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“You Are Wrong”: Israeli Envoy Reuven Azar Shuts Down Rajdeep Sardesai’s Gaza-Israel War Crime Parallel

By
The Commune
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Israeli Envoy Reuven Azar rajdeep sardesai

Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, firmly responded to senior news anchor and well-known Congress mouthpiece and ‘journalist’ Rajdeep Sardesai, after the latter attempted to equate Iran’s missile strike on an Israeli hospital with Israeli strikes on Hamas-controlled hospitals in Gaza.

Rajdeep, in his signature late-night virtue-signaling, posted on X stated, “Late night musing: when Iran attacks a hospital in Israel , it’s a ‘war crime’.. When Israel attacks a hospital in Gaza, it’s being justified because terrorists are supposedly hiding in hospital. Be it in Israel or Gaza or a Teheran tomorrow , any attack on a hospital that leads to civilian deaths is a war crime. Period.”

Ambassador Azar wasn’t having any of it. In a pointed reply, he schooled Sardesai’s flawed comparison and misunderstanding of international law, stated, “You are wrong. Under international law, when a humanitarian facility is used for military purposes, it looses its immunity. Despite that, Israel has taken measures to clear civilians out of harm’s way even when the Hamas terrorists used hospitals to hide, before targeting.” 

He further clarified that, “Israel doesn’t use hospitals to conceal military activities and therefore attacking them is a war crime.”

Azar’s sharp rebuttal comes as a reality check for those drawing false equivalence between a nation defending itself from terrorists embedded within civilian infrastructure, and hostile regimes directly targeting civilian medical facilities. Once again, a foreign diplomat had to set the record straight—something left elites seem to struggle with.

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Palani Coconut Trader Raja Mohammed Arrested By NIA In Connection With 2022 Coimbatore Car Bomb Blast

By
The Commune
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2022 Coimbatore Car Bomb Blast nia coconut trader raja mohammed

Raja Mohammed, a coconut trader from Palani, was recently arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the 2022 car explosion in Coimbatore. As part of the probe, the NIA searched his home in Neikkarapatti, located near Palani. The explosion, which took place near a temple, was carried out by a suicide bomber and tied to extremist ideology.

Previously on 14 February 2023, authorities searched Raja Mohammed’s residence between 5 a.m. and 11 a.m., reportedly in search of evidence linked to the bombing. Investigators have uncovered that some suspects allegedly financed the bomb-making materials using money from a fraudulent COVID-19 vaccine certificate scheme. The probe has also indicated the involvement of individuals influenced by Islamic State (IS) ideology.

Jameesha Mubeen, who died in the explosion, has been identified as a primary suspect, along with others believed to be involved in the planning, financing, and execution of the attack. The NIA continues to investigate the broader conspiracy, aiming to identify all those connected to the incident. Additionally, the agency is examining whether the bombing was a retaliatory act following the arrest of Mohammed Azharuddin, accused of spreading violent Salafi-Jihadi propaganda.

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Supreme Court Halts Temple Demolition In Madurai’s Visthara Residency

By
The Commune
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The Supreme Court has stayed the demolition of a temple built within the premises of Visthara Residency in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, following allegations that it was constructed illegally on land designated as Open Space Reservation (OSR). The interim relief was granted by a bench comprising Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan, who also issued a notice on the plea filed by the Visthara Welfare Association.

According to a Live Law report, Senior advocate Dama Seshadri Naidu, representing the petitioners, argued that the Madras High Court had passed its demolition order without giving the affected parties a chance to be heard or submit their responses. “Neither the petitioner nor respondents 1 to 8 were heard or allowed to file their pleadings,” the counsel stated.

Acknowledging this procedural lapse, the Supreme Court stayed the demolition and scheduled the matter for further hearing in eight weeks. The petition challenges a Madras High Court ruling that had found no valid authorization or permits for the temple’s construction on OSR land, concluding it was an illegal structure. Justice S.M. Subramaniam had ordered the Madurai Corporation to remove the temple within four weeks and ensure the land is maintained in line with the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971.

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Madurai Bench Of Madras High Court Quashes Mandatory Vehicle Pass Rule For Murugan Devotees’ Conference, Orders On-Spot Verification

By
The Commune
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Madurai bench of Madras High court murugan devotees conference

On 20 June 2025, the Madurai bench of Madras High Court has annulled the earlier condition that required vehicles attending the Murugan Devotees’ Conference in Madurai to obtain mandatory passes.

The spiritual gathering, organized by Hindu Munnani, is scheduled for 22 June in Madurai. Initially, the police had approved the event with 52 conditions, one of which required vehicles to secure passes through their respective sub-division DSPs. Hindu Munnani filed a petition challenging six of these conditions, including the vehicle pass rule.

A single judge previously upheld the necessity of vehicle passes, reasoning that they help manage traffic congestion. The judge directed that such passes should be issued within 24 hours of application, and any refusal must be explained with valid reasons.

Later, a fresh plea was submitted requesting the implementation of an online e-pass system for attendees—similar to what is used for tourist vehicles in destinations like Ooty and Kodaikanal. However, the court declined this request but extended the deadline to apply for physical passes until 10 a.m. on 21 June.

Dissatisfied with this decision, Hindu Munnani approached the Supreme Court, seeking an order to implement the e -pass system for vehicles attending the conference. The Supreme Court declined to entertain the plea and advised petitioners to return to the High Court.

Subsequently, an appeal was filed again in the Madurai bench Madras High Court. A division bench consisting of Justices G.R. Swaminathan and Rajasekhar heard the case on 20 June. The counsel for Hindu Munnani argued that an Assistant Commissioner in Madurai’s Anna Nagar had issued an unauthorized order restricting vehicle entry without proper passes, which, they claimed, was not within his jurisdiction. The lawyer also pointed out that such restrictions are not typically imposed on political gatherings.

In response, the government argued that senior police officers are legally permitted to enforce conditions for managing large public events, and that the vehicle pass requirement was meant for crowd regulation, not restriction.

The bench questioned whether such conditions are uniformly applied to political party events. The government responded affirmatively, stating that all political conferences are subject to similar checks and that vehicles lacking required documentation are barred from entry and may be impounded.

After considering the arguments, the High Court bench ruled that the pass requirement for vehicles attending the Murugan conference would be revoked. Instead, police booths should be established at parking areas, where vehicle owners must present documentation such as insurance papers, driver’s license, Aadhaar card, and registration certificate. Only after verification and registration should vehicles be allowed into the event premises.

(With Inputs From Hindu Tamil)

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DMK Lackey Dravidianist Journo Tries To Buttress VCK MP Thirumavalavan Rubbing Off Vibhuthi From His Forehead

By
The Commune
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thirumavalavan rubbing off vibhuti

It was increasingly apparent that Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol. Thirumavalavan’s actions were driven by a desire to stir controversy and reinforce his minority appeasement with a viral video showed him rubbing off vibhuti (sacred ash) from his forehead just as a couple approached for a selfie yesterday. Although he had earlier accepted the vibhuti and a sacred garland during a temple visit, he appeared to deliberately remove the ash in front of cameras—suggesting a calculated attempt to distance himself from overt Hindu symbolism.

The video quickly gained traction online and was even picked up by national news outlets. However, in response, the Dravidian political ecosystem rallied to defend Thirumavalavan. Notably, pro-DMK journalist Arvind Gunasekar downplayed the issue, questioning, “So, one can’t wipe their own face in ‘New India’? How is this even news?” as a response to the news carried by Times Now.

Critics, however, pointed out the perceived double standards. While Thirumavalavan was seen visibly distancing himself from Hindu religious marks, he was later photographed at a dargah, smiling and wearing a skullcap, apparently without hesitation—prompting accusations of selective religious posturing for political gain.

It appears that self-proclaimed journalist Arvind Gunasekar expects everyone in India to echo the Congress-DMK narrative, targeting the BJP while turning a blind eye to any criticism of his preferred political allies. Check what qualifies as “newsworthy” in the eyes of this hypocrite below.

It seems Arvind Gunasekar works full time as a PR for DMK-Congress-Left ecosystem and only a part-time journalist.

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“Same Tailor, Same Rent”: Netizen Exposes DMK’s “African Tribals Thanking Stalin” Propaganda With Similar Video

By
The Commune
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african tribals dmk

While the DMK-aligned media outlet Kalaignar Seithigal amplified claims that Tanzanian tribal people were “spontaneously” praising Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, the story quickly unraveled as a staged PR effort. To highlight the fabricated nature of the video, a social media user John Ravi, shared another clip showing the same tribal group offering similar praise for a mere $35. The post mocked the DMK’s PR attempt with the caption, “Same tailor, same $35 rent @sunnewstamil @Kalaignarnews,” exposing the manufactured publicity stunt.

In the shared video clip, the tribal group can be seen holding a photo of the netizen while displaying placards that read “We love you John Ravi,” as they sing and dance in a celebratory manner.

This mockery comes at the backdrop of the ruling DMK’s publicity apparatus faced widespread embarrassment after a video initially circulated as a genuine gesture of appreciation from Tanzanian tribes was exposed as a staged and paid promotional effort.

The video, shared by DMK’s (one of the many) mouthpieces, Kalaignar Seithigal’s X handle, claimed, “#WATCH |African tribes extend greetings to the Chief Minister! In appreciation of the initiatives undertaken by the Tamil Nadu government for tribal communities, a video of tribal people from Tanzania, one of the East African countries, performing a traditional dance while holding a photo of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to convey their greetings has gone viral on the internet. The tribal communities learned about the initiatives of the Tamil Nadu government through Dr. Sukumar, a native of Tamil Nadu engaged in social service there.”

However, upon closer inspection, it emerges that these “greetings” were anything but spontaneous or sincere. A fact-check revealed that for a small fee — roughly ₹4,000 or $40 — anyone can pay for a group of individuals in Tanzania or elsewhere in Africa to perform a short video message with a photo or poster of their choosing. A fact check handle exposed the DMK’s propaganda drama.

Websites like africanjoyflix.com, wishesmadevisual.com, africanbirthdaywishes.com, and wishfromafrica.net openly provide these services — allowing clients to select a group and script their messages — all for a flat fee.

Furthermore, there’s no credible or independent information suggesting that the people in the video were aware of, much less appreciative of, the initiatives implemented by the DMK government in Tamil Nadu. Dr. Sukumar’s supposed role in this production also stands unsubstantiated.

The fact check handle wrote, “A video titled African tribes congratulate the Chief Minister! @Kalaignarnews. A video was uploaded on the X website, showing Tanzanian tribes dancing and singing in their traditional style and congratulating Chief Minister Stalin.

When we investigated the authenticity of this, we found that the people can send their photos and information about the person they want to congratulate through websites like http://africanjoyflix.com, http://wishesmadevisual.com, http://africanbirthdaywishes.com, http://wishfromafrica.net and send their wishes through the group one chooses on that website. The group charges a service fee of $33 to $40 for this. Doctor Sukumar serves the people in Tanzania and is assisted by the DMK government through programs. It is noteworthy that there is no news, support or information about it to say that people who know about it have congratulated Chief Minister Stalin. Therefore, it has been revealed that this video was created solely for promotional purposes.”

In terms of Indian rupees, it comes to about INR 4000 as mentioned on the website.

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Dravidian Model Bus: Rear Axle Detaches From TNSTC Bus Near Idaikal, Major Accident Averted

By
The Commune
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dravidian model bus tnstc bus

What could have been a disastrous accident was narrowly avoided near Idaikal on 20 June 2025, when the rear axle of a TNSTC government bus detached while the vehicle was in motion along the Thirumangalam-Kollam National Highway.

The bus, operated by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation’s Srivilliputhur depot in Virudhunagar district, was en route from Madurai to Courtallam. It was being driven by 52-year-old Sankaran from Vathirayiruppu at the time of the incident. There were 87 passengers on board.

According to sources, the rear axle assembly, including both tyres, unexpectedly broke away while the bus was travelling at high speed, triggering panic among the passengers. Fortunately, the driver, having noticed abnormal vibrations and noise, quickly responded by reducing speed and bringing the vehicle to a safe stop—likely averting a serious accident.

Four passengers sustained minor injuries, while the rest were unharmed. The incident caused a temporary disruption of traffic on the busy national highway.

(With inputs from TNIE)

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Fueling The Future: India’s 12 Landmark Oil & Gas Discoveries Since 2018

By
The Commune
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oil & gas discoveries india

On 16 June 2025, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stated that India could hold the potential of “several Guyanas” in the Andaman and Nicobar region—highlighting vast, untapped oil and gas reserves. He revealed that India is on the verge of discovering nearly 2 lakh crore litres (1.84 trillion litres) of crude oil, a find comparable in scale to Guyana’s transformative offshore oil discoveries.

In this report, we highlight 12 major oil reserve discoveries made across India between 2018 and 2025. From the deep waters of the Andaman Sea to onshore fields in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, these discoveries represent a significant leap forward in India’s drive toward energy security and self-reliance.

#1 India Nears Game-Changing Oil Discovery in Andaman Sea

On 16 June 2025, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced that India could be on the verge of a major oil discovery in the Andaman Sea—potentially holding 1.84 trillion litres of crude oil. Drawing parallels with Guyana’s transformative offshore find, Puri expressed optimism that India’s intensified exploration, led by ONGC, could deliver a similar economic boost. ONGC drilled 541 wells in FY24—a 37-year high—backed by reforms and record ₹37,000 crore capital spending. If confirmed, this discovery could significantly reduce India’s dependence on oil imports, which currently meet over 85% of domestic demand, and enhance national energy security.

#2 ONGC Strikes New Oil & Gas Reserves in Mumbai Offshore

On 25 May 2025, ONGC announced two major oil and gas discoveries—‘Suryamani’ and ‘Vajramani’—in the Mumbai Offshore basin under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP). The Suryamani well yielded 2,235 barrels of oil and 45,181 cubic metres of gas per day, while Vajramani flowed 2,122 barrels of oil and 83,120 cubic metres of gas daily. Both discoveries are expected to boost domestic output in India’s most prolific energy zone. The finds were made in OALP-VI and OALP-III blocks. Additionally, ONGC discovered hydrocarbons in the Yandapalli-1 well in the Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin onshore, further enhancing India’s energy self-reliance.

#3 ONGC Discovers Oil and Gas in Krishna-Godavari Basin’s Onshore Block

On 25 May 2025, ONGC announced a new onshore oil and gas discovery in the Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin. The exploratory well Yandapalli-1, drilled to a depth of 3,958 metres in the Malleswaram PML block, revealed significant hydrocarbon reserves. The find has been classified as a “New Prospect Discovery,” strengthening India’s push for energy self-sufficiency. This discovery adds to ONGC’s recent offshore successes in the Mumbai basin—Suryamani and Vajramani—which also promise to boost domestic output.

#4 Cairn Partners with Parker Wellbore to Boost Oil Output in Rajasthan

On 1 April 2025, Cairn Oil & Gas, a Vedanta Group company, signed a strategic deal with Parker Wellbore (now part of Nabors Industries) to deploy a 2000 HP advanced drilling rig in Barmer, Rajasthan. This move supports Cairn’s goal to double its contribution to India’s crude oil output. The high-tech rig, featuring automated pipe handling and real-time monitoring, will enhance drilling safety and efficiency at Cairn’s largest onshore site. Announced during CERAWeek 2025, the partnership aligns with Cairn’s $5/bbl brownfield investment strategy aimed at tapping 5 billion barrels of reserves. Cairn currently contributes 25% of India’s domestic crude production and plans to explore unconventional resources like deepwater, tight oil, and shale.

#5 Historic Oil Discovery on Brahmaputra’s North Bank in Assam

On 4 April 2025, Oil India Limited (OIL) announced a landmark crude oil discovery at the Kobochapori-1 well on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River in Assam. Drilled to a depth of 4,334 metres in the geologically complex OALP Block AA-ONHP-2017/10, this is the first confirmed oil find beyond Upper Assam’s traditional oilfields. The breakthrough reveals a new petroleum system in the Upper Assam Shelf Basin, marking a major step in expanding hydrocarbon exploration in Northeast India. Using advanced seismic imaging and Airborne Gravity Gradiometry, OIL successfully unlocked deep sand reservoirs, despite the challenging riverine terrain.

#6 India Awards 28 Oil & Gas Blocks Under OALP-9, Eyes 1 Million Sq Km Exploration Goal

On 16 April 2025, India signed contracts for 28 oil and gas blocks under OALP-9 and two under a Special DSF Round, covering 1.36 lakh sq km across eight sedimentary basins. ONGC emerged as the top bidder, securing 11 blocks solo and four through partnerships, including a major win with Reliance and bp in Gujarat’s Saurashtra Basin. The Ministry also launched DSF Round-IV with 258.59 MMTOE in reserves and announced OALP-X, offering 25 blocks—over half in previously restricted “No-Go” zones. This expansion aligns with India’s 2030 target of exploring 1 million sq km. Private player Cairn Oil & Gas bagged seven new blocks, strengthening its 73,000 sq km portfolio. Backed by ₹7,500 crore in seismic surveys and cloud-based data access, India is accelerating exploration with a revamped regulatory framework under the updated Oilfields Act.

#7 Crude Oil Discovered in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh

On 27 March 2025, ONGC discovered a significant crude oil reserve near Sagarpali village in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, on land owned by the family of freedom fighter Chittu Pandey. The find follows a three-month Ganga basin survey, identifying reserves at a depth of 3,001 metres. ONGC has leased 6.5 acres from the Pandey family for three years at ₹10 lakh per annum. Drilling is expected to conclude by the end of April. If commercially viable, ONGC plans further exploration along a 300-km stretch from Ballia to Phaphamau in Prayagraj. This discovery could dramatically boost the local economy, offering significant compensation to farmers for land acquisition. The find adds to India’s growing domestic oil exploration efforts.

#8 ONGC Launches Oil Exploration in Bihar’s Samastipur

On 31 March 2025, ONGC began oil and gas exploration in Samastipur, Bihar, investing ₹35 crore to tap the underexplored Ganga Basin. This initiative, part of a 308 sq km project also covering Ballia in Uttar Pradesh, could unlock significant hydrocarbon reserves across Bihar, UP, and West Bengal. Success in Samastipur may drive broader exploration in the eastern region, long overlooked in India’s energy strategy. However, land acquisition challenges require strong local cooperation. The move supports India’s goal to expand exploration coverage to 1 million sq km by 2030 and reduce its 87% oil import dependency.

#9 Cairn Targets 50% of India’s Oil Output with Aggressive Expansion

On 20 February 2025, Cairn Oil & Gas (Vedanta Group) announced plans to boost its share of India’s oil and gas output to 50% by fast-tracking exploration across its 62 blocks. Cairn aims to drill 5–6 wells in the offshore Krishna-Godavari basin by 2026 and expand shale drilling in Rajasthan’s Barmer block. Activity is also intensifying in Gujarat and the Northeast. Cairn is deploying Controlled Source Electro-Magnetic (CSEM) technology to de-risk drilling and has plans to spud new wells in Jaya (Gujarat), Ravva (East Coast), and ultra-deepwater areas from OALP-X. The company is actively participating in OALP-IX and X rounds and anticipates regulatory reforms, including the Oilfields Amendment Bill, to open doors for international partnerships.

#10 First Oil Extracted from KG Basin’s Deep-Sea Project Near Kakinada

On 7 January 2024, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced India’s first oil extraction from ONGC’s deep-sea Block 98/2 in the Krishna-Godavari Basin, located 30 km off Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. The project, initiated in 2016–17, faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic but has now operationalized four of its 26 wells. Production is expected to ramp up to 45,000 barrels per day by mid-2024, contributing approximately 7% each to India’s total crude oil and natural gas output. ONGC has completed Phase-2 and advanced to Phase-3, targeted peak production by June 2024.

#11 Natural Gas Discovery by Oil India in Assam’s Tinsukia

On 16 November 2020, Oil India Ltd (OIL) announced a significant natural gas discovery in the Dinjan-1 well, located within the Tinsukia petroleum mining lease in Assam’s Upper Assam Basin. The exploratory well encountered around 10 metres of hydrocarbon-bearing sands and tested at a production rate of 115,000 standard cubic metres per day. This find marks a key milestone in expanding natural gas exploration in Northeast India.

#12 ONGC Discovers Major Oil Reserves West of Mumbai High

On 1 January 2018, ONGC announced a major oil and gas discovery west of Mumbai High in the Arabian Sea through well WO-24-3 (WO-24-C). The find contains an estimated 30 million tonnes of in-place hydrocarbons across nine zones, all of which tested positive for oil and gas. One zone alone yielded 3,310 barrels of oil and 17,071 cubic metres of gas per day. This multi-layered deposit marks a significant expansion of upstream opportunities in the region. Production is expected to begin within two years, leveraging nearby infrastructure from the WO-16 field. The discovery is key to India’s energy strategy to reduce dependence on imports by boosting domestic production. Mumbai High already contributes 44% of India’s crude output, and ONGC planned to raise production from 25.5 million tonnes in 2016–17 to up to 29 million tonnes by 2020.

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Dravidian Model: Ceiling At Panchayat Office In Kumbakonam Collapses 3 Days After Inauguration By CM Stalin

By
The Commune
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dravidian model panchayat office ceiling collapse

In a bizarre incident, the ceiling plaster of a newly inaugurated building collapsed just three days after its opening in the Suriyanar Temple Panchayat near Kumbakonam, Thiruvidaimarudur. The structure, built at a cost of ₹30 lakh under the Anna Renaissance Scheme, was meant to serve as the Panchayat Office.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had visited Thanjavur on the 15th and 16th to participate in several official functions. During his visit on the 16th, he inaugurated the new Panchayat building along with other development projects and welfare programs.

Shockingly, only days after the inauguration, a major section of the interior ceiling gave way. Remarkably, ceremonial decorations like the banana tree and offerings placed during the opening event remained untouched. However, the incident has sparked widespread concern and criticism in the local community.

Residents allege that the construction was rushed, with warnings already circulating about potential safety risks. On the very first day after the Chief Minister’s inauguration, sections of the ceiling reportedly collapsed in two rooms. Local authorities allegedly kept the damage under wraps to avoid public attention and proceeded with shifting materials from the old Panchayat office to the new premises.

Now, with the ceiling in the building’s main hall also collapsing, many are questioning the quality of construction. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the ceremonial setup remains intact.

Locals are demanding an immediate investigation. They urge Higher Education Minister K. Ponmudi, the District Collector, and local engineering officials to assess the structural integrity of the building thoroughly before it is used further.

(With inputs from Vikatan)

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Why PM Modi’s Croatia Visit Matters: The Buried Scandal Of A ‘Diplomat’ Who Fractured India-Croatia Ties

By
The Commune
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Croatia marks a pivotal moment in India’s engagement with Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), signaling a renewed focus on regions beyond Western Europe. Croatia, strategically located on the Adriatic Sea coastline, offers India a vital gateway to the European continent and aligns with New Delhi’s broader geopolitical and economic interests.

Croatia’s ports—Rijeka, Split, and Ploče—are key nodes in the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), placing the country at a crucial intersection of European trade routes. This makes Croatia a natural partner in India’s ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which envisions a seamless logistics and trade chain linking India with Europe via the Mediterranean. Croatia’s inclusion in this corridor would enhance India’s access to the 12-country Three Seas Initiative (3SI)—a bloc focused on boosting connectivity and energy security in the region.

PM Modi’s visit also comes at a time when Croatia is increasingly important within the European Union and NATO, having joined the two organizations in 2013 and 2009 respectively. By strengthening ties with Zagreb, India is positioning itself as a credible partner not only in trade but also in strategic and political cooperation across Europe’s southern and eastern flanks. This is especially pertinent given China’s growing presence in the Balkans through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). India’s outreach offers an alternative model of partnership based on mutual respect and sustainable development.

Economically, the visit highlights the steady growth in India-Croatia bilateral trade, which rose from $199.45 million in 2017 to $337.68 million in 2023, as per data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. India exports pharmaceuticals, chemicals, garments, and machinery to Croatia, while Croatian exports to India include precision instruments, timber, rubber products, and chemical goods. Strengthening economic links in areas such as IT, infrastructure, green energy, and pharmaceuticals can be mutually beneficial.

Further adding to this cultural affinity, Croatian contributions to Indian history include their role in constructing the Church of Sao Braz in Goa during the 16th century. Indian cultural traditions such as yoga and classical dance continue to find enthusiastic audiences in Croatian universities.

Modi’s visit thus signifies more than a diplomatic courtesy—it is a strategic recalibration. PM Modi has made all this possible after the relationship between the two countries were practically broken, thanks to the legacy of Indian diplomats who abused power during the Congress era. Here’s why.

Aneil Mathrani – The Scandulous Indian Diplomat Who Fractured India-Croatia Ties

Aneil Mathrani, a former Indian diplomat, left such a damaging legacy during his ambassadorship to Croatia that the post remained vacant for a period following his exit. His tenure from 29 December 2004 to 2 December 2005 was marred by scandal and misconduct so severe that it has reportedly become a cautionary case study at civil services training institutes like LBSNAA on diplomatic impropriety.

Mathrani, became embroiled in controversy due to a series of personal and professional misconducts during his tenure in Zagreb. Duska Bilic, a former housekeeper at his residence, accused him of inappropriate behaviour and non-payment of wages. She recounted his mistreatment of domestic staff, including an Indian maid left without basic necessities, and expressed disbelief at his conduct, especially considering his representation of a country like India.

Mathrani’s tenure was marked by misuse of public funds, unprofessionalism, and diplomatic blunders. Whistleblowers claim he spent more time holidaying along the Dalmatian coast and engaging in personal affairs than fulfilling his official duties. Allegedly, he sought to cover his tracks after the release of the Volcker Report by fabricating invitations from Croatian officials to justify his unofficial travels. Notably, Mathrani was also implicated alongside Kunwar Natwar Singh in the infamous Oil-for-Food scandal.

He was also reported to have sought perks from local tourism offices and denied visas without justification to Croatian business executives unless their CEOs personally intervened.

Diplomatically, Mathrani made several missteps. He offended the Croatian Speaker of Parliament by arriving late for a condolence meeting and attended a contentious “Victory Day” event, boycotted by most of the diplomatic corps due to its association with war crimes. His frequent unauthorized absences from post, including a secretive trip to New York, reportedly strained his relationship with his political mentor, Natwar Singh.

One infamous incident that encapsulates the disregard he showed for diplomatic norms occurred during the formal presentation of his credentials to the Croatian President. Departing from established protocol—where a diplomat is usually accompanied by their spouse—Mathrani appeared with a woman widely reported to be an ‘escort’ he was involved with at the time. To date, he remains the only Indian ambassador known to have breached such decorum, turning a solemn diplomatic tradition into a public embarrassment.

Image Source: Google

Nothing Short Of Extraordinary

With a relationship strained due to such an embarassing past, what PM Modi has achieved with his recent trip is nothing short of amazing. While the intelligent needn’t be told this, it becomes necessary to people who are hell bent on nitpicking over PM Modi’s English skills.

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