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Despite India’s Denials, Leftist US Media CNN Peddles Fake Propaganda Blaming India For Bangladesh Floods

By
The Commune
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Even though India has vehemently denied any responsibility for the recent Bangladesh floods, American news outlets like CNN continue an outright fake news campaign against the Narendra Modi-led government, reiterating the groundless charges. New Delhi cautions against such fake news, saying both countries should address the flood issue through cooperative efforts.

Leftist news outlets like CNN also persist in promoting the false narrative that Bangladeshis are blaming India. This smear campaign has continued even after India provided contradicting evidence on August 26, 2024.

India EAM Cautions Against Fake News

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the issue at a press conference: “We have observed the spread of false videos, rumours, and fear-mongering designed to create misunderstandings. Such misinformation should be countered with factual information.”

Jaiswal further explained that documents related to the Farakka Barrage have been regularly shared with Bangladesh’s Joint River Commission officials.

He noted, “We’ve seen media reports claiming that the gates of the Farakka Barrage have been opened, allowing over 1.1 million cusecs of water to flow downstream into the Ganga/Padma river.” 

In response to media inquiries about the floods in Bangladesh, Jaiswal elaborated on the Barrage’s function: “It is important to understand that the Farakka is a barrage, not a dam. It only diverts up to 40,000 cusecs of water into the Farakka Canal through a system of gates, while the remaining water continues to flow into the main river, reaching Bangladesh.”

Last week, India similarly rejected claims that floods in parts of Bangladesh were caused by opening a dam on the Gumti River in Tripura. New Delhi called those reports factually incorrect, reiterating that floods affecting shared rivers are a common issue for both countries and should be addressed through cooperative efforts.

However, CNN has been promoting the fake narrative that “India did not issue any warnings about these developments” since the floods began.

Despite the External Affairs Ministry of India’s refutation on 27 August 2024, CNN continued to circulate sorrowful videos under the title “Millions in this country are stranded by flooding. Many blame their neighbour.” This approach appears to be a deliberate attempt to undermine India’s international reputation. Flooding in Bangladesh generally starts around June and can last through October, coinciding with the monsoon season, bringing heavy rains and increasing river water levels annually. Yet, this time, American media seems intent on shifting the blame for these natural events onto India, seemingly with ulterior motives.

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Dravidian Model: Report Reveals Rampant Substance Abuse Among Chennai Govt School Students; Beer, Beedi, ‘Cool Lip’ Being Consumed

By
The Commune
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A Chennai schoolyard has become a troubling ground zero for underage substance abuse, with students as young as pre-teens indulging in beer and tobacco products. The disturbing revelations, uncovered by The Times of India, paint a picture of a school culture gone awry.

On 23 August 2024, a Times of India report highlighted troubling incidents of substance abuse at a higher secondary school in Kalyanapuram, Vyasarpadi. The report revealed a disturbing trend of a Class IX girl celebrating her birthday by drinking beer in the classroom, with her Class VII brother purchasing it for her. Shortly after, three Class X boys were caught smoking Beedis on campus.

Despite bans, the report also noted the circulation of a tobacco product called ‘Cool Lip’ among students. Sold for ₹150 per box of 25 packets, ‘Cool Lip’ provides a brief high and is used by students after lunch.

The report also shed light on systemic failures at the school, including poor infrastructure, such as locked labs and libraries, inadequate water supply, and lack of sports facilities. Despite the school’s attempts to manage these issues, such as employing psychologists and building sports courts, the problems persist.

TOI Women journalist Padmaja J highlighted the substance abuse menace among school students in her X official account.

“A shocking reality at a @chennaicorp  higher secondary school in Kalyanapuram, Vyasarpadi, reveals a disturbing trend among students. Earlier this week, a Class IX girl celebrated her birthday by drinking beer in her classroom, with her Class VII brother purchasing it for her. Just days later, three Class X boys were caught smoking beedis on campus.”

“Substance abuse is becoming alarmingly common, with tobacco products like ‘Cool Lip’ being distributed among students, despite strict bans. This Cool Lip comes from Bengaluru and is sold among students for Rs150/box with 25 packets. It is used by students after lunch and gives them a 45-minute high and coolness. (Pic 1: Cool Lip),” She added.

“This isn’t just about the students—it’s a systemic failure. The school itself is in disrepair. Labs and libraries remain locked, toilets don’t have much running water, and there’s no drinking water. Students pool Rs30/day for water and face harsh conditions daily. They say they can only go to toilets outside the school. There is no PT teacher or sports equipment, let alone a PT period,” She further added.

“School HM says that she asks students to stand or sit outside if they take substances inside campus to reform them. But the school also does not allow students of class 9 and above to play in the ground or go outside to use toilets, for ensuring discipline and order. HM says that students also vandalise school infrastructure, damaging the school, despite Rs50k repair funds/year. @chennaicorp  hired 10 psychologists to address these issues in their 420 schools and officials said that they are building football and volleyball courts to channel such anti-social behaviours into physical activities for healthy reforms among students. The Vyasarpadi school, near the Vyasarpadi flyover has a sprawling large ground and still awaits a new building to be handed over to accommodate students and also set up proper labs,” She further added.

In response, Karti P. Chidambaram took to X to advocate for a comprehensive crackdown on the distribution of ‘Cool Lip’ and underage drinking. He called for stricter protocols at Tasmac outlets, including the use of CCTV cameras and Aadhaar-linked sales to curb these issues.

Karti P Chidambaram stated, “‘Cool lip” is a problem in my constituency too, been flagging it regularly to the district administration, need a statewide crack down on its supply & distribution. Under age drinking is increasing too. Stricter protocols in Tasmac outlets is needed. CC TV cameras & Aadhar linked sales could be an option.” 

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DMK Women Cadre Threatens Police To Release Son Who Was Detained For Riding Bike Without Valid License

By
The Commune
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In a troubling incident raising concerns about political functionaries overstepping legal boundaries in Tamil Nadu, a DMK functionary named Vetri Selvi barged into the Thousand Lights police station in Chennai on the night of August 25, 2024, to forcibly secure the release of her minor son, who was detained for riding a bike without a license or helmet.

Vetri Selvi, a member of the DMK women’s wing from Chennai West district, forcibly intervened to secure the release of her 17-year-old son. The incident escalated as Selvi defied police procedures, tore up an official explanation letter, and unlawfully retrieved the confiscated vehicle.

Vetri Selvi Abusing Political Influence

Selvi’s son had been apprehended while riding his father’s bike without a valid driving license. The police had seized the bike and instructed the boy to have his parents come to retrieve it. Upset by the situation, Selvi arrived at the station and confronted the officers, demanding her son’s release.

In her agitated state, Selvi not only challenged the police staff but also tore up the explanation letter issued by the officers. Additionally, she unlawfully retrieved the confiscated bike before leaving the station.

This incident has caused significant disruption and underscores the increasing problem of certain political functionaries abusing their power in the state.

Last week, a tense standoff erupted in Mayiladuthurai district after Dravidar Kazhagam(DK) members allegedly attempted to assault a police officer who intervened to prevent inflammatory speeches targeting Hindus during a religious procession. The sub-inspector was reportedly physically threatened and verbally abused near Chinna Kadai Street.

During the event, DK’s Mathivathini delivered a speech that allegedly included derogatory remarks about Brahmins and criticized the procession of the Mayuranathar Swamy temple. Sub-Inspector Kannan, stationed to maintain order, requested that Mathivathini’s speech be halted until the procession had passed. About 20 individuals, including Panchayat Council President Selvamani and DMK Councilor Rajini, confronted the officer in response.

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“Do Not Dare Touch Our Temples,” BJP Leader Madhavi Latha Warns Amidst Vandalism At Hyderabad’s Bhoolaxmi Temple, Massive Protests And Tensions Erupt

By
The Commune
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Protests erupted in Hyderabad, Telangana, following the vandalism of a goddess idol at the Bhoolaxmi Temple in Rakshapuram, Santosh Nagar police station area on the night of August 26, 2024. The attack occurred around 11:30 PM, during Krishna Janmashtami, and has ignited significant public outrage. Locals believe the assault was aimed at disturbing communal peace and disrupting the upcoming Ganesh festival.

As news of the vandalism spread, a large crowd of Hindus, including members of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and other Hindutva organizations, gathered at the Bhoolaxmi temple. They chanted bhajans and slogans, blocking Rakshapuram Road and demanding immediate action. The group said the attackers were targeting the historic temple, which has seen multiple attacks over the past five years. They reported that four FIRs have been filed previously for similar incidents.

In response to the escalating situation, Hyderabad police deployed the Task Force and CAR police to restore order in the Santosh Nagar area. Senior officials announced the arrest of two suspects believed to be involved in the attack.

In an unusual development, a local Muslim leader has presented two individuals accused of vandalism to the police. There is confusion about whether the police are investigating the case or the claims made by the local leader, who identified one suspect as mentally unstable, raising concerns about the motives behind the incident.

Several Hindu and BJP leaders, including Hyderabad BJP MP candidate Kompella Madhavi Latha, visited the vandalized Bhoolaxmi temple. She voiced her concern on social media, condemning the attack as an assault on Hindu sentiments and demanding immediate justice.

Madhavi Latha stated, “In the old city of Hyderabad, within the Chandrayangutta Assembly constituency, specifically in the Rakshapuram area, I’m providing these details so that the entire nation understands what happened yesterday during Gokulashtami, a day celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna. Our temples were vandalized today—can this be a joke? With Vinayak Chaturthi approaching, it’s shocking that the police station is just 10 meters away and four surveillance cameras are installed, yet they could not prevent this. MIM goons came and desecrated our Mata Durga. I want to clarify to the entire country: do not dare touch our temples. And the MIM MP or the Chandrayangutta MLA should come and seek forgiveness from our goddess.”

Dr. Shashidhar, Joint Secretary of VHP Telangana, arrived at the scene and expressed strong concerns, describing the attack as a targeted hate crime. He linked it to illegal settlements of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas in a nearby sensitive area, alleging that MIM supporters might have orchestrated the attack to disrupt the Ganesh festival. Dr. Shashidhar called for an impartial investigation to reveal what he termed the ‘Darussalam agenda,’ suggesting a broader conspiracy to target Hindu temples and convert land into Wakf properties. He also questioned the reasons behind the identification of suspects as mentally ill and reported that multiple motorcycle riders were involved in the attack.

The incident has intensified scrutiny on AIMIM leaders, particularly MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi, who represents Chandrayangutta, where the attack occurred. Owaisi is accused of using such incidents to incite unrest and distract from allegations of land encroachments tied to his party. The vandalism, occurring alongside recent attacks on Hindu temples in Bangladesh, has raised suspicions that it may be part of a larger strategy by AIMIM to divert attention from its controversial activities.

The Hindu community in Hyderabad’s Old City remains on high alert. They suspect this attack might be part of a series of orchestrated efforts to disrupt religious harmony and gain political leverage.

The local population claims that the area, once predominantly Hindu 30-40 years ago, has seen a significant demographic shift, with many Muslims, including alleged illegal immigrants, now residing there.

(With Inputs From Organiser)

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TNEB Drowns In Govt-Run School Electricity Bill Arrears While DMK Govt Focuses Spending On F4 Race

By
The Commune
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TNEB Drowns In Govt-Run School Electricity Bill Arrears

On the one hand, Tamil Nadu’s Sports Development Minister and DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin is preparing for the Formula 4 (F4) streetcar races, which are set to take place in the heart of Chennai on 31 August and 1 September 2024. On the other hand, the government is facing criticism over its handling of school finances. The Dravidian model government is accused of not ensuring that schools have paid their electricity bills since taking office, exacerbating the already severe revenue shortfall for the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TNEB).

The accusation of non-payment of electricity bills involves two government-run primary and elementary schools in Keezhadi, Sivaganga district.

The primary school has an outstanding electricity bill of approximately ₹47,121, with arrears amounting to ₹43,111. The elementary school owes ₹65,603, with arrears of 55,400, although its current monthly bill is only between ₹3,000 and ₹4,000.

This discrepancy is due to years of unpaid electricity bills, which have accumulated into a substantial debt. The Tamil Nadu Education Department has been criticized for not taking responsibility for the unpaid electricity bills. When questioned about these dues, the department has shifted blame to other departments. This evasive stance has frustrated TNEB officials, who lament the lack of accountability and the failure to address the growing arrears.

Critics argue that if similar situations are found in other schools, TNEB’s total loss could be around ₹300 crores. If one adds government-run Anganwadis and libraries to this assessment, the total loss could rise to approximately ₹650 crores.

Furthermore, critics believe this issue extends beyond schools to other government offices and argue for a comprehensive audit. They also question the rationale behind DMK honoring former CM Karunanidhi with statues and pursuing high-profile Formula 4 race events while TNEB struggles with significant arrears.

(With inputs from Maridhas)

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“Biden Govt Pressured Meta Repeatedly During Pandemic”, Says Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg In Letter, US Media Fails To Report Statement

By
The Commune
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Biden Govt Pressured Meta Repeatedly During Pandemic

In a recent letter to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee of the Republican Party, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta Platforms Inc., revealed that the Biden-Harris administration was involved in content moderation on Facebook during the COVID-19 pandemic. Zuckerberg’s letter, which has garnered widespread attention, alleges that his company faced repeated pressure from senior officials within the Biden administration to censor specific COVID-19-related content, including humorous or satirical posts.

Allegations Of Pressure On Meta From Biden Administration

Zuckerberg stated unequivocally that in 2021, “senior officials from the Biden Administration, including the White House, repeatedly pressured our teams for months to censor certain COVID-19 content, including humour and satire.” He noted that when Meta did not fully comply with the administration’s demands, the White House expressed significant frustration. Despite the pressure, Zuckerberg emphasized that the final decision to remove or demote content rested with Meta, saying, “Ultimately, it was our decision whether or not to take content down, and we own our decisions, including COVID-19-related changes we made to our enforcement in the wake of this pressure.”

Reflecting on these events, Zuckerberg expressed regret that his company did not take a firmer stance against the government’s requests. “The government pressure was wrong, and I regret that we were not more outspoken about it,” he wrote. He further asserted that Meta should not have compromised its content standards due to pressure from any administration, adding, “We’re ready to push back if something like this happens again.”

The Hunter Biden Laptop Story

In his letter, Zuckerberg also addressed the controversial decision to down-rank a story from the New York Post regarding allegations of corruption involving then-Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s family. Zuckerberg recounted that in the lead-up to the 2020 U.S. presidential election, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had warned Meta about a potential Russian disinformation operation targeting the Biden family and Burisma, a Ukrainian energy company. Acting on this warning, Meta decided to temporarily demote the story while it was sent to fact-checkers for review. However, Zuckerberg acknowledged that this decision was a mistake. “It’s since been made clear that the reporting was not Russian disinformation, and in retrospect, we shouldn’t have demoted the story,” he stated. Zuckerberg indicated that the company has since revised its policies and processes to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future, noting, “We no longer temporarily demote things in the U.S. while waiting for fact-checkers.”

The House Judiciary Committee, which posted the letter on X (formerly Twitter), highlighted three critical admissions by Zuckerberg: that the Biden-Harris administration pressured Facebook to censor Americans, that Facebook complied with this censorship, and that Facebook throttled the Hunter Biden laptop story. The Committee’s post described these admissions as a “big win for free speech.”

As the US approaches another presidential election, Zuckerberg reiterated his commitment to maintaining neutrality in the electoral process. He emphasized that his goal is “to be neutral and not play a role one way or another — or to even appear to be playing a role,” suggesting that Meta will take a more hands-off approach in the upcoming electoral cycle.

Mark Zuckerberg’s letter to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee about the Biden administration’s pressure on Meta to censor content and Meta’s subsequent actions have raised important questions about free speech and content moderation.

US Media Fails To Report This Development

While Mark Zuckerberg’s letter has made waves in certain corners of the world, particularly in India, it has not received the same level of attention in the United States. There is a growing concern about media freedom and transparency in America. Despite the gravity of Zuckerberg’s admissions, coverage of this story in the U.S. media has been notably muted.

In stark contrast, Indian media outlets have been at the forefront of reporting on Zuckerberg’s letter. Critics question the current state of press freedom in the United States, where it appears that questioning the Biden administration is increasingly off-limits. The silence of major U.S. outlets on this issue may reflect broader concerns about the influence of political power on media coverage.

It is noteworthy that the Biden DOJ jailed a man for a meme on Hillary Clinton. Douglass Mackey was an internet personality known as “Ricky Vaughn” online. He was sentenced to seven months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to interfere with the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Mackey created and distributed misleading memes, falsely encouraging Hillary Clinton supporters, particularly Black, Hispanic, and female voters, to “vote” via text, a method that is not legally valid. The U.S. Department of Justice charged Mackey with conspiracy against rights, arguing his actions deliberately disenfranchised voters. Mackey was found guilty and sentenced to prison despite his defence citing free speech.

Free speech seems to work differently for the US government, especially under the Biden-Harris administration.

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Actor & BJP Member Namitha Alleges Discriminatory Treatment At Madurai Meenakshi Temple

By
The Commune
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Actor and BJP member Namitha has alleged that she was subjected to rude and discriminatory treatment during her visit to the Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple in Madurai on 26 August 2024. The incident has sparked controversy, with the actor stating that a temple official demanded proof of her being a Hindu before allowing her entry into the temple.

The actor took to Instagram to express her disappointment. She stated that she felt alienated in her own country for the first time and was compelled to prove her faith. “It’s not about being asked if I am a Hindu, but the manner in which I was questioned,“ she wrote.

Namitha described the official’s behaviour at the Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple as “rude and arrogant.”

The actor, also a state executive member of the BJP, expressed that her visit was part of a spiritual pilgrimage to celebrate the Janmashtami festival at Madurai ISKCON. She and her husband wore masks during the visit to avoid disturbing other devotees who might recognize her.

Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple Official Response

A senior temple official, however, offered a different perspective. He stated that the inquiry was standard procedure since Namitha and her husband wore masks. The official added that after the couple clarified their faith, Namitha was anointed with kumkum on her forehead and permitted to enter the temple.

Namitha Social Media Post

In her Instagram video, Namitha also called on the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister, P K Sekar Babu, to take action against the temple official for what she described as inappropriate behavior.

In the video, she said, “I came to celebrate Janmashtami in Madurai. This morning, we Krishna devotees went to visit the Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple. But something shocking happened there. I have been to so many temples to date. But no one has spoken to me like this. A Superintendent/Correspondent Mr Uttara behaved very rudely and arrogantly to me and my husband. He asked me to show him my ‘Hindu certificate’, and he asked me to show even my caste certificate. Till today, no one has asked me such things. Because everyone in India knows that Namitha is born Hindu. I got married in ISKCON Tirupati, my children are named Krishna Aditya and Kian Raaj, named after Lord Krishna. I request you sir to take necessary action.”

(With inputs from India Today)

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“Attempt To Implement BJP Govt’s Hindutva Agenda”: VCK MP Ravikumar Condemns DMK’s Move To Introduce Murugan Literature In HR&CE-Run Institutions

By
The Commune
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VCK MP Ravikumar Condemns DMK's Move To Introduce Murugan Literature In HR&CE-Run Institutions

On 26 August 2024, VCK MP D. Ravikumar criticized the DMK government’s decision to introduce religious education on Lord Murugan in state-run education institutions. He voiced his concerns on resolutions passed at the recent Muthamizh Murugan conference organized by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR&CE) ) department in Palani on 24 August 2024.

He argued that integrating religious elements into the education system is unjust and an attempt to “push the Hindutva agenda” into state education.

Murugan Conference

The conference, inaugurated virtually by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, featured prominent figures, including judges, seers, and religious trust members. Over 40 attendees from countries like Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Singapore participated, resulting in nearly 21 resolutions. These resolutions proposed measures such as holding literature competitions about Lord Murugan in schools and colleges under the HR&CE. State school students will recite the ‘Kandha Sashti Kavacham’ during the Sashti festival. HR&CE-affiliated educational institutions will include literature on Lord Murugan in their curriculum.

VCK objects to Murugan Bhakti in Education

Ravikumar criticized these commitments on his official X account. In a post, he said while the Murugan conference aimed to celebrate Tamil culture, its approach of incorporating religious elements into education could foster division rather than unity.

VCK MP Ravi Kumar stated, “The resolutions from the Murugan conference aimed at saffronizing education are shocking. On 24-25 August 2024, the Muthamizh Murugan conference, organized by the Tamil Nadu government in Palani, passed 21 resolutions. Among them:

  • 5th Resolution: “It has been decided to award prizes to students in schools and colleges run by temples under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, focusing on Muruga Bhakti literature.”
  • 8th Resolution: “It has been decided to require students to recite the Kandha Shasti Kavasam in Lord Murugan’s temples during the auspicious festive season.”
  • 12th Resolution: “It has been decided that the government may recommend the establishment of special spiritual courses in colleges run by temples under the Hindu Religious Charitable Endowments Department, focusing on the glories and literature of Lord Muruga.”

These measures appear to be an attempt to implement the BJP government’s Hindutva agenda by introducing religious elements into secular education under the guise of celebrating Murugan. While the Hindu Religious Endowments Department performing its traditional functions is not criticized, imposing religion on the education sector violates the constitutional principle of secularism. This is highly objectionable.”

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India Adds Record 15GW Of Solar Power Capacity In First Half Of 2024

By
The Commune
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India Projected To See 5-Times Surge In Green Investments At ₹31 Lakh Crore Till 2030

India’s addition to solar power capacity jumped by 282 per cent to nearly 15 GW in the first half of 2024, marking the highest-ever half-yearly installation.

According to a report by Mercom India Research, the country commissioned 5 GW of solar power capacity in the second quarter of 2024. In the first quarter (January-March), the newly added capacity surged by 9.9 GW. As of June 2024, the country’s installed solar capacity stood at 87.2 GW, accounting for 19.5 per cent of the total energy mix.

It said India’s large-scale solar project pipeline stood at 146 GW, with projects totalling another 104 GW tendered and pending auctions as of June.

Meanwhile, the report said average large-scale project costs in India declined by 2 per cent quarter on quarter and about 26 per cent yearly. Solar panel costs have been on a downtrend in recent years, and the fall of the expenses is expected to continue.

The report added that Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka led the quarterly large-scale solar capacity additions, while the top 10 states accounted for 94 per cent of total installations.

India has emerged as one of the world leaders in Energy Transition and fixed a target of adding 500 GW of renewable energy capacities by 2030, with solar expected to play a significant role in achieving this goal.

As of June 30, 2024, the total grid-connected capacity of renewables stood at 148 GW. The solar power segment accounted for 85 GW, followed by wind power at 47 GW and biomass at 1.4 GW.

The small hydro segment accounted for 5 GW. Installed solar capacity has increased 32 times, from 2.6 GW in 2014 to 85.5 GW. Technology and innovative market mechanisms have been instrumental in reducing overall costs.

Solar is now the cheapest form of energy but is variable in nature. According to Vibhuti Garg, Director of South Asia at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), India needs to deploy flexible generation sources for better integration of renewable energy.

This story is based on an IANS-syndicated feed.

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Indian Navy Deputes Team To Probe Collapse Of Chhatrapati Shivaji Statue In Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg

By
The Commune
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Chhatrapati Shivaji Statue Collapse: Court Extends Judicial Custody Of Accused Sculptor, Consultant

The Indian Navy has ordered an investigation into the collapse of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled on Navy Day last year.

In a late-night statement on Monday, the Navy said it had deputed a team to immediately investigate the cause of the “unfortunate accident” and initiate steps to repair, restore, and reinstate the statue as soon as possible.

The 35-foot statue at the Rajkot Fort in Sindhudurg district collapsed around 1 p.m. on Monday.

“The Indian Navy notes with deep concern the damage caused this morning to the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that was unveiled on Navy Day on December 4, 2023, as a dedication to the citizens of Sindhudurg,” the Navy said.

“Along with the state government and concerned specialists, the Navy has deputed a team to immediately investigate the cause of this unfortunate accident and initiate steps to repair, restore and reinstate the statute as soon as possible,” it added.

Maharashtra Government On Rebuilding

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was Maharashtra’s idol and vowed to rebuild the structure.

“The Indian Navy erected the statue and not the state government. The Navy itself prepared the design of the statue. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is our idol, and his statue is our identity. After hearing the news that the statue had collapsed, I contacted the District Collector, who told me that when the incident occurred, a gusty wind with a speed of 45 mph was blowing in that area, damaging the statue,” he said.

“I want to assure everyone that Navy officials will go there on Tuesday. Sindhudurg district guardian minister Ravindra Chavan, also the state public works minister, will also be reaching the spot. Naval officers and state government officials will inspect the memorial tomorrow. The work of rebuilding the full-length statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will start tomorrow itself. Once again, you will see Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue standing resplendent and strong in the same place,” CM said

Congress Blames Quality

Congress, NCP (SP), and Shiv Sena (UBT) blamed the state government for the statue’s collapse earlier. They claimed the state officials made it in haste as Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to inaugurate it. NCP (SP) state president Jayant Patil said the state government paid little attention to the quality of work.

“It only focused on conducting an event where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited to unveil the statue. The Maharashtra government only issues new tenders, accepts commissions and gives contracts accordingly,” he said.

–IANS

This story is based on an IANS-syndicated feed.

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