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Muharram violence: Muslim mob lynch a Hindu man in Motihari; temple attacked in Katihar

OpIndia Staff
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Muharram violence: Muslim mob lynch a Hindu man in Motihari; temple attacked in Katihar

Inter-communal tensions flared up in Bihar‘s two districts during the Muharram procession on Sunday, 6th July, as Katihar and Motihari witnessed violence. In both regions, clashes during Muharram processions took a serious turn, resulting in stone pelting, property damage, and even loss of life. 

Hindu man killed in Motihari

A Muslim mob assaulted and killed Ajay Yadav while clashing with a group of Hindus during the Muharram procession in Mehsi block on the outskirts of Kothia Bazaar of Motihari on Sunday night. As per reports, tension already existed between the two groups within the locality. In the course of the procession, a quarrel broke out that soon developed into a brutal fight. 

Members of the Muslim community allegedly attacked with swords and sticks, news reports said. Ajay Yadav was hit in the neck with a sword and died on the spot. Two other Hindu individuals were seriously injured and are receiving treatment at SKMCH Hospital in Muzaffarpur.

A local named Vipin Baitha had already reported to the police that there could be violence. However, the administration failed to take preventive measures, which has sparked controversy over the negligence of the police.

Police arrived on the scene after the incident and arrested two suspects. SDPO is camping there, and police are trying to arrest other accused individuals. High tension continues in Kothia and surrounding villages.

Extra forces are deployed, and police are also keeping a check on internet usage in order to prevent the circulation of rumours. Flag marches are being held in order to keep peace intact.

Stone pelting during Muharram procession in Katihar

In another shocking incident, an aggressive episode took place in Katihar’s Naya Tola locality on the afternoon of Sunday, 6th July, during the Muharram procession. According to reports, some individuals in the procession began showering stones on the Mahavir Mandir of Ward Numbers 34 and 35 of the Nagar police station area.

This occurred at approximately 2 PM as the procession was walking past the temple. The first floor of the temple was hit by stones, and the assailants attempted to break the idols. Windows of nearby houses were broken, and two motorcycles and an ATM were also shattered.

When the news of the attack broke out, the locals came in huge numbers, and panic started emerging. Top officials like District Magistrate Manish Kumar Meena and SP Vaibhav Kumar Sharma immediately reached the spot along with a strong police force. 

The locality has now been made a police zone to avoid any further clashes. Former Deputy CM Tarkishore Prasad and MLC Ashok Agarwal also reached the spot. Police assert the matter is in hand, and further investigation continues.

Muharram violence in Bihar: Darbhanga ASI Stabbed during procession, clashes in multiple districts

Shriti Sagar
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Muharram violence in Bihar: Darbhanga ASI Stabbed during procession, clashes in multiple districts

Violence erupted late at night on Saturday, 5th July, in Bihar’s Darbhanga district during a Muharram procession when a youth reportedly stabbed a police officer. The incident occurred at around 11 PM in Khajasarai area under the Laheriasarai police station.

The police said that a group of young men were creating the disturbance on the road in the Muharram procession. When the police attempted to stop, an argument broke out. During the chaos, Sub-Inspector Amit Kumar slipped on the road. Seizing the opportunity, the accused, Mohammad Rabbani, took out a knife from his pocket and stabbed the officer on his left thigh.

Despite the injury, the officer, along with other police staff, was able to catch the attacker. Rabbani was brought to the police station, and Amit Kumar was admitted to DMCH (Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital).

Shortly after Rabbani’s detention, relatives of Rabbani barricaded the Laheriasarai-Baheri road in protest. They set the tyres on fire and held a demonstration for nearly an hour. No residents, however, joined the protest. 

Senior officers, such as SDO Vikas Kumar, SDPO Rajiv Kumar, Cyber DSP Rahul Kumar, and SHOs of Laheriasarai, Bahadurpur, Benta, Kotwali, and other units, rushed to the place along with QRT and SSB teams.

While police managed to clear the road, some protesters hurled stones at police officials. SHO Amit Kumar escaped injury by a whisker. Police have assured that action will be taken under the law against the people who obstructed the road and caused unrest.

This act is an addition to a series of violent incidents reported in Bihar this year during Muharram.

In another incident in the Muzaffarpur district, two groups belonging to different communities fought during a procession in Gaurihar under the Bariyarpur police station area. Two were injured. SSP Sushil Kumar said the altercation began after a heated argument between the two groups. 

At the same time, a bus mishap during a Muharram procession in Vaishali district sparked mob fury. A Mahadev bus hit two people near Chikanota despite the driver honking repeatedly. In anger, people in the procession forced passengers out and set the bus on fire. The situation was controlled after Durga Shakti, an SDPO of Mahua, and local police rushed to the spot.

China used its embassies to undermine Rafale sales post Operation Sindoor: French intel agencies

OpIndia Staff
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China used its embassies to undermine Rafale sales post Operation Sindoor: French intel agencies

In a startling revelation that underscores the intensity of global geopolitical rivalry. French intelligence agencies have uncovered a coordinated Chinese campaign, using its embassies and diplomatic channels, to undermine the global reputation and sales of Dassault Aviation’s Rafale fighter jets following India’s high profile Operation Sindoor in May 2025. The revelations come as France’s flagship fighter faces a barrage of disinformation, much of it traced to Chinese diplomatic efforts and amplified by Pakistani narratives.

China’s disinformation offensive

According to French intelligence reports, Chinese defence attachés stationed in embassies worldwide spearheaded a targeted effort to dissuade countries especially those in Asia and Africa from purchasing or expanding orders of the Rafale. Countries like Indonesia, which had already signed contracts for the French jet, were specifically lobbied to reconsider their procurement plans in favor of Chinese-made aircraft. This campaign includes:

•Dissemination of manipulated images, AI-generated videos, and even video-game footage purporting to show downed Rafale jets.
•Social media operations designed to amplify doubts about the Rafale’s combat performance during the India-Pakistan conflict.
•Direct diplomatic pressure on countries considering Rafale purchases, promoting Chinese alternatives as superior.

Operation Sindoor and the Pakistani narrative

French intelligence sources also noted that Pakistan played a key role in reinforcing false narratives about the Rafale’s performance during Operation Sindoor. In the days following the operation, multiple Pakistani media outlets and social media influencers began circulating unverified claims that the Indian Air Force had lost at least two Rafales during the cross-border strikes despite no visual evidence, official acknowledgment, or satellite confirmation.

However, these claims have been robustly dismissed by both Indian officials and Dassault Aviation, the Rafale’s manufacturer. No independent evidence has emerged to substantiate Pakistan’s assertions, and Indian defence sources have labelled the narrative as baseless propaganda.

Air Marshal AK Bharti, speaking after Operation Sindoor, declined to confirm any Rafale losses, while Dassault CEO Eric Trappier categorically called the claims “inaccurate,” reaffirming the fighter’s reliability and effectiveness. Defence analysts in India and France have similarly pointed to the absence of verifiable proof supporting Pakistan’s statements.

A coordinated China-Pakistan strategy?

French officials believe Pakistan’s rapid push to publicise unverified claims of Rafale losses may have been an extension of China’s broader strategy to erode confidence in the French jet and promote Chinese military exports. The timing and scale of the information campaign combining diplomatic, media, and online tactics suggest a coordinated effort to shift the regional arms balance and diminish France’s growing defence ties in Asia.

French responce

Paris has strongly rejected the disinformation, emphasising the Rafale’s proven combat record and strategic value. French authorities see the campaign as a direct challenge to France’s defence industry and its role as a security partner in the Indo-Pacific. China, for its part, has denied the allegations, calling them “groundless rumours and slander”.

The episode highlights the growing use of information warfare and diplomatic influence in the global arms market, as major powers vie for both commercial and strategic advantage.

Conclusion

As India and France deepen their military partnership in the Indo-Pacific, the fallout from Operation Sindoor continues to echo. With Beijing accused of turning diplomacy into a tool of disinformation and Islamabad amplifying those narratives, the battle over the Rafale has moved from the skies to the shadows where perception is power, and the truth must fly faster than the lies.

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind approaches multiple HCs to stop the release of Udaipur Files, movie based on murder of Kanhaiya Lal: Read how this outfit has a history of defending Islamic terrorists

OpIndia Staff
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Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind approaches multiple HCs to stop the release of Udaipur Files, movie based on murder of Kanhaiya Lal: Read how this outfit has a history of defending Islamic terrorists

On Saturday (5th July), the President of the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Arshad Madani, stirred the hornet’s nest after he informed that the Islamic outfit had filed petitions in several High Courts to prevent the release of the movie ‘Udaipur Files Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder.’

The movie is based on the gruesome killing of Kanhaiya Lal, a tailor in Udaipur, on 28th June 2022 by Islamic terrorists Muhammad Riyaz Attari and Muhammad Ghaus. Lal had extended support to former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma in the aftermath of so-called ‘blasphemy’ allegations against her.

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, which has a history of protecting terrorists, objected to a movie based on the life of Kanhaiya Lal and his eventual murder by two Islamic terrorists. It has approached the High Courts of Delhi, Gujarat and Maharashtra to stop the release of ‘Udaipur Files Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder.’

Screengrab of the tweet by Arshad Madani

The development was confirmed by the President of the Islamic outfit, Arshad Madani. He also dog-whistled against the makers of the ‘Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder’, claiming that ‘the film’ carried ‘blasphemous’ remarks about Prophet Muhammad.

“The film’s trailer includes the controversial statement made by Nupur Sharma, which had not only set the entire country on fire but also caused adverse impact on the friendly relations of our country with other nations – damaging the image of our great nation at the global stage, and then forced the BJP to expel her from the party,” Madani brazened out.

He also made veiled threats about Muslims unleashing mayhem and creating a law and order crisis across the country if the film is released.

Arshad Madani remarked, “The trailer presents objectionable remarks against the Prophet of Islam ﷺ and his holy wives, which could disturb peace and public order in the country. The film portrays Deoband as a hub of extremism and uses extremely inflammatory language against its scholars (Ulama).“

He claimed that the film maligned the Muslim community and promoted hatred. The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind President also whined about references made in the film about the Gyanvapi Mosque, an illegal structure built on the Vishweshwar temple.

“Such content is a violation of the fundamental rights granted under Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Indian Constitution,” Arshad Madani concluded.

Udaipur Files: What we know about it

The ‘Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder’ is set to hit the theatres on Friday (11th July). The movie features actor Vijay Raaz in the lead role.

Other actors including Rajneesh Duggal, Preeti Jhangiani, Kamlesh Sawant, Kanchi Singh, Mushtaq Khan are part of the film.

Bharat S Shrinate is the director and writer of the film, which is based on the murder of Udaipur tailor Kanhaiya Lal. The producer is Amit Jani, and the distributor is Reliance Entertainment.

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and its history of defending Islamic terrorists

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has a history of providing ‘legal services’ to Islamic terrorists. The legal cell, set up by Arshad Madani in 2007, takes up the cases and enlists lawyers to defend the terror accused in the courts.

According to a New Indian Express report, the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has offered its services to around 700 accused. What is worrying about such interventions is that they have been able to get acquittals of at least 192 terror accused since 2007.

Most of the acquittals have not come because they were found innocent; instead, they were being released due to technicality or lack of evidence or because of the poor investigation by the police.

The 7/11 Mumbai train blasts, the 2006 Malegaon blasts and the Aurangabad Arms cases were some of the initial cases that were taken up by the JUH legal cell. Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind had also defended the accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case, the 2011 Mumbai triple blasts case, Mulund blast case, Gateway of India blasts case.

On its website, the JUH has listed the terror-related cases it is fighting on behalf of the accused Muslims.

In 2013, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind had provided free legal aid to Indian Mujahedeen terrorist Mirza Himayat Baig, who was accused in the German Bakery bomb blast case. The Indian Mujahideen terrorist was sentenced to death by a Pune court on April 18, 2013, along with co-accused Yasin Bhatkal.

Some of the other cases in which Jamiat has come forward to provide legal aid to terror-accused:

  • Lashkar Connection Case (Abdul Rahman V/s State SLP)
  • ISIS conspiracy case Kochi (State of Kerala v/s Arshi Qureshi & others)
  • ISIS conspiracy case Mumbai (Arshi Qurashi & others v/s State of Maharashtra)
  • ISIS conspiracy case (State of Rajasthan v/s Sirajuddin)
  • 26/11 Mumbai attack case (Syed Zabiuddin v/s State of Maharashtra)
  • Chinnaswamy Stadium Bomb Blast Case (State V/s Qatil Siddiqui and others)
  • Jungli Maharaj Road Pune Bomb blast case (A.T.S. v/s Asad Khan & others)
  • Indian Mujahideen Case (Maharashtra VS Afzal Usmani & others)
  • Zaveri Bazar Serial Blast (State v/s Azaz Shaikh and others)
  • SIMI conspiracy case (Madhya Pradesh) State V/S Irfan Muchale & others)
  • Jama Masjid Blast Case (Delhi State V/s Qateel Siddqui Others)
  • Indian Mujahideen conspiracy case (State vs. Yasin Bhatkal & others) Ahmedabad Serial Blast Case 2008 (State V/s Jahid & Others)

In addition to supporting the terror-accused, the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind had recently stoked a controversy by extending all possible legal and financial aid to the killers of Hindu leader Kamlesh Tiwari, who was brutally assassinated in his office in Lucknow.

The Jamiat had said that it is willing to bear all the legal costs and had also offered the head of their legal cell to defend the five accused in the Kamlesh Tiwari murder.

In June 2021, the Deoband-based organisation had also deputed its lawyers to defend alleged Al-Qaeda terrorists in Uttar Pradesh. The organisation had declared that it would provide legal assistance to the two terror suspects.

In February 2022, it came to the rescue of 49 terrorists, who were convicted for planning and executing 21 bomb blasts in Ahmedabad that killed nearly 56 innocent people.

Well, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has every right to defend convicts and accused that it perceives were implicated on false charges.

However, when it jumps to the rescue of those charged with terrorism, including convicts who have a watertight case against them, it is essentially sending a message to all radical elements that no matter what, they will continue to support them regardless of their culpability.

Mann govt to introduce new sacrilege bill in Punjab: Protecting faith or legitimising violent fanatics who lynch and harass people over dubious allegations

Anurag
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Mann govt to introduce new sacrilege bill in Punjab: Protecting faith or legitimising violent fanatics who lynch and harass people over dubious allegations

On the surface, an anti-sacrilege bill may appear to be a step to protect religious sentiments. However, when such bills are examined more closely, they open a dangerous legal doorway to embolden vigilantes, legitimise mob violence, and erode the constitutional framework of justice and due process. On 5th July, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann, met representatives of the Sarb Dharam Beadbi Rokko Kanoon Morcha during which he announced that a new bill would be introduced in the Punjab Assembly against sacrilege.

The bill proposes life imprisonment and potentially even the death penalty for those accused of desecrating religious scriptures, which include the Guru Granth Sahib, Quran, Bible and Bhagavad Gita. In a statement, Mann argued that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is silent on scripture desecration and hence it is necessary to bring a special state law. Notably, two such bills have been pending since 2018 for the President’s approval.

Mann has called a special session of the Punjab Assembly on 10th and 11th July to table the bill. The Cabinet is expected to clear the bill before the session. Sacrilege is a major political issue in the state of Punjab, and by reviving it, Mann has set foot on a slippery slope.

Pakistan’s blasphemy model – a cautionary tale

While Punjab is looking at a possible anti-sacrilege act, provided the Mann government manages to get approval from the President, it has to be noted that such acts have far-reaching consequences. Pakistan is a textbook example of what happens when a state writes laws on religion not as protection, but as punishment.

Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are based on colonial laws which were later Islamised by Zia-ul-Haq in the 1980s. Sections 295 to 298 of the Pakistan Penal Code or PPC deal with so-called blasphemy. While the laws are supposed to protect religious sentiments, misuse of the laws has led to a wave of lynchings, murders, and wrongful imprisonments, most often without evidence. These laws have been used to settle personal vendettas as well.

For instance, in Pakistan’s Sialkot in 2021, a Sri Lankan factory manager, Priyantha Kumara, was lynched and set ablaze by a mob for allegedly tearing a poster with Quranic verses. The allegations were later found to be baseless.

In 2023, over 20 churches and dozens of Christian homes were torched following an unverified claim that pages of the Quran were desecrated.

In May 2024, a Christian man was stoned to death by a mob for allegedly desecrating the Quran in Sargodha. His family insisted he was mentally unstable.

In all the cases, there was no due process, no proof, and just an accusation that led to an unfortunate death. Human rights groups, though sounding like a joke when it comes to Pakistan, have repeatedly called for the repeal of these laws. Pakistan’s own HRCP has called for the same. However, the damage caused by such laws has been institutionalised.

India is not far behind – mob justice over “hurt sentiments”

India too has witnessed disturbing incidents that reflect a similar pattern. Over the last decade, several people have been assaulted, killed, or harassed over unverified claims of sacrilege or disrespect to religion. With this new bill, the state of Punjab risks formalising this outrage culture.

For instance, in December 2021, a man was lynched inside the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar for allegedly attempting sacrilege. No legal process was followed. The mob acted as judge, jury and executioner.

In the same month, just days after the Golden Temple incident, another man was killed by a mob on mere suspicion of sacrilege in Kapurthala. Later, the police confirmed that no desecration had occurred. Yet, the man was already dead.

A labourer was killed by Nihang Sikhs at the Singhu border during the farmer protests in October 2021, claiming the man attempted sacrilege. His mutilated dead body was hung at the border as a warning to others.

Similar cases have happened in other states as well. For example, in June 2022, tailor Kanhaiya Lal was brutally murdered by radical Islamists for a social media post. His killers filmed the act and justified it as “blasphemy revenge”.

In all the cases, the lynching occured without concrete evidence. The mob acted before the law could take its course. Imagine a legal system that now gives these mobs the power to claim legitimacy through legislation. This opens the possibility that individuals may face severe punishment, including life imprisonment or even death, based on mere accusations

Dangerously vague definitions, dangerous implications

The real problem with such laws is not just in their intent. The issue is how they are defined and enforced. How does the law or the people enforcing it define “sacrilege”? Is tearing a religious book blasphemy? Can quoting scriptures in a debate lead to a complaint under the new law? Is drawing cartoons going to become a blasphemy act, or will posting memes fall under the purview?

When laws are not clear and well-defined or have loopholes, vagueness becomes a weapon. There is no technological or forensic method to prove someone’s intent, whether complainant or accused, in these cases. When sentiments run high, facts become irrelevant. It becomes all too easy for a neighbour, business rival, or a political opponent to level an accusation and let the mob or the police handle the rest. The case may go on for years, even decades, while the accused, even if he or she has done nothing, will live looking over the shoulder for the rest of their life.

Constitutional clash – a state law against a secular spirit

While the Mann government insists the matter lies in the Concurrent List, which gives states the right to legislate, the bill, if it becomes law, will possibly be in violation of Articles 14 (equality), 19 (free speech), and 21 (right to life) of the Constitution of India.

Moreover, BNS Sections 298 and 299 already deal with religious insults. Under these two sections, jail terms of up to two and three years have been prescribed respectively. It reflects a balanced approach. However, the proposed Punjab bill seeks capital punishment. This disproportionate leap raises fundamental legal questions.

If passed, it may be challenged in the courts. However, it will set a precedent for other states to follow, which they may do out of compulsion of vote bank politics.

Conclusion

CM Mann claimed his bill protects the faithful. However, it is the citizens who need protection first. The Punjab government is reviving the dangerous idea of criminalising “hurt sentiments”. So far, there is no clarity if it is going to be a blanket law or will have watertight definitions.

Punjab, a state under extreme financial burden, needs investment in education, de-radicalisation, police reforms, and fast-track courts for real crimes. There is no need to empower the vigilantes with legal muscle.

There is no need for another headline “accused of sacrilege, lynched by mob”. Justice must not be buried. The state must not surrender to populist pressures or allow legal systems to be shaped by emotion over evidence.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh inaugurates Phenome India ‘National Biobank’ and India’s own Longitudinal Population Data study, says personalised treatment regimens will be reality in future

ANI
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Union Minister Jitendra Singh inaugurates Phenome India ‘National Biobank’ and India’s own Longitudinal Population Data study, says personalised treatment regimens will be reality in future

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Vice President of CSIR, Dr. Jitendra Singh, inaugurated the state-of-the-art Phenome India “National Biobank” at the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) in the capital today.

The newly launched facility marks a significant stride towards building India’s own longitudinal health database and enabling personalised treatment regimens in future.

The Biobank will serve as the backbone of a nationwide cohort study, collecting comprehensive genomic, lifestyle, and clinical data from 10,000 individuals across India. Drawing inspiration from the UK Biobank model, the Indian version is tailored to capture the country’s unique diversity—across geography, ethnicity, and socio-economic backgrounds. Researchers believe the initiative will aid early diagnosis, improve therapeutic targeting, and bolster the fight against complex diseases such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular ailments, and rare genetic disorders.

“Today, we hold the promise of a future where every Indian may receive individualised treatment tailored to their genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environment,” Dr. Jitendra Singh said while addressing the scientists and researchers at IGIB. “This transition to personalised healthcare is no longer theoretical—it is becoming reality, driven by indigenous innovations.”

Reflecting on the unique health challenges faced by Indians, Dr. Jitendra Singh noted the high prevalence of central obesity, a risk factor often underestimated. He highlighted past research showing that seemingly lean Indians may carry disproportionate fat around their waist, underlining the need for population-specific health strategies. “Our conditions are complex and deeply heterogeneous. This is where the Biobank becomes vital—it allows us to decode that complexity,” he said.

The Minister emphasised that India’s scientific landscape is evolving rapidly, citing recent advances in quantum technology, CRISPR-based genome editing, and the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). “India is no longer lagging behind—we are among the early adopters, sometimes even ahead,” he said. The Biobank, he added, will complement these efforts by generating the kind of high-resolution data that can power AI-driven diagnostics and gene-guided therapies.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also called for deeper collaboration between research institutions, government departments like the Department of Biotechnology, and industry partners, particularly in areas such as AMR and drug development. “Research must extend beyond the lab—it must find takers in the market and beneficiaries in society,” he noted.

The Phenome India Project, under which the Biobank has been launched, is designed to be a long-term, data-rich study tracking the health trajectories of individuals over several years. It will help scientists uncover disease patterns, gene-environment interactions, and response to therapies—all within the Indian context.

Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary, DSIR, commended the launch of the Biobank as a bold step toward India’s self-reliance in healthcare data. Describing the initiative as a “baby step” with the potential to evolve into a global benchmark, she noted that the diversity and depth of the Indian cohort data could one day rival or even surpass global counterparts like the UK Biobank. Dr. Kalaiselvi highlighted CSIR’s holistic efforts in areas like sickle cell anaemia through indigenous CRISPR-based therapies, affordable diagnostics, and collaborative interventions with tribal communities, while urging IGIB scientists to continue setting national examples in data-driven, people-centric research.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Souvik Maiti, Director of CSIR-IGIB, reflected on the institute’s pioneering role in genomics over the past two decades. “We were the first institute in India to begin decoding the human genome at a time when sequencing tools were practically non-existent,” he said. Highlighting achievements such as the development of over 300 genetic diagnostics for rare disorders, extensive work on COVID-19 genome sequencing, and the launch of India’s first drug genome project, he emphasised IGIB’s mission of using global technologies to solve local health challenges. Dr. Maiti also pointed to ongoing work on women-centric studies, breast cancer genomics, and the development of indigenous CRISPR-based therapies for sickle cell disease, adding that IGIB’s research now extends to domains like space biology and AI-based pilot fitness assessments in collaboration with the Indian Air Force.

BRICS nations voice serious concerns about unilateral imposition of tariffs and non-tariff measures by US violating WTO rules, issue joint statement at Rio de Janeiro summit

ANI
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BRICS nations voice serious concerns about unilateral imposition of tariffs and non-tariff measures by US violating WTO rules, issue joint statement at Rio de Janeiro summit

The Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) of the BRICS nations have voiced “serious concerns” about the unilateral imposition of tariffs and non-tariff measures, in apparent reference to the US, which they deemed inconsistent with World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules.

In a joint statement following their first meeting under Brazil’s chairmanship on Saturday, the Group emphasised the resilience of the BRICS nations–Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa–along with new members in the face of these challenges and pledged to safeguard a non-discriminatory, open, fair, inclusive, equitable, and rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, underscoring a collective commitment to global economic stability.

“The global economy and financial markets have increasingly been subject to elevated uncertainty and bouts of intense volatility. We voiced our serious concerns with the unilateral imposition of trade- and finance-related actions, including the raising of tariffs and non-tariff measures, which distort trade and are inconsistent with World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules,” the statement read.

“In this testing environment, BRICS members have demonstrated resilience and will continue to cooperate among themselves and with other countries to safeguard and strengthen the nondiscriminatory, open, fair, inclusive, equitable, transparent, and rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, avoiding trade wars that could plunge the global economy into recession or further prolong subdued growth,” it added.

The statement from the BRICS members comes amidst a challenging global economic context marked by heightened uncertainty and volatility, as the deadline date of the 90-day pause on reciprocal tariff escalations announced by US President Donald Trump approaches, after the initial announcement of these punitive measures on April 2. The 90-day pause in reciprocal tariffs ends on July 9.

Under current inflationary conditions, the ministers reaffirmed their dedication to central banks’ price stability mandates, confident that responsible monetary policies benefit all stakeholders.

“Collectively, we will continue to pursue constructive and active engagement in international financial institutions and a rules-based multilateral trading system to meet the needs of developing countries and advance intra-BRICS cooperation to further the development and resilience of our economies,” they stated.

The statement also addressed the need to de-escalate trade tensions, promote balanced global growth, and foster inclusive economic globalisation.

“We will cooperate to facilitate the de-escalation of trade tensions, including by reinforcing solidarity and promoting strong, sustainable, and more balanced global growth, fostering a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation,” it noted.

Additionally, the BRICS nations committed to enhancing coordination between debtors and creditors to address debt issues in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs) from a development perspective, ensuring fair and constructive solutions.

In their joint statement, BRICS member nations have called on advanced economies and the international financial system to provide “substantial” finance for climate mitigation in developing economies.

“…We call on advanced economies and other relevant actors in the international financial system as well as the private sector to provide substantial finance for climate actions in developing countries, including by expanding concessional finance and increasing private capital mobilization,” Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of the BRICS countries have said in a joint statement Sunday, just ahead of the Summit.

“Given the significant adaptation needs of EMDEs (Emerging Market and Developing Economies), we call on international financial institutions to scale up support for adaptation and to help create an enabling environment that encourages greater private sector participation in mitigation efforts,” the joint statement continued.

BRICS members acknowledge the need to address structural challenges stemming from climate change and energy transitions, biodiversity and nature conservation, among others.

“We reaffirm that predictable, equitable, accessible, and affordable climate finance is indispensable for just transitions, in line with country circumstances and development priorities, and for meeting the goals of the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement,” the joint statement read.

India, a BRICS member, has always been vocal about climate finance arrangements, primarily from the developed countries that are huge carbon emitters. India continued to be vocal about the need for adequate finance, particularly for the Global South.

Climate finance typically refers to any financing that seeks to support mitigation and adaptation actions that will address climate change.

Developing countries have been of the view that developed nations bear a greater historical responsibility for emissions and should take the lead in mitigation and finance.

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

Assam CM inaugurates new flyover in Guwahati named after Mahabharata era king Bhagadatta, completed in 9 months against estimated 18 months

OpIndia Staff
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Assam CM inaugurates new flyover in Guwahati named after Mahabharata era king Bhagadatta, completed in 9 months against estimated 18 months

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday evening inaugurated new flyover in Guwahati. The four-lane, 660 metre flyover has been constructed to remove traffic congestion on GS Road in the Rukminigaon area of the city, and is between the existing flyovers at Super Market and Six Mile.

Notably, a day ahead of the inauguration, the government decided to name two flyovers in the area, the new one along with the Supermarket flyover, after Maharabharat era king Bhagadatta. The old flyover has named Bhagadatta 1, while the new one will be called Bhagadatta 2.

Talking about the decision, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “King Bhagadatta, son of Narakasura, was a king of ancient Kamrup. There has been a long-standing demand from the Kalita community to honour him. These names will serve as a tribute to our glorious past while also serving present-day commuters.”

Bhagadatta was the son of Asura king Narakasura, who had established the kingdom of Pragjyotishpur. After he was killed by Krishna, his son Bhagadatta succeeded him. Bhagadatta is most famous for taking part in the Kurukshetra War in Mahabharata from the side of Kauravas. As per the epic, he had contributed one Akshauhini of the troops, including a big contingent of elephants.

King Bhagadatta had killed several major warriors from the Pandavas side, before he was eventually killed by Arjuna. Bhagadatta’s son Vajradatta became the king of Pragjyotisha after his death. Apart from Mahabharata, legends of Narakasura and Bhagadatta are also narrated in Kalika Purana, Harshacharita, and other Puranas and scriptures.

Bhagadatta 2 flyover is a testament to the current BJP government’s accelerated push toward urban transformation, as it was completed in record nine months. As per the tender document, the project was to be completed in 18 months, but it was completed in half the period. The work started in the last part of September 2024, and was completed by the end of June 2025.

The project costing around ₹112 crore was undertaken by local contractor Anil Das under the guidance of Assam PWD. Of the total cost, ₹88 crore was allocated for core construction, while the remaining amount went toward finishing works and allied infrastructure.

The flyover crosses over the stretch of GS Road passing through the Rukminigaon point, which gets flooded every time it rains in the area. The place also sees bumper to bumper traffic around the year, and is expected to provide much needed relief to commuters. There are be parking facilities beneath the flyover and streetlights on top.

Stone pelting, stick fights, targeted assaults and more: Violence erupt in Muharram processions across the country

पूजा राणा
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Stone pelting, stick fights, targeted assaults and more: Violence erupt in Muharram processions across the country

Muharram processions are being taken out across the country. Disputes are now emerging regarding these processions. There have been incidents of fighting in many places. There have been complaints of arbitrary permissions and abuse in some places. In view of this, the local administration is on alert and heavy security forces have been deployed.

The controversy over the permission of the Muharram procession at Kumbalgarh Fort in Rajsamand, Rajasthan has been going on for five days. Muslim organisations are adamant about taking out the Muharram procession, while Hindu organisations are opposing it.

Hindu organisations say that if they do not get permission to go to the fort on Hanuman Jayanti and Maharana Pratap Jayanti, then Ta’zieh should not be allowed on Muharram as well. On 5th July, Hindu organizations and traders protested by closing the market. A heavy security force has been deployed at the spot.

Violence in Raebareli, UP

There was a fierce controversy during the Muharram procession taken out without permission in Kudha village ofRaebareli, UP on Friday, 4th July. The procession was being taken out from outside the houses. The protesters also raised objectionable slogans. When people objected, Muslims became furious and started violence.

They attacked with sticks and weapons. The attackers broke 4 bikes, an auto and a tractor. The police have registered a case against 150 people including Sajid Ali, Sonu, Phoolbabu, Attu, Amroj, and Shabbir, all residents of Fazil village, under various sections including assault, and vandalism.

Raja Bhaiya’s father detained in Kunda.

Thirteen people, including Raja Uday Pratap Singh, father of former cabinet minister Raja Bhaiya, were put under house arrest in Kunda, Uttar Pradesh, to maintain peace before Muharram.

He has been placed under house arrest from 5 am on Saturday, 5th July to 9 pm on Sunday 6th July. The Kunda administration has been taking this action since 2016.

Security checks at railway stations

In view of Muharram, teams of RPF, GRP and LIU checked the security arrangements of the railways. Luggage and suspicious items of passengers were searched in Demu train number 75117 at Anandnagar railway station.

Security forces also questioned the suspects and appealed to the passengers to report any suspicious items immediately

BJP leader assaulted in Maharajganj

BJP leader Shiv Bhushan Chaubey was assaulted during a Muharram procession in Maharajganj, UP. While he was returning home, the crowd surrounded him abused him and assaulted him.

The police reached the spot rescued the BJP leader and detained three people.

Islamic radicals were seen wearing Palestinian t-shirts

Apart from this, earlier a case had come to light from Srinagar that people were seen roaming around with Palestinian flags in the name of Muharram procession, but now the news is that in Deoria too, a fundamentalist was seen wearing a Palestinian T-shirt in the name of procession, after which the police have taken him into custody.

Muslims clashed with each other in a procession in Azamgarh

Muslim youths clashed with each other during the Muharram procession in Bhuji village of Azamgarh. On one side Shahabuddin and on the other side Sahil, Sameer alias Saddam, Mehboob, Sajid, Sonu alias Sher Ali, Afzal and unknown people were attacked with sticks and sharp weapons. 7 people were injured.

Police say the dispute started after slogans against each other. The police reached the spot and pacified the dispute. Following the complaint of Shahabuddin, 6 people from both sides have been arrested for spreading violence in the case.

Bloody clash at Sealdah railway station in Kolkata

Many Muslim youths armed with swords boarded the local train at the Sealdah railway station in Kolkata. They seriously injured a man while waving a weapon. In the video of the incident, the person can be seen covered in blood. At the same time, blood was seen at various places at the railway station.

The incident took place before Muharram, in which Shia Muslims wave swords and other deadly weapons in memory of the Battle of Karbala.

This is not the first time such a situation has been seen. There are reports of bloodshed and stone pelting every year in Muharram. Hindu festivals are also targeted by violent crowds of Muslims.

Islamic radicals seen wearing Palestinian t-shirt

Apart from this, earlier the case came to light from Srinagar that people carrying Palestinian flags in the name of Muharram procession have been seen but now there is news that in Deoria too, a radical procession in the name of the procession was seen wearing a Palestinian T-shirt, after which the police have detained him.

Muslims clashed with each other in a procession in Azamgarh

Muslims clashed with each other during the Muharram procession in Bhuji village of Azamgarh. On one side Shahabuddin and on the other side Sahil, Sameer alias Saddam, Mehboob, Sajid, Sonu alias Sher Ali, Afzal and unknown people were attacked with sticks and sharp weapons. 7 people were injured.

Police said the dispute broke out after they raised slogans against each other. Police reached the spot and pacified the dispute. Following Shahabuddin’s complaint, 6 people from both sides of the case have been arrested on charges of spreading violence.

Bloody clash at Sealdah railway station in Kolkata

Many Muslim youths armed with swords boarded the local train at the Sealdah railway station in Kolkata. They seriously injured a man while brandishing a weapon. In the video of the incident, the person can be seen covered in blood. At the same time, blood was seen at various places at the railway station.

The incident took place before Muharram, in which Shia Muslims wave swords and other deadly weapons in memory of the Battle of Karbala.

This is not the first time such a situation has been seen. Every year during Muharram, there are reports of bloodshed and stone pelting. Hindu festivals are also targeted by violent mobs of Muslims.

Tejashwi Yadav hails Shahabuddin to appease Muslim community ahead of Bihar election: Here is everything you need to know about the late gangster-criminal

Aditi
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Tejashwi Yadav hails Shahabuddin to appease Muslim community ahead of Bihar election: Here is everything you need to know about the late gangster-criminal

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejwashi Yadav remembered dreaded gangster and former RJD MP Mohammed Shahabuddin during the Foundation Day event of his party. Hailing the gangster, who died of COVID-19 in 2021, Yadav raised slogans “Shahabuddin Ji Zindabad” in his speech during the event.

Yadav also went to meet Shahabuddin’s family and was welcomed by Shahabuddin’s son Osama. As the Bihar Assembly elections are approaching, it is not difficult to guess why Yadav suddenly came to remember Shahabuddin, whose name was once synonymous with terror in the Siwan district of Bihar. The move is intended to attract Muslim votes as the RJD is trying to use all its cards in the upcoming elections.

Shahabuddin, who enjoyed the protection of Lalu Yadav during the Jungle Raj, ran a parallel administration in the Siwan district. He gained entry into the world of politics under Lalu Yadav’s patronage as a member of the RJD’s youth wing. In 1990, he contested the Bihar Assembly elections and won. He repeated his electoral win in 1995 and won a Lok Sabha seat in 1996. His power and influence grew when the RJD came to power in Bihar in 1997. During the elections in his constituency of Siwan, opposition candidates did not even dare put up their posters.

At one point, he had such clout in the region that no authority or official could touch him despite so many criminal cases pending against him. He went on to become the most dreaded criminal in the state, as the police, whose hands were tied by the state government itself, watched as a mute spectator. Shahabuddin was so emboldened under Lalu Yadav’s administration that he did not hesitate to even attack the police personnel who challenged him. He was among the people, on whose shoulders Lalu Yadav established his ’empire of Junge ‘Jungle Raj’.

Shahabuddin’s reign of terror is marked by several incidents of kidnappings, extortion, and murders, some of which might not have even found a mention in the official records. Here are some of the incidents that stand out in Shahabuddin’s criminal history.

Killed two brothers by pouring acid on them

In one of the most horrifying acts committed by Shahabuddin, he killed two brothers in 2004 in Pratappur by pouring acid on them. On 16th August 2004, Satish Raj and Girish Raj, sons of Siwan businessman Chandrakeshwar Prasad, were abducted and brutally killed after being drenched in acid and later getting shot dead. The 3rd brother named Rajiv Roshan who had also been abducted, somehow managed to escape. But he being the sole eye-witness of the case was shot dead on June 16, 2014, three days before he was to appear in the court. They were killed for defending their property that Shahabuddin wanted to capture. Shahabuddin was later granted a life sentence in the case and was jailed after Nitish Kumar came to power in Bihar.

Shot at a police officer during the election

In 1996, Shahabuddin shot at IPS SK Singhal, who was then the Superintendent of Police, during the Lok Sabha elections. Singh came to arrest Shahabuddin for creating a ruckus at a polling booth. However, Singh had to escape to save his life after Shahabuddin fired several shots at him. A case was filed against Shahabuddin regarding the incident. And, later, he was sentenced to 10 years in jail.

Contested election from jail, killed workers of the opposite party

Shahabuddin was arrested months before the 2004 Lok Sabha elections, but he contested the elections from jail. However, imprisonment could not diminish his influence in his constituency. Over 500 booths were captured on the election day under his direction. He managed to win the election even after a re-poll.

His opponent in the election was then JD(U) candidate, Om Prakash Yadav, who gave him a tough competition. This did not go down well with Shahabuddin. Many JD(U) workers were killed after Shahabuddin won the election. The head of the village, where Yadav had secured more votes, was killed, and his house was set on fire.

In another case, Shahabuddin kidnapped and murdered a CPI(ML) leader, Chandrashekhar Prasad aka Chhote Lal Gupta, in 1999.

Slapped a DSP in full public view

In 2001, Shahabuddin slapped DSP Ashwini Kuma, who was present at one of the matriculation exam centres with a warrant against local RJD chief and a wanted criminal Manoj Kumar Pappu. Shahabuddin was present at the centre to provide “assistance” to one of his boys taking the exam. When DSP Kumar tried to nab Pappu, Shahbuddin slapped him in full public view. The media could not report the incident due to Shahabuddin’s fear.

Firing at the police team using Pakistan-made rifles

Following the slapping incident, a team of police led by then Siwan SP Bacchu Singh Meena, came to raid Shahabuddin’s residence in Pratappur. Teams of UP Police were also kept on standby. However, the police team was not prepared for what ensued. Shahabuddin’s men took the police team by surprise and launched an attack using AK-47 rifles. In a 10-hour-long gun battle, over 4000 rounds of bullets were fired, 3 policemen and 8 of Shahabuddin’s goons were killed. Several police vehicles were set ablaze.

When the police managed to enter his house, they were shocked to discover a huge cache of weapons, including Pakistan-made assault rifles, AK-47s, grenades, several 9 mm pistols, and ammunition. For this brave action, SP Bacchu Singh Meena, along with the local District Magistrate the next day. A matriculation exam, scheduled for the next day, was postponed for three days, and the entire district came to a halt.

Though, both Shahabuddin and the Jungle Raj are a thing of past now, but the Tejwashwi Yadav remembering the gangster before the assembly elections, is a reminder of the possibility that at least of one them could return.

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