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Indian Regulator Penalizes Meta’s WhatsApp With ₹213.14 Crore Fine For Data Misuse

By
The Commune
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Indian Regulator Penalizes Meta's WhatsApp With ₹213.14 Crore Fine For Data Misuse

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a significant penalty of ₹213.14 crore on Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, for abusing its dominant market position. The ruling pertains to WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy policy update involving controversial data collection and sharing practices with other Meta entities.

In addition to the ₹213.14 crore monetary penalty on Meta, the CCI issued a cease-and-desist order and mandated behavioural changes be implemented within a set timeframe. During its investigation, the CCI identified two key markets in India: the over-the-top (OTT) messaging app market and the online display advertising market.

CCI Findings

The Commission concluded that WhatsApp, operated by Meta, holds a dominant position in the OTT messaging app market in India, while Meta maintains a leading position in the online display advertising market.

The controversy began in January 2021 when WhatsApp introduced updates to its privacy policy and terms of service. Effective February 8, 2021, the new policy required users to accept expanded data-sharing terms with other Meta companies. Unlike the 2016 policy, which allowed users to opt out of data sharing with Facebook, the 2021 update eliminated this option, leaving users no choice but to comply or lose access to the app.

The CCI found this “take-it-or-leave-it” policy to be an unfair condition under the Competition Act, violating Section 4(2)(a)(i). The Commission stated that WhatsApp’s dominant position, coupled with limited alternatives for users, coerced them into accepting the terms, undermining their autonomy.

The investigation also revealed that the expanded data sharing between Meta entities created significant entry barriers for competitors, violating Section 4(2)(c) of the Act. Moreover, Meta allegedly leveraged its dominance in the OTT messaging market to strengthen its position in the online display advertising market, breaching Section 4(2)(e).

Mandated Remedies

To mitigate anti-competitive harm, the CCI directed Meta and WhatsApp to adopt several measures:

  • Restricted Data Sharing: WhatsApp has been barred from sharing user data with other Meta companies for advertising purposes for five years. After this period, specific regulations will govern such data sharing.
  • Enhanced Transparency: WhatsApp must clearly explain the types of user data shared with other Meta entities, specifying their purposes. Data sharing unrelated to WhatsApp services cannot be a condition for app usage in India.
  • User Autonomy: All users, including those who accepted the 2021 update, must be provided with an opt-out option for non-service-related data sharing through a prominent in-app notification. Users should also have access to a clear tab in the app’s settings to review and modify their choices.
  • Compliance in Updates: Future privacy policy updates must adhere to these requirements.

Meta’s Response

Meta has announced its intent to appeal the CCI’s decision. A company spokesperson asserted that the 2021 update did not compromise the privacy of personal messages and was presented as an optional feature for users.

“We ensured no accounts were deleted or lost functionality due to this update. The update aimed to introduce optional business features and transparency in data usage. WhatsApp has continued to be a valuable platform for users, businesses, and government services, contributing significantly to the Indian economy,” the spokesperson said.

Meta emphasized its commitment to finding a resolution that allows the company to continue delivering services that meet user and business expectations.

(With inputs from OpIndia)

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Rahim, Yusuf, Buhari Arrested In Petrol Bomb Attack On Theater Screening ‘Amaran’ In Tirunelveli, Report Says They Have Ties To Terror Org Al Ummah

By
The Commune
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Petrol Bombs Target Theaters Screening 'Amaran' In Tirunelveli Amidst Threats From Usual Suspects

Two more individuals namely Mohammed Yusuf and Syed Mohammed Buhari were arrested in connection with the petrol bomb attack on the Alangar Theatre in Tirunelveli’s Melapalayam area that was screening ‘Amaran’.

On the morning of 16 November 2024, ‘unidentified individuals’ threw petrol bombs at the ‘Alangar’ theatre as it was showcasing ‘Amaran’, escalating tensions in the area. Special Forces and the Anti-Terrorism Squad began investigating the attack.

Based on CCTV footage from around the theatre, authorities arrested a total of three suspects and held them in a secure location for questioning. One of the suspects Rahim was found to have participated in the attack. After confirming that the bombing was a protest against the film Amaran, police continued searching for two additional individuals involved in the incident. Subsequently, Mohammed Yusuf and Syed Mohammed Buhari, both connected to the petrol bomb attack, were arrested.

According to a report by News Tamil 24×7, investigations have revealed that both Yusuf and Buhari have ties to banned terror organization Al Ummah. They had apparently met an individual belonging to Al Ummah who has been imprisoned in Bengaluru jail.

Al Ummah is a banned radical Islamist terror group which was responsible for the 1998 Coimbatore bombings. Al Ummah had connectivity with Directrate General of Forces Intelligence of Bangladesh (DGFI), Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Student Islamic Movement of India (SIMI). It is accused of bombing the RSS Chennai Karyalaya killing 11 persons. In 1995, the organization was involved in targeting filmmaker Mani Ratnam’s house with homemade bombs, protesting his film Bombay for depicting a romance between a Hindu man and a Muslim woman.

It is notable that this incident occurs against the backdrop of condemnation from a coalition of leftists, Islamists, and Dravidianists, who have expressed discomfort with the rise of nationalism fueled by the film ‘Amaran’ The movie, which tells the story of Major Mukund Varadharajan’s heroic sacrifice during a counter-terror operation in Shopian, Kashmir, has drawn criticism from these groups. Initially, these groups pushed the narrative that the film was “Islamophobic,” a claim that was baseless and misleading, which led Muslim leaders in the state to protest and demand a ban.

(With inputs from News 18)

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Suriya Fan Club Office Bearer Doxes And Gives Death Threats To Old Man Whose Video Lamenting About Kanguva Disaster Went Viral

By
The Commune
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Suriya Fan Club Office Bearer Doxes And Gives Death Threats To Old Man Whose Video Lamenting About Kanguva Disaster Went Viral

Fanfare and fervor around the release of a famous actor’s movie are common, but a recent incident has crossed a line that should not be ignored. Upon its release, Suriya’s Kanguva faced a dismal box office performance, with both audiences and critics harshly criticizing the film for being all noise and lacking substance. Videos have been going viral on social media of people roasting the film and its makers.

One such video was of a man ruthlessly trolling and slamming the filmmakers for the shoddy film.

In the video, when the media asked the elderly man about the movie, Surya’s role, and the effects, he responded, “There was no role, no effects, and not even a clue of anything.” When they further inquired if he liked the songs, the old man angrily replied, “Since the movie began, they were shouting non-stop!”

The media person asked, “Who was shouting?” He snapped back, “Who else? That lunatic Suriya! Have you taken the movie? Are we mentals living in Tamil Nadu? In the name of comedy, two have come; Lokesh and someone called Yogi Babu. I couldn’t bear it! They tortured us for ten minutes, and then they dragged us into the forest with Kanguva. The 3D visuals were simply nothing”

When asked if he liked anything about the movie, the old man retorted, “Liked? If you had allowed it, we would have torn the screen apart! Everyone’s blood is boiling! Do you think 300 or 400 rupees comes that easy for us?”

He mentioned that the other movie, ‘Amaran’, which was released on Diwali, was far better and had a much stronger mass appeal. When you pay for a movie ticket, there should be an element of thrill and excitement, but ‘Kanguva’ didn’t deliver on that front. He had high expectations based on the trailers, but the 3D visuals were subpar, with the faces of the characters unclear. The elderly gent asserted the movie will fade away in less than a week and end up being a flop.

This viral video seems to have irked Suriya fan club with some fans beginning to target individuals who criticized the film. These fans not only posted hurtful comments about those who voiced their opinions, but also made threatening statements, going as far as tracking down personal details like IDs and phone numbers.

On the X platform, a Suriya fan known as Rajubhai (@Rajkallaisfc), who identifies as the Head of the Kallakurichi IT Wing of Suriya’s fan club, shared posts featuring an elderly man who had criticized a movie. In these posts, it was stated that the fans would be “rewarded” if they identified him. The comments that followed were even more alarming, with some containing explicit threats to the man’s life. In subsequent posts, the the fan club head claimed to have obtained the old man’s personal details, including their name and phone number, which raises significant concerns about safety and security of his life.

 

 

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Adani Indictment: Joe Biden’s Scorched Earth Policy Before He Leaves Office?

By
The Commune
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Adani Indictment: Joe Biden's Scorched Earth Policy Before He Leaves Office?

In a move that has sparked intense debate, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have unveiled allegations against Indian business magnate Gautam Adani and top executives of Adani Group, claiming they orchestrated bribes to Indian officials to secure large-scale solar energy contracts. While the allegations centre on corporate misconduct, it more or less looks like a strategic gambit by the Biden administration to disrupt foreign access to US capital markets.

What Are The Allegations?

The charges allege that Adani Group bribed Indian politicians, disbursing ₹2,000 crore to clear solar energy projects totaling 12 GW. U.S. authorities claim that the group concealed these activities in its financial disclosures while raising debt in the U.S., falsely declaring no involvement in bribery.

The timeline outlined in the chargesheet paints a damning picture:

  1. Adani Green and U.S.-listed Azure Power were preliminarily awarded solar contracts by India’s Solar Energy Corporation (SECI) in 2020, contingent on state power distributors signing purchase agreements.
  2. Allegedly, high tariffs delayed approvals, prompting Adani to pay bribes to politicians in Andhra Pradesh (₹1,750 crore), Tamil Nadu under the DMK government, Odisha under the BJD government, Chhattisgarh under the Congress government, and Jammu & Kashmir under central rule.
  3. Evidence reportedly includes WhatsApp conversations, emails, and recorded phone calls that showed Adani Green and Azure Power discussing plans for bribery payments. Documents such as Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoint slides detailed the proposed payment structures. Officials from Azure Power allegedly acknowledged Adani’s active role in facilitating bribes to Indian politicians to secure the solar energy contracts.
  4. Azure, which is also accused of complicity, purportedly ceded its claim to a lucrative 2.3 GW project after failing to resolve disputes over bribery payments, passing the contract entirely to Adani.

If proven, the charges could have far-reaching consequences for Adani Group, which heavily relies on foreign capital. A potential ban on raising funds in U.S. markets could jeopardize the conglomerate’s growth trajectory. However, the practical impact of asset seizures in the U.S. may be limited due to Adani’s minimal exposure there.

https://twitter.com/Saiarav/status/1859444959738548372

A Political Undercurrent?

Critics argue the timing of the indictment is politically charged. With Joe Biden nearing the end of his presidency, the move appears to be part of a broader “scorched earth” strategy to create obstacles for a potential Republican administration under Donald Trump.

The U.S.’s selective application of its laws adds fuel to this interpretation. Chinese firms with well-documented ties to the Communist Party continue to raise billions in U.S. markets, while Adani is singled out for scrutiny. This double standard indicates how regulatory tools are weaponized to serve strategic objectives rather than upholding consistent standards of corporate accountability.

Global Fallout

The indictment risks souring U.S.-India relations, as Indian courts could retaliate by investigating American firms operating in India for corruption or data privacy violations. Many U.S. companies, from tech giants to energy conglomerates, have faced scandals involving bribery and malpractices overseas, yet continue operations with little pushback.

The alleged reliance on intercepted communications as evidence also raises concerns. Without hard proof disclosed, the charges spotlight the overreach of U.S. surveillance and underscore the importance of India developing indigenous communication platforms to safeguard against foreign interference.

A High-Stakes Moment

This indictment appears less about enforcing corporate accountability and more about Biden’s administration wielding regulatory tools for geopolitical power plays. The administration exposes its selective enforcement and double standards by targeting Adani while ignoring misconduct by Chinese firms and U.S. corporations abroad.

As Biden nears the end of his term, the desperation is palpable. This scorched-earth tactic is a last-ditch effort to disrupt global players and assert U.S. dominance before a potential Republican resurgence. Instead of fostering fair markets or international trust, these actions risk escalating tensions and undermining America’s credibility on the global stage.

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Old Video Of Dravidianist Speaker Oviya Abusing Devendra Kula Vellar Community Resurface Amid Kasthuri’s Arrest For Controversial Speech, Netizens Ask “Will DMK Govt Arrest Her?”

By
The Commune
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Old Video Of Dravidianist Speaker Oviya Abusing Devendra Kula Vellar Community Resurface Amid Kasthuri's Arrest For Controversial Speech, Netizens Ask "Will DMK Govt Arrest Her?"

The ruling DMK government, which arrested actress Kasthuri Shankar on 17 November 2024 for allegedly making offensive remarks about Telugu-speaking communities in Tamil Nadu during a protest on 3 November centered on Brahmin rights and discrimination against Hindus, has faced criticism from netizens. They have questioned why the DMK has not taken similar action against individuals like Dravidar Kazhagam activists, who have not only insulted Hindu gods and beliefs but also targeted entire Devendrakula Velalar community, calling out the government’s apparent hypocrisy.

A recent video that resurfaced shows Oviya, an activist from Dravidar Kazhagam, making abusive statements against the Devendrakula Velalar community in 2019, in which she stated, “Krishnasamy can keep whatever name he wants, but Devendrakula Velalar also means son of Paapan’s (Brahmin) mistress (Vapaati).” 

Now, netizens are calling out the actions taken by the government. The irony is that throughout the entire video, Oviya was speaking against the oppression of the caste system, yet she chose to ridicule him solely because he is a Scheduled Caste leader who supports the BJP and advocates for Hindi as a third language, so he is anti-dravidianist.

Though actress Kasthuri Shankar has been granted bail, her controversial arrest has sparked concerns about state overreach and oppression. Despite apologizing for her remarks, which were made during a protest in Chennai on 3 November, the government pursued a deliberate witch hunt, even sending a special team from Greater Chennai Police to arrest her at her home in Hyderabad.

The police team from Chennai apprehended her in Narsingi, Hyderabad, on 17 November. Kasthuri had allegedly made offensive remarks about Telugu-speaking communities during the protest, leading to a complaint by the All India Telugu Federation. She was charged under several sections of the Indian Penal Code related to promoting enmity and causing public alarm. Additionally, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court rejected her request for anticipatory bail in another case involving alleged disparaging remarks against women from a specific community.

Meanwhile, no action has been taken against YouTuber Irfan, who blatantly violated medical protocols by cutting his newborn baby’s umbilical cord in a hospital. Despite the seriousness of this breach, DMK Minister Ma Subramanian, who initially vowed to pursue legal action, later downplayed the incident, dismissing it as “not a heinous crime.”

There have been many instances of Dravidianists unleashing venom against the Hindu community particularly Brahmins.

No action has been taken against Dravidianist Thirumurugan Gandhi who had recently insinuated that martyred Major Mukund Varadarajan was a war criminal.

Despite filing an FIR against Dravidianist YouTuber Mukhtar Ahmed and hate spewer Dr. Kantharaj for their crass video derogating and objectifying cinema actresses, no arrest has been made.

Piyush Manush, another Dravidianist who fashions himself as an environmental activist had made baseless allegations against Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi. Prior to that he made hate speech against Chidambaram Deekshitars calling them as “people who want to marry 8-year-old girls”.

A rabid anti-Hindu YouTube channel named U2 Brutus released a video titled “This is the reason why Nataraja stands with his leg lifted“, in which a person who identifies himself as ‘Minor’ resorts to slandering Hindu God Siva and Goddess Kaali.

Below are some of the posts from netizens urging the current DMK government to take a stance similar to that of actress Kasthuri regarding Dravidar Kazhagam activist Oviya.

 

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/Abitha96960262/status/1859180383213965673

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Centre Urges Southern States To Fast-Track Schemes To Boost Farm Sector

By
The Commune
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Centre Urges Southern States To Fast-Track Schemes To Boost Farm Sector

The Centre has urged the southern states to expedite the execution of Centrally Sponsored Schemes by ensuring timely fund allocation and addressing issues related to state contributions and Single Nodal Account (SNA) balances, an official statement said on Wednesday. The issues were discussed as part of the Centre’s mid-term review, held in Visakhapatnam on November 18-19, of the implementation of agricultural schemes by the states.

The Union Agriculture Secretary led the team of Central officials at the review in which the states of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka & Union Territory of Puducherry gathered in Visakhapatnam to evaluate the progress and address challenges in the effective implementation of these schemes, according to a statement issued by the Agriculture Ministry. The Secretary emphasised the importance of operationalising SNA-SPARSH, returning unutilized balances and interest, and promptly submitting Utilisation Certificates (UCs).

He also emphasized the importance of organising state-level conferences to address region-specific agricultural challenges, ensuring every state receives focused attention and support for their unique needs and assured that the Centre is very much a partner to them and will help them to ameliorate the conditions of farmers and expanding farming related activities in their respective states. The participants were also familiarised with the Centre’s new initiative – the Dharti Aaba Janajatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA–JGUA) approved by the Union Cabinet and launched by the Prime Minister in September. All participants were urged to get onboarded in the scheme to strengthen the recognition process, empower tribal communities, and ensure their involvement in forest protection, conservation, and sustainable livelihoods through government support, the statement said.

The conference focused on improving the implementation of major schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and the Krishonnati Yojana (KY), where non-performing states were encouraged to enhance their efforts in the remaining months of the fiscal year. The states were also advised to finalize the annual action plan for FY 2025-26 by December to enable timely release of the first instalment by April 2025, aiming to reduce previous delays in fund utilization. The states were requested to spend the funds available with them as more spending would result in more allocation by the centre. The states were also informed about the flexibility to reallocate funds within RKVY components and for formulating new projects under KY for FRA beneficiaries under DA-JGUA for the benefit of the poorest of the poor in the country.

The flexibility to spend money across schemes under the respective umbrella scheme was also explained to them in detail, according to the statement. The Agriculture Secretary asked the states to aggressively work towards the farmers’ registry as it is a one-time task but will reap insurmountable benefits to them for taking advantage of both Central and Centrally Sponsored Schemes. The meeting also discussed high-priority topics, including the National Edible Oils Mission, NABL accreditation for laboratories under the Insecticides Act, efficient use of the Krishi Nivesh Portal, Carbon Credits, Namo Drone Didi, e-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPO), Soil Health Card and Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) etc to foster sector growth, the official statement added.

–IANS

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COP29: 25 Countries, EU Launch Call For No New Coal In National Climate Plans

By
The Commune
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COP29: 25 Countries, EU Launch Call For No New Coal In National Climate Plans

Recognising that rapidly reducing emissions from coal is one of the most urgent priorities to get on track for a 1.5C pathway, and the first step towards addressing this challenge is the end of the construction of new coal. Twenty-five countries and the European Union at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Wednesday launched a Call to Action for No New Coal.

These initial signatories announce their intention to put forward national climate plans that reflect no new unabated coal in their energy systems and call on others to do the same. Examples of these plans include their next nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, “information for clarity, transparency, and understanding” (ICTU) accompanying their next NDCs, long-term strategies and implementation plans or energy plans. This demonstrates the growing momentum to put domestic policies in place to deliver the ambition of the first global stocktake under the Paris Agreement.

With the Call to Action released, the endorsing countries launched a diplomatic campaign to encourage all countries to end new coal power in the lead-up to the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in November 2025. UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “This year Britain became the first G7 country to phase out coal power as part of our drive to make the UK a clean energy superpower. But the use of coal is still growing around the world and poses one of the biggest threats to keeping 1.5C within reach.

“The Call to Action for No New Coal sends a clear signal from countries around the world that new coal needs to end by COP30. By putting forward national climate plans that reflect no new unabated coal, we move closer to a future powered by affordable, secure, clean energy.” Wopke Hoekstra, European Commissioner for Climate Action said: “The commitment to transition away from fossil fuels needs to turn into real steps on the ground. A large majority of countries have already turned their backs on coal power, opting for affordable, reliable, clean energy instead, but globally coal power is still growing. “This ought to change. New coal power is one of the biggest threats to keeping 1.5°C within reach. The EU is pleased to support, throughout the next year leading to COP30, a diverse coalition of countries fully committed to anchoring an end of new coal power in their upcoming NDCs.”

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has made it clear that there is no space for new unabated coal in a 1.5 degrees Celsius or even two Celsius aligned pathway, yet coal capacity rose by two per cent last year. Simon Stiell, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, at an NDC Partnership event during the COP29 said: “Earlier this year I said the next round of NDCs are the most important policy documents of this century. So why is that? First, because they will be the final barricade for every nation in its fight to the death against climate impacts getting more brutal each year.

And let’s be clear: no nation is winning this fight. Every economy is being besieged by climate disasters, ripping up to five per cent off GDP in some countries. “And it’s people and businesses that are paying the heaviest price. Yesterday was agriculture day, and we heard again that food production and supply chains are getting slammed by climate impacts, fueling inflation and hunger, in every country. So I’ll be honest — it’s grim. Indeed, I’m often asked what gives me confidence that we can get this job done. The answer is lots of things.”

The list of initiators of the Call to Action for No New Coal are: Angola, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Italy, Malta, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Uganda, the UK, Uruguay, Vanuatu and the European Union.

–IANS

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Badrinath Shrine Area Cleaned Up, 1.5 Tonnes Garbage Disposal Generates ₹ 8 Lakh In Earning

By
The Commune
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Char Dham Yatra - Badrinath Shrine Area Cleaned Up, 1.5 Tonnes Garbage Disposal Generates ₹ 8 Lakh In Earning

The Char Dham yatra created a record of sorts with an astounding turnout of more than 47 lakh devotees this year. Besides this, the Yatra is hogging the headlines for yet another reason – for earning Rs 8 lakh from the disposal of inorganic waste during the pilgrimage season. The Badrinath Nagar Panchayat undertook an extensive cleaning drive to restore the cleanliness and sanctity of the shrine by cleaning its premises as well as the surroundings, ahead of its closure during the winter.

A dedicated team of 50 Paryavaran Mitra carried out the operation, collecting 1.5 tonnes of waste from prominent areas such as Brahm Kapal, Astha Path, Tapt Kund, Main Bazaar, and Mana village. The initiative reaffirmed the commitment of local authorities to preserving the sanctity and cleanliness of the revered Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage site. The municipality reported earnings of  8 lakh from the disposal of 110 tonnes of inorganic waste collected during the Yatra season, according to official reports. Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, who has been consistently championing cleanliness at Char Dham shrines, lauded the efforts of Nagar Panchayat. This year, the Nagar Panchayat was entrusted with the task of cleaning the Badrinath city area as well as the temple premises.

. Nagar Panchayat carried out an intensive cleanliness campaign by deploying 50 Paryavaran Mitras (environment friends). During the entire yatra period, 180.70 tonnes of garbage was collected by Nagar Panchayat Badrinath. Out of this, the Panchayat earned an income of ₹ 8 lakh by marketing 110.97 tonnes of waste. Along with this, the Panchayat has earned an income of ₹ 29.82 lakh through parking,  ₹1.03 crore through eco charges, Rs 28 lakh through helicopter operations and ₹ 8 lakh through usage charges. Badrinath shrine’s post-season cleanup reflects the adage “Cleanliness is next to godliness” and sets a remarkable example of devotion complemented by responsibility.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami took to X, informing about the closure of the doors of the second Kedarnath Shri Madhyamaheshwar Mahadev. “Today, the holy doors of the second Kedarnath Shri Madhyamaheshwar Mahadev have been closed for the winter season amidst chanting of Vedic mantras and religious rituals. May the blessings of Devadhidev Mahadev always remain on all of you. I pray to Lord Shankar for happiness, peace, prosperity and a happy life for all of you,” he wrote on X.’

–IANS

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Assam Pavilion Displays Unique Culture Of State: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

By
The Commune
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Assam Pavilion Displays Unique Culture Of State: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday asserted that the Assam Pavilion at the ongoing India International Trade Fair in the national capital is attracting national and international visitors by displaying the unique culture of the state. He has appealed to people to pay a visit to the pavilion at the trade fair to experience the rich heritage of Assam.

“The Assam Pavilion at the ongoing India International Trade Fair is attracting national and international visitors. Displaying the State’s unique culture and its modern outlook the Pavilion aptly captures the Viksit Assam vision of our government,” the Chief Minister wrote on X. The Assam Pavilion under the aegis of the Department of Industries, Commerce and Public Enterprise of the state government has altogether 36 stalls showcasing a wide array of products from handloom and textiles to water hyacinth and from tea to brass metal. “Different state government departments and undertakings like Assam Tourism, Assam Industrial Development Corporation, NEDFi, Directorate of Tea, Guwahati Tea Auction Centre, Directorate of Information and Public Relations and Assam Government Marketing Corporation Ltd. are actively participating in the event,” an official release mentioned.

The MSME sector is well represented in the Assam Pavilion. Stalls displaying cane and bamboo, handloom and handicrafts, terracotta, woodcraft, brass metal, food processing products, and tea reflect the entrepreneurial spirit of Assam. One District One Product (ODOP) and emerging startups from the state are also taking part in the fair. A senior official earlier said: “The stall on Agar and its derivatives – an initiative supported by the Assam government has been the cynosure of all eyes. MJI Perfumes is Assam’s first licensed manufacturing cum retail store for perfume and agar. Under the Assam Agarwood Promotion Policy, the state government supports Agar cultivation and its downstream industries from perfumes to critical chemical Ingredients of medicines, etc.”

The Assam Pavilion highlights the state’s progress in various sectors including manufacturing, technology, tourism, and infrastructure, as well as its vision to transform into a major economic hub in Eastern India. “Visitors get to know about Assam’s unprecedented development journey and its slew of future initiatives such as the development of advanced semiconductor facilities aimed at making the state a leader in high technology manufacturing, creating skilled employment opportunities and supporting technological growth,” the official added.

He added that the Pavilion also highlights the state’s emphasis on the renewable energy sector and the government’s initiatives in the field of healthcare to improve accessibility among the entire community. “It also presents schemes and policies aimed at aligning the development of Assam with the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat@2047,” the official stated.

–IANS

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11 Lakh BPL Cards Revoked, Claims Karnataka BJP

By
The Commune
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11 Lakh BPL Cards Revoked, Claims Karnataka BJP

Karnataka BJP claimed on Wednesday that the state government has cancelled at least 11 lakh Below Poverty Line (BPL) ration cards. “11 lakh BPL ration cards have been revoked by the state government. They are planning to cancel 14 lakh more cards. The government has not even issued notices before revoking these cards. If the cancellation process is not stopped, the BJP will lock down all the government offices across the state,” said Karnataka Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka while interacting with families whose BPL cards had been cancelled in the Vrushabhavathi Nagar and Nandini Layout localities of Mahalaxmi Layout Assembly constituency in Bengaluru.

He added that the state government, which is “supposed” to feed the people, is “snatching” away their food, adding that the government should have empathy to ensure no one dies of hunger. He said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who has presented 14 budgets, seems to have no understanding of how the state economy works, alleging that without conducting field visits, the state government has cancelled ration cards. “The families who lost their BPL cards are not rich and they don’t own cars. A mother of a two-year-old child cannot work in a garment factory. A physically disabled man selling snacks on the roadside is unable to work due to health issues. Such families are being victimised by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah,” he alleged. He also criticised the state government for lacking funds for development and using the available funds for “bribery”. “MLAs themselves are complaining about a lack of grants. Cancelling 25 lakh cards can generate Rs 20,000 crore, which can be used to appease MLAs. This is the real intention behind the card cancellations,” he alleged.

He further stated that the government’s actions would prevent the poor from availing benefits of any welfare schemes, including financial assistance. “Under no circumstances should BPL cards be cancelled. The BJP will strongly oppose this and launch statewide protests. If ration cards are not reissued, we will lock government offices and hold the government accountable. If the government has the courage, it should act against those who approved bogus cards,” he demanded.

Ashoka expressed concern that the government might cancel other welfare schemes as well. “Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has hinted at scrapping the free bus travel scheme for women. Next, the free electricity scheme might also be cancelled. With no funds for MLAs, they are on the verge of revolting,” he declared.

–IANS

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NATIONAL NEWS

Sonia Gandhi Appears Upset As Full Vande Mataram Plays At Congress HQ, Allegedly Seen Signalling For It To Stop

Sonia Gandhi Appears Upset As Full Vande Mataram Plays At Congress...

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The Congress’ long-standing discomfort with the full rendition of Vande Mataram came under the spotlight once again on Independence Day, after the complete national...
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