Dadabhai Naoroji wasn’t just saying the British took India’s money. He was showing, with the actual records, how an entire monetary system could make a growing, trading economy poorer with every transaction, legally, quietly, and year after year.

भारत लगातार अपनी रक्षा तैयारियों को मजबूत करता जा रहा है। इसके तहत आत्मनिर्भर भारत के तहत लगातार एक्शन लिया जा रहा है। इसी क्रम में रक्षा मंत्रालय ने भारतीय वायुसेना के लिए 60 बहुउद्देश्यीय परिवहन विमान (MTA) खरीदने का टेंडर जारी किया है। इस टेंडर की कीमत करीब एक लाख करोड़ रुपये है। यह […]

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, on Wednesday approved 10 proposals from six departments, taking a series of major decisions aimed at strengthening digital governance, expanding the State’s semiconductor ecosystem, accelerating renewable energy development and improving irrigation infrastructure. The Cabinet decisions also included the approval of the Rs 12,458-crore Parbati Giri Mega Lift Irrigation Project, continuation of major child welfare schemes with an outlay of Rs 883.50 crore, and the implementation of the “Improvement to Tanks & MIPs – Phase-III” scheme with a financial outlay of Rs 389 crore. Semiconductor Policy Gets Third Amendment The Cabinet approved the third amendment to the Odisha Semiconductor Manufacturing and Fabless Policy, originally notified in September 2023 and subsequently amended in March 2024 and July 2025. The policy has already facilitated proposals from five companies, including two projects that have secured support under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Odisha is shaping its next generation of industrial growth. With the 3rd Amendment to the Odisha Semiconductor Manufacturing and Fabless Policy, aligned with ISM 2.0, Odisha is strengthening the… pic.twitter.com/7mkbwzH8Yl — CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) August 12, 2026 The latest amendment seeks to align Odisha’s policy framework with emerging national priorities, particularly ISM 2.0, while expanding the scope of incentives to critical segments of the semiconductor value chain. Read More: Generation-Z and the New Meaning of Freedom: How young India is redefining nationalism in the digital age The revised policy will cover semiconductor equipment, semiconductor-grade chemicals and gases, advanced materials and other semiconductor supply-chain components, in addition to semiconductor manufacturing, OSAT/ATMP, display manufacturing and fabless design. The policy will also support research and development and manufacturing activities involving advanced technologies. Under the amended framework, the Odisha Government will provide additional fiscal support equivalent to 25% of eligible capital expenditure for projects approved by the India Semiconductor Mission, subject to applicable policy provisions. The State assistance will be disbursed on a pari passu basis with the Government of India’s fiscal assistance and linked to project milestones and corresponding releases approved under the ISM. The amendment also enables customised incentive packages for mega projects in semiconductor equipment, input supply chains and raw materials. Such packages will be considered by the State Cabinet on the recommendation of a High-Level Committee headed by the Chief Secretary. The Government expects the revised policy to attract investments, generate direct and indirect employment, promote specialised skill development and encourage the growth of supporting MSMEs. By covering manufacturing, equipment, materials, supply chains and related infrastructure, Odisha aims to develop a more integrated semiconductor ecosystem and emerge as a preferred destination for semiconductor manufacturing, innovation and advanced technology. Renewable Energy Policy Amended The Cabinet also approved amendments to the Odisha Renewable Energy Policy (OREP), 2022, aimed at accelerating renewable energy development, enhancing investor confidence and ensuring affordable green power for consumers. Under the amended policy, eligible net-metering consumers will receive an Electricity Duty exemption of 50 paise per unit on renewable energy consumed from projects established within Odisha. The exemption will remain available for 10 years from the date of commissioning of the project. The Cabinet further approved a 20 paise per unit exemption on State Transmission Utility (STU) charges for standalone Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) commissioned in Odisha. The exemption will apply provided the energy used to charge the BESS is sourced from renewable energy projects and the stored electricity is utilised to meet the State’s demand. The Government has also rationalised the wind power project allocation framework by removing the existing 500 MW cumulative cap for projects allocated through the first-come, first-served mechanism. The amended policy provides for the promotion of Wind Power Parks and a Right of First Refusal (ROFR) of up to 25% of capacity for renewable energy captive projects. Other reforms include harmonisation of operational guidelines and designating GRIDCO as the nodal agency for implementation of legacy Small Hydro Electric Projects (SHEPs). The Government expects the reforms to improve operational efficiency, encourage investments and accelerate renewable energy deployment across Odisha Rs 12,458 Crore Parbati Giri Mega Lift Irrigation Project In a major push to expand irrigation coverage, the Cabinet approved the Parbati Giri Mega Lift Irrigation Project with an estimated outlay of Rs 12,458 crore over five years beginning from FY 2026-27. Chief Secretary Anu Garg said the project would comprise 161 schemes across all 30 districts and create additional irrigation potential of 2,62,275 hectares. The State has so far completed 209 Mega Lift Irrigation schemes, creating irrigation potential of approximately 2.66 lakh hectares across 23 districts. The Chief Secretary said a considerable portion of Odisha’s cultivable land remains dependent on rainfall, making agriculture vulnerable to erratic rainfall, drought and the impacts of climate change. Against this backdrop, Mega Lift Irrigation Projects are being prioritised in upland and water-deficit areas where conventional gravity-based irrigation is not feasible. The project is expected to provide more reliable access to irrigation in areas where farmers face water shortages and contribute to strengthening agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. 680 Minor Irrigation Projects to Be Renovated The Cabinet also approved the “Improvement to Tanks & MIPs – Phase-III” scheme to revive and strengthen Odisha’s minor irrigation infrastructure. The scheme will be implemented over four years, from FY 2026-27 to FY 2029-30, with a total financial outlay of Rs 389 crore. It will cover the renovation of 680 Minor Irrigation Projects (MIPs), including spillover works from Phase-II. The initiative is expected to restore irrigation potential over approximately 15,700 hectares of ayacut and provide farmers with greater access to assured irrigation. The renovation works will include reservoir desilting, strengthening of dam embankments, repair and restoration of spillways and head regulators, canal improvement and other rehabilitation measures. The Government said the interventions are aimed at restoring the live storage capacity of reservoirs to their designed levels and improving the efficiency and reliability of existing irrigation infrastructure. Besides supporting agriculture, the renovated water bodies are expected to facilitate allied activities such as […]

इस समय असम के अनेक जिले बाढ़ से बुरी तरह प्रभावित हैं। असम राज्य आपदा प्रबंधन प्राधिकरण (एएसडीएमए) ने बताया है कि शिवसागर, चराइदेव, जोरहाट, गोलाघाट, धेमाजी, लखीमपुर और बिश्वनाथ जिले में बाढ़ का प्रकोप है। 12 लाख से अधिक लोग प्रभावित हैं। करीब 3,500 गांव डूब गए हैं। हजारों घर पूरी तरह नष्ट हो […]

The contrasting social media visibility of two protests has raised questions about how platforms such as Instagram determine which events receive widespread attention and which remain largely confined to smaller audiences. While the protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi became highly visible across Instagram and other social media platforms, the student agitation in Ranchi, Jharkhand, received significantly less amplification despite featuring many of the visual elements that typically drive social media engagement, including large crowds, young protesters, clashes with police, tear gas, lathi charges and water cannons. An NDTV analysis, conducted in collaboration with data analytics firm DataBeings, examined Instagram posts, accounts, reach, engagement and reel performance related to the two protests. The findings showed a substantial difference in the scale of amplification. However, the analysis also carried important caveats. The two protests took place in different locations and at different stages, had different levels of participation by digital creators and mainstream media, and followed different trajectories. The data therefore does not by itself establish that Instagram deliberately suppressed content from Jharkhand. Delhi Protest Generated 1.85 Crore Reach According to the data presented by NDTV, searches related to the Jantar Mantar protest generated around 5,239 Instagram posts from approximately 3,100 unique accounts. Those posts collectively reached around 1.85 crore people, according to the analysis. The report calculated an amplification level of approximately 5.86 times, while the average engagement was cited at around 3,547 engagements per post. The numbers help explain why the Delhi protest appeared to be much larger on Instagram than its raw number of posts might suggest. The 5,239 posts represented only a tiny proportion of Instagram’s massive Indian user base. Yet the content was repeatedly circulated through accounts, shares, recommendations and reels, creating the impression of a much larger presence across users’ feeds. Ranchi had far fewer posts and accounts The numbers for the Jharkhand student protest were considerably lower. Data presented in the programme showed approximately 1,062 posts related to the Ranchi student protest, originating from around 290 accounts. The estimated reach was approximately 6 lakh, compared with 1.85 crore for the Jantar Mantar protest. The difference was therefore not simply about the number of posts. The bigger gap was in how widely those posts travelled. This raised the central question explored in the programme: why did content from one student protest receive significantly greater amplification than content from another protest involving a similar demographic and, at several points, equally dramatic visuals? Reel performance shows sharp difference The comparison became more pronounced when NDTV examined the average views per reel among the top 100 accounts covering the protests. The Jantar Mantar protest showed a gradual increase in visibility over several weeks. According to the analysis, its Instagram performance rose following clashes with police on July 20 and reached its highest point around the time of the resignation of Union minister Dharampal Padan, when some reels averaged close to 3 lakh views per day. The Delhi protest consequently maintained sustained social media visibility for nearly three weeks. The Ranchi protest followed a different pattern. Its reels initially performed strongly, reaching around 2.8 lakh average views per reel during the early days of the protest. But that visibility subsequently fell sharply. By August 10, when another police clash occurred in Ranchi, the protest’s presence among the top-performing accounts had already declined substantially. This is significant because it suggests that the Jharkhand protest was not completely absent from Instagram in its initial phase. Rather, its visibility rose briefly before falling. The biggest difference: Share of overall coverage The most striking comparison presented by NDTV involved the share of content devoted to each protest among the top 100 Instagram handles being studied. At its peak, the Jantar Mantar protest accounted for around 30 percent of the reels posted by the top accounts, meaning almost one in every three reels from those accounts was linked to the protest on the day highlighted in the analysis. The Ranchi protest never came close to that level. At its highest point, on the day of a police clash, content related to the Jharkhand protest accounted for only around 3 percent of the coverage among the top 100 accounts. The difference was therefore roughly 30 percent versus 3 percent at their respective peaks. Why did the gap emerge? The programme examined several possible explanations rather than attributing the difference to one factor. One possibility is the location itself. Jantar Mantar is in New Delhi, the country’s political centre and a location where national political developments, journalists, influencers and digital creators naturally converge. Ranchi, by contrast, is a state capital and the protest was primarily viewed as a Jharkhand-specific agitation. That difference can affect the number of journalists, influencers and high-follower accounts producing content from the site. Another factor is the digital profile of protesters. According to a journalist account, many protesters at Jantar Mantar appeared to have better access to high-end smartphones and were more familiar with creating, editing and immediately uploading short-form videos. In Ranchi, the journalist said, protesters were less active and less technically equipped as content creators. That difference can have a direct impact on social media visibility. A protest with hundreds of people recording, editing and sharing content simultaneously can generate significantly more digital signals than a protest where fewer participants are producing content. Hashtag use may also affect visibility Journalists also discussed the role of hashtags. The journalist said videos carrying hashtags associated with the Jharkhand protest appeared to receive fewer views in some cases, while videos using text overlays without corresponding captions or hashtags performed differently. This observation, however, should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that Meta was deliberately suppressing Jharkhand-related content. Instagram’s recommendation systems consider multiple signals, including user interactions, content characteristics, previous viewing behaviour, account relationships and other factors. Hashtags are only one component of that larger ecosystem. Trending music and reposting can change reach Another factor discussed during the programme was the use of trending music. According to the journalist, reels from the Jantar Mantar […]

नीट पेपर लीक मामले में दिल्ली की राउज एवेन्यू कोर्ट की स्पेशल बेंच ने सीबीआई के आरोपपत्र का संज्ञान लिया है। अदालत ने 13 आरोपियों के खिलाफ आगे की सुनवाई शुरू करने का फैसला किया है। इस मामले में अदालत आज सुनवाई करेगी। अदालत ने संज्ञान लिया बुधवार को राउज एवेन्यू की विशेष अदालत में […]

Hyderabad, August 12: Illegal infiltration should not be viewed merely as an electoral or political issue, but as a matter involving national security, demographic balance and the protection of India’s cultural and social fabric, said Bharath Kumar Ji, Dakshina Madhya Kshetra Pracharak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Addressing the 20th Janamanchi Gouri Shankar Memorial Lecture at the PGRRCDE Auditorium, Osmania University, Hyderabad, on Wednesday (August 12), Bharath Kumar ji said political considerations should not override the national interest while dealing with illegal migration and infiltration. The lecture, organised by the Vidyarthi Seva Samithi and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Hyderabad, was held on the theme “Bharat’s Demographic Landscape: The Impact of Illegal Infiltration.” While speaking about secularism, Bharat Kumar ji said India would remain secular as long as Hindus remain in the majority, as infiltrators entering India with an agenda to change the demography could seek to change the very identity of Bharat from its original cultural roots. He said people must understand this sinister design and its perpetrators and, with the collective responsibility of Hindus, work to counter and nullify their acts and conspiracies. He said the fate of Jogendranath Mandal under Islamic rule in West Pakistan, as well as the innumerable atrocities committed against Hindus, should be remembered. Refugees and infiltrators are different Bharath Kumar Ji stressed the need to distinguish between refugees and illegal infiltrators. A person fleeing a crisis in another country could be considered a refugee until normalcy was restored, whereas, he argued, infiltration involved people entering a country without authorisation and, in some cases, with a deliberate objective. Also Read:ABVP Foundation Day: The eternal flame of national awakening “Refugees and infiltrators are two different words. We must understand the difference between the two,” he said. He cautioned that failure to recognise the nature and scale of illegal immigration could itself become a serious problem. Awareness, identification, verification of documentation and enforcement of immigration laws were essential, he said. Partition and demographic changes Referring to the Partition of 1947 on religious lines, Bharath Kumar said the creation of India and Pakistan had resulted in one of the largest episodes of displacement and communal violence. He explained the plight of Hindus during the Partition. He referred to Sir Cyril Radcliffe, who chaired the boundary commissions tasked with demarcating the borders between India and Pakistan in 30 days, and said the hurried nature of the boundary-making process had left many Hindus clueless about the new borders. He also referred to the creation of East Pakistan and West Pakistan, arguing that although they shared a common Islamic religious identity, significant differences in language and culture eventually contributed to the political crisis that culminated in the creation of Bangladesh in 1971. Bharath Kumar said the plight of Hindus and other minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh over subsequent decades should also be examined while discussing demographic changes in the region. Conversion and cultural roots Bharath Kumar also referred to the Meenakshipuram conversions of 1981, saying that religious conversion could have consequences extending beyond a change of faith and could affect social practices, customs and people’s connection with their traditional cultural roots. He said concerns over demographic change had to be examined through historical experience as well as contemporary developments. Allegations of organised settlement Bharath Kumar alleged that illegal infiltrators from neighbouring countries, particularly Bangladesh, had entered West Bengal and then spread into different parts of India, and that political interests in some areas had contributed to their settlement. He claimed that some infiltrators obtained Indian identity and welfare documents through fraudulent means and subsequently became eligible for government schemes. He also alleged that networks involving informal labour and documentation facilitated their movement and settlement. Also Read:ABVP Foundation Day: How a student movement continues to evolve through education, leadership & nation-building He cited reports of Bangladeshi nationals being detected in Hyderabad and other parts of the country and said authorities should undertake systematic verification and deportation of those found to be residing illegally. He further alleged that illegal infiltrators were increasingly entering different sectors of the informal economy, including construction, domestic work and other semi-skilled occupations, thereby creating competition for employment among local workers. Border management Bharath Kumar said stronger border management was essential and welcomed measures such as fencing, surveillance cameras, night-vision equipment and other technology being deployed along vulnerable stretches of the India-Bangladesh border. He recalled an ABVP campaign in 2008 concerning the Siliguri Corridor, popularly known as the “Chicken’s Neck”, describing the strategically important corridor as a vital link connecting India’s northeastern states with the rest of the country. He said border security was not merely the responsibility of security agencies but required greater public awareness as well. ‘Awareness, not fear’ Clarifying his position, Bharath Kumar said his objective was not to create fear among people but to encourage society to remain alert to the issue. “I am not saying this to create fear. I am saying this to create awareness,” he said, stressing that not knowing about a problem could make it more difficult to address. He called for greater vigilance regarding illegal settlements and urged people to report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities. Demography and national interest Bharath Kumar also spoke about demographic trends, family structures and the need for Hindus to remain conscious of their cultural and civilisational traditions. He argued that demographic balance had implications for the long-term character of the country. Referring to the principle of secularism, he said India’s pluralistic character will remain intact as long as Hindus remain in the majority; otherwise, he argued, even the world may struggle to recognise what Bharat represents. He invoked Chanakya’s emphasis on protecting the country’s borders, saying national security required both strong institutions and an alert society. Concluding his remarks, Bharath Kumar Ji called upon ABVP workers and citizens in Hyderabad to create greater awareness about illegal immigration, border security and demographic changes. He also invoked the story of Prahlada and Narasimha, saying that when society becomes awakened and organised, it can […]

कलकत्ता हाईकोर्ट ने बुधवार को एक महत्वपूर्ण फैसला सुनाया। कोर्ट ने पश्चिम बंगाल में पिछली तृणमूल कांग्रेस सरकार के नियमों के तहत जारी किए गए सभी अन्य पिछड़ा वर्ग यानी ओबीसी प्रमाणपत्रों को रद्द कर दिया है। ये प्रमाणपत्र ओबीसी-ए और ओबीसी-बी श्रेणियों के तहत दिए गए थे। जस्टिस राजशेखर मंथा और जस्टिस अनुज सिंह […]

Karachi, August 13, 1947: As the subcontinent stood on the edge of Partition, with communal violence, uncertainty and fear gripping Karachi, most people were trying to escape the coming storm. Lakshmibai Kelkar fondly known as Maushiji chose to move in the opposite direction. On August 13, 1947, just two days before India’s Independence and one day before Pakistan formally celebrated its independence, the founder and chief organiser of the Rashtra Sevika Samiti boarded a Tata Air Services flight from Bombay’s Juhu Airport bound for Karachi. She was not travelling for ceremony or politics. She was responding to an urgent appeal from women of the Samiti trapped amid the rapidly deteriorating situation in Sindh. Her decision, taken when Karachi was already engulfed in anxiety and communal tension, has come to represent one of the lesser-known episodes of Partition-era courage. 13 अगस्त 1947बंबई… जुहू हवाई अड्डा टाटा एयर सर्विसेज के काउंटर पर आठ-दस महिलाएं खड़ी हैं। सभी अनुशासित हैं और उनके चेहरों पर जबरदस्त आत्मविश्वास दिखाई दे रहा है। यह सभी 'राष्ट्र सेविका समिति' की सेविकाएं हैं। प्रमुख संचालिका लक्ष्मीबाई केलकर,अर्थात 'मौसीजी', कराची जाने वाली… pic.twitter.com/ZmTdCg8XaC — Rashtra Sevika Samiti Delhi Prant (@sevikasamiti) August 11, 2026 The journey began with a letter. Jethi Devani, a Sevika from Hyderabad, Sindh, had written to Kelkar describing the increasingly precarious situation and urging her to come to Karachi. Devani came from an ordinary Sindhi family associated with the Sangh network and had played an important role in developing the Samiti’s work in the region. Kelkar could have remained in Bombay. Instead, she decided that the organisation’s leadership had to stand beside its workers when they were most vulnerable. The decision was all the more striking because the Rashtra Sevika Samiti had been founded only in 1936, barely 11 years earlier. Yet its network had already extended beyond Maharashtra into regions including Sindh, Punjab and Bengal. Contemporary accounts of the organisation describe Devani as one of the early figures who helped establish its work in Sindh. For Kelkar, the existence of a crisis thousands of kilometres away was not a reason to stay back. It was precisely the reason to go. At Juhu Airport, Kelkar was accompanied by her associate Venu Tai Kalmkar. The flight carried around 40–50 passengers, and according to accounts of the journey, the two women were among very few Hindus aboard. Both travelled wearing nine-yard Maharashtrian sarees, standing out in a passenger group largely composed of Muslims. As the aircraft travelled towards Karachi, some passengers reportedly raised slogans celebrating Pakistan. Accounts published by sources associated with the Samiti and RSS tradition recall provocative slogans including “Pakistan Zindabad” and “Lad ke liya hai Pakistan, hans ke lenge Hindustan.” Yet Kelkar did not retreat into fear. The same accounts describe her remaining composed and visibly resolute as the slogans gradually subsided. The symbolism was stark. At a time when people were being divided by an impending political boundary, two women were voluntarily crossing that very boundary to stand with those who feared what the next few days might bring. The aircraft left Juhu at around 10:30 in the morning, stopping at Ahmedabad before continuing towards Karachi. It landed at Drigh Road Airport at approximately 3 pm. Kelkar was met at the airport by her son-in-law, Cholkar, and a group of approximately 15–20 women from the Rashtra Sevika Samiti. RSS Swayamsevaks were also reportedly present for security. The group then travelled through Karachi in cars to reach their destination. The timing could hardly have been more extraordinary. The city was preparing for the formal transfer of power and Pakistan’s independence celebrations. The political leadership was arriving, public ceremonies were being organised and the atmosphere was charged with uncertainty. At the same time, families and communities were confronting the possibility that the political map of the subcontinent would permanently alter their lives. And into this Karachi stepped Kelkar. There was an extraordinary coincidence on the same day. As Kelkar’s aircraft landed at Drigh Road, another special aircraft was arriving at the Royal Air Force airport at Mauripur, carrying Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of British India and the first Governor-General of independent India. One aircraft represented the formal transfer of political power at the highest level. The other carried a woman who had chosen to personally meet members of an organisation she believed needed reassurance at one of the most dangerous moments in the history of the subcontinent. Kelkar’s Karachi visit did not end with her arrival. On August 14, she addressed a large gathering of women associated with the Samiti in Karachi. Accounts published about the meeting describe hundreds of women gathering on the terrace of a residence despite the tense environment. One contemporary retrospective places the gathering at around 700–800 participants, while other accounts give larger figures. Also Read: ‘Let public decide who is running away’ from NEET debate in Parliament: HM Amit Shah’s jibe at opposition She urged the women to remain calm, protect their dignity and remain steadfast. Those who felt unsafe were advised to consider moving to India, with organisational networks expected to assist them. In a city preparing to become the capital of a new country, her message was essentially one of psychological resistance: do not surrender to fear. Lakshmibai Kelkar founded the Rashtra Sevika Samiti on October 25, 1936, establishing an organisation focused on women’s participation, discipline and national service. Historical accounts record that its work subsequently spread to several parts of India, including Sindh. Her Karachi mission demonstrated one of the core principles associated with her leadership: organisational responsibility did not end when conditions became difficult. The women who had worked to establish the Samiti in Sindh were facing an unprecedented crisis. Kelkar’s answer was to physically be there. That decision gives the August 13 journey its enduring significance.

JAMMU: Panun Kashmir has submitted a comprehensive compilation of 500 pages to the high-level committee constituted by the Government of India to examine demographic changes in the Union Territory of J&K. This study includes abnormal population changes and the factors responsible for such changes within J&K. Panun Kashmir is an organisation working for the welfare of the Kashmiri Hindu community now living in exile. This organisation is working for the return of Hindus who had to flee the Kashmir valley to save their lives decades ago. The study was submitted to the committee in Jammu on Wednesday by Dr. Agnishekhar, Convenor, Panun Kashmir, and Tito Ganju, Chairman Panun Kashmir and Chief Patron Jonaraja Institute of Genocide & Atrocities Studies (JIGAS). Prepared by Panun Kashmir in association with the Jonaraja Institute of Genocide & Atrocities Studies, the study is the outcome of an extensive inter-disciplinary research exercise examining demographic transformation in J&K from historical, demographic, constitutional, legal and socio-political perspectives. Read More: Why is the Church so troubled by the FCRA Amendment Bill? Population patterns, migration, forced displacement The study examines demographic changes over an extended historical period and seeks to place population trends within the circumstances in which those changes occurred. It analyses historical population patterns, migration, displacement, settlement, political representation, property ownership and the consequences of prolonged displacement, with particular attention to the demographic transformation of the Kashmir Valley. A substantial portion of the study deals with the displacement of Kashmiri Hindus from the Valley beginning in late 1989 and early 1990. It also examines its continuing demographic consequences. It studies the community’s displacement not merely as a migration event but as a process involving the loss of physical presence, disruption of established settlements, property-related consequences, changes in political participation and the inability of a large section of the displaced population to return to its ancestral places of residence. The researchers have also examined the distinction between ordinary demographic movement and demographic changes arising from extraordinary circumstances such as conflict, targeted violence, forced displacement, insecurity, dispossession and prolonged absence from one’s original habitat. Documentation, testimonies by Hindu community The study draws upon historical sources, demographic material, government and institutional records, legal and constitutional material, community documentation and testimonies. The historical component includes an examination of Kashmir’s indigenous historiographical tradition, including the writings of Kalhana and Jonaraja, alongside later historical and documentary sources. The association with JIGAS has brought an additional research dimension to the study through its work on genocide and atrocity studies and its examination of the Kashmiri historical concept of “Jatividhvans” in the context of mass atrocities, displacement and destruction of communities. The study also examines demographic change through the lens of constitutional rights, political representation, property, rehabilitation and the rights of displaced populations. It seeks to examine whether demographic statistics, when viewed independently of the circumstances that produced them, provide a complete picture of demographic transformation. Displacement, dispossession & erasure from Valley The present submission also builds upon Panun Kashmir’s earlier documentation concerning the displacement of Kashmiri Hindus. The organisation’s earlier documentation submitted to the National Human Rights Commission had specifically examined the effect of demographic change in the Kashmir Valley, besides documenting issues relating to displacement and dispossession. According to Dr. Agnishekhar and Tito Ganju, the study has been submitted with the sole objective of placing the research and documentation available with Panun Kashmir and JIGAS before the Central committee so that it may be considered as part of the Committee’s wider examination of demographic change. They said the study was intended as a research contribution and not as a substitute for the committee’s independent assessment. The material has accordingly been placed before the committee for its consideration and such use as it may deem appropriate in the discharge of its mandate. The study raises the broader question of whether demographic change can be assessed only by recording numerical population variations. Also it raises questions whether a comprehensive assessment must also examine the circumstances that caused particular populations to leave their historical habitats. This also includes the conditions affecting their return and the long-term demographic consequences of such displacement. Panun Kashmir and JIGAS have expressed the hope that the study will assist the high level committee in examining demographic change in J&K through a combination of historical evidence, demographic data, legal analysis and documented experiences of affected communities.

रूस उत्तरी सागर कॉरिडोर बनाने के लिए पूरी तरह से प्रयासरत है। इसी क्रम में रूसी राष्ट्रपति व्लादिमीर पुतिन ने कहा है कि भारत उन खास देशों में शामिल है जो रूस के साथ नॉर्दर्न सी रूट पर सहयोग में दिलचस्पी दिखा रहे हैं। पुतिन के मुताबिक, रूस को साझेदार देशों से इस रूट पर […]

New Delhi: India is intensifying its efforts to secure overseas supplies of lithium, with state-owned Coal India considering the acquisition of a Chile-focused unit of Canada’s Wealth Minerals that holds lithium mining assets, Reuters reported on August 11, citing two sources familiar with the matter. The proposed transaction would be among India’s most significant attempts to secure lithium resources abroad. Lithium is a critical mineral widely used in electric vehicle batteries and energy-storage systems, making reliable access increasingly important as India seeks to expand clean-energy technologies while reducing dependence on China-dominated mineral supply chains. Read More: Tamil Nadu: Hindu Munnani seeks action against evangelical preacher Mohan C Lazarus over FCRA remarks According to a Reuters report, as an initial step towards the proposed deal, Coal India and Kuska Minerals, the Chilean subsidiary of Wealth Minerals, jointly applied to the Chilean government for a lithium extraction licence in October 2025, one of two sources familiar with the matter said. The licensing process has been delayed following a change of government in Chile. “The acquisition will be decided after the mining licence. Once we get the licence, we will decide what we will do ahead,” the source told Reuters, declining to be identified because the discussions are confidential. Acquisition could become joint venture Coal India has been in negotiations for months to acquire the Chile-focused lithium unit and had reached the final stages of discussions, according to the second source. However, the acquisition cannot move forward until the Chilean mining licence is granted. An alternative being considered is a joint venture between Coal India and Wealth Minerals. According to the Reuters’ sources the structure of such a partnership, ownership split and investment commitments have not yet been decided. On 10 August 2026, Ambassador Abhilasha Joshi and team visited the premises of Chilean Agency for International Development Cooperation (AGCID) @AGCICHILE at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile @Minrel_Chile and held fruitful discussions with Executive Director Mr. Enrique… pic.twitter.com/XqWGoeFK7k — India in Chile (@Indiainchile) August 10, 2026 Wealth Minerals has two other lithium projects in Chile, according to its website. Neither Coal India nor Wealth Minerals immediately responded to Reuters’ requests for comment. The latest discussions represent an expansion of negotiations that Reuters first reported in April, when it said Coal India and Wealth Minerals were exploring a potential joint venture. The possibility of Coal India acquiring Wealth Minerals’ Chile-focused lithium unit is being reported for the first time. Chile is a strategically important destination for India’s lithium ambitions. The country has an estimated 13 million metric tons of lithium resources, making it the world’s third-largest holder of lithium resources after Argentina and Bolivia, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. India has so far had several critical-mineral assets overseas. Its only overseas lithium exploration and mining agreement to date covers five blocks in Argentina and was secured in 2024. New Delhi is now encouraging state-owned companies to pursue mineral assets abroad as part of a broader strategy to diversify supplies and reduce reliance on China-dominated critical-mineral supply chains. India has signed critical-minerals cooperation agreements with Argentina, Australia and Japan and is discussing wider arrangements, including critical-minerals partnerships, with Peru and Chile. During 2026, India has also signed agreements with Germany, Brazil and Canada focused on improving access to technology, expertise and mineral partnerships. The potential Coal India deal in Chile therefore represents a significant component of India’s broader push to secure overseas lithium and other critical minerals needed for its electric-vehicle, energy-storage and clean-technology ambitions.

सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने बुधवार को कर्नाटक सरकार की उस योजना को परियों की कहानी जैसी बेतुकी बताया, जिसमें UAPA के एक मामले में गवाहों की गवाही पूरी करने में एक साल लगने की बात कही गई थी। कोर्ट ने साफ कहा कि UAPA के मामलों की सुनवाई के लिए बनाई गई स्पेशल कोर्ट पर 12-15 […]

खाड़ी संकट के बीच ईरान ने इस साल (2026) की शुरुआत से अब तक कम से कम 916 लोगों को फाँसी दी जा चुकी है। इनमें अगस्त में अभी तक 15 शामिल हैं। यह आँकड़ा अब्दुर्रहमान बोरौमंद सेंटर फॉर ह्यूमन राइट्स इन ईरान ने मंगलवार को जारी किया। यह संगठन अमेरिका में स्थित है। संगठन […]

यह श्लोक आज के भारत के सामाजिक, सांस्कृतिक और आर्थिक परिदृश्य में अत्यंत प्रासंगिक है। श्लोक- वयमेव करिष्यामो मातृभूमेः सुमंगलम्। प्रतिष्ठां धर्मभूमिञ्च नेष्यामः परमोन्नतिम्।। भावार्थ- हम ही अपनी परमपूज्या मातृभूमि का मंगल करेगें और अपनी धर्मभूमि भारत को प्रतिष्ठा के पद पर आसीन करेंगे। हम अपनी इस मातृभूमि को उन्नति के शिखर पर ले जायेंगे। […]

ग्रह-नक्षत्रों की चाल के अनुसार 13 अगस्त का दिन सभी राशियों के लिए अलग-अलग परिणाम लेकर आएगा। किसी राशि के लिए व्यापार और धन के लिहाज से दिन शुभ रहेगा, तो किसी को स्वास्थ्य और कार्यक्षेत्र में सावधानी बरतने की जरूरत होगी। परिवार, करियर, आर्थिक स्थिति और रिश्तों के मामले में सितारे क्या संकेत दे […]

13 अगस्त भारतीय इतिहास में कई महत्वपूर्ण घटनाओं और उपलब्धियों के लिए याद किया जाता है। यह दिन मालवा की महान शासिका और लोकमाता अहिल्याबाई होल्कर की पुण्यतिथि के रूप में विशेष महत्व रखता है। अहिल्याबाई ने अपने कुशल शासन, न्यायप्रियता और जनकल्याणकारी कार्यों से भारतीय इतिहास में एक अलग पहचान बनाई। इसी दिन भारत […]

Ayodhya: The selection process for the first full-time Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has entered its final stage after the Search Committee completed interviews of 16 shortlisted candidates. The final rounds were held at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra campus in Ayodhya on August 11 and 12. The process was designed to identify a candidate capable of handling the growing administrative, managerial and technological responsibilities associated with the Trust. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh | The Search Committee for the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra has completed its interview process to select the trust's new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Sixteen candidates were shortlisted from 5,585 applications. The committee will now submit a… pic.twitter.com/NaWNeeEGVY — ANI (@ANI) August 12, 2026 16 candidates shortlisted for final round The 16 candidates invited for face-to-face interaction were selected following an earlier online assessment. They represent a wide range of professional backgrounds, including the defence services, bureaucracy, corporate and industrial sectors, education and information technology. The diversity of the candidate pool reflects the broad responsibilities expected from the Trust’s first full-time CEO. During the evaluation, the Search Committee examined candidates on several parameters, including management skills, personality, leadership potential, vision, strategic planning and expertise in technology. Read More: Why is the Church so troubled by the FCRA Amendment Bill? The interviews were conducted behind closed doors at the Green House located within the temple complex. Before appearing for their interviews, the candidates were also taken on a tour of the temple complex. Search Committee to recommend three names With the interview stage now complete, the Search Committee will undertake a detailed evaluation of the 16 candidates. Following this assessment, the committee is expected to prepare a panel of three names and submit it to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The final decision on the appointment will rest with the Trust, which will subsequently announce the name of the first full-time CEO. Why the CEO appointment matters The appointment assumes significance as the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust continues to manage the affairs connected with the Ram Janmabhoomi temple complex and its associated activities. The CEO will be expected to bring professional management and strategic leadership to the Trust’s functioning. Along with administrative responsibilities, the position is likely to require expertise in coordinating multiple stakeholders, managing large-scale operations and making effective use of technology. The selection process, therefore, has been structured to assess not merely administrative experience but also the candidates’ ability to develop a long-term vision and provide effective leadership. The completion of the final interviews marks a significant step in the process. The next stage will be the committee’s assessment of the shortlisted candidates and the submission of its three-name panel to the Trust. The Trust will then take the final call on who will become the first full-time CEO of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

बर्लिन/तेहरान। ईरान में प्रदर्शनकारियों को दी जा रही मौत की सजा और फांसी के खिलाफ 32 देशों ने संयुक्त रूप से आवाज उठाई है। यूरोप के 29 देशों के अलावा कनाडा, ऑस्ट्रेलिया और न्यूजीलैंड ने ईरान की सरकार से प्रदर्शनकारियों के अधिकारों का सम्मान करने और मौत की सजा के इस्तेमाल पर रोक लगाने की […]

CHENNAI: Hindu Munnani has strongly condemned the speech of rabid anti-Hindu preacher Mohan C Lazarus for comments on the proposed FCRA Bill, amounting to an attempt to instigate the Christian community to wage a war against the nation, its sovereignty and democracy. Mohan C Lazarus is a global Christian leader through Jesus Redeems, an International Ministry founded by him. He is a habitual Hindu hater, calling Hindu gods satans, and would pray before every election, kneeling down to defeat BJP from capturing power at the Centre. In a viral video that has been in circulation, he made some objectionable comments. The preacher gave a call for prayers against the Centre’s proposed amendments to the FCRA, claiming that the Bill is targeting Christian churches, missionary organisations and institutions across India. In one of the prayers, Lazarus reportedly claimed that the amendments could allow Christian properties to be seized and auctioned and claimed that such assets could be handed over to corporates or groups linked to the RSS and Hindu Munnani. Read More: From Hindenburg Storm to US Case Dismissal: Gautam Adani breaks silence, says ‘Trust is greater than any legal right’ Setting a false narrative against the FCRA Bill, he said, “They (Central govt) are introducing an amendment Bill to the FCRA which is to target and cripple Christian churches, institutions, and missionary ministries….the plan is to use the receipt of foreign funds—even for minor activities—as a pretext to freeze and seize the entire assets of these churches and ministries. What would happen to Catholic and CSI churches run schools, colleges, and universities and CMC Vellore—which were built using a mix of funds from the Indian public and foreign sources. The underlying agenda is to use this specific issue to confiscate the assets of Christian institutions and shut down churches and ministries across the country”. Mohan Lazarus said, “The law contains many such devious provisions; it is a very dangerous matter. Do you understand? If you do, shout ‘Hallelujah!…. They gather details about all Christian assets—tracking funds received from abroad, whether it is a hundred dollars or a thousand—and then appoint an official, likely someone affiliated with the RSS, to take control of these properties and put them up for auction. Once auctioned, these assets are acquired by corporate entities, RSS members, or Hindu Munnani affiliates for their own use. This is a cunning law; it is crucial to understand the underlying agenda: this government is attempting to steal the Lord’s property”. இது என்ன புது உருட்டு!#INDIA | #FCRA | #MohanCLazarus pic.twitter.com/B8k3By55A7 — TNNEWS24Air (@tnnews24air) August 12, 2026 He said, “Oh God, seated on the throne, make it known that You are the Lord. Make it known that You are the One who rules over India. Our God rules over nations; make it known that the Lord—not this government, not these MPs, not this Parliament—is the Ruler of India. Oh! God, Creator of heaven and earth and Ruler of nations, you must reveal this. Lord, they are laying hands on Your property; they are reaching out to seize what belongs to You—Your churches and Your assets. They have dared to stretch out their hands against Your property.” Concluding his speech, the evangelical preacher said, “Cause our leaders to realise that there is a God who rules over India. May Satan be put to shame; may his plans be thwarted…, this law shall not come to pass; You will not allow this law to be enacted… Amen, Amen.” Reacting to his speech, Hindu Munnani termed the same as violence-triggering. He ‘made falsehoods and set false narratives that Jesus is ruling India and the Central government trying to grab their properties through FCRA Bill’. His such speech is against the sovereignty and democracy principles which is likely to create communal clashes between religions. Centre should take stern action under appropriate sections. கலவர பேச்சு!! மத்திய அரசும் MPக்களும், இந்தியாவை ஆட்சி செய்யவில்லை கர்த்தர் ஆட்சி செய்கிறார்.. FCRA சட்டம் மூலம் கர்த்தரின் சொத்துக்களை அரசு திருட முயற்சிக்கிறது என இந்திய இறையாண்மைக்கும், ஜனநாயகத்திற்கும் எதிராக மத மோதலை தூண்டும் வகையில் மோகன் சி.லாசரஸ் வன்முறை பேச்சு..… pic.twitter.com/Uaft0Vdy0B — Hindu Munnani (@hindumunnani_tn) August 12, 2026 Hindu Munnani, in another post, wanted the removal of VCK MLA and minister Vanniarasu for his comments on FCRA. It said his speech was to instigate Muslims and Christians against the FCRA Bill. He spoke this on the floor of the state assembly. https://x.com/hindumunnani_tn/status/2087477806620131641?s=20 In another development, Dalits who converted to Christianity held a demonstration in Vellore on 11th August, demanding extension of SC benefits to them. வேலூரில் மதம் மாறிய கிறிஸ்தவர்களுக்கு எஸ்.சி சலுகை வழங்க கோரி கண்டன ஆர்பாட்டம்🤣🤣🤣 ஜாதி வேனாம்னு போனவனுங்க எதுக்கு ஜாதியால் கிடைக்கும் சலுகை மட்டும் வேண்டும்னு அழரானுங்க 😬😬😬 pic.twitter.com/KfLeznafui — குறுநில மன்னன்😎👑 (@Narenkumar_Ravi) August 11, 2026 In a video, Assembly Speaker JCD Prabakar claimed that he would complete his prayers before doing anything even while travelling if it is a constraint. If asked 1000 crores to stop the prayer in the middle, he would not touch. That is my commitment to that. இவரு தான் மதசார்பற்ற 'சபாநாயகர்' @JCDPrabhakar 🤡😂 pic.twitter.com/CSBpQ2iGR2 — MR.Anil (@Saffron_Anil_) August 12, 2026 TN BJP chief spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathi said, “At a function held at the YMCA College of Physical Education today, Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister Rajeshkumar, when asked about a Christian religious song being sung before the Tamil Thai Vazhthu at the event, gave an explanation that since it is a Christian college, the Tamil Thai Vazhthu was sung second. On the same day of assembly passing a Bill Tamil anthem first in events.” At a function held at the YMCA College of Physical Education today, Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister Rajeshkumar @RajeshKumarSMLA , when asked about a Christian religious song being sung before the Tamil Thai Vazhthu at the event, gave an explanation that since it is a Christian… — Narayanan Thirupathy (@narayanantbjp) August 11, 2026 He asks, “Does the Minister know that the principal of that college, George Abraham, is an accused in a POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) sexual abuse case, that he was arrested and imprisoned, and that he is currently out on bail while […]

Journalist Jyoti Yadav has accused Newslaundry of isolating and targeting her over a story on PM Modi that several other journalists had also pursued, once again highlighting the portal's appalling editorial policies and shameless double-standards.

New Delhi: Gautam Adani has broken his silence after the dismissal of the US criminal case against him and his nephew Sagar Adani, looking back at a period that subjected the Adani Group to intense financial, political and legal scrutiny. For Adani, the journey began with the Hindenburg Research report in January 2023. The US short-seller made a series of allegations against the conglomerate, including stock manipulation, misuse of offshore entities and excessive debt. The Adani Group rejected the allegations. Read More: Why is there so much objection to the term ‘Vanvasi’? Read the Constitution, then raise your questions! The fallout was immediate. The group’s listed companies suffered a dramatic decline in market value, with around $150 billion wiped out from their combined market capitalisation within weeks. But the crisis did not end there. In November 2024, US prosecutors accused Adani and others of agreeing to pay around $265 million in alleged bribes to Indian officials to secure solar-power contracts and of misleading US investors. Adani and the group denied the allegations. On August 10, 2026, US District Judge Nicholas Garaufis dismissed the criminal charges after the US Justice Department sought to withdraw the case. For Adani, the end of the US case represents another important moment in a long-running episode that he says ultimately strengthened rather than weakened his conviction. ‘Trust is greater than any legal right’ Speaking to employees and partners during the second edition of ‘Apni Baat, Apno Ke Saath’, Adani recalled one of the most consequential decisions taken by the group during the 2023 crisis. The Adani Group withdrew its Rs 20,000 crore follow-on public offering (FPO) even though the issue had been fully subscribed. Adani described the decision in simple terms: “Trust is greater than any legal right.” His argument was that having a legal right does not necessarily mean that exercising it is always the right course of action. The decision came at a time when investor confidence was under severe pressure. Rather than proceed with the share sale, the group returned the money to investors. At the time, critics interpreted the move as a sign of weakness. Adani now presents it as a decision guided by the group’s larger commitment to trust. Businesses kept moving despite the storm While the legal and market battles dominated public attention, the group’s businesses continued to operate and expand. Adani said employees, workers, suppliers, contractors, vendors and other partners remained focused on their responsibilities despite the intense scrutiny surrounding the group. The results, according to the group, became visible in the years that followed. By FY26, the Adani Group reported record capital expenditure of Rs 1.53 lakh crore and an all-time high EBITDA of nearly Rs 95,000 crore. Its renewable-energy capacity expanded to 19.3 GW, while cargo handled by its ports crossed 500 million tonnes. The group’s combined market capitalisation also recovered from the sharp decline following the Hindenburg report, returning to and subsequently exceeding pre-crisis levels, according to the figures cited by the group. Several Adani companies also recorded substantial recoveries from their lows. Adani Power, in particular, saw its market value rise sharply during the recovery period. The numbers became an important part of Adani’s broader response to the crisis: while allegations and market narratives can trigger immediate volatility, businesses ultimately have to prove themselves through execution. Criticism, Adani says, can also be useful Interestingly, Adani did not use his address only to criticise those who questioned the group. He said criticism, regardless of the intention behind it, can provide an opportunity for introspection and improvement. That approach marked a different tone from the confrontational response often seen during corporate controversies. Instead of presenting criticism solely as an attack, Adani argued that difficult questions can force institutions to examine themselves more closely. The experience, he said, also deepened his faith in people. He recalled receiving encouragement from individuals across India whom he had never personally met during the most difficult phase of the crisis. From legal battle to nation-building With India preparing to celebrate its 80th Independence Day, Adani used the occasion to move beyond his own experience and speak about the larger challenge facing Indian businesses and young professionals. He urged the more than three lakh employees and partners associated with the Adani Group to consider what their generation would leave behind. For Adani, the answer cannot be measured only in balance sheets or infrastructure projects. He pointed to the Khavda Renewable Energy Park and conversations with young engineers as examples of how development can create opportunities and transform lives. He argued that development should also be judged by the hope it creates, dignity it restores and lives it changes. Adversity as the real test Drawing upon the Hindu story of Samudra Manthan, Adani said adversity does not necessarily create character but reveals it. The Hindenburg episode, the subsequent market turmoil and the US legal proceedings tested the group’s ability to remain patient, follow due process and continue executing its businesses, he said. His latest message is therefore less about declaring victory over critics and more about what he believes the episode taught him. The Adani Group emerged from the crisis with its businesses continuing to expand, its market value recovering and the US criminal case now dismissed. Adani’s focus has consequently shifted from defending the past to building for the future. His stated ambition is to create institutions that can outlast their founders, expand opportunities and contribute to a stronger and more self-reliant India. For a business group that spent years operating under an extraordinary level of scrutiny, the journey from the 2023 market shock to the dismissal of the US case has become a story of resilience—and, in Adani’s own telling, a reminder that long-term trust is built not when times are easy, but when they are hardest.

CHENNAI: The National Investigation Agency conducted simultaneous raids on August 12 at 13 locations. eight in Tamil Nadu and five in Mizoram. The raids are are part of its ongoing probe into the seizure of 6,0178.87 kg of Methamphetamine valued at over Rs.35,000 crores from a Myanmmar registered boat at Andaman sea in November 2024 and the arrest of six Myanmmar nationals. an international drug trafficking network allegedly linked to Myanmmar. Read More: Why is there so much objection to the term ‘Vanvasi’? Read the Constitution, then raise your questions! Indian Coast Guard (ICG) registered a case initially. NIA took up it from ICG to probe deeper into the wider network behind the illegal shipment of large quantity of narcotics contraband. 🚨 NIA raids 9 locations in Tamil Nadu over 2024 drug seizures; probing links to Myanmar-based trafficking gangs.. 💥👌🏻 #NIA pic.twitter.com/gdUecUhROf — Shankar Mahadev (@ShaMahadev) August 12, 2026 Reports say, searches were undertaken in five locations in Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. NIA suspects links between those arrested and individuals in Tamil Nadu including possible connections with international drug trafficking networks operating from Myanmmar and neighbouring nations.  Based on the information provided by the arrested Burma nationals, NIA team carried out simultaneous raids at seven places in Chennai, Madurai and Coimbatore. It is learnt that more than 10 sleuths of NIA involved in the intensive search at a private apartment complex in Indira Priyadharshini Nagar coming under Perumbakkam police station in Chennai. Meanwhile, recently, police have arrested three more persons in connection with the seizure of 1.5 kg of methamphetamine, worth Rs 2 crore, in Ramanathapuram, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 12.   The three arrested have been identified as Prabhakaran alias Ashraf (36) of Katpadi in Vellore, Shahinsha (30) of Tondiarpet in Chennai, and Mohammed Zakir alias Ummakka (56) of Ilayangudi in Sivaganga. A special police team arrested them on August 2 and 3, and they were remanded in judicial custody. A special police team arrested them on August 2 and 3, and they were remanded in judicial custody. Preliminary investigation and interrogation of arrested accused reveals that the consignments were being peddled from Myanmar.

Thirteen years after accusing Tarun Tejpal of rape, his former colleague has taken to Substack to recount her ordeal, the trauma of the trial, and how she was repeatedly reduced to labels like “victim”, “liar” and “political plant”.

In Indian politics, perhaps even words are now being decided according to vote-bank considerations. Whether a word exists in the Constitution or not, what its historical and cultural context is, and whether it carries a spirit of social integration or division have become less important than how much political benefit can be derived from it. The moment Union Home Minister Amit Shah used the term ‘Vanvasi’ in reference to the tribal community, Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat and the Opposition seem to have found a new political weapon. There have been protests, statements and allegations in the Parliament complex that calling tribal people ‘Vanvasi’ weakens their identity. But just a moment. Here is a straightforward question for those raising these objections: the very Constitution under which you took your oath and are creating a commotion in Parliament- have you actually read it properly? Because the clear constitutional designation used by the Indian Constitution for tribal communities is ‘Scheduled Tribes’. Article 342 provides for this constitutional identification and notification. The Fifth and Sixth Schedules contain special provisions relating to the protection and administration of tribal areas. In other words, constitutional rights do not come from a political slogan; they come from the Constitution. If Someone Is Called ‘Vanvasi’, How Has the Constitution Changed? The Opposition should be asked: if a tribal community is called ‘Vanvasi’, which constitutional provision concerning its rights has been abolished? Has Article 342 been repealed? Has the list of Scheduled Tribes been changed? Has the Fifth Schedule been abolished? Have reservations and constitutional protections been withdrawn? It must be said that the answer to none of these questions is ‘yes’. Then what is all this uproar about? It should be understood here that, in its original meaning, the term ‘Vanvasi’ is not a word intended to demean any community. It expresses an identity connected with the geographical setting and way of life of a society living in forest regions. Just as a person living in a city is called a ‘Nagarvasi’ and someone living in a village is called a ‘Gramvasi’, calling a society living in forest areas ‘Vanvasi’ is linguistically correct. The available material also connects the term with a symbiotic way of life with nature and forest culture. The Forest You Are Turning into a Symbol of Backwardness Is a Source of Pride in Indian Culture The real problem perhaps does not lie in the word ‘Vanvasi’, but in the outlook that regards the ‘forest’ as synonymous with backwardness. In Indian civilisation, the forest has traditionally been a realm of renunciation, penance, spiritual practice and dialogue with nature. Bhagwan Ram’s exile in the forest is a great chapter in India’s cultural memory. The episodes of Nishadraj Guha and Mata Shabari are symbols of social affection and respect. When the term ‘Aranyavasi’ is used, it too has traditionally been a term of great respect. In other words, whether one says ‘Vanvasi’ or ‘Aranyavasi’, both have the same meaning. Whether it is the contribution of the Bhil community to Maharana Pratap’s struggle or the sacrifices of tribal heroes in the freedom struggle, it must be said that India’s history is incomplete without the valour of the Vanvasi community. Then why such haste to describe the word ‘Vanvasi’ as an insult? A New Wall of Identity for Political Convenience? The truth is that what emerges here from the views of these MPs is that their real concern appears to be not the word itself, but its political use. The ‘tribal community’ is an integral part of India’s social structure. It has its own traditions, languages, cultural memories, heroes and a distinctive worldview rooted in nature. This distinctiveness must be respected. But it appears that they believe that, in the name of respect, if we construct an ‘Adivasi’ narrative, it will be easier to separate these simple and innocent brethren from other sections of society. But they forget that the tribal community understands the difference between respect and separation, and the other sections of Indian society also know the truth of this. Respecting the distinctive identity of the tribal community does not mean erecting a wall of ‘indigenous versus outsiders’ between it and the rest of Indian society. The available material emphasises this point precisely: dividing Indian society into such artificial categories can be detrimental to social harmony. Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat, along with other Congress leaders and others, should understand that India’s history is not an exact replica of the colonial experiences of America or Australia. Therefore, the concepts of ‘Indigenous’ or ‘Aboriginal’ developed there cannot be mechanically imposed upon Indian social structures. In reality, these terms are linked to the political use of colonial narratives. Do Not Turn Genetic Science into a Political Slogan Either It would be good if Sukhdeo Bhagat and other Congress MPs studied the subject, so that they could understand that available material on India’s genetic diversity and history places Rakhigarhi, Ancestral North Indian (ANI)- Ancestral South Indian (ASI) and genetic studies of various Indian communities in the context of India’s long-term demographic continuity. This means that although all the people of India may be divided into different castes, classes and faiths, their ancestors are the same and their DNA is also interconnected. Therefore, the broader message is that Indian society cannot scientifically be divided into the framework of ‘outsiders versus indigenous people’. Also Read: Ghar Wapsi in Chhattisgarh: 500 converted Christians return to Sanatan fold; Families reconnect with their roots Should MPs Not Attend a Class on the Constitution Before Protesting in Parliament? If Sukhdeo Bhagat wants to question the Home Minister, he has every right to do so. In a democracy, questioning the government is the duty of the Opposition. But it is also the duty of the Opposition to ensure that its questions are based on facts. If the use of the term ‘Vanvasi’ is being described as an attack on tribal rights, it should be explained which constitutional right has been affected. Which law has been violated? Which protection has […]

Floral showers by state officials only signify respect and are cultural symbolism; this gesture is deification of Kanwariyas.

More than one-fourth of India’s total population is represented by Generation-Z. A defining characteristic of this generation is that its childhood and youth have developed amid the internet, smartphones, social media, artificial intelligence and the digital economy. Therefore, its thinking on freedom, nationalism and civic responsibilities appears more pragmatic, global and result-oriented than that of previous generations. This generation wants to live in the present and wishes to forget the nightmares of the past. Traditionally, nationalism has been viewed in terms of protecting the country’s borders, respecting national symbols, remembering the history of the freedom struggle and upholding national pride. These values continue to retain their importance, but Generation-Z does not want nationalism to remain confined to emotional expression. For this generation, the true meaning of patriotism lies in the development of the country, solving problems, innovation, social responsibility and safeguarding democratic values. Various social studies and surveys, including those conducted by the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, indicate that for young people, patriotism is not merely symbolic but also means making a transformative contribution. In the economic sphere, the most important foundations of nationalism for this generation are self-reliance and innovation. It is largely because of this generation that India’s economy has made a significant leap forward, achieved self-reliance in several sectors and provided leadership to the world in many areas. Thanks to its young people, India has today become the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with more than one lakh recognised startups currently operating in the country. The growing role of Indian youth in areas such as fintech, space technology, agri-tech, health-tech and artificial intelligence demonstrates that they regard indigenous technology, entrepreneurship and employment generation as means of genuine national empowerment. The widespread use of indigenous digital payment systems such as UPI, preference for local products, and the contribution to the national economy through remittances sent by Indian youth working abroad are also new expressions of economic nationalism. Environmental protection and sustainable development have also become important dimensions of Generation-Z’s nationalism. According to the United Nations and various international climate studies, climate change is among the major global concerns of today’s youth. The active participation of young people in campaigns against single-use plastics, tree plantation, river conservation, clean energy, water conservation, e-waste management and the promotion of sustainable lifestyles in India demonstrates that, for them, patriotism means not merely defending the country’s borders but also protecting its natural resources and the future of coming generations. In the digital age, this generation has emerged as an active digital citizen. Through social media, global platforms and digital networks, Indian youth are presenting yoga, Ayurveda, Indian languages, culture, science, sports and technological achievements to the world, thereby strengthening India’s soft power. At the same time, this generation appears more concerned and vigilant than previous generations about issues such as fake news, cybersecurity, data privacy and digital ethics. A distinctive feature of Generation-Z’s nationalism is its critical and responsible character. This generation expects accountability from governments and institutions on issues such as social inequality, unemployment, the quality of education, question-paper leaks, corruption, gender equality, environmental protection and good governance, and it wants a healthy and fear-free environment in the country. In a democratic system, it does not regard asking questions, engaging in constructive criticism and demanding policy reforms as being anti-national; rather, it considers these tendencies an essential part of the nation-building process. Also Read: Adani Case Dismissed in US: Questions raised over Abhijit Dipke, Sam Pitroda & political network of CJP However, this generation also faces several serious challenges. The growing information disorder on social media, declining employment opportunities due to artificial intelligence, limited employment in government institutions and limited opportunities to study in good institutions, mental-health-related problems, digital addiction and declining social interaction are presenting new challenges before it. Therefore, freedom does not merely mean unlimited choices; it also means making judicious decisions, thinking on the basis of facts and remaining committed to constitutional values. In conclusion, for Generation-Z, freedom is not a static historical achievement but an evolving national process. If India in 1947 symbolised political freedom, today’s young India is moving forward with a resolve to make the country more capable, self-reliant and inclusive in agricultural, economic, technological, scientific, strategic, environmental and social terms. For this generation, nationalism does not mean hostility towards another country or community; rather, it means an active commitment to constitutional ideals, innovation, social justice, environmental protection and national progress. This outlook can prove to be India’s greatest strength in its journey towards becoming a developed nation.  

देहरादून। उत्तराखंड को ‘उल्लास-नव भारत साक्षरता कार्यक्रम’ के तहत ‘पूर्ण साक्षर राज्य’ घोषित किया गया है। इस पर केंद्रीय शिक्षा मंत्री प्रह्लाद जोशी ने मुख्यमंत्री पुष्कर सिंह धामी तथा प्रदेशवासियों को बधाई दी। बधाई पत्र में शिक्षा मंत्री प्रह्लाद जोशी ने कहा कि यह महत्वपूर्ण उपलब्धि मुख्यमंत्री के दूरदर्शी नेतृत्व, प्रशासनिक प्रतिबद्धता तथा प्रदेशवासियों के […]

Unverified claims by US-based Pakistani journalist Wajahat Saeed Khan suggest three military sources believe jailed former PM Imran Khan may have died in prison. With family and doctors denied access, the rumour has sparked massive concern, though no official confirmation exists.

पंजाब की राजनीति में कट्टरपंथियों व अलगाववादियों की घुसपैठ के प्रयास तेज हो गए हैं। खालिस्तान समर्थक सांसद अमृतपाल सिंह की पार्टी अकाली दल (वारिस पंजाब दे) ने 2027 के पंजाब विधानसभा चुनाव के लिए पांच और उम्मीदवारों की घोषणा कर दी है। जिन उम्मीदवारों की घोषणा की गई है, उनमें से दो पर एनएसए […]

Majuli: From the river island of Majuli to the corridors of Rashtrapati Bhavan, Riti Doley has woven her way into the national spotlight, turning generations-old craftsmanship into a story of resilience, dignity and determination. Doley, a weaver from Majuli and a person with disabilities, has received the prestigious National Handloom Award 2025 from the Government of India for her contribution to India’s traditional textile heritage. She was honoured by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi on August 7, National Handloom Day, in recognition of her exceptional craftsmanship. What makes Doley’s achievement particularly remarkable is the work for which she received the honour a silk Gero woven entirely by her own hands. Her national recognition marks a significant moment not only for her personally, but also for the traditional weaving communities of Assam, whose craftsmanship has been sustained through generations despite the challenges facing the handloom sector. For Doley, weaving is far more than an inherited occupation. It has become a means of self-reliance, dignity and empowerment. Her journey demonstrates how traditional skills can provide meaningful opportunities even in the face of physical challenges. Through patience and years of dedicated craftsmanship, she has continued to preserve the distinctive weaving traditions of Majuli while taking Assam’s textile heritage to a national platform. The silk Gero that earned her the award reflects the painstaking skill required of traditional weavers. Every thread represents hours of labour, technical knowledge and an intimate understanding of the craft passed down through generations. Her success has consequently become a source of pride for the wider artisan community in Majuli. The presentation of the National Handloom Award on National Handloom Day added further significance to Doley’s accomplishment. The award recognises artisans whose exceptional work contributes to the preservation and advancement of India’s handloom traditions. For Assam, Doley’s recognition serves as a reminder of the extraordinary cultural wealth embedded in the state’s traditional textiles. Also Read: Fact Check: Prakash Raj’s ‘Voter name deleted’ claim falls flat: BLO record marked ‘shifted’ after address verification Assam’s handloom traditions are deeply connected to the cultural identity of its communities. In Majuli, weaving remains an important part of the island’s social and cultural fabric, with artisans preserving techniques and designs through generations. Doley’s achievement places that heritage firmly in the national conversation. Following her recognition in New Delhi, Majuli Deputy Commissioner Ratul Chandra Pathak visited Doley at her residence and conveyed congratulations and best wishes on behalf of the district administration. The visit stated the significance of the honour for Majuli, where Doley’s success has been celebrated as a collective achievement.

जयपुर में ‘पाञ्चजन्य सुशासन संवाद’ का आयोजन 13 अगस्त 2026 को किया जा रहा है। इस विशेष संवाद में राजस्थान के मुख्यमंत्री श्री भजनलाल शर्मा मुख्य अतिथि के रूप में शामिल होंगे। सुशासन संवाद में आचार्य मिथिलेशनंदनीशरण जी, श्री मुकुल कानिटकर और शिक्षाविद् श्री अवध ओझा जैसे विशिष्ट अतिथि प्रशासन, सुशासन और राजस्थान के विकास […]

नई दिल्ली। लोकसभा में बुधवार को ‘विदेशी अंशदान (विनियमन) संशोधन विधेयक, 2026′ को संसद की संयुक्त समिति को भेजा गया। संयुक्त समिति में लोकसभा के 21 सदस्य और राज्यसभा के 10 सदस्य शामिल होंगे। इन्हें लोकसभा अध्यक्ष और राज्यसभा के सभापति नामित करेंगे। समिति को विधेयक की जांच और शीतकालीन सत्र 2026 के पहले सप्ताह […]

When funds received from abroad are spent on declared objectives such as education, healthcare, disaster relief, assistance to the poor and social service, no one objects to their transparent utilisation. The question arises when a discrepancy begins to appear between the source of foreign funds, their stated purpose and their actual use. If such a situation exists anywhere, it is natural that foreign contributions begin to appear as a challenge to financial transparency, national security and sovereignty. At a time when representatives of various Christian denominations and minority organisations have demanded the withdrawal of the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, several questions naturally arise. Why is there such concern over the proposed provisions of this law when the government has already made it clear that its objective is to make the use of foreign funds more transparent and accountable? Is the Question About Rights or the Monitoring of Foreign Funds? Recently, a delegation representing various Christian denominations and minority organisations met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and urged him to withdraw the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill. The delegation was led by MP and Chairman of the Joint Action Forum on Minorities (JAFM), P. Wilson. It included senior representatives of various organisations, including the Catholic Church, the Church of South India, the Church of North India, the National Council of Churches in India, the United Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Baptist Church and the Mar Thoma Church. Their principal objection relates to Section 15 of the FCRA. Their argument is that provisions for government control over foreign contributions or charitable properties created from such contributions could affect religious and constitutional rights. Here, before Home Minister Amit Shah, all these Christian church leaders, including Archbishop of Delhi Anil Couto, Moderator of the Church of South India K. Reuben Mark, founder of Jesus Calls Paul Dhinakaran, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in India Asir Ebenezer, Executive Secretary of the United Evangelical Lutheran Churches Bishop Joshua Peter, Bishop Paul Noel Walker Swaroop of the Church of North India, Deputy Secretary General of the CBCI Mathew Koyikal, and representatives of several other Christian denominations and organisations, have argued that the FCRA Amendment Bill is affecting the rights of the Church! In fact, however, they have all failed to explain how these rights are being affected. It is now necessary to examine the fundamental question by separating it from an emotional religious debate. For what purpose does foreign money come to India, which organisation receives it, into which account does it go, and what is it ultimately spent on, is there no need to monitor these questions? If an organisation receives funds for education, they should be used for education. Funds received for healthcare should be used for healthcare. Money received in the name of relief should not be used for any other activity. This is the basic principle of financial accountability. What Exactly Does the Government Want to Change? According to the government, the proposed framework is by no means intended to stop the charitable activities of any religion or community. The proposed provisions concern situations in which the FCRA registration of an individual or organisation has expired, been cancelled or been surrendered. In such a situation, the foreign contributions and properties created from them would come under the designated authority. If the organisation subsequently succeeds in having its registration restored, there is a provision for the return of the foreign contributions and properties. The rationale behind this arrangement is that property created from foreign funds should not remain indefinitely in the hands of an organisation whose statutory right to receive foreign funds has ceased to exist. The government also faces the challenge of determining who should protect and manage such properties after the cancellation of registration. The proposed amendment seeks to fill this administrative gap. The Bill proposes arrangements including a designated authority, temporary vesting, the return of property if registration is restored within the prescribed period, and permanent vesting thereafter. If It Is a Religious Organisation, How Can It Be Exempt from Financial Scrutiny? One of the major concerns expressed by church representatives is that the proposed provisions could affect educational institutions, hospitals, orphanages, old-age homes and organisations serving vulnerable sections of society. This argument may sound humanitarian, because the social contribution of such institutions can be significant. However, an equally important question arises alongside it: should the transparency of an organisation’s foreign financial transactions cease merely because it is charitable or religious in nature? Keeping an organisation engaged in charitable activities outside the ambit of the law would mean weakening an important aspect of the monitoring of its use of foreign funds, while the very framework of the FCRA requires an account of the source, receipt and utilisation of foreign contributions. According to the available material, the FCRA does not eliminate the possibility of foreign funding for legitimate religious activities of any faith, the maintenance of places of worship, religious education and faith-based welfare activities. Therefore, the debate should not be about whether the Church will receive foreign funds or not. The real question should be under what conditions foreign funds will be received and how their proper utilisation will be ensured. Why Should There Be Any Problem with Transparency? The proposed 2026 amendment places emphasis on arrangements such as information regarding the source and utilisation of foreign funds, project-wise and location-wise expenditure details, information relating to digital activities and social media accounts, identification of the ultimate foreign donor, and online disclosure of financial transactions. It also makes clear that foreign funds received for charitable purposes should be spent for those very purposes. Here, the basis for opposition would appear stronger only if it could be established that these provisions are intended to prevent legitimate charitable activities. Merely stating that greater scrutiny would affect the rights of organisations is not, in itself, a sufficient argument. In a democracy, accountability is ensured alongside rights. How can demanding transparency in the use of funds whose source lies outside the country, in itself, […]

कड़कड़डूमा न्यायालय ने गत 31 जुलाई, 2026 को आईबी कर्मचारी अंकित शर्मा हत्याकांड में ताहिर हुसैन के अलावा नाजिम, कासिम, अनस और जावेद को आजीवन कारावास की सजा सुनाई है। इस मामले में छह नामजद आरोपियों को बरी कर दिया गया। पुलिस और पोस्टमार्टम रिपोर्ट के अनुसार अंकित शर्मा के शरीर पर 51 चोटों के […]

The photo of Aarti Chadha and CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has gone viral, drawing intense attention online.