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India Aims For Equity And Balance When Negotiating FTAs: Piyush Goyal

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The Commune
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India Aims For Equity And Balance When Negotiating FTAs: Piyush Goyal

India looks for equity, balance, and fair trade when negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with other countries, the government said on Tuesday. Speaking at the 27th CITIC CLSA India Forum here, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India enters into FTAs with countries which are transparent, open and where governments’ economic systems align with India.

Minister Goyal asserted that fulfilling basic amenities of citizens has been the government’s priority for the last decade, empowering Indians to aspire big, ensuring that India uses the 4D advantage of Democracy, Demographic Dividend, Demand and Decisive Leadership led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Urging participants at the forum to continue investing in the country, the minister spoke about the opportunities India provides as it grows towards becoming a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, making it the best business destination for the world.

Regarding skill development in the country, the minister stated that the PM Modi-led government has announced five schemes worth $30 billion in the Budget 2024. “In the coming years, the government will focus on allowing youth to curate their formal education as per their desires and move into a vocation of their choice. CSR spending in skill development will also enhance the progress in the years to come,” Goyal said.

He further stated that in the last 10 years, the government’s efforts have been towards a complete saturation of every person, every child, every family in the country, so that nobody is deprived of basic needs like food, clothing, shelter, healthcare and education. “Once you are confident that all of these are well taken care of, it empowers you to dream big, to dream big, to aspire for all the good things of life,” the minister told the gathering.

–IANS

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Centre Making All Out Efforts To Control Violence In Manipur: Pralhad Joshi

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The Commune
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Centre Making All Out Efforts To Control Violence In Manipur: Pralhad Joshi

Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi said on Tuesday that the Centre was making all-out efforts to control violence in Manipur. Talking to reporters in Dharwad, Union Minister Joshi said, “Manipur violence issue is sensitive. All attempts were being made to restore normalcy. It is a complicated and sensitive matter.” “It is unfortunate that violence was erupting repeatedly in that region. The death of even a single person was a serious matter,” he said.

He said a solution to this violence could be found through dialogue or by initiating strict measures. Earlier, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge sought President Droupadi Murmu’s intervention to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur. On Maharashtra polls, the BJP leader said, “I have been to Maharashtra and BJP will register a thumping victory there. In Jharkhand as well, we will comfortably win.” The BJP emerged victorious for the third time in a row in Haryana and will “repeat the feat” in Maharashtra too, he said. “During the 2019 polls in Maharashtra, we had won. We had won 130 seats in the Assembly election. It was about 20 seats and former CM Uddhav Thackeray led Shiv Sena betrayed BJP and formed the government by aligning with three political parties,” Joshi claimed.

The Union Minister claimed that the Mahayuti was forged as Shiv Sena MLAs rebelled against Uddhav Thackery for stitching an alliance with parties against late Balasaheb Thackeray’s wishes. Under the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde, many developmental works have been carried out in the state. He said: “We also have the most popular leader Prime Minister Narendra Modi who campaigned extensively for the polls. I have full confidence that Mahayuti will win with a decent majority.”

–IANS

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100-Year-Old School Declared Waqf Property, Claims Karnataka BJP

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The Commune
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100-Year-Old School Declared Waqf Property, Claims Karnataka BJP

Karnataka BJP alleged on Tuesday that a 100-year-old school has been declared as the Waqf property in Chikkaballapur district of the state. The party has also stated that a dargah has also come up in the school premises and a green flag is hoisted in the place of the national flag. Karnataka Leader of the Opposition (LoP) R Ashoka led a delegation of the state BJP unit to the school on Tuesday. “Sir M. Visvesvaraya had studied in this school from grades 1 to 4. Several companies have contributed CSR funds to develop the school, which is equipped with a proper compound wall. However, a mosque has been constructed within the school premises,” Ashoka said.

He questioned how a dargah could come up within the compound of a school with a 100-year history. He further charged that the state government is encouraging the religious conversion of school children. “Declaring this site and the school he attended as Waqf property is unacceptable. A green flag has also been hoisted on the school premises, replacing the Tricolour. The green flag is flown here throughout the year. What kind of message does this send to the students? Such flags are not seen inside schools anywhere else,” he claimed. He alleged that Congress talks about the Tricolour but has allowed a green flag to be hoisted here. “How can children study with the mosque’s loudspeakers blaring daily? This is encouragement for religious conversion,” he claimed. He added that when he announced his visit to the school, there was an attempt made to immediately change the land records. “This is the power of the opposition. The Waqf Board is attempting to seize land trodden by Visvesvaraya, which is unacceptable,” he underlined.

He also criticised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s statement that no land records of farmers and others would be changed. “A farmer in this area has held land for three generations, but now the land record shows it as Waqf property. Similarly, during my visit to Chikkamma Temple in Srirangapatna, in Mandya district, the Waqf entry was removed from its land records. Such changes must be made for all affected properties. Waqf Board is like a rogue demon, spreading fires everywhere,” he claimed.

–IANS

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Palestine Thanks India For $2.5 Million Financial Aid

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The Commune
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Palestine Thanks India For $2.5 Million Financial Aid.

Palestine on Tuesday expressed its deep gratitude to India for releasing the second tranche of $2.5 million financial aid to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), thus fulfilling its pledged annual contribution of $5 million for the year 2024-2025. In a statement, the Palestinian Embassy said, “We extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Government of India for releasing the second tranche of $2.5 million to UNRWA, fulfilling its annual contribution of $5 million for the year.”

The Embassy further lauded India’s commitment to humanitarian assistance, stating, “We also acknowledge India’s pledge to continue providing humanitarian aid and medicines to UNRWA, assisting the agency in meeting its responsibilities toward the welfare of Palestinian refugees.” Abed Elrazeg Abu Jazer, Charge d’affaires of the Embassy of Palestine, emphasised the significance of the financial support, calling it a “testament to India’s unwavering support” for UNRWA’s mandate, established in 1949. “This financial contribution is a critical step in countering Israeli attempts to undermine UNRWA and halt its activities in Palestinian territories,” the statement quoted him as saying. Highlighting the strong historical ties between India and Palestine, Jazer added, “The Palestinian people deeply value India’s support and look forward to its continued backing at both political and material levels until their aspirations for freedom, independence, and the establishment of their own state are realised.”

India’s Representative Office to Palestine on Monday announced the release of the $2.5 million tranche. Over the years, India has provided financial aid amounting to $40 million for UNRWA’s core programs and services, including education, healthcare, relief, and social services for Palestinian refugees. “In addition to financial assistance, India remains committed to providing humanitarian aid and medicines to UNRWA, helping the agency fulfil its responsibilities toward the welfare of Palestinian refugees,” the Representative Office noted. The Palestinian Embassy expressed hope that this financial support would continue to strengthen UNRWA’s efforts to serve Palestinian refugees, even as they face challenges in the region. “The Indian contribution reaffirms its enduring commitment to UNRWA’s services and the Palestinian cause. We are grateful for this support, which highlights India’s role as a steadfast ally in our struggle for independence and self-determination,” the Embassy statement concluded.

India’s consistent financial aid and humanitarian assistance reflect its solidarity with the Palestinian people and its dedication to promoting peace and stability in the region. New Delhi has for long supported a negotiated two-state solution, towards the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine within secure and recognised borders, living side by side in peace with Israel. At the same time, India has also strongly and unequivocally condemned the October 7 terror attacks on Israel, last year, calling for the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages, ceasefire, the need for continued humanitarian assistance, and adherence to international humanitarian law.

–IANS

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India’s Vision For Free, Secure Maritime Network Resonates Across The World: PM Modi

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The Commune
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India's Vision For Free, Secure Maritime Network Resonates Across The World: PM Modi tariff threats trump

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that India’s “vision for free, open and secure maritime network — be it the Indian Ocean or the Indo-Pacific region — is finding resonance across the world”. In his message for the maiden maritime event — ‘Sagarmanthan, The Ocean’s Dialogue’ being held in the national capital, PM Modi said, “The ‘Indo Pacific Oceans Initiative’ envisions marine resources as a key pillar for growth for nations. This dialogue on oceans further strengthens the rules-based world order and enhances peace, trust and friendship between nations.”

The message sent from the PM’s camp office in Nigeria called for the success of Sagarmanthan to build consensus for partnerships of a prosperous future for humanity. “As we strive to realise the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, dialogues such as Sagarmanthan are invaluable to build consensus, partnerships and most importantly, a prosperous future. With the collective efforts of all stakeholders, I am confident that these discussions will resonate far and wide, paving the way toward a brighter, more connected future,” PM Modi said. Highlighting India’s rich maritime legacy and steps to build the sector, the Prime Minister said, “India’s maritime tradition goes back several millennia and is among the richest in the world. The thriving port cities of Lothal and Dholavira, the fleets of the Chola dynasty, and the exploits of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj are great inspirations. Oceans are a shared heritage for nations and societies, as well as the lifeline for international trade.”

“Today, the security and prosperity of nations is intimately connected to oceans. Recognising the potential of oceans, several transformative steps have been taken to bolster India’s maritime capabilities. Over the last decade, guided by the vision of ‘Ports of Prosperity’, ‘Ports for Progress’ and ‘Ports for Productivity’, we have doubled the capacity of our ports. By enhancing port efficiency, reducing turnaround times and strengthening last-mile connectivity through expressways, railways and riverine networks, we have transformed India’s shoreline,” PM Modi said.

Minister for Shipping and Ports Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has been witnessing a transformational experience in the maritime sector. The message by the Prime Minister encapsulates the very essence that this maiden maritime thought leadership forum — Sagarmanthan — aims to achieve.” The two-day event brings together global maritime leaders, policymakers, industry experts and scholars.

–IANS

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Very ‘Productive’ Meeting With PM Modi, Says British PM Starmer

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The Commune
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Very 'Productive' Meeting With PM Modi, Says British PM Starmer

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday described his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “productive” as he announced plans to relaunch bilateral trade negotiations. “A very productive meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Yesterday, we announced plans to relaunch UK-India trade talks. A new trade deal will support jobs and prosperity in the UK and represent a step forward in our mission to deliver growth and opportunity across the country,” Starmer said in a post on X.

In the meeting that took place on the sidelines on the first day of the Rio G20 Summit, both leaders agreed to advance the UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The collaboration aims to elevate relations in trade and investment, security and defence, technology, climate action, health, and education, according to a statement released by 10 Downing Street. “They also welcomed the recent launch of the Technology Security Initiative and discussed the opportunities for further cooperation on defence and security,” the UK PMO said. Starmer’s office also noted that both leaders agreed on the strength of cultural ties between the two countries that provide a strong foundation for further ongoing cooperation.

The British PM emphasised the relaunch of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, which had stalled earlier this year, and expressed intent to establish a “new strategic partnership” with India. “A new trade deal with India will support jobs and prosperity in the UK – and represent a step forward in our mission to deliver growth and opportunity across our country,” Starmer said after his meeting with PM Modi. He outlined Britain’s focus on deepening ties in security, education, technology, and climate change alongside the trade agreement. Prime Minister Modi echoed these sentiments, calling the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the UK “immensely important.” In a post on X, PM Modi stated, “In the coming years, we are eager to work closely in areas such as technology, green energy, security, innovation, and trade. We also want to strengthen cultural linkages.” He described the meeting as “extremely productive,” marking his first interaction with Starmer since the Labour leader assumed office in July after defeating Rishi Sunak.

Trade talks between India and the UK had stalled in March after several years of negotiations. The discussions were hindered by differing priorities — India sought increased visas for students and business people, while Britain aimed to reduce tariffs on whiskey and automobiles and sought better access to India’s service sector. Since then, the UK has witnessed political changes, with Starmer’s Labour government replacing the Conservatives. The renewed focus on trade negotiations signals a mutual commitment to advancing economic and strategic cooperation between the two nations.

–IANS

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Corporation Officials Arrive To Demolish 40-Year-Old Vinayagar Temple In Chennai’s Arumbakkam Citing Court Order, Devotees Protest

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The Commune
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Tensions erupted in Janakiraman Colony in Arumbakkam when local residents staged a protest against the demolition of a 40-year-old Vinayagar temple. The Greater Chennai Corporation officials arrived to carry out the demolition in compliance with an order from the Madras High Court.

The controversy began when a local doctor petitioned the Madras High Court, requesting the temple’s removal. The petition argued that the temple was built on a stretch of road encroaching upon land in Ward 105 of Arumbakkam, and it was causing an obstruction to traffic flow.

In response to the court’s directive, Chennai Corporation officials from Zone 8 arrived on 19 November 2024, to execute the demolition. However, their attempt was met with fierce opposition from local residents, who organized a sit-in protest near the temple to block the workers.

The situation quickly escalated as more residents gathered, creating a tense standoff. The police were called in to manage the growing unrest and maintain order in the area.

One resident expressed that the issue stemmed from a personal ego clash between the complainant and the colony, describing it as a conflict involving one individual’s ego against the community. She argued that the temple had never caused any disturbance, but instead brought positive energy to the area. She warned that if the temple were demolished, it could lead to various nuisances, such as strangers loitering, encroachment, and cars being parked inappropriately.

An elderly resident also voiced her frustration, questioning why the temple should be demolished after peacefully existing in Janakiraman Colony for 40 years.

She reflected on the significance of the temple, saying, “Generations have relied on this temple for spiritual peace. It’s a place where we cleanse our hearts, where simply passing by and offering a small prayer, we feel our sins are washed away. I can’t afford to visit other temples, which charge fees, but here it’s free. Can this be taken away from us? As Bharati sang, ‘My heart can’t tolerate this.’ Yesterday, we were praying to Lord Ganapathi to save us, but today, we pray to save Lord Ganapathi.”

(With inputs from DTNext)

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J&K L-G Sinha Stresses Need To Preserve Links With Civilisational Values

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The Commune
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J&K L-G Sinha Stresses Need To Preserve Links With Civilisational Values

Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha said on Tuesday that it was necessary to preserve and strengthen the links with time-tested civilizational values and pass on the treasure of art and literature to the young generation The L-G said this while attending the ‘Janam Shatabdi Samaroh’ of a famous literary figure of Hindi and Bhojpuri literature, Dr Viveki Rai, in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur.

Paying homage to Dr Viveki Rai, the Lieutenant Governor said, “His wisdom and ideals continue to inspire millions across the country and guide us along in realising our dream of a developed nation. Dr Viveki Rai Ji, through his writings, brought out the aspirations of rural India, and the struggle of the common man and deprived sections of the society.”

The L-G called upon the people to take five pledges to achieve five future goals and pay a fitting tribute to Dr Viveki Rai. “Our first resolution should be to preserve and strengthen the links with our time-tested civilizational values and pass on the treasure of art and literature to the young generation. The intelligentsia of society should prepare for bigger responsibilities and provide solutions to future challenges. Our path must be of collective vision, and our fourth aim should focus on building a nation of equal opportunities through collective strength and equal consciousness,” Sinha said.

“Our fifth aim must look at ways to provide opportunities to teachers and writers in rural India to upgrade their knowledge, skills and competencies in line with the increasingly integrated world economy and ever-evolving technological landscape”, the Lieutenant Governor said.

The J&K L-G stressed the need to continue our relationship and link with the past to shape our present and future based on the firm fundamentals of morality and principles. He said great value has to be given to modern education, technology and learning. “But this would mean little in real context if we were to lose our connection with the great past of our civilisation,” he said.

–IANS

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Pastor In Thoothukudi District Accused Of Defrauding Couple Of ₹68 Lakh In Orphanage/Old Age Home Scam

By
The Commune
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A couple from Ottapidaram filed a complaint with the Superintendent of Police on 18 November 2024, accusing a local pastor of defrauding them of ₹68 lakh under the guise of constructing an orphanage and old age home. The couple, K. Arumugakrishnan and his wife Vasantha from Kakarampatti village, claimed they had given the pastor, Newton David, a pastor with the Assemblies of God church in Ottapidaram, the money to renovate a church and fund the construction of the facilities. They have asked the police to file an FIR against him.

The couple said they handed over a total of ₹68 lakh, which included ₹16 lakh in cash, to Newton David after he convinced them he needed funds for the projects. However, after realizing they had been scammed, the couple demanded their money back. According to their statement, the pastor promised to return the money once he received funds from abroad.

The couple further alleged that Newton showed them counterfeit documents, including fake Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) bonds worth several crores, which he claimed were approved by the Reserve Bank of India. He also presented a ₹30 crore cheque to gain their trust. The pastor supposedly gave Arumugakrishnan and Vasantha bonds worth ₹5 crore and ₹10 crore, respectively, which later turned out to be fraudulent.

In addition to these claims, Arumugakrishnan accused Newton of illegally extracting iridium from temple kalasams. He has requested the police to file an FIR against the pastor and his accomplices for these alleged activities.

However, Newton David, who has been suspended from his church denomination, denied the allegations. He asserted that the money dispute had already been resolved by the district crime branch. Newton also accused Arumugakrishnan of manipulating his images to falsely accuse him of stealing iridium and denied any involvement in issuing fake RBI bonds or cheques.

(With Inputs From The New Indian Express)

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7 Shocking Instances Where Govt Welfare Schemes Were Used To Fund Illegal Activities In India

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The Commune
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7 Shocking Instances Where Govt Welfare Schemes Were Used by terrorists & missionaries To Fund Illegal Activities In India.

On 16 November 2024, the Delhi Police, investigating an “al-Qaeda-inspired terror module,” informed the Patiala House Court that terrorists had planned to misuse the PM-Kisan scheme, also known as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, to raise funds for jihad. According to the police, individuals filled out forms for the scheme under the direction of terrorists, intending to channel the funds received from the government toward terror activities.

A report by The Indian Express also highlighted this revelation. Here is a list of 7 incidents between 2018 and 2024 where government funds and welfare schemes were exploited illegally, shedding light on systemic vulnerabilities targeted for nefarious activities.

Case 1: Al-Qaeda Terrorists Misused Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme Funds to Purchase Weapons

In November 2024, the Delhi Police, investigating an “Al-Qaeda-inspired terror module,” informed the Patiala House Court that the accused terrorists planned to misuse the PM-Kisan scheme to fund jihad. Two arrested suspects were beneficiaries of the scheme and allegedly provided money for arms purchases. Police are now identifying individuals who filled scheme forms on their behalf.

The probe, initiated after arrests on 22 August 2024 based on Central agency inputs, uncovered weapon training activities in Rajasthan’s Bhiwadi and illegal arms recovery. Eleven suspects, all from Ranchi villages, were arrested, including alleged module leader Dr Ishtiyaq Ahmad. Raids yielded firearms, ammunition, and ₹5.1 lakh.

The court allowed the eight accused six days of police custody to interrogate them further and identify others involved. Defence counsel claimed police framed the accused without evidence and alleged mistreatment in custody. Notably, under the PM-Kisan scheme, farmers receive ₹6,000 annually.

Case 2: Sign Language Interpreters Exploited Disabled Children For Religious Conversion

In September 2024, it was revealed that a nationwide illegal religious conversion racket, masterminded by Maulana Umar Gautam, exploited disabled children, particularly those with hearing impairments, using sign language interpreters. Irfan Sheikh, affiliated with the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) in Delhi, leveraged his position to target children for conversions at the Islamic Dawah Centre in Jamia Nagar. Other operatives, including medical students, professionals like Kunal Chaudhary, and networks like the Revert, Rehab, and Dawah WhatsApp group, spread the operation across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Bihar, and Haryana.

The syndicate used organizations like the Waliullah Trust to mask its activities, with key figures such as Maulana Kaleem Siddiqui converting thousands to promote social harmony. Funds were channelled through businesses, while entities like the Global Peace Center aided operations.

Case 3: Tribal Woman Converted for Marriage Using Government Scheme In Chhattisgarh

In May 2023, a controversy in Chhattisgarh erupted after a Hindu tribal woman, Basanti, was married to a Muslim man, Haroon, in a conversion-nikah ceremony organized under the Chief Minister Kanya Vivah Scheme. The mass wedding, held on 13 March 2023 in Surajpur district, provided ₹25,000 in government assistance to brides. Basanti’s father, Devnarayan Uikey, alleged she was brainwashed into the marriage without his knowledge and filed a police complaint declaring the wedding fraudulent and demanding its annulment. Out of 85 couples in the ceremony, Basanti and Haroon were the only pair married under Islamic rituals, presided over by a cleric, while others followed Hindu customs. Uikey claimed the marriage was unacceptable, citing concerns over targeted conversions and political exploitation, such as using ST certificates for reserved elections.

Case 4: Central Website Hacked, Scholarships Tampered With

In December 2018, Babul Hussain, a data entry operator from Uttar Dinajpur district in West Bengal, was arrested by Kerala police for hacking a National Informatics Centre (NIC) website and tampering with the beneficiary list for the Post-Matric Central Scholarships for Minorities. Hussain allegedly siphoned off ₹5 crore by uploading fake scholarship applications. The issue came to light when deserving students complained of not receiving their scholarships. Kerala police traced Hussain’s activities with the help of local authorities and seized his laptop and mobile phones, though no further evidence was found.

Case 5: Christian Missionaries Exploit Government Rice Scheme For Conversions In Chhattisgarh

Earlier this month (November 2024, it was revealed that in Chhattisgarh, Christian missionaries have been exploiting government rice schemes, such as the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and the state’s Annapurna Yojana, to fund religious conversions. The missionaries initiated a scheme called “Ek Muthi Chawal Yojana,” where each family is asked to donate a handful of rice daily. This rice is then collected in large quantities, and sold in the open market for ₹25-30 per kg, generating an estimated annual income of over ₹100 crore for the missionaries. This practice is particularly prevalent in districts like Jashpur, where a significant portion of the population has converted to Christianity. With the introduction of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), which limits foreign funding for missionaries, the rice collection scheme has become a crucial source of income.

Case 6: Church Built With Govt Fund In Odisha

In August 2024, a Dainik Bhaskar report revealed that government funds are being misused in Odisha to construct and renovate churches, particularly under the Chief Minister’s Special Assistance Scheme. In 2023-24, a church in Balishankara, Sundargarh, was renovated at a cost of ₹4 lakh using government money. This church renovation is part of a broader strategy Christian missionaries use to lure individuals into converting to Christianity. In villages, free health camps are organized, where diseases are “treated,” and conversions are promoted in the name of treatment. The funds meant for public welfare are being diverted for religious purposes, facilitating a conversion network across multiple states, including Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.

Case 7: House Allotted Under PM AWAS Yojana Converted To Church In Chhattisgarh

In February 2024, in Chhattisgarh’s Bemetara district, over 25 members of the tribal community converted to Christianity in a mass conversion that occurred in houses built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). The converted individuals, mostly from the Gond community, were reportedly promised better healthcare and economic benefits in exchange for their conversion. These families, who previously attended distant churches, started gathering for daily prayers at a house built under the PMAY, which was converted into a church with Christian symbols. Hindu organizations raised concerns, claiming that the conversions were induced by allurement, which is illegal. Some converted individuals cited improvements in their health, income, and personal lives. Hindu organizations have demanded action, including sealing the houses marked with Christian symbols.

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