Month: April 2026

The Union Cabinet’s decision on Saturday to increase DA allowance of central government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners by 2 per cent will cost the exchequer Rs 6,791 crore.

It represents an increase of two per cent over the existing rate of 58 per cent of the Basic Pay/Pension, to compensate against price rise.

Briefing about the cabinet decisions, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the decision will benefit over 50 lakh Central Government employees and over 68 lakh pensioners.

“Another very big decision was taken today. I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations. DA and DR have been increased for all our central government employees and pensioners, which will cost the Government of India a total of Rs. 6,791 crore. Basically, DA and DR will become 60% of the basic pay from January 1, 2026. It has been increased by 2%, from 58% to 60%. It will become 60% of the basic pay. There are a total of about 50 lakh employees and 68 lakh pensioners of the Government of India. This will be a huge benefit for all of them,” he said.

This increase is in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission, an official release said. (ANI)

Iran on Saturday announced that the strategic Strait of Hormuz has reverted to its “previous state” of strict military control, as it was before the ceasefire deal with Israel and Lebanon, citing violations by the United States under its continued blockade of Iranian ports, despite Tehran earlier announcing the reopening of the waterway.

According to the Iranian state media, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), citing the spokesperson for Iran’s Central Headquarters of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), Tehran had earlier agreed, in good faith, to allow limited and managed passage of oil tankers and commercial vessels through the strategic strait following negotiations.

However, the spokesperson stated that the United States repeatedly breached commitments and engaged in “piracy and banditry” under the pretext of enforcing a blockade over the ports of the Islamic Republic.

“Following previous agreements in negotiations, the Islamic Republic of Iran agreed in good faith to allow a limited number of oil tankers and commercial ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz in a managed manner. Unfortunately, the Americans, with their repeated record of breach of promise, continue to engage in piracy and banditry under the guise of a so-called blockade,” the statement read, as quoted by IRIB.

The spokesperson further declared that control over the Strait has now been tightened, with the waterway placed under the “strict management and control” of Iran’s armed forces.

“For this reason, control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state, and this strategic strait is under the strict management and control of the armed forces,” the statement added.

The statement further stated that the current situation would persist unless Washington ensures what Iran described as “complete freedom of movement” for Iranian vessels.

This comes after Trump, in a post on Truth Social, declared that the American naval blockade of Iranian ports will persist until a comprehensive peace agreement is finalised with Tehran, despite Iran’s move to restore access to the Strait of Hormuz.

“The naval blockade will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran only until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete.” He further noted that “this process should go very quickly”, the post read.

Following Trump’s comment, Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, MB Ghalibaf, slammed Trump on X.

In his post, Ghalibaf asserted that maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz will be strictly controlled by Tehran, stating that passage will be allowed only through designated routes and under Iranian approval. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address the nation tonight at 8:30 PM. It is likely that the Prime Minister will speak on the issue of the Women’s reservation bill which failed to pass in Parliament after the opposition blocked it.

Earlier former Union Minister Smriti Irani lambasted the Congress and other INDIA bloc allies for failing to unite behind the move to give 33% reservation to women in Parliament.

Smriti Irani said, “The women of the country were told that the Congress party has created a dream that holds the intention of securing political rights for women. What has become of that intention after 98 years was seen yesterday by women across the country in the nation’s Parliament. The Congress party smiled, thumped desks, and celebrated politically yesterday as they crushed the aspirations of the nation’s political awakening. But for the BJP, this is not just a struggle for power; it is a fight for the right to equality. Women will remember that during six decades of Congress rule, 11 crore women in this country were deprived of access to toilets. Women will remember that 25 crore women were denied the support to open bank accounts. Women will remember that under BJP-NDA, the first gender budget framework was introduced.”

The BJP leader said that the Congress’ real face was now exposed before the women of the country.

“Congress and its supporting parties celebrated the fact that the struggling political women of this country, who have been working for years and were merely demanding 33% rights. They were immersed in the celebration of how to deny those women their rights by breaking their dignity, and how to win the battle in Parliament. Today, in the Congress press conference, a jibe was made that some people in the BJP tried to play the messiah. I’m stunned that in the Congress press conference, it was stated that they support the bill passed in 2023, which mentions delimitation. But look at Congress’s hypocrisy–they also say together that they don’t have faith in the committee and the arrangement for delimitation. Congress has no faith in the country’s constitutional arrangement, in Parliament, or in the women of the country. Congress has exposed its cruel face in front of the women of the country,” she said.

On Friday, the BJP-led government failed to secure the required two-thirds majority to pass the amendment bill. In the Lok Sabha voting, 298 members supported the bill while 230 opposed it.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla confirmed that the bill did not pass. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Centre would not proceed with the remaining interlinked legislations.

While Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused the opposition of blocking women’s reservation, opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, maintained that they support the quota but oppose its linkage with delimitation.

“Yesterday in Parliament, they came up with a new Bill. They said it was a Women’s Bill, but that was already passed in 2023. The hidden agenda behind that Bill was delimitation. The idea was to reduce Tamil Nadu’s representation in the Parliament of India and weaken southern and smaller states. We defeated that Bill in Parliament yesterday,” he said during a campaign rally in Ponneri, Tamil Nadu.

Outlining his broader political position, he said India is a “union of states” where each state must have equal space. “Every state should have a voice in the Union and should be free to express its language and protect its tradition.”

Meanwhile, the BJP and its allies are continuing their street protest against the Congress and the INDIA bloc alleging that the alliance was anti-women and did not want to see the women of the country go forward. (ANI)

Former Union Minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani stated that the Women’s Reservation Bill seeks to strengthen “ordinary women” with political aspirations, not carve out a new vote bank, and added that women have consistently backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014.

Irani said the legislation is aimed at political empowerment.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP Headquarters, Irani said, “When PM Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, if we look at his journey, the votes of those who voted for him have only increased. So it is not as if there is any attempt to carve out a new vote bank. Women in the country, whether in 2014, 2019 or 2024, have supported PM Modi by voting for him. The bill that has been introduced is one that aims to strengthen the capability of ordinary women in this country who have political aspirations and wish to contribute to the development of the nation. It is a bill that empowers them.

Taking a swipe at Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Irani said that those who have “inherited politics” may not fully understand such initiatives.

“Those who have inherited politics may not understand this for sure. Therefore, I do not expect Mrs Vadra to understand this effort of PM Modi, which empowers ordinary women in the country. Women in the country have consistently and in large numbers voted for PM Modi and supported him,” Irani added.

Earlier in a press conference, Priyanka Gandhi had stated that, “It’s a Black Day for them (centre) because they’ve felt a shock for the first time, which they deserved. The problems of women today are growing exponentially. Women aren’t fools. They see everything. That PR and media hype won’t work anymore.”

Additionally, Irani accused the Congress of “crushing the aspirations” of women by opposing the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, saying the party celebrated in Parliament while denying women their political rights.

Irani said, “The women of the country were told that the Congress party has created a dream that holds the intention of securing political rights for women. What has become of that intention after 98 years was seen yesterday by women across the country in the nation’s Parliament. The Congress party smiled, thumped desks, and celebrated politically yesterday as they crushed the aspirations of the nation’s political awakening. But for the BJP, this is not just a struggle for power; it is a fight for the right to equality.”

Irani contrasted the BJP-led government’s record with that of previous Congress governments. She alleged that during decades of Congress rule, millions of women were deprived of basic facilities such as toilets and banking access, contrasting it with initiatives under the BJP-led NDA government, including the introduction of a gender budget framework.

She further accused the Congress and its allies of celebrating the denial of women’s long-standing demand for 33 per cent reservation in legislatures.

She added, “Women will remember that during six decades of Congress rule, 11 crore women in this country were deprived of access to toilets. Women will remember that 25 crore women were denied the support to open bank accounts. Women will remember that under BJP-NDA, the first gender budget framework was introduced. Congress and its supporting parties celebrated the fact that the struggling political women of this country, who have been working for years and were merely demanding 33% rights. They were immersed in the celebration of how to deny those women their rights by breaking their dignity, and how to win the battle in Parliament. Today, in the Congress press conference, a jibe was made that some people in the BJP tried to play the messiah. I’m stunned that in the Congress press conference, it was stated that they support the bill passed in 2023, which mentions delimitation. But look at Congress’s hypocrisy–they also say together that they don’t have faith in the committee and the arrangement for delimitation. Congress has no faith in the country’s constitutional arrangement, in Parliament, or in the women of the country. Congress has exposed its cruel face in front of the women of the country.”

The remarks come a day after the BJP-led government failed to secure the required two-thirds majority to pass the amendment bill. In the Lok Sabha voting, 298 members supported the bill while 230 opposed it.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla confirmed that the bill did not pass. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Centre would not proceed with the remaining interlinked legislations.

While Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused the opposition of blocking women’s reservation, opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, maintained that they support the quota but oppose its linkage with delimitation. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address the nation tonight at 8:30 PM. It is likely that the Prime Minister will speak on the issue of the Women’s reservation bill which failed to pass in Parliament after the opposition blocked it.

Earlier former Union Minister Smriti Irani lambasted the Congress and other INDIA bloc allies for failing to unite behind the move to give 33% reservation to women in Parliament.

Smriti Irani said, “The women of the country were told that the Congress party has created a dream that holds the intention of securing political rights for women. What has become of that intention after 98 years was seen yesterday by women across the country in the nation’s Parliament. The Congress party smiled, thumped desks, and celebrated politically yesterday as they crushed the aspirations of the nation’s political awakening. But for the BJP, this is not just a struggle for power; it is a fight for the right to equality. Women will remember that during six decades of Congress rule, 11 crore women in this country were deprived of access to toilets. Women will remember that 25 crore women were denied the support to open bank accounts. Women will remember that under BJP-NDA, the first gender budget framework was introduced.”

The BJP leader said that the Congress’ real face was now exposed before the women of the country.

“Congress and its supporting parties celebrated the fact that the struggling political women of this country, who have been working for years and were merely demanding 33% rights. They were immersed in the celebration of how to deny those women their rights by breaking their dignity, and how to win the battle in Parliament. Today, in the Congress press conference, a jibe was made that some people in the BJP tried to play the messiah. I’m stunned that in the Congress press conference, it was stated that they support the bill passed in 2023, which mentions delimitation. But look at Congress’s hypocrisy–they also say together that they don’t have faith in the committee and the arrangement for delimitation. Congress has no faith in the country’s constitutional arrangement, in Parliament, or in the women of the country. Congress has exposed its cruel face in front of the women of the country,” she said.

On Friday, the BJP-led government failed to secure the required two-thirds majority to pass the amendment bill. In the Lok Sabha voting, 298 members supported the bill while 230 opposed it.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla confirmed that the bill did not pass. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Centre would not proceed with the remaining interlinked legislations.

While Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused the opposition of blocking women’s reservation, opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, maintained that they support the quota but oppose its linkage with delimitation.

“Yesterday in Parliament, they came up with a new Bill. They said it was a Women’s Bill, but that was already passed in 2023. The hidden agenda behind that Bill was delimitation. The idea was to reduce Tamil Nadu’s representation in the Parliament of India and weaken southern and smaller states. We defeated that Bill in Parliament yesterday,” he said during a campaign rally in Ponneri, Tamil Nadu.

Outlining his broader political position, he said India is a “union of states” where each state must have equal space. “Every state should have a voice in the Union and should be free to express its language and protect its tradition.”

Meanwhile, the BJP and its allies are continuing their street protest against the Congress and the INDIA bloc alleging that the alliance was anti-women and did not want to see the women of the country go forward. (ANI)

Ayushmann Khurrana has unveiled the first-look poster of his upcoming film ‘Pati Patni Aur Woh Do’, introducing a chaotic and comedic world featuring Sara Ali Khan, Wamiqa Gabbi and Rakul Preet Singh alongside him.

The film is slated for a theatrical release on May 15, 2026. Khurrana shared the poster on Instagram, offering audiences a glimpse into the film’s quirky narrative and visual tone.

The first-look poster presents Ayushmann Khurrana in a khaki uniform, visibly flustered as he appears tangled in a golden net or rope.

A large leopard sits calmly beside him, creating a striking contrast with his panicked expression.

Khurrana captioned the Instagram post, “Shikari khud hogaya shikaar! Ab Jaal mein phas gaye humare PRAJAPATI PANDEY. Ho jao #PatiPatniAurWohDo ke liye taiyaar! In cinemas 15th May 2026!”

The announcement highlights the ensemble cast featuring Sara Ali Khan, Wamiqa Gabbi and Rakul Preet Singh, positioning Ayushmann’s character Prajapati Pandey at the centre of the unfolding chaos and comedic entanglement.

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh also shared the update, writing, “Welcome to the world of #PrajapatiPandey… The first look of #PatiPatniAurWohDo, starring #AyushmannKhuranna, #SaraAliKhan, #WamiqaGabbi, and RakulPreetSingh, has been unveiled. Directed by MudassarAziz, the film is slated to arrive in cinemas on 15 May 2026. Produced by BhushanKumar, RenuRaviChopra, and Krishan Kumar, with JunoChopra as the creative producer. A ZeeStudios worldwide release.”

The film is directed by Mudassar Aziz and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Renu Ravi Chopra, and Krishan Kumar under T-Series and BR Studios.

Juno Chopra serves as creative producer, with Zee Studios presenting the worldwide release. (ANI)

As Saturday marked the final day of the Special Parliament Session, both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned sine die.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla concluded the proceedings, formally bringing the Budget session to a close. Rajya Sabha Chairman Vice-President C.P Radhakrishnan adjourned the Upper House of Parliament shortly after.

The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, in his valedictory address, said that with the conclusion of the 270th Session of the House, the Budget Session of Parliament has come to an end. He expressed appreciation to members for their valuable contributions, which he said enriched the debates in the House.

He noted that among the three parliamentary sessions, the Budget Session holds primacy as it is the longest and most significant, with budgetary allocations, policies, and priorities having a direct impact on the country’s development and citizens’ lives.

Recalling the proceedings, the Chairman said the session began with a four-day discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address, in which 79 members participated. He added that the Prime Minister’s reply provided clarity on several issues raised by members.

He further said the discussion on the Union Budget 2026-27 was comprehensive and incisive, with 97 members participating over four days. The House also held detailed discussions on the functioning of two key ministries.

The Chairman took note of suo motu statements made by the Commerce and Industry Minister on the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement and by the External Affairs Minister on the situation in West Asia. He also referred to the Prime Minister’s statement on the West Asia conflict, highlighting its impact on India’s energy security and the need for collective national resolve.

He informed that 50 Private Members’ Bills were introduced during the session. Members also spoke in 12 regional languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution on 94 occasions.

Highlighting the performance of the House, he said it functioned for 157 hours and 40 minutes, with productivity at 109.87 per cent. During the session, 117 questions were taken up, along with 446 Zero Hour submissions and 207 Special Mentions.

The Chairman also mentioned the re-election of Shri Harivansh as Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha for a third term, noting that he was felicitated by the Prime Minister and leaders across party lines.

He thanked the Deputy Chairman, Panel of Vice-Chairpersons, Leader of the House, Leader of the Opposition, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, party leaders, and all members for their cooperation in the smooth conduct of proceedings. Appreciation was also extended to the Secretary-General, parliamentary staff, and the media.

Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met Members of Parliament in his office after both Houses were adjourned sine die.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Congress MPs Kumari Selja and KC Venugopal, along with several other MPs, were present at the meeting.

Earlier, an intensifying political standoff between the ruling BJP-led government and opposition parties over the failed legislation erupted, which was linked to the implementation of women’s reservation through a delimitation exercise. The bill could not secure the required two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha, with 298 members voting in favour and 230 opposing it.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced that the Constitution Amendment Bill had not been passed. Following the outcome, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government would not proceed with the remaining two interlinked bills.

The BJP has accused opposition parties of blocking a historic reform aimed at ensuring 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah alleged that parties like Congress, TMC, and others prevented the passage of the bill and warned of political consequences.

However, the opposition has maintained that it supports women’s reservation in principle but opposes linking it with delimitation and census processes. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, described the bill as an attempt to alter India’s electoral structure, while several Congress leaders termed the vote a defence of democratic values. (ANI)

With the claim of US President Donald Trump that he played a key role in resolving multiple global conflicts, Trump, on his social media platform Truth Social, shared a post by the “Trump War Room” of a digital poster featuringTrump to be “The Peace President.”

In a post on Truth Social on Friday, the “Trump War Room” handle said, “Trust Trump. Not Panicans.”

The post featured a digital poster claiming the US President to be “The Peace President”.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) claimed that he played a key role in resolving multiple global conflicts, including the India-Pakistan situation, asserting that his interventions helped prevent large-scale loss of life.

While speaking on international conflicts at the Turning Point USA event in Phoenix, Arizona, Trump said, “I am the peacemaker. I am the one who settled eight wars. I settled a war that would have killed 30 to 50 million people, India-Pakistan.”

He further expanded on his claim, saying, “I ended eight wars, but if we add Iran and Lebanon, that will be 10 wars ended and many, many millions of lives saved. Think of how many lives we’ve saved.”

On the Lebanon ceasefire, Trump said the US had helped secure a major breakthrough, claiming, “Yesterday, we achieved what everyone said was impossible, an unprecedented ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. That hasn’t taken place in 78 years…we will make Lebanon great again…”

In talks with Iran, Trump said negotiations were continuing and expressed optimism, adding, “Talks are going on, and we’ll go on over the weekend,” and said the US blockade would end once an “agreement is signed.”

Meanwhile, a fresh round of US-Iran talks is expected to take place in Islamabad on Monday, with delegations likely to arrive in Pakistan on Sunday, Iranian officials said, according to CNN.

President Trump also said that any agreement with Iran would not take effect until it is fully finalised, while claiming major developments in West Asia, including Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking at a Turning Point USA event in Phoenix, Arizona, Trump said, “This will be a great and brilliant day for the world because Iran has just announced that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open and ready for business and full passage. But the naval blockade with the greatest navy in the world, from the greatest military the world has ever seen, we built it. During my first term, we built it…We’ll remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100 % complete and fully signed.”

Meanwhile, Iran has asserted that maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz will be strictly controlled by Tehran, stating that passage will be allowed only through designated routes and under Iranian approval, amid escalating tensions with the United States over regional security and negotiations.

Speaker of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said, “4- Passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be conducted based on the ‘designated route’ and with ‘Iranian authorisation.’ 5- Whether the Strait is open or closed and the regulations governing it will be determined by the field, not by social media.”(ANI)

The Opposition will write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to demand the implementation of the old Women’s Reservation Bill, Sources said.

As per the Sources on Saturday, Parties in the INDIA bloc will hold press conferences across the country to state that they support women’s reservation, but the government was trying to change the political map of the country under its guise.

During the meeting, all leaders congratulated one another, and Sonia Gandhi expressed her gratitude to all her allies.

Speaking to ANI ahead of the final day of the special sitting, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi urged the Centre to reintroduce the original Women’s Reservation Bill, a day after the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, failed to pass in the Lok Sabha during the special Parliament sitting.

Priyanka Gandhi challenged the government to bring back a version of the bill that had previously received broad political consensus. “They (Centre) should bring the old women’s bill, the one which was passed by all parties, immediately on Monday. Hold Parliament on Monday, bring the bill and let’s see who is anti-woman. We will all vote and support you,” she told ANI.

The One Hundred and Sixth Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023 (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam), passed in 2023 by Parliament, provides for 33% (one-third) reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.

Meanwhile, the BJP-led NDA government on Friday failed to secure the required two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha to pass the Constitution Amendment Bill, which was linked to implementing women’s reservation through delimitation. In the voting held after a marathon debate, 298 members supported the bill while 230 opposed it, leading to its defeat.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla confirmed that the bill did not pass as it fell short of the constitutional threshold. The government had introduced three interlinked legislations, including the Delimitation Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, but Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju later said the remaining bills would not be pursued.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier accused opposition parties of blocking a key reform aimed at granting 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies.

Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, maintained that they support women’s reservation but opposed linking it with delimitation, calling the move an attempt to alter India’s electoral structure.

The special sitting of Parliament was held amid the campaign for the assembly polls in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. (ANI)

The Fact Finding Committee has begun its inquiry into the alleged religious conversion and sexual harassment case linked to the TCS office in Nashik, advocate Monika Arora said on Saturday.

While speaking to ANI, Arora said, “We have come for an inquiry into the episode of TCS. And we are going to talk to all the stakeholders.”

She further stated that the panel would speak to all parties first before sharing any preliminary details.

“It’s not possible for us to say anything right now because we will meet all the stakeholders and talk to them, and whatever truth comes out, based on that, we are going to make a recommendation and a report,” she said.

Arora said the committee comprises four members.

“The committee has a retired judge, a retired IPS officer, and an advocate and a coordinator from NCW. There are four people,” she added.

The panel’s visit comes amid protests by Bajrang Dal members outside the District Collector’s Office demanding action over the allegations.

On Friday, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) took custody of two accused, Safi Shaikh and Raza Memon, in the alleged forced conversion case linked to Nashik Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).

The ATS is currently interrogating the accused in connection with the alleged forced conversion case linked to Nashik TCS.

Earlier, K. Krithivasan, CEO and MD, TCS said that the company has engages the services of expert teams from Deloitte and a prominent law firm Trilegal as independent counsel to the internal investigation led by Aarthi Subramanian, President and COO, TCS. The TCS CEO said an committee chaired by Keki Mistry, Independent Director has also been constituted.

TCS said its unit in Nashik continues to operate and serve our clients. The company said that while detailed reviews are still underway, a preliminary review of the systems and records pertaining to the Nashik unit indicates that they had not received any complaints of the nature

that are being alleged on either its ethics or POSH channels.

Maharashtra Chief Minister & BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis on Friday termed the recent incident at the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) facility in Nashik a “very serious matter,” stating that the government is investigating whether the incident constitutes “corporate jihad.”Speaking with ANI, Fadnavis confirmed that state authorities are launching a deep-dive investigation to uncover the origins of the controversy that has gripped the tech hub.

Fadnavis emphasised that the state’s investigative agencies are looking beyond the surface of the incident. While he did not elaborate on the specific details of the “corporate jihad” allegation, he made it clear that the government is prepared to act decisively if evidence of a systemic conspiracy emerges.”The incident which has occurred in Nashik TCS is a very serious matter. I would like to thank TCS for taking cognisance of the matter. The TCS chief has condemned it, and they are cooperating with the police. We are trying to go to the root of the incident. We are probing the matter. If it emerges as corporate jihad, we will find its root,” he said.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Commission Member Priyank Kanungo said that the Commission has taken cognisance of the matter and has asked TCS for details of their BPOs, offices, subsidiaries, POSH committees and records of complaints received in the past three years.

Speaking with ANI, Kanungo said, “… A complaint was received alleging that at a TCS BPO in Nashik, women employees were being groomed, lured, blackmailed, forced to change religion, made to offer prayers, and subjected to sexual exploitation — all with the knowledge of senior management. It was claimed that management deliberately allowed such activities… We have taken cognisance of the complaint and asked TCS to provide details of all their BPOs and offices across India, including subsidiaries, the constitution of their POSH committees, and records of complaints received in the past three years, along with how they were handled.”He further added that the HRC has requested information from the Maharashtra police regarding the FIR in this case within two weeks.”We have also issued notice to Maharashtra Police, seeking clarity on the FIR filed in this case — specifically, whether the head of operations of the concerned office has been named as an accused, and if not, why. The information has been requested within two weeks,” he stated.

A total of nine cases have been registered, with one case filed at Deolali camp police station and eight others at Mumbai Naka. (ANI)