Facebook Instagram X Youtube
Friday, May 8, 2026
Facebook Instagram X Youtube
Home Blog Page 518

Tamil Nadu Governor Intervenes In Loyola College’s Unauthorized Catholic Priest Training Institute Issue

By
The Commune
-

In a significant development, the Governor of Tamil Nadu, R.N. Ravi, has stepped into a growing controversy surrounding Loyola College, Chennai, and its alleged violations of academic norms and affiliation rules. Acting on a complaint filed by the Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF), the Governor, who also serves as the Chancellor of the University of Madras, has sought an explanation from the University regarding the unauthorized operations of Loyola College’s off-campus center, ‘Satya Nilayam.’ This intervention has brought to light serious concerns about academic integrity, transparency, and adherence to the law at one of India’s most prestigious Jesuit institutions.

The Governor’s Intervention

The Governor’s decision to intervene follows a detailed complaint by the LRPF, which highlighted gross violations of University of Madras affiliation rules by Loyola College. The complaint alleged that the college has been operating an unauthorized off-campus center, ‘Satya Nilayam,’ located approximately 20 km from its main campus. This facility, run by a separate legal entity, has been offering the M.A. Philosophy program in affiliation with the University of Madras without the mandatory approvals.

The Governor’s office has directed the University of Madras to investigate these allegations and provide a detailed report. This move underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for accountability in higher education institutions.

Unauthorized Operations And Academic Fraud

‘Satya Nilayam’ has been functioning primarily as a theological training center for Jesuit missionaries, including foreign students from countries such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Kenya, and parts of Europe and North America. These students are enrolled in Loyola College’s M.A. Philosophy program but are trained exclusively at ‘Satya Nilayam,’ in violation of the University’s mandate that all affiliated programs be conducted within the approved campus premises.

This blatant disregard for affiliation rules not only constitutes academic fraud but also raises serious questions about the transparency and governance of Loyola College. The University of Madras has reportedly issued multiple warnings to the college over the past five years, but these have gone unheeded.

Discriminatory Practices And Secular Concerns

The LRPF’s complaint also highlighted discriminatory practices in the admission process at ‘Satya Nilayam,’ which appears to favor Jesuit students while excluding non-Christian candidates. This violates the principles of equity and inclusivity that Jesuit education claims to uphold and goes against the secular ethos of Indian higher education.

The University of Madras’s affiliation guidelines explicitly mandate equal opportunity for all students, regardless of caste, creed, or religion. By flouting these guidelines, Loyola College has not only compromised its academic integrity but also undermined the trust placed in it by students and the broader community.

Attempts To Suppress Evidence

In a move that has raised further suspicions, the official website of ‘Satya Nilayam’ (www.satyanilayam.com) was taken down shortly after the LRPF filed its complaint with the Governor. This abrupt removal of public records suggests an attempt to conceal evidence of the unauthorized program and its operations.

The Governor of Tamil Nadu’s intervention marks a critical moment in the ongoing controversy surrounding Loyola College, Chennai. It is a reminder that no institution, no matter how prestigious, is above the law. The Society of Jesus must act swiftly to address these allegations and restore the trust placed in Jesuit education.

The legacy of Jesuit education in India, which dates back to 1543, is built on a foundation of excellence, equity, and ethical practices. It is now up to Loyola College, Chennai, to honor this legacy by embracing accountability and transparency.

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

After Dumping Medical Waste, Now Kerala Dumps Stray Dogs In Tamil Nadu

By
The Commune
-

After previous incidents of Kerala’s medical waste being illegally dumped across the Tamil Nadu border, a new disturbing trend has emerged with stray dogs from Kerala are being secretly abandoned in Tamil Nadu’s villages, far from the border, to prevent them from returning.

Recently, a vehicle with a Kerala registration was spotted roaming for hours in the Kattachal area of Kanyakumari district. Suspicious locals stopped the vehicle and discovered that around 20 stray dogs captured in Thiruvananthapuram were being transported and released in Tamil Nadu instead of being relocated within Kerala. Upon being informed, Kanyakumari police intervened, and the abandoned dogs were recaptured and sent back to Kerala, intensifying tensions at the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border.

This incident follows repeated reprimands from both the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Kerala High Court about dumping of biomedical waste by Kerala in Tamil Nadu.

Most recently, on 19 December 2024, the Southern Bench of the NGT issued an order directing the Kerala government and its Pollution Control Board to clear illegally dumped biomedical and solid waste from multiple locations in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district. Reports indicated that hazardous biomedical waste from Kerala was being secretly dumped in Tamil Nadu, often under the cover of darkness, contaminating forests, water bodies, and farmland. Similar incidents had previously been reported in Anamalai, Theni, and Nanguneri. Currently, waste has been found at four locations—Kodaganallur, Palavoor, Kondanagaram, and Sivalarkulam—raising environmental concerns.

Investigations revealed that the biomedical waste originated from institutions like Thiruvananthapuram’s Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) and Credence Private Hospital, while municipal waste came from Leela Kovalam. The NGT took suo motu cognizance of the issue and issued notices to these institutions, as well as to the environmental and health departments of both Kerala and Tamil Nadu, for failing to curb illegal dumping.

Additionally, the Kerala High Court has condemned the state government for its unethical practices. However, despite these reprimands, Kerala has now resorted to a new tactic—relocating stray dogs to Tamil Nadu without remorse. These actions have further escalated tensions between the two states, with Tamil Nadu officials and residents strongly opposing Kerala’s repeated disregard for environmental and public health concerns.

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

Dravidian Model Law & Order: Retired Police Officer Hacked To Death Over Waqf Property Dispute, Partially Burnt Body Of Cop Found Near Madurai In 2 Separate Incidents

By
The Commune
-

A retired police officer Zakir Hussain who previously served in the security wing of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi was brutally murdered in Tirunelveli. The police have launched an investigation into the incident.

Incident Details

Zakir Hussain Bijli (58), a resident of Totti Balatheru in Tirunelveli, was a Muttawalli (caretaker of Waqf property) of the Murdeen Jahan Taikka descendants. Zakir Hussain, a retired assistant inspector, had served in the Tamil Nadu police for 25 years before opting for voluntary retirement. Notably, he was part of former CM Karunanidhi’s security team and later worked under current CM M.K. Stalin when the latter was Chennai’s Mayor and Minister for Rural Development & Local Administration.

On the morning of 18 March 2025, while returning home after offering prayers at the Samiya Thaika mosque during Ramzan fasting, Zakir was attacked near the Town Kajah Beedi office. Unknown assailants, armed with sickles, fatally struck him on the head before fleeing the scene. He succumbed to his injuries on the spot.

Police officials arrived shortly after being informed and have since been reviewing CCTV footage to identify the perpetrators. Two individuals have surrendered in connection with the crime, while further investigations continue.

Zakir Hussain is survived by his wife Ajines Nisha, son Isir Rahman (working in Malaysia), and daughter Mosiza Piyas.

Motive Behind Murder

Authorities suspect that a long-standing land dispute over a Waqf land may have played a role in the killing. Reports indicate that Zakir had ongoing tensions with a local youth, Toufiq, who had converted to Islam and was allegedly involved in a dispute over a 30-cent waqf property. Zakir had previously been arrested under the Protection of Civil Rights (PCR) Act and Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act concerning this matter but was out on bail. The disagreement escalated as Zakir had been actively gathering details related to the property. Both Zakir and Toufiq had previously lodged complaints against each other over the land issue.

The dispute is said to have stemmed from a plot of land adjacent to Zakir’s property, which was owned by Toufiq’s wife. Zakir allegedly occupied the land, asserting that it was Waqf property, whereas Toufiq’s family maintained that it had been privately gifted to her by her mother. The conflict intensified over time and is believed to have culminated in Zakir’s murder.

The police confirmed that Zakir had built a shed on the disputed land, leading to legal cases between both parties. Officials also revealed that a case was registered against Zakir in January 2025. The murder is being treated as a result of the prolonged civil dispute over the property.

The police are investigating whether the attack was linked to this dispute or had other motives. The incident has heightened tensions in the Tirunelveli Town and Pettai areas, prompting heavy police deployment.

Following his murder, a February 2025 video recorded by Zakir resurfaced, in which he claimed his life was in danger. In the video, Zakir alleged that around 20 to 30 individuals were threatening him, singling out Toufiq as the primary instigator. He accused Toufiq of using his conversion for financial gain, alleging that he had married a woman after pressuring her to divorce her first husband to acquire land.

Zakir also accused two police officers—Inspector Gopalakrishnan and Sub-Inspector Senthil Kumar—of ignoring his complaints and enabling threats against him.

Another Police Officer Charred To Death

A partially burnt body discovered near an irrigation tank along the Madurai-Thoothukudi Inner Ring Road on 18 March 2025 has been identified as Malai Arasan, a cop serving in the special unit of Sivaganga Kalaiyar Kovil police station. The body was found under the Perungudi police station limits and has been sent to Government Rajaji Hospital for examination.

Authorities suspect that the 35-year-old officer may have been burned elsewhere before his body was dumped at the location. Perungudi police have registered a case of suspicious death and launched an investigation.

Tragic Events Preceding His Death

Malai Arasan’s wife had been seriously injured in a road accident on 1 March and was receiving treatment at a private hospital in Chintamani. Despite medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries five days later.

According to police, Malai Arasan had reportedly visited the Chintamani hospital to collect documents, including the bill receipt related to his wife’s treatment. However, his body was later discovered in the Echaneri area, approximately two kilometers away from the hospital, raising suspicions.

Family Alleges Murder, Blocks Road in Protest

While police are investigating whether Malai Arasan’s death was a suicide or the result of foul play, his relatives strongly suspect that he was murdered. They claim that he may have been attacked while he was with his wife and insist that the fact that his body was found in a different location from where it was burned indicates a deliberate killing.

Alleging a cover-up, the family members staged a roadblock protest near the Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital, demanding a thorough investigation and justice for Malai Arasan. The protest led to significant tension in the area as authorities attempted to pacify the agitated relatives. The case remains under active investigation.

(With Inputs From Samayam Tamil, Dinakaran and India Today)

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

“If Your State Government Has Provided The Right Data, It Will Be Reflected Properly”, Railway Min Ashwini Vaishnaw Schools Congress MP Jothimani On NCRB Data

By
The Commune
-

Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw firmly countered Karur Congress MP S. Jothimani in Parliament after she attempted to mock the central government by claiming it was “known for no data.” Vaishnaw pointed out that if there was a lack of data, the responsibility lay with the state governments, as they are required to collect and provide such information. His response turned the tables on Jothimani during the ongoing Budget Session on 19 March 2025.

Debate Over Online Gambling Regulation

The discussion arose when MP S. Jothimani brought up the issue of banning online gambling, emphasizing its devastating consequences, particularly in Tamil Nadu. She cited alarming statistics, mentioning that around 48 people in the state had died due to gambling addiction and suicide, including minors as young as 13 and 14. She also referenced a recent case of a 17-year-old boy who had taken his own life.

Jothimani highlighted that the Tamil Nadu government had taken proactive steps by unanimously passing a bill to ban online gambling. However, she stressed that internet-based gambling could not be effectively contained within state boundaries, as advertisements for gambling platforms continued to flow freely. She urged the central government to intervene, questioning how it was making a legal distinction between games of skill and games of chance.

Minister Vaishnaw’s Response

Addressing the issue, Ashwini Vaishnaw acknowledged the complexity of the matter, explaining that betting and gambling fall under Entry 34 of the State List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. However, online gaming platforms, being digital intermediaries, come under the purview of the central government. He outlined the center’s contributions, including the establishment of well-defined intermediary rules and strict legal provisions under Section 112(1) of the IT Act, which prescribes punishments of up to seven years for unauthorized gambling activities.

Vaishnaw advised Jothimani to work alongside the Tamil Nadu government to enforce laws under both state and central jurisdiction. He emphasized that action could be taken under the Tamil Nadu legislation as well as central regulations where applicable.

Jothimani’s Counter and Vaishnaw’s Clarification

Despite the minister’s explanation, Jothimani remained critical, arguing that suicides linked to gambling continued even after the state government’s efforts. She also expressed disappointment over Vaishnaw’s response regarding suicide data, accusing the government of failing to maintain proper records. She urged the formation of a dedicated committee to systematically collect and analyze data on gambling-related suicides nationwide. Furthermore, she questioned why the government had not imposed an outright ban on online gambling until a clear legal distinction between skill-based and chance-based gaming was established.

Karur Congress MP Jothimani said, “I understand that, as you said, this is very complex and it’s not that easy to bring anything very fast. I was also shocked to see that your answer regarding the suicide – you’re blaming NCRB that there is no data. This government is known for having no data, but at least I request you to form a committee or something to access the data across all states regarding suicide and its impact. Since you are not able to make a distinction, until the government brings a law, why not ban online games and apps in eternity.”

Vaishnaw swiftly clarified that the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data referenced by the central government is compiled based on reports submitted by state governments. He stressed that if Tamil Nadu’s government had provided accurate data, it would be reflected in national records. Concluding his remarks, he urged Jothimani to understand the constitutional framework that assigns responsibilities to different levels of government before making sweeping criticisms. He also reminded her that parliamentary discussions should be conducted responsibly and within the constitutional framework.

Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “Honorable member must please understand that NCRB data is basically the data given by the state governments. So, if your state government has provided the right data, then it will be reflected properly in the state. Therefore, Honorable Speaker sir, I kindly request The Honorable member to look at the entire structure of our polity, the structure by which the Constitution assigns responsibilities to different parts of the government, and then make such comments. This is a very responsible forum, as it is the house of the people, and any comments should be within the framework of the Constitution.”

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

Nagpur Violence: Rioters Tried To Molest Female Police Official Says FIR

By
The Commune
-

A shocking incident has come to light during the violence that rocked the city on Monday night. While the police tried to contain the situation in wake of arson and vandalism, the unruly crowd in Bhaldarpura area tried to tear the uniform of a female police official and molest her. The Ganeshpeth police has registered a case against the mob. This misbehavior towards the female police officer is being condemned at all levels. According to police sources, strict action is being initiated against those involved in this case.

The violent mob, which was setting vehicles on fire, damaging public properties, when confronted by the police personnel, attacked them in return and pelted stones at the cops. According to police sources, a female police official was cornered and molested by the rowdy crowd, however, soon fellow police personnel came to her rescue, taking her to safe location. “The unruly mob beat some of police personnel including four deputy commissioners of police. A mob cornered a female police officer and misbehaved by trying to tear her clothes. However, the lady officer could escape before the mob could further target her,” sources added.

This incident has been included in the FIR registered by the Ganeshpeth police station. The police sources said that they have launched manhunt to detain those involved in the molestation of the lady officer. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday claimed that the violence was preplanned while the Deputy Chief minister Eknath Shinde termed it was premeditated. Fadnavis said some people deliberately carried out attacks because almost a trolley full of stones has been found.

Weapons have also been seized in large quantities. Meanwhile, the minister of state for home Yogesh Kadam on Wednesday said the government will not spare those who attacked the police personnel during violence. “The morale of the police should not be affected. This is our responsibility. Instructions have been given to take strict action against those who raise their hands against the police,”he added. To a question on videos of the Nagpur incident going viral, the minister said, ”I have only one request, nothing will be achieved by making such videos viral.”

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

Nagpur Riot Mastermind ‘Minorities Democratic Party’ Leader Fahim Shamim Khan Arrested By Maharashtra Police

By
The Commune
-

Nagpur witnessed large-scale communal violence on Monday night (17 March 2025), leading to injuries, arson, and a significant law enforcement crackdown. The unrest, which erupted just 2 km from the RSS headquarters, left 34 police personnel, including two IPS officers and two firemen, injured. In response, Nagpur Police arrested Fahim Shamim Khan, a local leader of the Minorities Democratic Party (MDP), identifying him as the alleged mastermind behind the violence.

Khan’s Arrest and Police Investigation

Khan, the city president of the MDP and a resident of Sanjay Bagh Colony in Yashodhara Nagar, was taken into custody on Wednesday, hours after being named in an FIR registered at Ganeshpeth Police Station. Police officials cited video evidence showing him allegedly delivering an inflammatory speech just before the clashes broke out. The 38-year-old has been remanded to police custody until 21 March 2025.

A former Lok Sabha candidate from the Nagpur constituency, Khan contested against Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in the 2024 general elections but lost by over 6.5 lakh votes. His alleged role in inciting violence has drawn strong reactions from authorities, with police stating that his speech directly escalated tensions.

The Violence And Its Aftermath

The unrest began amid protests demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Rumors of a holy book’s desecration during a right-wing demonstration further fueled tensions. Mobs engaged in heavy stone-pelting, torched two JCB machines and 40 vehicles, vandalized police vans, and clashed with security forces at Chitnis Park Chowk. Riot-control police, including anti-riot commandos, faced severe attacks, prompting authorities to impose curfews in several areas under Section 163.

By Tuesday, 50 rioters were arrested, and 19 accused were sent to police custody on Wednesday. The Union Home Ministry has sought a report on the violence, which comes weeks ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the city. Authorities suspect that misinformation spread through social media played a significant role in mobilizing crowds.

Heavy Security Deployment

Over 2,000 police personnel have been deployed across central Nagpur, covering sensitive areas like Mahal, Chitnis Park Chowk, and Bhaldarpura. Key roads, including Fawwara Chowk, Gandhi Putla Chowk, and Badkas Chowk, have been sealed off. Security forces are using riot-control vehicles, water cannons, and tear gas units to maintain order. Intelligence agencies and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) are investigating potential security threats linked to the unrest.

Despite the violent clashes, a senior police official stated that the law-and-order situation is now under control, though curfews remain in place in various sensitive areas. The police continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that further escalations are prevented.

(With inputs from India Today)

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

YouTube Removes Popular Tamil Socio-Political Satire Channel ‘PoliTalks’ That Busts Dravidianist Myth

By
The Commune
-

The popular YouTube channel PoliTalk’s has been taken down by YouTube, just days after it was recovered from a malicious hacking incident. This time, YouTube cited severe or repeated violations of its Harmful and Dangerous Content policy as the reason for the removal. However, in contrast to YouTube’s claims, PoliTalk’s had gained immense popularity for its satirical content, which focused on exposing the lies and hypocrisies of Dravidianist, garnering a large following of viewers.

On 19 March 2025, PoliTalk’s announced via its official X account that its YouTube channel had been permanently taken down. In its official communication, YouTube stated, “We have reviewed your content and found severe or repeated violations of our harmful and dangerous policy. Because of this, we have removed your channel from YouTube.” 

Previously, on 13 March 2025, PoliTalk’s announced via its official X account, “My gmail and Youtube account is hacked. Channel user name is “@politalkstamil” and now its showing channel has been closed. The hackers added a USB security key, changed the password, and recovery email.” 

Notably, during the same period, on 11 March 2025, “The Commune” magazine also fell victim to a cyberattack, with its website being hacked and its links redirected to multiple unrelated and baseless sites.

Independent websites can recover on their own, but the process takes time. In the case of “The Commune”, it took around a week to neutralize the threat, identify vulnerabilities, and restore operations, finally coming back online on 18 March 2025. However, YouTube channels like PoliTalk’s, which operate within YouTube’s own framework and policies, are bound by its rules. The platform provides extensive mechanisms for reporting and taking down content, effectively restricting freedom of expression under the guise of enforcement. Unfortunately, there are no real options for creators to challenge wrongful takedowns or defend themselves against targeted abuse, highlighting the one-sided nature of YouTube’s moderation system.

In a recent explanation video following the first recovery of the PoliTalks YouTube channel, its creator Vignesh detailed how the hack unfolded. “On 12 March, I received a notification on my phone alerting that someone was attempting to access my email ID. Within I clicked on the notification to select ‘It was not me,’ and block the access. However, within the next two minutes, the password, recovery email, and phone number were changed. The entire access to our channel had been transferred to someone else. I had no idea where it went or how it happened—it was a complete blackout for me.”

With the support of SMaRT4Bharat and Divomusics India, Vignesh was able to recover the channel. However, upon reviewing past activities, they discovered that the hackers’ intent was not the usual extortion or reselling of the channel. Instead, their malicious goal was to ensure the channel’s removal by YouTube by violating its policy guidelines. During the time the channel was under their control, a livestream was broadcast for several hours, likely triggering YouTube’s enforcement actions.

Rising Trend of Digital Suppression?

Whether it’s the malicious cyberattack targeting The Commune magazine or the removal of YouTube channels like PoliTalks, a disturbing pattern appears to be emerging voices are being silenced through digital means when legal avenues fail. This is not the first time PoliTalks has faced suppression.

PoliTalks Taken Down: A Repeated Target

Back in June 2023, PoliTalks was abruptly terminated by YouTube after a copyright complaint was filed by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., through its partner AiPlex—a company specializing in online reputation management and content removal strategies.

Despite its large following, PoliTalks gained attention for its satirical content, which challenged the narratives of Dravidianists, exposing inconsistencies and hypocrisies in their rhetoric.

The takedown followed PoliTalks’ critical coverage of Zee Tamil’s talk show Tamizha Tamizha, hosted by left-wing filmmaker Karu Palaniappan. Several episodes sparked controversy, including discussions on:

  • Marriage vs. Live-in Relationships
  • Traditional Women vs. Feminists

Critics accused the show of pushing Dravidianist propaganda under the guise of women empowerment, influencing social narratives in a particular direction.

PoliTalks openly criticized these episodes, and its videos went viral, surpassing a million views each. The backlash was so intense that Zee TV ultimately replaced the show’s anchor in March 2023 following public pressure.

The Copyright Strike Takedown

In May 2023, AiPlex—on behalf of Zee TV—sent a deletion request to PoliTalks. However, as YouTube allows criticism and review of publicly available content, the platform did not remove the videos.

Frustrated, AiPlex took a different approach, selectively reporting specific PoliTalks videos for copyright violations. Since YouTube automatically disables channels receiving three or more strikes, this method led to PoliTalks’ termination.

A total of six videos featuring clips from Tamizha Tamizha were flagged, ultimately triggering the channel’s removal.

Who Is Karu Palaniappan?

Karu Palaniappan was formerly a Tamil cinema director and is the son of politician Pala Karuppaiah who is known for hopping from one party to another (AIADMK, DMK, Kamal Haasan’s MNM, to name a few). He is Dravidian Stockist and identifies himself as a ‘Periyarist’, a follower of rabid anti-Hindu demogogue EV Ramasamy Naicker.

Palaniappan is known for peddling canards against Hindus especially Tamil Brahmins.

In the above speech, Karu Palaniappan says “First let us drive them (Brahmins) out of our state to other states and then we will drive them out of the country.”

Karu Palaniappan has been in the news every now and then for his remarks on Savarkar. When quitting the show, Karu Palaniappan shared a Facebook post where he mentioned that “…if the words social justice, self-respect, Dravidam are bitter, it is better to end the journey!” After he quit (a few sources say he was made to) Zee Tamil, he joined DMK-owned Kalaignar TV to host the show “Va Tamizha Va”.

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

Rural Areas Avail Over 75% Cancer Treatments Under PMJAY: Union Health Minister

By
The Commune
-

Rural areas in the country have availed over 75 per cent cancer treatments under the government’s Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), Union Health Minister JP Nadda has informed.

Nadda stated in the Parliament that the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme has enabled more than 68 lakh cancer treatments worth over Rs 13,000 crore across the country.

Of these, more than 4.5 lakh treatments worth over Rs 985 crore were undertaken for “targeted therapies” against cancer. About 76.32 per cent of beneficiaries were from rural areas. The minister also mentioned about the recently rolled out nationwide screening drive for the management and prevention of non-communicable diseases, like diabetes, hypertension and cancers. The nationwide campaign, valid till March 31, aims to achieve 100 per cent screening of people aged 30 years and above.

It is being conducted across Ayushman Arogya Mandir facilities and other healthcare institutions under the NP-NCD framework. The PMJAY scheme provides treatment for several cancers, including of breast, oral and cervical. It also provides more than 200 packages with more than 500 procedures of medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology and palliative medicine. Of these, 37 packages are related to targeted therapies such as chemotherapy for CA Breast, metastatic melanoma, chronic myeloid leukaemia, Burkitt’s Lymphoma, and lung cancer, the minister informed.

Those suffering from cancer and are below the poverty line can also avail of one-time financial assistance of up to Rs 15 lakh, provided under the Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF). The minister said that the scheme provides for the sale of generic medicines at 50 per cent to 80 per cent price of branded medicines through Janaushadhi Stores and the 217 AMRIT Pharmacies. A total of 289 oncology drugs are given at half the market price.

Nadda said that the government had in the budget announced it would set up 200-day care cancer centres at district hospitals in 2025-26. Further, under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), 770 district NCD clinics, 233 cardiac care units, 372 district day care centres, and 6,410 NCD clinics at community health centres have been set up, he said. In addition, 19 state cancer institutes and 20 tertiary cancer care centres have been set up in different parts of the country to provide advanced cancer care.

Cancer treatment facilities have been approved in all 22 new AIIMS with diagnostic, medical, and surgical facilities, he said. Two such centres where advanced cancer treatment is provided are the National Cancer Institute in Jhajjar, Haryana, with 1,460 beds, and the second campus of Chittranjan National Cancer Institute in Kolkata, which has 460 beds. There are 372 District Day Care Centres providing chemotherapy across the country.

–IANS

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

Over 54% Of Equity Mutual Funds In India Outperform Respective Benchmarks

By
The Commune
-
Thematic Funds In India See 488% Growth In Net Collections As Manufacturing, Energy Lead

More than half of the equity mutual funds in India managed to beat their respective benchmarks in February, a report said on Wednesday. According to the report by PL Wealth Management, the wealth management arm of PL Capital, 54.08 per cent of the 294 open-ended equity diversified funds analysed performed better than their benchmarks during the month.

In total, 159 funds recorded outperformance as of February 28, 2025. Among different categories, small-cap funds emerged as the best performers. Nearly 79.31 per cent of small-cap schemes outperformed the Nifty Smallcap 250 benchmark, making them the top category in February. Focused funds also showed strong performance, with 67.86 per cent of them beating their benchmark, the report said. Large and mid-cap funds followed closely, with 65.63 per cent of schemes delivering higher returns than the Nifty LargeMidcap 250 benchmark.

On the other hand, large-cap funds were the least performing category, with only 21.88 per cent of the funds outperforming the Nifty 50 benchmark. Other fund categories such as flexi-cap, mid-cap, and equity-linked savings schemes (ELSS) also delivered mixed results, with outperformance rates ranging between 44 per cent and 58 per cent. The report suggests that small-cap and focused funds continue to attract interest due to their strong growth potential, while large-cap funds have struggled to keep pace with their benchmarks.

The total assets under management (AUM) in February this year stood at Rs 23,12,570.67 crore. The strong performance of several equity mutual funds indicates that fund managers have been able to generate higher returns for investors in a volatile market, the report concluded. Meanwhile, in January this year, over 26 per cent of equity mutual funds in the country outperformed their respective benchmarks, the4 another the report by PL Wealth Management said. The report, based on analysis of 291 open-ended equity diversified funds, found that 76 mutual fund schemes managed to deliver better returns than their respective indices during January.

–IANS

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

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor Praises Modi Govt On Russia-Ukraine Stance; BJP Welcomes But Congress Distances

By
The Commune
-

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s recent remarks acknowledging Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic stance on the Russia-Ukraine war have drawn both praise and criticism, from different sides of the political spectrum. While BJP leaders welcomed his endorsement of Modi government’s stance on Ukraine-Russia face-off, Congress leaders questioned Tharoor on his own admission of flip-flop. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, Tharoor admitted that he had misjudged India’s position on the conflict.

“I am still wiping the egg off my face because I was one of those who criticised India’s position back in February 2022. Three years later, it turns out I was wrong. India now has a Prime Minister who can hug both the President of Ukraine and the President of Russia within two weeks and still be accepted in both places. That means India is in a position to make a difference to lasting peace,” he said. BJP MP Sambit Patra welcomed Tharoor’s comments and highlighted India’s diplomatic advancements under Modi government.

“India’s diplomacy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unparalleled. He has positioned India uniquely on the global stage. Tharoor, having worked at the UN, understands this and has acknowledged it. Congress leaders should learn from this instead of constantly opposing PM Modi,” Patra said. Congress leader Udit Raj, however, dismissed Tharoor’s remarks and questioned India’s influence in global affairs. “Does Tharoor think he knows better than 140 crore Indians? Does he have nothing else to do? What significant role has India played in global affairs? Who even acknowledges India? Trump taught a lesson to PM Modi, but no one had the courage or stature to say anything. It is NATO or the US that decides. Moreover, earlier, he criticised PM Modi; did it make any difference? Did his criticism have any real impact?” Raj told IANS.

“Another point is that PM Modi maintains an equal distance from both sides, which essentially follows the non-alignment policy initiated by Pandit Nehru. So, if anyone should be endorsed, it should be Pandit Nehru, not PM Modi. Tharoor does not acknowledge the fact that it was a Congress leader who initiated this policy, and ultimately, PM Modi had to accept it. I do not know what is wrong with him,” he added. Madhya Pradesh Minister Vishvas Sarang also welcomed Tharoor’s statement and said that PM Modi has been recognised as a global leader. “Whenever ceasefire or peace talks are discussed, the world looks toward PM Modi. He is not just India’s leader but a leader on the global stage,” Sarang told IANS.

JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar took a swipe at the Congress and told IANS, “The real question is whether there is any discipline left in their party. Rahul Gandhi has criticised India abroad, and now his own MPs are contradicting him. Only he can say whether he is embarrassed or proud.” Speaking to IANS, BJP MLA Tarvinder Singh Marwah emphasised global appreciation for the Prime Minister. “Not just Tharoor, but world leaders like Putin, Biden, Trump, and even New Zealand’s Prime Minister have praised PM Modi. Several nations have honoured him with their highest awards, which no Indian PM has received before,” he stated. “Everyone praises PM Modi — some openly, some in private. But the fact remains, he is widely respected,” BJP MLA Karnail Singh said.

–IANS

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

1...517518519...1,858Page 518 of 1,858
TheCommune
The Commune is a news and views portal focusing on social and political issues of the southern part of India with a focus on Tamil Nadu.
Contact us: thecommune.news@gmail.com
Facebook Instagram X Youtube

NATIONAL NEWS

Bengal’s Decisive Shift: What Are The Forces Behind BJP’s Bengal Breakthrough?

Bengal’s Decisive Shift: What Are The Forces Behind BJP’s Bengal Breakthrough?

The Commune - 0
The 15-year regime of Trinamool Congress (TMC) rule is now a matter of history. The 2026 West Bengal Assembly election marks a significant political...
© The Commune 2025. All Rights Reserved.