Former cricketers spill dressing room secrets
Kolkata, Sep 30 (IANS) From Sachin Tendulkar taking a liking to buying good clothes on foreign tours to Navjot Singh Sidhu and Ajay Jadeja staying dishevelled, dressing room secrets of former India cricketers tumbled out in a talk show at the Eden Gardens here on Friday. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly revealed that batting maestro Tendulkar would just "bat and shop" during his playing days.
IANS India Private Limited
Pujara, Rahane lift India after poor start
Gutsy fifties from Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane helped India reach 239 for seven in the second test against New Zealand after a see-saw opening day on Friday. Wriddhiman Saha was unbeaten on 14 with Ravindra Jadeja yet to score when bad light stopped play at Kolkata's Eden Gardens. Earlier, New Zealand paceman Matt Henry (3-35) celebrated his test return with a two-wicket burst to wreck India's top order and lift the mood in the Kiwi camp.
ReutersCancellation of Shahabuddin's bail is a welcome move: SP
New Delhi [India], Sept. 30 (ANI): In a major setback to former Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Member of Parliament Mohammad Shahabuddin, the Supreme Court cancelled his bail paving the way for him to go back to jail. Samajwadi Party leader, Nand Kishore Yadav on Friday welcomed the move by the apex court. "The court has also challenged the Bihar government granted bail and the real face of the government has now come forth," Yadav added.
ANISC to hear Nestle's plea to destroy 550 tonnes of Maggi
New Delhi [India], Sept. 30 (ANI): The Supreme Court will on Friday hear the Maggi noodles matter on the application of Nestle India Ltd., who had approached it seeking 550 tonnes of seized expired stock be handed over to them by the Food and Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) so that the stock can be destroyed. The company said that pursuant to withdrawal announcement and ban order on June 5, 2015, Nestle India Ltd had recalled stocks of Maggi Noodles and till September 1, 2015 destroyed around 38,000 tonnes of Maggi Noodles.
ANITBI Blogs: How Bhubaneswar Police Is Working to Provide Elder Care & Protect Senior Citizens
In recent years, Bhubaneswar has witnessed a rise in instances of violence against senior citizens. The police has launched a series of initiatives to counter this. "I am old, widowed and living all by myself. I am financially secure but I have one serious problem and that is loneliness. My children are settled outside the state and are busy chasing lucrative careers while my grandchildren are caught up in their studies. Brief, weekly phone calls are all the time I get with them. Every year, I fervently wish that they would come for a visit, but that has not been possible yet,” says Archana Mohanty, who is in her late 60s. Within a few months of her retirement from a government job, Mohanty lost her husband and ever since then, she has been on her own. In fact, for her, time had simply stood still till she joined a senior citizens’ group in her area, which has brought together many elderly people who, like her, feel lonely, bored or vulnerable. Septuagenarian Soudamini Mohapatra, too, stays by herself in a rented flat in Bhubaneswar, Odisha’s state capital. Her children – one son and one daughter – live abroad and are doing well for themselves. Both have good jobs and have settled down there. Although she keeps herself engaged by reading books, performing puja, attending religious gatherings and discourses, and, of course, watching daily soaps on television, come nightfall she starts feeling nervous and scared. “Being alone, I always fear for my safety. What if someone breaks into my home and attacks me at night; there is simply no way I can defend myself. I know my children are busy in their life and they cannot come if I need them at a short notice. However, I have connected with a senior citizens’ group in our area so that help is at hand as and when I need it,” she shares. As per a survey conducted by the Federation of Senior Citizen Associations (FSCA) of Odisha, there are around 1.2 lakh people above the age of 60, living in Bhubaneswar. Of these, several are living away from their families and, surprisingly, a majority of them are women. Observes Krupasindhu Sahu, President, FSCA, “There are a large number of senior citizens staying alone in Bhubaneswar and fending for themselves. One of the key reasons for this unfortunate social reality is that there are not many career growth options for youngsters in the city so they have to move, leaving their parents behind. For their part, the elders would also much rather stay in this small city, as most believe that they could not adjust to the fast-paced life characteristic of larger cities.” Safety is one of their biggest concerns at present. In recent years, Bhubaneswar has witnessed a rise in the number of incidents of attacks on senior citizens. They are soft targets and often, it is their support staff of drivers, domestic help and security guards that is involved in the crime. The usual motive is stealing money, gold ornaments and other expensive possessions. To safeguard the seniors and provide protection, particularly to aged women, the Police Commissionerate has set up special cells in its headquarters as well as in key police stations across the city. Image Source: Pixabay Each cell is headed by an officer of the rank of Sub Inspector, designated as the Nodal Officer. He is assisted by at least one constable. The main objectives of these security cells include coordinating the security measures for senior citizens with the help of local police, sensitising senior citizens about the different ways in which they can look after themselves, assisting them in resolving their personal problems as fast as possible, ensuring regular interaction of the local police through home visits and diligently conducting police verification of domestic help(s) and tenants. Says Sahu, “There is a need to set up a toll-free helpline where senior citizens can call in and seek police assistance, something along the lines of the women’s helpline number. The Kerala and Tamil Nadu police are already providing this toll-free service to help elderly people who are alone at home to access emergency medical care and other critical services.” Additionally, to facilitate better living, the seniors will play an advisory role in the implementation of citizen-centric work by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), through a specially constituted advisory committee, of which the FSCA is a part. Apart from the safety issue, elderly people have a major hurdle to overcome – reorienting themselves to the idea of a life that is no longer driven by hectic activity. Former diplomat Abasara Beuria, who is staying alone in the city after retirement, remarks: “As medical science makes significant advances and life expectancy increases, the numbers of senior citizens are only growing across the globe. What can make things much easier for the likes of me is being in an old age home. In India, we have to change our traditional mindset and accept that there is a demand for old age homes, even in relatively smaller cities like Bhubaneswar. Of course, being in an old age home needn’t be seen as being destitute, unwanted or unloved. Rather it can be a means of spending one’s old age with dignity and respect in the company of like-minded friends. These homes can be designed in a holistic way so that they are cheerful and provide various medical services. I think it is a critical need of the hour.” Psychologist Sangeeta Rath couldn’t agree more, “In a sense, life comes full circle as people grow old. If they are able to get rid of the feelings of anxiety, fear, stress and insecurity that often grip their generation, then they can actually indulge in activities that they had to give up earlier due to the paucity of time. They can revisit their hobbies and spend time with friends and community members. Unfortunately, women tend to get fixated on the fact that they are no longer able to contribute actively to the domestic sphere and then fall into the trap of self pity. ” However, while the senior citizens struggle with their physical and emotional burdens, the attitude of people around them is not exactly favourable either. “Even within the family, there’s a tendency to overlook and ignore what the elderly members have to say. Many a time, their constant complaints about feeling ill and fragile is not given proper cognisance. It’s then that a rapport with fellow seniors gives a huge sense of comfort. On the one hand, I would advise the elders to develop their own friends circle so that they can fight these feelings of worthlessness and loneliness, on the other, I would advocate for the setting up of good quality health care systems and other peripheral services to make the quality of life better for them,” she concludes. Written by Rakhi Ghosh for Women’s Feature Service (WFS) and republished here in arrangement with WFS. Featured Image Source: Pixabay Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter. NEW: Click here to get positive news on Whatsapp!
The Better IndiaBCCI must not think it is above the law, says Congress leader Manish Tewari
New Delhi [India], Sept.29 (ANI): Maintaining that it absolutely bizarre that a report by the Justice R M Lodha panel is not being implemented by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Congress leader Manish Tewari has said the panel's recommendations haves to be implemented, and added that the cricket body is not above the law. Tewari told ANI, "It is absolutely bizarre that a report given by the former chief justice of India and accepted by a judgement of the current Chief Justice of India or a divison bench headed by the current Chief Justice of India, is not being implemented by the BCCI.
ANIGovernment must rethink before withdrawing MFN status from Pakistan: K T S Tulsi
New Delhi [India], Sept. 29 (ANI): Senior advocate K T S Tulsi on Thursday stated that the proposed move to withdraw the status of the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) from Pakistan would be very unfortunate and urged the government to have a rethink over it. Tulsi further said the government should think of the long term consequences before demolishing all confidence-building measures with Islamabad. While supporting the government's decision of boycotting the 19th SAARC Summit being organised by Pakistan in November, Tulsi said, "In the current atmosphere, it is not possible to have any talks about development or anything.
ANI
Cricket: Australia's rookie fast bowlers face South Africa test
Centurion, South Africa, Sept 29, 2016 (AFP) - Australia's fast bowling reserves will be put to the test during a five-match one-day international series against South Africa starting at Centurion on Friday.
AFPHere’s The Empowering Journey of Feminism through the Ages in India
A hard hitting film that underlines a woman’s freedom to her body and sexuality, the recently released movie Pink has been making people sit up and ask questions that were long forgotten. Taking consent as its central theme, the film addresses society’s unmistakable double standards: the pre-conceived notions of male privilege, moralising and misogyny that women across the country face or are likely to face on a daily basis. Although patriarchy is deeply entrenched in modern-day India, the country has a long tradition of women who resisted conformity, even under severe societal pressure. These stories of feminism are as multicultural and diverse as India itself. Here is a look at the fascinating journey of feminism through the ages in India. Photo Source In the literature of the early Vedic period, there are several mentions of female scholars like Lopamudra, Maitreyi and Gargi. Among the educated women of the era, Gargi Vachaknavi is believed to be a pioneer. In the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, she has been credited for having drawn forth from philosophers some of the most profound questions of Vedanta - the nature of the Soul ( Brahman) and the origins of the universe - during a public debate with Vedic philosopher Yajnavalkya. In a court filled with male philosophers, Gargi fired question after question at the great sage, stumping a man who had never before been left at a loss for words. At one point, Yajnavalkya even warned Gargi that her head would fall off if she continued but when others failed to elicit the answer she was clearly aiming for, she continued her bold questioning. As Brian Black writes in his book, The Character of the Self in Ancient India,"Gargi was, in fact, Yajnavalkya’s strongest opponent, stronger than even her male counterparts." Years later, Queen Didda, who had a leg disability, ruled Kashmir with an iron hand for more than four decades during the 10th century. Her tremendous political survival skills, her ability to rule and her achievement of stability in the fractious kingdom she had inherited is why she is sometimes called the Catherine of Kashmir, referring to the ruthless Catherine the Great (the longest ruling female leader of Russia). In the 17th century, Bibi Dalair Kaur, a Sikh woman, formed an all-woman army to fight Mughal forces. [caption id="attachment_70192" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Bibi Dalair Kaur[/caption] Photo Source When taunted by Mughal commander Wajir Khan about the weakness of women in the battlefield, she is believed to have replied fiercely with the following words: "We are the hunters, not the hunted. Come forward and find out for yourself!" Rani Velu Nachiyar of Sivaganga ruled her kingdom for over a decade, led her kingdom's army in numerous battles and even formed a special women's army named Udaiyaal after her daughter. After succeeding her father to the Kakatiya Throne at the age of 14, Rani Rudrama Devi led several battles against the nobles in her kingdom who opposed her rule because of her gender. [caption id="attachment_70193" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Rani Rudramma Devi[/caption] Photo Source Rani Chenamma of Kittur, a princely state in Karnataka, was the first Indian female ruler to lead an armed rebellion against the British East India Company. In Maratha history, Tarabai of Kolhapur, Anubai of Ichalkaranji and Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi are well known for their skill, efficiency, diplomacy, and bravery in fighting against their rivals. During the 19th century, the Indian woman's quest for civil, political and religious rights arose from the belly of the great social and religious reform movements of the era. Historians refer to the abolition of Sati as the first watershed moment in India’s modern feminist movement. A lot of the early struggle saw educated middle class men such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy (who crusaded against social evils like Sati, polygamy and child marriage), Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar (who championed the cause of widow remarriage) and DD Karve ( who worked towards eradicating the bias against widows) take a feminist stand. Mahadev Govind Ranade founded the Widow Marriage Association in 1861 while Behram Malabari launched a campaign against child marriage and demanded legislature to prevent it. [caption id="attachment_70195" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] From left: Raja Rammohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and DD Karve[/caption] Photo Source: Raja Rammohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, D D Karve During this time Indian women also continued to challenge the status quo in the background, struggling for their place in the sun. Some of the women who went on to become feminist ideals include Anandibai Joshi – the first Indian woman to study abroad, Kamini Roy - who spearheaded India’s suffragist movement and fought for a woman’s right to education, Kadambini Ganguly - the first woman to study Western medicine and, one of India's first two women graduates, Muthulakshmi Reddy - who studied in a men's college to become a doctor and went on to abolish the devadasi system. Others included Pandita Ramabai – who started a centre to support widows and studied the Kindergarten method of education, Rukmabai - who defied her child marriage to become India's first practising lady doctor and Cornelia Sorabjee - the first Indian woman lawyer. You May Like: In the 1800s, She Broke Barriers in Education, Medicine and Law and Abolished the Devadasi System A special mention must be made of the inspiring woman who is often described as one of the first modern Indian feminists. At a time when people hardly acknowledged the grievances of women in India, Savitribai Phule, along with her husband Jyotirao Phule, fought injustices against women with all they had. [caption id="attachment_70194" align="aligncenter" width="647"] Savitribai Phule[/caption] Photo Source In those days, widows used to shave their heads, wear a simple white sari and live a life of austerity. It was Savitribai who decided to stand up against this practice and organized a strike against the barbers in order to persuade them to stop shaving the heads of the widows, most of whom were still children. She also noticed the plight of sexually exploited women who, after becoming pregnant, either committed suicide or killed the newborn due to fear of banishment by society. To cater to such women, she opened a care centre (called Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha or Infanticide Prohibition House) for pregnant rape victims and helped deliver their children. She also founded the first school for women at Bhide Wada in Pune in 1848. The early 20th century too saw the rise of many courageous and strong-willed women who were instrumental in India's freedom struggle. The stories of these women revolutionaries, trade union activists, and nationalists have long been an unsung part of the historical legacy that independent India inherited. A little known story is that of Rabindranath Tagore's sister, Swarnakumari Devi. A committed social worker, Swarnakumari started an initiative, Sakhi Samiti, in 1896, to help widows, orphan girls and poverty stricken women of Bengal. She also played an active role in the Indian nationalist movement. Her daughter, Sarala Devi, also grew up to be an independent and confident woman who believed in following her convictions. [caption id="attachment_70196" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] From Left: Swarnakumari Devi, Sarala Devi[/caption] Photo Source: Swarnakumari Devi, Sarala Devi An accomplished musician and poetess, Sarala Devi completed her education at Calcutta University and challenged the social conventions of her time by taking up a job in a school in Mysore at the age of 23. After she returned to Bengal, she actively participated in the militant nationalist movement of the state. She also attended meetings of societies that had all male members and presided over boxing, judo, swordplay and wrestling matches organised by her. The era also saw the rise of many women’s organizations like the All India Women’s Conference (AIWC). Women within the national movement had begun insisting on greater political and economic participation. These pioneering organizations included the Bharat Stri Mandal in Calcutta, formed in 1910 by Sarala Devi, and the Women’s India Association founded in 1917 by Annie Besant, Dorothy Jinarajadasa, Malati Patwardhan, Ammu Swaminathan, Mrs Dadabhoy, and Mrs Ambujammal. Annie Besant also led the Home Rule League and was elected President of the Calcutta Congress session in 1917. The year 1917 was also significant as Sarojini Naidu led a delegation of women to meet the Montagu-Chelmsford Committee to demand a series of reforms in the condition of Indian women. In 1925, Sarojini Naidu was elected President of Indian National Congress, the first Indian woman to hold that post. Also Read: From a Child Bride to India’s First Practising Woman Doctor: The Untold Story of Rukhmabai It is easy to dismiss some of these achievements by pointing out that most of these women came from affluent, educated and urban households. But even within their spheres, they all fought uphill battles to establish themselves as different and to speak out against the norm. Post Independence, the question of women's rights appeared to retreat from public discourse for a few years. The second wave of the women’s rights movement began in the mid 1970s. The issues raised this time were wide ranging - from land rights and political representation to divorce laws and child custody to sexual harassment at work, dowry and rape. The women’s movement interrogated the existing laws, with their questions becoming central in public discourse. Indian feminist writings, especially those by Toru Dutt, Lalithambika Antharajanam, Ismat Chugtai, and Mahashweta Devi, also made their presence felt globally. [caption id="attachment_70200" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] From Left: Ishmat Chugtai, Toru Dutt[/caption] Photo Source: Ishmat Chugtai, Toru Dutt In 1974, the Committee on Status of Women presented its findings in the form of a watershed report Towards Equality that laid the foundation of women's movement in independent India, highlighting discriminatory socio-cultural practices, political and economic processes. Its authors included Vina Mazumdar and Lotika Sarkar, the duo who later founded the Centre for Women’s Development Studies in Delhi. In 1980, an anti-rape campaign was launched that led to emergence of autonomous women's organisation in several cities of India. There was Saheli in Delhi, Vimochana in Bengaluru, and Forum Against Oppression of Women in Mumbai among others. Special Interest Groups that focused on legal aid for women also came into existence and several legal reforms took place. A great example is that of the landmark Vishaka Guidelines that came into being in 1997, outlining the process for dealing with sexual harassment at the workplace (later superseded by the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act of 2013). Entering the 21 st century, Indian feminism engaged with a whole host of issues - from domestic violence and rape to victim shaming and consent. Indira Jaisingh's tireless work was instrumental in the framing of the Domestic Violence Act (2005). Jaisingh was also the first woman to be appointed as an Additional Solicitor General of India in 2009. Senior advocate at the Supreme Court of India, Meenakshi Arora's persistent efforts led to the framing of the Vishakha Guidelines, which later culminated in the legislation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act (2013). [caption id="attachment_70203" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] From Left: Meenakshi Arora, Vrinda Grover, Indira Jaisingh[/caption] Photo Source: Meenakshi Arora, Vrinda Grover, Indira Jaisingh Activist Kavita Krishnan set in motion a series of protests and uproar after the 2012 Nirbhaya rape case, which eventually led to the legislation of the Criminal Law Amendment 2013 that made changes in the existing rape laws in the nation. Identified by TIME magazine as one of the 100 most influential women in 2013, lawyer Vrinda Grover was also influential in the drafting of the Criminal Law Amendment of 2013. Even though there still remains a lot of work to be done, the movement to secure rights for women in India has come a long way thanks to these inspiring and fierce personalities who made it possible by relentlessly fighting the forces of patriarchy. There were and still are many other individuals and organizations who are also working for gender equality and justice in India and their efforts are paying off. Feminism in present-day India has been showing some encouraging trends. First, increasing economic liberty is allowing women to fight stereotyping. Second, what women want is changing - from economic rights to social and sexual rights. Third, women are not vacating their spaces - they are negotiating harder to expand them. Fourth, there is genuine partnership and collaboration among men and women, particularly youngsters, to embrace meaningful gender equality. Finally, the internet and information revolution is helping women form communities and networks, giving them a bigger voice and tools to organize themselves, forge partnerships and demand their rights. Most academics attribute the growth of feminism in India to western influence, disregarding the fact that feminism is multicultural - the needs and problems of women who live in different countries are dissimilar. However, Indians did not have to borrow feminism from the West. Throughout history, Indian women have asserted themselves in multiple ways and broken free of oppressive social norms. These whispers of rebellion were bypassed or ignored by patriarchal documentations, but they were always there and they must be remembered. Also Read: Do You Know What Made Anandi Joshi Become India’s First Lady Doctor At A Time When No Girl Was Educated In India? Like this story? Have something to share? Email: contact@thebetterindia.com, or join us on Facebook and Twitter (@thebetterindia). NEW! Log into www.gettbi.com to get positive news on Whatsapp.
The Better IndiaJ-K CM Mehbooba expresses concern over surgical strike, calls for restraint
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], Sept.29 (ANI): Expressing grave concern over the heightened tension between India and Pakistan over surgical strike across the Line of Control, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday said the confrontation could lead to a "disaster of epic proportions if urgent steps are not taken to bring down the heightened tensions in the region". "New Delhi and Islamabad must open the channels of communication realizing the dangerous consequences of any escalation of ongoing confrontation along the borders," Mehbooba said. Asserting that peace along the borders and within the mainland is of immense significance for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba expressed hope that the political leadership of the two countries would also treat it with the same spirit.
ANIMain accused of Park Street rape case arrested in Greater Noida
Noida (Uttar Pradesh) [India], Sept. 30 (ANI): Kolkata Police on Friday arrested the main accused involved in the 2012 Kolkata Park Street rape case who has been absconding for past four years. The victim was gangraped in a moving car on the intervening night of 5, 6 February 2012 by five men who offered her lift to her home from a night club situated on Park Street. Last year, a sessions court in Kolkata held all five of the accused guilty.
ANIAdarsh Cooperative Housing Society matter: SC adjourns hearing till Oct. 6
New Delhi [India], Sept. 30 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Friday adjourned the hearing in the Adarsh Cooperative Housing Society matter till October 6. A division bench of the apex court, headed by Justice J. Chelameswar deferred the matter for the said date. The top court had earlier this month asked the Centre, which has been handed over the possession of the 28- storey scam-tainted building, to respond to the plea of the Adarsh Co-operative Society on maintenance of the structure.
ANIIndia’s Fencing Champion Bhavani Is Preparing to Participate in Tokyo Olympics. And You Can Help.
Not many of us would know much about a sport like fencing in India. A few others probably wouldn’t even have heard of it. For Bhavani Devi, the 22-year-old resident of Chennai who is India’s National Fencing Champion, it is more than a sport. She currently holds the 85th rank for fencing in the world. The sport is Bhavani’s passion and becoming a successful player is one of the most important goals in her life. But taking up a sport that is not so well known in a country is easier said than done. “When the whole country celebrates a victory, they need to realise that if they had supported and motivated budding talent, there would have been many more medals to be proud of,” she says. As fate would have it, Bhavani missed being selected for this year’s Olympics by a whisker and secured the third position while representing the Asia Pacific region. She missed the first position because of several reasons – the lack of a regular, dedicated coach was one of them. Source: Facebook One of the biggest struggles that sports persons in India have to face is the conservative viewpoint of their families and the society at large. Policies with layers of bureaucratic processes add on the battle. A sports person climbing the ladder has to spend time wading through policies instead of focusing on training. So does Bhavani. For her fencing skills to match and surpass international standards, she needs to train with international coaches. Bhavani is an incredible achiever who trains very hard in spite of the absence of a dedicated coach or a dedicated institute to train at. She spends most of her time in Kerala, which has India’s only space for fencing practices. As the sport is not so popular here, it requires her to travel to training centres in France and Germany to sharpen her skills. While she manages to fund her training equipment and gets occasional sponsors for her trips, she needs her coach to be with her during the games and while training. To travel alone and face an opponent without moral or technical support is an added pressure she has to handle. But taking her coach along while for on-spot motivation and technical advice is a luxury she cannot afford. “I see other 180 fencers with their coaches and family. Because of the lack of funds, I just go and stand there on my own,” she says in a video. She has stories of missing out on opportunities as small as not being able to defend a penalty because she didn’t have a coach beside her. Listen to her story here. [embedvideo id="180475637" website="vimeo"] With our help to support her train better, we can empower the very talented Bhavani get closer to her goal. As a country, we need to stop dwelling on the ifs and buts, and focus on how we can help India’s only Fencing Champion clinch gold. Bhavani is raising funds for training. You can contribute here. Reach out to her by writing to reachbhavanidevi@gmail.com. - Trupti Menon Featured image (left) for representation only. Source: Flickr Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter. NEW: Click here to get positive news on WhatsApp!
The Better IndiaProgress Panchayat a mere propaganda: Owaisi
Hyderabad (Telangana), (India), (ANI): AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday downplayed Centre's 'Progress Panchayat', a campaign to reach out to the minorities and dubbed the entire initiative as a propaganda. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not doing any favour to the minority. "All this is propaganda.
ANISurgical strikes aimed at foiling Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, says Naidu
New Delhi [India], Sept. 29 (ANI): Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) last night were aimed at foiling attempts of Pakistan and abet terrorism against India. "This operation was made in order to foil attempts of our neighbour, because our neighbour has been aiding, abetting and funding terrorists for long.
ANISC verdict on Shahabuddin a slap on Nitish government, says LJP
New Delhi [India], Sept. 30 (ANI): The Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) on Friday said the Supreme Court decision to cancel the bail of former Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Member of Parliament Mohammad Shahabuddin is a slap on the Bihar government. "I think it is a tight slap on the so called "sushasan" (Good governance) of our Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Repeatedly, he talks about "sushasan" and we have seen that in his working period, only criminals like Shahabuddin gets bail so easily," LJP leader Chirag Paswan told ANI.
ANIChief Ministers of various states congratulate army for 'surgical strikes', Mehbooba cautions Centre
New Delhi [India], Sept.30 (ANI): Chief Ministers of various states have expressed their support to the Central Government and the Indian Army for conducting surgical strikes last night on terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) to neutralise terrorists planning to infiltrate into Indian territory, with the lone exception of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, who expressed grave concern over the escalation of tension along the Line of Control (LoC). Cautioning the Centre, Mufti said, "The confrontation could lead to a "disaster of epic proportions if urgent steps are not taken to bring down the heightened tensions in the region.
ANIUS Senators to pressure Pakistan to tackle terror groups targetting India
Washington, Sep 30 (IANS) Two co-chairs of the Senate India Caucus, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have strongly condemned the Uri terror attack and said they will work within the US Congress to put pressure on Pakistan to end any association with terror groups targetting India. Republican John Cornyn and Democrat Mark Warner of the Senate India Caucus, the only country-specific caucus in the US Senate, said in their letter on Thursday that they are greatly concerned about initial indications that the perpetrators of the September 18 Uri attack "were Pakistani and that the attack emanated from Pakistan". "If true, this attack would be just the latest in a series of deadly attacks in India conducted by Pakistan-based terrorist groups." They called on Pakistan to cooperate fully and transparently in the probe and prosecute those "within its territory that participated in this horrendous attack".
IANS India Private LimitedPM Modi has no time for domestic issues, busy with foreign trips: Kalappa
New Delhi [India], Sept. 29 (ANI): Asserting that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written several letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his intervention in the Cauvery water dispute, Brijesh Kalappa, legal advisor to the state government said the latter has no time for domestic issues as he is out of the country on most occasions. Kalappa told ANI that Siddaramaiah has written nearly nine letters to the Prime Minister seeking his intervention on the vexed issue, and added that the former has also sought the latter's intervention on the Mahanadi dispute, which is a burning issue as far as Karnataka is concerned.
ANISC dismisses plea seeking nationwide ban on liquor
New Delhi [India], Sept. 30 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ashwani Upadhaya's plea, seeking a complete ban on liquor across the nation.
ANICongress solidly backs Centre, salutes armed forces' valour
New Delhi [India], Sept. 29 (ANI): The Congress Party on Thursday stood solidly behind the Centre and the Indian armed forces for carrying out surgical strikes last night on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) to neutralise terrorists planning to infiltrate into Indian territory. Congress president Sonia Gandhi in a statement issued here said. "The Congress Party congratulates the armed forces on the success of the operation and offers its support to the government in our country's continuing battle against cross-border terrorism." "The Congress Party stands with the government in its actions today to protect our country's security and deal with the menace of terrorism from across the border.
ANI
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