Category: INDIA

New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit reached a forward base on Sunday and joined frontline troops in Diwali festivities. He celebrated the festival with the ‘Air Warriors’ deployed at the station.

Upon arriving at the forward-area Air Force station, the IAF chief interacted with the Air Force warriors and ‘Agniveervayus’ (Agniveers in the Air Force) deployed there, entrusted with safeguarding the nation’s airspace.

The IAF chief distributed sweets and extended festive greetings to the brave. The Air Force Chief commended the Air Warriors for fulfilling their duties in the service of the nation with unwavering commitment, even while staying away from their families on the auspicious occasion of Diwali.

He said that while most people celebrate festivals with their families, Air Warriors stationed on the frontlines prioritise duty and remain on high alert to ensure the country’s security.

Notably, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accompanied by Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth, also celebrated Diwali with the Indian Armed Forces in Sherathang, Sikkim.

During the visit, the Union Minister paid tribute to the fallen soldiers at the Sherathang War Memorial and extended his Diwali greetings to the troops.

He commended the soldiers for their professionalism, high morale and steadfast commitment to safeguarding the nation’s borders in challenging high-altitude conditions, urging them to continue protecting the motherland with the same enthusiasm and dedication.

“Like a lamp which dispels darkness without seeking attention, soldiers perform their duties silently, ensuring that citizens can celebrate festivals with peace and security,” he said.

Highlighting the significance of Diwali, the Defence Minister drew a parallel between soldiers’ role and the diya (earthen lamp). He noted that just as a Diwali diya combats darkness silently, soldiers’ lives follow a similar path—they do not seek attention. Yet, their presence gives the entire nation a sense of security.

–IANS

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Hyderabad, Nov 8 (IANS) Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Sunday offered prayers at the Bhagyalakshmi Temple abutting historic Charminar.

The Governor, accompanied by his spouse, Janaki Shukla, visited the temple occasion of Diwali.

The Governor and his spouse offered special prayers to the Goddess.

Temple trustee Shashikala briefed them on the significance of the temple.

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla prayed for the prosperity of the nation and Telangana and wished the people happiness, peace and good health.

Meanwhile, the Governor had extended Diwali greetings to the people of Telangana.

He urged people to celebrate the festival with love, compassion and a spirit of service.

He said that Diwali symbolises the victory of light over darkness and called upon everyone to spread happiness, support the underprivileged, promote indigenous products and celebrate safely.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy also extended warm greetings to people of Telangana on the occasion of Diwali.

The Chief Minister wished that the radiance of the ‘festival of the lights’ fills every home with happiness and prosperity.

Stating that the “People’s Government” is committed to bring lights in the lives of every citizen of the state, the Chief Minister said that his government is working tirelessly toward the welfare of all sections of society and the holistic development of the state.

“Diwali holds special significance symbolising the victory of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance,” he added.

CM Revanth Reddy hoped that people will celebrate the festival with great joy and enthusiasm illuminating their homes and surroundings with the light of lamps.

The Chief Minister also appealed to people to adopt conservation of environment during the festivities and also prevent any untoward incidents while bursting crackers.

He called upon everyone including children and youth to celebrate Diwali in a safe and joyful environment.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu have also greeted people on Diwali.

“Deepavali symbolises the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. The lights of Deepavali signify a time to destroy all our dark desires and thoughts, eradicate evils and gives us the strength and zeal to help each other. Festivals like these inspire us to build a society filled with peace, amity, brotherhood and communal harmony,” Governor Abdul Nazeer said in his message.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s description of the Emergency as a ’mistake’, in an interview with British newspaper ‘The Guardian’, has triggered reactions from political leaders, with Union Ministers Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Ramdas Athawale commenting on the legacy of the 1975-77 period.

Speaking to IANS on the issue, Rajiv Ranjan Singh noted that Sonia Gandhi’s forthcoming book could shed light on several aspects of the country’s political history that had not been widely discussed.

“She has mentioned several things in her revelations. After reading her book, the nation will get an opportunity to know about many such untouched aspects that people were not aware of. But one thing is certain: she has once again touched the sensitive nerve of the nation regarding the Emergency,” he said.

Recalling the period, the minister said thousands of people were arrested, civil rights were suspended, and prominent political leaders were subjected to torture.

He further claimed that the decision to impose the Emergency did not have consensus even within the Gandhi family, but then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi went ahead with it.

“Despite this, Indira ji forcibly imposed the Emergency on the country. Now, given the double standards of the Congress, after this statement, Sonia ji should work towards strengthening the country’s democracy, and there could be no better way than this to make amends,” the JD-U leader said.

Union Minister Athawale also reacted to Sonia Gandhi’s remarks, saying that her acknowledgement of the Emergency as a wrong decision was significant.

“Sonia Gandhi has now stated that the Emergency was a decision against the Constitution and that many people were arrested and sent to jail during that period. That is a separate matter. Sonia Gandhi has said that Indira Gandhi later realised that her decision to impose the Emergency was wrong,” Athawale said.

However, he expressed doubt over whether Indira Gandhi herself had ever publicly acknowledged the decision as a mistake.

“I don’t think Indira Gandhi ji herself ever made any such statement. But democracy was undermined during that period. If Sonia Gandhi ji has said this today, then it is good that she has acknowledged that Indira Gandhi ji’s decision to impose the Emergency was not right,” he added.

The Emergency was imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on June 25, 1975, and remained in force until March 21, 1977. The period witnessed restrictions on civil liberties, press censorship and the detention of several Opposition leaders.

–IANS

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Chennai, Nov 8 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Ministers on Sunday paid floral tributes to renowned Italian scholar and Tamil literary figure Veeramamunivar, remembering his remarkable contributions to the development of Tamil language, literature and grammar on his birth anniversary.

Representing the Tamil Nadu government, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Venkitaramanan, School Education, Tamil Development and Information Minister Rajmohan and Social Justice Minister Vanni Arasu garlanded Veeramamunivar’s statue on Kamarajar Salai near Marina Beach in Chennai.

They also showered flower petals on his portrait.

Veeramamunivar, originally named Constantine Joseph Beschi, was born in Italy and arrived in India in 1710.

Although he came as a Christian missionary, he subsequently emerged as one of the most influential foreign scholars to contribute to Tamil literature.

During his missionary activities in Gurukkalpatti, Elakurichi, Konankuppam and several other places, he devoted considerable attention to studying Tamil and producing literary works, grammatical treatises and dictionaries.

His celebrated literary masterpiece, Thembavani, remains among his most significant contributions to Tamil poetry.

He also authored several works covering religious themes, grammar, prose and literary criticism.

Among his notable writings were Thirukkavalur Kalambakam, Kitheri Ammal Ammanai, Chathurakarathi and Thonnool Vilakkam.

His grammatical treatise ‘Thonnool Vilakkam’ earned recognition for its systematic treatment of Tamil grammar.

Veeramamunivar also made pioneering contributions to the study of spoken Tamil through his work on colloquial Tamil grammar, distinguishing everyday speech from classical literary usage.

His efforts were particularly significant during a period when formal grammatical studies largely concentrated on classical Tamil.

Another major achievement was his translation of portions of the Thirukkural, dealing with virtue and ethical principles, into Latin, helping introduce Tamil philosophical thought to European scholars.

His prose works included Vedhiyar Ozhukkam, Gnana Kannadi and Paramartha Guru Kathaigal.

The latter became particularly famous for its humorous storytelling and occupies an important place in the development of Tamil prose literature.

Veeramamunivar died in 1747, leaving behind a substantial literary legacy.

Tamil Development and Information Department Secretary Rajaraman, Information and Public Relations Director Arun Thamburaj, Tamil Development Director N. Arul, and senior government officials attended the commemorative ceremony.

The state government said the observance recognised the scholar’s enduring contribution to Tamil linguistic and literary heritage.

–IANS

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Chandigarh, Nov 8 (IANS) Despite the dipping Air Quality Index (AQI) in the Delhi-NCR region and worsening breathing conditions, the stubble burning crisis continues to remain a challenge for the administration, as despite multiple warnings and reminders, the incidents continue to be reported, with as many as 200 in Punjab’s Patiala district alone.

Thousands of incidents of agricultural residue burning have been reported across Punjab, bypassing the pollution control board’s instructions.

According to a report by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), a total of 3,307 incidents of stubble burning were recorded in the state till November 7. Out of these, 2,903 sites were inspected, and the burning of crop residue was confirmed at 1,275 locations.

A fine of Rs 60.60 lakh has also been imposed as ‘Environmental Compensation’ (EC) for stubble burning, of which Rs 32.50 lakh has already been recovered, said the report.

About 870 FIRs have been registered, and ‘red entries’ were recorded in 1,004 cases. Additionally, 1,102 warning notices have been issued.

According to the report, Tarn Taran district ranked first in alleged violations. The stubble burning incident exceeded 623 incidents here; Ferozepur recorded 435 cases, Sangrur 294, Bathinda 274, while Amritsar recorded 235 incidents.

Patiala district remains another of the most notorious zones for stubble burning, with the city administration registering 77 FIRs alone in the city for alleged violations.

According to the report, 196 incidents of stubble burning have been recorded in Patiala district so far. Of these, 157 sites were inspected, and stubble burning was confirmed at 94 locations. Fines totalling Rs 3.45 lakh have been imposed under the ‘Environmental Compensation’ provision, out of which the authorities collected Rs 1.25 lakh as a penalty.

In Patiala district, 77 FIRs have been registered in connection with stubble burning, and ‘red entries’ have been made in 33 cases. Additionally, 185 warning notices have been issued.

The report adds that the state administration has initiated a series of steps to check and control incidents of stubble burning, but they continue to pose a menace, threatening to deteriorate the situation further.

–IANS

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Chennai, Nov 8 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu government has initiated an administrative reshuffle in the Public Libraries Department following a controversy over the selection and procurement of books for the Periyar Library in Coimbatore.

This issue has triggered considerable discussion in the state’s political and administrative circles. As part of the changes, IAS officer Jayanthi, who had been holding additional charge as Director of Public Libraries, has been relieved of the responsibility.

The government has appointed IAS officer R.V. Shajeevana as the new Director of Public Libraries (DPL). Jayanthi, who also serves as Chairperson of the Teachers Recruitment Board (TRB), will continue in that position.

The decision effectively separates public library administration from her existing responsibilities at the recruitment board.

The reshuffle comes against a backdrop of growing controversy over the procedures used to purchase and select books for the Periyar Library in Coimbatore.

Questions over the procurement process have brought the Public Libraries Department’s functioning under scrutiny, drawing attention from political circles and those associated with the state’s library network.

The controversy has also sparked wider discussion about transparency, accountability and administrative oversight in acquiring books for publicly funded libraries.

Although the government has changed the department’s leadership, it remains unclear whether the decision was taken specifically in response to the controversy or was part of a broader administrative exercise.

Shajeevana’s appointment is significant as the department faces questions about its procurement practices and the procedures used to select books for library collections.

The new director will oversee public libraries across Tamil Nadu, including implementing departmental policies and supervising library-related programmes.

The controversy has also highlighted the importance of transparent, consistent procedures for selecting reading materials for public institutions. The leadership change is expected to draw further attention to the department’s functioning, particularly procurement decisions and administrative accountability.

Meanwhile, Jayanthi’s continuation as TRB Chairperson indicates that the government has confined the immediate administrative change to the Public Libraries Department.

As the controversy continues to attract political attention, the government’s next steps on the disputed book procurement process and any possible review of the procedures involved will be closely watched.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) Political violence continues to trouble Bangladesh despite the country’s change of political leadership, with recent killings involving supporters of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) highlighting persistent rivalries over local influence, political positions, and control of resources.

A report published in “The Diplomat” has examined the pattern of violence over more than two decades, drawing on records of Bangladeshi human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), academic studies, and media investigations. Its findings suggest that political clashes have continued under successive administrations, including during periods of significant political transition.

One of the latest incidents occurred on October 18, when Ripon Mia, a local leader of the BNP’s youth wing Jubo Dal, was chased and attacked with sharp weapons in the Paiska area of Narayanganj district. His family rushed him to hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

According to local BNP activists, tensions between two groups had escalated over whose names should appear on the guest list for a religious event. Ripon’s daughter, Shila, told local media that several men had chased and hacked her father. The local BNP President reportedly linked the killing to a struggle for political dominance.

In another incident on February 28, two brothers died following clashes between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) supporters in Chuadanga district. Police said an argument after the evening meal during Ramadan escalated into violence. Hafizur Rahman died hours later, while his brother Mofizur Rahman, a local JI leader, died at a Dhaka hospital on March 10.

The two parties blamed each other. Police arrested three suspects following a murder complaint filed by the family, including a local BNP official and a former leader of its volunteer wing. The incident occurred less than two weeks after the BNP returned to power.

The ASK data cited in the report shows the extent of the problem. Between January and September 2026, the organisation recorded 467 incidents of political violence, resulting in 94 deaths and 3,587 injuries. Of these incidents, 112 involved clashes between BNP factions, leaving 18 people dead and 1,215 injured.

The figures cover part of the interim administration and the elected government led by BNP chief Tarique Rahman, who assumed office as Prime Minister on February 17.

The trend is not new. During 2002-2006, when the BNP was previously in power, ASK recorded 284 internal clashes within the party, resulting in 55 deaths. Internal clashes within the Awami League (AL) accounted for another 37 deaths during the period.

After the AL returned to power in 2009, ASK recorded 799 internal party clashes between 2009 and 2012, leaving 97 people dead. The corresponding figures for the BNP were 229 clashes and 21 deaths.

The report also highlights violence surrounding local elections, particularly Union Parishad polls. ASK recorded 147 deaths linked to such election-related violence in 2016 and 113 in 2021, demonstrating how contests over local political positions can turn deadly.

Research cited in the report points to struggles for dominance within political organisations and disputes over contracts, land, property and employment as important drivers of violence.

The political upheaval of August 2024, which brought an end to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule, raised expectations of a new political culture. However, subsequent incidents indicated that the struggle for local influence and control over economic networks had continued under the interim administration and after the BNP’s return to power.

The BNP leadership has acknowledged concerns over extortion and land grabbing. Tarique Rahman reportedly warned party lawmakers against such activities and stressed that elected representatives would also be held accountable.

The findings underline a persistent challenge for Bangladesh — political transitions have changed those holding national office, but have not necessarily ended the local rivalries that repeatedly fuel violence.

–IANS

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Gorakhpur, Nov 8 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said the politics of the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) will be “buried” if the BJP-led government continues its development work and that they might even face an “existential crisis”.

Addressing the ‘Van Tangiya’ community in Gorakhpur on the occasion of the Diwali festival, the Chief Minister alleged that the Opposition is now defaming Ayodhya because they are anxious about the development work in the state.

“It is because they know that if such development works continue, the politics of the SP and Congress will be buried forever. They will face an existential crisis, similar to what they reduced the state to (during their tenure in UP and at the Centre, respectively). That is why they have started seeking to defame Ayodhya,” he said

Emphasising that festivals are meant to be celebrated with family and are not for drug addiction or gambling, CM Adityanath advised people to refrain from these evils.

“Gambling leads to destruction; don’t run after it. Families get destroyed due to drugs and gambling, so stay away from it,” he said.

The Chief Minister said the government has launched a drive to crack down on drug dealers.

“After the elimination of the mafia, our next strike has begun against the drug dealers. Those who destroy the lives of others won’t be allowed to roam free,” he said while reiterating his advice to youths to stay away from drug addiction.

“There are many opportunities for the youth, and we have come here to make it available for them.”

Meanwhile, CM Adityanath also accused the Congress and the SP of not taking care of the ‘Van Tangiya’ community in the state.

“Lord Ram spent 14 years in exile; however, first the British, then the Congress, and subsequently the Samajwadi Party left you and your ancestors to wander in these forests for over a century, condemning you to a life of hardship and neglect. Uttar Pradesh had 56 Vantangiya (forest-dwelling) villages that were left completely abandoned and uncared for. Although the country gained independence in 1947, these forest villages never truly attained freedom,” he said.

The UP CM added that the community’s villagers had neither their names on voter lists nor ration cards or pensions, and there were no water, electricity, or health facilities there.

“But today we can say that there is ‘Jungel mein mangal’ in Vantangiya village,” he remarked.

Noting that he has been celebrating Diwali with the community every year for 10 years now, CM Adityanath said: “For us, Uttar Pradesh, with its population of 25 crore, is one single family, regardless of caste, region, whether in a village or a city, rich or poor. This is the difference.”

Asserting that the community has all facilities today, he said: “This is the difference between BJP-led NDA and Congress and SP.”

“For them, their family is the state, Gandhi-Nehru family for one (Congress) and Saifai family for the other (SP). Meanwhile, we are working to connect each community with welfare schemes. They never asked, and now the government is coming to worship,” he remarked.

Adding to the criticism, the Chief Minister further said: “When a bad government comes to power, it joins hands with drug traffickers and plays with the future of the youth. Those who only think about their families can’t be expected to think about the poor, Dalits and marginalised.”

–IANS

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New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) Oil marketing company Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) plans to buy some ships of its own for importing crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in order to establish a more reliable supply chain and minimise disruptions due to geopolitical uncertainties such as the West Asia conflict.

Indian Oil’s Director, Finance, Anuj Jain, said during the company’s earnings call last week that tenders for the purchase of a few vessels were issued some months ago. The company currently has three crude oil tankers and nine LPG carriers on time charter, which have helped it manage shipping costs during the West Asia conflict when spot rates for shipping have soared.

Freight rates for LPG have also increased sharply. Spot rates have risen to around $160–$180 per tonne from normal levels of about $40 per tonne. The increase comes amid the increasing attacks on merchant ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which 20 per cent of the world’s energy exports transit during normal times.

During the October 31 earnings call, Jain said Indian Oil was working on three areas of its shipping operations. These include managing its existing chartered fleet, purchasing vessels, and exploring options to build ships in India.

Apart from buying ships, Indian Oil is also looking at options to place orders for ships with Indian shipyards under the government’s Make in India policy.

The refiner had earlier explored plans to acquire four medium-range vessels through an arrangement involving Shipping Corporation of India and other state-run oil companies.

Indian Oil has long-term shipping contracts in place which have cushioned the company from the sharp hike in freight rates due to the Iran war. With the Houthi rebels taking control of the coastal areas in Yemen around the Red Sea, the situation has become worse, according to senior officials.

The oil giant pays around $2–$2.50 per barrel to transport crude oil under its long-term charter arrangements, while spot market rates have surged to $8–$10 per barrel.

The company also has nine LPG carriers on time charter. Spot freight charges for LPG shipments have shot up to around $160–$180 per tonne, compared with about $40 per tonne earlier.

Indian Oil has also diversified its crude imports amid the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, with more supplies being sourced outside West Asia from countries such as Russia, Venezuela, Brazil and countries in Africa.

During the first half of FY27, around 87 per cent of Indian Oil’s crude purchases were made in the spot market, compared with about 50 per cent in the previous financial year. Russian crude accounted for around 55 per cent of the purchases during the six-month period, while West Asian supplies came down to around 24 per cent.

The Indian basket of crude imports, which averaged around $65-70 per barrel before the Iran war broke out in February, shot past the $100 mark in March and averaged about $120 per barrel in October, Jain said.

Apart from cutting costs by buying more Russian crude, the company has been buying cheap heavy crude from Venezuela, which can be processed at its Paradip refinery on the Odisha coast.

–IANS

Kolkata, Nov 8 (IANS) Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari rang in Diwali festivities with the Border Security Force (BSF) jawans at a border outpost in Hingalganj, situated along the India-Bangladesh border.

The Chief Minister reached the BSF camp this morning to celebrate the festival of lights with India’s brave jawans.

The move by the West Bengal CM, seen as a first-of-its-kind initiative, comes along the lines of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s yearly tradition of celebrating Diwali with the jawans.

This also marks a break from the past, given his predecessor and former CM Mamata Banerjee’s strained ties and uncomfortable relationship with the forces over border fencing.

The Bengal Chief Minister wished the jawans on Diwali and Kali Puja, handed them sweets and diyas, and also spent time with them at the camp, apparently discussing their daily lives and challenges.

He also announced that the state will make land available to the force for border fencing.

“The Chief Minister said that the land the BSF needed for fencing, held up under the previous Government, has now been handed over, and that the State will give more land if it is needed to secure the border,” an official government statement said.

The Chief Minister also issued an ‘apology’ to the jawans over alleged derogatory remarks and behaviour of the previous regime towards the BSF and CRPF.

Speaking at the BSF camp, Adhikari said, “The previous government in the state, the way they treated the BSF, the way they used it, for this, I, as the Chief Minister of West Bengal, apologise for this misdeed of the previous government. The bad words that they used against the BSF and the CRPF… The people, the common person, have responded to this in the end. This is the land of Swami Vivekananda. He said, “Leave what has happened behind and move forward.” Now we have to move forward.”

The Chief Minister also announced setting up the ‘Seema Mitra’ award from next year, which will recognise exceptional work in guarding the country’s border.

A selection committee will shortlist the awardees.

“We will give the ‘Seema Mitra’ award from next year for BSF, SSB and West Bengal police personnel,” the Chief Minister said as per the statement.

–IANS

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