Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Quit India: Modi’s Apparent Jibe At Oppo Bloc

In an apparent jibe at the Opposition grand alliance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday strongly criticized “corruption, dynasty rule and appeasement”, saying that today the whole country is calling for these “evil forces to quit India”. 

PM Modi was speaking after laying the foundation stone for the redevelopment of 508 railway stations in 27 states and UTs via video conferencing. 

Taking note of the ‘Quit India movement’ anniversary in the month of August, he said, “This month is the month of revolution, it is the month of gratitude. It is the month of duty, and so many historical days come in August, which gave a new direction to the history of India and inspires us even today. Tomorrow on August 7, the whole country will celebrate national handloom day, dedicated to the Swadeshi movement, this date of August 7 is the day for every Indian to reiterate the resolve to be vocal for local…After August 7, August 9 will come. It is that day when the historic ‘Quit India’ started. Mahatma Gandhi had given the Mantra, and Quit India Movement created new energy in India’s steps towards independence, inspired by this, today the whole country is saying for every evil, which is quit India.” 

He stressed saying, “there is only one reverberation all directions, and that is corruption quit India, dynasty quit India, and appeasement quit India.” 

While targeting the I.N.D.I.A bloc, the Prime Minister, without taking any name, said that today, there is a faction of Opposition parties which is opposing everything and that not a single senior leader of it visited the Statue of Unity, in Gujarat. 

“…Unfortunately, a faction of the Opposition in our country is following the old ways even today. They will neither do anything by themselves nor let anyone else do anything…The country built a modern Parliament building. Parliament is the symbol of the country’s democracy. It has representation from the Ruling side as well as the Opposition. But this faction of the Opposition opposed the new Parliament building. We redeveloped Kartavya Path but they opposed that too. For 70 years, they didn’t even build a war memorial for the Bravehearts of the country. When we built National War Memorial, they felt no shame in criticising it publically. Sardar Vallabhbhai Pate’s Statue of Unity is the tallest building in the world. Every Indian is proud of it. But none of the big leaders of a few political parties ever visited the Statue…Rising above negative politics, we are going ahead on the path of positive politics as a mission,” he said. 

Several Union Ministers and the Chief Ministers or Governors also joined the foundation stones laying ceremony from their respective states, where the respective railway stations are to get a complete makeover, under the Amrit Bharat Station scheme. 

Taking note of the scheme, PM Modi said, “Around 1300 major railway stations in India will now be developed as Amrit Bharat Railway Station. They will be re-developed in a modern way. Of these, work on the redevelopment of 508 Amrit Bharat Railway Stations begins today. Around 25,000 Crores will be spent on the redevelopment of these 508 Amrit Bharat Stations.”

“You can imagine how big of a drive this will be for the infrastructure, Railways and most importantly for the common people of my country,” he added. 

Notably, the 508 stations are spread across 27 states and union territories, including 55 each in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, 49 in Bihar, 44 in Maharashtra, 37 in West Bengal, 34 in Madhya Pradesh, 32 in Assam, 25 in Odisha, 22 in Punjab, 21 each in Gujarat and Telangana, 20 in Jharkhand, 18 each in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, 15 in Haryana, 13 in Karnataka among others. 

PM Modi said that today, the focus of the entire world is on India and the country’s prestige, on a global scale, has increased. 

“World’s attitude towards India has changed. There are two main reasons behind this, first, Indians brought in a full majority government after almost 30 years and second, the full majority government took major decisions and continuously worked for a permanent solution to the challenges,” he added. 

The Prime Minister went on to add that today the number of modern trains in India is increasing rapidly.

“The goal of the country is to make the railway journey accessible to every passenger, as well as pleasant,” he said, adding that from train to (railway) station, there is an effort to provide citizens with a better experience.

“Better seats are being put on platforms. Good waiting rooms are being made. Today there is a free WiFi facility at thousands of stations in the country,” he added. 

PM Modi also said that the Central government has also given priority to the expansion of railways in the North East. The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme was launched to redevelop 1,309 stations across the country. (ANI)

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Russia Ukraine war

Blood Blank, Univ Damaged In Air Raids As Russia, Ukraine Intensify Attacks

Following a strike by Kyiv on a Russian tanker in the Black Sea, Russian and Ukrainian troops intensified their attacks, damaging a blood transfusion centre, a university, and an aeronautics facility in Ukraine, reported Al Jazeera.

Attacks occurred late on Saturday, while senior government representatives from 40 countries, including China, India, and the United States, were in Saudi Arabia to discuss ways to put an end to the conflict in Ukraine.

The two-day meeting is not expected to result in a final declaration.

While Moscow-installed officials charged Kyiv with using cluster munitions to destroy a university in the Russian-controlled Donetsk region, Ukrainian officials put the responsibility on Russia for the attack on the blood centre in the eastern town of Kupiansk late on Saturday, as per Al Jazeera.

The attack on Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region was referred to as a “war crime” by the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who also stated that “there are dead and wounded.”

He didn’t specify how many people were murdered or hurt.

He added that the attack was carried out by Russian forces using a “guided aerial bomb” and that firefighters were putting out a fire at the location.

“This war crime says everything about Russian aggression,” he added.

A university building in the vicinity was on fire as a result of Ukrainian bombardment, according to the governor of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, who was installed by Moscow hours after Zelenskyy’s report, according to Al Jazeera.

He claimed that according to early information, the contentious cluster munitions were to blame for the fire.

After a Russian ship in the Black Sea was damaged by Ukrainian forces, Moscow’s forces targeted a Ukrainian aeronautics complex earlier in the day.

The manufacturer of plane and helicopter engines as well as other components, Motor Sich, owned the aeronautics complex. The site is situated about 300 kilometres (190 miles) southwest of Kiev, in western Ukraine, close to the city of Khmelnytskyi.

According to Moscow officials, the damaged Russian tanker was a “civilian” ship. They condemned Kyiv’s “terrorist attack” and pledged retaliation.

The incident temporarily stopped ferry service as well as traffic on the Kerch Bridge, which connects the Crimean Peninsula to Russia, reported Al Jazeera.

This raid was one of two within a day.

Earlier on Friday, Ukraine attacked the Russian port of Novorossiysk.

Without Russia’s involvement, a two-day summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to find a peaceful resolution to the war began, though the Kremlin has stated it will monitor the negotiations.

The meeting is a part of Ukraine’s diplomatic effort to win over countries in the Global South who have been reluctant to endorse one side in a conflict that has hurt the world economy.

Zelenskyy said it would be crucial to undertake bilateral conversations outside of the Jeddah meeting in order to reach consensus on the fundamentals for a summit of world leaders he plans to convene on the subject later in the year.

Speaking on Saturday, he admitted that there were differences between the participating nations but insisted that the rule-based system of international law needed to be reinstated.

“It is very important because in such matters as food security, the fate of millions of people in Africa, Asia and other parts of the world directly depends on how fast the world will be in implementing the Peace Formula,” he said, as per Al Jazeera.

“I am grateful to Saudi Arabia for this platform for negotiations.”

India sent National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and China, which did not participate in the previous round of negotiations in Copenhagen sent Li Hui, Special Envoy for Eurasian Affairs.

Sydney Mufamadi, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s security advisor, represented South Africa among the other BRICS nations, which also includes Russia, China, and India. Celso Amorim, Brazil’s top foreign policy advisor, also joined via video link, Al Jazeeera reported. (ANI)

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Anupam Kher

Anupam Missing His Friend Satish Little Extra On Friendship Day

It’s friendship day today, veteran actor Anupam Kher is missing his close friend and late actor-director Satish Kaushik a little extra on this occasion.

Taking to Instagram, Anupam shared a series of pictures with his friends- Anil Kapoor and Satish Kaushik and wished them with a special message.

In the first picture, ‘The Kashmir Files’ actor can be seen posing with Anil Kapoor.

The trio-Kher, Anil and Satish smiling towards the camera.

Sharing the images, he wrote, “Happy Friendship Day! Missing Satish a little extra today!”

The veteran actor-filmmaker Satish Kaushik passed away on March 9 after suffering a heart attack.

There is no day which passes by that Kher doesn’t miss his dear friend Satish.

He often posts pictures or videos on social media platforms.

Taking about Kher’s work front, he recently announced his new project in which he will be seen portraying the role of the poet, philosopher, and essayist, Rabindranath Tagore. The makers will announce the name of the film on August 24.

Apart from that, he will be next seen in director Anurag Basu’s upcoming anthology film ‘Metro…In Dino’.

The film also stars Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Pankaj Tripathi, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Ali Fazal and Neena Gupta in pivotal roles and is all set to hit the theatres on March 29, 2024. Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Emergency’ is also his in his pipeline. (ANI)

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Actor Ileana D’Cruz

Ileana Blessed With A Baby Boy

Good News! Actor Ileana D’Cruz has been blessed with a baby boy. 

Ileana took to Instagram on Saturday and shared the exciting news with her fans and followers.

She introduced her first child by sharing cute.

In the picture, Ileana’s baby boy, whom she named ‘Koa Phoenix Dolan’ can be seen cutely sleeping.

Sharing the picture, a new mom in town wrote, “No words could explain how happy we are to welcome our darling boy to the world. Hearts beyond full.” 

Ileana welcomed Koa PhoenixDolan on August 1.

Soon after the actor announced the news, her friends and fans flooded the comment section with red heart emoticons and congratulatory messages.

Actor Nargis Fakhri wrote, “Omg congrats!!!!!! GOD BLESS!!! Leo boy.”

Arjun Kapoor and Huma Qureshi dropped heart emojis.

One of the users wrote, “Congratulations your are the 1st who showing her newborn baby pic God bless you both.”

From the very beginning, Ileana has been extremely tight-lipped about her personal life.

But, recently, Ileana revealed the man of her life. She dropped pictures from a date night with her mysterious man.

She took to Insta story and treated her fans with a glimpse of her dinner date.

Earlier several reports suggested that Ileana is dating Katrina Kaif’s brother Sebastian Laurent Michel. The duo’s relationship rumours surfaced after the two were spotted vacationing with Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif in the Maldives.

Ileana was earlier in a relationship with photographer Andrew Kneebone for quite a few years.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Ileana was last seen in The Big Bull, co-starring Abhishek Bachchan. Filmmaker Kookie Gulati directed the film and it was produced by Ajay Devgn. She will be next seen in ‘Unfair And Lovely’ with Randeep Hooda. (ANI)

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Odisha’s Kandamahal district

Sec 144 Imposed After Mob Set Police Station On Fire In Odisha’s Kandhamal

A violent mob in Odisha’s Kandamahal district on Saturday set the Phiringia police station ablaze and looted weapons and articles.  

In the incident, one sub divisional police officer (Sadar Phulabani), Suprasanna Mallick, Sub inspector Jali, five other police officers, and Tahasildar, the local magistrate, sustained injuries, along with a couple of media persons.

Injured police officers and others are admitted to the district hospital at Phulbani. SP Kandhamal district Subhendu Kumar Patra is monitoring the situation, and IG southern zone Odisha Satyavrata Sahu has also reached the spot.

Section 144 has been imposed in this area. Vehicular movement is being restricted. Shops and business establishments are closed. 

Heavy deployment of police of around 20 platoons with DVF and CRPF besides BSF in the spot.

The police have started a massive manhunt to nab the culprits. More than 30 people, including three women, were detained after raids throughout the night.

All of this started with an alleged cannabis sale by police officers a few days earlier, after which the residents demanded punishment against the officers. 

Later, the resident resorted to barricading State Highway No. 1 near Block Office Phiringia, which turned violent while dispersing the group.

The Phiringia police station, where the event occurred, is in the most maoist-infested region and is always heavily guarded. This region is also known for having the most cannabis (ganja) growing. The mafia also poses a challenge to law enforcement in this area.

“We will take strong action against the culprits,” said Odisha Southern Range IG  Satyabrata Bhoi after taking stock of the situation. (ANI)

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manipur army violence

Manipur: Army Says Insurgent Held After Fresh Violence, Ammunition Seized

The Indian Army on Saturday said it had apprehended one armed insurgent and recovered “war-like stores” during a search operation launched hours after three people died in a fresh wave of violence in Manipur’s Bishnupur district.

One self-loading rifle, ammunition and war-like stores were recovered during the operation.

The Spear Corps of the Indian Army, in a statement, said that under ‘Operation Mongcham’ multiple operations were launched in the aftermath of the incident at Kwakta, Bishnupur in the wee hours of Saturday. 

Further, according to the statement, during a search operation launched in the general area of Mongcham at 5.30 pm on Saturday, the forces came under fire from insurgents and retaliated.

“During one such search operation, the #IndianArmy column drew effective fire from armed insurgents from the general area Mongcham at approximately 5.30 PM today. Own troops retaliated in a calibrated manner & in the ensuing firefight, one armed insurgent of KIA (Non-SoO Group) sustained Gun Shot Wound & has been apprehended while others managed to escape,” the Spear Corps of Indian Army said in a tweet.

Earlier, on Saturday, officials said at least three people died in Manipur’s Bishnupur district as fresh violence broke out on Friday late night.

On Thursday, Manipur Police said the overall situation in the Northeast state, which has seen ethnic violence over three months, was still tense.

In a press note issued on August 3, the state police said that there had been sporadic incidents of firing and mob congregation.

The violence in the Northeast state has claimed over 100 lives while displacing thousands more.

Clashes broke out between Metei and Kuki communities on May 3 days after the Manipur High Court asked the state government to consider adding the former, the majority community in the state, to the list of Scheduled Tribes.

The prevailing situation in Manipur triggered bedlam in both Houses of Parliament in the ongoing Monsoon Session, with the Opposition members stalling proceedings demanding a discussion and a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a viral video, purportedly showing two women in the Northeastern state being stripped and paraded in the nude.

Adamant on their demand that all listed businesses in both Houses be suspended for a discussion on the Manipur situation, the Opposition members raised slogans and disrupted proceedings, resulting in repeated adjournments.

A delegation from the Opposition alliance — I.N.D.I.A — recently visited Manipur for two days, during which they met displaced locals at relief camps and called on Governor Uikey. (ANI)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Modi Lays Foundation Stone For Redevelopment Of 508 Railway Stations Across Country

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday laid the foundation stone for the mega redevelopment project of 508 railway stations across the country under Amrit Bharat Station scheme, via video conferencing. 

Several Union Ministers and the Chief Ministers or Governors also joined the foundation stones laying ceremony from their respective states, where the respective railway stations are to get a complete makeover. 

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also attended the event in Budgam. 

The mega project is estimated to be worth Rs 25,000 crore (approx.). 

These 508 stations are spread across 27 states and union territories, including 55 each in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, 49 in Bihar, 44 in Maharashtra, 37 in West Bengal, 34 in Madhya Pradesh, 32 in Assam, 25 in Odisha, 22 in Punjab, 21 each in Gujarat and Telangana, 20 in Jharkhand, 18 each in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, 15 in Haryana, 13 in Karnataka among others. 

According to an official release, the redevelopment will provide modern passenger amenities along with ensuring well-designed traffic circulation, inter-modal integration and well-designed signage for the guidance of passengers. 

The design of the station buildings will be inspired by local culture, heritage and architecture. 

Earlier on Saturday the Prime Minister praised the move and said that the project will boost ‘Ease of Living’ and enhance comfort as well as convenience. 

He said that the redevelopment to be done at a cost of almost Rs 25,000 crore will revolutionize how rail infrastructure is imagined in the nation.  

Noting that railways are the preferred mode of transport for people across the country, he has emphasised the importance of providing world-class amenities at railway stations.

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme was launched to redevelop 1,309 stations across the country. (ANI)

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Haryana's Nuh

Nuh: Illegal Building From Where Hooligans Pelted Stones Demolished

Continuing their drive against illegal constructions in Haryana’s Nuh, district administration authorities on Sunday demolished a resturant-cum-hotel which was used by hooligans to pelt stones during the recent violence there. 

A team of police personnel was also deployed in the area during demolition action. 

District town planner Vinesh Kumar said that the commercial building of the “Sahara Family Restaurant” was constructed illegally. He said that it was the same building from where hooligans pelted stones on a religious procession. 

“The building was totally unauthorised and it was served notices by the Government and department. The hotel-cum-restaurant is completely unauthorised. Hooligans had pelted stones on the yatra from here. So, this action is being taken,” Kumar said. 

Earlier on Saturday morning, the Nuh district administration razed down over 45 “illegal” shops in the Nalhar road area. 

Violence had broken out between two groups on July 31 in Haryana’s Nuh district, on Monday in Nuh that claimed the lives of six people including two Home Guards. 

Meanwhile, the internet suspension in Nuh has been extended till Tuesday. 

Earlier on Friday, Haryana police said that as many as 141 people have been arrested and 55 FIRs registered in connection with the violence and rioting at Haryana’s Nuh district on Monday. 

The toll in the violence that broke out between two groups on Monday stood at 6, including 2 police homeguards, while another 88 were injured, police informed further. 

“In connection with the violence that took place during a religious procession, 55 FIRs have been registered so far and 141 people have been arrested. Another 88 people were injured in the clashes. The toll in the violence stands at 6,” a police officer said on Friday. 

Gurugram Police earlier said that it has filed 27 FIRs and arrested 38 accused persons, so far, in connection with the violence in Gurugram and adjoining districts, following the clashes in Nuh. 

“We have filed 27 FIRs and arrested 38 persons in connection with the recent violence in Gurugram. We have also taken 60 persons under preventive detention,” Varun Kumar Dhahiya, Assistant Police Commissioner (Gurugram), told ANI on Friday. 

Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij on Wednesday, while alleging a bigger conspiracy behind the violence, said the culprits will not be spared. 

“The culprits will not be spared. Whoever masterminded the violence will also pay. The rioters will be made to pay for the damage to public property,” Vij added. 

The Home Minister informed further, “I would urge one and all to maintain peace and harmony. State police personnel and central paramilitary forces are deployed in adequate numbers to ensure peace. The situation is under control.”

“I would also request people to refrain from posting any offensive or inflammatory content on social media. We have formed an inquiry committee, which is keeping an eye on each and every activity on social media. The matter is being investigated thoroughly,” Vij added. (ANI)

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The Lesson Rahul Gandhi Should Learn At 53

The lead news on Friday was on how after a Supreme Court order, the Congress party’s Rahul Gandhi, 53, would be able to get back to his position as a member of Parliament (MP) and of how he could now contest elections–both rights that had been denied to him after he was convicted by a trial in a lower court. Gandhi was on bail after he had been sentenced to two years in prison and disqualified from Parliament. 

During a campaign speech before the 2019 parliamentary elections, Gandhi had made a remark that alluded pejoratively to people with the surname “Modi”, which, of course, happens to be the surname of India’s Prime Minister. But it was a legislator belonging to the Prime Minister’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and from his home state, Gujarat, who filed a defamation suit against Gandhi. 

Gandhi holds the enviable position of leading the Congress party, India’s main national Opposition party, without being officially assigned as its head. The party’s president (on paper, at least) is the octogenarian Mallikarjun Kharge but, in effect, Gandhi’s family, chiefly his mother, Sonia, is the one that runs that party. It is undeniably a sort of dynastic entitlement that Gandhi enjoys: near-absolute power without official responsibility.

When Gandhi was disqualified from Parliament and sentenced for his defamatory statements, this column had suggested that he should also apologise for making a statement that could be perceived to tarnish the image of an entire community of Indians. That still holds. Gandhi ought to apologise.

There are two things that the apology would convey. In Indian politics, particularly during election campaigns and speeches, grace is not one of the attributes on display. Vicious, often personal, verbal assaults are de rigueur, and most often political leaders of every stripe get away with anything that they say: lies, insults, and false allegations against their rivals, to name a few. It is the reason why, along with rampant corruption, it is these that have given Indian politics a dirty, murky, unwholesome image. By apologising for something that he ought not to have said, Gandhi would not only do the fair thing but could even enhance his flagging image.

Second, an apology could act as an example to others in Indian politics, particularly to India’s young people because (although, strangely, Gandhi in his middle age is considered young in India’s political scene) he could be a role model for talented young people who want to build a career in politics. The example he could set is of being civil and respectful of others, including his opponents. Will he, though? If your guess is as good as mine, then he probably won’t. 

Gurugram is One of India’s Many Urban Tinder Boxes

Communal clashes in India are common and it is general knowledge that in the past 10 years, the friction, confrontation, and violence, particularly between the majority Hindu community, which accounts for 80% of the populations, and Muslims, who make up 14%. The most recent incident began at the end of July in the northern state of Haryana. 

It started when a Hindu religious procession organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, two Hindu far-right organisations aligned with the ruling BJP, turned violent in the Nuh district neighbouring Gurugram. The clashes are believed to have begun after some Muslim men stopped the religious procession and stones were thrown at the marc². At least four people were killed, including two policemen.

The violence then spread to Gurugram, which is just outside the capital city of Delhi, where a mob allegedly set fire to a mosque and killed its imam on the night of July 31. Several Muslim-owned shops, roadside eateries, properties and places of worship were also attacked and torched by Hindu mobs in Gurugram and nearby towns such as Sohna. Bajrang Dal members also held a rally in Haryana’s Bahadurgarh city, shouting hateful slogans against Muslims.

The situation in Gurugram is still tense but under control as of now. But the incident highlights how fragile and potentially incendiary communal tension in India is. 

Communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims in India have been very serious since the BJP came to power in 2014.  Many blame that the BJP’s Hindu nationalist rhetoric and policies marginalise and persecute the Muslim minority. The BJP has also been accused of inciting violence against Muslims, either directly or through its affiliated groups. 

Incidents such as the most recent one in Gurugram have been frequent. And many of them are increasingly happening in or close to India’s bigger urban centres. Last year in April, a massive street fight broke out in the Jahangirpuri area of Delhi, when a group of Hindu nationalists stopped in front of a mosque during a procession for the Hindu god Hanuman and provoked the Muslim residents. The clash lasted for several hours and spread to other parts of the city.

In May the same year, a curfew was imposed in Jodhpur city of Rajasthan state, following clashes between Hindus and Muslims over the hoisting of religious flags. The violence erupted on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr for Muslims and Parshuram Jayanti for Hindus.

In March 2020, at least 53 people were killed and hundreds injured in the worst communal riots in Delhi in decades. The violence started after clashes between supporters and opponents of a controversial citizenship law that critics say discriminates against Muslims. The clashes coincided with the visit of the then US President Donald Trump to India.

In February 2020, two people were killed and several injured in Mangaluru city of Karnataka state, when a group of Hindu activists attacked a Muslim prayer hall during a rally against the citizenship law. The police fired tear gas and bullets to disperse the mob.

These  are just a few examples but incidents such as these have created a climate of fear and insecurity among Muslims in India, who feel that they are not safe or equal citizens under the Modi regime. The most recent incident in Gurugram further demonstrates how urban India could well be ticking time bombs whose fuse could be lit at any time. Many analysts also warn that communal violence could escalate further as India approaches an election next year, with the BJP likely to use divisive tactics to mobilise its Hindu base.

Twitter Becomes X But Musk’s Real Strategy is Bigger

To some, Elon Musk, the new owner of Twitter, the popular social media platform that has more than 450 million monthly users, is a risk-taking business visionary. His businesses, which include spacecraft and electric car manufacture, have been valued as high as to make him the world’s wealthiest man with an estimated net worth of $240 billion or more. But to many he could also resemble a powerful man given to flights of megalomania and control seeking. 

After he took over Twitter in October 2022, he has been tinkering furiously with the platform and its offerings. He has made it partly subscription driven (you can now practically buy the blue tick of verification or credibility); the number of tweets or direct messages you can post daily has been capped; and now, he has changed the branding of Twitter. It is now named X.

While this has led to memes and protests in social media (Twitter included), what really does the rebranding mean? Here are a few thoughts… 

The new logo, which is a simple black-and-white “X”, is meant to “embody the imperfections in us all that make us unique”, according to Elon Musk. It also reflects his personal affinity for the letter X, which he has used in many of his ventures, such as SpaceX, X.com, and X.AI. In marketing, it could actually differentiate the brand from other social media services and platforms. 

But then it could also alienate or confuse some existing users of Twitter. Many don’t understand the rationale behind the change. While Twitter with its bird logo had a sort of maverick quirkiness about it, the X can seem bland and charmless. The readability of the logo X as portrayed has also raised concern among resenting users. ‘X’ also could have connotations through literature and popular culture of being associated with censorship, control, and authoritarianism. 

Much would depend on how Twitter, or rather X, positions, markets, and communicates its rebranding exercise. It would also impact how Twitter’s rivals can challenge it in the social media market. 

Twitter does have rivals in the social media space, such as Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), Google (YouTube), Snap (Snapchat), LinkedIn, WeChat, and others. Some of these rivals offer similar features or functions as Twitter, such as microblogging, messaging, video sharing, news aggregation, etc. Some of them also have larger user bases or more diverse revenue streams than Twitter.

Twitter’s rivals may offer more innovative or appealing products or services that attract more users or advertisers. Meta’s Threads is an example of an app designed to take on Twitter by offering a text-based messaging system that also integrates with Instagram and allows its users to share links, photos, videos and other media for up to five minutes’ duration. Others such as Snapchat are more popular among younger users who may not be guaranteed to switch to other platforms as they grow older. 

Yet, Twitter has a value proposition and niche in the social media market. It is characterised by real-time news dissemination and immediacy of being able to deliver information. It has a conversational aspect and an influential and diverse user base that includes heads of state, political leaders, celebrities, journalists, and so on. 

Unlike some of its rivals, however, Twitter has been tardy in monetising its user base. But now it has been taking steps towards that as well. For example, it has launched Spaces (audio chat rooms), Fleets (disappearing stories), Super Follows (paid subscriptions), Tip Jar (in-app tipping), Revue (a newsletter service), etc.

Twitter’s new branding could be seen as a strategy to reposition itself and adapt to the changing trends and demands of its users and stakeholders. Whether it succeeds or fails will depend on how well it executes its plans and responds to the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Why Trump still has appeal among voters

Despite facing multiple criminal charges and lawsuits, Donald Trump remains the most popular figure in the Republican Party and a formidable contender for the 2024 presidential nomination. How does he manage to maintain his loyal base and fend off his rivals?

One reason is his grip on the conservative media ecosystem, which amplifies his messages and attacks his critics. Although debarred from Twitter, Trump has a loyal following on social media platforms such as Telegram and Gab, where he can communicate directly with his supporters without any censorship or fact-checking. He also has the backing of influential right-wing outlets such as Fox News, Newsmax, and OAN, which often echo his claims and defend his actions.

Another reason is his ability to mobilise his supporters and raise funds for his political activities. Trump has held several rallies across the US since leaving office, drawing large crowds that cheer his grievances and aspirations. He has also garnered at least $100 million from his loyal donors, who steadfastly support him.

A third reason is his influence over the Republican Party, which he has reshaped in his own image and got rid of dissenters. Trump has endorsed several candidates who share his views and agenda for the upcoming midterm elections, hoping to oust those who voted to impeach him or certify Joe Biden’s victory. He has also threatened to run as an independent or form a new party if the GOP does not nominate him in 2024.

Trump’s popularity among Republican voters is undeniable. But he faces several challenges and uncertainties that could undermine his political return. His legal troubles could result in convictions or settlements that damage his reputation or drain his resources. His health (he is 77) could deteriorate or prevent him from campaigning effectively. His rivals could unite or outperform him in the primaries or the general election. His supporters could lose enthusiasm or defect to other candidates.

Trump’s appeal, however, is remarkable in American politics. He has been topping the popularity charts among all potential Republican nominees in the presidential elections and many believe that he may still have a chance to return to the White House.

Fresh violence breaks out in Manipur

Last Friday, in a fresh outbreak of violence in Manipur, three people were gunned down while they were sleeping and then slashed with swords gruesomely, a sign that violence in the northeastern Indian state is nowhere near abatement. 

The situation in Manipur continues to be tense and volatile, as the ethnic conflict between the Meitei and the Kuki communities rages on. The violence has claimed more than 130 lives, displaced more than 60,000 people, and destroyed hundreds of homes, churches, and temples. The state is divided along ethnic lines, with the Meiteis controlling the valley and the Kukis dominating the hills. Both sides have armed militias that are engaged in frequent clashes and attacks.

The courts are trying to resolve the legal issues that triggered the conflict, such as the granting of tribal status to the Meiteis and the eviction of Kukis from their lands. India’s Supreme Court has stayed the order that gave the Meiteis tribal benefits, and has asked the state government to explain its rationale. The court has also directed the Centre  to intervene and restore peace and order in the state. However, the judicial process is slow and complicated, and has not been able to address the underlying grievances and aspirations of both communities.

For now, there is no sign of an end to the violence, as both sides are adamant on their demands and unwilling to compromise. The Kukis accuse the Meiteis of trying to wipe out their identity and culture, while the Meiteis accuse the Kukis of being illegal immigrants and drug traffickers. The violence has also taken a toll on women, who have been subjected to sexual assault and humiliation by rival groups. A shocking video of two Kuki women being paraded naked by Meitei men in May has sparked outrage and condemnation across India.

The situation in Manipur is a humanitarian crisis that needs urgent attention and action from all stakeholders. The state government, the central government, the civil society, and the media need to work together to find a peaceful and lasting solution that respects the rights and dignity of all communities.

‘Overcrowded Hill Shrines Can Cause Severe Ecological Damage’

Sanjay Govil, a management professional and an avid traveller, says the government must regulate visitors at our ancient shrines to save a fragile hill ecology

Religious centres in our country have significant cultural, historical and spiritual importance for us. However, in recent years, these pilgrimage centres have transformed into tourist destinations, attracting a huge influx of visitors without proper checks in place. I’m sure that this brings in economic benefits to the local communities and the country at large, but it also poses serious risks to the environment and the sanctity of these sacred sites.

The transformation of religious centres into tourist hotspots has happened because of the increasing ease and affordability of travel, allowing more people to embark on spiritual journeys and visit religious landmarks. Social media and travel websites have also played a significant role in promoting these destinations.

This newfound economic prosperity no doubt helps in supporting the maintenance of the sites and investing in local infrastructure but at the same time the rapid growth of tourism without appropriate regulations has led to consequences that far outweigh the benefits.

Environmental impact of unchecked tourism is a concern. Religious centres situated in delicate ecosystems put immense pressure on the local flora and fauna. Increased construction of hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related facilities leads to deforestation, habitat destruction, and disruption of the natural balance. Additionally, littering, waste generation, and excessive water usage by pilgrims result into polluting the environment.

Moreover, the serenity and spiritual aura of religious centres is compromised when overrun by large crowds. The peaceful atmosphere that attracts devotees and pilgrims in the first place is disrupted by noise, commercialization, and a lack of respect for the sacredness of the place.

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It’s important to preserve the authenticity and historical significance of these religious centres. With excessive tourism, there is a risk of diluting the cultural heritage and traditions associated with these places. Commercialization and modernization is not for these sacred sites.

I feel it is essential to implement sustainable tourism practices and strike a balance between economic development and environmental preservation. Local governments, religious authorities, and community leaders should collaborate to devise responsible tourism policies that regulate the number of visitors, control construction activities, and enforce waste management measures.

The issue requires a comprehensive and holistic approach. Potential solutions may include

1) Implementing visitor quotas, ticketing systems, and timed entry slots can help control the number of visitors at any given time, reducing the strain on infrastructure and environment.

2)Infrastructure developmentcan help handle the increased footfall, including waste management facilities, water conservation projects, and public transportation options.

3) Education and awareness vis-à-vis the ecological and cultural sensitivity of these places and encouraging responsible tourism practices especially avoiding single-use plastics, are important.

4) Preservation of sacred sitesis neededto ensure that commercial activities do not compromise the core values and spiritual essence of these places.

4) Local communitiesshould be involved in the decision-making process and the benefits of tourism so that they know that they have a stake in preserving their environment and culture.

5) The government needs to promote offbeat religious placesto diversify tourism by promoting lesser-known religious centres, distributing the tourist influx more evenly and reducing the burden on popular sites. This will also allow for a more sustainable distribution of economic benefits.

6)Ecotourism initiativescan be taken topromote sustainable practices and foster a deeper understanding of the natural environment.

Responsible and sustainable tourism practices are essential to strike a balance between economic development and cultural preservation, ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the spiritual and historical significance of these religious centres.

As told to Deepa Gupta