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Tablighi Jamaat Maulana invites PM Narendra Modi and UP CM Yogi Adityanath to convert to Islam, says over 20 lakh people became Muslim since 2014

Many forces are desperately working in their own ways to convert India, a Hindu-majority country with people of various faiths, into a Shariah-governed Islamic state. Some, such as PFI (now banned), set deadlines for the same for the year 2047, while others set a deadline of 2050. In the midst of ongoing conspiracies, Tauqeer Ahmad, a Tablighi Jamaat Maulana, has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to convert to Islam.

In an interview with TimesNow Navbharat, Maulana claimed that since 2014, over 20 lakh non-Muslims have converted to Islam. Inviting PM Modi and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath to Islam, the Mualana claimed that a lot of things would improve if they accept Islam. Maulana Tauqeer Ahmad openly admitted that his and the Jamaat’s aim is to bring Sharia law to India. He cited the example of how the Taliban imposed Sharia there after driving the American forces out.

“My sole aim is to give Dawah to more and more people and I would invite CM Yogi and Modi ji to accept Islam. I would say Modi and Yogi ji should sit and I will make them understand what Deen and Islam are. Inshallah they will become Muslims. If they convert, a lot of things will improve. 20 lakh people have become Muslim since 2014 in India. Our goal is to implement Sharia law. Inshallah, Sharia will come just like in Afghanistan, where America was driven away,” Tauqeer said. 

He added that Tabilighi Jamaat is involved in 99 per cent of instances of religious conversion to Islam. He also mentioned the Da’i people of the Jamaat. It is notable that Da’i are the Muslims who give Dawah or call upon non-Muslims to convert to Islam. Tauqeer Ahmad delved into how the Da’i target non-Muslim youths and teach them about Quranic verses (Ayats), Hadiths, and prophets. 

Moreover, the Tablighi Maulana said that Dawah giving people (Da’i) narrate the stories about Islamic prophets and how people who did not listen to them had to face punishment. 

According to Maulana Tauqeer’s religious book, Allah had taken a promise from the first man of the world, Adam and his people, to worship him only and not indulge in Butparasti (idol worship). Maulana described idol worshippers as misguided and stated that they must be brought to the path of Allah.

The Maulana also claimed that the Tablighi Jamaat is undertaking Dawah activities across the country, to bring in as many non-Muslims into the fold of Islam as possible. He also informed that the Jamaat’s conversion network is operated by Maulana Saad, his son and one Kaleem Siddiqui who was recently released from jail.

It is worth recalling that Tablighi Jamaat’s congregation in March 2020 became a Covid super spreader. A case was also registered against him by Delhi Police, under sections 304, 308, 336, 188, 269, 270, 271 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code, Section 14-B of the Foreigners Act 1946, Section 3 of the Epidemic Diseases Act 1897 and Section 51/58 Disaster Management Act 2005.

When asked if the Jamaat receives any sort of funding to carry out its Dawah activities, Maulana Tauqeer Ahmad said that funds are received from Arab countries, Afghanistan and other countries. He also detailed how these funds are utilised to financially assist the new converts after they are disowned by their non-Muslim family for abandoning their original faith and accepting Islam.

“Like if a Hindu converts to Islam and performs five-times namaz, their family thrashes them or expels them from their home, so in such cases, we use the fundings we get to help them,” Tauqeer said.

Ironically, the Tablighi Maulana was heard boasting about the imposition of Sharia law in Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover. However, given the country’s current plight, which includes widespread poverty, skyrocketing inflation and unemployment, and deteriorating human rights, what he sees as an achievement is nothing more than the destruction of Muslims, with non-Muslims largely driven out or killed. Under Sharia-governed Afghanistan, over 34 million people are living in poverty.

Nizamuddin Markaz and coronavirus outbreak in 2020

In the last week of March 2020, hundreds of Tablighi Jamaat attendees were found living inside the Markaz, many of which were in violation of their visa rules. Many of the attendees were found to be covid-19 positive and despite showing symptoms had continued to stay there or move to interiors of the country without getting themselves tested. Subsequently many were moved to quarantine centres to ensure treatment and arrest the spread of the virus. However, even then, many Tablighi Jamaat attendees had attacked healthcare workers and even created a ruckus at quarantine centres.

PM Modi to lay the foundation stone for the redevelopment of Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats in Varanasi today

The foundation stones for several development projects totalling more than 12,100 crores will be laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh today, 7th July. The development and renovation of Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats are two significant initiatives. PM Modi will put the cornerstone stone for the same.

With the objective to improve the entire infrastructure and amenities offered to guests, the reconstruction plans include provisions for public restrooms, waiting areas, wood storage, waste disposal, and eco-friendly cremation pyres. Notably, the prime minister has given the development of ghats considerable attention over the past few years.

Manikarnika Ghat

One of the holiest and oldest cremation sites among the revered riverfronts is Manikarnika Ghat, which is situated on the Ganges in Varanasi. It is flanked by the Dashashwamedh Ghat and the Scindia Ghat and is one of the five major and oldest pilgrimages and ghats of Varanasi.

Manikarnika Ghat (Source: Wikipedia)

Hinduism views death as a portal into a subsequent existence that will be shaped by one’s karma. When a person is cremated here, it is believed that their soul achieves moksha and therefore ends the cycle of rebirth.

This ghat was named Manikarnika because of the Manikarnika Kund situated there and the story associated with it. It is known that in the beginning, this ghat was one of the major Vishnu pilgrimages and Manikarnika Kund situated at the ghat was known as Chakrapushkarni. According to the belief, when Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were observing the pond, the gem of the latter’s earring fell in it, giving it the name Manikarnika.

Harishchandra Ghat

Harishchandra Ghat is one of the two major cremation grounds and among the oldest ghats in Varanasi. It is highly revered by both locals and visitors and just like Manikarnika Ghat, it is believed that being cremated here leads a person to attain salvation.

Harishchandra Ghat (Source: Varanasi Guru)

The ghat derived its name from King Harishchandra of Ayodhya and the symbol of truth, who was sold at this crematorium to protect the truth. He forfeited his whole kingdom along with all of his wealth and possessions and sold his wife and son into slavery and offered himself up for bondage at the instance of Rishi Vishwamitra.

He never met his son and wife throughout his life until she, broken down with years of toil, hardship and suffering, visited the cremation ground with their son’s dead body in her arms who died from a snake bite. She did not even have enough money to cover his body. This was the final test of the monarch, and he passed it with exemplary strength, honesty and courage. God finally rewarded him for his truthfulness and returned him his throne, kingdom and son.

Other important projects

The prime minister will dedicate the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Junction to the Son Nagar railway line of the Dedicated Freight Corridor in addition to rehabilitating the ghats. He will inaugurate multiple other projects, including the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET)-Vocational Training Centre at the village of Karsara.

He will dedicate three railway lines which include the Ghazipur city – Aunrihar rail line, Aunrihar – Jaunpur rail line and Bhatni – Aunrihar rail line to the nation. This will commemorate the full electrification of all railway lines in Uttar Pradesh.

He will officially inaugurate the four-lane expansion of the Varanasi-Jaunpur section of National Highway-56, which would facilitate and speed up travel from Varanasi to Lucknow 

He is scheduled to initiate 192 rural drinking water schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission, distribute loans of Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) and keys of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) Rural houses as well as Ayushman Bharat cards to beneficiaries in Uttar Pradesh among other programmes.

Fact Check: The Wire peddles lies, claims ‘Pune school Principal thrashed for conducting ‘Dear Lord’ prayers, no CCTV in girls’ washroom’, here is what police say

A day after OpIndia exclusively reported about the incident of CCTV cameras being installed in the girls’ washroom area of a private convent school named DY Patil High School from Ambi, Pune, leftist media channels like the Wire and other Islamist social media accounts are peddling false news saying that ‘no cameras were installed in the washroom and that the school principal was assaulted as he conducted Christian prayers’.

“The parents decided to make an issue out of a non-issue, involve local vigilante groups and attack the principal. This, the parents and the Hindutva activist twisted into something perverse. They claimed cameras have been set up inside the toilet. Which is untrue,” the Wire reported ‘misquoting’ PI Ranjit Sawant of the Talegaon MIDC area.

“Later, the group also raised issues over the prayer mentioned in the school calendar. This prayer, according to the Talegaon MIDC police, has no mention of any specific religion. It only mentions the words, ‘Dear Lord’,” the Wire added in the name of PI Sawant.

Screenshot of article posted by the Wire

Police say CCTVs installed in washroom area, parents concerned

However, PI Sawant confirmed to OpIndia that the Principal was not beaten for being a Christian or conducting Christian prayers and that the main issue is that of the CCTV cameras that have been installed in the washroom premises. “The CCTV cameras have been installed inside the washroom area and not exactly in the toilets. The school is saying that the cameras are dummy but nothing of that has been proved yet. The parents of the students are more concerned about the CCTVs installed in the washroom area above the basin primarily and then about the other things,” PI said. It is important to mention that the toilets inside the washroom are open from above.

He also said to OpIndia that the Principal was beaten by the local persons not because he is a Christian or he conducted Christian prayers, but because the CCTVs were installed in the girls’ washroom without notice to the parents or the management.

WIRE lies, says the Principal was targeted because of his Christian identity, which is untrue

Further, when asked about the police statements given to other media channels that are continuing to peddle that the Principal was beaten because of his religion or for conducting Christian prayers, the police said, “That is not true. We don’t know what has been published by the media houses. We don’t own those statements. The truth is that the Principal was assaulted by local people and the parents due to the CCTV issue. We have sent a letter to the management inquiring about the case. FIR will be registered in the case once the investigations officially begin.”

The WIRE has blatantly mentioned in the report that the PI said that Principal Alexander Ried was targeted because of his Christian identity, which is untrue.

The report by The Wire

Congress, Islamists justifying school act?

Earlier, several other Islamist, left-liberals like Hindutva Watch, Mohammad Sher Ali also Congress’ Shashi Tharoor on Twitter peddled that the Principal was ‘thrashed’ by the ‘extremists’ for being a Christian. The left-liberal cabal also indicated that the minority communities in India were being deliberately targeted by Hindu organizations. However, the lies peddling people very diligently forgot to mention the CCTV episode and the one where the parents complained that their daughters were mistreated at the school.

Tweet posted by Congress’ Shashi Tharoor

Management suspends the Principal, three teachers

As reported earlier, the school management has said that they had no slightest idea about the CCTV cameras that were installed inside the girl’s washroom area. The management has said that strict action will be taken against the Principal and the teachers. “Whatever has happened is really unfortunate and unacceptable. We have suspended the Principal and the teachers for now and they will soon be removed from their positions,” the management could be heard saying in the video that has been obtained by OpIndia.

Principal Alexander installs CCTV cameras in girls’ washroom, imposes Christian prayers and insults Hindu traditions

On July 6, it was reported that the Principal of the DY Patil High School in the Ambi region of Pune identified as Alexander Coates Reid, and a couple of Christian teachers, were removed from their position after being accused of molestation, religious conversion and causing insult to Hindu religion. The Principal was also manhandled by the local Hindu organizations after they found out that he had installed CCTV cameras in the girls’ washroom without any notice to the management or the parents.

The video of the incident was wrongly shared on social media where the Islamists and leftists claimed that Hindus were causing deliberate hurt to the minority community in India. The Islamists also claimed that the Christians are next on the so-called target list of the Hindus and pressed that the Principal was thrashed just for conducting Christian prayers at the school, which is a partial truth.

The school authorities notably happened to force the students to read prayers only from the Bible, called Hindu traditions ‘stupid’ and also called Hindu prayers ‘nonsense’. One of the teachers named Samina Patel had also influenced the students saying that ‘Muslims were pure and that were deliberately targeted by the Hindus. The enraged parents also complained that the students at the school were tortured, mistreated and inappropriately touched.

The parents have filed a police complaint in the case and have demanded strict action against the school principal and the teachers. The Talegaon Police has, however, confirmed that the CCTVs were installed inside the washroom area above the basin. PI Sawant confirmed that investigations in the case are underway and that the FIR will soon be registered.

West Bengal: BJP worker found dead in Birbhum ahead of panchayat polls, kins allege TMC hand in the brutal murder

Just two days before the state’s crucial Panchayat elections, scheduled to be held on July 8 this year, another horrific murder of a BJP worker has been reported from Mamata Banerjee’s West Bengal. According to reports, on July 06, 2023, the body of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker, identified as Dilip Mahara, was found near a pond in West Bengal’s Birbhum district.

The family members of the victim and the BJP has accused the members of the ruling Trinamool Congress Party to be behind the murder.

Chitre Mahara, Dilip Mahara’s wife, alleged that her husband was murdered by members of the ruling Trinamool Congress. Utpal Mahara, the deceased’s son, said his father was assassinated by Kali Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress’ Birbhum district joint convener.

“I was not able to find my father since 9 pm. He has been killed by the men of Kali Banerjee (Trinamool Congress’s Birbhum district joint convener). Let him be arrested. I want punishment for them. Let the case be investigated,” the deceased’s son told the media.

BJP also tweeted, “Dilip Mahara (48), an active BJP worker from Birbhum killed by the TMC, is another victim of TMC’s violent ‘blood politics’. ‘Khela’ of blood is being played during the elections in Bengal! The bloodthirsty politics of the TMC will be put to an end by the people soon!”

The police, meanwhile, confirmed that Dilip, a resident of the Muhammad Bazar block, was killed using a sharp weapon. They, however, added that the actual cause of his death is yet to be ascertained. It confirmed that an investigation has been launched, but no arrests have been made so far.

Local BJP leaders are planning to Gherao the Muhammad Bazar Police Station.

As per reports, Chitre Mahara, Dilip Mahara’s wife was to supposed to file nomination papers as a BJP candidate, however, the party said it did not give her the ticket.

TMC leader Kali Banerjee, meanwhile, retorted sharply to the allegation levelled at him by the deceased’s son. “Trinamool does not do politics of murders. Let them investigate his death. Our workers are not involved,” he said.

Trinamool District vice-president Malay Mukhopadhyay said, “The BJP is doing politics for profit. Let the police investigate the murder”.

Notably, Dilip Mahara is one of the 17 people who have fallen victim to the wave of political violence that has been unleashed by the goons affiliated with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) party since the start of the filing of poll nominations. 

The ongoing violence in West Bengal is part of the ruling dispensation’s playbook to intimidate the Opposition parties. The State has witnessed similar cases during the infamous 2021 Vidhan Sabha election and the 2022 civic body polls.

CISF to take over the security of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, govt approves new security plan

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has got the green flag for its master plan for the security of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The Central Armed Police Force, which is responsible for the security of important installations including airports across the country, has been given the responsibility of overseeing the temple’s safety and security.

A security audit was conducted last year by the CISF following which a plan was formulated. Now, after the government’s nod, senior officials of the force inspected the temple premises.

CISF DG Sheel Vardhan Singh and DIG Sumant Singh visited the temple on Wednesday along with ADG Zone Piyush Mordiya, IG Range Praveen Kumar and SSP Raj Karan Nayyar. The site was inspected for about three hours.

Advanced security equipment to be installed

Besides the deployment of the CISF, the state force Pradeshik Armed Constabulary and the state police will also be deployed at and around the grand Ram Mandir. While cops will be stationed outside the temple premises, CISF will be stationed inside.

At present, there is a three-tier security cordon protecting the temporary temple of Ram Lala. This includes the security cordon of UP Police, PAC and CRPF. After the grand temple is opened, security will be tightened, given that it will be the target of jihadi terrorists.

The CISF officials reviewed the existing three-tier security system, along with the routes taken by the devotees. Security will be kept tight at the Red Zone and Yellow Zone too. A plan has been formulated for security outside the Yellow Zone.

The deployment of anti-drone technology was also discussed, given that terrorists are increasingly using drones to carry out attacks.

It has been decided that the facilities for keeping the luggage of devotees and the parking spaces will be located at some distance from the Ramjanmabhoomi complex. Bag scanners are to be installed in the luggage area. Reportedly, devotees will not be allowed to carry anything inside other than Prasad (offerings) to Lord Ram.

CCTV cameras monitored from a modern control room are also in the works.

CISF has lots of experience in providing security along with crowd management. Apart from being deployed at airports, metro stations and important industrial units, they also provide security in popular tourist destinations like the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Victoria Memorial etc.

Inauguration in January next year

Swift construction work of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir is underway as the deadline for completion is fast approaching. The temple is expected to be inaugurated on 22 January 2024.

The installation of Lord Ram and the inauguration will be done with much pomp and show. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also be present at the grand event. The inauguration ceremony is expected to begin on 15 January 2024 and last for a full 10 days.

The temple structure will have intricate carvings of Hindu deities and divine Hindu history. Artists from the Indira Gandhi art centre, Hindu priests and saints have all contributed to the same.

US ambassador Eric Garcetti pontificates on Manipur violence when his own country has seen 332 mass shootings, over 21000 gun-related deaths in 2023 alone

On 6th July 2023, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti pontificated on the Manipur violence and made sanctimonious remarks about the situation in the Indian state. While doing so, Eric Garcetti comfortably ignored how his own country has seen 332 gun attacks claiming over 21000 lives in 2023 so far.

Eric Garcetti said, “I don’t think it’s about strategic concerns, it’s about human concerns. You don’t have to be an Indian to care when children or individuals die in this sort of violence. We know peace is a precedent for so many good things. There has been so much progress in the Northeast and the East. The country has done some remarkable things in the East and those can’t continue without peace. We stand ready to assist in any way if asked. We know it’s an Indian matter and we pray for that peace and that it may come quickly. Because we can bring more collaboration, more projects, more investment if that peace is in place.”

The disturbing levels of mass shootings and gun deaths in the USA

Eric Garcetti conveniently overlooked the violence within his own country while addressing the situation in Manipur. It is worth mentioning that the United States is currently experiencing an alarming surge in mass shootings, with the Gun Violence Archives reporting over 330 incidents already this year, marking a record high for the mid-year point.

In 2021, there was a record-breaking surge in mass shootings, as reported by the Gun Violence Archives (GVA), with a total of 690 incidents recorded. This marked a significant increase compared to previous years, raising concerns that this year’s numbers would surpass the record.

As of June 28 this year, the GVA has already documented 332 mass shootings in the United States, surpassing the figures from the same period in 2021 when there were 309 incidents. The GVA defines mass shootings as incidents where at least four individuals are shot, excluding the shooter. Thus, halfway through the year, it appears that the apprehension about surpassing last year’s record is becoming a reality.

As of June 28, the midway point of the year, the number of mass shootings in 2022 had reached 293, compared to 240 in 2020, 190 in 2019, and 151 in 2018. This data highlights a concerning trend of increasing incidents, indicating a rise in the occurrence of mass shootings over the past few years.

Over 21,000 people have died in the USA due to gun-related incidents alone in just 6 months of 2023

According to the Gun Violence Archives (GVA), the total number of fatalities from various gun-related incidents in the United States this year stands at 21,042. Additionally, there have been 18,033 reported injuries from gun-related events. These statistics illustrate the significant impact and toll of gun violence on individuals and communities across the country.

The United States is currently witnessing an alarming increase in the frequency of mass shootings, marking a concerning trend in recent history. Below are some of the tragic incidents that occurred in the first half of 2023:

January: In California, back-to-back shootings took place. Ten individuals lost their lives during a Lunar New Year celebration at a dance studio in Monterey Park. Just a few days later, seven people were killed at two locations in Half Moon Bay.

February: At Michigan State University, a shooter carried out a deadly attack that left three students dead and critically wounded five others. The incident prompted an hours-long manhunt and resulted in lockdown measures on campus.

March: Tragedy struck an elementary school in Nashville when a shooter fired 152 rounds, claiming the lives of six people, including three children. Law enforcement officers intervened and killed the shooter.

April: In Louisville, Kentucky, a gunman targeted his co-workers at a bank, resulting in the deaths of five individuals. Police later shot the assailant. Another mass shooting occurred at a Sweet 16 birthday party in Dadeville, Alabama, where four people lost their lives, and more than 30 others sustained injuries.

May: A shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets shopping center near Dallas resulted in eight fatalities and seven injuries.

Memorial Day weekend: Memorial Day weekend is typically observed on the last Monday in May. Disturbingly, the holiday weekend saw a series of mass shootings across the country. The Gun Violence Archives recorded over a dozen incidents, with 14 people killed and 58 others injured. This made it the deadliest Memorial Day weekend for mass shootings in the past four years.

These incidents collectively underscore the grave impact and urgency of addressing the rising trend of mass shootings in the United States. It is notable that incidents claiming less than 4 lives are not included in the list of gun violence archives. However, ignoring all these incidents in his homeland, Eric Garcetti expressed his opinions about the Manipur violence in a pompous and dogmatic way.

The Manipur Violence

Manipur has been burning amid conflict between the two ethnic groups, Meiteis and Kukis. Tensions flared up on May 3 following a ‘Tribal solidarity march’ which was organized against the Meitei community seeking ST status.

Meiteis account for the majority of the Manipur population whereas Nagas and Kukis account for about 40% of the population. About 130 people have been killed in the clash and several have been displaced after their houses were torched and razed.

A detailed analysis of the root causes and on-ground scenario can be read here.

USA could not ensure the safety of the Indian consulate in San Fransisco

The recent incident of an arson attack on the Indian consulate in San Francisco by Khalistani terrorists adds another concerning layer to the hypocritical stand taken by US Ambassador Eric Garcetti. The fact that Garcetti’s own home country could not secure India’s consulate, resulting in a potentially dangerous situation, raises questions about his credibility and ability to address violence and security concerns effectively.

The attack, which occurred on July 2, highlights the very real threat posed by extremist elements within the US itself. Despite the limited damage and the safe escape of consulate staff, the incident underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling violence and ensuring the security of diplomatic missions.

Selfie, hand-written letter, walk with PM and more: Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya generates more than ₹6 crore revenue in just one year, reveals RTI

The Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya (also called the Museum of Prime Ministers) has generated a whopping ₹6.80 crores in revenue in just one year. The information was obtained by activist Dr Vivek Pandey in an RTI reply on July 4, 2023.

He had sought information about the total revenue generated by Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya, besides the breakdown of various sources of revenue collection. Owned by the Ministry of Culture, the museum was inaugurated by PM Modi on April 22, 2022.

As per the RTI reply, a total revenue of ₹6,80,14,581 was earned by Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya through the sale of entry tickets, light and sound show, add-ons and cafeteria.

The museum has also generated a whopping ₹42,48,650 through the ‘selfie with PM’ activity. Other attractions such as ‘Walk with PM’ and ‘handwritten letter from PM’ has earned ₹26.07 lakhs and ₹20.85 lakhs, respectively.

The Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalay also collected ₹56,83,000 through the ‘Bhavishya ki Jhalkiyan (VR Helicopter)’ ride and another ₹2,46,100 through ‘Audio Guide Device for Hire.’

What is Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalay

Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalay is a high-tech museum which showcases the story of Indian Prime Ministers and their contributions to nation-building. The visitors will get a first-hand experience through visual and digital means to learn about the leadership, vision, and achievements of all our prime ministers.

The museum is located in the Teen Murti Bhavan complex, a 25-acre-plot that holds the Teen Murti Bhavan – the residence of Jawaharlal Nehru, The Nehru Memorial Library, which now hosts the museum dedicated to the PMs of India as well.

The design integrates the old Teen Murti Bhavan in the new masterplan, which will be designated as Block – I, with the newly constructed building designated as Block II. The building is a hemispherical dome topped with an Ashoka Chakra, which talks about the story of rising India moulded by the hands of its leaders.

According to the PMO, the total floor area of the two blocks is a combined over 15,600 square metres. The design, which incorporates sustainable and energy conservation practices, is built in a way that no tree was cut or transplanted during its construction.

The museum hosts archives, personal items, gifts and memorabilia, speeches of prime ministers and anecdotal representations of ideologies and different aspects of their lives in 43 themed galleries planned as a journey of experience as you walk through the museum.

Appropriate use of technology with the inculcation of Holograms, virtual reality, augmented reality, multi-touch, multimedia, interactive kiosks, computerised kinetic sculptures, smartphone applications, interactive screens and experiential installations is employed, which makes the museum a state-of-the-art architectural feature of the 21st century.

PM Modi to attend Gita Press’ centenary celebrations, will release ‘Chitramay Shiva Puran Granth’ at Gorakhpur

On Friday, July 7, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch 29 development projects totaling Rs 12,100 crore in Varanasi, as part of a tour of two eastern Uttar Pradesh districts. He will also attend the Gita Press’ centenary celebrations and flag off two Vande Bharat Express trains in Gorakhpur.

The Prime Minister will engage in conversation with BJP workers in Varanasi during a breakfast meeting and will give them a lesson in strengthening the party organization at the booth level ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

“We have made all preparations to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We will take him on a tour of the Lila Chitra Mandir that depicts stories of Lord Ram, Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva and a picture of Mahatma Gandhi,” said Gita Press manager Lal Mani Tiwari.

BJP MP Ravi Kishan also tweeted about the event and said that PM Modi would visit the Gita Press which has been a symbol of wisdom and spirituality. “This journey highlights its important role in our cultural heritage. During the function, the Prime Minister will release the Chitramay Shiva Puran Granth, adding to the rich literary treasury of Gita press,” the BJP MP from Gorakhpur said.

Gita Press was chosen as the winner of the Gandhi Peace Prize-2021 on June 18, 2023, for its contribution to social, economic, and political change using nonviolent and other Gandhian methods.

The jury that unanimously voted to present the Gita Press with the prize was presided over by Prime Minister Modi.

Gita Press accepted the award but refused to take cash of Rs 1 crore

However, on June 19, Gita Press, Gorakhpur, refused to accept the cash reward of Rs 1 crore that is included with the Gandhi Peace Prize 2021. The publisher stated that it would only accept the citation and not the cash reward. Reportedly, the publisher has suggested that the Central government should spend this cash reward on some other worthy cause.

In addition, the Prime Minister will travel to Gorakhpur to flag off two Vande Bharat express trains and lay the cornerstone for the station’s renovation, which is expected to cost Rs 498 crore. Between Bhatni and Aurihar, a 125 km electrified rail track will be opened by him. He would introduce 29 construction initiatives worth roughly Rs 12,110 crore in Varanasi. Additionally, the Prime Minister will speak at a Wazidpur public gathering that is anticipated to draw 50,000 or so attendees.

“Prime Minister will inaugurate 19 projects worth over Rs 10,720 crore and lay the foundation of 10 projects worth over Rs 1,389 crore. He will also interact with 20 beneficiaries of various schemes,” BJP’s Kashi region President Dilip Singh Patel said as he added that the Prime Minister will hold a meeting of 120 BJP workers at the DLW guest house.

During the breakfast meeting, Modi will engage with party members and deliver the “mantra” to bolster the party at each booth. The BJP members will inform him of the state of their individual wards and the advancements made in Varanasi over the previous nine years. The dedicated freight corridor there will have its Pt Deendayal Upadhyay Junction-Son Nagar railway line opened by him.

The new line, which was constructed at a cost of about Rs 6,760 crore, will enable more rapid and effective movement of commodities. Three railway lines, the electrification of which has been completed at a cost of more than Rs 990 crore, will be dedicated to the country by him.

Gujarat High Court dismisses Rahul Gandhi’s review plea to suspend conviction in defamation case

On 7th July 2023, Gujarat High Court dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s plea to stay the conviction in the criminal defamation suit in the ‘Modi Surname’ case. Justice Hemant Prachchhak refused to stay Rahul Gandhi’s conviction.

Notably, the conviction in the case resulted in his disqualification as a Member of Parliament. Rahul Gandhi was an elected member of Lok Sabha from the Wayanad constituency of Kerala. He won that seat in the 2019 general elections. The court dismissing the review plea by the Congress scion will prolong his disqualification till he gets relief from the apex court.

Justice Hemant Prachchhak said in his order, “Rahul Gandhi is seeking a stay on conviction on absolutely non-existent grounds. Stay on conviction is not a rule. As many as 10 cases are pending against him.”

The court further observed, “It is needed to have purity in politics. A complaint has been filed against Rahul Gandhi by the grandson of Veer Savarkar in Pune Court after Rahul Gandhi used terms against Veer Savarkar at Cambridge.”

The court ruled, “In any way, the conviction would not result in any injustice. The conviction is just and proper. There is no need to interfere with the said order. Therefore, the application is dismissed.”

Justice Hemant Prachchhak reserved his order on the stay application on May 2, after hearing senior advocates Abhishek M Singhvi and RS Cheema, who represented Rahul Gandhi. The case was subsequently closed for judgment. Senior Advocate Nirupam Nanavati made submissions on behalf of the complainant Purnesh Modi, a former BJP MLA. The Gujarat Government also opposed Rahul Gandhi’s plea, with Public Prosecutor Mithesh Amin presenting their arguments.

The criminal defamation case was filed over a remark made by Gandhi during the 2019 Lok Sabha campaign. Referring to persons like Lalit Modi, and Nirav Modi, Rahul Gandhi had asked “Why do all thieves have the same surname?.”

‘Rahul’s statement targeted the entire Modi community’

After BJP MLA and former Gujarat minister Purnesh Modi accused Rahul Gandhi of defaming the entire Modi community with his comment, a criminal defamation case was filed against Gandhi. Subsequently, on March 23, 2023, the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrates in Surat found Rahul Gandhi guilty and sentenced him to 2 years imprisonment, resulting in his disqualification as a member of Lok Sabha. However, his sentence was suspended on the same day, and he was granted bail, allowing him to file an appeal against his conviction within 30 days.

On April 3, Rahul Gandhi approached the Surat Sessions Court to challenge his conviction and requested a stay on the verdict. However, his plea for a stay was rejected on April 20. Nonetheless, the Surat Sessions Court granted him bail until his appeal is resolved.

‘Cheating is not cool’: Twitter may take Meta to court over copycat Threads App while users flag issues of censoring

Since Instagram’s parent company Meta launched Threads, a text-based social media app on July 5th, it has sparked debate about its resemblance to Twitter—the Elon Musk-owned social media platform. Now Twitter has threatened to sue Meta accusing it of “systematic, wilful, and unlawful misappropriation of Twitter’s trade secrets and other intellectual property.”

In a letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Alex Spiro, a lawyer for Twitter, stated “Twitter has substantial concerns that Meta Platforms has engaged in systematic, deliberate, and unlawful misappropriation of Twitter’s trade secrets and other intellectual property.”

The letter accessed by Semafor goes on to claim that Meta has hired “dozens” of former Twitter employees who still have access to Twitter’s trade secrets and other confidential information. Twitter these employees of “improperly retaining Twitter documents and electronic devices.”

The Twitter attorney minces no words clearly calling Meta’s Threads application a “copycat”. Spiro alleged that Meta tasked its ex-Twitter employees to develop copycat Threads app “using Twitter’s trade secrets and  other intellectual property in order to accelerate the development of Meta’s competing app.”

Twitter further accused Meta of violating state and federal laws as well as the obligations of ex-Twitter employees now working at Meta. 

The letter also reiterates Twitter’s intention to vigorously enforce its intellectual property rights and requests that Meta take “immediate steps” to stop using “Twitter’s trade secrets or other highly confidential information.” Twitter also  stated that reserves the “right to seek both civil remedies and injunctive relief without further notice to prevent any further retention, disclosure, or use of its intellectual property by Meta.”

Furthermore, the letter prohibits Meta from scraping Twitter data, including user follower information. The letter concluded with Twitter telling Meta to “preserve any documents that  could be Twitter, Meta and former Twitter employees who now work at Meta.”

Meta communications director refutes claims on ex-Twitter employees working at Meta

Meta has responded to the allegations leveled by Twitter that its ex-employees are working at Meta. Andy Stone, Meta’s communications director in a Threads post stated, “To be clear: No one on the Threads engineering team is a former Twitter employee — that’s just not a thing.” 

Elon Musk accuses Meta of “cheating”

In response to a tweet about Twitter’s plans to sue Meta, Twitter owner Elon Musk made it clear that competition is acceptable however, “cheating” is not. 

“Competition is fine, cheating is not,” Musk tweeted on Friday. 

To delete the Threads app, users must delete Instagram

Threads, Twitter’s latest rivals after Mastodan, Bluesky etc had people trying out the application with many not liking it and trying to delete their Threads account. However, users attempting to delete their account and quit the new app cannot do so without also deleting their Instagram account, as the two are linked.

This apparently seems like a strategy as Instagram is a popular platform and not many would actually quit the app just to delete Threads. It is pertinent to note that since Instagram and Threads are linked, to have an account on Threads, the user must already have an Instagram profile.

“Your Threads profile is part of your Instagram account and may be deleted at any time by deleting your Instagram account,” according to the app’s Supplemental Privacy Policy.

Many took to Twitter to complain about the same and accused Meta of trapping the users by linking Threads to Instagram profiles.

“We can’t delete our threads account without deleting our ig?? they knew ppl would instantly hate it so they made it a saw trap,” one user tweeted.

“Installed threads just to see what it is all about and this mf trapped us all, can’t even delete the account now,” another one wrote.

“I want to delete my Threads ac but now I can’t,” another Threads user complained about the issue on Twitter.

Netizens accuse Meta of censorship 

Just hours after its launch Threads has invited controversy as many users have alleged that the newly-introduced app is curbing free speech. Many users complained that their Thread posts critical of the US government were removed in a blatant attempt at censorship. 

A Twitter user shared a screen grab of a removed Thread about the recent discovery of cocaine in the West Wing of the White House. The said Thread was found to be in violation of the community guidelines of the app, much like Instagram.

A person who goes by the username DC Draino tweeted that his Threads profile was flagged by independent “fact-checkers” for posting ‘fake news’. This came after he posted a Thread saying that he is ready to expose Joe Biden’s corrupt government.

“Just downloaded and signed up for the new Meta app “Threads” meant to imitate Twitter. I posted once about wanting to expose Biden’s corrupt government and they’ve already flagged me for censorship. Great platform Zuck,” Draino tweeted.

If users attempt to follow an account (as in the case of DC Draino) that has been flagged by Instagram and Threads, a pop-up will appear saying “Are you sure you want to follow (account name)?” followed by a warning that “This account has repeatedly posted false information that was reviewed by independent fact-checkers or went against our Community Guidelines.” 

“Threads by Zuck is just Twitter 1.0 censorship on steroids. It will never be a source of information. Zuck just wants it to “be nice,” one Wall Street Silver tweeted.

With Twitter and Meta at loggerheads, with the former accusing the latter of using its trade secrets and intellectual property through ex-Twitter employees, the proposed cage match between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg may actually happen in a courtroom.