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

By
The Commune
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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

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India AI Mission, Gates Foundation To Soon Collaborate On Creating AI Solutions: Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

By
The Commune
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Union Minister for Railways, Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, on Wednesday said a collaboration between India AI Mission and the Gates Foundation, an American private foundation founded by Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates, is on the cards.

In a post on X, the Union Minister said an MoU will soon be signed to create AI-based solutions to strengthen several critical sectors in the country. “AI solutions for better crops, stronger healthcare, smarter education and climate resilience— MoU soon between India AI Mission and @gatesfoundation,” Vaishnaw tweeted after meeting Gates who is currently visiting the country.

In a bid to make access to quality datasets easier for developing AI technologies, the government recently took a big step in its India AI Mission by launching AIKosha, the country’s sovereign datasets platform, and an AI Compute Portal. The government has also set a target of developing GPUs domestically within the next three to five years.

This is part of the larger Rs 10,000-crore IndiaAI Mission. The AI Compute Portal will allow companies to access subsidised GPUs for research and development. As of now, about 14,000 GPUs have gone live, with another 4,000 in the pipeline. Earlier, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) had announced the procurement of 18,693 GPUs from selected vendors. According to Vaishnaw, ministries related to agriculture, weather forecasting, and Bhashini have already provided data to the platform.

“India’s own AI foundational model is progressing well; we have 67 applications, of which 22 are for developing large language models (LLMs),” Vaishnaw said earlier this month.

The significant part of India’s compute capacity will be used for developing sovereign AI models. Meanwhile, Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, on Monday visited NITI Aayog’s Viksit Bharat Strategy Room (VBSR) and experienced an advanced AI-enabled immersive centre designed to enhance evidence-based decision making for policymakers across the country. The ‘Viksit Bharat Strategy Room’ was launched on March 7, 2024, as a revolutionary step in data-driven governance.

–IANS

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DMK Minister, Sons Appear In Court In Illegal Red Sand Quarrying Case

By
The Commune
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Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K. Ponmudy and his two sons — Gautham Sigamani, a Lok Sabha MP from Kallakurichi, and Ashok Sigamani, president of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association– appeared before a special court on Wednesday in connection with an illegal red sand quarrying case.

The trio, listed as accused in the case, appeared before the Additional Special Judge for CBI cases, S. Ezhil Velavan. During the proceedings, Ponmudy filed a petition under Section 205 of the CrPC, requesting an exemption from further personal appearances in court, citing his responsibilities as a minister and deputy general secretary of the DMK.

The judge directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to submit a response to the petition, with Special Public Prosecutor N. Ramesh taking notice on behalf of the ED. The case dates back to 2012 when the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) registered a complaint against Ponmudy, accusing him of facilitating illegal red sand quarrying in Villupuram. The allegations state that between February 13, 2007, and May 15, 2007, while serving as Minister for Mines and Minerals, Ponmudy helped his son, family members, and close associates exploit red sand quarries without proper authorization.

This allegedly caused a loss of Rs 28.36 crore to the Tamil Nadu state exchequer. In 2023, the ED registered a money laundering case against Ponmudy, Gautham Sigamani, and four others based on the original DVAC FIR. As part of its investigation, the ED conducted raids at multiple locations linked to Ponmudy, including properties in Chennai and Villupuram, as well as educational institutions run by his family. Ponmudy was later summoned and interrogated at the ED office in Chennai. Following the raids and questioning, Ponmudy and Gautham Sigamani appeared before ED officials at the Joint Director’s Office in Nungambakkam, Chennai.

The agency grilled them for two consecutive days, during which they were handed written questionnaires and their responses were recorded. The ED subsequently filed a 90-page charge sheet, detailing how Ponmudy allegedly misused his position between 2007 and 2009 to allocate red sand quarries to his son and relatives without paying the required seigniorage fee. The agency maintains that this led to significant financial losses for the state.

Additionally, in 2020, the ED attached properties worth Rs 8.6 crore belonging to Gautham Sigamani, linking them to illegal financial activities, including non-repatriation of foreign exchange earnings. The agency also found evidence suggesting that the DMK MP invested Rs 7.5 lakh in the UAE and Rs 41 lakh in a company based in Indonesia. As the case progresses, the court awaits the ED’s response to Ponmudy’s petition seeking exemption from personal appearances, while the investigation into the alleged illegal quarrying and financial misconduct continues.

–IANS

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Total Trains In Operation Exceed Pre-Covid Levels With Over 90% Punctuality Says Railway Ministry

By
The Commune
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The total number of trains in operation has now exceeded pre-Covid levels, reflecting the Indian Railways’ commitment to reliability and improved service delivery, the government has informed. According to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Railways has achieved an on-time performance of over 90 per cent through the adoption of advanced signalling systems, real-time monitoring, AI-driven scheduling and predictive maintenance.

As highlighted by the minister in the Lok Sabha, out of 68 railway divisions, 49 have already surpassed 80 per cent punctuality, while 12 divisions have impressively reached 95 per cent. This enhanced efficiency has resulted in smoother train operations, benefiting both passengers and freight services. Currently, Indian Railways operates more than 13,000 passenger trains, including 4,111 Mail and Express trains, 3,313 Passenger trains, and 5,774 Suburban trains.

The minister also highlighted the modernisation of railway stations, with 129 stations already completed and many more to be operational by 2025-26 as part of the world’s largest station redevelopment programme. He further highlighted the significant expansion of the Kolkata Metro, where 38 km of metro lines have been added in just a decade, compared to 28 km in the previous 42 years. Vaishnaw also emphasised on the ambitious Bullet Train project as a transformative step toward modern, high-speed rail connectivity, ensuring world-class infrastructure for future generations.

In line with the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability, Indian Railways has taken several initiatives towards environmental sustainability with its ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero Carbon Emission (Scope 1) by 2025. A major step in this direction has been the transition from diesel to electric traction, with 97 per cent of railway operations already electrified, and the remaining 3 per cent nearing completion. With projected emissions for 2024-25 estimated at 20 lakh tonnes and available offsets reaching 22 lakh tonnes, Indian Railways is well-positioned to meet its Net Zero target ahead of schedule, according to the minister.

—IANS

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The Wire Blames Maharashtra CM Fadnavis, Hindus, And Chhaava For Nagpur Riots

By
The Commune
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In a recent video, leftist rag The Wire has once again demonstrated its penchant for peddling biased narratives by squarely blaming Hindus and the film Chhaava for the recent communal tensions in Nagpur. This sensationalized and one-sided account not only distorts the facts but also fuels division by targeting a specific community and cultural expression.

The report, which heavily relies on the opinions of ‘journalist‘ Nikhil Wagle, attempts to paint the Nagpur riots as a pre-planned conspiracy orchestrated by Hindu organizations and the BJP-led state government. It alleges that the film Chhaava, which depicts the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, was used as a tool to incite violence against Muslims. However, this narrative conveniently ignores the complexities of the situation, and the role of all stakeholders involved.

Misrepresentation Of Facts

Wagle claims that the riots were a direct result of Hindu organizations targeting the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, with the film Chhaava serving as a catalyst. While it is true that tensions escalated following protests and counter-protests over Aurangzeb’s legacy, they fail to acknowledge the provocative actions and inflammatory rhetoric from the Islamists. Instead, he singles out Hindu groups and the film, portraying them as the sole instigators of violence.

Wagle also alleges that the state government and police were complicit in the riots, citing instances of inaction. Wagle says, “I believe that the Devendra Fadnavis government was aware that something is going to happen because of this agitation, that riots will be sparked. The Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was himself involved in instigating the feelings of the people. He was the one who said that Aurangzeb’s tomb must be destroyed but I cannot do that because 50 years ago, it was given security and it has archival values and the Congress government has preserved it. Nitesh Rane always instigates through his speeches, Raja Singh also does it but Devendra Fadnavis on the floor of the house has made an instigatory speech against Aurangzeb’s tomb. I allege that Devendra Fadnavis wants riots in Maharashtra, he wants the Phule-Ambedkar legacy to be destroyed, and that the ideology of Hedgewar, Golwalkar, and Savarkar be established here.”

The Wire’s decision to blame Chhaava for the riots is particularly egregious. The film, which celebrates the legacy of a revered Maratha king, is a cultural expression that resonates with millions of Hindus. By linking it to the violence, The Wire demonizes Hindu sentiments. This is a clear attempt to stoke cultural and religious divisions rather than fostering understanding and dialogue.

The interview conveniently glosses over the role of Islamist organizations and leaders in escalating tensions. It fails to mention the inflammatory speeches and actions such as torching Hindu businesses, vehicles, injuring Hindus and such – that have been the reason behind the unrest. By presenting a one-sided narrative, The Wire does a disservice to its readers and perpetuates a dangerous us-versus-them mentality. It is the Hindus who are the victims and not otherwise. 

This is not the first time The Wire has reported in a biased manner, covering up facts – here are 31 instances of fake news peddled by the pro-Congress leftist propaganda rag.

By blaming Hindus and Chhaava for the violence, it ignores the complexities of the situation and fuels communal tensions. Instead of promoting dialogue and understanding, The Wire has chosen to fan the flames of division.

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TN BJP Chief Annamalai Slams DMK Govt Over Tiruchendur Temple Stampede; Alleges Pressure On Victim’s Family To Cover Up Dravidian Model Incompetence

By
The Commune
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Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai has strongly criticized the ruling DMK government, accusing it of pressuring citizens to conceal its administrative failures. He pointed out the stark contrast between the initial statements given by the deceased victim’s family—who blamed the government for the lack of medical facilities at the temple—and the later remarks by Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister P.K. Sekar Babu at the backdrop of stampede incident at the Tiruchendur temple. The minister dismissed concerns about the temple’s infrastructure, claiming that the death was due to the victim’s pre-existing medical condition. He also presented a letter allegedly written by the victim’s family, which seemed to contradict their earlier claims.

Annamalai alleged that the DMK government had coerced the victim’s family into writing the letter in order to secure the release of the body of Om Kumar, who lost his life in the stampede at the Tiruchendur temple. He further demanded that the government provide immediate financial assistance of ₹10 lakh to the bereaved family and take necessary steps to prevent such tragedies in temples in the future.

Sharing his views on his official X account, Annamalai stated, “I have read the letter that Minister Sekar Babu claimed was written by the wife of Mr. Om Kumar from Karaikudi, who tragically lost his life in a stampede at the Tiruchendur temple.  I have highlighted certain lines in that letter. It seems to be a letter written under the name of persuasion implying that the body of the deceased would only be released if such a letter was submitted. I also saw the interview given by late Om Kumar’s family to @PTTVOnlineNews yesterday.  What a clear contradiction between the contents of the letter and their statements to the media. Minister Sekar Babu, who devalues public lives to cover up his regime’s incompetence, should remember that while a king may delay justice, divine justice strikes at last. I urge the DMK government to immediately provide ₹10 lakh in compensation to Om Kumar’s family, who died in the stampede and take necessary measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in temples in the future.”

In his statement, Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Annamalai attached a letter purportedly written by the wife of the deceased, Om Kumar. He pointed out a noticeable inconsistency in the letter, where it was repeatedly stated—around four times—that the deceased had breathing issues and was undergoing medication. Annamalai found this repetition unusual and questionable.

In an interview given to the private media channel, the victim of the deceased said, “We went to Tiruchendur to worship. We all came after worshipping in the front row. My uncle came after behind us, suddenly suffocated and died there. The reason for that is the crowd was huge, he fell down and died. They called us and said that, ‘he had fainted and asked us to come’. On the way, when we were going, they called us back and said, ‘He died.’ We don’t know what happened. But the people who came and told us said, ‘It took half an hour to come out of the temple. They said that the ambulance arrived after half an hour. But the police told us that they came and took him away in ten minutes. He had a pulse. He was fine.”

Other relatives intervened and said, “We didn’t get any medical help there.” Then she continued, “They said that four medical college students gave him first aid. We heard that there is no medical facility in Tiruchendur. If there was, our uncle would have been there. No, no, it’s been over half an hour. Do you know what Charities Minister says? He came here already unwell, that’s why he died like that. How can he say that? He was fine. We have a video. We have proof for everything. We have proof for everything. We took a photo. We had my child’s head tonsured and pierced his ear. How could he die who took photos with us there? then it is because of the inadequate facilities, right?”

The victim’s family, in tears, revealed that the letter was written by a relative under police instruction, as they were desperate to receive the deceased’s body for a dignified funeral ritual.

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The News Minute Cherry-Picks Facts In Columbia University ‘Scholar’ Ranjani Srinivasan Visa Revocation Case, Whitewashes Her Pro-Hamas Activities

By
The Commune
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The News Minute recently published an article claiming that Ranjani Srinivasan, a Columbia University PhD scholar, was forced to flee the US after her student visa was revoked due to her pro-Palestine views. The article paints a picture of political repression, alleging that Srinivasan was targeted for her activism and that her visa revocation was unjust. However, a closer examination of the facts reveals a different story—one that The News Minute conveniently omitted or distorted to fit a specific narrative.

The Real Reason For Visa Revocation: Support For Hamas & Failure To Disclose Critical Information

Contrary to The News Minute’s claims, Srinivasan’s visa revocation was not an act of political repression or a crackdown on free speech. The primary reason for her visa revocation was her failure to disclose critical information during her visa renewal process.

The primary reason for her visa revocation was her involvement in activities supporting Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, and her failure to disclose critical information during her visa renewal process.

Specifically, Srinivasan did not report two court summonses she received during a pro-Palestine protest at Columbia University in April 2024. According to a statement released by the US Department of Homeland Security on 14 March 2025, Srinivasan was found to have engaged in activities supporting Hamas. The Department obtained evidence of her participation in pro-Hamas protests at Columbia University in April 2024, which included video footage and other documentation. Additionally, Srinivasan failed to report two court summonses she received during these protests, a serious violation of US immigration law.

While the charges against her were eventually dismissed, US immigration law requires visa applicants to disclose any interactions with law enforcement, including summonses, regardless of the outcome. This omission, combined with her support for a terrorist organization, provided ample legal grounds for her visa revocation. The US State Department has consistently enforced this rule, and Srinivasan’s case is no exception.

 

Selective Activism Narrative: Distorting Facts

The News Minute’s article heavily emphasizes Srinivasan’s “pro-Palestine” activism, suggesting that her visa revocation was a direct result of her political views. However, the US government’s statement makes it clear that her involvement with Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, was a key factor in the decision. By omitting this critical detail, The News Minute distorts the reality of her situation and ignores the legal basis for her visa revocation.

By portraying her as a victim of political repression, The News Minute distorts the reality of her situation and ignores the legal basis for her visa revocation.

Misleading Claims About ICE Raids And Harassment

The News Minute’s account of ICE agents knocking on Srinivasan’s door is sensationalized and misleading. While it is true that federal agents visited her apartment, they did so with a judicial warrant, which is standard procedure in immigration enforcement cases. The agents did not harass or intimidate her; they were following legal protocols to investigate her visa status.

Moreover, Srinivasan’s decision to leave the US was not a result of ICE pressure but a personal choice to avoid potential legal complications. The News Minute’s portrayal of her departure as a forced exile is exaggerated and ignores the fact that she voluntarily used the CBP Home App to self-deport on 11 March 2025.

Cherry-Picking Facts To Push A Narrative

The News Minute’s article selectively highlights certain aspects of Srinivasan’s case while omitting critical details. For instance, it fails to mention that Srinivasan’s visa revocation was based on a clear violation of immigration law, as well as her political views and activism. It also ignores the fact that her activism was not the sole focus of the US government’s investigation.

By framing Srinivasan’s case as an example of political repression, The News Minute perpetuates a false narrative that undermines the credibility of legitimate concerns about free speech and immigration enforcement.

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Loyola College Accused Of FCRA Violations And Irregularities In Running Unauthorised Catholic Priest Training College, Complaint Filed With Society Of Jesus Urging Disciplinary Action, TN Guv Takes Cognizance

By
The Commune
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loyola college satya nilayam bible college

Legal activist organization Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF) has raised serious allegations against Loyola College, Chennai, accusing the institution of violating university affiliation rules and engaging in academic malpractices. A formal complaint has been submitted to the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Fr. Arturo Sosa, S.J., urging immediate intervention.

According to the LRPF, Loyola College has been operating an unauthorized off-campus center, ‘Satya Nilayam,’ located in Thiruvanmiyur, approximately 20 km from the college’s approved campus. The facility, run by a separate legal entity known as the Society of Sacred Heart College—Satya Nilayam, has allegedly been offering an M.A. Philosophy programme in affiliation with the University of Madras without securing the necessary approvals. The complaint highlights that the University of Madras has repeatedly warned Loyola College over the past five years regarding this violation, yet no corrective action has been taken.

The LRPF further alleges that ‘Satya Nilayam’ primarily serves as a theological training center for Jesuit missionaries, including foreign students from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Kenya, Europe, and North America. Despite being enrolled in Loyola College’s M.A. Philosophy programme, these students are exclusively trained at ‘Satya Nilayam’—a direct violation of the University of Madras’s regulations, which mandate that all affiliated programmes be conducted within the approved campus.

Allegations Of Discriminatory Practices

The LRPF states that the admission process at ‘Satya Nilayam’ is biased in favor of Jesuit students, effectively excluding non-Christian applicants from accessing the M.A. Philosophy programme. The forum argues that this practice contradicts the principles of equity and inclusivity that Jesuit education advocates and also contravenes the secular ethos of India’s higher education system.

Financial Misconduct And Misuse Of UGC Funds

The forum has also highlighted allegations of financial misconduct within Loyola College, citing revelations made by Rev. Fr. Albert Muthumalai, S.J., who served as the institution’s principal from 2004 to 2010. In his book, Irai Siragugalil Kanintha Siluvaigal, Fr. Muthumalai reportedly disclosed large-scale misappropriation of University Grants Commission (UGC) funds by Loyola College. He also alleged corrupt practices in the admissions department, where illegal monetary transactions were carried out.

A formal complaint regarding these financial irregularities was previously filed with the UGC, leading to Loyola College’s application for university status being rejected. LRPF contends that this decision underscores the seriousness of the allegations and necessitates a thorough investigation.

Following LRPF’s complaint, the Governor of Tamil Nadu—who also serves as the Chancellor of the University of Madras—has reportedly sought an explanation from the university regarding the unauthorized operations of ‘Satya Nilayam.’ The development signals the increasing scrutiny faced by Loyola College over its alleged violations.

The forum has also raised concerns over an apparent attempt by Loyola College to suppress evidence. It claims that shortly after the complaint was submitted to the Governor on February 27, 2025, the official website of Satya Nilayam (www.satyanilayam.com) was abruptly taken down. LRPF asserts that this move was an effort to obscure documentation related to the unauthorized programme.

Potential FCRA Violations Under Probe

LRPF has also initiated a separate investigation into possible violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) by the Loyola College Society, which is registered to receive foreign funds under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Preliminary findings reportedly suggest irregularities in foreign contributions, with concerns over their alleged misuse for unauthorized purposes. The forum has stated that it will submit a detailed report to the Ministry of Home Affairs for further action.

LRPF’s Appeal To Jesuit Leadership

In its letter to Fr. Arturo Sosa, S.J., the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, LRPF has called for urgent intervention and has urged the Jesuit leadership to:

  1. Investigate the unauthorized operation of ‘Satya Nilayam’ and associated academic malpractices.
  2. Ensure Loyola College, Chennai, adheres to university affiliation regulations.
  3. Take disciplinary action against those responsible for the alleged violations.
  4. Uphold principles of equity, inclusivity, and academic integrity within Jesuit institutions.

The LRPF has emphasized that the credibility of Jesuit higher education in India is at stake and warned that failure to act could damage the legacy of Jesuit institutions in the country.

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Madras High Court Directs Withdrawal Of TN Govt Order To Use Maasani Amman Temple Funds For Resort Construction

By
The Commune
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The Madras High Court on Friday, recorded the Tamil Nadu government decision to withdraw its order allowing the use of temple funds of Pollachi Masani Amman – for a luxury resort project in Ooty. The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by petitioner P. Baskar against the Principal Secretary of the Tourism Department and other officials of the HR&CE department, challenging the legality of the government’s order.

The PIL sought a writ of certiorari to quash Government Order (G.O.) Ms. 535, dated 24 December 2024, which permitted breaking a fixed deposit of ₹15 crore from the surplus funds of Masani Amman Temple in Pollachi, under the control of the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR & CE) Department. The funds were earmarked for the construction of a luxury resort in Ooty’s Kandal area, near the Subramanian Swamy Temple.

B. Jagannath, appeared for petitioner & AK Sriram, Senior Advocate, assisted by R.Bharanidharan, appeared for the HR&CE temple officials.

Senior Advocate J. Ravindran, representing the government, assisted by Government Pleader Edwin Prabakar, stated that the use of the term “resort” in the government order was a mistake and that the proposed project was intended to be a “Yatri Niwas” (pilgrim accommodation). However, the petitioner’s counsel, B. Jagannath, strongly opposed this claim, arguing that the government order explicitly mentioned the term “resort” in the tabulated estimates and that the project violated multiple provisions of the HR & CE Act, including Sections 36, 36A, and 66(1).

Further strengthening the petitioner’s argument, a news report from Dinamalar dated 8 March 2025, was presented, highlighting that devotees had raised objections against the proposed construction. Several petitions were sent to the CM Cell and the HR&CE Minister but it was in vain as there was no response.

The petitioner also cited a prior judgment of the Madras High Court in W.P. No. 19084 of 2024, delivered on 9 January 2025, which restricted the diversion of temple funds for non-religious purposes.

Taking cognizance of the arguments, the Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice K.R. Shriram and Justice Mohammed Shaffiq, observed that either an interim stay would be issued, or the impugned order should be withdrawn. The Additional Advocate General, in response, submitted that the government had decided to withdraw the order. The court recorded this statement and closed the petition without issuing a stay order, noting that the issue had been resolved through the government’s undertaking.

The judgment has been welcomed by devotees and temple activists, who argue that temple funds should be utilized strictly for religious and welfare purposes as per legal provisions.

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After Return To Earth, Sunita Williams Undergoes Rehabilitation

By
The Commune
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NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have begun a 45-day rehabilitation program to help them adapt to Earth’s gravity after spending nine months in space.

The duo returned early Wednesday (Indian time) aboard SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission, splashing down off the coast of Florida. Following their extended stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the astronauts will now undergo physical reconditioning to counteract the effects of prolonged weightlessness.

Astronauts returning from space often experience physiological changes, including fluid shifts causing puffy faces, muscle atrophy leading to chicken legs, temporary height increase, and reduced bone density. Microgravity affects various aspects of an astronaut’s body, including aerobic capacity, muscle strength, endurance, stamina, balance, coordination, bone density, and neuro vestibular function.

The Astronaut Strength, Conditioning, and Rehabilitation (ASCR) specialists have implemented a structured reconditioning program aimed at restoring physical health. The rehabilitation process begins immediately upon landing and involves two-hour daily sessions, seven days a week, for 45 days. The program is customised for each astronaut, based on test results, medical status, and mission roles. The rehabilitation is divided into three phases.

The first phase starts on landing day and focuses on mobility, flexibility, and muscle strengthening. The second phase incorporates proprioceptive exercises and cardiovascular training, while the third and longest phase prioritises functional development. Past cases have shown that astronauts often regain and sometimes even improve upon their pre-flight physical condition after completing this program. Williams and Wilmore’s prolonged stay in space was unplanned.

They launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner on June 5 last year for what was supposed to be an eight-day mission. However, technical issues with the spacecraft’s propulsion system forced it to return without them, extending its stay aboard the ISS. Their situation gained widespread attention, sparking debates about space travel safety and even political discussions.

The return process began after Crew-10 arrived at the ISS on Sunday, allowing Williams, Wilmore, NASA’s Nick Hague, and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov to begin preparations for their journey home. Seventeen hours after departing the ISS, their SpaceX Dragon capsule safely splashed down at 3:27 a.m. IST. Following their retrieval from the capsule, they were immediately sent for medical evaluations before starting their rehabilitation.

–IANS

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