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Madhya Pradesh High Court judge raises concern over misuse of SC/ST Act, says brokers get involved in such cases for compensation

OpIndia Staff
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Madhya Pradesh High Court judge raises concern over misuse of SC/ST Act, says brokers get involved in such cases for compensation

During a division-bench workshop on the SC/ST Act and its implementation held in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh High Court judge Vivek Agarwal raised concerns over the rampant misuse of this Act. He also expressed concern over the misuse of laws related to crimes against women.

Justice Agarwal, who was the chief guest at the event held on 12th January 2025, stressed the need for sincere investigation and honest prosecution of matters related to the SC/ST Act. He urged prosecution and police officials to investigate cases to thoroughly distinguish between genuine and false accusations. He said, “If we have the right, we also have the duty to ensure that an innocent person is not wrongfully punished. It is imperative to filter out inconsistencies and bring out the truth.” 

Justice Agrawal warned the public prosecution and police administration that there is a provision for compensation in the SC/ST Act. Therefore, as soon as such cases come to light, many middlemen also become active and trap innocent people in the name of getting compensation for the complainant. He highlighted how middlemen or brokers exploit the legal system by filing bogus cases under the SC/ST Act to procure compensation for the victims and then claim a share in the payout.

“Many times people are falsely implicated in SC/ST. Investigating officers should take care that in such cases innocent people are not implicated and the guilty should not escape. In this case, the administration, police and judiciary are lacking somewhere. Therefore, during the investigation, we should keep in mind that our credibility is not being damaged because of the middlemen. If we have the right, we also have the duty to ensure that an innocent person is not wrongfully punished. It is imperative to filter out inconsistencies and bring out the truth,” Justice Agarwal said.

In his speech, Justice Agarwal highlighted the case of two young men who were acquitted after serving six to seven years in prison for a false case and said, “The stigma of imprisonment ruins lives, making reintegration into society and finding employment nearly impossible. It is our responsibility to prevent such injustices.”

Justice Agarwal also expressed concern over the misuse of laws related to crimes against women, saying that false cases are being lodged to obtain compensation or to settle personal scores. He said,  “While crimes against women are grave and demand strict action, we must be vigilant against their misuse.”

UP: Islamists illegally occupied land after violence against Hindus in Sambhal in 1978, returned to rightful owners after 46 yrs by Yogi govt

OpIndia Staff
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UP: Islamists illegally occupied land after violence against Hindus in Sambhal in 1978, returned to rightful owners after 46 yrs by Yogi govt

After a long wait of 46 years, the family of Tulsiram, who lost their land during the violence against Hindus in 1978 in Sambhal, has finally received justice in a landmark development. On 14th January, the Sambhal administration facilitated the transfer of possession of 10,000 square feet of land back to Tulsiram’s family. Tulsiram, a member of the Mali community, was killed in the violence in 1978. His three sons along with their families had to leave the place.

Currently, a school called “Jannat Nisha” was running on this land which has now been returned to Tulsiram’s heirs. The transfer was carried out in cooperation with the Revenue Department and police administration under tight security. Reports said that Sambhal’s SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate) Vandana Mishra and ASP (Assistant Superintendent of Police) Shreesh Chandra conducted a survey of revenue records to determine the ground reality. The probe found that of the 15,000 square feet of land, 10,000 square feet actually belonged to Tulsiram’s family. The administration then handed over the ownership of the land to Tulsiram’s grandson Amrish Kumar and his family.

Throughout the process, the owner of Jannat Nisha School, Dr Mohammad Shawez, claimed that his father, Dr Zubair had purchased the property in 1976, that is, before the violence against Hindus. However, he could not provide sufficient evidence when the government demanded documented proof. A portion of the land was mistakenly identified as a fire station, among other irregularities in the land records that officials found. Vandana Mishra stated that more legal action would be carried out, highlighting that the documents had been manipulated and were recorded with malicious intent.

Amrish Kumar, Tulsiram’s grandson, pointed out that years of effort have led to justice and shared, “Our land was snatched from us and my grandfather was killed in the riots. We were informed that the land was no longer ours whenever we attempted to return. Justice has been served to us by the administration today.”

Asha Devi, a family member, elaborated, “We lost our temple in addition to our land. We suffered the loss of our identities and loved ones during the violence. For the first time, someone has actually paid attention to us.” It is important to note that valuable properties in prime areas were unlawfully occupied following the Sambhal violence against Hindus. The administration’s action is seen as a significant step in the fight against these illegal encroachments.

Affected families petitioned the government to restore their property rights after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath brought up the Sambhal violence in the state assembly. The government responded by giving Tulsiram’s family back 10,000 square feet of land after 46 years. Officials further disclosed that after the violence, Hindu families were compelled to leave their homes. The government has also made sure that Tulsiram’s family receives protection once they have reclaimed their land, to avoid any unfortunate event. Additionally, the authorities have made it clear that every complaint will be handled carefully and that the war against illegal encroachments will continue.

Pakistan PM orders probe into tragicomic Pakistan International Airlines advertisement announcing flight to Paris

ANI
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Pakistan PM orders probe into tragicomic Pakistan International Airlines advertisement announcing flight to Paris

After widespread backlash, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an inquiry into a controversial post by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on its official X handle, celebrating the resumption of Europe flights after a four-year break, Geo News reported.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar criticised the post while quoting the country’s chief executive during his address to the upper house of the parliament, as per Geo News.

In a post on X, PIA shared an image of a plane heading towards the Eiffel Tower with the French flag appearing in the background. “Paris, we are coming today,” read the caption.

The social media post was criticised online due to its resemblance to the 9/11 terror attacks in the United States. Nearly 3,000 people died when hijacked planes crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001, Geo News reported.

Addressing the parliament, Dar said, “The Prime Minister has directed [authorities] to investigate who conceived this ad. It is a stupidity,” Geo News quoted.

In addition to this, the deputy prime minister expressed concern over the caption of the post, as per Geo News.

The post from January 10 amassed over 21.2 million views.

PIA’s first flight to Paris PK 749 landed safely at CDG Airport Paris, after a gap of more than four years, ARY News reported.

The passengers, officials of PIA and Aviation and crew members were warmly received at the airport by Charge d’Affairs Huzefa Khanum along with Pakistani diaspora, as per ARY News.

Minister for Defence and Aviation, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, PIA acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Khurram Mushtaq and Secretary Aviation were present at Islamabad airport to see off the passengers in a simple ceremony.

After Pakistan started looking into a scandal involving the validity of pilots’ licenses following an aircraft accident that claimed 97 lives, the European Aviation Safety Agency revoked PIA’s permit to fly in the area, as per ARY News.

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

Delhi Excise Policy scam: Centre grants ED permission to prosecute Manish Sisodia, Kejriwal under PMLA Act

OpIndia Staff
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Delhi Excise Policy scam: Centre grants ED permission to prosecute Manish Sisodia, Kejriwal under PMLA Act

On Wednesday, 15th January, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) got permission from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to prosecute former Deputy CM of Delhi Manish Sisodia and former CM Arvind Kejriwal under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Permission has been granted to investigate their involvement in the alleged money laundering related to the liquor scam case.

As per the initial reports, the authorized permission comes a month after Lt Governor Delhi VK Saxena recommended that Kejriwal be prosecuted in the excise policy scam. To date, the ED has conducted searches in 245 locations across Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Mumbai in the given case. The permission also comes ahead of the Delhi elections scheduled in February 2025.

On 11th January, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) released its report on the Delhi government’s now-repealed excise policy. The CAG revealed that the policy resulted in a staggering Rs 2,026 crore loss to the public exchequer. Furthermore, the report highlighted significant lapses in policy implementation and stated that it was ultimately the taxpayers who paid the price of the mismanagement, while there are also allegations of kickbacks having benefited Aam Aadmi Party leaders.

Notably, the report suggested that at the core of the issue is the Group of Ministers (GoM) led by former Delhi minister Manish Sisodia. The CAG stated that the GoM disregarded recommendations from an expert panel. Furthermore, the decision-making process was marred by irregularities, which allowed all entities to bid for licenses despite documented complaints and financial weaknesses.

As reported earlier, violators of licensing conditions were not penalized, and there was a lack of transparency in pricing decisions, which added to the problem. Cabinet and Lieutenant Governor approvals were bypassed on several key matters, and excise rules, which should have been ratified by the Delhi Assembly, were kept from legislative scrutiny.

The CAG highlighted that the financial breakdown of the mismanagement in the excise policy by the AAP government led to a loss of Rs 2,026 crore, painting a grim picture. The failure of the ruling party to re-tender retail licenses surrendered mid-policy resulted in a loss of Rs 890 crore. Adding to the financial misery, the government granted exemptions to zonal licensees, which caused additional revenue depletion of Rs 941 crore. Furthermore, the government waived Rs 144 crore worth of license fees, which was “justified” under COVID-19 restrictions. This directly contradicted tender provisions that placed all commercial risks on licensees. To add to the woes, the incorrect collection of security deposits led to a Rs 27 crore loss.

It is crucial to note that Sisodia was jailed by the CBI in the case in 2023 and was granted bail in August 2024, following which he walked out of jail after 17 months. The bail was granted in cases filed by CBI and ED probing the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy.

Former CM Arvind Kejriwal also was granted bail by the Supreme Court in September 2024 in connection to the liquor policy scam case. The court meanwhile noted that the arrest of the Delhi Chief Minister was valid and that there was no illegality on the part of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Kejriwal was arrested in March last year and named in the chargesheet filed on May 17. The ED stated that the leader used a Rs 45 crore bribe of Rs 100 crore for AAP funding during the Goa elections. The ED said that Kejriwal was the brain behind the scam and controlled all the operations by the party.

Delhi Liquor policy scam case

At the heart of the controversy is the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-2022, which has been explained in 10 simple points.

  • 1. The liquor policy was first proposed in September 2020 but came into effect only in November 2021.
  • 2. It changed the manner in which alcohol was being sold in the National Capital. Introduced private players in the market and marked the exit of government-owned liquor vendors.
  • 3. Delhi was divided into 32 zones and a total of 27 private vendors were to ply in each zone. Every municipal ward had 2-3 liquor vendors operating in the area. 
  • 4. Proposals such as home delivery of liquor, allowing liquor vendors to offer unlimited discounts and opening of stores till 3 am were also tabled before the Delhi Cabinet.
  • 5. The drastic policy change resulted in a 27% increase in government revenue to ₹8900 crores. At the same time, it marked the complete exit of the Delhi government from the liquor business.
  • 6. While the objective of Excise Policy 2021-2022 was to end black marketing and the liquor mafia, the Delhi government soon came under fire over allegations of corruption.
  • 7. Chief Secretary of Delhi, Naresh Kumar, found irregularities and procedural lapses in the new liquor policy. Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena ordered a CBI probe on the recommendation of Naresh Kumar.
  • 8. Manish Sisodia waived off ₹144.36 crores on the license fee, to be paid by the private liquor vendors, under the garb of the Coronavirus pandemic. Incurred loss to the Excise Department and benefitted liquor licensees by waiving the import pass fee of ₹50 per beer case.
  • 9. All these changes were made without the final approval of the Lieutenant Governor and thus considered illegal under the Delhi Excise Rules of 2010 and Transaction of Business Rules of 1993.
  • 10. Thus, the Delhi government made a U-turn on its new excise policy in July 2022. A month later, CBI booked Manish Sisodia, ex-Only Much Louder (OML) CEO Vijay Nair, and 13 others in an FIR for irregularities in the implementation of the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-2022.

‘If I die, AAP is responsible’: BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla goes on fast unto death as AAP accuses him of calling its MLA ‘Jha2’

OpIndia Staff
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‘If I die, AAP is responsible’: BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla goes on fast unto death as AAP accuses him of calling its MLA ‘Jha2’

On Tuesday (14th January), Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla announced a fast unto death after Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accused him of abusing its MLA Rituraj Jha and claimed that Poonawalla insulted the entire Maithil Brahmin community during a heated debate on Republic Bharat.

The BJP spokesperson, however, denied the allegations and accused AAP of spreading lies and doing his character assassination. Shehzad Poonawalla said that he would continue his fast unto death until the Aam Aadmi Party proved him guilty of abusing Rituraj Jha and the Maithil Brahmin community.

Poonawalla also accused the Aam Aadmi Party of circulating a cropped clip of the said debate on Republic Bharat news channel to target him, a Pasmanda Muslim. The BJP spokesperson also said that he would go to the Aam Aadmi Party’s office and stay there until AAP proved that he initiated the exchange of allegedly insulting remarks between him and the AAP MLA Rituraj Jha.

Taking to X, Poonawalla wrote, “Dear friends, If I die – @AamAadmiParty is solely responsible for it.. I am starting a fast unto death because of the lies spread against me by AAP and for my character assassination until AAP proves i abused anybody. Shri @MediaHarshVT, Aishwarya Kapoor of Republic know the truth i am disclosing below. #ShehzadAbusedByAAP.”

This came after AAP shared a cropped 6-second clip of Shehzad Poonawalla’s response to AAP MLA Rituraj Jha’s repeated mockery of the BJP spokesperson’s surname and claimed that Shehzad Poonawalla called Rituraj Jha as “Jhatu” and thus insulted him and the Poorvanchali Maithil Brahmins.

“BJP abused Purvanchalis on live TV ‼️ BJP spokesperson abused Purvanchal MLA @MLARituraj Jha on national channel. This is an insult to Maithili Brahmin community, this is an insult to Purvanchalis,” AAP said.

In the video, Poonawalla is heard saying, “Main bhi keh sakta hoon ki Sanjay Jha, Jha 1 aur Rituraj Jha, Jha 2…”Main bhi bol sakta hoon Jha 2 ho aap” (I can identify Sanjay Jha as Jha 1 and Rituraj Jha as Jha 2). I can also say you are Jha 2).

The incident transpired during a heated debate in which the AAP MLA Rituraj Jha called Poonawalla as ‘Choonawalla’, triggering objections from the BJP spokesperson and condemnation from co-panelist and senior journalist Harshvardhan Tripathi who said that the insulting remarks were first made by the AAP MLA.

Madhya Pradesh: Zahid posed as Rahul to exploit multiple Hindu girls, Hindu Jagran Manch hands him over to police

OpIndia Staff
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Madhya Pradesh: Zahid posed as Rahul to exploit multiple Hindu girls, Hindu Jagran Manch hands him over to police

On 13th January, a man named Zahid Khan was apprehended by the Hindu Jagran Manch and handed over to MIG Police in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Zahid was using a Hindu name, Rahul Singh, to exploit girls. He was caught by activists of the Hindu Jagran Manch at a café where he was allegedly engaging in inappropriate behaviour with a girl.

As per media reports, Zahid initially claimed that his name was Rahul Singh. However, when activists of the Hindu organisations pressured him, he revealed that his real name was Zahid Khan. He was handed over to the police at the MIG Police Station in Indore, and further investigation into the matter is underway.

How the incident unfolded

The district coordinator of the Hindu Jagran Manch, Rajkumar Tetwal, and Mansingh Rajawat received a tip-off about a young man at Anger Strike Café in Malviya Nagar behaving inappropriately with a girl. The activists swung into action immediately and rushed to the café, where they confronted the individual. Initially, he claimed his name was Rahul Singh. However, when repeatedly asked by the activists, he revealed his real name as Zahid Khan.

When the Hindu activists checked his phone, they were shocked to discover explicit photos and videos of several girls on the device. Zahid admitted that he had been in a relationship with the girl for the past eight months and claimed he intended to marry her.

Fake Aadhaar card and social media deception

Further investigation into the matter revealed that he had a forged Aadhaar card with the name “Vedika Sharma”. He used this forged Aadhaar card to take girls to hotel rooms. He told the activists that he had created an Instagram ID with the Hindu name “Rahul Sharma” to lure girls into a relationship.

Zahid was handed over by the Hindu Jagran Manch to the MIG Police for further questioning and legal proceedings.

Anti-Hindu Delhi Riots: Delhi HC grants custody parole to UAPA accused Tahir Hussain to file nomination as AIMIM candidate

OpIndia Staff
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Anti-Hindu Delhi Riots: Delhi HC grants custody parole to UAPA accused Tahir Hussain to file nomination as AIMIM candidate

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday (14th January) denied interim bail to Tahir Hussain, a former Aam Aadmi Party councillor, who stands accused of playing a pivotal role in the 2020 anti-Hindu riots in North East Delhi. The court emphasized the seriousness of the allegations against him, highlighting his involvement in the violence that led to the deaths of 59 people.

However, the Court has granted Tahir Hussain custody parole to allow him to file his nomination papers and participate in campaigning for the upcoming Assembly elections. Hussain, who is contesting from the Mustafabad constituency, has been fielded by the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Asaduddin Owaisi.

Hussain approached the Court seeking interim bail to complete election-related formalities. Considering his criminal history, the nature of the allegations, and the circumstances surrounding the case, the Court granted him custody parole to take the oath and complete the necessary steps for his nomination.

The parole is subject to the following conditions: He shall have no access to mobile or landline or the internet. He is not permitted to interact with anyone except for the officials involved in the nomination process.

He is prohibited from addressing the media. While family members may be present during the nomination process, they are not allowed to take photographs or post any content on social media.

The court has instructed the state to facilitate the filing of Tahir Hussain’s nomination papers and ensure the necessary arrangements are in place for the process. In its order, the court emphasized, “The State may coordinate with the concerned authorities to ensure that the entire process is completed promptly, and the Applicant/Petitioner’s right to file his nomination is not affected in any way.”

The court, in its order, stated, “The gravity of the allegations against the Applicant/Petitioner, who is accused of being a key perpetrator in the 2020 riots in North East Delhi, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 59 people, cannot be overlooked. The mere fact that the Applicant/Petitioner had previously been a Municipal Councillor does not provide a peculiar circumstance that would justify granting interim bail.”

As reported earlier, the Delhi Police opposed the interim bail plea of Tahir Hussain, former Aam Aadmi Party councillor and key accused in the anti-Hindu Delhi riots of 2020, in the Delhi High Court. Hussain has sought interim bail in the Ankit Sharma murder case to contest the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections as an AIMIM candidate.

Appearing for the Delhi Police and the state, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma, along with Special Public Prosecutor Rajat Nair, vehemently opposed the plea. Nair described Hussain as a “threat to society,” underscoring the severity of the allegations against him.

ASG Sharma suggested granting custody parole for filing nominations and related activities but objected to bail for election campaigning, citing the potential for witness tampering.

Sharma asserted, “The right to contest elections is not a fundamental right. Allowing him to campaign would disrupt proceedings. Four witnesses have already turned hostile.” He further described Hussain as the mastermind and primary conspirator in the riots, adding, “In UAPA and ED cases, jail is the rule and bail is the exception.”

Role of Tahir Hussain in the Delhi riots

It is notable to mention that Tahir Hussain had earlier confessed in a disclosure statement that he chose his own house as a launchpad for the riots. Given that his house was a high-rise building and was under construction at that time, it was easy to collect stones and bricks without raising any suspicion. 

He confessed that he and his co-conspirators had started collecting stones, bricks, and other ammunition, well in advance so that they could teach those, who were in support of the CAA, a lesson when the time was right. To that end, 2-3 days before the riots broke out, he had also got his licensed pistol released from the police station.

Delhi: Complaint filed against CM Atishi for MCC violation ahead of assembly elections, FIR registered

ANI
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Delhi: Complaint filed against CM Atishi for MCC violation ahead of assembly elections, FIR registered

A complaint was filed against AAP leader and Delhi chief minister Atishi for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct by using a government vehicle for political purposes.

Police said that a complaint was received regarding a violation of MCC. The FIR was registered at the Govindpuri police station in southeast Delhi following a complaint submitted by the returning officer of the Kalkaji assembly constituency, officials said on Tuesday.

According to the FIR, the District Election Officer, South-East Delhi, received a complaint on January 8, 2025, alleging that Delhi Chief Minister Atishi used a government vehicle in her political campaign, which is prohibited under the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during election periods.

The complaint specifically mentioned the vehicle, which belongs to the Public Works Department (PWD) under the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD), being used for political purposes.

According to the letter from the General Administration Department (GAD), GNCTD, dated January 7, 2025, the use of government vehicles for campaigning or election-related activities is strictly prohibited during elections. The letter also stated that such actions would invite legal consequences under section 223 of the BNS.

Following the complaint, an order was issued by the Returning Officer, instructing the local police station, PS Govindpuri, to register a case against Sanjay Kumar, the Executive Engineer responsible for the misuse of the vehicle.

The FIR was registered under section 223(a) of the BNS, and the investigation was assigned to SI Sumit of PS Govindpuri.

In a response to the complaint filed against her for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by using a government vehicle for political purposes, Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Atishi raised questions about the Election Commission’s impartiality.

Atishi pointed out that BJP leader Parvesh Verma was seen distributing Rs 1100 during a recent event, which he later claimed was part of a health camp and distribution of spectacles. She further accused Verma of distributing bedsheets with his name on them, suggesting that these actions violated the MCC.

Despite these actions, Atishi claimed, the Election Commission had failed to take action against Verma, sparking doubts about the fairness of the commission’s decisions.

Delhi CM and AAP leader Atishi told the media, “The whole country saw how Parvesh Verma was distributing Rs 1100. Later, Parvesh Verma himself tweeted that he was holding a health camp and distribution specs. After that, he distributed bedsheets with his name on them. But the Election Commission doesn’t see any MCC violation in this. The question arises – who is the Police with? Is there pressure on EC officials? We hope the commitment of a free and fair election given by EC will be implemented on the ground.”

Earlier in the day, Delhi Chief Minister and AAP candidate from Kalkaji Assembly seat Atishi filed her nomination for the upcoming Delhi Assembly Polls, scheduled on February 5.

The AAP filed her nomination at the District Election Office.

Atishi is in the electoral fray against the BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri and Congress’ Alka Lamba for the Kalkaji seat.

In the 2020 Assembly polls, Atishi contested from the Kalkaji seat and defeated the BJP candidate Dharambir Singh by a vote margin of more than 10 per cent.

At 43, Atishi became the third woman Chief Minister of Delhi, following in the footsteps of Sushma Swaraj and Sheila Dikshit.

On September 17, 2024, Kejriwal tendered his resignation as Chief Minister to Delhi LG VK Saxena, following which Atishi staked claimed to form the new government days after the AAP chief was released on bail from Tihar jail in the excise policy case.

Kejriwal said that he would return to the post only if he gets a renewed mandate and a “certificate of honesty” from the people of Delhi in the assembly polls likely to be held in February 2025.

Atishi took oath as the Chief Minister of Delhi on September 22 after she was named successor to the post by AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal.

The Delhi assembly polls will be held in a single phase on February 5 and the counting of votes will take place on February 8.

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

Indian Navy to commission INS Surat, Nilgiri, and Vaghsheer: Read about the advanced combatants enhancing India’s maritime security

Jinit Jain
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Indian Navy to commission INS Surat, Nilgiri, and Vaghsheer: Read about the advanced combatants enhancing India’s maritime security

The Indian Navy will be commissioning three naval combatants on January 15, its official X account said on Tuesday. Destroyer INS Surat, Stealth frigate Nilgiri and submarine Vaghsheer will be commissioned at the naval dockyard, in Mumbai, at a ceremony presided over by PM Modi.

PM Modi announced on X that three warships will be inducted into the country’s naval forces on January 15.

“Tomorrow, 15th January, is going to be a special day as far as our naval capacities are concerned. The commissioning of three frontline naval combatants will strengthen our efforts towards being a global leader in defence and augment our quest towards self-reliance,” PM Modi tweeted.

A major shot in the arm for India’s naval defences, all three combatants are a tribute to PM Modi’s ‘Atmanirbhar’ campaign, the push to attain self-reliance in key sectors, including defence, and a milestone that reflects India’s commitment to securing its borders from adversaries, including maritime borders, and redefining its naval combat-readiness.

INS Nilgiri, the inaugural vessel of the P17A Stealth Frigate Project, has been designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau. The Navy states that INS Nilgiri represents a significant upgrade over the Shivalik-class frigates, featuring advanced stealth capabilities and a reduced radar signature, thanks to cutting-edge technology. It has a super-rapid gun mount, greatly enhancing its combat power. Its induction in India’s fleet not only underscores the country’s capabilities of manufacturing frigates that match global standards but also its operational readiness in protecting its maritime zones.

One of the most advanced naval combatants in its category, INS Surat, the fourth and final ship of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project, is considered to be among the most lethal destroyers in the world. With 75% indigenous content, it is equipped with cutting-edge weapon-sensor systems and next-generation network-centric capabilities, a statement from the PMO revealed.

Nilgiri and Surat both are equipped with the capability of operating various helicopters, including the Chetak, the advanced light helicopter, and the newly inducted MH-60R. “Designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, both ships are outfitted with advanced sensors and weapon systems, largely developed in India or through strategic partnerships with leading global manufacturers,” the Navy stated.

The inclusion of these three combatants in the Indian Navy would doubtlessly augment India’s position as a formidable force in the Indo-pacific region, underscoring the importance of securing a nation’s maritime borders at an increasingly fraught time, with several nations trying to assert their dominance as transnational conflict becomes the order of the day.

V Narayanan assumes charge as ISRO, succeeds S Somnath

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V Narayanan assumes charge as ISRO, succeeds S Somnath

Dr V Narayanan on Tuesday took charge as the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), succeeding S Somnath. As a distinguished Scientist (Apex Grade), Narayanan brings nearly four decades of experience at ISRO to his new role.

In a post on X, the ISRO announced, “Dr V Narayanan, Distinguished Scientist (Apex Grade), has assumed charge of Secretary, Department of Space, Chairman, Space Commission and Chairman, ISRO.”

“This marks a key leadership transition for India’s space program. With nearly four decades at ISRO, his leadership is set to guide India’s ambitious space missions,” the post added on X.

According to a statement from ISRO, he previously held the position of Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), one of the main centres of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which has a unit in Bangalore and its headquarters in Valiamala, Thiruvananthapuram.

In his capacity as Director, he gave LPSC techno-managerial leadership. LPSC is involved in the development of chemical and electric propulsion systems for satellites, control systems for launch vehicles, liquid, semi-cryogenic, and cryogenic propulsion stages for launch vehicles, and transducers for propulsion system health monitoring.

Narayan joined ISRO in 1984 and functioned in various capacities before becoming Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre in January 2018.

He earned a Silver Medal for placing first in his M. Tech program at IIT Kharagpur, where he also earned a PhD in Aerospace Engineering and an M. Tech in Cryogenic Engineering. Additionally, he received the Life Fellowship Award from IIT Kharagpur in 2023 and the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2018.

Before joining ISRO in 1984, he began his career with TI Diamond Chain Ltd., Madras Rubber Factory, BHEL, Trichy, and BHEL, Ranipet, where he worked for a year and a half. He served as the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre for seven of his forty years of meritorious service at ISRO.

Narayan designed the engine systems, created the required software tools, helped set up the infrastructure and test facilities, performed testing and qualification, finished developing the Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS), and made it operational for the GSLV Mk-ll vehicle’s cryogenic technology.

As Chairman of the Project Management Council of Space Transportation System, he guided the teams for the operational & new launch vehicles. He was also responsible for the Propulsion Systems for Venus Orbiter, Chandrayaan-4, Gaganyaan, Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS) and the Next Generational Launch Vehicle programme cleared by Cabinet recently.

Dr Narayanan has been honoured with 26 awards.

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