New Delhi, Sep 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) As Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's Congress government completed 1,000 days in office, the BJP on Tuesday described the tenure as a failure, alleging that the ruling party has failed to fulfil any of the guarantees it made to the people.

Speaking to IANS, BJP leader Avinash Devda said, "I consider these 1,000 days of the Congress government a complete failure. A full 1,000 days of failure. Every single day of this Congress government has been a failure. Not a single guarantee of theirs has been fulfilled; all their guarantees have failed."

He further criticised the state government over civic issues, particularly mosquito control in Hyderabad.

"Look at what is happening today. A minor issue like mosquitoes is making headlines in the national media. A 'mosquito tornado' has hit Hyderabad. But in the last two years, no proper pest control has been carried out. Why? Because the government does not have money. They are not focusing on students, yet they are celebrating as if they have brought major development to the state," Devda said.

Another BJP leader, Manmeet Singh, alleged that the government had failed to deliver on several promises made to students, women and other sections of society.

"Revanth Reddy's government has completed 1,000 days, but during these 1,000 days, they haven't done any work for the people of the state. They promised students and women electric two-wheelers and one tola of gold for marriages in Telangana, but nothing has been implemented," Singh said.

He also targeted the government's Indiramma Illu housing scheme, alleging that the initiative had remained largely confined to announcements and signboards.

"Now, they have launched a scheme claiming to provide 'Indiramma Illu', but it only exists on signboards. Not a single person has been allotted a 2BHK house," Singh alleged.

He further accused Revanth Reddy of sending thousands of crores of rupees to the Congress leadership in Delhi, claiming that Rs 7,500 crore had been sent to the residences of Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. These allegations could not be independently verified.

Congress leader Zaheer Lalani defended the government's performance, saying the state had witnessed significant progress during the past 1,000 days.

"1,000 days under Telangana's Chief Minister's governance, and it is a rising Telangana. I would like to congratulate every citizen of Telangana," Lalani told IANS.

He accused the Opposition of making false allegations and highlighted the government's welfare initiatives, including the provision of fine rice to beneficiaries, free bus travel for women, the Mahalakshmi scheme, Indiramma Illu and free power.

While the Congress government is projecting its 1,000-day tenure as a period of economic expansion and social welfare, the Opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) is preparing a statewide campaign to portray it as a period of "betrayal" and administrative failure.

The government's 1,000-day narrative focuses on agriculture, women's welfare, employment, infrastructure and investment.

Revanth Reddy has said Telangana's per-capita income reached Rs 4,18,931 in 2025-26, around 91 per cent above the national figure. He has also highlighted a farm loan waiver benefiting more than 25 lakh families, Rs 36,000 crore in Rythu Bharosa support and record paddy procurement.

Recent government claims have also cited Rs 1.29 lakh crore in investments secured through TG-iPASS and Rs 5.75 lakh crore in agreements signed at the Telangana Rising Global Summit.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 31 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Supreme Court on Monday declined to stay an Andhra Pradesh High Court order quashing the arrest and consequential remand of Kesireddy Rajasekhara Reddy, alias Raj Kesireddy, in connection with the multi-crore liquor scam, while expressing serious concern over the manner in which the Special Investigation Team (SIT) conducted the probe.

A Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana questioned the SIT's decision to seek a production warrant against Raj Kesireddy when his anticipatory bail petition was pending, and he was already in custody in another case.

The CJI Kant-led Bench observed that since Raj Kesireddy was already in custody, there was no question of him absconding and questioned the need for seeking a production warrant in such circumstances.

The apex court also questioned the apparent contradiction in the SIT's stand, remarking that while the investigating agency had sought custodial interrogation and obtained a production warrant, it was reportedly not prepared to take Kesireddy into police custody when he was produced before the court and instead sought his judicial custody.

The CJI Kant-led Bench issued notice on the petition filed by the State of Andhra Pradesh and the Additional Superintendent of Police challenging the High Court's order and adjourned the matter after the respondents sought time to file their counter.

The Andhra Pradesh High Court had earlier held Raj Kesireddy's arrest and consequential remand to be legally unsustainable, finding that the manner in which the grounds of arrest were communicated violated the constitutional safeguard under Article 22(1).

The High Court held that informing an arrested person of the grounds of arrest was not a mere procedural formality but a substantive safeguard of personal liberty. It observed that the grounds had to be communicated in writing and within a timeframe that enabled the accused to consult counsel, oppose remand and seek bail.

The High Court further relied on the Supreme Court's rulings to hold that written grounds of arrest should be furnished at the earliest and, even in exceptional circumstances, no later than two hours before production before the Magistrate for remand. It consequently quashed the arrest and remand while allowing the investigation to continue.

A single-judge Bench of Justice Tuhin Kumar Gedela directed Kesireddy to cooperate with the investigation whenever called and comply with the conditions imposed by the court.

The proceedings relate to the alleged Rs 349 crore liquor transportation scam in Andhra Pradesh during the previous YSR Congress Party government. The ED has been investigating the case on the basis of an FIR registered by the Andhra Pradesh CID following a complaint alleging a loss of around Rs 4,000 crore to the state exchequer.

The ED has claimed that hundreds of crores changed hands through kickbacks, hawala and money-laundering channels.

According to the financial probe agency, its investigation traced a money trail of Rs 1,048.45 crore in alleged kickbacks, with payments allegedly collected in cash and gold and through other financial arrangements.

In March, the ED had attached movable and immovable properties worth Rs 441.63 crore belonging to Raj Kesireddy, his family members and related entities, besides properties linked to other accused and entities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

Raj Kesireddy, a former advisor to former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, was arrested by the Andhra Pradesh CID's SIT in 2025.

The Andhra Pradesh High Court had granted him bail on April 7, 2026. The ED had also conducted searches at premises linked to Raj Kesireddy and other accused as part of its probe into the alleged liquor transportation scam.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 31 (SocialNews.XYZ) The BJP on Monday attacked AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi over his remarks regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi being conferred Uzbekistan’s highest state honour and said that "probably Babur is in his DNA."

The remarks came after Owaisi on Sunday turned Prime Minister Modi’s latest foreign honour into a political taunt against the BJP, pointing out that the honour came from the country from which the founder of the Mughal Empire Babur originated.

Owaisi said he congratulated the BJP and noted that Uzbekistan, from where Babur came to India, had conferred an award on the Prime Minister.

Reacting to PM Modi being conferred the Order of 'Oliy Darajali Dustlik', Uzbekistan’s highest state award, the Hyderabad MP had said, “I congratulate the BJP; the very country from which Babur came to India has conferred an award upon the Prime Minister.”

Owaisi noted that Babur belonged to the Fergana Valley in present-day Uzbekistan and said it has become routine for Prime Minister Modi to receive honours during his foreign visits. "Wherever the Prime Minister goes these days, he returns with an award. Congratulations," Owaisi said.

Reacting to the remarks, BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain told IANS, "The chief of AIMIM Asaduddin Owaisi, is not liking the honour received by the Prime Minister. He is saying Babar came from here. If Babar came, that country is different. If Prime Minister Narendra Modi got the highest honour of that country, then this is not PM Modi's honour, it is India's honour. In the whole world, whether it is a CIS country or an Islamic country, everyone has given their highest honour to Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

Union Minister of State, Satish Chandra Dubey, also criticised Owaisi, saying he frequently makes “frivolous remarks”.

"Owaisi ji needs something to say about one thing or another. Neither the people nor the media are taking him seriously. He keeps making extremely frivolous remarks," he said.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC also hit out at Owaisi, saying he “sees Babur in everything”.

"Asaduddin Owaisi, you see Babur in everything. This is your problem. Uzbekistan honours the Prime Minister, and you have a problem with that, so you bring up Babur. Probably, Babur is in your DNA, and that's why you can't think beyond him. That's where you start, and that's where you end. When the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh talks about nationalism and the global world being one community, even there, you believe that Babur is your ideal," she told IANS.

Meanwhile, SP spokesperson Ashutosh Verma said Muslim invaders and Mughal rulers should not be clubbed together.

“Muslim invaders and Mughal rulers are two different things. Owaisi is trying to lump them together. The Mughals were also part of India’s history, and during their time, India made significant progress as well. The country also suffered destruction at the hands of invaders. You cannot put both things in the same box,” Verma said.

Source: IANS

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Bishkek, Aug 31 (SocialNews.XYZ) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial in Bishkek and interacted with the Indian community members who were present there to welcome him.

PM Modi had unveiled the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Bishkek during his visit to Kyrgyzstan in 2015.

"In Bishkek this morning, paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue in the city. Gandhi Ji’s thoughts will always have an unparalleled impact on our minds," PM Modi posted on X.

PM Modi interacted with members of the Indian community gathered outside the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial to meet him.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi also met members of different communities in Bishkek.

PM Modi arrived in Kyrgyzstan's Bishkek for a two-day visit on Sunday. During this, he is scheduled to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit and the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games.

After landing in Bishkek, PM Modi, in a post on X, wrote, "Landed in Bishkek a short while ago. Grateful to Mr Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic for the warm welcome. Will be meeting various leaders bilaterally and attending the SCO Summit tomorrow and the day after."

The Prime Minister also received a warm welcome from the Indian community in Bishkek. The Indian community members chanted "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and "Vande Mataram" as they welcomed PM Modi in Bishkek.

"From Bharat to Bishkek, a very special welcome by the Indian community earlier this evening," PM Modi posted on X.

He also witnessed cultural performances from the people of Kyrgyzstan and appreciated their performances.

A few yoga enthusiasts also performed Yoga to welcome the Indian Prime Minister.

"India has been an active and constructive member of the SCO since 2017. I look forward to advancing India's vision for the region, anchored in Security, Connectivity and Opportunity, and to working with fellow members for a region free from the scourge of terrorism, separatism and extremism, which continue to threaten peace and stability in our neighbourhood and beyond," PM Modi said in the departure statement before he emplaned for his two-nation visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on Saturday.

"I also look forward to meeting President (Sadyr) Zhaparov (Kyrgyzstan) and other SCO leaders, and to attending the Opening Ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games, a celebration of the rich living heritage of Central Asia that India holds in deep respect," the Prime Minister said.

PM Modi expressed confidence that his visit will strengthen India's strategic partnerships in Central Asia, deepen civilisational connect with the region, and advance shared pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity, values that lie at the heart of India's engagement with the world.

Source: IANS

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Hyderabad, Aug 31 (SocialNews.XYZ) An All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader was stabbed to death in Hyderabad's Falaknuma area, officials said on Monday.

The deceased has been identified as 60-year-old Mahboob Ali. The incident occurred late Sunday night. The officials said that the motive for the murder was not immediately known.

According to initial information, the AIMIM leader was stabbed in Wattepally, Falaknuma police station area, on Sunday night.

Officials said that a group of five to six people attacked Ali. They added that the attackers surrounded him near the Almas Hotel and attacked him with knives and sickles.

The AIMIM leader was seriously injured by the multiple stab wounds. The perpetrators fled the scene after the incident. The officials said that following the incident, Ali fell on the road and was like that for about 15 minutes. He was then taken to a hospital; however, he died during treatment.

Upon receiving information about the attack, Falaknuma police arrived at the scene and began an investigation.

In an official statement regarding the incident, the police said, "Three special teams have been formed to apprehend the suspects. The motive for the murder was not immediately known."

Following the incident, AIMIM MLA Mohammed Mubeen met with the bereaved family and expressed his condolences.

"Deeply saddened and shocked by the brutal murder of Marhoom Mahboob Ali Sahab, AIMIM Worker, who was attacked by unidentified assailants with deadly weapons at Alam's Hotel, Vattepally," Mubeen wrote in a post on X.

The MLA reached the police station and met with police officers and demanded strict and immediate action against those responsible for this crime.

"We urge the Government of Telangana and Hyderabad Police to strengthen patrolling, crack down on anti-social elements, and take stringent action against the growing menace of drugs and violent crime, so that the safety and security of every citizen is ensured," Mubeen added.

Police said that an investigation is currently underway and information is being gathered from the eyewitnesses and the family of the deceased.

Further details are awaited.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 31 (SocialNews.XYZ) Mounting a sharp offensive against Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat, the Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray on Monday said that if the RSS leadership expects its global message of "one humanity" to carry credibility abroad, the tolerant principles articulated on international soil must be actively practised and enforced within India's domestic socio-political landscape. ​

In an editorial published in the Shiv Sena (UBT)'s mouthpiece 'Saamana', the Thackeray camp scrutinised Bhagwat’s recent address in New York, where the RSS Sarsanghchalak invoked 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' and declared that "if a Hindu feels that there should be no Muslims in India, then he is not a Hindu at all." ​

The editorial characterised Bhagwat's measured vocabulary in the United States as a carefully calibrated effort to align with Western democratic norms and global human rights frameworks, arguing that these statements stand in sharp contrast to ground-level developments inside India. ​

​The Thackeray faction accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders at the Centre and across various states of fostering an environment where minority communities face systematic exclusion, claiming their actions directly contradict Bhagwat’s public stance on Hindu-Muslim coexistence.

It cited a recent alleged "purification ceremony" conducted by local BJP activists in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, following a public address by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, pointing to it as evidence of a starkly polarised domestic atmosphere driven by political motives.

​"Such is the extreme nature of religion, caste, and inhumane behaviour within the BJP," the editorial stated. "Do these antics fit into the Krishna Consciousness articulated by Bhagwat in America? Come to India and speak a bit about this as well." ​

The editorial also drew attention to what it described as the RSS's selective global posture, criticising its silence on major international humanitarian crises, including civilian casualties in Gaza, as a reflection of changing geopolitical calculations rather than universal human rights. ​

Taking aim at the ideological narratives presented during the American tour, the editorial alleged that the RSS chief deliberately shifted his focus away from Lord Ram to avoid uncomfortable questions regarding domestic governance and financial accountability.

​The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena claimed that the political utility of the Ram Temple movement had been exhausted for the ruling apparatus, accusing supporters tied to the Sangh ecosystem of financial mismanagement surrounding the Ayodhya temple project.

​"The Hindu community in America donated heavily for the construction of the Ram Temple, which was looted in Ayodhya. Neither PM Modi nor the Sarsanghchalak commented on this loot," the editorial alleged, adding that Bhagwat "escaped accountability on American soil by speaking about Krishna's ideas instead of Lord Ram".

The Thackeray camp underscored the striking parallel between political developments abroad, noting that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in high-level talks in Tashkent to elevate India-Uzbekistan ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Bhagwat’s US visit -- organised as part of the RSS centenary outreach -- drew active demonstrations, political pushback, and intense scrutiny over the gap between international rhetoric and domestic reality.

​Concluding with a reference to core tenets of the Bhagavad Gita, the editorial noted that true spiritual authority demands selflessness, equanimity, and the elimination of ego rather than social division or political posturing, urging the RSS leadership to match its global preachings with meaningful action at home.

Source: IANS

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Vijayawada, Aug 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) YSR Congress Party chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Sunday expressed satisfaction over the Veligonda Project becoming a reality, calling it the fulfilment of his father YS Rajasekhara Reddy’s dream, while sharply criticising Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for allegedly attempting to “rewrite” the project’s history and “steal” credit.

In a detailed post on X, Jagan said the project serves as a lifeline for lakhs of families suffering from fluorosis due to lack of safe drinking water and for farmers’ long-awaited irrigation. He said his government had completed the most challenging twin tunnels and dedicated them to the nation, enabling Krishna waters to flow through them.

Jagan accused Naidu and “yellow media” of running a publicity campaign to steal credit for work done by others. He claimed the foundation stone alone was laid by Naidu, while the vision and comprehensive development belonged to YSR. The crucial twin tunnels, he said, were completed during the YSRCP government’s tenure.

According to Jagan, Naidu hurriedly laid the foundation stone in 1996 just before elections and then abandoned the project. Despite remaining in power for eight years until 2004, Naidu’s government spent only Rs 10 lakh, mostly on the foundation stone ceremony, he alleged. After becoming Chief Minister, YSR gave the project a comprehensive shape under Jalayagnam, initiating construction of the twin tunnels, Nallamala Sagar reservoir, three dams, feeder channel and main canals. Of the total 37.587-km twin tunnel length, 20.333 km was completed under YSR’s initiatives.

During Naidu’s 2014-2019 term, only 6.686 km was completed without a breakthrough in either tunnel. The remaining and most difficult 10.568 km was finished by the YSRCP government despite the COVID-19 pandemic and financial constraints—Tunnel-1 in January 2021 and Tunnel-2 in January 2024. The tunnels were dedicated on March 6, 2024, along with head regulators and canal-linking works, he said.

Jagan questioned how Naidu could claim to have built the entire project. He further accused the present government of neglecting the region by failing to complete the 131-bed super speciality hospital at Peddadornala and the government medical college at Markapuram, both initiated by the previous regime, and of allegedly attempting to privatise the medical college. He also criticised delays in rehabilitating displaced families, incomplete payment of resettlement and rehabilitation packages, and failure to convey water to Nallamala Sagar for over two years.

Jagan urged Naidu to set aside publicity, fill the reservoir, supply irrigation and drinking water, and complete the hospital and medical college in the government sector, stating that the people of the backward region needed these benefits rather than credit-stealing politics.

Source: IANS

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Tadepalli (Andhra Pradesh), Aug 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has strongly countered former Parliamentarian V Vijay Sai Reddy’s recent remarks against party president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, describing them as politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing Jagan’s image while distracting public attention from the challenges facing the Chandrababu Naidu government.

Speaking to the media at the YSRCP Central Office, the party's State Coordinator Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy said Sai Reddy had resigned from the party two years ago citing personal reasons, and Jagan had never spoken ill of leaders who chose to leave. He explained that the party had initially avoided responding to Sai Reddy’s comments to deny him publicity, but prolonged silence risked creating an impression that his allegations were credible.

Rejecting Sai Reddy’s claims on religious conversions, Sajjala asserted that Jagan and the YSR family had always respected all faiths. He quipped that if Jagan had any intent to convert people, Sai Reddy himself, who had been closely associated with the family for decades, would have been the first to undergo such a change.

He also dismissed allegations of a “coterie” controlling the party, stressing that Jagan is the sole leader and all others, including himself and Sai Reddy, were party workers entrusted with responsibilities.

Highlighting Sai Reddy’s prominence within YSRCP, Sajjala recalled that he was given two Rajya Sabha terms, served as Parliamentary Party leader, National General Secretary, and held several key roles. He questioned how someone who enjoyed such exceptional importance could now claim marginalisation.

Sajjala emphasised that YSRCP has always functioned through teamwork under Jagan’s leadership and remains organisationally strong despite the 2024 electoral setback, prepared to face any upcoming local body or general elections. He noted that Jagan respected Sai Reddy for standing by him during difficult times, but mistaking that goodwill for personal political stature was misguided.

He argued that criticism aimed at securing media attention or launching a new political venture would not diminish the credibility of YSRCP or Jagan’s standing.

Urging party leaders to refrain from further responses, Sajjala said YSRCP must stay focused on people’s issues rather than being drawn into deliberate political diversions

Source: IANS

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Bishkek, Aug 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday received a warm welcome from the Indian community in Bishkek as he arrived in the Central Asian nation to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

"From Bharat to Bishkek, a very special welcome by the Indian community earlier this evening," PM Modi said on social media platform X.

The Indian community was chanting "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and "Vande Mataram".

PM Modi also witnessed cultural performances from the people of Kyrgyzstan and appreciated their performances.

A few yoga enthusiasts also performed Yoga to welcome the Indian Prime Minister.

Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev received PM Modi at Manas International Airport in Bishkek.

"Landed in Bishkek a short while ago. Grateful to Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, for the warm welcome. Will be meeting various leaders bilaterally and attending the SCO Summit tomorrow and the day after. Several bilateral engagements are also going to take place during the Prime Minister's visit to the Central Asian nation," PM Modi said on X.

"India has been an active and constructive member of the SCO since 2017. I look forward to advancing India's vision for the region, anchored in Security, Connectivity and Opportunity, and to working with fellow members for a region free from the scourge of terrorism, separatism and extremism, which continue to threaten peace and stability in our neighbourhood and beyond," PM Modi said in the departure statement before he emplaned for his two-nation tour to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on Saturday.

"I also look forward to meeting President (Sadyr) Zhaparov (Kyrgyzstan) and other SCO leaders, and to attending the Opening Ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games, a celebration of the rich living heritage of Central Asia that India holds in deep respect," the Prime Minister said.

"I am confident that this visit will strengthen India's strategic partnerships in Central Asia, deepen our civilisational connect with the region, and advance our shared pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity, values that lie at the heart of India's engagement with the world," he added.

Kyrgyzstan expects PM Modi’s visit to give a major boost to bilateral economic ties, investment and trade, with the country keen to attract more Indian companies to sectors including infrastructure, renewable energy, tourism, technology and agro-industry, Kyrgyzstan’s Investment Minister Ravshanbek Sabirov said on Saturday.

Source: IANS

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Chicago, Aug 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Sunday that India is likely to sustain an economic growth rate of 7 per cent or more in the financial year 2026-27, continuing the momentum recorded in the years since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Addressing the Indian diaspora in Chicago during her US visit, she said that India was likely to maintain its growth momentum despite geopolitical uncertainties and supply-chain disruptions following the US-Iran conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

"Continuously keeping in touch with global uncertainties as much as understanding India’s own requirements have kept us floating. Whereas many countries are completely disturbed, their calculations have gone haywire," the Finance Minister observed.

She said that the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz due to the Middle East conflict initially affected supplies of key commodities such as crude, petroleum products and fertilisers to India, but the country managed to reroute supplies.

The Finance Minister highlighted that the government has also kept fertiliser prices unchanged for farmers through subsidies despite a sharp rise in international prices.

"The forthcoming season will also require fertilisers from November. We are adequately stocked," she added.

FM Sitharaman further stated that the government would continue with systemic reforms and seek to mobilise more capital, particularly from overseas, as India’s economy expands. While private investment has picked up domestically following the government’s push on capital expenditure, India also needs to attract international investment to meet its growing capital requirements.

"Because of the ambitions that we have, we need capital. Therefore, on my trip to Canada and the US, and other ministers as well as the Prime Minister himself, all of us are talking to global funds," she said.

"Showcasing what India has already achieved and hearing their expectations so that we can go back and provide clarity is part of the effort," she added.

"We are also talking with several countries for the bilateral investment treaty along with a bilateral trade agreement," Sitharaman pointed out.

Last week, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also visited Japan, where he pushed to mobilise investments worth $60 billion by 2035.

Source: IANS

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Bishkek, Aug 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Indian diaspora in Kyrgyzstan on Sunday expressed their excitement for the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Central Asian nation.

"I am very happy that he is coming here for the first time. I am very, very happy because I have never seen him before, and now he is coming to Bishkek for the first time, and I will meet him face-to-face. I am very excited..." an Indian said to IANS, expressing his excitement for meeting PM Modi.

Sabina Abylgazieva, a Kyrgyz entrepreneur and business/investment specialist, expressed confidence in the potential for cooperation between India and Kyrgyzstan.

"I believe that cooperation between India and Kyrgyzstan has great potential, as our two countries are already working together and sharing valuable experiences. I think there are significant opportunities, particularly in the business sector, where we can learn from our Indian partners and exchange expertise, ideas, and opportunities..." Abylgazieva told IANS.

Youth Movement of Kyrgyzstan Chairman, Jakshylyk Beknazarov, called India "one of the most developed countries in the world", and said Kyrgyzstan values India’s experience and achievements.

"India is one of the most developed countries in the world, and Kyrgyzstan greatly values its experience and achievements. India has a wealth of experience in tourism, IT, science, cinema and many other fields. That is why we, as Kyrgyzstanis, want to share our own experiences with India and learn from each other," Beknazarov told IANS.

Askar Shaikidinov, another member from the Kyrgyzstan Youth Movement, called PM Modi’s visit to Kyrgyzstan highly significant and hoped that the visit will further strengthen the close and strategic partnership.

"First of all, Your Excellency, let me extend a warm welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kyrgyzstan. His visit to Kyrgyzstan is highly significant, as India and Kyrgyzstan have witnessed very active and dynamic cooperation over the past decade. This visit is expected to further strengthen the close and strategic partnership between the two countries," said Shaikidinov.

PM Modi is travelling to Bishkek to participate in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit after concluding his bilateral visit to Uzbekistan on Sunday. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the SCO, and this year's theme is '25 Years of the SCO: Together Towards Sustainable Peace, Development, and Prosperity'.

Source: IANS

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New York, Aug 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Religious leaders from 30 countries have pledged to confront hatred, defend persecuted communities and ensure that artificial intelligence remains in the service of humanity.

The commitments were unveiled during a 'Universal Oneness' gathering at the Madison Square Garden in New York, attended by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat and representatives of several major faiths.

More than 200 religious representatives helped prepare the call to action after negotiations at a conference held earlier on Saturday.

"We will reject the use of religion to justify hatred, humiliation, dehumanisation or violence and teach that deep conviction can coexist with respect for those who believe differently," the declaration said.

It acknowledged both the power of faith to promote reconciliation and the history of religion being used to deepen divisions.

"We know the extraordinary power of faith to heal, reconcile, and inspire. And the painful truth that religion has sometimes been used to divide, exclude, and justify violence," it said.

The declaration came against the backdrop of armed conflicts, displacement and growing mistrust across societies. It warned that hatred now travels rapidly across borders through digital platforms.

"No government, institution, or technology can carry responsibility for the moment alone. Neither can religious leaders, but there is a responsibility that is uniquely ours," it said.

The leaders affirmed the dignity of every person and rejected the idea that unity requires people to abandon their individual beliefs or identities.

"Unity does not require conformity. Conviction does not require contempt," the declaration said.

Under five commitments, religious leaders pledged to examine the teachings and practices of their own communities, speak out when people are targeted and build relationships across religious and cultural boundaries.

"Peace begins with the courage to hold our own communities accountable," it said.

The leaders also promised to bring young people from different religious and cultural backgrounds together before disputes or tragedies arise.

"The person we know is harder to hate," the declaration said.

It called for joint service to people facing hunger, illness, displacement and persecution.

Cooperation, it said, must be evident through action and not merely public declarations.

"Our cooperation should be visible not only in what we say together, but in what we do together," it added.

The declaration also addressed decisions involving war, poverty, environmental protection and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

"We will insist that human progress remain in the service of human beings and that technology strengthen rather than diminish dignity, truth, freedom and human connection," it said.

Each participating leader was asked to undertake at least one concrete initiative. These could include bringing together communities that seldom interact, confronting hatred, creating opportunities for young people or serving alongside another religious group.

"We are not naive religious leaders alone cannot enforce limited hatred or reverse every injustice, but neither are we powerless," the declaration said.

During the gathering, participants tied rakhis on one another as symbols of connection, care and mutual responsibility.

Organisers said the tradition was being extended beyond families to friends, neighbours and communities.

Mohan Bhagwat has served as the Sarsanghchalak, or chief, of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh since 2009. The RSS, founded in 1925, is marking its centenary and has organisations and affiliates operating in several countries.

Source: IANS

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New York, Aug 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Prominent religious leaders have warned that hatred is spreading rapidly across borders even as humanity struggles with armed conflicts, displacement, prejudice and the disruptive effects of emerging technologies.

Addressing the 'Universal Oneness' gathering at Madison Square Garden in New York, Jewish, Christian and Muslim speakers called for dialogue, compassion and a renewed recognition of humanity's shared identity.

The gathering was attended by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat and religious representatives from several countries.

Baba Jain, Founding Secretary-General of the World Council of Religious Leaders, presented a call to action prepared after consultations involving more than 200 representatives of major faiths from 30 countries.

"We know the extraordinary power of faith to heal, reconcile, and inspire. And the painful truth that religion has sometimes been used to divide, exclude, and justify violence," Jain said.

He added that religious leaders must first examine the words, teachings, institutions and practices within their own communities.

"We will reject the use of religion to justify hatred, humiliation, dehumanisation or violence and teach that deep conviction can coexist with respect for those who believe differently," he said.

Jain also called upon faith communities to build relationships before crises arise and to bring young people together across religious and cultural boundaries.

"The person we know is harder to hate," he said.

Imam Sharif said the gathering's success would be measured by what its participants did after leaving the venue.

"The question is what will be different tomorrow because we were here today," he added.

"If we leave here with deeper relationships, renewed courage, shared responsibility, and a determination to act, then perhaps we would have helped begin something much, much greater," he said.

Sharif said unity should not be confused with uniformity.

"We do not have to become the same in order to belong to one another," he said.

"Unity does not require conformity. Conviction does not require contempt."

He warned that technological advancement had not eliminated humanity's oldest impulses.

"Hatred travels across borders and through our screens faster than ever before. Technology is advancing with breathtaking speed, all while humanity is still struggling with ancient diseases of the heart, freed, prejudice, arrogance, tribalism, dehumanisation and the thirst for domination," Sharif said.

Reverend Thorne said people were repeatedly being told whom to fear, blame or exclude.

The gathering, she said, conveyed a different message.

"Every time human beings choose to gather instead of retreat, to listen, instead of shout, to understand, instead of condemn, something sacred happens," she added.

"Before our titles, before our religions, before our politics, before the borders on a map, we are human beings, children of God," Thorne added.

Rabbi Blumenthal said Jewish teaching held that every human being carried godliness and possessed infinite value.

"Every one of us is equal, valued and loved because when God looks at us, it is like God looking at a mirror," he added.

He said religion was not only about believing in God but also recognising that God had faith in humanity.

"I am convinced that much of what troubles us in our society today is that we are lonely," Blumenthal said, calling upon people to seek "connection, love, and respect for one another".

The programme used Raksha Bandhan and the tying of a rakhi as symbols of care, protection and mutual responsibility.

Participants were encouraged to extend that bond beyond families to neighbours, strangers and different religious communities.

Bhagwat has led the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh since 2009. Founded in 1925, the RSS is marking its centenary and has used the milestone to highlight its message of social organisation and service.

Source: IANS

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New York, Aug 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat has pledged the organisation's full support to religious leaders working to promote interfaith cooperation, saying sustained grassroots action can change the global climate of conflict and mistrust.

"RSS with all its might is always with you because we are on the same page," Bhagwat told an international gathering of religious leaders in New York.

Addressing the "One World, One Humanity" programme, attended by more than 180 participants from 30 countries, Bhagwat said religious diversity should be respected and protected.

He added that different faiths were paths towards the same ultimate truth.

"Diversity is a decoration for our innate unity. It has to be accepted. It has to be respected. It has to be protected," he said.

"As I protect my own specific nature, I have to protect others also."

Bhagwat said the RSS believed it had a duty to take this message beyond India.

"We as RSS, we think because we have this knowledge that all humanity is one, it is our duty to go all over the world and tell everybody that in spite of our diversity, we are one," he added.

"Diversity is the rule of nature. Unity is the truth behind it."

The RSS Chief also addressed questions surrounding the organisation's approach towards Muslims.

Recalling an interaction with Muslim participants in Delhi in 2018, he said he had been asked whether Muslims would be driven out of India under the idea of a Hindu nation.

"I said no. That is not Hindu," Bhagwat said.

"If any Hindu thinks that there should be no Muslim in Bharat. He will not remain Hindu."

"If you want to call yourself Hindu, you must believe that all paths are leading to the same. And every human has a dignity. There is no difference between humans," he added.

Bhagwat said dialogue with Muslim and Christian communities in India had continued since that 2018 meeting.

Dialogue and service, he added, must proceed together and begin within communities rather than through political intervention.

"These things do not happen through politics. Sorry to say, but the fact is, politics has now become a game of self-interest," he said.

"We and ours is the solution. So our experience in Bharat is that we have to start with the society."

Bhagwat said political policies could eventually be influenced by building a strong public consensus.

In a democracy, he said, politicians would find it difficult to disregard firmly established public opinion.

"Whatever we decide to do today, we should start in our own country and create pockets of such selfless service, such atmosphere of unity," he added.

"We should create at our own place the models of the world we want."

In his remarks, he called for interfaith dialogue to be expanded from national leadership forums to provinces, districts and local blocks.

Local engagement, he said, could correct mistrust and demonstrate how communities could cooperate through service.

"If we together start working, we can change the situation of the world," Bhagwat said.

He cautioned, however, that the effort would require patience because changing ingrained habits and public attitudes would take time.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was founded in Nagpur in 1925 by K.B. Hedgewar. The organisation marked its centenary in 2025 and describes itself as a volunteer-based cultural and social movement.

Bhagwat has served as the RSS Sarsanghchalak, or chief, since 2009. The organisation has a large network of volunteers and affiliated bodies working in social service, education, labour, student affairs and other fields across India.

Source: IANS

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New York, Aug 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat has said politics has become a "game of self-interest" and added that lasting change must begin within society before it can influence governments and public policy.

Addressing religious leaders at the "One World, One Humanity" programme in New York, Bhagwat added that political action alone could not create unity or change deeply rooted social attitudes.

"These things do not happen through politics. Sorry to say, but the fact is, politics has now become a game of self-interest," the RSS Chief said.

He added that the emphasis on individual interests had made it harder to find solutions to social divisions.

Collective thinking, he said, offered a better path.

"Where there is me, I am I. There is no solution. We and ours is the solution," he added.

"So our experience in Bharat is that we have to start with the society."

Bhagwat said religious leaders ultimately wanted to influence political decisions, prevent wars and encourage governments to pursue the right policies.

But such efforts, he added, could not begin at the political level.

"We want to change, influence the policies before they happen, influence them in the right way. We want to stop wars, we want to do all these things," he said.

"Therefore we want to influence the politics. We have to at some point of time. But we cannot start with those."

Bhagwat said the process should begin by building public opinion through dialogue, service and practical examples of cooperation.

Democratic governments, he said, depend on the views of citizens.

"Politics today, especially in democracy, it depends on the public view," he said.

"If there is public opinion, then no politician will dare to go against it."

Bhagwat urged participants to take their common commitments back to their countries and begin working within local communities.

"Whatever we decide to do today, we should start in our own country and create pockets of such selfless service, such atmosphere of unity," he said.

The RSS Chief said communities should develop working models of the kind of world they wanted to build.

These efforts should then be connected through sustained dialogue, he added.

"We should create at our own place the models of the world we want," Bhagwat said.

"And we should connect. We should keep on this dialogue."

He called for interfaith engagement to move beyond senior religious leaders and reach communities at the provincial, district and block levels.

"If we start at this level and start instructing our own people and then try to have this dialogue in all the countries, in the provinces of those countries, district level, block level, if you go like that, then the atmosphere will change," he said.

Bhagwat cautioned that changing public attitudes would be a long and difficult process.

Knowledge alone, he said, was insufficient unless it shaped conduct and daily practice.

"If we together start working, we can change the situation of the world," he said.

"But it will take long time. It is not so easy to clean up public mind."

Bhagwat has led the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh since 2009. The Sarsanghchalak (Chief) is the organisation's highest-ranking office-bearer and provides its broad ideological and organisational direction.

Founded in Nagpur in 1925 by K.B. Hedgewar, the RSS marked its centenary in 2025. It describes itself as a volunteer-based cultural organisation and has a nationwide network of local branches and affiliated bodies.

Source: IANS

The post Politics now a game of self-interest: Bhagwat appeared first on Social News XYZ.

New York, Aug 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat has urged religious leaders to create local models of unity and selfless service, saying global change must begin in communities and be sustained through dialogue at every level.

Addressing the "One World, One Humanity" programme in New York, Bhagwat said participants should carry their common resolve back to their countries and turn it into visible action.

"Whatever we decide to do today, we should start in our own country and create pockets of such selfless service, such atmosphere of unity," he added.

Bhagwat said that religious leaders should demonstrate through local initiatives how people from different communities could work together.

Successful projects could then be connected across regions and countries, he added.

"We should create at our own place the models of the world we want," he said.

"And we should connect. We should keep on this dialogue."

The RSS Chief called for interfaith engagement to move beyond international conferences and senior religious figures.

Dialogue, he said, should reach people in provinces, districts and smaller administrative blocks.

"This dialogue also we should take to the lower level," Bhagwat added.

"If we start at this level and start instructing our own people and then try to have this dialogue in all the countries, in the provinces of those countries, district level, block level, if you go like that, then the atmosphere will change," he said.

Bhagwat added that the RSS had gained practical experience through its dialogue with Muslim and Christian communities in India.

The engagement began after his 2018 address in Delhi and had continued despite frustration over the slow pace of results.

"So we started that dialogue. Mainly with Muslims and Christians of Bharat," he said.

"And step by step we are going ahead."

He cautioned that changing social attitudes would require patience.

People might understand the principles of goodness and love but still struggle to translate that knowledge into behaviour, he added.

"But now we have to create a situation wherein this knowledge prevails. And this knowledge rules the human behaviour," Bhagwat said.

He added that intellectual understanding alone was not enough.

"Good conduct had to become a habit strong enough to resist the attractions of material gain, power and superiority."

"We have to instill the practice," he said.

"Habit should be changed so radically and new habit should be so strong that it should fight this deflection of the lure of material happiness."

Bhagwat acknowledged that some participants in the continuing interfaith dialogue had questioned whether it was producing results.

"We have sat for seven times, nothing has happened," he quoted participants as telling him.

His response, he said, was: "Okay, continuously, something will happen."

The RSS Chief urged religious leaders not to abandon the effort because results were slow.

He said the work would be laborious and time-consuming but must continue without despair.

"We have to add one more resolve there. That we will pursue this code untiringly for the time it takes," he added.

Bhagwat has served as Sarsanghchalak (Chief) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh since 2009. The position is the highest office in the organisation and carries responsibility for its broad ideological and organisational direction.

The RSS was established in Nagpur in 1925 by K.B. Hedgewar and completed 100 years in 2025.

Source: IANS

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New York, Aug 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat has said the organisation serves people without religious discrimination, citing its response to an air disaster involving two planes from Arab countries whose passengers were predominantly Muslim.

Addressing the "One World, One Humanity" gathering of religious leaders in New York, Bhagwat noted that dialogue between communities must be accompanied by service.

"Dialogue is the first step. Service is another. Not one step after that. It had to start simultaneously," he said.

Bhagwat said service had been central to the RSS since its inception.

Volunteers did not ask about the religion or identity of people who needed assistance, he added.

"Right from our conception. We are serving. And while serving, we don't say, we don't see this discrimination," Bhagwat said.

"Whoever is needing, we are serving."

He said RSS volunteers, supported by society, were operating 130,000 service initiatives of different sizes.

Bhagwat cited the collision of two planes over Haryana to underline his assertion.

He said RSS volunteers reached the site and helped the victims without considering the religion of those on board.

"Both were from Arab countries. Most of the passengers were Muslims," he added.

Bhagwat said the volunteers treated the few survivors, recovered bodies, helped arrange funeral rites and later assisted relatives in identifying the victims.

"We never thought at that time that these are Muslims," he added.

The RSS Chief said the organisation could work in this manner because it was not motivated by politics or the prospect of receiving something in return.

"We could do this because we are not in politics," he said.

"We do it. We only give. We don't want anything."

Bhagwat acknowledged that perceptions had developed about the RSS because it had not publicised much of its work.

He invited people to observe the organisation from within before forming conclusions.

"That is why in publicity matters we are much behind," he said.

"There are many perceptions created by wrong narratives."

"But when you come and see us from inside, all those will be displayed within a day," he added.

Bhagwat said service could also change those receiving assistance.

"People who recovered from hardship through such projects often returned later to help others, without being asked to do so."

"This project has given me so much. I have to give back," Bhagwat said, describing the response of some beneficiaries.

"We don't preach them to do this. But that urge develops."

He urged religious leaders to establish similar examples of selfless service in their countries and connect them through continuing dialogue.

The 1996 Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision over Haryana involved a Saudi Arabian Airlines aircraft and a Kazakhstan Airlines plane. All 349 people aboard the two aircraft were killed in one of the deadliest mid-air collisions in aviation history.

The RSS was founded in Nagpur in 1925 by K.B. Hedgewar and marked its centenary in 2025. The organisation has a nationwide volunteer network, while its affiliated bodies work in areas including education, social service, labour and tribal welfare.

Source: IANS

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New York, Aug 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat has said religious diversity must be accepted, respected and protected, describing it as a visible expression of the fundamental unity of humanity.

Addressing religious leaders at the "One World, One Humanity" programme in New York, Bhagwat said faiths may follow different practices but humanity remained one.

"I am working in a society which traditionally says that religions might be different but humanity is one," he added.

Bhagwat said there was one ultimate truth, although people understood and described it differently because human perceptions were limited.

"That truth is one truth but it is described in many ways according to the describer," he added.

He used the ability of different living beings to perceive colours as an example of how experiences could vary without necessarily being untrue.

Human beings may see the same world differently, he said, but they remain part of a shared reality.

"We are experiencing the same thing. That is the basis of humanity," Bhagwat said.

He added that religions were now largely identified by their rituals.

"Such disciplines were necessary for people following a particular spiritual path, but they should not become ends in themselves."

"What for religion is there? It is leading us to truth," the RSS Chief said.

Bhagwat compared religious practices to a finger pointing towards a light.

"A person who continued looking only at the finger, rather than following its direction, would fail to see the light," he said.

"So seeking the ultimate truth, divinity, which we call by different names, science nowadays calls it consciousness, we have to have to tread the path of truth," the RSS Chief added.

The RSS chief said religious paths could be straight or winding, long or short, and carefully constructed or difficult to navigate.

Their differences reflected variations in human perception, he added.

"Paths are bound to be there and they are bound to be many because there is a difference between our perception," the RSS Chief said.

Bhagwat added that Hindu tradition had long held that water falling at different places eventually reached the ocean.

"In the same way, different spiritual paths moved towards a common destination."

"There are many paths," he said.

"Oh God, you are the goal. How like the water falling from heaven on the earth always leads to ocean."

Bhagwat said India had historically provided shelter to communities that could not find safety elsewhere.

"Traditionally, Bharat has been giving shelter to everybody," he added.

"So those who could not find a safe place in the world, they came to Bharat, they found their place."

He said the RSS considered it its responsibility to take the message of unity amid diversity around the world.

"Diversity is a decoration for our innate unity," Bhagwat said.

"It has to be accepted. It has to be respected. It has to be protected."

"As I protect my own specific nature, I have to protect others also," he added.

"Because diversity is the rule of nature. Unity is the truth behind it."

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was founded by K.B. Hedgewar in Nagpur in 1925 and marked its centenary in 2025. It describes itself as a cultural and volunteer organisation working to organise and strengthen Hindu society.

Mohan Bhagwat, a Veterinary Sciences graduate, became the RSS Sarsanghchalak (Chief) in 2009. He is the sixth person to hold the organisation's highest position.

Source: IANS

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New York, Aug 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat has said that knowledge alone cannot overcome religious and social divisions, calling for sustained practices that make service, love and respect part of everyday human behaviour.

Speaking at the "One World, One Humanity" programme in New York, Bhagwat added that traditions around the world already contained the knowledge needed to promote peace and unity.

"The problem is not knowledge of human beings," he said.

"In our knowledge, traditional knowledge, all over the world, every society in its tradition has this knowledge somewhere."

The challenge, the RSS Chief said, was to create conditions in which that wisdom guided human conduct.

"But now we have to create a situation wherein this knowledge prevails. And this knowledge rules the human behaviour," Bhagwat said.

"Knowledge of goodness. Knowledge of love. That we have to do."

He said that people often knew the right course but acted differently because of personal preferences and temptations.

Using his own diabetes as an example, Bhagwat said he knew that he should avoid sugar but could still find excuses to eat sweets.

"I know everything," he said.

"But still, when that comes, I say, oh, once I find it, it is all right. I find excuses. I do it."

Human beings behaved similarly despite knowing that religious leaders were offering the right message, Bhagwat added.

Intellectual education by itself could not overcome deeply embedded habits.

"This is a matter not of educating them, intellect twice," Bhagwat said.

"We have to instill the practice."

Religious rituals could help build those habits because they taught people to give, the RSS Chief added.

"Rituals of all religions teach the practice of giving," Bhagwat said.

The RSS Chief cited Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the spiritual teacher of Swami Vivekananda, who studied and practised multiple religious traditions, including Islam and Christianity.

"He (Ramakrishna Paramahamsa) practiced all the religions," Bhagwat said.

"Those of Bharatiya origin and also Islam and Christianity."

Bhagwat said Ramakrishna's conclusion was that different faiths led towards the same destination.

"And then he told us, don't worry. As many ways, as many thoughts. But all lead to one goal," he said.

"That is not theory. Real experience."

He also referred to philosopher and academic R.D. Ranade, who studied mystical traditions across different faiths and cultures.

"He tells that whatever the path, the experience people get are strikingly similar," Bhagwat said.

"There are documented experiences. He has studied all those."

Such teachings, the RSS Chief said, needed to reach ordinary people.

"Individuals must recognise that personal change was necessary before society could resist the desire for material gain, influence and superiority."

"Habit should be changed so radically and new habit should be so strong that it should fight this deflection of the lure of material happiness," he said.

Bhagwat urged religious leaders to continue their work even when visible progress was slow.

The task would be difficult, he said, but abandoning it could allow humanity to return to conflict.

The Ramakrishna movement traces its spiritual foundation to Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, a 19th-century mystic whose teachings influenced Swami Vivekananda.

Vivekananda introduced Vedanta and yoga to a wider Western audience during his 1893 address in Chicago.

Bhagwat has led the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh since 2009. The organisation was founded in Nagpur in 1925 and marked its centenary in 2025.

Source: IANS

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Tashkent, Aug 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the Indian diaspora is a living bridge between India and Uzbekistan as he was greeted by a large gathering of the Indian community in Tashkent during his bilateral visit to the Central Asian nation.

"Overwhelmed by the warmth and affection of the Indian community in Tashkent. Our diaspora is a living bridge between India and Uzbekistan, strengthening the bonds of friendship between our nations," PM Modi said on Saturday on social media platform X.

He also appreciated the Indian-Uzbek fusion cultural performances during the welcome, and said that it showcased a deep cultural connect.

"A captivating fusion of Indian and Uzbek musical traditions! The Tabla blends beautifully with the Doira and Chang, showcasing the deep cultural connect between India and Uzbekistan," Prime Minister Modi said, sharing a glimpse of a Tabla performance on X.

A few women from the Indian community also tied a rakhi to PM Modi's hand as he was greeting the Indian community members.

He also witnessed cultural performances by artists. PM Modi was seen intriguingly observing dance performances by children and shook their hands after the performance.

Earlier, PM Modi visited the Yangi Uzbekistan Monument and said that it reflects the aspirations and progress of the Uzbek people.

"Upon landing in Tashkent, went to lay a wreath at the Yangi Uzbekistan Monument with President Mirziyoyev. The Yangi Uzbekistan Monument reflects the aspirations and progress of the Uzbek people. Glad to begin my visit by coming here," he noted on X.

PM Modi was accompanied by Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev as both leaders examined the artwork representing Uzbek culture and history at the Yangi Uzbekistan Park.

PM Modi thanked President Mirziyoyev for the warm welcome at Tashkent airport as he began his two-day State Visit to the Central Asian nation.

In a special gesture, Mirziyoyev travelled to the airport and received PM Modi, highlighting the friendship between both countries that has grown immensely over the last 12 years.

"Landed in Tashkent to a warm welcome by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Grateful to him for the special gesture. This is my fourth visit to Uzbekistan, reflecting the depth and growing momentum of our bilateral relations," PM Modi said on X after landing in Tashkent.

Source: IANS

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Hyderabad, Aug 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Mauritius Minister for Public Service and Administrative Reforms Luchmanen Pethia met the Telangana Minister for IT and Industries Duddilla Sridhar Babu at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Telangana Secretariat here.

Both Ministers discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between Mauritius and Telangana across multiple sectors, a press statement from the state government said on Saturday.

According to the statement, the discussions focused on public administration, tourism, information technology and IT-enabled services (ITeS), emerging technologies, skill development and education.

Pethia said Mauritius considered Telangana a trusted partner and expressed interest in greater collaboration in capacity building and modern administrative practices.

He sought the Telangana government's support in strengthening the capabilities of Mauritius government employees through training programmes, knowledge-sharing and exposure to best practices.

The Mauritius Minister also expressed interest in establishing closer cooperation with the Marri Channa Reddy Human Resource Development Institute (MCRHRD), Young India Skills University and other educational and skill-development institutions in Telangana.

Sridhar Babu said Telangana was ready to extend its cooperation to Mauritius across sectors and highlighted the importance the state government attaches to international partnerships and knowledge exchange.

He added that Telangana had developed considerable expertise in areas such as information technology, emerging technologies, skills and public administration, which could provide opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation with Mauritius.

Sridhar Babu also invited Pethia to participate in the Telangana Rising Global Summit 2026, scheduled to be organised by the state government on December 7 and 8.

Industries Department Special Secretary Krishna Aditya and Information Technology, Electronics and Communications Joint Secretary Anudeep Durishetty, among others, were also present.

According to officials, the meeting underlined the growing scope for institutional cooperation and knowledge exchange between Telangana and Mauritius.

The focus was on governance, technology, education and skill development.

Source: IANS

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Tadepalli/Markapuram, Aug 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) YSRCP leaders on Saturday accused Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu of “rewriting history” and claiming credit for the Poola Subbaiah Veligonda Project, which they said was executed largely during the governments of former Chief Ministers YS Rajasekhara Reddy and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.

YSRCP Campaign Wing State President Kakumanu Rajasekhar, along with former and sitting legislators, told reporters in Markapuram that Naidu laid the foundation stone for the project in 1996 but failed to take it into meaningful construction during his subsequent terms in office.

The YSRCP leaders said YS Rajasekhara Reddy redesigned the project under the Jalayagnam programme, incorporating twin tunnels, Nallamala Sagar, three dams, feeder channels and major canals. The project was envisaged to irrigate 4.47 lakh acres and provide drinking water to 15.25 lakh people across 30 mandals.

According to the YSRCP leaders, 20.33 km of tunnel excavation was completed during the construction phase initiated under YSR. During Naidu’s 2014–19 tenure, only 6.686 km was excavated despite repeated deadlines.

They said the remaining 10.568 km, described as the most difficult stretch, was completed during Jagan’s tenure despite the Covid-19 pandemic, technical challenges and problems involving tunnel-boring machines. Tunnel-1 achieved a breakthrough in 2021 and Tunnel-2 in 2024. Jagan subsequently dedicated the twin tunnels to the nation on March 6, 2024.

Of the total 37.587 km of tunnel excavation, YSRCP claimed 30.901 km, or 82.2 per cent, was completed during the YSR-initiated phase and Jagan’s tenure, compared with 17.8 per cent during Naidu’s 2014–19 government.

The leaders questioned the projection of feeder-canal lining and finishing works as though the entire project had been newly executed. They also demanded completion of the Teegaleru canal and full rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced families before inaugurations.

YSRCP challenged Naidu to an open debate based on official records covering expenditure, tunnel-wise excavation, R&R and pending works.

Source: IANS

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Vientiane, Aug 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, on Saturday interacted with the Indian diaspora in Laos and appreciated their contribution in strengthening ties between the two nations.

“Wonderful interacting with the vibrant Indian diaspora in Lao PDR. Appreciated their immense contribution to strengthening the close, friendly ties between our two nations. Our community continues to serve as an invaluable living bridge,” MoS Margherita stated on X.

He also interacted with the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC) and Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) alumni in Vientiane.

“Interacted with the vibrant ITEC and ICCR alumni in Vientiane. Truly inspiring to see how India's capacity-building partnerships continue to contribute to the developmental journey of Lao PDR and reinforce our profound people-to-people ties. Our alumni remain the strongest pillars of our bilateral friendship, fostering deeper civilizational connects, goodwill, and mutual trust. Actively advancing India's Act East Policy!” MoS stated on X.

Earlier in the day, Margherita held an interaction with stakeholders from the tourism and textile sectors of Laos.

“Had a productive interaction with prominent stakeholders from the tourism and textile sectors of Lao PDR in Vientiane. Explored avenues to enhance bilateral trade, promote sustainable tourism, and revive traditional textile links. Our shared and rich civilizational heritage offers immense potential to boost economic synergy, create livelihoods, and deepen business-to-business (B2B) connect,” Margherita said on X.

He also inaugurated the performance of the iconic Phra Lak Phra Lam at the National Theatre in Vientiane.

“Delighted to inaugurate the performance of the iconic 'Phra Lak Phra Lam' at the National Theatre in Vientiane today. Supported through Indian grant assistance, this showcase of the Lao adaptation of the Ramayana highlights our deep-rooted civilizational links and vibrant cultural exchange. Proud to witness our shared heritage coming alive on stage, further strengthening the close bond between our peoples,” noted Margherita.

–IANS

ksk/as

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) outreach programme in the United States to mark its centenary year has triggered a political debate in India, with the Congress claiming that RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is facing strong opposition in the US, while the BJP and Shiv Sena described his visit as a matter of pride.

Speaking to IANS, Congress leader Udit Raj said Bhagwat was facing opposition soon after arriving in the US and alleged that the RSS was now being criticised internationally for its activities.

"See, among Indians, there are two kinds of people, and when you meet people who are living abroad, especially BJP supporters, they say that India is great and all. Generally, they are rich and from Gujarat. They are people with dual characters and are hypocrites," Raj said.

"Now, Bhagwat is going there and appealing to people to come back to India and assuring them that there are enough resources in India. But I know they will not come. Second, he faced strong opposition as soon as he arrived in the US. There was opposition in Canada as well," he added.

Raj further alleged that the RSS had earlier kept its activities hidden but was now facing criticism at the international level. He also levelled allegations against the organisation over its treatment of Dalits and Christians.

"The RSS had kept its activities hidden, but now it has started facing criticism at the international level. It is now proving that the RSS is anti-Dalit and anti-Christian. When it comes to Christians and their major festival Christmas, what they do with them, they are now facing all that outside. They don't allow people to pray in churches. So, what do you think? The whole world is not seeing all this?" he said.

The BJP, however, defended Bhagwat's visit and said the outreach programme would help spread awareness about Hindu thought and the RSS globally.

BJP spokesperson R.P. Singh said, "A message of Hindu thought should reach people across the world. Those who are looking at it through the lens of religion or sect are looking at it incorrectly. Hindu is a way of life; Hindu is not a religion. Those who are opposing it should first understand Hinduism. Only then will they be able to understand the RSS."

BJP National Council Member Yamini Sharma said, "As the RSS marks the historic milestone of entering its centenary year, the RSS chief, Param Pujya Mohan Bhagwat ji's visit to the United States carries immense global significance. As we know, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has been engaged in social service and has worked towards promoting unity in our country for the past century. The mega outreach programme in New York is of great significance and will also showcase the international footprint of the RSS on the global stage."

BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo said, "The world's largest organisation is now conducting an outreach programme to celebrate its 100th anniversary. The aim is to help people better understand the Sangh, its policies and its dedication. Even during COVID-19 in America, people associated with the Sangh worked together with the US government. With all these things, the Sangh is conducting its outreach programme."

Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC said, "More than one lakh Hindus live in the US, including professionals, doctors, lawyers, scientists, taxi drivers and others. It is a matter of pride that our Sangh's Sarsanghchalak, Mohan Bhagwat, will address them at Madison Square Garden. When he speaks of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', meaning the world is one family, India has taken the lead in this. The RSS is a 100-year-old cultural organisation whose sole focus is service projects."

Source: IANS

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New York, Aug 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) More than 5,000 people from 39 US states are expected to attend a 'Universal Oneness' event scheduled to be addressed by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat at New York's prestigious Madison Square Garden on Saturday (local time), organisers have said.

The gathering, scheduled to begin at 2 p.m., will bring together people from 85 cities. More than 200 organisations have partnered for the programme, according to event spokesperson Priya Samant.

"This event is a celebration of the Indian philosophy 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', which is that the world is one big family," Samant said on Friday.

"And we all can live in peace and harmony, even though we have our differences," she said. "With this event, we are trying to bring that message forward where people from all walks of life are going to come."

Samant said the programme would be an interfaith gathering with cultural and spiritual elements. It is being held during the weekend of Raksha Bandhan, a festival that she said symbolised "protection, care, and bond between one another".

The programme will include an a cappella performance by Indian-American youth and the chanting of hymns, she said.

Organisers said the registration process had drawn an overwhelming response. Although registration had now closed, it had initially been open to everyone, Samanth said. Those unable to attend in person would be able to watch the programme online.

"We got so much overflooded with the requests to attend this event, so it's closed, but it was an open registration," she said.

Indian-American community members associated with the programme said its central message was especially relevant during a period marked by conflict and divisions.

Dr Avinash Gupta said the gathering reflected the "timeless philosophy of our ancient Indian culture, that the world is one family".

"In this divided world and at this difficult time, it is all the more important for us to be united and spread the message of oneness and peace and harmony with each other," Gupta said.

Ankur Vaidya, associated with the programme and a volunteer with the Federation of Indian Associations, called on New Yorkers and the wider American community to participate.

"We urge the greater American community, the community of New York, to participate, to seek truth in what we are trying to share," Vaidya said.

"Inclusiveness, wellbeing for all is the message that the programme intends to give," he added.

Samanth also addressed opposition to the gathering. She said people were entitled to express their views in a free society and that dialogue remained the way forward when groups disagreed.

"We might, we will have differences, profound differences, but we can still come together, and we can still have a seat at the same table and talk through our differences," she said.

"Dialogue does not mean endorsement, listening does not mean agreement, and understanding does not mean abandoning your differences," she added. "Oneness does not mean sameness. It means that we can have differences and we can still work together."

The RSS was founded in Nagpur in 1925 and is marking 100 years since its establishment. It describes itself as a volunteer-based cultural organisation focused on character-building, social service and national development.

Bhagwat has served as the RSS Sarsanghchalak since 2009. The Madison Square Garden programme forms part of his US visit and seeks to present the Indian philosophical idea of the world as one family to an overseas audience.

Source: IANS

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Amaravati, Aug 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) The coalition government in Andhra Pradesh has completely failed to respond to the severe drought gripping Rayalaseema, leaving farmers without irrigation water, drinking water or fodder support, alleged the YSR Congress Party.

YSR Congress Party leader Anantha Venkatarami Reddy and former minister Sake Sailajanath said that kharif cultivation in the region had been restricted to just 39–40%, groundwater levels had fallen by 12–20 metres, and milk production had declined by nearly 75% due to shortage of green fodder.

They were addressing the media at the YSRCP district office in Anantapur on Friday.

According to a party release, Ananta Venkatarami Reddy said the government had no contingency plan despite warnings over El Nino and rainfall deficit. He said Telangana had released nearly 53 TMC from Srisailam for power generation while Andhra Pradesh remained silent, even as Rayalaseema faced a growing water crisis.

He recalled that the YSRCP government paid around Rs 8,600 crore towards crop insurance premiums and Rs 11,000 crore as input subsidy, whereas farmers were now being forced to pay insurance premiums themselves even for crops drying up in drought conditions.

Sailajanath said electricity could be purchased, but lost water could not be recovered. With Srisailam storage declining to around 160 TMC, continued releases for power generation would leave Rayalaseema projects and Handri-Neeva without water, he warned.

He demanded immediate diversion of water from Srisailam to Telugu Ganga, Handri-Neeva, drinking-water systems and other Rayalaseema projects, including at least 30–40 TMC through Pothireddypadu.

The leaders demanded that the government restrain wasteful water releases for power generation, provide compensation to affected farmers and urgently address fodder and drinking-water shortages. They assured farmers that YSRCP would stand with them and warned that if the government failed to act, the party was prepared to intensify its agitation, including a protest at the Srisailam project.

Source: IANS

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Amaravati, Aug 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) on Friday accused Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of trying to hijack credit for the Poola Subbaiah Veligonda Project by projecting the historic work done under YS Rajasekhara Reddy and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy as his own.

YSRCP SC Cell State President and former MLA TJR Sudhakar Babu told media persons at the YSRCP Central Office in Tadepalli that Veligonda was designed to provide irrigation to 4.47 lakh acres and drinking water to 15.25 lakh people across 30 mandals in Prakasam, Nellore and YSR Kadapa districts.

Sudhakar Babu said Chandrababu laid the foundation stone on March 5, 1996, but did practically nothing thereafter till 2004. It was YSR who revived the project under Jalayagnam, introduced the second tunnel, brought the comprehensive DPR, and developed the Nallamala Sagar dams, feeder channel and major project components. Between 2004 and 2014, 20.33 km of tunnelling was completed, 11.58 km in Tunnel-1 and 8.74 km in Tunnel-2.

In contrast, only about 6.6 km was excavated during Chandrababu’s 2014–19 tenure. Under YS Jagan, the remaining tunnel works moved at far greater speed. Tunnel-1 progressed at 4.12 metres per day compared with 2.41 metres under Chandrababu, while Tunnel-2 progressed at about 7.27 metres per day compared with 1.31 metres. Sudhakar Babu said YSR and Jagan together completed over 85 per cent of the project works, and Jagan dedicated the twin tunnels to the nation on March 6, 2024.

He questioned why Chandrababu was preparing to inaugurate again a project already dedicated by YS Jagan. He also demanded immediate payment of Rs 112 crore compensation to 758 eligible displaced families and challenged Chandrababu to make Veligonda the sole referendum issue in Yerragondapalem, Markapuram, Giddalur, Kanigiri and Darsi.

Meanwhile, addressing a separate press conference, YSRCP spokesperson Karumuri Venkata Reddy said welfare and development had come to a standstill in the 26 months of the coalition government, while debt, corruption, wasteful expenditure and misuse of public money continued unchecked.

He said the government had burdened the people with Rs 3.86 lakh crore in debt, borrowing an average of Rs 14,859 crore a month, Rs 495 crore a day and Rs 20.68 crore an hour.

He said the coalition had borrowed around Rs 2.18 lakh crore within the Budget, Rs 1.20 lakh crore through corporations and another Rs 47,000 crore in the name of Amaravati, surpassing in two years the Rs 3.31 lakh crore added during the previous five-year YSRCP government. Yet funds were unavailable for Aadabidda Nidhi, unemployment allowance and other promised schemes.

Karumuri said borrowings under YS Jagan had clear public outcomes; Rs 4.58 lakh crore reached people through DBT and non-DBT welfare. At the same time, government schools, hostels and hospitals were modernised under Nadu-Nedu, 17 medical colleges were initiated, five completed, and ports, fishing harbours and village secretariats were created.

In contrast, he said public money was now being spent on publicity and luxury: Rs 3.44 crore on the CM’s temporary residence, Rs 5.40 crore on decorative lighting, Rs 7.18 crore on the Delhi bungalow and meeting hall, Rs 9.20 crore on bullet-proof vehicles, and Rs 110 crore on aircraft and helicopters. Around Rs 1,500 crore had been earmarked for advertisements over two years.

He also cited expenditure on public events, consultants, advisers, legal fees, high-cost Amaravati works and contracts, saying the government claimed there was no money for welfare while spending crores on publicity, travel, ceremonies and political promotion.

Source: IANS

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Hyderabad, Aug 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) The overall crime rate in Telangana increased by 7.15 per cent while narcotics cases registered a surge of 46.10 per cent over the three years (2023-2026).

The number of total crime cases rose from 2,65,377 in 2023-24 to 2,84,363 in 2025-26. The crime rate per lakh population increased from 481.58 to 491.59.

Narcotics cases increased from 2,026 in 2023-24 to 2,960 in 2025-26, registering a 46.10 per cent increase over the three years.

Organised crime cases increased from 25 to 451, recording a 1,704 per cent rise. Traffic crime increased from 29,130 cases to 31,891, registering a 9.48 per cent rise.

On the other hand, cybercrime declined from 25,373 to 22,000 cases, a reduction of 13.29 per cent, while economic offences declined from 37,690 to 32,684, a decrease of 13.28 per cent.

These statistics were revealed on Friday when Director General of Police (DGP) C. V. Anand held a half-yearly crime review meeting with senior police officers of all units.

According to a release from the DGP office, grave crimes declined significantly in 2025- 26 compared to the previous year. The number of cases fell from 7,019 in 2024-25 to 6,294 in 2025-26, registering a 10.33 per cent decline. The crime rate per lakh population also declined from 11.21 to 10.88.

Among the major commissionerates, Hyderabad recorded a decline from 1,483 to 1,094 cases, a 26.23 per cent reduction. Cases also declined in Cyberabad from 656 to 613 and in Malkajgiri from 664 to 549.

While grave crimes have declined, non-grave crimes have continued to increase. Cases rose from 2,59,201 in 2023-24 to 2,78,069 in 2025-26, registering a 7.28 per cent increase over three years.

Among commissionerates, Future City recorded a 23.70 per cent rise, Cyberabad 17.32 per cent and Malkajgiri 13.53 per cent. Hyderabad, however, registered a 2.77 per cent decline. Among districts, Komaram Bheem Asifabad recorded a 70.88 per cent increase and Adilabad 60.71 per cent. Medak, Sangareddy, Nalgonda and Narayanpet also recorded increases in non-grave crimes.

The rise in narcotics cases has emerged as a major challenge for the Police Department. Cases increased from 2,026 in 2023-24 to 2,960 in 2025-26, while the crime rate per lakh population rose from 3.68 to 5.12.

Among commissionerates, Cyberabad recorded a rise from 266 to 508 cases, registering a 90.98 per cent increase. Warangal also recorded a 142.31 per cent rise over the three years.

The DGP directed police officers to strictly adhere to professional standards in crime investigation and policing. Crime reviews should not be confined merely to statistics but should involve an in-depth analysis of the causes behind each crime, the modus operandi of offenders, the quality of investigation and the disposal of cases, he said.

He said that the special focus had been placed on the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) in recent times.

As a result of the collective efforts of officers and personnel, the CCTNS data update rate, which was earlier in the range of 70–80 per cent, had now reached 96 per cent, which was commendable, he said.

The DGP stressed the need to give greater importance to monthly crime review meetings. Police personnel must strictly follow basic policing practices at the field level, and officers should take it as a matter of professional competition to maintain high standards. All Zonal DIGs and Multi-Zone IGs were directed to examine inspection notes hereafter.

Officers were also instructed to take immediate action on issues identified during district tours and inspections of police stations. They should identify emerging crime trends in advance and formulate specific action plans wherever necessary.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) As Indians based in the United States, UK and Canada, who were on a pilgrimage to the Kailash Mansarovar, remain missing following the massive flash floods in Nepal, their family members appealed for help from the governments of both nations.

A family in Gujarat's Surat lost contact with their son, who is an engineer in Florida, daughter, and daughter-in-law, who were on the pilgrimage, following the tragedy.

Speaking to IANS, their mother, Sushila Patel, said: "My son, daughter-in-law, and daughter went to Nepal on August 23 and were scheduled to leave for Mansarovar on the 25th."

"During the last conversation that we had, they told me that their immigration was completed and that they won't be able to talk to me after this (as they were entering China). Since we saw the news of the tragedy, we have been calling people to know about their whereabouts. My son-in-law, who stays in Bombay (Mumbai), also said that they are unreachable," she added.

The family appealed to the government to provide some information about the missing members.

Chhattisgarh BJP leader Karta Ram Gupta’s daughter Dr Meena Gupta, a UK-based doctor, was part of a 77-member group from Sadhguru's Isha Foundation and was on her way back from the Kailash Mansarovar when she reportedly went missing.

Her brother-in-law said: "We even spoke to her on a video call during her 'darshan' at the Kailash Mansarovar...she had last spoken to her father on August 25."

The family said that according to the group, she was at the immigration office when the tragedy struck.

"I appeal to the Indian and Nepalese authorities to provide any possible details about her at the earliest," sister Mamta Mittal told IANS.

Swati Bagrecha from Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh was also part of the Isha foundation group and went missing after the flash floods near the China-Tibet border, during her Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage.

Showing photographs from her visit to the holy place on his mobile phone, her brother, Dr Prashant Bagrecha, said: "She had come to India from Canada on August 8 and after that undertook the journey to Nepal, towards Mount Kailash. Day before yesterday, she reached the immigration office at around 9 am, while on her way back...the group said that she was last contacted at around 9:05 am and had been unreachable after the flash floods struck."

The brother said that he has spoken to Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, maintaining that everyone is trying to help at their own level.

In a similar case, Sandeep Kumar Garai, hailing from West Bengal's Purba Bardhaman, has been out of contact since Wednesday morning, following the devastating floods.

Talking to IANS, Sandeep's wife Tithi Garai appeared frustrated as she complained of not receiving any update about her husband's whereabouts from the administration.

"The administration hasn't helped me at all till now. I am not getting any news. What is the administration doing? Yesterday I went and filed a (report) at the police station, and even at the SDO office. They haven't provided any help till now. Bardhaman police station called me, but they are just saying they need documents, but we have not been provided any update so far," she said.

Source: IANS

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Hyderabad, Aug 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) Telangana Minister for Revenue and Housing, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, said on Friday that the selection of beneficiaries for the Indiramma Towers in the Core Urban Region Economy (CURE) area is being conducted with complete transparency.

Indiramma Towers are being constructed in Greater Hyderabad to realise the dream of the poor to own a house, he said and called the project a symbol of their dignity.

He clarified that eligibility is the sole criterion for selection, which is being carried out without regard to caste, religion, or politics.

He stated that a highly transparent lucky draw is being held to allocate flats in the first phase of the Indiramma Towers project in the CURE area. The draw is being conducted in the presence of the media and eligible beneficiaries, with the entire process being broadcast live across social media platforms.

On Friday, the lucky draw for Indiramma Towers flats was conducted for the Nampally, Quthbullapur, Secunderabad, and Rajendranagar Assembly constituencies.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister announced that lucky draws for approximately 8,000 flats across 16 Assembly constituencies are being conducted from today until August 31. He stated that the lucky draw process would proceed at a rate of four constituencies per day.

The minister explained that for every constituency, 600 beneficiaries would be selected via lucky draw for 480 flats. Officials would subsequently conduct a final field verification, and if any selected individuals were found ineligible, the opportunity would be extended to eligible candidates from the remaining pool of 120 people.

The minister recalled that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had laid the foundation stone for the Indiramma Towers at KPHB Colony in Kukatpally on August 13. He said the state government invited tenders for the construction of Indiramma Towers across 16 constituencies in record time while simultaneously conducting lucky draws to select beneficiaries.

He stated that the government is moving forward with the goal of constructing 1 lakh houses in the first phase under the CURE initiative. The minister announced that the process of identifying land in four additional Assembly constituencies has been completed and that applications for 'Indiramma' houses in these constituencies will be accepted until September 3.

The minister emphasised that poor families deserve to live with dignity, even in areas where land is valued at Rs 100 crore, Rs 200 crore, or Rs 300 crore per acre.

The minister stated that registration for eligible beneficiaries allotted homes in 'Indiramma Towers' would be carried out without any cost to them. He explained that after 10 years, beneficiaries would have the option to sell the house if the need arose.

He further clarified that should an urgent need arise before that period, there would also be an option to pledge the registration document with a bank to secure a loan. The minister stated that every beneficiary selected through the lucky draw would be provided with a constructed house measuring approximately 525 square feet.

He mentioned that each unit would also include an undivided land share of 17 to 20 square yards. He announced that 'Indiramma Towers'—rising up to 10 floors depending on requirements—would be constructed on government-identified sites, complete with lifts and other essential infrastructure.

The Minister explained that the final selection of beneficiaries would take place after the lucky draw, and certificates would be issued following official verification. He assured that measures would be taken to commence construction work on the towers within just 3–4 days. He also noted that beneficiaries would have the opportunity to personally oversee the construction of their homes.

Srinivas Reddy stated that within the very first year of the Congress government's tenure, 4.50 lakh 'Indiramma' houses were sanctioned across the state in the first phase. He noted that the construction of over 2 lakh houses has already been completed.

The minister explained that the state government is providing financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh per house in four instalments, and the payment of bills for the final instalment has also commenced.

He mentioned that another 2.50 lakh houses have been sanctioned for the second phase, and the process of selecting beneficiaries is being expedited. The minister indicated that the selection of beneficiaries for the second phase is likely to be completed within the next 10 days.

Source: IANS

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Amaravati, Aug 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) Several women leaders and members of the Brahma Kumaris tied Rakhis to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, on Friday on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

The women expressed their affection by tying Rakhis to the Chief Minister at his official residence.

Chief Minister Naidu conveyed his Rakhi Purnima greetings to them.

Minister for BC Welfare, Economically Weaker Sections Welfare, Handlooms and Textiles, S. Savitha, former minister Peethala Sujatha, NTR District TDP President Gadde Anuradha, and TDP State Secretary Achanta Sunitha were among those who tied Rakhis to the Chief Minister.

Minister Savitha and Guntur West MLA Galla Madhavi also tied Rakhi to Minister for Human Resources Development, Information Technology and Real Time Governance, Nara Lokesh at Undavalli residence. He conveyed special thanks to them for their affection.

Earlier, Lokesh greeted people on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. He said in his message that though he has no biological sister, God has blessed him with millions of sisters as companions.

“I can never forget the love and affection shown to me by sisters wherever I go in the Telugu states. The warmth and bond shared by women have instilled in me a greater sense of responsibility. We are imparting lessons on moral values to children from their student days, teaching them to respect women. Ensuring women's safety and empowerment is the responsibility of the people's government. On the occasion of Rakhi festival, I extend my heartfelt greetings to Telugu sisters, who are dear to me like my life,” he said.

State Congress president, Y.S. Sharmila Reddy also greeted people on Raksha Bandhan. She termed the festival a symbol of the bond between brothers and sisters, of boundless love, affection, and protection.

“Heartfelt wishes for the Rakhi festival to every brother and younger sibling in the Telugu states. On this festive occasion, I sincerely wish that my brothers thrive in happiness and well-being, remain blessed with long life and good health, and attain prosperity,” she said.

Source: IANS

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Amaravati, Aug 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) Konidela Naga Babu on Friday took charge as Chairman of the AP Green Executive Committee and said that he would discharge his duties with the goal of expanding the state's green cover to 50 per cent of the geographical area by 2047. 

He emphasised the efforts to transform environmental conservation from a mere government programme into a mass movement with public participation.

Naga Babu, who is the brother of Deputy Chief Minister and Forest Minister Pawan Kalyan, was speaking to the media after assuming office at Aranya Bhavan in Mangalagiri.

Babu, whose real name is Konidela Nagendra Rao, was appointed Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the ‘Andhra Pradesh Society for Greening and Reforestation for Ecological Enrichment (AP Green)’ on August 17. According to the Government Order, he will enjoy a Cabinet rank.

Terming the role of Chairman of the AP Green Executive Committee as a great honour and responsibility, he thanked Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan for placing their trust in him and entrusting him with key responsibilities.

“I will work with utmost dedication to effectively achieve the goals set by the AP Green Society. Through AP Green, I will strive to increase greenery, expand forest cover, and achieve environmental conservation objectives in the state,” he said.

Naga Babu, who is a member of the Legislative Council, said the state's current forest cover stands at 22.96 per cent. “Our primary objective is to increase the total green cover --comprising both forest and tree cover -- to 50 per cent of the state's geographical area by 2047. This is not merely a target set for the sake of statistics; the government has undertaken this initiative with the resolve to provide future generations with clean air, a healthy environment, and a better quality of life,” he said.

“At a time when climate change poses a global challenge, environmental conservation is a responsibility shared by us all. Therefore, we are implementing an action plan to expand greenery in every suitable area across the state, rather than limiting the AP Green initiative solely to forests. We aim to increase green cover wherever possible, including agricultural lands, villages, urban areas, roadsides, canal bunds, the premises of public and private institutions, industrial surroundings, and suitable wastelands."

He said the AP Green Executive Committee will actively promote large-scale tree planting and the development of plantations.

Stating that achieving this ambitious goal is beyond the scope of any single department, he said they will move forward by coordinating with all relevant government departments, including Agriculture, Horticulture, Panchayat Raj, Education, Industries, Revenue, Water Resources, Transport, and Forest.

“The 'AP Green' initiative should not remain merely a government programme; we aim to make farmers, voluntary organisations, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) entities, students, youth, entrepreneurs, and every citizen active participants in this endeavour. Our objective is to transform 'AP Green' from a mere government scheme into a magnificent people's movement with widespread public participation,” he said.

Naga Babu said planting saplings was not their sole objective. He believes that the true responsibility lies in ensuring the survival, protection, and healthy growth of the saplings planted. We will pay special attention to the survival of every single sapling and establish a dedicated monitoring system for their care and maintenance, he added.

Source: IANS

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Amaravati, Aug 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) Seven fishermen from Andhra Pradesh, who went missing at sea early this month, safely returned home on Friday, officials said.

The fishermen from Dr B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, who had ventured into the sea for fishing on August 3 and subsequently went missing, reached Kakinada.

The fishermen, who were found safe near Shankarpur fishing harbour off the West Bengal coast on Wednesday, had a happy reunion with their families after 25 days.

Officials brought the fishermen back from West Bengal; MLA V. Kondababu, MLC Rajashekhar and district officials received the fishermen.

The fishermen set sail on a mechanised boat from Odalrevu fish landing point on August 3 but lost contact with their families four days later after they went deep-sea fishing off the Andhra coast in search of tuna.

The fishermen were scheduled to return on August 12, and as they did not come back, families became anxious and approached the authorities.

A massive search operation was launched in the Bay of Bengal for the missing fishermen.

On Tuesday, the search operation was intensified with the deployment of 15 Coast Guard vessels and four helicopters.

An extensive search operation was conducted in coordination with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), the Navy, and other relevant departments, with support from the Central government.

On Wednesday afternoon, local fishermen near the Shankarpur fishing harbour off the West Bengal coast found the boat with the missing fishermen on board.

They gave a cellphone to the missing fishermen, who spoke to their family members in Andhra Pradesh, confirming that they were safe.

The fishermen said that they were stranded at sea after the boat engine developed a technical snag.

The fishermen on board the missing boat were identified as Kopanathi Ramakrishna, Kollati Yesudasu, Palepu Santa Rao, Kollati Srinubabu, Karri Rambabu, Sangani Tatarao and Kataadi Satish Kumar.

The fishermen said they survived without food for more than three days in the sea before reaching the West Bengal coast.

Source: IANS

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Hyderabad, Aug 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) Telangana’s Minister for Forest, Environment and Endowment, Konda Surekha, who faces disciplinary action over her daughter’s outbursts against Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, tied him Rakhi on Friday on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. Apart from Surekha, Minister for Panchayat Raj, Rural Development, Women & Child Welfare, Danasari Seethakka, also tied Rakhi to the Chief Minister.

Amid the buzz that Surekha may be dropped from the Cabinet, she called on the Chief Minister at the latter’s Jubilee Hills residence and tied him a Rakhi.

Surekha’s daughter Sushmitha has recently made certain remarks against the Chief Minister at a programme at Parkal in Warangal district. She had accused the Chief Minister’s family of corruption.

In response to the notice by the Disciplinary Committee of Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC), the minister had stated that she can’t be held accountable for the views expressed by her daughter. She asked the panel to take back the notice.

Taking strong view of the minister’s reply, the Disciplinary Committee has reportedly recommended strong action against her for the indiscipline.

Meanwhile, Minister for Panchayat Raj, Rural Development, Women & Child Welfare, Danasari Seethakka, also tied Rakhi to the Chief Minister.

Revanth Reddy treats Seethakka as her own sister and has publicly declared on several occasions their bond is stronger than blood relation.

State Women's Commission Chairperson Gadwal Vijayalakshmi, members, chairpersons of various corporations, representatives of the Brahma Kumaris, Mahila Congress leaders, and students from the Government High School for Visually Impaired Girls in Malakpet also tied Rakhis to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.

Earlier, the Chief Minister extended heartfelt greetings to all sisters of the Telangana State on the occasion of the Rakhi Purnima.

The Chief Minister wished that everyone would celebrate the Rakhi festival, which symbolises a strong bond between brothers and sisters, with joy and happiness. The CM hoped that every household would be blessed with happiness, prosperity, and good health.

CM Revanth Reddy stated that the "People's Government” is striving to achieve the goal of economically empowering women and transforming them into millionaires. A slew of welfare schemes and development programmes were already launched as part of the government's ambitious resolve to promote one crore women as crorepatis, he said.

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla also extended his warm greetings to the people on the joyous occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

The Governor said that Raksha Bandhan celebrates the sacred bond of love, affection, trust and togetherness between brothers and sisters as the Rakhi symbolises not only protection, but also mutual respect, care and unwavering support.

He wished that the festival would bring happiness, peace, prosperity and harmony to every family and strengthen the spirit of love and togetherness in society.

Source: IANS

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Amaravati, Aug 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu have greeted people on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan on Friday.

Governor Abdul Nazeer conveyed his heartiest greetings and good wishes to the people. He said the festival of Raksha Bandhan celebrates the sacred bond of love, affection and mutual respect between brothers and sisters.

“It reminds us of the importance of family values, care, protection and lifelong companionship,” he said and wished this auspicious occasion would strengthen the bonds of love and unity among families and bring happiness, peace and prosperity to all.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu also greeted people on Raksha Bandhan. “May this Raksha Bandhan festival, a symbol of the bond between brothers and sisters, fill your life with joy, health, and happiness. On this Rakhi Pournami, I sincerely wish that it spreads light in your lives, fills them with bonds of love,” he said in a post on X.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also conveyed his wishes to women. “On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi Pournami), which stands as a symbol of the affection and bond between brothers and sisters, I extend my heartfelt wishes to all sisters,” he said.

“Rakhi Pournami is an emotionally charged symbol of the ties, relationships, and responsibilities intertwined with the Indian family system. It is a festival that fosters a sense of brotherhood, honors women, and provides reassurance,” the Deputy CM said.

“On this Rakhi Pournami, we reiterate the coalition government's commitment to advancing women's safety and empowerment in the state. The coalition government is already successfully implementing initiatives such as Deepam-2, which provides three free gas cylinders per year, Talli Ki Vandanam, and Stree Shakti schemes,” he added.

The Jana Sena leader said the state was steadily progressing towards realising the dream of developing tribal villages. Already, 426 tribal hamlets have been connected by roads. Through Adavitalli Baata Phase-2, the government has initiated measures to further expand these roads.

“To protect tribal women from the genetic disease Sickle Cell Anaemia, we are establishing a special blood bank in Araku. On this Rakhi Pournami, we affirm our resolve to move forward toward the upliftment and empowerment of girls and women,” Pawan Kalyan added.

Former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy greeted women. “Your love and affection are my greatest strength and give me immense courage. I will always remain grateful for the warmth and affection you shower upon me as your brother,” he said.

The YSR Congress Party chief wished that their lives are filled with happiness, love, strong bonds, and good health.

Source: IANS

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