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ISRO’s SpaDeX Mission To Propel India Into Elite “Space Docking” Club With PSLV-C60 Launch

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The Commune
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ISRO’s SpaDeX Mission To Propel India Into Elite "Space Docking" Club With PSLV-C60 Launch

The SpaDeX mission, expected to launch this year aboard the PSLV-C60 rocket, will propel India to the elite club of nations with space docking capabilities, said Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 21 December 2024. ISRO aims to launch PSLV-C60 on 30 December. However, the launch window is open till 13 January.

The space agency informed that the mission has completed “all tests and clearances”. The integration of the SpaDeX spacecraft is complete, and the spacecraft has been moved to Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. It is currently “undergoing preparations for launch”. While only a few countries have aced the space docking technology, it is key for India for its impending space missions including the Moon mission, and setting up the Indian space station.

“The launch vehicle has been integrated and now moved to the First Launch Pad, for further integration of satellites and launch preparations. ISRO’s SpaDeX mission, launching with PSLV-C60, will demonstrate in-space docking using two small spacecraft. This groundbreaking technology is key to future lunar missions, building Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), and more. India aims to join the elite club of nations with space docking capabilities,” ISRO said in a post on X.

The PSLV will lift off two small spacecraft – SDX01, which is the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target – weighing about 220 kg each. The mission will showcase the docking of the two spacecraft in a low-Earth circular orbit. “In-space docking technology is essential when multiple rocket launches are required to achieve common mission objectives. Through this mission, India is marching towards becoming the fourth country in the world to have space docking technology,” ISRO said.

It will also demonstrate “the transfer of electric power between the docked spacecraft, which is essential for future applications such as in-space robotics — composite spacecraft control, and payload operations after undocking”. ISRO has also developed indigenous technologies to enable this docking mission. This includes a docking mechanism, a suite of four rendezvous and docking sensors, power transfer technology, indigenous novel autonomous rendezvous and docking strategy, inter-satellite communication link (ISL) for autonomous communication between spacecraft, incorporated with inbuilt intelligence to know the states of the other spacecraft, among others. This mission will be a forerunner for autonomous docking needed for future lunar missions like Chandrayaan-4 without the support of GNSS from Earth, ISRO said.

-IANS

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Ministry Of Defence Clears Much Awaited Strategic Bhubhu Jot Tunnel Project In Himachal Pradesh

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The Commune
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Ministry Of Defence Clears Much Awaited Strategic Bhubhu Jot Tunnel Project In Himachal Pradesh

The construction of the much-awaited strategic Bhubhu Jot tunnel in Himachal Pradesh has been cleared, an official statement by the state government said on 21 December 2024.

The Ministry of Defence has officially recommended to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) that the Bhubhu Jot tunnel, along with the Ghatasani-Shilha-Bhubu Jot-Kullu National Highway, be designated as a project of strategic importance. In its communication, the Ministry of Defence highlighted the critical role this highway and tunnel would play as an alternative route to Leh and Ladakh, significantly enhancing the operational readiness of the armed forces in forward areas.

Apart from its strategic significance, the tunnel was expected to bring substantial socio-economic benefits to the region and budgetary provisions for the project will now be made accordingly. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to the Bhubhu Jot tunnel project.

“I personally met the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 25 October to request prioritisation of this project while considering its strategic importance. The issue was also raised with Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. The construction of this tunnel would be a milestone for the development of the state,” the official statement quoting Sukhu said.

The proposed Bhubu Jot tunnel would reduce the distance between Kangra and Kullu by over 50 km giving immense benefits to the local population and boosting tourism in the region, strengthening the economy of the people. The state government was prioritising tunnel construction to enhance road connectivity, promote sustainable development and minimise environmental impact.

“The construction of the Bhubhu Jot tunnel would be a transformative step for the development of Himachal Pradesh. This project would not only strengthen strategic infrastructure but also catalyse socio-economic growth in the region,” the Chief Minister added.

-IANS

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ISRO-ESA Sign Agreement To Advance Human Spaceflight Mission, Boost Global Collaboration

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The Commune
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ISRO-ESA Sign Agreement To Advance Human Spaceflight Mission, Boost Global Collaboration

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Saturday entered an agreement with the European Space Agency (ESA) to advance human spaceflight missions and boost global collaboration.

“ISRO and ESA have signed an agreement to collaborate on astronaut training, mission implementation, and research experiments, including cooperation for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission. This partnership advances India’s human spaceflight capabilities and global collaboration,” the Indian space agency shared in a post on social media platform X.

The agreement was signed by Dr. S Somanath, Chairman, ISRO/ Secretary, Department of Space, and Dr. Josef Aschbacher, Director General, ESA. The agreement provides a framework for cooperative activities in human space exploration and research.

This includes areas such as astronaut training, support for experiment development and integration, including the use of ESA facilities on the International Space Station (ISS). Further, the agreement will also enhance human and biomedical research experiment implementation as well as joint education and outreach activities.

“ISRO has defined a roadmap for human space flight activities and the recent approval of Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) presents an opportunity to develop interoperability between human spaceflight platforms,” said Somanath.

“The agreement provides a strong basis of cooperation between the two agencies. The leadership of both agencies expressed satisfaction with the progress of joint activities for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission and underlined the need for continuing cooperative activities in the area of human spaceflight in the future,” Aschbacher added.

Both ISRO and ESA are part of the upcoming Axiom-4 mission, led by the American private space habitat company, Axiom Space. It is expected to launch as soon as spring 2025. Even as ISRO’s Gaganyatri and ESA’s astronaut are crew members, both agencies are collaborating to implement shortlisted experiments by Indian principal investigators on ISS, the ISRO said.

Further, participation in ESA’s human physiological studies, technology demonstration experiments as well as joint educational outreach activities are also being pursued, the agency added.

–IANS

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi Invites All To Experience Gujarat’s Iconic Rann Utsav

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The Commune
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi Invites All To Experience Gujarat's Iconic Rann Utsav

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited everyone to Gujarat’s famous Rann Utsav, which will go on till March 2025. Promising an unforgettable experience to hodophiles, PM Modi attached a video capturing the beauty of Kutch and wrote in a post on social media platform X, “Kutch awaits you all! Come, discover the pristine White Rann, the spectacular culture and warm hospitality of Kutch during the ongoing Rann Utsav. The festival, which goes on till March 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience for you and your family.”

In a separate post on LinkedIn, PM Modi said, “The White Rann beckons! An unforgettable experience awaits! Come, immerse yourself in a unique mix of culture, history and breathtaking natural beauty!” Apart from attaching pictures of his visit to Kutch, the post also carried a write-up titled ‘Rann Utsav – A lifetime experience’.

He wrote, “On the westernmost edge of India lies Kutch, a mesmerising land with a vibrant heritage. Kutch is home to the iconic White Rann, a vast salt desert that gleams under the moonlight, offering an otherworldly experience. It is equally celebrated for its thriving arts and crafts. And, most importantly, it is home to the most hospitable people, proud of their roots and eager to engage with the world.”

“Each year, the warm-hearted people of Kutch open their doors for the iconic Rann Utsav – a four-month-long vibrant celebration of the region’s uniqueness, breathtaking beauty and enduring spirit,” he added.

“Through this post, I am extending my personal invitation to all of you, dynamic, hard-working professionals, and your families to visit Kutch and enjoy the Rann Utsav. This year’s Rann Utsav, which commenced on December 1, will go on till February 28, 2025, wherein the tent city at Rann Utsav will be open till March 2025. I assure you all that Rann Utsav will be a lifetime experience,” he further added in his post.

In 2005, Rann Utsav was launched to tap into the previously unseen tourism potential of Kutch. It has grown into a vibrant tourism centre now. Rann Utsav has also received several domestic and international awards.

-IANS

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Sambhal Survey: UP Archaeologists Visit To Inspect Well, Temple

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The Commune
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Sambhal Survey: UP Archaeologists Visit To Inspect Well, Temple

A team of the Uttar Pradesh archaeological department visited Sambhal for a survey on Saturday as part of an ongoing exercise to assess the age and historical significance of 19 wells and five pilgrimage sites in the city that witnessed communal tension last month.

The team reached Kalki Vishnu temple around 10.45 a.m. and inspected the Krishna well located near the temple, said an official, adding that the age of some structures was being assessed.

Sambhal SDM Vandana Mishra said that the team from the state archeology department spent around 15 minutes in the area.

“They inspected a well and visited the Kalki Vishnu temple,” she said, claiming that she had no information if they would return on Sunday. Hindus consider Sambhal sacred as many religious texts consider the city as the birthplace of Kalki, the tenth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Mahender Sharma, the caretaker of Kalki Vishnu temple, said, “The archaeology department’s officials inspected a well in the premises. They also took photos of the temple.” “It is not possible for me to share the actual age of this temple,” he said, adding that a 1,000-year-old map of the region also has reference to the temple.

He said the Kalki Vishnu temple is believed to be a part of the Hari Temple mentioned in scriptures as the birthplace of Kalki, the tenth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The archaeological department recently started a detailed survey of Sambhal after District Magistrate Rajendra Pensia wrote to their director demanding a review of structures of historical and religious importance.

Earlier, the ASI team surveyed 19 wells and five pilgrimage sites during a survey that lasted nine hours. If required, the team can be called again. The report will be prepared based on whatever survey the team has done so far, said the DM. Sambhal saw violence last month when officials of ASI attempted to survey the Shahi Jama Masjid.

The incident resulted in the deaths of at least four people and injury to 20 security personnel. Apart from the local politicians, dozens of residents were booked by police. There have been allegations that the Masjid is constructed on the ruins of a temple demolished in the 16th Century.

–IANS

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ED To Summon KT Rama Rao And Officials In ‘Formula-E’ Money Laundering Case; ACB Continues Probe

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The Commune
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ED To Summon KT Rama Rao And Officials In 'Formula-E' Money Laundering Case; ACB Continues Probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is likely to summon former Telangana Minister KT Rama Rao and two officials next week for questioning in the alleged money laundering case in connection with the Formula-E race even as the Anti-Corruption Bureau continued its probe.

The central probe agency on 20 December registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against K.T. Rama Rao, senior IAS officer Arvind Kumar, and former Chief Engineer of Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) B.L.N. Reddy. They are likely to be issued notices after Monday to appear before the ED officials for questioning in the case.

Rama Rao, the working president of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), and two officials were already booked by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on December 19 under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The First Information Report (FIR) was registered following allegations of financial irregularities during the Formula E-race held in Hyderabad early last year when BRS was in power.

There have been allegations that about ₹55 crore from HMDA was transferred to London-based Formula E Operations (FEO) without approvals from regulatory authorities. Acting swiftly after ACB registered an FIR, the ED on 20 December morning sought a copy of the FIR and other related documents from the anti-graft agency. By evening, an ECIR was registered by the central agency based on the ACB’s FIR. The ED is probing the allegations of violations of PMLA and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) in transferring money to a foreign entity. The agency is likely to proceed in the case after recording statements of KTR, Arvind Kumar, and B.L.N. Reddy.

The ED case will focus on the transfer of money from HMDA to FEO. In October last year, ₹45.71 crore was transferred to FEO for conducting the Formula-E race. The money was transferred in British Pounds, allegedly without approval from the Reserve Bank of India. The HMDA had not sought a tax exemption on the transfer of money in foreign currency. This reportedly put an additional burden of Rs 8.06 crore on the HMDA. The issue came to light during auditing. The central agency is likely to look into the transaction and find out who was the ultimate beneficiary of the transferred money. Meanwhile, the ACB is continuing its probe into the case. It is likely to record the statement of the then Principal Secretary Dana Kishore.

The ACB officials may also question some officials of HMDA and Municipal Administration and Urban Development. The ACB has still not summoned KTR and two other accused for questioning so far. Sources said the notices may be issued next week.

The ACB registered the FIR under Sections 13(1)(A) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, along with Sections 409 and 120(B) of the Indian Penal Code. It is alleged that on the direction of the then Industry Minister KTR, the HMDA transferred money to FEO in violation of RBI guidelines. The payment was reportedly made without obtaining approvals from the Cabinet or the Finance Department.

The BRS leader has denied the allegations of corruption and accused the Congress government of political vendetta. He claimed that the Formula-E race was hosted to make Telangana the hub of electric vehicles. KTR on 20 December filed a quash petition in Telangana High Court. In its interim order on the petition, the High Court barred ACB from arresting KTR till 30 December. While granting relief to KTR, the court stated that the investigation in the case may continue. It directed the state government to file its counter by 23 December. The court adjourned the hearing to 27 December 2024.

-IANS

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PM Modi Has All The Ingredients To Become Global Peacemaker: Erik Solheim

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The Commune
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PM Modi Has All The Ingredients To Become Global Peacemaker: Erik Solheim

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has all the ingredients to become a global peacemaker with the right kind of foreign policy in place which does not meddle in other countries’ affairs while keeping a neutral stance, Norway’s former Minister of Climate and Environment, Erik Solheim, said on Saturday.

In an exclusive interaction with IANS, the veteran diplomat said that under PM Modi, the country’s foreign policy is largely catering to safeguarding Indian interests globally, without meddling in their internal affairs, which is the right thing to do. “India is not intervening in any country’s internal affairs, especially the United States.

India is taking care of its own interest only… which is the perfect approach under the PM Modi 3.0 regime. This approach provides for a much more peaceful and stable world,” Solheim commented. He further stated that the world today needs global peacemakers, especially around the ongoing geo-political situations regarding Russia-Ukraine and Middle-East tensions.

“PM Modi is one of those politicians who is neutral and can ensure peace. We may see an end to the Russia-Ukraine war in 2025, and PM Modi can definitely play a bigger role towards achieving this,” the Norwegian diplomat stressed.

In November, ace global investor Mark Mobius had told IANS that PM Modi is capable of having a dialogue with all sides of the political spectrum on a global stage and deserves a Nobel Peace prize for his efforts. In an interaction with IANS, 88-year-old Mobius said PM Modi could become a very important peacemaker as the world goes through turbulence, especially the current West Asia conflict and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

On the resilience of the Indian economy, Solheim stated that by 2050, the domestic growth will be at par with the American economy. “There is a huge positive development in India at the moment across the spectrum. If India can keep economic growth around 7 per cent every year, it will probably reach that goal by 2050,” Solheim told IANS.

–IANS

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West Bengal Police Uncover Fake Passport Bangladeshi Racket, Arrest Five Including POPSK Staff And PDS Dealers

By
The Commune
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West Bengal Police Uncover Fake Passport Bangladeshi Racket, Arrest Five Including POPSK Staff And PDS Dealers

West Bengal Police, probing the fake passport racket in the state, claimed to have got specific information about its kingpin Samaresh Biswa’s network of Bangladeshi agents. Sources said Biswas, who was arrested recently, used to operate with the help of people in different villages adjacent to West Bengal’s international borders with Bangladesh and the South Asian country.

As per the preliminary investigation, the task of the agent’s network operating from Bangladesh was to arrange for a safe but illegal crossover to the Indian territory through the border with West Bengal. Once that process was over, the network from the bordering villages on the West Bengal side took charge with the first task being arranging for safe houses for such infiltrators mainly in the villages adjacent to the international borders, both land and coastal. Thereafter, based on the deals, fixed arrangements were made for their fake Indian identity documents starting with ration cards, followed by EPIC, PAN and AADHAAR cards and finally the passports.

In the course of interrogation, sources said, a person recently arrested in connection with such fake passport rackets, has admitted that the entire process involved a cost of ₹2 lakh-₹3 lakh per infiltrator. Five persons have been arrested in West Bengal in connection with the fake passport racket. Of the five arrested, two namely Dipankar Das and Deepak Mondal were contractual staff with Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs).

Besides a section of POPSK staff, the sources said, several public distribution system (PDS) dealers in the state are also believed to be involved with such rackets, whose main task was to arrange for the fake ration cards for the infiltrators by which other fake identity documents were made.

-IANS

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‘No Money In Treasury Now, Leader Arranging Funds’: DMK Min Tha Mo Anbarasan’s Candid Admission On ₹1000 Scheme Delays

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The Commune
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'No Money In Treasury Now, Leader Arranging Funds': DMK Min Tha Mo Anbarasan's Candid Admission On ₹1000 Scheme Delays

DMK MSME Minister T M Anbarasan openly admitted a lack of funds in the state treasury, delaying payments as scanty as ₹1000  under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai (KMUT) scheme. His remarks during a welfare event in Kanchipuram have raised questions about the DMK government’s financial management.

Adding fuel to the controversy, Anbarasan made derogatory comments about AIADMK leader Edappadi Palaniswami, diverting attention from the pressing issue of unpaid beneficiaries.

While addressing a complaint from a Kanchipuram resident who had not yet received the ₹1000 under the KMUT scheme, Anbarasan said, “There is no money in the treasury right now, but the leader is arranging the funds. We will definitely take steps to ensure ₹1000 per month is provided to eligible families.”

Speaking at a welfare distribution event in Kanchipuram organized to celebrate the birthday of DMK leader and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Anbarasan criticized AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami’s criticism of the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme. He mocked Palaniswami by referring to him as having a “Vidiya moonji” (lazy face).

Anbarasan said, “One day, I saw Jayalalitha TV, which I don’t usually do. He calls this a ‘Vidiya regime,’ for a ‘Vidiya munji’ only the ‘Vidiya rule’ can be seen. Have you looked at his face? When your face itself isn’t good, how can you call ours a ‘Vidiya regime’? You accuse us of not doing anything, but what have we not done? Can you identify any leader in India except our leader who has fulfilled 90% of their election promises and won the people’s hearts? What have we not done? We promised to give ₹1000 after coming to power, and we are delivering ₹1000 to 1.17 crore families. How many? The DMK is the only government providing ₹1000 per month to 1.17 crore families, isn’t that right? Some of you here, might say, ‘You gave ₹1000 to 1.17 crore people, but I didn’t receive it.’ Please be patient, there’s a money crunch in the treasury, but our leader is making arrangements. I assure you, anyone who hasn’t received it yet, we are committed to providing for eligible families.”

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DMK Leader Constantine Raveendran Calls Nagaland MP’s Harassment Allegations On Rahul Gandhi As ‘Drama’, BJP Leader SG Suryah Slams

By
The Commune
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DMK Leader Constantine Raveendran Calls Nagaland MP's Harassment Allegations On Rahul Gandhi As 'Drama', BJP Leader SG Suryah Slams

During a prime-time debate on a private news channel, DMK leader Constantine Raveendran, displaying a regressive attitude toward women, dismissed BJP MP Phangnon Konyak’s allegations against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as mere “drama.” Konyak, hailing from Nagaland, had accused Rahul Gandhi of misbehaving with her, invading her personal space, and shouting at her during a protest outside Parliament, which left her feeling “extremely uncomfortable.”

Shockingly, this dismissal came from senior DMK leader Constantine Raveendran.

Senior DMK leader Constantine Raveendran, in an attempt to defend his party’s ally, dismissed the concerns of BJP MP Phangnon Konyak, questioning her response to the alleged incident. He claimed, “The lady had not filed a complaint until then. If a woman felt affected, within minutes she could have furiously stood up? How fast could she have reacted to it? Hence, is this not a drama? this is a planned character assassination of Rahul Gandhi that he acted with force towards a women MP.” His remarks trivialized the MP’s allegations of discomfort and harassment during a protest outside Parliament.

In response, Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary SG Suryah, who was part of the debate panel, strongly criticized Raveendran’s remarks. Suryah stated, “This is completely unacceptable. After speaking in the Parliament, she filed a complaint with the police. I cannot accept that a woman would degrade herself for political purposes. I am requesting humbly that do not make such statements.  The MP while addressing the Parliament cried—was that an acting? will everything be acting? She expressed feeling uncomfortable, he came close and shouted. If this was not how he acts, then what is the meaning of questioning that women? Such comments, akin to blaming a victim in cases of assault. I humbly request you the professor refrain from making such hurtful statements.”

National Commission for Women Calls For Action on Rahul Gandhi

The National Commission for Women (NCW) announced on 20 December 2024, that it has urged Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar to take action against Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi following a complaint by BJP MP Phangnon Konyak. The MP alleged that Gandhi “misbehaved” with her during a protest on the Parliament premises.

In a statement, the NCW said it had taken suo motu cognizance of the incident, which reportedly occurred on 19 December, and emphasized the need for swift action to address the matter and uphold the dignity of women parliamentarians.

Konyak, a tribal BJP MP from Nagaland, claimed that Gandhi came into her “close proximity” and shouted at her during a protest near the Makar Dwar gate, leaving her feeling “extremely uncomfortable.” She conveyed her grievances in a letter to Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, stating, “My dignity and self-esteem have been deeply hurt by LoP Shri Rahul Gandhi ji.” Dhankhar assured her that the matter would be looked into.

In response to the allegations, the Congress dismissed the charges, with Rahul Gandhi asserting that it was actually the ruling party MPs who “stopped, threatened, and intimidated” him during the protest.

NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar expressed deep concern over the incident, highlighting that Parliament must serve as a model of respect and equality. The Commission described the incident as a “direct affront” to the dignity and rights of women parliamentarians and called for immediate and decisive measures to ensure such behavior does not go unchecked.

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