Month: August 2025

Uttarakhand Cabinet took a historic decision by deciding to introduce the Uttarakhand Minority Educational Institutions Bill, 2025, in the coming session of the Legislative Assembly starting on August 19.

Until now, the status of minority educational institutions has been given only to the Muslim community.

According to the release, the Bill seeks to extend the benefits of Minority Educational Institutions status to the minority communities other than Muslims, too. Once enacted, it will permit the study of Gurmukhi and Pali also in recognised minority educational institutions.

The Uttarakhand Madrasa Education Board Act, 2016 and the Uttarakhand Non-Government Arabic and Persian Madrasa Recognition Rules, 2019, will stand repealed from July 1, 2026.

Under the proposed Bill, this facility will also be available to other minority communities i.e Sikhs, Jains, Christians, Buddhists and Parsis. This is the first such Act in the country, aimed at establishing a transparent process for granting recognition to educational institutions set up by minority communities in the state, while ensuring quality and excellence in education.

Key Features of the Act include Formation of an Authority – A “Uttarakhand State Authority for Minority Education” will be constituted in the state to grant the status of minority educational institutions.

It includes Mandatory Recognition – Any educational institution established by Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, or Parsi communities must obtain recognition from the Authority to qualify as a minority educational institution.

Protection of Institutional Rights – The Act does not interfere in the establishment and administration of minority educational institutions but ensures that educational excellence is maintained.

Mandatory Conditions – To obtain recognition, educational institutions must be registered under the Societies Act, Trust Act, or Companies Act. Ownership of land, bank accounts, and other assets must be in the name of the institution. Recognition can be withdrawn in cases of financial mismanagement, lack of transparency, or activities against religious and social harmony.

Monitoring and Examination – The Authority will ensure that education is imparted in accordance with the standards set by the Board of School Education, Uttarakhand, and that student evaluations remain fair and transparent.

The Act introduces significant changes for minority community institutions in the state by establishing a transparent process for their recognition. It ensures the quality of education is maintained while protecting the constitutional rights of minorities. Additionally, the state government gains the authority to monitor the functioning of these institutions and issue necessary directives as needed. (ANI)

BJP leader CR Kesavan on Sunday slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Voter Adhikaar Yatra’ in Bihar, terming it a “Samvidhan Badnam Yatra” (Constitution slander yatra).

Kesavan accused Gandhi of attempting to “sabotage” the Constitution through “undemocratic and underhanded scarecrow tactics of fear-mongering.”

Kesavan also alleged that while Congress and its ally RJD speak of protecting “one person, one vote”, their true agenda is centred on promoting “one family and one dynastic rule”.

“Rahul Gandhi’s yatra is nothing but ‘Samvidhan Badnam Yatra’ (Constitution slander yatra). Rahul Gandhi’s deliberate and repeated attempts to sabotage Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar ji’s constitution with his undemocratic and underhanded scarecrow tactics of fear-mongering will miserably fail. As far as Rahul Gandhi and Congress, and their cohorts are concerned, they talk about protecting one person, one vote, but in reality, for the Congress and RJD, it is all about one family and one dynastic rule,’ he said.

He further labelled Gandhi a “chronic, cynical abuser” for allegedly maligning the Constitution, claiming the yatra was driven by the “fear of failure” of Congress and RJD in the state.

“Rahul Gandhi has been a chronic, cynical abuser when it comes to maligning our constitution… The real reason for this yatra is the fear of failure of Congress and the RJD,” he added.

Today, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will kick off the ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ from Sasaram in Bihar, aiming to raise awareness about voter rights and protest against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The 16-day yatra will cover a distance of 1,300 kilometres, with scheduled breaks of one day each on three occasions (August 20, 25 and 31).

Rahul Gandhi will be accompanied by Mahagathbandhan leaders, including Tejashwi Yadav and representatives from Left parties. The journey will be conducted in a hybrid mode, following the footsteps of Rahul Gandhi’s earlier Bharat Jodo Yatras, with the first being on foot and the second in a hybrid format.

The yatra will culminate on September 1 at the historic Gandhi Maidan in Patna with a large rally attended by key INDIA alliance leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, and Lalu Prasad Yadav, marking the formal launch of the Bihar assembly election campaign. (ANI)

Ahead of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s 80th death anniversary, his daughter Anita Bose Pfaff on Sunday urged Indians to support the transfer of his mortal remains to India for a final disposal.

In a statement, Anita Bose Pfaff paid tribute to Netaji and said, “As Netaji’s daughter, I invite the Indians of today who still remember him and respect him to support his posthumous return from exile, to support the transfer of his mortal remains to India for a final disposal.”

She highlighted Netaji’s role and the contribution of the Indian National Army in India’s independence struggle, and recalled the events that led to his death.

“The year 1945 saw the end of World War II: The attack by the United States of America on Hiroshima and Nagasaki with nuclear bombs was the ultimate cause for Japan’s surrender. For India this meant the end of Japan’s support for Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s and the Indian National Army’s struggle for India’s independence. After Emperor Hirohito of Japan had announced the surrender of Japan in a nationwide radio message on 15 August 1945, Netaji set out to fly to Tokyo on 17 August. After a stop-over in Taipei on 18 August 1945, on take-off his plane lost an engine and crashed. He was one of the passengers who suffered severe burns, and he died of his injuries that same day,” she said.

Anita Bose Pfaff noted that Netaji’s remains are still kept at Renkoji Temple in Tokyo.

“Netaji was cremated in Taipei, and his remains were taken to Tokyo. The head priest of the Renkoji Temple acceded to the request of members of the Indian community in Tokyo to keep Netaji’s remains safe ‘for a few months’. Almost 1000 months later, Netaji’s remains still rest in Renkoji Temple, well taken care of and honoured by the third generation of head priests,” she said.

She also recalled that Netaji once said that what he feared most was “to be in exile,” and stressed that his mortal remains should finally return to India.

“Once asked what he feared and abhorred most, Netaji is reported to have answered, ‘to be in exile’. In the 1930s he had returned to India from exile in Europe, even though he had been warned that he would be imprisoned immediately. He only escaped from India again when he had to avoid renewed imprisonment. From then on, he fought for India’s freedom from abroad – from exile, never to return alive. As Netaji’s daughter I invite the Indians of today who still remember him and respect him to support his posthumous return from exile, to support the transfer of his mortal remains to India for a final disposal,” she said.

According to the Ministry of Culture, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was a prominent nationalist leader who played a key role in India’s struggle for independence. Born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, Odisha, he abandoned a career in the Indian Civil Services to join the Congress, where he became known for his radical demand for complete independence. Twice elected Congress president, he resigned after differences with Mahatma Gandhi. During World War II, he led the Indian National Army with Japanese support against the British. Though unsuccessful militarily, his courage inspired millions.

As per the Ministry, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose reportedly died on August 18, 1945, in a plane crash in Taipei, where he suffered severe burns and later succumbed to his injuries. However, the exact circumstances of his death remain a subject of much “speculation” and “controversy”. The Ministry, on its official site, mentioned, “Despite various investigations, the exact circumstances of his death remain unresolved.” (ANI)

In a major initiative to boost Uttar Pradesh’s rural economy, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state Gau Seva Commission has joined hands with Patanjali Yogpeeth to promote cow protection, Panchgavya products, natural farming, and biogas expansion across the state.

The Gau Seva Commission entered into a partnership with Patanjali Yogpeeth following discussions between Commission Chairman Shyam Bihari Gupta and Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev and Patanjali Co-Founder Acharya Balkrishna in Haridwar, according to an official statement from the state government.

CM Adityanath firmly believes that “the village cow is the foundation of the village’s progress.” To advance this vision, Patanjali Yogpeeth has pledged full technical support to the state’s initiatives.

Under this partnership, cow shelters will no longer remain just centres of conservation, but will be transformed into hubs of rural industry, driving the production of Panchgavya products and biogas. Baba Ramdev is also expected to visit Uttar Pradesh soon to meet CM Yogi Adityanath and finalise the roadmap.

According to Dr Anurag Srivastava, OSD of the Gau Seva Commission, 2 to 10 cow shelters in each of the 75 districts will be developed as large model centres. Open sheds, fencing, and security arrangements will be created in cow sanctuaries to ensure the free movement of cows.

This initiative will also unlock large-scale rural employment, with villagers actively participating in cow urine collection and product sales under a 50% commission model. Patanjali Yogpeeth will further support the program through training, quality control, formulation, certification, and licensing.

In addition, advanced technologies such as geo-fencing, cow tagging, photo mapping, and fodder inventory tracking will be introduced in cow shelters. Natural inputs like neem, cow urine, and vermicompost will also be supplied to every village, helping farmers reduce costs, improve soil fertility, and strengthen environmental sustainability. (ANI)

At least seven people were killed and several others sustained injuries in two separate incidents of cloudburst and landslide in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district, officials said on Sunday.

Five people lost their lives due to flooding caused by a cloudburst in Jodh Ghati, while two persons were killed in a landslide in Janglote.

Following the cloudburst incident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district the Rail operations in certain sections have been affected, causing temporary disruptions due to heavy rainfall.

Authorities are taking necessary measures to ensure safety and restore normalcy as soon as possible, with updates on specific train schedules to follow.

Uchit Singhal, Sr DCM Jammu Division, Northern Railway, has clarified that heavy rains have caused water to flow above the danger level at Bridge-43 between Kathua and Budhi.

As a result, train movement on the up line has been temporarily suspended, and up trains are being operated via a temporary single line on the down line track.

“Multiple calls are being recieved with respect to track damage. It is to clarify that due to heavy rains, water is flowing above the danger level through Br-43 between Kathua and Budhi. In the wake of this, temporarily till the water level subsides, up-line movement has been suspended and in the meantime, up trains are being moved via a temporary single line through the DN line track. A few trains have been short-terminated and short-originated, including the cancellation of local passenger trains. Details will be shared shortly,” he said.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured that the Central government is closely monitoring the situation.

Shah assured full support from the government and said rescue operations are underway with help from the local administration and NDRE teams.

In a post on social media platform X, Shah wrote, “Spoke with the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir regarding the cloudburst in Kathua. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by the local administration, and NDRF teams have also been rushed to the site.”

“Assured every support from the Modi government. We stand firmly behind our sisters and brothers of J&K,” the post read.

On flash floods and landslide in Kathua, Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar said, “There was heavy rain in Kathua since last night… Seven people have died due to the landslide. Rescue operations are ongoing… Some people are being rescued by helicopters because the connectivity there has been cut off… Those who died due to the landslide, their bodies have been retrieved.”

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed deep anguish over the loss of lives due to rain-triggered landslides in several areas of Kathua district.

Terming the tragedy “mind-numbing,” LG Sinha stated that he briefed Union Minsiter Shah on the ongoing rescue and relief operations.

In an X post, he wrote, “Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the devastating rain-triggered landslides in several areas of Kathua. The tragedy is mind-numbing. Briefed Hon’ble Union Home Minister Sh. Amit Shah Ji on rescue and relief operations by the army, NDRF, SDRF, police & administration.”

The cloudburst in Kathua district on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday left four people dead, damaged a railway track, the national highway, and the local police station, while flash floods and a landslide in Jodh village have trapped six people and washed away several connecting roads, officials said.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has grief over the tragic loss of lives and damage caused by landslides in several parts of District Kathua, including Jodh Khad and Juthanad left many injured.

He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, and assured all necessary assistance. Chief Minister has directed the administration to carry out immediate relief, rescue and evacuation measures to ensure the safety and support of affected families according to the Chief Minister’s Office.

The Chief Minister also expressed deep concern for the lives and property affected by the recent cloudburst in Kathua, has announced ex-gratia assistance from the CM’s Relief Fund, in addition to SDRF support: Rs 2 lakh for each deceased; Rs 1 lakh for those severely injured; Rs 50,000 for minor injuries ₹1 lakh for fully damaged houses; ₹50,000 for severely damaged houses; Rs25,000 for partially damaged houses This assistance is aimed at providing immediate relief and supporting the affected families in rebuilding their lives, the Office of Chief Minister, J&K said in a statement. (ANI)

Animal lovers and rights activists staged a protest in Chennai on Sunday against the Supreme Court’s order directing that all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR be moved to shelters within eight weeks.

The protests in Chennai came days after similar demonstrations in the national capital.

On Friday, Delhi Police registered four FIRs in connection with protests held by dog lovers without prior permission on August 11 and 12 in the New Delhi district.

Police said the demonstrations in Delhi were organised despite prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), formerly Section 144 of the CrPC, which is currently in force as part of security measures ahead of Independence Day. According to officials, the protests turned unruly when police attempted to disperse the demonstrators, leading to clashes at some sites.

“Those who refused to leave the protest sites despite repeated requests were detained. Legal action will be taken against all those found violating the law,” the Delhi Police said.

One viral clip from the protests shows the Station House Officer of Tughlaq Road police station being manhandled by protesters, while another video shows a confrontation between a woman sub-inspector and a female demonstrator inside a bus.

The protests followed the Supreme Court’s August 11 order directing authorities to ensure that all localities in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad are free of stray dogs. The court had ruled that captured animals should not be released back onto the streets.

On Thursday, a three-judge bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria reserved its order on petitions seeking a stay on the directive. The bench said it would pass an interim order after hearing arguments from all sides.

At the outset, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Delhi government, said there was a “loud vocal minority” opposing the order, while a “silent suffering majority” supported action. “In a democracy, there is a vocal majority and one who silently suffers. We had seen videos of people eating chicken, eggs, etc., and then claiming to be animal lovers. It was an issue to be resolved. Children were dying… Sterilisation did not stop rabies; even if you immunised them, that did not stop mutilation of children,” Mehta submitted.

Citing World Health Organisation data, the Solicitor General said 37 lakh dog bites were reported in 2024, with 305 rabies deaths, most among children under 15 years of age. “Dogs do not have to be killed… they have to be separated. Parents cannot send children out to play. Nobody is an animal hater,” he added.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing an NGO, questioned whether municipal authorities had created enough shelter homes for the dogs. “Now dogs are picked up. But the order says once they are sterilised, do not leave them out in the community,” he argued, seeking a stay on the August 11 order.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi also opposed the directive. He said, “Dog bites exist, but there have been zero rabies deaths in Delhi this year. Of course, bites are bad, but you cannot create a horror situation like this.”

The bench observed that the core problem was the failure of local bodies to implement the Animal Birth Control Rules. Justice Nath remarked, “Rules and laws are framed by the Parliament, but they are not followed. Local authorities are not doing what they should be doing. On the one hand, humans are suffering, and on the other hand, animal lovers are here.”

In its detailed order, the court stressed that the August 11 decision was not taken on a “momentary impulse” but after two decades of authorities failing to address a matter directly affecting public safety. A separate bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Madadev noted that the issue concerns both human welfare and animal welfare. “This is not personal,” the bench said. (ANI)

A 39-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly raping his 65-year-old mother in the Hauz Qazi area in the national capital, Delhi police said on Sunday.

Police said the complainant, 65, filed a complaint at the Hauz Qazi police station stating that the incident took place after she returned from a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia with her husband and daughter on August 1.

According to the alleged survivor, her son first assaulted her soon after her return and then again attempted to attack her the next day, forcing her to go to her elder daughter-in-law’s house.

“On 01.08.2025, when they returned to Delhi, her son assaulted her and the next day also tried to assault her, due to which she went to her elder daughter’s in-laws’ house,” the police statement read.

Further, Delhi Police said that on August 11, when the woman returned home around 9:30 pm, the accused allegedly locked her in a room, threatened her with a knife and scissors, forced her to undress, and raped her.

The woman further stated that she did not disclose the incident due to fear and shame and began sleeping with her daughter. However, on the night of August 14 at around 3:30 am, her son allegedly raped her again.

“Her son locked her in the room, showed her a knife and scissors, forcibly made her remove her clothes, and raped her. After all this happened, she was terrified and, out of shame, did not tell anyone. She started sleeping with her daughter. Then, on the night of 14.08.2025, around 3:30 AM, he repeated this act,” the police statement read.

A case under Section 64(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been registered at Hauz Qazi police station.

The accused has been arrested, and further investigation is underway.

The woman lives with her 72-year-old husband, a retired government employee, their 25-year-old daughter, and the accused, who is an unemployed graduate. (ANI)

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep anguish over the loss of lives due to rain-triggered landslides in several areas of Kathua district on Sunday.

Terming the tragedy “mind-numbing,” LG Sinha stated that he briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the ongoing rescue and relief operations.

In an X post, he wrote, “Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the devastating rain-triggered landslides in several areas of Kathua. The tragedy is mind-numbing. Briefed Hon’ble Union Home Minister Sh. Amit Shah Ji on rescue and relief operations by the army, NDRF, SDRF, police & administration.”

A cloudburst in Kathua district has left four people dead, damaged a railway track, the national highway, and the local police station, while flash floods and a landslide in Jodh village have trapped six people and washed away several connecting roads, officials said.

Speaking about the situation in Jodh village, Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma said rescue teams are on the spot and operations are underway.

Meanwhile, in Kishtwar district, security forces have intensified rescue and relief operations after a flash flood triggered by a cloudburst during the Machail Mata Yatra on August 14 left around 55 people dead.

General Officer Commanding (GOC) Counter Insurgency Force, Delta, Major General APS Bal, said all the security forces are trying their best to save as many lives as possible.

“…All the security forces are trying their best to rescue as many people as possible from the area affected by the cloudburst. We are also providing relief to the local people who have suffered due to this disaster… The Indian Army was the first to respond to this disaster, and they reached the spot within 45 minutes…” Major General Bal told the media on Saturday.

The Indian Army is leading ground operations, supported by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), police, and the local administration. (ANI)

Unidentified men opened fire outside the residence of Elvish Yadav in Gurugram’s Sector 57 on Sunday morning, Police said.

According to Gurugram Police, over a “dozen rounds” of ammunition were fired outside the residence of Elvish Yadav. The actor was not present at his residence.

“Three masked miscreants opened fire outside the residence of YouTuber and Big Boss OTT winner Elvish Yadav in Gurugram’s Sector 57. The incident took place at around 5:30 AM. More than a dozen rounds were fired. Elvish Yadav was not at his residence at the time of the firing,” said Sandeep Kumar, PRO Gurugram Police.

Earlier, the Supreme Court granted an interim stay on legal proceedings against Elvish Yadav in connection with a rave party case, where snake venom and other illegal drugs were allegedly supplied and consumed.

A bench of Justices M M Sundresh and Joymalya Bagchi issued notice to the respondents, including the Uttar Pradesh government and complainant Gaurav Gupta, seeking their response to Yadav’s plea.

Yadav had approached the Supreme Court seeking quashing of the chargesheet filed against him and the summons issued in the case.

Earlier in May, the Allahabad High Court had dismissed his plea, observing that the allegations warranted a thorough legal examination as multiple FIRs had been registered in the matter.

The top court ordered an interim stay of legal proceedings against Yadav and issued a notice to the respondents in the matter.

For reference, Elvish Yadav has been chargesheeted under Sections 9, 39, 48A, 49, 50 and 51 of Wildlife Protection Act and Sections 284, 289 and 120B of IPC and Sections 8, 22, 29, 30 and 32 of NDPS Act in the FIR lodged at Police Station Sector-49, Noida, District Gautam Buddh Nagar.

A summons order has also been issued by the First Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Gautam Buddh Nagar.

Yadav challenged the chargesheet and the proceedings on the ground that the informant was not a competent person to lodge an FIR under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

It is pleaded that no snake, narcotic or psychotropic substance has been recovered from the applicant. (ANI)

Kerala welcomed the Malayalam New Year on Saturday, flocking to temples to offer prayers and celebrating the beginning of Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam calendar.

Chingam, known as Kollam Varsham, is also being observed as Farmers Day, honouring the community’s deep-rooted bond with soil and agriculture. This year, the Chingam festival is celebrated just 6 days before the commencement of Onam, which will be held from August 26 to September 5.

Chingam, the dawn of the Malayalam New Year. For every Malayali, it is a day of new beginnings and fresh hopes for the people. Traditionally known as Ponnin Chingam (Golden Chingam), this season has faced two years of heavy Onam rains, yet people now look forward with optimism, believing this Onam will truly be a golden one.

After enduring the hardships of Karkidakam, Malayalis eagerly await this day, stepping into the auspicious month. It is a time of harvest, when farmers reap the fruits of their care during the testing rainy season.

Visuals from Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Pazhavangaadi Ganapathy Temple showed devotees flocking to the temples to offer their prayers, coming with family and relatives for their morning rituals.

Anjala, a local who visits the temple every year with family to mark the festival, told ANI, “We come every year on this day. We start the day by visiting temple. I wish everyone a happy new year and a good life head”

Shika, a kid who visited the temple, mentioned how the crowd swells every year at the temple during the festival month, with Onam fast approaching too.

“Chingam is auspicious day for every Malayali, as our festival season in nearing like Onam, I am blessed with Lord Ganesha. We wear traditional dress. We get so many visitors from outside country also,” Shika told ANI.

Malayalis welcome Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam New Year, with hope and devotion. As the state prepares for Onam celebrations, temples witnessed a heavy rush of devotees. (ANI)