due to the Hinderburg’s report. In January 2023, Hindenburg Research accused the Adani Group of stock price manipulation and fraud. The report also alleged that the group invested millions of dollars in its own companies’ publicly traded stocks through offshore structures. The Adani Group denied the charges, calling them “meritless”.

In spite of Adani denying the report and issuing clarification in the case, several left-leaning media houses and political parties like the Congress continued to attack Adani in an attempt to target Modi. Congress and the Left ecosystem went into overdrive to attack the Adani Group without providing an objective analysis of the Hindenburg Research report.

In the given case, leftists including left-leaning media portals have begun targeting Adani over the tunnel construction when the businessman has nothing to do with the company that is responsible for the construction of the tunnel in Uttarkashi.

‘Welcome to Chinland’: Armed Myanmar rebel groups install board of New Republic after capturing border towns near Indian border

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Since ‘Operation 1027’, which was launched on 27th October in the northern Shan State, the armed Ethnic rebel forces have been extending their gains in northern Myanmar. As per Myanmar media reports, the rebels control dozens of military positions and strategic towns important for trade with India and China.

Notably, ‘Operation 1027’ was launched by the “Three Brotherhood Alliance” comprising three ethnic groups, namely the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and the Arakan Army (AA).

Security nightmare for India: Rebel forces erect board of ‘Chinland’, a new Republic at India-Myanmar border

Earlier this week, clashes broke out between the junta’s Infantry Battalion 304 and an alliance of fighters led by the Chin National Army (CNA) in the small town of Lailenpi, located in northwestern Matupi Township. The CNA is the armed wing of the Chin National Front (CNF). 

On Friday (24th November), the armed resistance groups seized another town in Chin State. A week earlier, they had captured the commercial town of Rikhawdar on the India-Myanmar border from the control of the Myanmar junta. 

Following the capturing of the military’s main base in Lailenpi, located some five miles from the Myanmar-India border, the anti-junta armed groups posted a video clip in which they could be seen raising the CNF flag at the captured base.

Speaking with Myanmar Now, CNF spokesperson Salai Htet Ni said, “We seized the base and took control of the town of Lailenpi.” He added that this victory was achieved after three days of attacks on the junta outpost. 

Referring to smaller resistance forces allied with the CNA, the CNF spokesperson added, “We can say that this base also provides security for their tactical command. The location of the Lailenpi base is very important for coordinating between the CNA and local defence forces.” 

As per media reports, the local Chin resistance forces control the majority of the routes in the Chin state cutting down the supply lines and troop movements of the Military junta. This has forced the junta to rely more on airstrikes. As per Salai Htet Ni, during the three-day battle, the junta launched close to 15 airstrikes.

Days after the rebel groups seized control of Rikhawdar and Lailenpi in Chin State, the anti-junta armed groups have also taken control of Khampat, Sagaing Region, another town on the India-Myanmar border.  

In retaliation to the advance of the rebel forces, Myanmar Army, on 14th November, carried out air strikes on Khawmavi and Rihkhawdar villages bordering India. This forced more than 5000 people from Myanmar to cross the Indian border and find refuge in Mizoram. 

Further, this large influx of illegal immigrants from Myanmar had been a cause of concern for the Security forces in Mizoram. However, it has increased alarmingly as media reports have noted that the Chinaland Council of the Chin Defense Joint Forces, part of Ethnic groups fighting for democracy in Myanmar, has captured the Tiau-Khawmawi gate of the India-Myanmar border point.

As per Dainik Bhaskar report, it is for the first time that the Rebels have hoisted a banner of ‘new Republic’ near the Indian border. As per reports, the ethnic rebel groups have captured border towns near Mizoram and installed a board stating, “Welcome to Chinland”. 

The Chin rebel group has hoisted the flag of Chin forces along with the ‘Welcome to Chinland’ board. Additionally, the Chin rebel forces have launched a new public administration for the captured area in Rikhawdar Township on the India-Myanmar Border. 

They have also asked 800, out of thousands of Myanmar nationals who entered into the Indian state of Mizoram, to return home safely.  

A local media outlet affiliated with the rebel group said that MNDAA (part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance) in an offensive captured the Kyin San Kyawt border gate which is a major trading point along the Myanmar-China border.

China’s angle in the Civil-war like Conflict

On Sunday (26th November), the Kokang news reported, “MNDAA also reported they seized one more border trade gate, which is called Kyin San Kyawt, in Mongko area, Muse district this morning.”

The report added that the alliance had also taken other positions in the border trade zone after the assault began on Friday. The MNDAA had also raised its flag at the border trade zone at Kyin San Kyawt, a security source told AFP.

This trading point is important because it allows machinery, electrical appliances, agricultural tractors and consumer items to enter the country.

A spokesperson for the MNDAA, Kyaw Naing said, “We are continuing our attacks in northern Shan State.” 

The Civil-war like conflict is taking place as pro-democracy groups have formed a parallel government and they are also allied with some insurgent groups. They have been fighting to oust the Military Junta in Myanmar. For this, they have also launched a “Road to Naypyitaw” campaign which is aimed at taking control of the capital.

China has been rattled by the ongoing conflict and advances of the pro-democracy rebel groups and its security and migration influx implications for it. As per media reports, it began military exercises along its border with Myanmar on Saturday. Additionally, it also urged its citizens to leave the northern part of that country.

Reportedly, more than 80,000 people have fled Myanmar’s northern Shan state because of the ongoing clashes. Some of these displaced Myanmar nationals have also entered China.

Regarding the ongoing developments, Beijing’s Southern Theatre Command said it launched “combat training activities” along the border with Myanmar to “test the ability of troops… to control and close borders and to strike with firepower” and remains “ready to respond to all kinds of emergencies”. 

China announced to conduct military exercises one day after a convoy of trucks carrying goods into Myanmar went up in flames. The Myanmar state media claimed that the act was a result of an insurgent attack. However, the attack on a goods truck near the Chinese border forced the Chinese envoy to meet top officials in Myanmar’s capital for talks on border stability. The rebels have rejected reports of carrying out such an attack stating that they would not take any action that is detrimental to the citizens of Myanmar.

UP: Hanuman Chalisa, Sundarkand to be recited by prisoners for personality development

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Chants of Hanuman Chalisa and Sundarkand will soon reverberate across prison facilities across Uttar Pradesh as inmates will soon engage in reciting the devotional hymns as a part of the integral components of their educational curriculum for their personality development.

The Prison Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Dharmveer Prajapati, has declared and taken the lead in implementing this initiative, a report published in Aaj Tak said. Books and religious scriptures will be provided to individuals interested in reading such texts as part of this effort.

Prisoners will be asked to study and recite the Hanuman Chalisa and Sundarkand as a part of the program, besides being guided in additional developmental skills such as literature and writing. This comprehensive approach aims to foster their transformation into more responsible and constructive members of society.

The minister emphasised that the chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa serves as a powerful means to impart lessons in personality development and mantras to individuals, devoid of any particular agenda or religious bias.

Significantly, engagement in such religious practices is not obligatory. However, given the positive outcomes observed in previous instances of similar initiatives, the minister conveyed that individuals who express interest will be provided with scriptures, particularly the Hanuman Chalisa, for reading.

In his recent communication with inmates at Azamgarh jail, Minister Prajapati underscored that this initiative is exclusively centred on improving the personalities of prisoners and equipping them for a more promising life beyond incarceration.

According to media accounts, measures are being implemented to ensure the availability of religious books and scriptures in prison libraries throughout the state, aiming to facilitate the spiritual awakening of all inmates.

Punjabi singer, several VVIPs on our target: Sharpshooters of Canada-based Khalistani gangster Arshdeep Dalla arrested in Delhi

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On 26th November, Delhi Police successfully arrested two sharpshooters affiliated with Khalistani terrorists and gangster Arshdeep Singh Dalla alias Arsh Dalla’s group following an encounter. During the initial interrogation, the two sharpshooters revealed they were tasked to target Punjabi singer Elly Mangat. Furthermore, they told police that other VVIPs were their target.

Speaking to the media, Special Commissioner of Delhi Police HGS Dhaliwal said, “Two sharpshooters affiliated with international terrorist and gangster Arshdeep Singh Dalla, alias Arsh Dalla, have been arrested. The captured shooters are identified as Rajpreet Singh, alias Raja, also known as Bamb, and Veerendra Singh, alias Vimmi. They were apprehended near the Akshardham Temple, Mayur Vihar, on the main road. Arsh Dala had assigned them the task of eliminating Punjabi singer Elly Mangat. Attempts to carry out this task in October 2023 were unsuccessful as the singer was not at home during the specified time.”

Dhaliwal added, “During the encounter, the suspects fired five rounds, with two of them hitting a police officer’s bulletproof vest. In response, the police team fired six rounds at the suspects. A revolver and six live cartridges were recovered from one shooter, while the other had a 30mm pistol, seven live cartridges, and a hand grenade. Additionally, a stolen bike was also seized.”

After questioning the suspects, raids were conducted at the premises linked to another accomplice of the two, Sachin Bhati, in Gautam Buddh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. Bhati was also arrested by the police. The police also recovered weapons from Bhati during the raid.

Who are Rajpreet Singh and Veerendra Singh

Both Rajpreet and Veerendra hail from Punjab. They face multiple charges linked to extortion, murder and attempted murder. In 2017, Rajpreet was granted bail in a murder case and he has been on the run since then. On the other hand, Veerendra was wanted in connection to a firing incident outside a jewellery shop and demanding extortion from the shop owner. He faced multiple charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code including 186, 353, 307, and 34.

Who is Arshdeep Dalla

Arshdeep Singh or Arshdeep Dalla is a 27-year-old gangster from Dalla village in Punjab. He is affiliated to Khalistani terrorist organisations such as Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF). Currently, he is living in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada with his wife and minor daughter. He holds a passport issued from Jalandhar in 2017. He has connections to Canadian gangster Goldy Brar who took responsibility for assassinating controversial Congress leader and singer Sidhu Moosewala.

Dalla has been active since 2020. He has been involved in terror funding, forming terror modules, orchestrating weapon supply, and planning targeted killings in Punjab. According to the dossier issued on Dalla by the intelligence agencies, he has a higher kill record compared to the KTF leader and Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar who was assassinated probably in a gang war by unknown assailants in Canada.

Dalla had worked with Nijjar and others in several criminal activities. He was behind the planning of an attack on a Hindu priest in Phillaur, Punjab. Arshdeep Dalla also claimed responsibility for the murder of Manohar Lal in Bathinda and Sukhpreet Singh, who was also a criminal. He had collaborated with criminals like Bikram Brar and Goldy Brar which led to the formation of KTF modules to target specific individuals.

In January 2022, he planned to target the SSP of Moga Harmanbir Singh Gill and two CIA inspectors. Furthermore, reports suggest he worked with Gurjant Singh Janty and Lakhbir Singh Rode to form a KTF module in Haryana. He also formed a 7-member KTF module in Punjab to target a Mohali-based immigration consultant named Pritpal Singh Boddy.

Ambassadors and diplomats from 70 nations arrive in Varanasi to witness Dev Deepavali celebrations

In a dazzling display of cultural convergence, ambassadors and diplomats from over 70 nations have gathered in the historic city of Varanasi to partake in the grand celebrations of Gurupurnima. Organised by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the distinguished guests will bear witness to the lighting of earthen lamps on the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima, alongside the mesmerising Ganga Arti and Dev Deepavali festivities at Kashi.

They received a warm welcome at Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri airport.

Varanasi, a city steeped in spiritual significance, has played host to various international events, including G20 and SCO meetings during India’s presidency. Notably, it was designated as the first SCO cultural city earlier this year, underscoring its global prominence.

As Varanasi gears up for the grand celebration of ‘Dev Deepawali,’ the city is adorned with brilliant lights and decorations, setting the stage for a breathtaking spectacle. Dev Deepavali, often referred to as “the Diwali of the Gods,” unfolds on the full moon night of the Hindu month of Kartika, embellishing the riverfront ghats of the Ganges from Ravidas Ghat to Rajghat with over a million earthen lamps.

The festival promises a visual feast with a show featuring firecrackers, lasers, and music against the backdrop of the moonlit sky. A green aerial firecracker display is set to enhance the divine ambiance of the event, illuminating the sand in front of the Ganga gate of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham.

The festivities, organised by the Uttar Pradesh Government, include a laser and crackers show along with the illumination of the ghats with a staggering 12 lakh lamps. A green aerial firecracker show, lasting approximately 13 minutes, will captivate the audience, showcasing the grandeur of Dev Diwali in Varanasi.

With over 7 to 8 lakh devotees expected to attend this year’s celebration, stringent security arrangements are in place to ensure a safe and joyous experience. The Deputy Director of the Tourism Department, Rajendra Kumar Rawat, emphasised the meticulous preparations for the Green Aerial Fire Crackers Show, promising a breathtaking spectacle that will leave a lasting impression.

As the city resonates with hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva, including “Har-Har Shambhu” and “Shiv Tandav Stotra,” Varanasi is poised to offer a truly enchanting and spiritually uplifting experience.

Under the vision of Prime Minister Modi and the UP govt, Dev Diwali has transcended local boundaries, captivating a global audience and cementing Varanasi’s status as a beacon of cultural and spiritual vibrancy.

Earlier this month, the MEA orchestrated the visit of ambassadors and diplomats from 50 countries to Ayodhya for the enchanting Deepotsav celebration on the eve of Diwali, further showcasing India’s rich cultural tapestry.

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

New Zealand’s newly-elected conservative government scraps Jacinda Ardern government’s smoking ban to fund tax cuts

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Shortly after being sworn in as the new Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon has confirmed that his conservative government will revoke the ban on smoking in the country. The decision comes almost a year after Jacinda Ardern’s New Zealand Labour Party-led government imposed an infinite ban on smoking for those born on or after 1st January 2009.

The reversal, hailed by the tobacco industry, is reportedly expected to help the newly-elected coalition government pay for the tax cuts which were the major part of its poll promises.

According to reports, culling the ban on smoking was one of the agreements the National Party had signed as part of its coalition with New Zealand First party. The agreement includes “removing requirements for de-nicotisation, removing the reduction in retail outlets and the generation ban”.

PM Luxon says that the reversal will keep the bootlegging industry at bay. He reportedly said, “Concentrating the distribution of cigarettes in one store in one small town is going to be a massive magnet for crime.”

New Zealand Finance Minister Nicola Willis had said last week that if the law was implemented, it would have reduced government revenue significantly.

“Coming back to those extra sources of revenue and other savings areas that will help us to fund the tax reduction, we have to remember that the changes to the smoke-free legislation had a significant impact on the Government books – with about $1 billion there,” Willis reportedly said.

The National Party emerged with the highest vote share in the general elections but fell short of a majority. It aligned with ACT New Zealand and New Zealand First to form the government.

Some of its key promises were to bring down inflation, and tax cuts. While the PM has said that the decision will generate revenue for the government, he said that “it was not the motivation”.

The anti-smoking law was passed in 2022 by the leftist government led by Jacinda Ardern and was due to be implemented in July 2024. The move had reportedly inspired UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to introduce a similar ban.

Meanwhile, anti-smoking group Health Coalition Aotearoa said that revoking the smoking ban was an insult to the country.

“This is a major loss for public health, and a huge win for the tobacco industry, whose profits will be boosted at the expense of Kiwi lives,” the group has said in a statement.

‘Kejriwal masters the art of corruption,’ says BJP as it points out irregularities at Delhi Jal Board’s STP upgradation

On Monday (27th November), the Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) of discrepancies in the tendering process for upgrading its sewage treatment plants. State unit president Virendra Sachdeva has written to the CBI, Enforcement Directorate (ED), and Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, requesting an investigation into the case. According to Sachdeva, the AAP government “hurriedly” granted the upgrade work at “escalated” costs by “flouting norms.”

Calling for the cancellation of the tender awards to the contractors and the constitution of an inquiry against officials and the minister concerned, Sachdeva said, “A bidder was awarded work even while the contractors had not submitted the DPRs as mandated in the tendering process.”

BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia also addressed a press conference on 27th November and alleged corruption by AAP Govt in Delhi Jal Board. “A scam related to Delhi Jal Board has surfaced. 10 STP (Sewage Treatment Plants) divided into 2 categories. In the first category, only upgradation was to be done and in the second category, the work was to be done to increase the capacity. Its estimated cost was Rs 1,500 crore but in 2022, the Delhi Jal Board awarded the contracts, the total value of which was around Rs 1,938 crore,” Bhatia explained.

He also added that Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal had mastered the art of corruption. “If there is any politician in India who has mastered the art of corruption, lies, and deceit then it is Arvind Kejriwal,” he added.

The Aam Aadmi Party meanwhile commented on the matter and said, “Everyone knows that the bureaucracy in Delhi reports to the Centre. They have all the power to take any kind of disciplinary action against any official. So far, the BJP has only chosen to protect all corrupt officials of the Delhi government. Every day, they allege a new scam, but don’t take any action against any official.”

“Now BJP is alleging that some officers of DJB have violated tender guidelines. The Delhi government has itself asked DJB and finance department to identify errant officers based on complaints received so far, but no action has been taken so far,” the party added.

Virendra Sachdeva, president of the Delhi BJP meanwhile has sent detailed notes to investigating agencies and the Lieutenant Governor, requesting an investigation into the alleged discrepancies. He has also called for the projects to be canceled and an investigation into the officials and ministers involved.

‘Afraid that Tejas will crash now’: TMC leader makes controversial remarks to attack PM Modi after his sortie in indigenously built fighter jet

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On 27th November, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Santanu Sen made a controversial statement against Prime Minister Narendra Modi while commenting on his sortie in Tejas aircraft.

In his statement to ANI, Sen said, “I am a little bit afraid when Mr Narendra Modi was very much there in the country, the ISRO failed. When Kangana Ranaut met Narendra Modi, her movie became a super flop. When Virat Kohli shook hands with Narendra Modi, he didn’t get a century for 3 consecutive years. And finally, after winning 10 consecutive matches in the recently held World Cup, just because our Prime Minister went to that stadium, India got defeated in the final…I’m afraid that in no time this particular aircraft will crash.”

The hate for PM Modi is deep-rooted in the opposition party leaders which was visible in the recent statement by TMC leader Sen. He not only wished in a way for Made-in-India aircraft Tejas to fail just because PM Modi to fly in it but also accused PM, Modi, for the failure of films and Indian Cricket Team in the ICC World Cup’s final match.

Furthermore, he claimed the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) failed when PM Modi was in the country. It appeared he was referring to the instance when Chandrayaan-2 failed to land on the moon’s surface in 2019. However, he failed to remember that half of its objectives were completed and it was indeed a limited success. It was only because of the current government under PM Modi that ISRO got enough funding to pace up its space programs including sending Indian astronauts to space in the coming future.

Opposition leaders blamed PM Modi for India’s defeat in Cricket World Cup

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a public meeting during the election campaign called PM Modi “Panauti” as India lost in Cricket World Cup 2023’s final. He was not the only one to accuse PM Modi of the defeat. Earlier, Congress’s Social Media and Digital Platforms chairperson Supriya Shrinate posted a video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah sitting at the stadium during the match and insinuated if they were “smiling widely” over India’s loss in the Cricket World Cup 2023.

In reality, the video clip was shot after the completion of 32 overs. At that time, Australia was at 172 runs with a loss of three wickets. At that time, there was still hope for the Indian Cricket team to make a comeback. The fans were also laughing in the row below where PM Modi and HM Shah were seated. If Shrinate was to be believed, did she mean that even the fans laughed at India’s loss? Other Congress leaders and supporters also hopped on the wagon to blame PM Modi. Apart from Congress, TMC’s Pritish Roy, called PM Modi “panauti” over the loss at the match.

Notably, the Election Commission of India (ECI) issued a show cause notice to Rahul Gandhi over his “panauti” and ‘Jaibkatra’ remarks on PM Modi.

Did not want from my heart for Yogi Adityanath to become CM , but his performance is superlative: Vikas Divyakirti of ‘Drishti IAS’

On Sunday (26th November), the founder and Managing Director of the coaching institute ‘Drishti IAS’, Vikas Divyakirti, conceded that he did not want Yogi Adityanath to become the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh in 2017.

He made the revelations during the ‘Seekho Path Saphalta Ka (Learn the way to success)’ session, which was moderated by journalist Saurabh Dwivedi during the third day of the ‘Sahitya Aaj Tak 2023’ event in Delhi.

On being asked about his dislike for Yogi Adityanath, Vikas Divyakirti remarked, “When discussions were underway to make him the CM, I wanted from my heart that Yogi Adityanath did not become the Chief Minister.”

The Managing Director of Drishti IAS, who has a history of making anti-Hindu remarks, claimed, “I was of the opinion that someone like him with a strong religious background will not be fit for a political position of the Chief Minister.”

“If I analyse his track record of the last 5-7 years, then, I can say without hesitation (barring a few instances) that Yogi Adityanath’s performance as the CM is superlative.”

Vikas Divyakirti on Rahul Gandhi, Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav

During the session, he was also quizzed about his opinion on Congress scion Rahul Gandhi and Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav.

“Rahul Gandhi is constantly evolving into his best version. He is doing much better now as compared to the past. He is becoming better by the day. But I do not think he stands a chance in the 2024 elections. But it is possible that he will be a strong contender in the 2029 polls,” Vikas Divyakirti remarked.

“If he can become a strong contender, then, what is the issue? Why should we live under the impression that a country will ruled forever by only one party (referring to the BJP)? Let new players come into the political scenario and lead the command of the nation. I do not find anything wrong in it,” he added.

The Managing Director of ‘Drishti IAS’ also praised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and hailed him as an ‘able administrator.’ Vikas Divyakirti also claimed that RJD politician Tejashwi Yadav is a ‘promising future leader’ of Bihar, who has supposedly been able to leave behind his legacy of ‘Jungle Raj.’