Home Blog Page 358

“Abdul Kalam Only Met Private School Kids; Kamarajar Alone Isn’t The Govt” DMK-Supporting Dravidianist Speaker Karu Palaniappan Derogates National Icons From Tamil Nadu

karu palaniappan abdul kalam

Leftist-Dravidian Director Karu Palaniappan has sparked significant outrage after making controversial remarks about former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and Tamil Nadu’s former Chief Minister, K. Kamarajar, during a centenary celebration event. His comments have been widely criticized as disrespectful and politically motivated.

The event was held on 25 July 2025, at the Samuthirapatti Government Primary School near Natham in Dindigul district, marking the school’s 100th anniversary. The function was attended by local officials, including the Natham Taluk Officer, the Chief Education Officer, educators, villagers, and Karu Palaniappan as a special guest.

Criticism of Dr. Abdul Kalam

While addressing the audience, Palaniappan took aim at Dr. Kalam, implying that the former president had a bias toward private school students. He stated, “Why do I immediately agree to come to government schools? Do you know why? It’s because I really like Abdul Kalam sir. What did Abdul Kalam do? He went and met students. Which students did he meet? He met young children. No, he met all private school kids. I’d think, ‘Sir didn’t have time to see government school kids,’ so what I’ll do is, ‘Let’s continue from where Abdul Kalam sir left off. We’ll go and see the government school kids.’ What happens if you go to government school kids? It’s not just about going to see them. If we go and participate, it becomes an event. If it’s an event, the District Educational Officer will come. If the District Educational Officer comes, the Tahsildar will come. If the Tahsildar comes, they’ll paint the building. If the Tahsildar comes, they’ll clean the toilets that day.”

Implying Political Motive in Honoring Kamarajar

Palaniappan didn’t stop there. He later targeted the legacy of K. Kamarajar, a leader revered for his contribution to public education in Tamil Nadu. He implied that invoking Kamarajar’s name in official documents or celebrations is a political act.

He pointed out that a commemorative booklet highlighted that a hut-style school building was inaugurated in 1963 by then-minister Kakkan, under Kamarajar’s administration. But Palaniappan seemed bothered that similar credits were not explicitly given to later DMK-led governments.

He lamented, “If you see in the paper, all the special features mentioned about this particular school. These things were done only for this school, not across all of Tamil Nadu, only for this school. But how is it mentioned? It says, ‘The Merur hut building was inaugurated in 1963 by Kakkan, who was a minister during Kamarajar’s rule.’ Just for one school. But then, in the 2024-25 academic year, to bring out the unique talents of students, the Kalai Thiruvizha was started by the Tamil Nadu government across the whole of Tamil Nadu. Right? Here, the hut school building that came up was during Kamarajar’s time. Then again, in 1980, what started as a primary school was upgraded to a middle school. By whom? By the Tamil Nadu government. And then in 2010, it became a higher secondary school with modern facilities. By whom? By the Tamil Nadu government. But in 1963, who built the hut building? It was during Kamarajar’s rule. That’s it. This is the politics. Either you say ‘by the Tamil Nadu government’ for everything, or you say ‘during MGR’s rule,’ ‘Jayalalithaa’s rule,’ ‘Karunanidhi’s rule,’ ‘Stalin’s rule’ for everything. If we understand that, we’ll understand development. It’s a huge political game to mention names only when it’s convenient, and then just say ‘Tamil Nadu government’ when it’s not.”

Palaniappan’s comments have drawn severe criticism from across the political and public spectrum. Many consider his remarks on Dr. Kalam both unfounded and disrespectful, particularly given Kalam’s widespread popularity and his well-documented efforts to engage with students of all backgrounds, including government schools.

Similarly, his criticism of Kamarajar who is widely regarded as a pioneering figure in expanding public education has been perceived as an attempt to downplay a historic legacy to favor Dravidian political narratives. Critics argue that the director’s frustration stems from the DMK not being explicitly credited in event materials, and that his comments expose the politicization of legacy and education.

Subscribe to our channels on TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

2 Muslim Civil Servants Who Put Their Religion Above Constitution

Religious fundamentalism in India isn’t confined to the uneducated or underprivileged. Even individuals in the highest offices judges, diplomats, and constitutional authorities have, at times, allowed personal religious beliefs to overshadow their official responsibilities.

Ironically, while sections of India’s intelligentsia and political left often urge Hindus to embrace secularism and progressive constitutional values, they don’t always hold themselves to the same standard.

Below are three widely discussed examples of prominent Muslim civil servants who have been accused of prioritizing religion over constitutional or national obligations.

#1 Former Vice President Hamid Ansari

Hamid Ansari’s distinguished diplomatic career included ambassadorships to Iran, Afghanistan, and Saudi Arabia, and culminated in two terms as India’s Vice President. Yet, his career post-retirement has been shadowed by a series of serious allegations and contentious statements that have prompted criticism from political and intelligence circles.

a) Allegations From Former Intelligence Officers

In 2019, former RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) officials accused Hamid Ansari of endangering intelligence operations while serving as India’s ambassador to Iran (1990–1992). They claim Ansari failed to protect Indian intelligence assets and may have even exposed undercover operatives to Iranian agencies.

One officer alleged that Ansari downplayed the abduction of an Indian diplomat, Sandeep Kapoor, by Iranian intelligence agency SAVAK, failing to report SAVAK’s involvement in his official communication to the Ministry of External Affairs. Another incident involved RAW operative D. B. Mathur, who was reportedly kidnapped after Ansari allegedly leaked intelligence details to the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

The RAW officers later submitted a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding an investigation into Ansari’s role during his Tehran tenure. They claimed Ansari also collaborated with intelligence officials like Ratan Sehgal to dismantle RAW units in Gulf countries prior to the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts.

In his book Mission R&AW, former intelligence officer R.K. Yadav reveals how Hamid Ansari, during his tenure as India’s ambassador to Iran, was uncooperative and even obstructive to Indian intelligence efforts. When a R&AW operative was abducted by Iranian agencies, Ansari reportedly showed no urgency, and it took pressure from Atal Bihari Vajpayee to push Prime Minister Narasimha Rao into securing the agent’s release. Yadav also notes that Ansari advised another official, Muhammad Umar, to stay silent after Iranian intelligence tried to recruit him. Umar refused, was abducted and tortured, yet Ansari allegedly told him not to escalate the matter. This period, critical in the formation of global jihadist networks, saw significant intelligence setbacks in Tehran, setbacks Yadav believes gave the Iran-ISI axis leverage and indirectly fueled jihad in Kashmir.

b) Allegations Of Hosting Pakistani Spy

In 2022, Pakistani journalist Nusrat Mirza claimed he visited India on several occasions between 2005 and 2011 to collect intelligence for Pakistan’s ISI, allegedly attending a seminar on terrorism at the invitation of Hamid Ansari. Ansari categorically denied the claims, asserting that invitations to foreign delegates during his tenure were issued based on recommendations from the government, particularly through the Ministry of External Affairs.

While Ansari insisted he neither invited nor interacted with Mirza, the controversy cast a shadow over his tenure, prompting strong reactions from BJP leaders and sections of the media.

c) Wants Sharia Courts

Following his retirement, Ansari made several statements that sparked nationwide backlash. He spoke in favor of establishing Sharia courts across districts in India and claimed to feel insecure as a citizen a remark that was widely criticized as divisive.

d) Simping For Jinnah

He also drew attention for attending events hosted by the now-banned Popular Front of India (PFI), a group accused by Indian agencies of fostering radical Islamist ideology and involvement in “love jihad” cases in Kerala. Additionally, Ansari expressed support for students demanding the restoration of Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s portrait at Aligarh Muslim University.

e) Criticizing India To Appease Iran

In 2005, after India voted against Iran’s nuclear program at the International Atomic Energy Agency, Hamid Ansari openly criticized the decision. He remarked that the Indian government had acted based on its own “judgment” a phrase he used to imply bias and argued that the position taken lacked a factual basis.

#2 Former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi

Former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi has also faced allegations of allowing religious identity to influence his public conduct. In April 2025, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey accused Quraishi of facilitating the inclusion of Bangladeshi infiltrators in the voter rolls of Jharkhand’s Santhal Pargana region during his tenure.

In a now deleted post, Quraishi via his X handle, labelled the Waqf Act a “sinister and evil plan to grab Muslim lands.” He wrote, “Wakf Act is undoubtedly a blatantly sinister/evil plan of the govt to grab Muslim lands. I’m sure SC will call it out. Misinformation by the mischievous propaganda machine has done its job well.”

Dubey responded to this sharply, accusing the former CEC of acting with religious bias during his tenure. “You were not an election commissioner, you were a Muslim commissioner,” he posted on X, further alleging that large numbers of Bangladeshi infiltrators were added to voter rolls in Jharkhand’s Santhal Pargana under Quraishi’s watch.

Dubey also invoked historical context to question the legitimacy of expansive Waqf claims, stating that lands before the advent of Islam in India in 712 CE belonged to Hindus, tribals, Jains, and Buddhists. Citing his own village’s destruction by Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1189, and the legacy of the ancient Vikramshila University, he urged citizens to “unite this country” and revisit real Indian history.

Subscribe to our channels on TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

EPS’ Masterstroke: Gives DMK’s 2021 Manifesto To Journalists Asking How Many Promises Have Been Fulfilled

eps stalin dmk manifesto election strategy

In a brilliant political counterattack, AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) flipped the script on the ruling DMK by making journalists to confront the harsh reality of the ruling party’s unfulfilled promises.

At a press event in Pudukkottai, EPS’s team distributed “scratch cards” containing DMK’s 2021 election promises and asked reporters to reveal whether the Stalin-led government had delivered on them. The result? A stunning exposé of the DMK’s empty guarantees.

The “Scratch Card” Stunt That Has Left DMK Red-Faced

Using scratch cards and a “wheel of betrayal,” EPS invited reporters to randomly select promises from the DMK manifesto and publicly assess whether those promises had materialized over the past four years.

Whether it was jobs for 5 lakh youth, cancellation of the NEET exam, free tablets for students, or reduced fuel prices, the recurring response from the audience, including local journalists was unanimous: “Varala, sir… nothing has come.” The promises, EPS pointed out, remained ink on paper.

One journalist scratched a card that read “Three LED bulbs at concessional rate for all ration card holders.” Another pulled up “Unmarried women above 35 to get government jobs.” The room erupted in nervous laughter and awkward silence – not one person had seen these promises fulfilled. Even a card that read “Diesel prices will be reduced” was met with scoffs from reporters themselves.

The most damning moment arrived when EPS referenced the DMK’s foundational 2021 pledge: the abolition of the NEET exam. “Has it been cancelled?” he asked, turning to the crowd. The answer was a resounding no.

Key Unkept Promises

“5 Lakh Government Jobs for Youth” – Scratched. Reality: Zero delivered.
“4G Connection + 10GB Data + Free Tablets for Students” – Scratched. Reality: Not implemented.
“Old Age Pension of ₹1,500” – Scratched. Reality: Still pending.
“Gradual Reduction of Alcohol Tax” – Scratched. Reality: Instead, liquor prices increased.
“Diesel Price Cut” – Scratched. Reality: Prices skyrocketed under DMK.
“NEET Exam Abolition” – Scratched. Reality: NEET still enforced.

DMK’s Wheel of Betrayal: Spin & Lose

EPS and team didn’t stop there. He unveiled a rotating wheel with sectors labeled for farmers, women, youth, students, traders, and other social groups. As the wheel spun and promises were randomly selected, each item served as a quiet indictment of the DMK’s governance.

Farmers: “Loan waivers promised, but suicides continue.”

Women: “Government jobs for unmarried women above 35? Still waiting.”

Traders: “Corporation rent revision? Only on paper.”

Theatrics aside, the message was clear: four years in, many of the promises that secured Stalin’s 2021 victory remain unfulfilled.

Many reporters, who have largely been sympathetic to the DMK, were put on the spot. When asked “Did the DMK fulfill this promise?”, their reluctant answers were unanimous: “No.”

EPS’s Brilliant Strategy: Using DMK’s Own Weapon Against Them

The brilliance of the move lay in its simplicity. Instead of reading out a list of failures, EPS got the media who has largely been pro-DMK over the years, to read the promises aloud and confront their non-delivery themselves. It was political theatre at its sharpest.

This approach also served a second purpose: it exposed the media’s complicity in shielding the government from criticism. Since 2021, much of the Tamil media has projected an overwhelmingly positive image of the DMK regime, often turning a blind eye to broken promises and administrative lapses. EPS’ gambit forced journalists to reckon with that silence.

By using Stalin’s own words against him, EPS transformed a standard public meeting into a masterclass in political messaging. The opposition leader didn’t just speak about broken promises; he made the public and media witness them.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Hindu Munnani Slams Islamist Bid To Hold Kandhuri Festival On Lord Shiva’s Athri Hill, Denounces Renaming As ‘Sadai Hills’

hindu munnani kandhuri festival athri hill

The Hindu Munnani has strongly condemned what it calls another deliberate attempt by Islamist groups to organize a Kandhuri festival on a hill considered sacred in Hindu tradition Athri Hill, situated a Lord Shiva temple. The group has also taken offense to the hill being referred to as “Sadai Hills” in an official notice promoting the event.

This isn’t the first such controversy. In a previous incident, there was an attempt by Islamist groups to hold a similar Kandhuri celebration on the Thiruparankundram Murugan Hills a revered site in Hinduism which included plans to sacrifice goats and hens. They also referred ‘Thiruparankundram‘ as Sikkandar Hills’. That event triggered widespread public outrage and protests. Now, another similar move is reportedly underway.

Historical and Religious Significance of Athri Hill

Athri Hill lies within the Pothigai mountain range, near the village of Alwarkurichi in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district. According to Hindu belief, the hill holds immense spiritual value. Around 2,500 years ago, the sage Athiri is said to have journeyed to this location with his wife Anusya Devi and disciples to perform intense penance to Lord Shiva. Moved by the sage’s devotion, Lord Shiva is believed to have appeared to him in a divine vision. The site was thereafter known as Athri Maharishi Hill, and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Sage Athiri was later established at the location.

Controversy Over Upcoming Event

The current dispute emerged after a notice was circulated, announcing plans to hold the 546th Kandhuri Ziyarat at a dargah situated on the hill. The event is scheduled for 9 August 2025, and the notice has left local Hindu devotees shocked and outraged.

The notice, which begins with “786, Sadaimalai,” reads:

Date: 09.08.2025, Saturday
Location: Kotharibhavan, Gauthali Nayagam Oliyuallah Dargah
Event: 546th Kandhuri Ziyarat Invitation

“On the 14th day of the month of zafar pirai in the Hijri year 1447, corresponding to the 24th day of the Aadi month Tamil year 1200, Saturday, 09.08.2025, the flag will first be taken out from the Dargah at 11:00 AM. At 11:30 AM, the flag will be hoisted at the larger Dargah located above. Following this, Fatiha will be recited, prayers will be offered, and offerings will be distributed. We kindly request the public to gather in large numbers, extend their support, and fulfill their vows. Therefore, we cordially invite all members of the public to attend and grace the Kandhuri festival. As always, we request your generous donations to help with the festival.”

Hindu Munnani and local Hindu communities view this as yet another encroachment upon a site of deep religious importance and are calling for authorities to intervene to protect the sanctity of Athri Hill.

Subscribe to our channels on TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Rahul Gandhi Shares Stage With Anti-Hindu Hate Mongering Bigot Kancha Ilaiah, Here’s How He Abused Hindu Gods

On 25 July 2025 at the party’s OBC-focused “Bhagidari Nyay Sammelan”, Congress scion Rahul Gandhi shared stage with anti-Hindu bigot Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd.

At the event, Ilaiah not only repeated his venomous attacks on Hindu gods but also anointed Rahul Gandhi as the “liberator” of OBCs, Dalits, and Adivasis, comparing him to Martin Luther King while dismissing the BJP-RSS as “oppressors.”

Kancha Ilaiah’s Speech: Glorifying Rahul, Demonizing Hindus

In his speech, Ilaiah painted a dystopian picture of India under BJP rule while hailing Rahul Gandhi as the messiah of OBCs, “Congress liberated us, particularly the OBC, Dalit, Adivasi, from the British – Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Ambedkar liberated us from the oppressive British, but after that there was no leader of national structure, international structure to liberate us from the caste oppression of RSS BJP type and once this RSS BJP have come to power, rule for 11 years, all the OBCs started going into that oppressors fold that oppress more, we will be slaves.”

He then emotionally declared, “I was crying in my bed, listening to Rahul Gandhi speak in 2021… In the 21st century, if there is no leader to liberate us from this bloody caste system, we will remain oppressed. I found Rahul Gandhi is the only leader who can liberate us.”

Rahul Gandhi as the “Modern-Day Ambedkar”

Ilaiah went on to compare Rahul Gandhi to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Martin Luther King, claiming, “His Bharat Jodo Yatra, Nyay Yatra, and caste census are revolutionary… He is the mix of all castes – Baniya (Gandhi), Dalit (Ambedkar), OBC (Patel), and Brahmin (Nehru). That’s why he is our liberator.”

He further urged OBCs, Dalits, and Adivasis to rally behind Rahul,
“Once OBCs are liberated from BJP, it will never come to power again… OBC lawyers, Dalit lawyers, and Adivasi lawyers must protect Rahul Gandhi from going to jail.”

Ilaiah, who has repeatedly insulted Hindu gods, described Hindu festivals as “wasteful,” and even justified a civil war against Hindus, was given a prime platform by the Congress, exposing the party’s deep-seated anti-Hindu bias.

Despite claiming to champion social justice, the Congress’s decision to elevate Ilaiah, a figure who has openly advocated for the dismantling of Hindu traditions, raises serious questions about its real agenda. Rahul Gandhi, who has previously endorsed Ilaiah’s books, once again legitimized his hateful rhetoric by sharing the stage with him.

Kancha Ilaiah’s History of Hinduphobia: A Direct Assault on Hindu Deities

Let us take a look at his anti-Hindu statements.

Maa Kali – A Symbol of “Caste Violence”

Ilaiah has repeatedly targeted Goddess Kali, portraying her as a promoter of violence. In a 2019 interview with Scroll.in, he said,
“A violent Kali with her tongue thrust out while crushing a black human being under her feet, while killing him with a trishul, and having a garland of human heads around her neck is made a spiritual symbol. That is also described as beautiful. They never realized how this affects the mind of the children growing around that kind of violent iconography. Later in the process of growth, the children take caste violence as normal and part of Hindu dharma.”

Bhagwan Narasimha – A “Killer God”

Ilaiah has reserved special contempt for Lord Narasimha, one of the ten avatars of Vishnu, calling Him a “killer deity” used for hierarchical oppression. In his essay “From Isaiah to Ilaiah: What is Common between Israel and India,” he wrote, “Recently a Brahmin Governor of Andhra Pradesh visited the Yadagiri Narasimha temple, roamed around it semi-naked and said Narasimha is the greatest god, who incarnated to control people hierarchically… When the Governor of the State hates productive deities and loves killer deities, the culture of humanity begins to crumble.”

He further demonized the name Narasimha itself, “Names like Narsimha Reddy or Narsimha Rao… Such names were never indicative of production and positive human values, but of destruction. When a human being becomes a lion, he will develop tendencies of hunting others.”

Lord Ram – “Not Our God,” A “Bad Husband”

Ilaiah has dismissed Lord Ram as irrelevant to Dalits and OBCs while mocking Hindu festivals like Diwali.

He writes, “Rama is not our God.”
“Rama was not a good husband or human being.”
“Millions wasted on Diwali fireworks polluting the nation.”
“Children shouldn’t be taught ‘Rama kills Ravana’ or ‘Krishna stole butter’, but how to till land and care for cattle.”

Goddess Durga – Celebrated for “Violence”

Ilaiah has extended his attacks to Goddess Durga, claiming Hindu traditions glorify violence – “Violence of Kali or Durga is celebrated as positive – while ignoring who that violence is directed against.”

Goddesses Saraswati, Lakshmi, & Lord Brahma – “Illiterate,” “Snitch,” “Brutal”

In his book Why I Am Not a Hindu, Ilaiah spewed venom against multiple Hindu deities –

“Saraswati is an illiterate goddess.”
“Lakshmi reports Dalit rebellion to Vishnu who exterminates them.”
“Brahma, the god of wisdom, is armed to attack enemies.”

Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati – “Used to Subdue Tribals”

He even twisted the divine imagery of Shiva and Parvati, alleging,
“Images of Shiva and Parvati were used to subdue tribals.”

Congress’s Hypocrisy: “Nyaya Sammelan” or Anti-Hindu Hate Platform?

By giving Ilaiah a platform, the Congress has once again exposed its anti-Hindu agenda despite claiming to represent backward Hindu communities. It has yet again attempted to divide OBCs/SCs from Hinduism by pushing a narrative that Hindu gods are oppressors and also legitimized hate speech under the guise of “social justice.”

Rahul Gandhi’s association with Ilaiah is not new, he has endorsed his books in the past. Now, by sharing the stage with him, Gandhi has sent a damningly clear message: the Congress stands with those who vilify Hinduism.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Congress-Supporting Leftist Cartoonist Gives Call For PM Modi’s Assassination

leftist cartoonist manjul modi indira gandhi assassination

On 25 July 2025, as PM Modi completed 4,078 uninterrupted days in office, surpassing former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s 4,077-day record, leftist cartoonist Manjul posted on his X handle, 
“33 bullets hit Indira Gandhi. Any PM hoping to beat that record?”

The post immediately triggered a wave of condemnation, with many accusing the cartoonist of implicitly invoking or even encouraging political violence against a democratically elected leader. Several users called for legal action, citing the post as a veiled assassination threat.

Manjul, who has been previously noted for his critiques of the BJP-led government and support for opposition narratives, did not offer clarification or apology at the time of reporting.

Observers pointed out that the reference to the assassination of Indira Gandhi, couched in the context of PM Modi surpassing her tenure record, carries disturbing implications.

While freedom of expression is a protected right in India, many public figures and citizens across party lines stressed that invoking historical political assassinations in this manner crosses a dangerous line.

The incident comes on a day when PM Narendra Modi not only surpassed Indira Gandhi’s record but also strengthened his place in history as the second longest-serving Prime Minister in India after Jawaharlal Nehru. He remains the first non-Congress leader to serve three consecutive terms with a majority and has completed over two decades as the head of an elected government – first in Gujarat, and now at the Centre.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Gold Ornaments Go Missing After Post-Mortem Of 13-Year-Old Chinnaswamy Stadium Stampede Victim

bengaluru chinnaswamy stadium stampede girl ornaments postmortem stolen

The mother of a 13-year-old girl who died in the June 4 stampede outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium has filed a police complaint, alleging that her daughter’s gold earrings and chain went missing during the post-mortem process at Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital.

S Divyanshi, a young fan of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), was among the 11 victims who lost their lives during the overcrowded IPL victory celebration. According to her mother, Ashwini Shivakumar, the ornaments, gifted by a relative and weighing approximately six grams, were last seen on Divyanshi’s body before the autopsy. Photographs taken by Ashwini’s parents before the procedure showed the jewellery clearly.

However, when the body was handed back to the family following the post-mortem on 5 June 2025, the gold ornaments, along with Divyanshi’s clothes and shoes, were reportedly missing. The family only realized the loss during the final rites.

Ashwini, who lives with her husband and younger son in Kattigenahalli near Yelahanka, said the missing items were not of concern for their market value but because of their emotional significance. “That chain was on her when she left home for the last time,” she said.

Having initially tried to trace the ornaments informally, Ashwini eventually lodged a formal complaint with the Commercial Street police. She also approached Cubbon Park police, the Criminal Investigation Department, and staff at the Bowring Hospital mortuary. One mortuary worker, she claimed, had initially acknowledged possession of the items but later said he had lost them.

A senior police officer confirmed that the person named in the complaint would be summoned for questioning. The investigation remains ongoing.

(With inputs from Times Of India)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Removed, Not Resigned: Did Jagdeep Dhankhar Try To Sabotage Modi Govt That Cost Him His Vice President Post?

In a surprising turn of events, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from his position, citing health concerns. However, sources close to the government reveal a deeper narrative of discord and power struggle that led to his abrupt exit.

According to exclusive reports by CNN News 18, the resignation was not a voluntary decision but rather a result of escalating tensions between Dhankhar and the government.

Top government sources indicated that the discord centered around disagreements over appointments, particularly the appointment of a junior-level officer as secretary and in-charge of Sansad TV.

This move was seen as an overreach by Dhankhar, as such appointments are typically handled by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), not by the Vice President or other constitutional bodies.

The situation reportedly escalated when Dhankhar attempted to influence the transfer of an under-secretary from the Urban Development Ministry, a decision that was met with resistance from the government.

Further complicating matters, Dhankhar’s desire to appoint a lower-rank officer to head Sansad TV operations was viewed as a direct challenge to the established protocols, especially since the Prime Minister was abroad at the time. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) intervened, emphasizing that such critical and responsible positions could not be filled by junior officers, thus heightening the friction.

Sources also highlighted that Dhankhar’s actions were perceived as creating a “coup-like situation,” attempting to overpower the PMO during the Prime Minister’s absence.

This perception, coupled with his alleged breaches of responsibility and inability to maintain a harmonious relationship with the government, culminated in his dismissal. Contrary to public statements, it is now clear that Dhankhar did not resign; he was sacked.

The opposition has responded variably to these developments. While some leaders questioned the real reasons behind the resignation, others within the Congress party expressed dismay over the lack of a dignified farewell for Dhankhar, who had previously been a target of an impeachment motion.

Subscribe to our channels on TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

At Upcoming UPITS 2025 Event, UP To Showcase Its Tourism Potential To The World

Uttar Pradesh Tourism department has set in motion large-scale preparations for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS) 2025, set to take place from September 25 to 29, at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida.

The five-day mega event will see Uttar Pradesh projecting its tourism potential to the world by showcasing its rich cultural heritage and also its unique local products, traditional handicrafts. The move reflects Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s goal and objective to establish Uttar Pradesh as a global tourism hub.

The UPITS-2025 is the flagship trade event of the Uttar Pradesh government, bringing together policymakers, global business leaders, trade representatives, and industry experts under one roof. The event will play a vital role in the state’s journey towards achieving its one trillion-dollar economy target, with tourism being identified as a key growth sector.

As part of the preparations, the Tourism Department is setting up an expansive stall that will showcase the state’s heritage sites, temple architecture, thematic tourism circuits, and PPP-based tourism projects, alongside highlighting local crafts and One District One Product (ODOP) items.

To enhance visitor engagement, the department will also introduce and promote digital tourism tools such as mobile applications, websites, and QR codes, allowing easy access to information and seamless travel planning.

To attract visitors, the stall will include auto-navigation screens that showcase popular tourist destinations in UP. There will also be an Augmented Reality (AR) based digital touch panel where visitors can click selfies with images of at least six famous tourist sites. Preparations are also underway to host traditional dances like Mayur Nritya (from Braj region), tribal dance forms (from Sonbhadra and Lakhimpur), Bundeli Folk Dance (from Jhansi), and Kathak (Lucknow Gharana).

Each day, there will be six short performances, each lasting around five minutes, with opportunities for visitors to click selfies with the artists. The Tourism department will also set up registration counters for event planning, B2B meetings, and 20 co-exhibitors. The Tourism department is working in mission mode to make UPITS 2025 a huge success.

The goal is not only to present Uttar Pradesh’s rich cultural diversity to the world, but also to boost the tourism sector and strengthen the economy. The event promises to be a memorable experience for millions of visitors and a significant milestone in promoting Uttar Pradesh as a top tourist destination.

–IANS

Subscribe to our channels on TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Atal Pension Yojna Surpasses 8 Crore Enrollments, Adds 39 Lakh New Members In FY26

Central Govt Employees To Get Additional Compassionate Pension After 80

The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 8 crore total gross enrollments with an addition of 39 lakh new subscribers in the current Financial Year (FY 2025-26) alone, the Ministry of Finance said on Friday.

This milestone comes as the social security scheme celebrates its 10th anniversary since its launch on May 9, 2015.

Launched with a vision to create a universal social security system for all Indians, APY is a voluntary, contributory pension scheme, focused on the poor, the underprivileged, and workers in the unorganised sector.

Its remarkable success is a result of the dedicated and untiring efforts of all Banks, the Department of Posts (DoP), other stakeholders and the continued support of the Government of India, the ministry said in a press note.

Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), an administrator for the APY, has actively driven enrolments through outreach programmes, training, multilingual handouts, media campaigns, and regular reviews.

APY is meticulously designed to provide a security Shield by ensuring a guaranteed monthly pension of Rs 1,000 to 5,000 for the subscriber post-60 years of age, and the same pension to the spouse after the subscriber’s demise.

In addition, the return of the accumulated corpus to the nominee after the death of both (Husband and Wife). The scheme is open to all Indian citizens between the ages of 18-40 years.

However, people paying income tax can not be subscribers of the Atal Pension Scheme. Earlier in April this year, APY’s subscriber base reached to 7.65 crore, and women make up about 48 per cent of all, according to data from the government. Initially, the scheme was available to all citizens of India between 18 and 40 years of age. From October 2022, individuals paying income tax were exempted from the eligibility.

–IANS

Subscribe to our channels on TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.