BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya has criticised Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi, contesting Lok Sabha bypoll from Wayanad, for allegedly omitting key asset details in her election affidavit. Malviya said her investment in Associated Journal Limited (AJL) is missing in the affidavit. In a post on X on Friday, Malviya stated, “Priyanka Vadra’s affidavit conceals more than it reveals. One of the noted omissions from her affidavit is the investment in Associated Journal Limited (publishing National Herald newspaper). She has also conveniently excluded referring to the case against her, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, in the same scam.”
Malviya further highlighted an Income Tax assessment order from 2022, which reported that Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi had acquired additional shares in AJL through trusts, reportedly without compliance with the Companies Act. He said, “The Income Tax department’s assessment order of 2022 said: To fulfil the objective of acquiring 100 per cent shares of AJL, one of the majority shareholders of the assessee (Young India) Rahul, along with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, had purchased additional 47,513 and 2,62,411 shares through Rattan Deep Trust and Janhit Nidhi Trust respectively without complying with Companies Act.” Malviya questioned the affidavit’s silence on this acquisition, asking, “But the affidavit filed by Priyanka Vadra is silent on details pertaining to the acquisition of AJL’s shares. Has she given up her share or have they been usurped by Rahul Gandhi? What exactly happened? The Returning Officer is duty bound to ask these questions.”
Priyanka Gandhi’s affidavit lists assets worth approximately Rs 12 crore, including a 12,000 sq ft farmhouse near Shimla valued at Rs 5.64 crore and a Honda CRV valued at Rs 8 lakh. Additionally, her declared assets comprise mutual funds of Rs 2.24 crore, jewellery worth Rs 1.16 crore, and co-owned agricultural land in Mehrauli valued at Rs 2.10 crore with her brother, Rahul Gandhi.
Her husband, Robert Vadra, has declared movable assets worth over Rs 37.9 crore and immovable assets exceeding Rs 27.64 crore, including vehicles and stakes in several companies, according to the affidavit. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra filed her nomination papers for the Lok Sabha bypolls in Wayanad on October 23, thereby marking her electoral debut. The election will be held on November 13.
–IANS
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Aam Aadmi Party on Friday claimed that their party’s national convenor Arvind Kejriwal was attacked during the ‘Jan Sampark Abhiyan’ campaign in the Vikaspuri area of Delhi. “Arvind Kejriwal was holding a padyatra in Vikaspuri area and meeting people there. The BJP is not able to digest the love and blessings that Arvind Kejriwal is getting from people. Today, people associated with the BJP have tried to attack Arvind Kejriwal,” said AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj in a video posted on his X account.
He said that over the past few days, whenever Arvind Kejriwal engages with the public, he receives immense love and affection. He added that earlier too, attempts have been made to hurt Arvind Kejriwal in jail. “When Arvind Kejriwal was in jail, his insulin was stopped, attempts were made for his death,” Bharadwaj added. “Yesterday, he visited an ice cream shop in Connaught Place, followed by a paan shop, and soon, many youngsters, children, and elderly people gathered to talk and take selfies with him,” he said. He added that this is what the BJP is struggling to accept and today, BJP-affiliated individuals attempted to attack Arvind Kejriwal. There was a major lapse in Kejriwal’s security in the Vikaspuri during his campaign. Reportedly, five to six people reached very close to the former Delhi Chief Minister and tried to attack him.
However, the AAP workers in the security ring prevented the possible attack on Kejriwal. Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said that the attack on Arvind Kejriwal is extremely condemnable and worrying. “It is clear that the BJP has carried out this attack through its goons. If anything happens to Arvind Kejriwal, the entire responsibility will be on the BJP. We are not going to be afraid—the Aam Aadmi Party will remain steadfast on its mission,” the former Deputy Chief Minister said. He added that BJP first tried to kill Arvind Kejriwal in jail, adding that now the court has released him and he is coming out every day to meet the people of Delhi, so BJP is trying to kill him through its goons. “BJP wants to finish off Arvind Kejriwal by any means because they will never be able to defeat him in elections,” he said.
Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said that the attack on Arvind Kejriwal is deeply condemnable and alarming. “It’s evident that BJP orchestrated this through its goons. If anything happens to Kejriwal ji, BJP will be fully responsible,” he said. He added that Kejriwal has been a beacon of honest politics and a pioneer of change, transforming Delhi’s & Punjab’s education, healthcare, and infrastructure. “His leadership is crucial not just for Delhi but for the future of India. We will not be intimidated—AAP will stay committed to its mission,” the minister said.
–IANS
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Irked by the tiresome delays in finalising the seat-sharing, the Maharashtra Samajwadi Party (SP) has served a day’s ultimatum to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) to take a decision, failing which it would go solo in the state Assembly elections, here on Friday. An apparently livid Samajwadi Party state president Abu Asim Azmi called on MVA ally and Nationalist Congress Party (SP) President Sharad Pawar and discussed his grievances and the need to allot seats to the smaller allies on priority.
After emerging from the meeting, Azmi said that the procrastination over giving seats to smaller allies was “not good” for the alliance and was creating doubts and uncertainties among the partners. “We have already announced our candidates for five seats… We shall ensure their victory. If they don’t allot our share by tomorrow, then we shall quit the MVA and contest independently. We have candidates ready for up to 25 seats and we shall field them,” warned Azmi. He said that he was losing faith in the Congress as it has repeatedly been assuring that the issue would be resolved in a day or so, but that does not seem to be happening, with the Congress-SS (UBT) purportedly at loggerheads over some seats. “At the last minute, a day before the nomination deadline, they will tell us that nothing can be done as all the seats have been distributed, leaving us out,” said Azmi, referring to what he called his ‘past experiences’ in the Lok Sabha.
The MVA’s main allies, Congress-NCP (SP)-SS (UBT) have been embroiled in prolonged and multiple rounds of discussions for sharing the 288 Assembly seats, almost tiring the other partners who want to name their candidates, file nominations, and start the poll campaign. Till now, the three parties have reached an agreement for 85 seats each (255), and arrived at a loose understanding on another 15 seats (270), while the remaining 18 shall be distributed among the allies like SP, Peasants & Workers Party, CPI, CPI (M), AAP, etc.
Based on the current status, the three main allies have already announced their candidates for around 140 seats in their first lists, and more candidates are likely to be named in a day or so, as the October 29 deadline for filing nominations with the Election Commission of India looms ahead. In a pre-emptive move, the SP has named five candidates and other smaller allies have also finalised a few of their nominees, yet eagerly awaiting the green signal from the three major parties.
–IANS
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Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Friday alleged that the Telangana government is taking up Musi River project for Rs 1.5 lakh crore for the sake of son-in-law of the Congress party’s first family. Without naming Robert Vadra, he claimed that the son-in-law of the Congress party’s first family recently came to Hyderabad and was given the contract. He also alleged that Telangana money is being used to fund Congress party’s election campaign in Jharkhand and Maharashtra He was addressing a protest organised by the BJP here to protest against the government’s plans to demolish houses of people living in Musi River bed and buffer zone for Riverfront Development Project.
Bandi Sanjay blamed Congress and BRS governments for polluting the Musi River. Due to the wrong decisions made by the ruling Congress and BRS for the last four to five decades, the effluents from 12,000 industries join the river. He asked if Rs 1.5 lakh crore project was necessary for beautification of Musi by demolishing houses of poor and middle classes people. “Where is the DPR? What is the progress of the project?” he questioned, and declared that the BJP will stand with the residents who are questioning the injustice. Bandi Sanjay Kumar pointed out that the Sabarmati River project taken up by Prime Minister Narendra Modi cost only Rs 7,000 while the cost of Namami Gange was only Rs 40,000 crore. He claimed that these projects were completed without any corruption and without any opposition from people.
The Union MoS for Home alleged that the Congress was trying to commit the biggest scam in the world in the name of Musi rejuvenation and claimed that people are opposing the project at every step. He said the previous government of BRS borrowed Rs 1 lakh crore in the name of Kaleshwaram project while Congress party is trying to impose a burden of another Rs 1.5 lakh crore debt in the name of Musi rejuvenation. Addressing the protesters, Union Minister for Coals and Mines G. Kishan Reddy said he was ready to accept the challenge of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to live near Musi. G. Kishan Reddy, who is also president of state BJP, said they were ready to go to jail but would not tolerate demolition of houses of the poor.
–IANS
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Army said on Friday that the Botpathri attack has proved that Pakistan is abetting terrorism in Kashmir. “Pakistani terrorists, with a view to disrupting peace and stability in Kashmir, cowardly targeted an Army column in general area Butapathri, Baramulla on 24 October 2024, which was carrying soldiers and local porters,” a defence ministry statement said. It added that on being fired upon, the alert troops swiftly and resolutely retaliated the fire, forcing the terrorists to retreat leaving behind a weapon and rucksack and escape into dense foliage, exploiting a nala and fading light.
“Regrettably, two brave Indian Army soldiers, one from Anantnag district and the other from Sirsa District succumbed to the injuries sustained during the exchange of fire, thereby making the supreme sacrifice,” it said. The statement added that the Indian Army salutes the bravery of Rifleman Kaisar Ahmad Shah and Rifleman Jeevan Singh, who despite being hit responded and forced the terrorists to flee, before laying down their lives in this cowardly terrorist attack. It said that actions by these brave soldiers prevented the terrorists from causing any further damage and demonstrated unwavering courage and commitment to safeguard the National Security and counter the inimical agenda of Pakistan abetted terrorism in Kashmir. The statement said that their selfless act is a testament to the Indian Army’s resolve to safeguard our nation and citizens.
“Alongside the brave soldiers, two Kashmiri porters Zahoor Ahmad Mir resident of Boniyar Tehsil and Mushtaq Ahmad Choudhary resident of Uri Tehsil also made the ultimate sacrifice, while serving the nation,” it said. The statement added that it is evident that Pakistani terrorists are, deliberately and unregretfully, targeting Kashmiri locals to evoke fear and terror in Valley, which is progressing towards peace and stability. “The only ideology these terrorists espouse is of ‘The Reign of Terror in Valley’,” the defence ministry statement said.
It said that the Indian Army pays tribute to these brave soldiers and porters, who laid down their lives while serving the nation and extend heartfelt condolences to their families. “Indian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all our citizens and will resolutely achieve its efforts to combat terrorism and promote harmony in Kashmir Valley. The sacrifices of these brave Kashmiris and Indian Army soldiers will inspire the future generations to stand against the perpetrators of terror,” concluded the defence ministry statement.
–IANS
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BJP National Youth President and MP Tejasvi Surya on Friday questioned Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asking him if is he ‘turning Karnataka into a Pakistan’ after the officers in Vijayapura district are mulling to include thousands of acres of land to Wakf board. Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Surya said that the officials of Vijayapura district are all set to include the lands of farmers to the Wakf Board as per the directions of Minister for Wakf, Minority Affairs and Housing B.Z. Zameer Ahmad Khan. “However, there is no documentary proof of how the land belongs to the Wakf board. Siddaramaiah and Minister Zameer, are you trying to make Karnataka into a Pakistan,” Surya said.
He added that many people do not know why the Central government is bringing amendments to the Wakf Act. “Minister Zameer visited a few districts and instructed the Deputy Commissioners to register the properties claimed by the Wakf board in 15 days. After getting instructions from the minister, the officers are changing the land records. In Vijayanagara district alone, the Wakf board is claiming 15,000 acres as its land,” he said. He claimed that the government is all set to “humiliate” Hindus and allot land to Muslims. “The Deputy Commissioners and tehsildars should run the government as per the Constitution. It should not be run as per the Sharia laws. They can’t take instructions from Minister Zameer or a Mulla and carry out orders,” Surya said. He said that state government persists with its policies he will approach the High Court and Lokayukta and get the officers suspended. “There is an attempt to take as much land as possible before the Central government brings the new Wakf law. Let the farmers from any part of the state come to my office if they face problems from the Wakf board. I will get justice in the High Court,” he assured.
He said that this is India and would run like Pakistan. “In the name of Wakf, the Congress has committed fraud with Muslims. Wakf means the properties provided by Allah. If the Wakf board encroached land, a notice can be issued and it could be investigated. Under Section 40, the ownership could be claimed. This amendment was brought by the Congress in 1995,” he stated. He claimed that the Congress has brought the Wakf Tribunal for Muslim votes, adding that the Congress has let the Wakf board take away lands through the law.
“To stop this, the central government is initiating the amendment of the Wakf law. All these games will stop when the Wakf Amendments are passed in the Parliamentary session this December,” he said. A delegation of farmers from Vijayapura district who had got notices had met Tejasvi Surya at his office and shared their woes. BJP MLA from Vijayapura Basanagouda Patil Yatnal has held a massive convention of farmers recently and warned the officials not to trouble the farmers. He had also given a call not to receive notice from the authorities.
–IANS
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Scientists from Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, have developed new molecules that can treat Alzheimer’s Disease. The team designed and synthesised novel non-toxic molecules through a blend of synthetic, computational, and in-vitro studies that could be effective in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Alzheimer’s, which occurs due to an imbalance in certain hormones, is the most common form of dementia and constitutes around 75 per cent of all dementia cases.
Of the about 55 million people worldwide with dementia, 60 to 70 per cent are estimated to have Alzheimer’s. The team from Agharkar Research Institute developed a rapid one-pot, three-component reaction with high synthetic yields to generate novel molecules. Using in-vitro screening methods they assessed the potency and cytotoxicity of these molecules. “The molecules were found to be non-toxic and effective against cholinesterase enzymes. The lead molecule was found to be selective for acetylcholinesterase with a significant selectivity ratio compared to butyrylcholinesterase,” said the team. Effective molecules have also shown good stability in the pocket of enzymes through interactions with amino acids during molecular dynamics simulation, said the team. The molecules proved to be good dual cholinesterase inhibitors, and could be further optimised to develop more effective anti-AD ligands, said the researchers.
Cholinesterase inhibitors are a group of drugs that increase the availability of acetylcholine — a chemical messenger that’s important for memory and learning. The drugs are used to treat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. “These molecules could be exploited to develop dual anti-cholinesterase drugs to treat AD in combination with other drugs,” the researchers said. In further studies, they will plan to synthesise novel substituted carbazole and chromene clubbed analogues with additional anti-AD properties.
–IANS
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Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Friday briefed the Parliament’s Standing Committee on External Affairs on the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, explaining India’s consistent and longstanding stance on the issue, sources revealed. “In the meeting, the Foreign Secretary gave a presentation on the Israel-Palestine conflict and India’s role. The Foreign Secretary said that India has old relations with Israel and Palestine and remains concerned about the humanitarian problem that has arisen,” a source detailed.
India has long supported a negotiated two-state solution towards the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine within secure and recognised borders, living side by side in peace with Israel. “An MP asked the question that, on the one hand, we are giving humanitarian aid to Palestine, then why is it that India is seen standing in favour of Israel, to which the Foreign Secretary said that this is not so, Palestine has a different identity in India’s eyes,” the source revealed. India has also strongly and unequivocally condemned the October 7 terror attacks on Israel last year, calling for the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages, ceasefire, the need for continued humanitarian assistance, and adherence to international humanitarian law. At the same time, New Delhi has raised its concern at the escalating situation in West Asia and has repeatedly emphasised restraint, dialogue, and diplomacy.
Earlier this week, India dispatched humanitarian assistance for the people of Palestine through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). The first tranche of assistance consisted of 30 tonnes of medicine and food items. It also had a wide range of essential medicines, surgical supplies, dental products, general medical items, and high-energy biscuits. India’s support for the Palestinian cause is integral to the nation’s foreign policy. In 1974, India became the first non-Arab state to recognise Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) as the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.
In 1988, India became one of the first countries to recognise the Palestinian State. In 1996, India opened its Representative Office in Gaza, which was later shifted to Ramallah in 2003. During the meeting, some opposition MPs also raised the issue of sourness in India’s recent relations with Canada and the border dispute with China. On China, the Foreign Secretary said efforts are being made to restore the situation before 2020. He also told the members that a separate reply will be sent to them on the issue. Lok Sabha MP Shashi Tharoor currently heads the Standing Committee on External Affairs.
–IANS
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President Droupadi Murmu on Friday urged doctors to not ignore their health and to work with compassion and sensitivity. She said this while addressing the second convocation of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Raipur today.
“On many occasions, you will be working in a stressful environment. Take care of your health and don’t ignore it. To increase trust and betterment of patients, it is important for you to be healthy and look healthy,” Murmu said. She noted that the government is enhancing access to health care for all citizens of the country. “In the last decade, several steps have been taken to provide Universal Health coverage. Affordable and quality medicines are available to the people through Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). In the last ten years, there has been an increase in the number of seats in medical colleges for MBBS and PG. New AIIMS has also been established,” the President said.
Further, Murmu also stressed the need for modern technologies in the medical sector for the welfare of people living in remote areas of the country, citing the impact of such advancements on human lives. “We have been passing through such an era wherein modern technologies greatly impact the life of humans rapidly. For the welfare of people living in remote areas, such technologies can be used,” she said.
Murmu noted that medical professionals have immense responsibilities to deliver as their decisions are linked to saving lives. She added that medical professionals will play a decisive role in realising the dream of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. Importantly, the President called on doctors to work with human values of compassion and sensitivity. “Always include these life values in your work area. This will give you success in your workplace, and your life will be meaningful,” Murmu said.
–IANS
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In a significant decision on 24 October 2024, the Madras High Court directed the Tamil Nadu School Education Department, NCERT, and TNSCERT to address a petition seeking a writ of mandamus. The petition calls for the cessation of the Aryan-Dravidian race theory, particularly in educational contexts, as it fosters division among citizens. The court has instructed the concerned parties to resolve this issue within 12 weeks.
Balaji Mahalingam approached the Madras High Court with a plea that textbooks promote the Aryan-Dravidian race theory, which he argues fosters division among citizens. The petition, filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, seeks a writ of mandamus directing the respondents to cease propagating this theory, especially among students, and to issue an apology to the general public.
In its order on 24 October 2024, the Madras High Court headed by K.R. Shriram, Chief Justice, and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy, considered the petitioner’s concerns about the promotion of the Aryan/Dravidian race theory in educational contexts, which the petitioner claimed fosters divisiveness.
The court acknowledged its lack of expertise in evaluating the validity of such theories and suggested that the appropriate educational authorities address the issue. It instructed NCERT and SCERT to treat the petition as a formal representation, requiring them to address the grievances raised and resolve the matter within 12 weeks, while also allowing the petitioner a reasonable opportunity for a personal hearing.
Aryan-Dravidian Theory: An Outdated Concept Debunked Numerous Times
The Aryan-Dravidian theory that these Dravidianists promote posits a racial divide between the so-called Aryans and Dravidians, suggesting a history of invasion and subjugation. However, this theory has long been contested. The initial archaeological findings at Harappa and Mohenjo-daro were often misaligned with existing narratives of Aryan invasion.
Scholars have questioned the validity of these interpretations, with notable American archaeologists like George Dales and Richard Meadow asserting that there is no evidence to support claims of armed conquest or destruction by Aryans.
Moreover, many serious scholars and archaeologists have independently concluded that there is no biological or archaeological proof of Aryan migration or invasion. Critics argue that the theory’s proponents resort to fantastical explanations, claiming that Aryans descended from the heavens, wielding mythical weapons, thus leaving no trace in Harappan lands. This kind of “shabby archaeology,” as it has been termed, offers little more than a speculative narrative devoid of empirical support.
Interestingly, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a key figure for many Dravidianists, dismissed the Aryan Invasion Theory as lacking any scientific basis. Yet, the DMK and its sympathizers continue to advocate for this outdated perspective, perhaps to justify their political agenda and secure contracts for projects like the statue of Marshall, rather than addressing pressing needs in Tamil Nadu.
Moreover, a scientific study by Harvard and indigenous researchers found a genetic relationship among all Indians, challenging the long-held belief that Aryans and Dravidians represented distinct ancestries for northern and southern Indians. The study, which analyzed 500,000 genetic markers from 132 individuals across 25 diverse groups, concluded that a north-south divide was a myth. Senior scientists from the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) stated that the Aryan-Dravidian theory lacked validity, as these groups emerged long after the initial settlers in India.
The research indicated that the Indian population was a mix of two ancestral groups: Ancestral North Indian (ANI) and Ancestral South Indian (ASI). Initial settlements occurred around 65,000 years ago in the Andamans and southern India, followed by the emergence of north Indian populations around 40,000 years ago. The subsequent mixing of these groups resulted in the diverse population observed today.
Additionally, the study shed light on the prevalence of genetic diseases in India, revealing that 70% of Indians were affected by genetic disorders. The researchers aimed to further explore the genetic links between Indians and Western Eurasians while investigating the migratory routes of ancient populations, suggesting a “southern coastal route” of migration from East Africa, in contrast to the previously accepted northern route.
In final words, the Aryan invasion theory has been widely criticized as a misleading and divisive view of the Bharatiya civilization. This theory, often endorsed by leftist historians, posits that India’s rich history was primarily influenced by foreign invaders, diminishing the achievements of ancient Indian cultures. Growing scepticism about this theory is supported by archaeological evidence contradicting its claims and a rising public interest in accurately understanding India’s history, which outside narratives have often distorted.
Prominent figures such as Bishop Robert Caldwell played a role in creating the misleading Aryan-Dravidian divide, which aligned with colonial goals of conversion and racial division. Recent archaeological discoveries at sites like Rakhigarhi and Dwarka indicate that Indian civilization is actually 8,000 to 10,000 years old, casting doubt on the idea of Aryan invasions. Furthermore, this theory has been utilized to rationalize British colonialism by framing ancient Indians as colonizers, thus legitimizing foreign rule.
The acceptance of the Aryan invasion theory by leftist intellectuals post-Independence has perpetuated a skewed interpretation of Indian history, leading to feelings of self-loathing and community divisions. However, modern Indian scholarship is increasingly challenging these misconceptions through evidence-based research.
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