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Congress’s Double Standards – Pushes Nandini Nationally After Blocking Amul Locally

Congress's Double Standards - Pushes Nandini Nationally After Blocking Amul Locally

The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), under the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, is poised to expand its flagship dairy brand Nandini to the national capital, New Delhi. However, the announcement has reignited debates about the Karnataka Congress’s previous opposition to Amul’s entry into the state, sparking allegations of political double standards. This development comes months after a high-profile controversy over Amul’s entry into Karnataka, which saw political parties and cultural groups fiercely opposing the Gujarat-based cooperative’s expansion into the state.

While the Congress-led Karnataka government seeks to expand Nandini’s footprint into new markets, protests against its entry into Kerala have further complicated the narrative, highlighting the intersection of politics, business, and identity in India’s cooperative dairy sector.

Nandini’s Expansion Amid Past Controversy

Nandini’s entry into the competitive North Indian dairy market has been welcomed as a bold business move. The Karnataka government aims to increase the brand’s visibility and market share across India by offering fresh products such as milk and curd in Delhi. Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) plans to introduce Nandini’s fresh dairy products, such as milk and curd, to the Delhi market. This marks the brand’s first major foray into North India, positioning it in direct competition with the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation’s (GCMMF) Amul brand.

This ambitious plan comes just a year after the Congress-led Karnataka government fiercely opposed Amul’s entry into Karnataka. The opposition turned into a statewide campaign, positioning the issue as a matter of Kannada pride. Congress leaders, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, argued that Amul’s expansion would harm Nandini, which they described as an emotional symbol for the people of Karnataka.

At the time, protests led by the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), a group promoting Kannada identity, further escalated the controversy. Videos of activists protesting against Amul milk outside stores went viral, with slogans demanding the preservation of Nandini’s dominance in the state. The Congress accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government of facilitating Amul’s entry to undermine Karnataka’s dairy industry.

The same leaders who once decried Amul’s entry into Karnataka as an existential threat to Nandini now advocate for Nandini’s national expansion. Critics have pointed out the apparent double standard, asking whether the same concerns about protecting local brands will apply as Nandini enters new territories. Observers argue that politicizing Amul’s entry in 2023 was a calculated electoral strategy aimed at leveraging Kannadiga pride ahead of the state assembly elections.

The Amul-Nandini Controversy

The roots of the Amul-Nandini row can be traced to a statement made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in December 2022 during the inauguration of a dairy in Mandya, Karnataka. Let’s take a look at the timeline of the Amul-Nandini controversy:

  1. December 2022: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during the inauguration of a Mandya Mega Dairy, suggested collaboration between Amul and Nandini to enhance dairy infrastructure across India. This statement was misinterpreted as a potential merger, sparking fears about Nandini’s independence.
  2. April 2023: Amul announced plans to introduce fresh dairy products in Bengaluru, prompting protests from Congress leaders and cultural groups like Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV). Campaigns likeSave NandiniandGo Back Amultrended on social media.
  3. May 2023: Congress, riding on the wave of Kannadiga pride, won the Karnataka Assembly elections. The Nandini-Amul controversy became a focal point of its campaign.
  4. November 2024: KMF announced plans to expand Nandini into Delhi. Simultaneously, Kerala’s cooperative Milma strongly opposed Nandini’s entry, citing potential harm to local dairy farmers.

Price Wars And Market Dynamics

One of Nandini’s key advantages in Karnataka is its competitive pricing. Nandini’s toned milk, for instance, costs ₹39 per litre in Bengaluru, compared to ₹52 for Amul’s toned milk in Gujarat. Similarly, full-cream milk from Nandini is priced at ₹50 per litre, significantly lower than Amul’s ₹66 per litre. This pricing strategy has helped Nandini maintain a near-monopoly in Karnataka’s dairy market.

Amul, however, clarified that its entry into Karnataka was not intended to compete with Nandini. According to Jayen Mehta, Managing Director of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), Amul had been selling its products in northern Karnataka since 2015 and had collaborated with Nandini on multiple occasions. Amul ice cream, for instance, is manufactured using milk sourced from Karnataka farmers.

Nandini Faces Resistance In Kerala

As Nandini prepares for its expansion beyond Karnataka, it is noteworthy to remember that in 2023, it had encountered resistance in Kerala. The Kerala State Milk Cooperative Federation, Milma, opposed Nandini’s entry, citing concerns about market disruption.

Kerala’s CPI(M) government even lodged a complaint with the National Dairy Development Board to address the issue, further complicating Nandini’s plans. Milma’s resistance mirrors the very arguments Karnataka leaders made against Amul’s entry, highlighting how regional politics often supersede cooperative ideals. Ironically, Wayanad was previously represented in Parliament by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who had publicly supported Nandini during the Karnataka elections.

While expanding Nandini to other states is a commendable step towards boosting Karnataka’s dairy sector, the Congress’s contradictory stances have fueled criticism. The politicization of the Amul issue in Karnataka, followed by Nandini’s national ambitions, highlights the hypocrisy of the Congress. While Congress used the controversy to consolidate its position in Karnataka, its critics now accuse it of hypocrisy as Nandini expands into other states.

For consumers and farmers, such disputes could have broader implications. Restricting the entry of competing brands limits consumer choice and may hinder farmers from accessing broader markets. Conversely, aggressive expansion strategies could disrupt local economies, as seen in Kerala.

Nandini’s entry and subsequent reception in regions beyond the south will be a litmus test for the cooperative’s long-term vision.

(With inputs from The Pamphlet)

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After Kanguva Disaster, Virtue-Signalling Actor Suriya Goes To Temple In Ranipet; His Wife Jyotika Had Earlier Questioned Donations To Temples

After Kanguva Disaster, Virtue-Signalling Actor Suriya Goes To Temple In Ranipet; His Wife Jyotika Had Earlier Questioned Donations To Temples

A video of Dravidianist actor Suriya and director Siva visiting the Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple in Sholingar, near Ranipet has gone viral, following the intense backlash from fans after the release of Suriya’s recent movie ‘Kanguva’, which received severe criticism and widespread trolling from all corners of the country.

The actor’s sudden visit to the temple, follows reports of theatre shows for the movie ‘Kanguva’ getting cancelled due to poor ticket sales. Despite the earlier screening of ‘Amaran’, which emerged as a rival to ‘Kanguva’ with a smaller budget, the movie continues to draw a full house even after two weeks of screening.

Social media users took issue with the actor’s visit, questioning the contrast between his family’s previous statements—where they had urged citizens, particularly Hindus, to direct their donations away from temples and instead contribute to schools and hospitals. Many saw the actor’s actions as hypocritical, given the recent public stance on charity.

The ridicule and trolling directed at actor Suriya stem from his wife, Jyothika’s statement at a 2020 awards ceremony, where she emphasized the importance of donating to schools and hospitals instead of temples. She had compared the grandeur of the Brihadeeshwara temple to Udaipur’s palaces, but her experience with a poorly maintained hospital during her filming led her to advocate for prioritizing donations to educational and healthcare institutions.

Instead of criticizing the state for its handling of health services, she subtly used the platform to urge the public to direct their charitable contributions toward schools and hospitals, asserting that these sectors are more, deserving of support.

 

Even this time, when ‘Kanguva’ being heavily criticized for its weak plot and poor execution, Jyotika, actor Suriya’s wife, took to social media to defend the film, calling out the harsh backlash. She expressed her disappointment at the “unfair” criticism, emphasizing that she was speaking as a cinema lover, not just as Suriya’s wife. Jyotika acknowledged the film’s flaws, particularly the first half-hour and jarring sound, but argued that these are common in large-scale, experimental films. She praised the movie for its unique cinematic experience, highlighting its visuals, camera work, and emotional storyline.

Jyotika also criticized the disproportionate negativity the film received compared to other big-budget Tamil movies, which often feature problematic tropes but aren’t subjected to the same scrutiny. She suggested that the backlash might have been part of a targeted campaign against the film, urging the ‘Kanguva’ team to remain proud of their work.

However, her defense of the film drew more criticism, with many pointing out the contradiction in her past statements about directing donations away from temples to schools and hospitals. Critics also took issue with her urging people to support the film, despite it being widely panned, as a way to sustain the extravagant lifestyle of the film’s cast and crew.

A Virtue-Signalling Family

Suriya and his family, particularly his wife Jyothika and brother Karthi have many a time indulged in virtue-signaling to peddle DMK propaganda. He was one of the frontrunners in peddling anti-NEET rhetoric and making comments against the National Education Policy 2020. His brother Karthi had called for the boycott of the three farm laws that were implemented by the Modi Government ignorant of the fact that such laws were already in place in Tamil Nadu.

After the DMK came to power, Suriya along with his family moved to Mumbai and currently lives in a sea-view house allegedly worth ₹70 crore. Despite Suriya residing with his family in Mumbai, armed policemen continue to guard his Chennai residence, courtesy of the DMK government in Tamil Nadu.

Furthermore, Suriya runs a “non-profit” organization called the Agaram Foundation and has resorted to virtue-signalling by being vocal for causes espoused by the ruling DMK. He is known for his anti-NEET stance when he claimed it filters away those aspiring to study medicine but Suriya’s hypocrisy shines through his teeth when one looks at the selection process for students seeking financial help for higher education through Agaram Foundation run by the actor. According to the Agaram Foundation’s website, they have a rigorous scoring system in place to identify ‘deserving’ students. This requirement contradicts the stated mission of promoting education and social equality.

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Tamil Film Active Producers Council Blames Audience Reviews And Film Critics For Kanguva, Vettaiyan & Indian 2 Flops, Wants To Ban YouTube Channels From Covering Public Reviews Insider Theatre

Tamil Film Active Producers Council Blames Audience Reviews And Film Critics For Kanguva, Vettaiyan & Indian 2 Flops, Wants To Ban YouTube Channels From Covering Public Reviews Insider Theatre

The Tamil Film Active Producers Council has issued a strong statement blaming audience reviews and film critics for the underwhelming box office performance of recent Tamil films, including Kanguva, Vettaiyan, and Indian 2. The council has called for stricter measures against YouTube channels conducting public reviews immediately after theatrical screenings, citing their detrimental impact on the industry.  

Backlash Over Kanguva  

The controversy follows the release of Suriya’s Kanguva, which faced heavy criticism for what audiences described as a lacklustre storyline with loud jarring sounds all through the film. Despite significant pre-release hype, the film struggled to perform at the box office, earning less than ₹90 crore in its first six days. Negative reviews on social media and YouTube reportedly played a key role in the film’s slow collection, with audiences expressing disappointment over the execution and narrative.  

Producers Council Speaks Out  

In a letter written in Tamil and later translated, the council condemned what it calledtasteless and hostilereviews that have harmed major releases in 2024. The council highlighted a troubling trend of personal attacks disguised as film criticism, urging reviewers to focus on the films themselves rather than targeting producers, directors, or actors.  

“Our association strongly condemns the recent trend of personal attacks and incitement of violence under the guise of film reviews, the letter stated. Critics have the right to point out the strengths and weaknesses of a film, but this must not translate into spreading hatred or hostility on public platforms.

The council took particular issue with the practice of conductingpublic reviewsoutside theatre premises during premiere screenings and first-day-first-show events. They accused YouTubers of using clickbait headlines and sensationalist commentary to attract attention, which they argued has significantly damaged films like Kanguva, Vettaiyan, and Indian 2.  

“No one reviews a restaurant by declaring their life has been ruined by one bad meal. If such extreme comments were made, those restaurants would take strong action, the council remarked, drawing a parallel between the impact of exaggerated criticism in different industries.  

While acknowledging the right to critique films, the council called for reviews to be constructive and balanced, avoiding personal attacks or baseless negativity. Critics have the full right to express their views, but this must not translate into spreading hatred on public platforms out of personal vendettas, the letter noted.  

The producers also pointed out that while honest criticism is valuable, the growing trend of negativity and sensationalism has led to undue hostility toward filmmakers and actors.  

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The Hindu’s Petty Attempt To Continuously Question MS Subbulakshmi’s Grandson’s Legitimacy

The Hindu's Petty Attempt To Continuously Question MS Subbulakshmi's Grandson's Legitimacy

The recent legal proceedings surrounding the Sangita Kalanidhi award and its associated cash prize have not only upheld the late M.S. Subbulakshmi’s explicit wishes but also exposed a troubling editorial stance by The Hindu. In its affidavit and subsequent reporting, the publication has cast unwarranted doubt on the familial ties between Subbulakshmi and her daughter Radha Vishwanathan’s son, V Shrinivasan, trivializing their profound relationship.

Shrinivasan filed a civil suit opposing the naming of a cash prize instituted by The Hindu after Subbulakshmi, citing her 1997 will that explicitly prohibited memorials in her name. While the court affirmed the sanctity of Subbulakshmi’s will and clarified that the cash prize could be awarded without using her name, The Hindu’s actions—both in the courtroom and in its coverage—have raised ethical questions.

The publication’s description of Shrinivasan as someone whoclaimed to be the grandson of Subbulakshmiis an attempt to deride and shove its animosity towards Mr. Shrinivasan, which seems to be a deliberate editorial choice.

This language reflects The Hindu’s courtroom strategy, where it demanded that Radha Vishwanathan’s son prove his lineage—an unnecessary and disrespectful attack on the integrity of one of Carnatic music’s most revered families. The court, in contrast, had no doubts about Shrinivasan’s standing, recognizing his locus standi in the case and the validity of his claims.

Such insinuations by The Hindu appear especially problematic given the close ties between its leadership and the Music Academy, whose president is N. Murali, brother of leftist journalist N. Ram. This raises questions about whether vested interests are at play in the publication’s editorial stance.

Yes, it is a known fact that MS Subbulakshmi was not Radha’s biological mother, but this does not justify The Hindu’s disparaging conduct. By focusing on insinuations rather than addressing the broader ethical issue of respecting Subbulakshmi’s wishes, the publication diverts attention from the true matter at hand: honouring the legacy of one of India’s greatest musicians.

In its eagerness to defend its position, The Hindu has disrespected not only MS Subbulakshmi’s family but also her legacy. If the publication truly valued her contributions, it would align its actions and reporting with the dignity that her memory demands.

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How Nakkheeran Gopal Is Peddling Fake News Against Isha Foundation

How Nakkheeran Gopal Is Peddling Fake News Against Isha Foundation

The Dravidian media operates with two faces; one diverts attention from real issues to protect their political master, by focusing on trivial matters, while the other indulges in the unethical and damaging act of defaming the opposition. However, the second approach is far more insidious, as it damages the reputation of the accused, even when the allegations are proven false.

One such example is ‘Nakkheeran’, a rag run by Gopal that focuses more on sleaze than substance. It has repeatedly launched baseless attacks on Isha Foundation and its founder, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. This time, Gopal has made an unfounded claim that female devotees at Isha were sexually harassed and inappropriately touched during yoga sessions, even releasing a video on his YouTube channel to support his allegations.

However, the so-called “investigative journalist” Gopal, in his eagerness to defame, has shown no shame in spreading such false content. The video he released was actually a video that was published by Isha Foundation. As usual, Gopal has resorted to his manipulative tactics of editing and distorting the truth to fit his sensational narrative, all in the name of attracting views for his channel.

In a bizarre and sensational video, titled “Half-Nude Deeksha in Jaggi’s Ashram! Video proof! Nakkheeran Gopal Exclusive | Jaggi Vasudev Isha,” Gopal, the self-proclaimed investigative journalist, simply spins an erotic tale from his own imagination. He invents a new name ‘Ma Pradyuta’ and claims that woman had sent an email to Sadhguru, the founder of Isha Foundation, accusing the ashram of mistreating women particularly minors. However, what’s truly baffling is why this woman, if her allegations were genuine, didn’t go to the police but instead chose to reach out to a questionable journalist like Gopal.

Despite claiming to have video evidence, Gopal who labels himself as a investigative journalist won’t take this so-called proof to court. Instead, he peddles allegations through YouTube for profit. Interestingly, the ruling government seems indifferent to his claims, perhaps because Gopal is a faithful supporter of their ideology, often promoting anti-Hindu sentiments and targeting the Isha Foundation. In one laughable moment, he even says, “This evidence is enough to bring down the Isha Foundation,” a strange rant that only he seems to find amusing.

After the fabricated email story, Gopal proceeded to sell a cleverly edited video featuring Isha. He falsely narrated that Sadhguru was molesting a women inappropriately with his legs and fingers. However, this was untrue.

Here’s why the video appears to be more about generating sensational headlines and peddling conspiracy theories rather than offering credible journalism.

In the original video from the Isha Foundation’s DVD ‘Mystical Journeys: Kailash Manasarovar Yatra’, both Sadhguru and the woman discussed their experience in a straightforward yogic manner. Sadhguru did not touch her inappropriately; rather, his feet were positioned above her, contrary to Gopal’s misleading portrayal in his edited version.

In the video, Sadhguru explains how the place, Mansarovar, carries such immense energy, belonging to beings that are not of this world. He shares that these beings have been here for a long time, and while he had previously experienced such energy, never before had he encountered it in such volume and variety. So, he allowed the woman devotee who was with him at Mansarovar to experience the energy, guiding her to feel it passing through her.

The woman who spoke about her experience said, “Whatever happened here is beyond words. I’m generally never short of words; I can always explain things in my own way. I was asked to lie down in Savasana, and after that, it felt like 1,000 watts of electricity passing through me in one shot, passing through me, shooting through my body. The most incredible thing here was that I’ve been in many processes where certain aspects of the chakras can be energized depending on the process you are doing or involved in, but here, at the same time having extremely active Swadhisthana and Ajna is something which I have never earlier encountered with such speed and power.  After that, I felt something placed on my head, but I don’t know what it was. I really had no idea, but it was extremely hot to the point of discomfort—like burnt coal, red-hot iron, or water boiling at the highest possible temperature. I’m very puzzled by all this, and I’m waiting for Sadhguru to explain as what actually happened.

She then continued, “I don’t know why he used the term “guinea pig,” and I never felt like his guinea pig at any moment. At this moment, I feel very fortunate to be here, open to whatever elements are present, which were made possible by my master. I bow down to him, and if I have to be his guinea pig any time, any day, I will.

In the video, the devotee explains that she felt the energy through her guru and was ready to experience more of the mystic force present in Mansarovar. However, Nakkheeran Gopal spreads lies, and it is clear that this is a blatant fabrication. Unfortunately, in Tamil Nadu, such miscreants who openly defame Hindus, Hindu beliefs, Hindu gods, and, for the sake of content, tarnish the dignity of women, are allowed to move freely under the guise of freedom of speech. Such individuals should be held accountable by the courts through suo motu actions and severely punished, so that others may learn a valuable lesson from it.

(With Inputs From Maridhas)

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Chennai Corporation To Hold Male Sterilization Camps Despite TN’s Falling Fertility Rates And Replacement Rate

Chennai Corporation To Hold Male Sterilization Camps Despite TN's Falling Fertility Rates And Replacement Rate

The Greater Chennai Corporation’s initiative to promote “No Scalpel Vasectomy” as part of its male sterilization campaign has sparked concerns among critics. They argue that at a time when Tamil Nadu’s population is facing a serious demographic challenge, with fertility rates significantly below the national average of 2.1, such a push may be counterproductive.

In a statement released on 19 November 2024, the Greater Chennai Corporation announced the organization of special modern family welfare sterilization camps for men. These camps will be held from 28 November to 4 December 2024, at urban community welfare centers in 15 mandals, running daily from 8am to 3pm. The procedure is simple and does not require an overnight hospital stay; patients can return home just an hour after treatment. The government is offering an incentive of ₹1,100 for individuals who opt for modern contraception, and ₹200 will be provided to those who bring their spouses along. The Corporation is urging men to prioritize the health of their wives and take advantage of this rare opportunity to access family planning services.

However, critics are raising concerns, citing the latest data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), which reveals that, the state’s fertility rate is the lowest in the country at just 1.4. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) represents the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her lifetime, and a rate below 2.1 is considered below the replacement level, which could lead to long-term population decline. Tamil Nadu’s birth rate has decreased from 31.4 in 1971 to 13.8 now. According to the India Ageing Report 2023, jointly prepared by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), the southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana already have a significantly larger elderly population compared to northern states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. Furthermore, the growth rate of the elderly population in these southern states is projected to be substantially higher between 2021 and 2036.

Critics also highlight data from the Census Sample Registration System, which projects that Tamil Nadu will be the only Indian state to experience a population decline by 2041, after peaking in 2031. In contrast, even neighboring Kerala is expected to continue its steady population growth. Given this demographic trend, critics argue that such measures in Tamil Nadu could be misguided and counterproductive.

This situation is catastrophic, as it is irreversible and will have far-reaching consequences on the state’s demographics, economy, and political representation in Parliament. Population size plays a crucial role in determining states’ share of the divisible pool of taxes, with the Finance Commission allocating 15% of the weight based on population.

Recently, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin both raised alarms about declining fertility rates in their states, urging families to have more children. However, the Greater Chennai Corporation’s current plan is viewed by many as a disastrous approach in light of these concerns.

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Arulmigu Sri Silambathamman Temple Mandapam Razed By NHAI For Service Lane

Arulmigu Sri Silambathamman Temple Mandapam Razed By NHAI For Service Lane

On 19 November 2024, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) demolished the mandapam of the Sri Silambathamman temple located in Janappanchatram along the Chennai-Kolkata National Highway to facilitate the construction of a continuous service lane over a 64-meter stretch. A significant portion of the temple had been built on land owned by the Highways Department.

According to NHAI officials, “While we initially required 14 meters of land for a 24-meter stretch, we have only taken 6 meters for the service lane. The original plan included a bus bay at the site, but that has now been relocated. We have also provided ₹29 lakh as compensation for the structure that was removed. We made sure that the sanctum sanctorum was not affected in any way.”

Local residents had been advocating for alternative land within the village limits to relocate the temple and move the idol. A devotee commented, “The temple is especially popular among travelers, particularly truck drivers, who stop to pray before their journeys. We need access to the temple directly from the main carriageway.”

The demolition had been delayed for some time due to the unavailability of sufficient land. “Agama experts advised that the new temple should be larger than the current one, which occupies 13 cents of land, but now there’s no choice but to shift to a smaller plot,” another devotee noted.

M. Bhaskaran, former president of the Azhinjivakkam Panchayat, explained that while the current temple structure isn’t particularly old, the deity, Silambathamman, has been worshipped for generations. He emphasized that the village has deep emotional ties to the goddess, describing her as their ‘ellai deivam’ (guardian deity).

A local resident also noted that the land where the temple stands is registered as temple poromboke (common land designated for temple use) in the name of the Arulmigu Silambathamman temple, rather than in the name of the goddess, as is customary with other temples.

The operation was carried out with support from the Tiruvallur district administration, with around 150 policemen deployed at the site. Revenue department officials were involved in marking the land for the relocation.

(With inputs from The Hindu)

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India Accelerating Towards More Ambitious Goals To Fight Climate Change: PM Modi

India Accelerating Towards More Ambitious Goals To Fight Climate Change: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India is accelerating its goals for fighting climate change and sharing its initiatives with the Global South. Speaking at the G20 Summit here, Prime Minister Modi said that guided by its cultural values, India has been the first to fulfil its commitments to the Paris Climate Change Agreement ahead of schedule. “We are accelerating towards more ambitious goals in sectors like renewable energy,” PM Modi said at the G20 session on Sustainable Development and Energy Transition.

India’s programme to have the world’s largest rooftop solar array is an example of its efforts. “India is sharing its successful initiatives with the Global South, focussing on affordable climate finance and technology access,” PM Modi said. He added that from launching the Global Biofuels Alliance and promoting “One Sun One World One Grid” to planting a billion trees under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (“A Tree in Mother’s Name”), India continues to work actively towards sustainable progress in combatting climate change. PM Modi said that over the past decade, India has undertaken numerous initiatives in sectors like housing, water resources, energy and sanitation which have contributed to a more sustainable future.

Earlier, PM Modi said that India stands committed to the Sustainable Development Agenda (SDA). “At the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro today, I spoke on a topic which is very important for the future of the planet- Sustainable Development and Energy Transition. I reiterated India’s steadfast commitment to the Sustainable Development Agenda. Over the past decade, India has undertaken numerous initiatives in sectors like housing, water resources, energy and sanitation which have contributed to a more sustainable future,” PM Modi wrote on X.

–IANS

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#ARRSairaaBreakUp: AR Rahman Uses Hashtag To Announce About His Own Divorce, Asks People To Respect Privacy

AR Rahman Uses Hashtag To Announce About His Own Divorce, Asks People To Respect Privacy

Indian music “maestro” and Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman, who recently revealed his separation from his wife, Saira Banu, after 29 years of marriage, became the target of intense online trolling. On 19 November 2024, the couple issued a joint statement announcing their split and requesting privacy during this time to the fans. However, Rahman faced criticism for including the hashtag ‘#arrsairaabreakup’ in his post, which he shared on his X account. While some fans expressed sympathy and support for Rahman, others took issue with the hashtag, sparking a wave of online backlash and trolling.

Rahman, through his official X account, shared a message stating, ““We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, but all things, it seems, carry an unseen end. Even the throne of God might tremble at the weight of broken hearts. Yet, in this shattering, we seek meaning, though the pieces may not find their place again. To our friends, thank you for your kindness and for respecting our privacy as we walk through this fragile chapter.”💐#arrsairaabreakup.”

The hashtag #arrsairaabreakup quickly became fodder for online trolling.

One netizen commented, “Who creates hashtag for this situation? 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ Fire your admin, thalaiva 😞😞.”

Another user questioned, “Why a hashtag after this ? Are you out of your mind.

Another netizen ridiculed, “Hashtag ( #arrsairaabreakup ) for a divorce post 🤦🏻‍♀️.”

Another netizen trolled, “ChatGPT and Hashtag ? admin 🤷🏻‍♂️.”

Another netizen suggested, “Thalaiva, you need a better PR, please get in touch with my brother @CricCrazyJohns.”

Another netizen schooled him stating, If you really want privacy, do not promote the hashtag #arrsairaabreakup… This is common sense… you know?”

Another netizen trolled, “Who was his last movies hero?? Its #Raayan with divorce star skeleton @dhanushkraja.”

One netizen mocked him for his subscription to Dravidian ideology, sharing a picture that promoted it with the caption, “Proud Dravidian da.”

Another netizen questioned, “Now your followers are expected to trend this hashtag? 🤔”

Another netizen reprimanded him, saying, “Inna lil lahi wa Inna alehi rajee oon. May Allah makes an easy for both of you. “Of all the lawful things, divorce is the most hated by Allah.”

Another netizen ranted, “If you wanted privacy, why are you announcing it publicly for millions more people to see and know about it? Frankly, fewer and fewer people in India care about nautankis of two-faced shameless Bollywoodians.#BoycottBollywood” 

Another netizen mocked, “Thanks for using the hashtag #arrsairaabreakupz. This will give you full privacy as per the new X-Privacy law.”

Another netizen mocked him by stating, ““Wish you a good divorced life. And we respect your privacy as well.” #arrsairaabreakup.”

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Image Of Bharat Mata Defaced In Kerala Allegedly By Madrasa Students; Investigation Underway

Image Of Bharat Mata Defaced In Kerala Allegedly By Madrasa Students; Investigation Underway

An image of Bharat Mata, revered by many, was defaced in Paruthikuzhi Amachimuttil, Kerala, in what appears to be a premeditated act. CCTV footage from the area shows three individuals allegedly “disguised” as Sunni madrasa students observing the site before one of them defaced the image with a knife.  

Local RSS workers had installed the Bharat Mata image that was reportedly targeted in an intentional attack. The Poonthura Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to identify the culprits and uncover their motives.  

The incident has sparked concerns about the true identity and intent of the attackers. Responding to the act, K.P. Sasikala Teacher, the chief patron of Hindu Aikya Vedi, strongly condemned the vandalism. She pointed to the dangers of instilling divisive mindsets in children and stressed the need to address such issues with urgency for the nation’s harmony and welfare.  

(With inputs from Karma News)

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