Ahmedabad, Oct 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Friday attended a raas garba celebration organised by the Navratri Yuvak Mandal in Kolvada village of Gujarat’s Gandhinagar district, describing the traditional dance as an expression of devotion to the Goddess and the cultural identity of Gujarat.

In a post on social media platform X, Shah said he had participated in the raas garba programme organised by the Navratri Yuvak Mandal in Kolvada.

“Garba embodies devotion to Maa Shakti and the fragrance of the land of Gujarat,” he wrote in Gujarati, referring to the religious significance of the traditional dance form.

The event was part of Shah’s engagements in Gujarat during Navratri, the nine-night Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the divine feminine.

The festival is marked across Gujarat by garba and raas performances, with devotees gathering in community grounds and temple premises for evening celebrations.

Amit Shah’s participation in the Kolvada event came after a series of religious engagements across Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar on Friday.

Earlier in the day, he visited Jain spiritual leaders in Ahmedabad and sought their blessings.

He subsequently offered prayers at the Varadayini Mata temple in Rupal, Gandhinagar district, where he laid the foundation stone for an 81-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva.

He later visited the Bahuchara Mata temple in Mansa with his family, participated in the aarti and prayed for the well-being of people in the state and across the country, according to officials.

Kolvada, also spelt Kolwada, is located in Gandhinagar district. The Navratri Yuvak Mandal’s raas garba programme was among the cultural events taking place in Gujarat during the festival.

Garba is one of Gujarat’s best-known traditional dance forms and is closely associated with Navratri.

Traditionally performed in a circle around an image or representation of the Goddess, it combines devotional singing, rhythmic movements and clapping.

Raas, often performed with decorated wooden sticks known as 'dandiyas', is another popular dance form associated with the festival.

The celebrations have become a defining feature of Navratri in Gujarat, bringing communities together through religious observance, music and dance.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, Oct 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Friday laid the foundation stone for an 81-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva at the Varadayini Mata temple in Rupal area of Gandhinagar district, before visiting the Bahuchara Mata temple in Mansa with his family during Navratri.

According to officials, Shah offered prayers and sought blessings at the Varadayini Mata temple before laying the foundation stone for the proposed statue.

Later in the evening, on the sixth day of Sharadiya Navratri, Shah visited the Bahuchara Mata temple in Mansa, where he bowed before the deity with his family, participated in the aarti and prayed for the well-being of people in the state and across the country.

The two visits were part of Shah’s religious engagements in Gujarat on Friday.

Earlier in the day, he visited Jain spiritual leaders in Ahmedabad, seeking the blessings of Gachchhadhipati Acharya Nar Ratna Surishwarji Maharaj at Prerna Tirth in the Satellite area and Gachchhadhipati Uday Ratna Surishwarji Maharaj at Shri Vishwanandikar Jain Sangh in Paldi.

The foundation-laying ceremony at Rupal was among the key engagements on Shah’s itinerary during his visit to the state.

The proposed statue will be located at the Shaktipeeth Shri Varadayini Mataji temple complex.

Rupal, situated about 15 km from Gandhinagar, is known for its Varadayini Mata temple and its annual Palli festival, held during Navratri.

The festival draws large numbers of devotees, with the ceremonial procession of the Palli forming its central feature. The Bahuchara Mata temple is another prominent religious site in Gujarat.

Devotees visit the shrine to offer prayers and seek blessings, particularly during religious festivals. Amit Shah represents the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency.

Source: IANS

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Ghaziabad, Oct 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday hit out at the previous Samajwadi Party (SP) government in the state, alleging that it was not possible to arrange Ramlilas and Kanwar Yatras in the state without riots and curfews, during the latter's tenure.

The Chief Minister made the remarks while campaigning for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council elections (Graduates' and Teachers' constituencies) in Ghaziabad.

Addressing a gathering, CM Adityanath said: "You may have observed that during the four terms of the Samajwadi Party government, the state faced innumerable crisis concerning security, development, identity, employment for the youth, and the future of teachers."

"Under the Samajwadi Party, the state became synonymous with riots, curfews, unrest, anarchy, plunder, corruption, dilapidated roads, and a complete lack of electricity, this had become the state's defining identity. Investors stayed away out of fear," he alleged.

CM Adityanath added: "If jailed Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan sought to establish a university, a different set of standards was applied; but when an entity attempted to establish a 'global university,' it was denied recognition."

He asserted that when the "double-engine" government of the Bharatiya Janata Party came to power, it brought uniformity to these standards and ensured an equitable framework under the vision of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'.

Referring to the ongoing 'Shardiya Navratri' festival, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said: "I saw large-scale Ramlilas being held in many places while travelling through Ghaziabad. If the Samajwadi Party were in power, riots would have already broken out. There would have been curfews and unrest."

Highlighting that between Ghaziabad and Haridwar, 4.5 crore 'Kanwariyas' carry the holy water of River Ganga during the Hindu month of Shravan, CM Adityanath said: "There are no problems, no crisis, and no disturbances; instead, there is a festive atmosphere all around. They perform 'jalabhishek' at temples of Lord Shiva."

Maintaining that religious faith is what defines India, he said: "Everyone is free to express their faith without any discrimination. However, during the time of the Samajwadi Party, such Kanwar Yatras and Ramlilas would not have been possible. Back then, during Navratri, it was not possible to set up Durga Puja pandals, nor could any such events be organised. Under the rule of those people, there was no space for any of these."

He asserted that today the "BJP-led double-engine" government has created a remarkable synergy between heritage and development.

"The construction work of a grand corridor is underway at the Maa Shakumbari Shaktipeeth located in Saharanpur. Often devotees were concerned due to flash flood triggered by heavy water flow from the Shivalik hills. After this year we will make an elevated route there, following which people can have 'darshan' of Maa Shakambhari during any season," he said.

He also cited the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, saying that it has reduced the distance from Delhi to Meerut, thereby advancing the prospects of development there.

The Chief Minister emphasised that the Narendra Modi International Airport in Jewar is another proof of the developmental works carried out by the "double-engine government".

Source: IANS

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Dhaka, Oct 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) As many as 34 incidents of violence, including attacks on temples, vandalism of idols and other forms of violence, have been recorded at Durga Puja venues across Bangladesh ahead of the community’s biggest religious festival, local media reported citing two Hindu organisations.

Seeking stronger protection for religious and ethnic minorities, the two organisations, Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and the Mahanagar Sarbojanin Puja Committee, urged the authorities to take effective measures to prevent further attacks and ensure their security throughout the year.

The demand was raised at a press conference organised by the two bodies at the Dhakeshwari National Temple complex in Dhaka on Thursday, ahead of Sharadiya Durga Puja, leading Bangladeshi daily Dhaka Tribune reported.

Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad General Secretary, Santosh Sharma, said: “This year, the notable development is that a total of 34 incidents involving idol vandalism, attacks on temples and other related incidents have been reported so far.”

The leaders expressed hope that Durga Puja would be celebrated peacefully and without any untoward incidents, emphasising that religious festivals should bring together people from all communities and uphold Bangladesh’s tradition of communal harmony.

According to the statement issued by the organisations, several districts, including Sylhet, Rajbari, Panchagarh, Netrokona and Tangail, have witnessed incidents of idol vandalism and attacks on temples during preparations for the festival.

The statement also highlighted a theft at a historic Kali temple in Faridpur and incidents of attacks and looting at homes, shops and temples belonging to members of the Hindu community in Sunamganj.

It also cited a robbery in Naogaon involving people who allegedly impersonated intelligence agency personnel.

The leaders stressed the need to strengthen secular values and build greater social resistance against communal violence.

“Security for five days of Puja is not enough; security must be ensured for 365 days a year,” the leaders said, stressing that building a discrimination-free Bangladesh required upholding secular values and ensuring justice for those responsible for violence.

The latest incident highlighted a troubling surge in attacks on Hindu temples and minority communities across Bangladesh, a trend that began during the former Muhammad Yunus-led interim government and has persisted under the current Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) administration.

Earlier this week, Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) documented 498 reported incidents affecting religious and ethnic minorities in the country between July and September 2026, including killings, assaults, sexual violence, attacks on places of worship, and property violations.

“Every incident demands scrutiny. Every victim deserves protection. Impunity must not prevail,” HRCBM posted on X, highlighting the alarming surge in violence against minorities.

Source: IANS

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Lucknow, Oct 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday declared that the occasion of the upcoming 'Maha Navami', the ninth day of the ongoing 'Shardiya Navratri' festival, will be observed as a public holiday throughout the state.

This year 'Maha Navami' will fall on October 19.

After Chief Minister Adityanath's directive, government offices, educational institutions, and other government establishments across the state will observe a holiday.

This decision was taken to provide relief to the public and ensure participation in religious events during the festival.

Earlier in the day, CM Adityanath extended greetings on the sixth day of Shardiya Navratri, offering prayers to Maa Katyayani, the sixth form of Adi Shakti Maa Jagadamba.

“On the sixth day of Shardiya Navratri, countless salutations at the feet of Maa Katyayani, the sixth form of Adi Shakti Maa Jagadamba. May we pray to Maa Katyayani, bearer of the message to protect righteousness, that by her grace, all devotees may attain the courage and strength to fulfil their resolves. Jai Maa Katyayani," the Chief Minister said on social media platform X.

Meanwhile, starting from Friday, many temples in Uttar Pradesh dedicated to Goddess Durga are resonating with the 'Durga Saptashati' recitations and the worship of 'Shakti' (divine feminine power), in an effort to spread the message centered on the safety and dignity of women and girls.

Under the 'Mission Shakti' initiative, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has decided to organise cultural programmes in select temples from the seventh (Saptami) to the ninth (Navami) day of Sharadiya Navratri.

These events will feature the singing of traditional devotional songs dedicated to the Goddess, alongside recitations of the 'Durga Saptashati', on the last three days of Durga Puja.

Through these events, the tradition of worshipping 'Shakti' will be upheld, while raising awareness about the safety, dignity, and self-reliance of women and girls.

Speaking about the initiative, Uttar Pradesh Minister of Tourism and Culture Jaiveer Singh said that Sharadiya Navratri is a festival of faith, 'Shakti', and cultural traditions.

"Our endeavour is to ensure that these religious events serve as a catalyst for social change, fostering awareness regarding the safety, dignity, and self-reliance of women and girls," he added.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta directed officials to work with seriousness and urgency to ensure that the city remains clean, well-lit and orderly during the festive season, an official said on Friday.

At a meeting held at the Delhi Secretariat, she directed that no public place in the capital should have garbage, piles of waste, disorder or inadequate lighting during the festive period.

She directed heads of all concerned departments and agencies to conduct field inspections themselves, address shortcomings immediately and prioritise cleanliness and lighting work ahead of Diwali, the official said in a statement.

The Chief Minister also called for daily cleaning drives and measures to address dust on roads so that residents can enjoy a clean and beautiful environment during the festive season.

The Chief Minister said festivals symbolise joy, enthusiasm and mutual harmony. During this period, every part of Delhi should look clean, well-lit and orderly. “It is our responsibility to ensure that people experience cleanliness and better facilities everywhere, from their homes and markets to roads, parks and public spaces. All departments must work with full commitment and address any shortcomings immediately. Delhi residents should not have to face garbage, darkness or disorder during the festive season. Negligence at any level will not be tolerated,” she said.

The Chief Minister directed all government offices, hospitals and schools to conduct special cleanliness drives before Diwali.

She emphasised the need to maintain cleanliness and ensure proper upkeep of parks and public toilets, the statement said.

She directed officials to identify dark spots, ensure adequate lighting at these locations and address the shortcomings immediately.

She said staff shortages should not come in the way of making Delhi shine. Officials were told to address any shortage of staff required for the work without delay.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed displeasure over unauthorised posters and banners on public property and directed officials to remove them immediately from roads, intersections, flyovers, pillars, government buildings and markets.

Action must be taken against those putting up unauthorised posters under the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 2007, and FIRs must be registered in accordance with the applicable rules, she said.

Source: IANS

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Islamabad, Oct 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Defence lawyers have condemned Pakistan Supreme Court's decision to uphold the death sentence for blasphemy against a Christian man named Qaiser Ayub, terming the court's dismissal of his appeal against conviction for allegedly defiling the name of Prophet Muhammad as "devastating", a report has detailed.

The defence team welcomed the court's decision to acquit Qaiser's younger brother 46-year-old Amoon of an identical conviction. However, they raised questions about how the evidence was applied differently against the two men, a report in 'Barnabas Aid' mentioned.

"If the evidence against one brother was insufficient, how can the other be sent to the gallows based on evidence from the same case?," Barnabas Aid quoted Nasir Saeed, Director of the Center for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS), as saying.

Qaiser and Amoon were accused of publishing blasphemous content on a website registered in Qaiser's name. Both men were convicted and sentenced to death in 2018. Qaiser said that he shut the website in 2009 and the website was later revived by a Muslim acquaintance who retained his name in the copyright details.

Saeed stated that the two brothers were convicted largely on digital evidence taken from a seized laptop, which needed the highest standards of verification. He urged the government to spare Qaiser's life and demanded strengthening of safeguards against the misuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan. He stressed the need to hold accusers accountable in cases where an innocent person is wrongfully implicated, the report in Barnabas Aid stated.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has warned that Pakistan’s religious minorities continue to face systematic persecution, discrimination and denial of equal rights, with the abduction and forced marriages of Hindu and Christian girls, blasphemy cases and extremist attacks highlighting persistent failures to protect vulnerable communities.

In its latest report titled 'Sanctuary Denied: Freedom of religion or belief in 2025/26', the HRCP said that girls from Christian and Hindu communities continued to face abduction and forced marriage, compounded by poverty and inadequate police responses.

“Girls from minority communities continued to disappear and be coerced into wedlock by older Muslim men. An underage Christian girl’s ordeal is included in the report alongside that of Hindu girls. Weak police response and poverty worsened the struggles of the victims and their families. Alarmingly, a Hindu human rights activist posted on a social platform about alleged threats from a right-wing party for his activism against forced marriages of Hindu girls in Sindh," the rights body stated.

Citing Hindu minority rights activist Faqir Shiva Kachhi from Pakistan’s Sindh province, the HRCP said he has been fighting for the rights of minor Hindu girls, particularly those from lower-caste communities, against forced conversions for nearly a decade.

Referring to data provided by Kachhi, the HRCP said 36 underage Hindu girls were abducted in 2025, while 32 such cases were reported in the first seven months of 2026.

“And these are the ones we know of. There might have been countless others,” HRCP quoted Kachhi as saying.

Highlighting police’s reluctance to act promptly, he further said, “We have to stage sit-ins in front of the police station and superintendent’s office just to get an FIR registered.”

The report highlighted persistent misuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan, noting that hundreds of people accused of blasphemy remain in legal limbo, while the alleged perpetrators of an organised entrapment network have yet to be investigated.

It also documented attacks on the Ahmadiyya community, including two extremist attacks in Chenab Nagar, alongside increasingly overt attempts to exclude Ahmadis from public and commercial life.

Source: IANS

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Islamabad, Oct 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) A Christian man's house and shop were set ablaze by a Muslim mob in Pakistan's Punjab province after he was accused of blasphemy. Subsequently, over 35 Christian families were forced to leave their homes amid fear of further violence, a report has detailed.

A day prior to the incident, police arrested a 40-year-old Christian man, identified as Kamran Masih, who ran a small pharmacy in Gharial Kalan village of Punjab. Local Muslims had accused him of sharing a blasphemous video in WhatsApp groups, Christian Daily International reported, citing a source.

"As word of Masih’s arrest spread, his family and other Christians started fleeing the village, fearing a mob attack," Christian Daily International-Morning Star News quoted the source on condition of anonymity.

The source stated that dozens of Muslims gathered near Masih's shop and his residence to protest and set fire to the two buildings.

Human rights organisations and legal experts have criticised blasphemy laws of Pakistan, stressing that the provisions are vulnerable to misuse in personal disputes and other conflicts and have disproportionately impacted religious minorities, Christian Daily International reported.

On July 22, a leading minority group accused Pakistan of failing to curb the misuse of blasphemy laws, citing false allegations, widespread mob violence against the accused and failure to protect the minorities from their consequences.

According to the Voice of Pakistan Minority (VOPM), the blasphemy laws remain among Pakistan’s most "controversial issues", with their impact on religious minorities and the continued failure of institutions to prevent their misuse.

The rights body noted that one of the biggest failures has been the inability of Pakistan's justice system to safeguard the innocent from false allegations.

Referring to the case of Rimsha Masih, a Pakistani Christian girl with Down syndrome, the VOPM said that the incident exposed serious weaknesses in the system. She was accused of desecrating the Quran, but subsequent evidence indicated that the allegations were “fabricated”.

While she was eventually released, the rights body said the damage was already done, with her family facing immense pressure and the case highlighting how easily someone can become a victim before the court examines the facts.

“The judiciary and law enforcement agencies have repeatedly been criticised for failing to act strongly against those who misuse blasphemy allegations. When false accusers or those who manipulate religious emotions are not held accountable, it sends a dangerous message that such actions can continue without consequences. This lack of accountability weakens public trust in the legal system,” the VOPM stated.

Source: IANS

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Jamshedpur, Oct 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) A major controversy has erupted in Jharkhand's Jamshedpur over Dandiya and Garba Night events being organised during Navratri.

Objections are being raised over identity checks of the participants, the participation of non-Hindus, and adherence to religious traditions.

Jamshedpur West MLA Saryu Roy has described Dandiya as a Hindu religious celebration and asked the administration to consider the possible impact of such events on social harmony.

In a social media post, Roy said Garba and Dandiya are directly associated with Navratri and the worship of goddess Durga. He said some people had approached him seeking his intervention to secure administrative permission for a Dandiya Night event.

He subsequently drew the attention of the officials concerned to the matter and urged organisers not to reduce a religious festival to merely an entertainment event.

The MLA further said that it needs to be considered if permission to participate in such events can be granted to those who have no faith in the Hindu religion or those who do not worship goddess Durga.

Referring to religious identity and family beliefs, he also asked the administration to consider what impact such programmes could have on social harmony.

The controversy in Jamshedpur escalated after identity cards were checked at the entrances of several Dandiya and Garba events during Navratri.

According to media reports, a dispute arose during an event at an amusement park in Bistupur after a discrepancy allegedly emerged between the name given by a youth and the name mentioned on his identity card.

The incident briefly created commotion at the event venue.

The Hindu Utsav Samiti and other organisations have sought verification at such programmes, expressing apprehension that some people could enter events by concealing their identities.

Another aspect of the controversy concerns the commercialisation of Dandiya events. Some religious organisations have alleged that traditional religious celebrations are being turned into events resembling DJ parties and nightclub culture.

The organisations have also urged the district administration to issue clear guidelines for such programmes and strengthen identity verification and security arrangements.

The developments have triggered a wider debate in the city over religious traditions, participation in public cultural events and social harmony.

Some organisations are stressing adherence to religious customs and identity verification, even as the administration faces the challenge of maintaining law and order and preventing the controversy from escalating.

Source: IANS

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Lucknow, Oct 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Starting from Friday, many temples in Uttar Pradesh dedicated to Goddess Durga are resonating with the 'Durga Saptashati' recitations and the worship of 'Shakti' (divine feminine power), in an effort to spread the message centered on the safety and dignity of women and girls.

Under the 'Mission Shakti' initiative, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has decided to organise cultural programmes in select temples from the seventh (Saptami) to the ninth (Navami) day of Sharadiya Navratri.

These events will feature the singing of traditional devotional songs dedicated to the Goddess, alongside recitations of the 'Durga Saptashati', on the last three days of Durga Puja.

Through these events, the tradition of worshipping 'Shakti' will be upheld, while raising awareness about the safety, dignity, and self-reliance of women and girls.

Speaking about the initiative, Minister of Tourism and Culture Jaiveer Singh said that Sharadiya Navratri is a festival of faith, 'Shakti', and cultural traditions.

"Our endeavour is to ensure that these religious events serve as a catalyst for social change, fostering awareness regarding the safety, dignity, and self-reliance of women and girls," he added.

"These programmes will also provide local artists—especially women an opportunity to showcase their talent."

Three local artists are expected to perform at each temple, providing many artists with an opportunity to showcase their talent. A significant number of these performers will be women.

According to available information, three local artists each will perform at Lucknow's Chandrika Devi and Sankata Devi temples, three artists each will perform at Prayagraj's Alopi Devi and Lalita Devi temples.

In the remaining 22 temples, three artists each will present their performances.

This initiative will not only promote traditional devotional songs and folk culture but also provide livelihood support to the artists.

Among the noted temples where three-day programmes of devotional singing and recitation of 'Durga Saptashati' recitations will be held at noted temples, including Maa Vindhyavasini Devi (Mirzapur), Vishalakshi Temple (Varanasi), Jwala Devi (Sonbhadra), Katyayani Devi (Mathura), Maa Shitala Chaukiya Dham (Jaunpur), Belha Devi (Pratapgarh), Mahalakshmi Devi Temple (Varanasi), Chamunda Devi Temple (Firozabad), among others.

Source: IANS

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Islamabad, Oct 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Pakistan’s religious minorities continue to face systematic persecution, discrimination and denial of equal rights, with the abduction and forced marriages of Hindu and Christian girls, blasphemy cases and extremist attacks highlighting persistent failures to protect vulnerable communities, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has warned.

In its latest report titled 'Sanctuary Denied: Freedom of religion or belief in 2025/26', the HRCP said that girls from Christian and Hindu communities continued to face abduction and forced marriage, compounded by poverty and inadequate police responses.

“Girls from minority communities continued to disappear and be coerced into wedlock by older Muslim men. An underage Christian girl’s ordeal is included in the report alongside that of Hindu girls. Weak police response and poverty worsened the struggles of the victims and their families. Alarmingly, a Hindu human rights activist posted on a social platform about alleged threats from a right-wing party for his activism against forced marriages of Hindu girls in Sindh," the rights body stated.

Citing Hindu minority rights activist Faqir Shiva Kachhi from Pakistan’s Sindh province, the HRCP said he has been fighting for the rights of minor Hindu girls, particularly those from lower-caste communities, against forced conversions for nearly a decade.

Referring to data provided by Kachhi, the HRCP said 36 underage Hindu girls were abducted in 2025, while 32 such cases were reported in the first seven months of 2026.

“And these are the ones we know of. There might have been countless others,” HRCP quoted Kachhi as saying.

Highlighting police’s reluctance to act promptly, he further said, “We have to stage sit-ins in front of the police station and superintendent’s office just to get an FIR registered.”

The report highlighted persistent misuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan, noting that hundreds of people accused of blasphemy remain in legal limbo, while the alleged perpetrators of an organised entrapment network have yet to be investigated.

It also documented attacks on the Ahmadiyya community, including two extremist attacks in Chenab Nagar, alongside increasingly overt attempts to exclude Ahmadis from public and commercial life.

“The weaponisation of blasphemy law continued during the reporting period, with recurring patterns of personal vendetta, extortion and misguided religiosity driving the accusations. Although religious minorities are common targets, an influential scholar of the majority religion was also accused of blasphemy after making comments about the Christian faith,” the report mentioned.

The HRCP said that the discriminatory employment practices, the Islamisation of school curricula and the marginalisation of minority concerns in mainstream media further undermine equal citizenship.

“Apathy towards minority issues in mainstream media has not only continued but become more pronounced. Social media, which is more susceptible to fake news and propaganda, has become the major news source,” it further stated.

The HRCP warned that the existing legislation intended to protect religious minorities stood in stark contrast to persistent violations of freedom of religion or belief, including the weaponisation of blasphemy laws, forced marriages and conversions, escalating hate speech, and the state’s failure to ensure equal citizenship.

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, Oct 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) The rituals for Durga Puja 2026 began at Belur Math on Friday morning on the occasion of Maha Shashthi, following the traditions established by Swami Vivekananda at the international headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission in Howrah district, adjoining Kolkata.

The commencement of the rituals combined traditional devotion, scriptural observances, and historical customs introduced by Swamiji at Belur Math. In his writings, Swami Vivekananda described the institution as a place whose unblemished rays could enlighten the world and transform human lives.

The rituals began early in the morning with the participation of monks of Belur Math. The first observance, ‘Kalparambha’, marks the formal beginning of Durga Puja. It involves the installation of a sacred pot, known as a ‘Kalash’, symbolising the presence of Goddess Durga. The ritual is associated with invoking the deity's divine presence ahead of the main Puja ceremonies.

Other rituals, including ‘Bodhon’, or the ceremonial awakening and invocation of Goddess Durga, are scheduled for the evening, in keeping with the traditions meticulously followed at Belur Math.

Floral offerings were also made to the idols of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, his wife and spiritual consort Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda. Thousands of devotees and followers gathered at Belur Math, situated on the banks of the Ganga, to witness the commencement of the festivities.

“Durga Puja at Belur Math, which Swamiji initiated keeping in mind the ideology of Sri Thakur Ramakrishna, is still maintained with the same sanctity. A call was given to establish Goddess Durga in our hearts. We pray to Devi Durga for the welfare of the world and the destruction of demonic tendencies in everyone's hearts,” an official of Belur Math said.

Swami Vivekananda initiated Durga Puja at Belur Math in 1901, making the 2026 celebrations the 125th anniversary of the tradition's beginning in 1901.

The Puja is distinctive for its tradition of abstaining from animal sacrifice. As Sarada Devi was opposed to the practice of animal sacrifice, Swamiji introduced the ritual of offering fruits and vegetables as symbolic sacrifices during the festival.

“In this Puja initiated by Swamiji, people from all walks of life, regardless of caste, religion or creed, were seated together and served ‘khichuri’ as ‘prasad’, which was a meaningful symbol of social renaissance,” the Belur Math official said.

For devotees unable to attend the ceremonies in person, arrangements have been made for live broadcasts on Doordarshan and the official Belur Math channel. On Maha Shashthi, the institution has once again become a meeting point of devotion, history and celebration.

Source: IANS

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Agartala, Oct 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) A centuries-old royal tradition continues to thrive in Tripura, where the state government funds the historic Durga Puja at the Durgabari temple in Agartala, a unique practice that has survived changes in political regimes since the erstwhile princely state merged with the Indian Union on October 15, 1949.

Held near the magnificent Ujjayanta Palace, the former royal residence, the 150-year-old Durga Puja at Durgabari temple draws thousands of devotees, including visitors from different parts of India and neighbouring Bangladesh.

The five-day festival is steeped in royal customs and rituals preserved through generations. The traditional Bodhan, marking the invocation and welcoming of Goddess Durga, heralded the beginning of celebrations at the temple on Friday.

According to Jayanta Bhattacharjee, the temple’s head priest, the tradition dates back several centuries to the reign of Tripura’s erstwhile Manikya kings. His family has served as priests at the temple for more than six generations.

“The royal family’s tradition of worshipping Goddess Durga has been preserved over the years, with several customary rituals continuing to this day,” Bhattacharjee told IANS.

He said that a few years after the beginning of the royal era in Tripura, the then-kings started the Durga Puja over 500 years ago. The royal dynasty’s headquarters moved from Rangamati (now Udaipur) in southern Tripura through several locations before Maharaja Krishna Kishore Manikya established the capital at Agartala in 1838.

The Durgabari temple stands near the Ujjayanta Palace, built by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya between 1899 and 1901. The palace, which once served as the headquarters of the royal administration and later housed the state Legislative Assembly, now accommodates a huge museum showcasing the history and culture of the eight Northeastern states.

The Durgabari Puja retains a distinctive administrative tradition. The West Tripura District Magistrate and Collector, traditionally known as the ‘Sebayet’, oversees the arrangements, while the surviving members of the royal family continue to be associated with the rituals. Bibhu Kumari Devi, an elderly member of the former royal family, symbolically approves the arrangements, according to those familiar with the tradition.

A district administration official said the state government had sanctioned Rs 7.50 lakh for this year’s celebrations, following the established practice.

The Dashami procession (immersion of idols) is another major highlight. The Durgabari idols lead the immersion procession and are the first to be immersed at Dashamighat, accompanied by full state honours and the state police band.

Historian and writer Panna Lal Roy said government support for the worship at temples associated with the former royal family had continued across successive Left and non-Left governments.

He said the merger agreement signed in 1949 between Maharani Kanchan Prabha Devi, the then regent, and the Indian authorities provided for the continuation of certain royal religious traditions.

“During the reign of erstwhile Tripura King Ratna Manikya (1464-1488), the Manikya dynasty issued a ‘Mudra’ (currency coin) bearing images of Goddess Durga,” Roy told IANS. A government division dealing with places of worship, known as Debarchan Vibhag, now oversees the arrangements at more than 16 temples across four districts of Tripura, Roy said.

The Durgabari Puja also stands apart for its distinctive offerings and ritual practices. According to Roy, the traditional prasad includes fruits as well as fish, meat, eggs and liquor. Although Tripura hosts thousands of community and family Durga Pujas, the Durgabari celebrations remain a major attraction because of their royal legacy, distinctive customs and continued state patronage.

Across the state, this year’s puja pandals also reflect contemporary concerns, including climate change, alongside traditional and historical themes, blending social messages with the festive spirit.

More than 3,020 community Durga Pujas and over 100 family Pujas are being organised across Tripura this year, including around 775 in West Tripura district alone, attracting large crowds and requiring extensive security and traffic management arrangements.

(Sujit Chakraborty can be contacted at sujitchakrabortyne@gmail.com)

Source: IANS

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Bhopal, Oct 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has extended his support to Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh’s proposed Satya Sanatan Swabhiman Yatra, saying that standing up against wrongdoing in the name of religion is essential to protecting the true values of Sanatan Dharma.

The foot march will begin on October 20, the occasion of Vijayadashami, from Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain and proceed to the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

The yatra aims to raise public awareness about the sanctity of temples, alleged theft of offerings and irregularities in religious places, according to a statement issued by Digvijaya Singh’s office on Friday.

In a message issued from Shri Vidya Math in Varanasi, the Swami welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely effort to reconnect people with the fundamental principles of Sanatan Dharma and awaken religious self-respect.

“The true essence of Sanatan Dharma lies in truth, non-violence, purity, ethical conduct and the dignity of temples,” the Swami said in his message, according to a statement from Digvijaya Singh's office on Friday.

He said religious faith could not be used to justify wrongdoing, falsehood or misconduct. When irregularities take place under the cover of religion or the sanctity of temples is violated, he said, raising one's voice against such practices is a duty rather than an act of disrespect towards religion.

Referring to the alleged theft of offerings and lapses in the management of religious places, the Swami said remaining silent in the face of wrongdoing was not consistent with the principles of Sanatan Dharma.

He stressed that protecting the purity of religious institutions was necessary to preserve people's faith. “Standing up for the truth when wrongdoing takes place in the name of religion is the real expression of religious self-respect,” he said.

The Swami also underlined that the protection of Sanatan Dharma required both an understanding of its spiritual principles and a conscious effort to uphold them in practice.

He described Digvijaya Singh's proposed yatra as an important initiative to bring these concerns before the public.

The Swami extended his blessings and best wishes to Digvijaya Singh and those accompanying him, praying to Lord Mahakaleshwar and Lord Ram for the successful completion of the journey.

The proposed march from Ujjain, one of the country's prominent Shaivite pilgrimage centres, to Ayodhya, associated with Lord Ram, will focus on the values of truth, purity and accountability in religious institutions, as outlined by its organisers, Digvijaya Singh has said.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Durga Puja celebrations officially began in several parts of the nation as Navratri reached its sixth day. The pandal doors were opened to the public, drawing thousands of devotees seeking blessings.

The city of Jamshedpur in Jharkhand transformed into a vibrant hub of devotion, joy, and celebration as community-led festivities reached their peak on Friday.

Major socio-cultural and religious organisations, including the Hindi Club, Ranikudar, Sri Sri Rankini Mandir, Sri Utkal Durga Puja Committee, Agrico Puja Committee, and Tuiladungri Puja Committee, unveiled massive, intricately designed pandals. Elaborate thematic decorations, synchronised light displays, and traditional Vedic rituals have deeply immersed the local residents in the spirit of worship.

Jamshedpur boasts a legacy of hosting approximately 500 distinct Durga Puja celebrations across the city, making it one of the region's largest cultural congregations. Local organising committees have deployed dedicated volunteers and coordinated infrastructure to manage the heavy footfall, ensuring safety and accessibility for families and visitors. As the multi-day festival progresses, the entire city remains unified in a rare blend of community bonding and spiritual reverence.

As the nation marked the sixth day of Shardiya Navratri 2006, dedicated to Maa Katyayani, pandals were adorned across cities in West Bengal and other states, including Uttarakhand, Maharashtra and Jharkhand. Devotees were seen hopping between pandals and seeking blessings of the Goddess.

Speaking to IANS at the unveiling of Goddess Durga’s idol at Kolkata’s renowned Tala Barowari’s 106th Durga Puja celebrations, a devotee and organiser, Abhishek Bhattacharya, said, “We worship the Shakti in three forms: one is Durga, one is Saraswati, and one is Lakshmi. We know through the Puranas and Vedas that Shakti possesses the divine power of Dasha Maha-vidya and Navadurga - the Navadurga of Uma. This is what we have tried to portray in our pandal.”

Furthermore, in Uttarakhand’s Kashipur, a seven-day Durga Puja festival has been organised from October 15 to 21, featuring religious rituals, cultural performances, bhajan evenings, and community feasts, with the inauguration by Mayor Deepak Bali.

In Jharkhand, JMM general secretary Binod Kumar Pandey and party spokesperson Manoj Kumar Pandey inaugurated the Durga Puja pandal at Harmu Panch Mandir near Harmu Chowk by cutting the ribbon.

Meanwhile, in Maharashtra, artist Hafizuddin Ahmed spoke to IANS and narrated how he has been making Ravan effigies for Dusshera for the past 50 years. "I make effigies of Ravana, I make Tazia, I do set/scenery design work, and if any order comes from the film industry, I handle that too.

As for how many generations, he said, "I watched my father work, and he told me that his father and grandfather also used to do this same work.”

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended greetings on the sixth day of Navratri, offering prayers to Maa Katyayani and expressing hope that her blessings would bring boundless strength, courage and positive energy into everyone's lives.

“On the sacred sixth day of Navratri, countless salutations at the holy feet of Maa Katyayani! My heartfelt wish is that through Her grace, boundless strength, courage, and positive energy infuse every life,” PM Modi posted on X.

The Prime Minister also shared a YouTube link to a bhajan dedicated to Maa Durga, titled ‘Bhavani Ashtakam’, by Madhvi Madhukar Jha.

PM Modi further shared a Sanskrit verse dedicated to Maa Jagadambika, highlighting the divine presence of the Goddess in words, thoughts and forms.

The verse reads: “O mother Jagadambika! Is there, indeed, any word in this world that is not a hymn of praise to you? For your very form is composed of all words. O goddess! In all the thoughts that arise in my mind, as well as in all the forms and images that appear externally, I see only your divine form.” (loosely translated from Sanskrit)

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also extended wishes on the occasion, saying: “On the sacred sixth day of Shardiya Navratri, I offer millions of salutations at the lotus feet of Adi Shakti Maa Durga's sixth form, Maa Katyayani. The divine form of Maa Katyayani, who slays the demon Mahishasura and heralds the triumph of righteousness and truth, reminds us that when resolve is infused with strength and actions are guided by dharma, even the greatest obstacles can be overcome.”

“I pray to Maa Bhagwati that her grace may bring happiness, peace, and prosperity to every family in Delhi. May our capital be endowed with the strength to confront every challenge, and may Delhi continue to advance steadfastly on the path of service, security, good governance, and development. Jai Maa Katyayani,” she added.

Earlier in the day, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also extended greetings on the sixth day of Shardiya Navratri, offering prayers to Maa Katyayani, the sixth form of Adi Shakti Maa Jagadamba.

“On the sixth day of Shardiya Navratri, countless salutations at the feet of Maa Katyayani, the sixth form of Adi Shakti Maa Jagadamba. May we pray to Maa Katyayani, bearer of the message to protect righteousness, that by her grace, all devotees may attain the courage and strength to fulfil their resolves. Jai Maa Katyayani,” CM Yogi posted on X.

Source: IANS

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Lucknow, Oct 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday extended greetings to devotees on the sixth day of Shardiya Navratri, offering prayers to Maa Katyayani, the sixth form of Adi Shakti Maa Jagadamba, and wishing that her blessings provide devotees with the courage and strength to fulfil their resolves.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister said, “On the sixth day of Shardiya Navratri, countless salutations at the feet of Maa Katyayani, the sixth form of Adi Shakti Maa Jagadamba.”

“May we pray to Maa Katyayani, bearer of the message to protect righteousness, that by her grace, all devotees may attain the courage and strength to fulfill their resolves. Jai Maa Katyayani,” he added.

CM Yogi also shared a Sanskrit mantra dedicated to Maa Katyayani, invoking the blessings of the goddess on the auspicious occasion.

Maa Katyayani, worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri, is regarded as a powerful manifestation of Goddess Durga and symbolises courage, strength and the protection of righteousness.

Devotees offer prayers to the goddess seeking her blessings to overcome challenges, remain steadfast in their resolve and follow the path of truth and righteousness.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya also extended greetings on the occasion, praying for the well-being of devotees and invoking the blessings of Maa Katyayani.

In a post on X, Maurya said, “On the sacred occasion of Shardiya Navratri, countless salutations at the feet of Adi Shakti Maa Bhagwati’s sixth form, Maa Katyayani Ji!

Maa Katyayani symbolises power, courage, and the protection of righteousness. May her grace infuse fearlessness, self-confidence, and positive energy into everyone’s life—this is the auspicious wish.”

Shardiya Navratri 2026 Day 6 is being observed on Friday, and is dedicated to Maa Katyayani, the sixth form of Goddess Durga. Revered as the warrior form of the goddess, Maa Katyayani represents courage, protection, determination and the power to overcome obstacles. Devotees worship her to seek strength, confidence, prosperity and blessings for a harmonious life.

The nine-day festival of Shardiya Navratri celebrates the different forms of Goddess Durga and holds great religious significance for devotees across the country. During the festival, devotees observe fasts, offer prayers and participate in religious ceremonies to seek the goddess’s blessings.

Shardiya Navratri concludes with Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, which symbolises the victory of good over evil.

Source: IANS

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Gandhinagar, Oct 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi visited the Chamunda Mata temple at Chotila in Surendranagar district during Navratri on Thursday, offering prayers for the well-being and prosperity of the state and ceremonially hoisting the flag at the pilgrimage site.

Sanghavi performed flag worship at the foothills before proceeding to the temple atop Chotila hill, where he participated in the religious rituals amid the chanting of sacred mantras and sought the blessings of Maa Chamunda.

He prayed for the happiness, progress and welfare of the people of Gujarat.

He also attended a Garba event organised by police families on the hill and interacted with the participating artists, appreciating their performances.

The Deputy Chief Minister was welcomed at the foothills with traditional Zhalawadi umbrellas, drum beats and shehnai music.

Local performers presented traditional Raas, while young girls performing Talwar Raas, a sword dance, were among the attractions.

Officials welcomed Sanghavi by presenting him with a traditional Zhalawadi coat and turban.

He also greeted the devotees and other people gathered at the site.

The visit took place during Sharadiya Navratri, when large numbers of devotees visit the temple to seek the blessings of Maa Chamunda.

The district administration has made arrangements to facilitate the movement and convenience of pilgrims during the festival.

Several elected representatives and senior officials were present during the visit, including Deputy Chief Whip Jagdish Makwana, Member of Parliament Chandubhai Shihora, District Panchayat President Ranjan Bhusdiya, and MLAs Shamji Chauhan, P.K. Parmar, Kiritsinh Rana and Udaybhai Kangad.

Also present were Mayor Rakesh Rathod, Deputy Mayor Smita Raval, Standing Committee Chairman Nikhil Champaneri, and local leaders Hitendrasinh Chauhan and Hardik Tamaliya.

Senior officials attending the event included Range Inspector General of Police Nirlipt Rai, District Collector G.H. Solanki, District Development Officer K.S. Yagnik and Superintendent of Police Premsukh Delu.

Office-bearers, senior officials, mahants of the Chotila Temple Trust and devotees were also present.

Source: IANS

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New York, Oct 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) US authorities on Thursday hailed the bravery of the person who alerted them to the alleged mass-shooting plot targeting a Hindu temple, averting a major tragedy.

Palatine Police Chief William Nord praised the person's “willingness to report these communications”, which “played a vital role” in preventing the attack.

“We were very fortunate that something much, much worse did not happen”, he said. “I'm going to say that during the investigation, what prompted the [person's] necessity to contact Mount Prospect Police Department, I think, is the communications that were given that day”, he said at a news conference in Palatine, where the alleged plotter lived and was arrested.

The person who gave the tip has not been identified beyond that the individual was his co-worker at a fast-food chain restaurant, Taco Bell.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Chicago acting head Lucas Rothar said, “I want to thank that individual for their bravery”.

“I want to praise and offer my personal, sincerest thanks to the individual who stepped forward”, he said.

“In many successful disruptions by law enforcement in potential acts of violence or terrorism attacks, it is a single courageous member of the public who comes forward to prevent attacks”, he said.

Alexandros Paporakis, a 19-year-old self-described "white supremacist Neo Nazi", was arrested in Palatine, about 60 kilometres from Chicago, after a tip about his alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu Temple in nearby Aurora.

Police acted on a tip from the co-worker to whom Paporakis confided the alleged plot, according to Nord.

Police said that the man told his co-worker he tried to shoot at the temple on Saturday, but the gun did not go off and he left the place “superfast”.

He had planned to try again after fixing the rifle, according to police.

Paporakis is in custody after a court appearance on Wednesday, where he was charged with making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of weapons.

On Sunday, the co-worker called the police in Mount Prospect, who passed it on to their counterparts in Palatine, where the suspect lived, Nord said.

“The information that was presented to that individual [who gave the tip] on that day necessitated immediate response, and he contacted the Mount Prospect Police Department”, he said.

Nord said that when they arrested him and raided his house, they found a loaded rifle, several hundred rounds of ammunition and a tactical vest.

Nord said that they recovered an eight-page “manifesto” that spewed hatred towards Indians and Hindus and indicated he planned the attack on the temple.

He refused to identify the temple “out of respect” to the community, saying, “We're going to keep it as is; it's a known Hindu temple in the Aurora community”.

There are at least three temples in the area.

Source: IANS

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Bhopal, Oct 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) Veteran Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh on Thursday released the theme song of his proposed ‘Satya Sanatan Swabhiman Yatra’, a 930-km padyatra from Ujjain to Ayodhya scheduled to begin on October 20.

The yatra aims to promote the core values of Sanatan culture, including truth, compassion, service and social harmony, while raising awareness about the preservation of religious heritage and the need for transparency and accountability in religious institutions.

Addressing a press conference in Bhopal, Singh said the initiative was intended to take the fundamental ideals of Sanatan traditions to people along the route.

“The primary objective of the Satya Sanatan Swabhiman Yatra is to take the core ideals of Sanatan culture — truth, compassion, service and harmony — to every section of society,” he said.

The theme song invokes Lord Mahakal of Ujjain and Lord Ram of Ayodhya, linking the two religious centres through a message of faith, cultural identity and social harmony. Its lyrics emphasise truth, service, respect, compassion and knowledge.

The padyatra is scheduled to begin on October 20, coinciding with Vijayadashami.

The programme in Ujjain includes prayers at the Chintaman Ganesh and Mahakaleshwar temples, followed by a Parthiv Shivling worship programme and a community feast before the journey proceeds towards its next destinations.

The proposed route will cover several places in Madhya Pradesh, including Tarana, Shajapur, Sarangpur, Khujner, Chachauda, Aron, Ashoknagar and Chanderi, before entering Uttar Pradesh.

The yatra will subsequently pass through Talbehat and Orchha, home to the Ramraja Sarkar Temple, before proceeding through Jeron, Chirgaon, Orai, Kalpi, Kanpur Dehat, Lucknow Dehat and Barabanki towards Ayodhya.

The journey will connect three prominent religious destinations — Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Ramraja Sarkar Temple in Orchha and the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Explaining another key objective of the initiative, Singh said, “The yatra aims to strengthen social harmony and promote transparency and accountability in matters related to religious institutions and traditions.”

The organisers have appealed to young people, religious and cultural organisations and the general public to share the theme song and participate in the yatra.

Singh is also expected to interact with residents, farmers, devotees and representatives of different social groups during the journey.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, Oct 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will lay the foundation stone for an 81-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva at the Shaktipeeth Shri Varadayini Mataji Temple in Rupal area of Gandhinagar on Friday as part of a series of programmes in Gujarat, government officials said on Thursday.

Union Minister Shah is scheduled to visit Gujarat on October 16, with engagements spanning religious visits in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, an evening aarti in Mansa and a Raas Garba programme in Kolwada.

According to his itinerary, the UnionmHome Minister will first visit Gachchhadhipati Param Pujya Nar Ratna Surishwar Ji Maharaj at Prerna Tirth in Ahmedabad's Satellite area at 2:45 p.m.

He will then meet Gachchhadhipati Param Pujya Udayprabha Surishwar Ji Maharaj at Shri Vishwa Jain Sangh in Paldi at 3:15 p.m.

The foundation-laying ceremony for the proposed 81-foot statue of Lord Shiva is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Shaktipeeth Shri Varadayini Mataji Temple in Gandhinagar's Rupal.

Union Minister Shah will also offer prayers at the temple complex.

The programme will then move to Mansa, where the Union Minister is scheduled to attend the aarti at Bahuchar Mata Temple at 7:30 p.m.

His final engagement is a Raas Garba programme organised by Navratri Yuvak Mandal at Shri Ramji Temple in Navratri Chowk in Kolwada scheduled for 9:30 p.m.

The itinerary places religious engagements across Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar before the Union Minister attends the evening programmes in Mansa and Kolwada.

The visit comes during the Navratri period, when religious gatherings and traditional garba events are held across Gujarat.

The scheduled programmes include visits to Jain religious leaders, prayers at Hindu temples and participation in a traditional cultural event.

Union Minister Shah last visited Gujarat on September 27, when he inaugurated and launched railway development projects worth Rs 1,472 crore at Sabarmati railway station in Ahmedabad, alongside Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

He flagged off the country's first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered train and inaugurated a WAG-12 locomotive maintenance shed.

He also inaugurated railway infrastructure works, including automatic signalling systems, and launched the deployment of the indigenous Kavach train protection system on selected routes.

The projects focused on improving railway safety, passenger amenities and energy efficiency.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that every trace of Naxalism must be erased. Affirming that the Modi government’s determination to create a Naxal-free India has been realised, he stressed that it is now time to heal the wounds inflicted upon the nation by Naxalism and ensure that every victim can lead a life of dignity.

Just as Naxalism has been brought to an end, every remaining vestige of it must also be wiped out, he emphasised, adding that Bastar must once again become a vibrant and thriving region. Significant work has already been undertaken in this direction, with major contributions from traditional tribal leadership in the region.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed a ceremony for people affected by Naxalism in Chhattisgarh via video conferencing, highlighting the Union government’s commitment to heal the long-standing wounds left by left-wing extremism. In Bastar—a region that, under Congress rule, remained deprived of even basic services for five decades—every facility is now reaching the people, he said.

Shah strongly condemned the violence by Naxals, stating that by using IED blasts to further their political agenda, they have left innocent people disabled. There can be no greater violation of human rights than this, he said.

Highlighting the government’s approach after eliminating Naxalism, HM Shah said service initiatives are being undertaken across the country, he said Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, organised to mark 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public service both as a state head and as the Prime Minister of India.

Highlighting the transformation in Bastar, the Home Minister pointed out that the region, which under Congress rule remained deprived of even basic services for five decades, is now receiving every facility. Under the Niyad Nellanar scheme, basic infrastructure is reaching the people.

He appreciated the Chhattisgarh government’s efforts to make Bastar a smiling and vibrant place once again through initiatives such as the Bastar Olympics, Bastar Pandum, Niyad Nellanar and the CM Collective Bus Scheme.

He noted that the Chhattisgarh government, district administration, State Social Welfare Department, Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (Jaipur), Bharatiya Jain Sanghatana and several others were contributing to this noble endeavour of supporting persons with disabilities and victims.

By providing persons with disabilities with wheelchairs, tricycles, crutches, hearing aids, smart walking sticks, artificial limbs and other assistive devices, the government could help usher in a new era of hope and happiness in Bastar, he added.

The Union Home Minister reiterated that the Modi government remains fully committed to ensuring rehabilitation opportunities for every Divyang and victim, with the Centre standing firmly alongside the Chhattisgarh government in these efforts.

Source: IANS

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Washington, Oct 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) A foiled mass shooting attempt at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, has triggered widespread concern among Indian-Americans, with India's Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, condemning anti-Hindu hatred and community organisations urging heightened security at places of worship.

Authorities arrested 19-year-old Alexandros Paporakis after receiving information about a potential mass shooting. Prosecutors allege that the suspect, who held white supremacist and neo-Nazi beliefs, attempted to open fire at the temple on Sunday, but his rifle jammed.

The suspect subsequently told coworkers about the incident and disclosed plans to return. The coworkers alerted police, leading to his arrest before he could allegedly make another attempt.

The incident has drawn particular attention because Krishnamoorthi, an Indian-American lawmaker from Illinois, said he and his family were present at the temple when the alleged attack occurred.

“I am horrified that a white supremacist attempted to carry out a mass shooting targeting Indian Americans at the Hindu temple in Aurora where my family worships. My family and I were there when the attack was attempted last Sunday,” Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said.

He warned that anti-Indian hatred and white supremacy posed serious threats and called for action before innocent lives were lost.

“I am grateful to the suspect’s coworkers who alerted police and commend the law enforcement officers who intervened. Every American deserves to live and worship without fear, and we must stand together against hatred in all its forms,” he said.

India's Ambassador Kwatra expressed alarm over the incident.

“The attempted mass shooting at the Hindu temple in Aurora is deeply disturbing. Racist violence, including anti-Hindu and anti-India hate has no place in a civilized society,” he said in a social media post.

The FBI's Chicago field office confirmed the arrest, identifying the Palatine and Mount Prospect police departments as partners in the investigation.

“The FBI aggressively works alongside our local and state law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and dismantle any threats of violence driven by radical ideologies,” FBI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Ryan Whalen said.

The Hindu Mandir Empowerment Council (HMEC) has issued a security advisory to temples across its network, urging greater awareness and preparedness.

HMEC said it was deeply concerned by reports of the alleged plot and condemned violence and intimidation against religious communities.

The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) also condemned the alleged racist plot and thanked the Palatine Police Department.

The organisation warned that anti-India and anti-Hindu hostility could move beyond online rhetoric and become a physical threat to worshippers.

The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) expressed concern about the reported possession of an AR-style rifle and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.

The Aurora incident follows reports of an attack on a Hindu temple in Ohio earlier this month, adding to concerns voiced by Hindu organisations about the safety of religious institutions.

Source: IANS

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Gandhinagar, Oct 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) has collected and scientifically managed around 906 metric tonnes of waste generated during major pilgrimages across the state since 2024, reaching more than 1.43 crore devotees through cleanliness drives and environmental awareness campaigns.

The initiative, Swachh Paryavaran Yatra, has covered religious gatherings including the annual Ambaji Padyatra, the Uttarvahini Narmada Parikrama and the Fuldol Mahotsav in Dwarka.

It aims to reduce littering, promote waste segregation and processing, and encourage the use of alternatives to single-use plastics along pilgrimage routes.

During the recently concluded Ambaji Padyatra, the GPCB collected and scientifically managed 38.8 metric tonnes of waste.

The campaign involved the establishment of 300 Seva Kendras and the deployment of 13 vehicles and 90 sanitation workers and field personnel for cleanliness and waste management.

As part of efforts to reduce plastic consumption during the pilgrimage, the board distributed 31,000 compostable bags, 1,500 cloth bags and 4,850 steel bottles.

A bottle-exchange programme also facilitated the collection of 38,466 plastic bottles.

“Environmental awareness was promoted through various public outreach activities to encourage devotees to adopt responsible waste disposal practices and contribute to cleaner pilgrimage routes,” said Minister of State for Forests and Environment, Pravin Mali.

The Ambaji campaign included 70 street plays, two Dayra programmes, the distribution of four lakh awareness bands and more than 50,000 pamphlets.

According to official estimates, the initiative also helped mitigate 27.58 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions and save 3.25 lakh kilowatt-hours of energy.

"The board had distributed 31,000 compostable bags, 1,500 cloth bags and 4,850 steel bottles as part of efforts to reduce the use of single-use plastics," Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia said.

The GPCB has also expanded its bottle-exchange programme across pilgrimage events since 2024, distributing 15,600 steel bottles and facilitating the collection of more than 1.37 lakh used plastic bottles for recycling and value-added utilisation.

During the 31-day Uttarvahini Narmada Parikrama, which covered a route of approximately 23-24 km, the board deployed 65 sanitation workers and four vehicles to maintain cleanliness and prevent waste from entering the Narmada ecosystem.

The campaign collected and scientifically processed 60 metric tonnes of waste, comprising 15 tonnes of plastic waste and 45 tonnes of biodegradable waste.

Official estimates put the associated reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent emissions at 41 tonnes, with energy savings of approximately 85,000-86,000 kWh.

Public participation was another component of the campaign, with more than one lakh awareness bands carrying the Gujarati message, “These hands will not throw waste”, distributed to encourage devotees not to litter and to dispose of waste responsibly.

The initiative is being implemented under the broader focus on sustainable waste management promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and efforts led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to improve cleanliness and scientific waste management at major pilgrimage sites across the state.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday presided over the formal signing of an MoU between the government, the MCD and an apex body of associations of the plastic industry to open 250 centres across the city for “respectful collection” of broken idols and puja materials.

The Chief Minister shared information about the MoU on X and wrote, “Today, an MoU has been signed between the Delhi government and MCD to open more than 250 new centres for the respectful collection of broken idols and puja materials in Delhi.”

“The idols and puja materials collected at these centres will be recycled to create useful items. All Delhi residents are requested to deposit broken idols and puja materials at these collection centres instead of immersing them in Mother Yamuna Ji,” she wrote.

“Let our faith be respected, and Mother Yamuna Ji remain clean and pure. On this occasion, Delhi's Mayor Shri Pravesh Wahi Ji and representatives from Plastindia Foundation were present,” said her post on X.

In another social media post, the Chief Minister shared information about her interaction with women workers and distribution of nutrition kits to them.

“Today, at the ‘Shramik Poshan Samvad’, I had a heartfelt conversation with my Karmayogini sisters in the presence of Smt. Vijaya Kishor Rahatkar Ji, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, and distributed nutrition kits to them,” wrote CM Gupta on X.

“I salute from the bottom of my heart the spirit of service, hard work, and dedication of all of you. Our government is continuously working to make your life easier through facilities like Palna Ghar, Atal Canteen, Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, and Pink Saheli Card. For your progress and the well-being of your family, our government stands with you at every step,” she wrote.

“On this occasion, Smt. Lata Gupta Ji, Chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women, along with other distinguished guests, were present,” wrote CM Gupta.

Earlier, the Chief Minister also visited Lok Nayak Hospital to inaugurate a new CT scan machine.

In a post on X, CM Gupta said, “Today, under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, the inauguration of a dual-source 256-slice CT scan machine and 3 Tesla MRI machines was conducted at Lok Nayak… Hospital.”

“These will now provide better facilities for the diagnosis of heart, brain, cancer, and other serious diseases right within the hospital. We are continuously ensuring that Delhi's government hospitals are equipped with modern medical facilities and that better treatment is accessible to every citizen. On this occasion, Cabinet colleague Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh Ji and Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation Limited Shri Arvinder Singh Sahni Ji were present,” she wrote.

Source: IANS

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Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Kerala BJP will oppose the proposed increase in the Sabarimala virtual queue booking fee from Rs 5 to Rs 10 and fight the move through legal and organisational means, party state general secretary Anoop Antony said on Thursday.

With the annual two-month long pilgrimage season beginning next month, Antony said the increase would place an additional financial burden on devotees visiting the hill shrine.

He alleged that the Travancore Devaswom Board was trying to collect more money from pilgrims in the name of providing free toilet facilities.

Virtual queue booking was initially free, but the board later introduced a Rs 5 fee.

The proposed increase to Rs 10 was unacceptable, particularly as many pilgrims visit Sabarimala with their families or in large groups, Antony said.

He questioned why devotees should pay more when basic facilities at the shrine remained inadequate.

Even toilets for which pilgrims pay were often poorly maintained and lacked water, he alleged.

The condition of toilet facilities had caused hardship to devotees during successive pilgrimage seasons.

“On what basis can the board promise free toilets when even its paid facilities are not properly maintained?” Antony asked.

He said the board should focus on providing better facilities instead of repeatedly increasing charges on pilgrims.

The proposed hike could also set a precedent for further increases in the future, he warned.

Antony also referred to the controversies surrounding the alleged theft of gold and other valuable articles at Sabarimala.

He accused the board of failing to protect devotees' interests while seeking to increase its income through additional charges.

The BJP leader said the board should openly admit its inability if it could not provide the facilities required by pilgrims.

“The BJP and the Union government are ready to help provide the necessary facilities free of charge. The board should first acknowledge its inability to do so,” he said.

Antony said the BJP would not allow the board to exploit the religious sentiments of devotees or impose additional financial burdens on them.

The party would challenge the proposed fee hike legally and launch organisational protests if the board proceeded with the decision, he warned.

The BJP would stand with Sabarimala devotees and fight to protect their rights, Antony added.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Special Staff of Shahdara district has arrested a man posing as a tantric and two of his associates for cheating a 79-year-old man on the pretext of extracting buried ancestral gold through occult rituals and stealing gold jewellery worth approximately Rs 15 lakh from his residence, Delhi Police said on Thursday.

The police recovered Rs 2.73 lakh in cash, a Mahindra Scorpio-N, clothes used during tantric rituals, fake identity documents, mobile phones, and other articles in connection with the case.

The case was registered at Seemapuri police station under FIR No. 622/2026 under Sections 318(4), 305, 123 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), following a complaint by Girijesh Singh, 79.

According to the complaint, the accused, identified as Shoaib Ali, Mahakader Khan, and a man posing as 'Krishna Pandit', gained the complainant's confidence by showing him a genuine gold coin and promising to extract buried ancestral gold through tantric rituals. They induced him to pay approximately Rs 39.30 lakh through cash and UPI transactions.

During the intervening night of August 4, the accused staged a ritual at the complainant's residence using steel pots containing soil and fake gold biscuits. The complainant alleged that he was administered a sedative and became unconscious. Upon regaining consciousness, he discovered that gold jewellery worth approximately Rs 15 lakh was missing from his cupboard.

Following verification, a case was registered, and the investigation was handed over to the Special Staff of Shahdara district.

A dedicated team was constituted under the leadership of Inspector Ashish Kumar, in-charge of Special Staff, under the supervision of ACP, Operations, Pavan Kumar and the overall supervision of DCP, Shahdara, R.P. Meena.

During the investigation, the main accused, who allegedly posed as Krishna Pandit, was traced to Amba Vihar in UP's Muzaffarnagar. His identity was established as Tahsin, 48, and he was subsequently arrested.

Police said a black Mahindra Scorpio-N, Rs 2.73 lakh in cash, 11 rings, tantric clothes, two Aadhaar cards bearing the names of Tahsin and Krishna Sharma, a PAN card, an ATM card and two mobile phones were recovered at his instance.

The two alleged associates, Shoaib Ali, 40, a resident of Mayur Vihar in Dasna, Uttar Pradesh, and Mahakader Khan, 48, a resident of Dabagram Salboni in West Bengal, were also arrested. They introduced the complainant to the main accused and facilitated the subsequent transactions.

Police said further investigation is underway to establish the individual roles of the accused, trace the money transferred through various accounts and payment modes, identify the beneficiaries and determine whether other persons were involved in the alleged crime.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a Madras High Court judgment declaring unconstitutional a Tamil Nadu government order allowing people from Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes, Denotified Communities and Scheduled Castes to claim Backward Class (Muslim) reservation benefits after converting to Islam.

A Bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Shree Chandrashekhar dismissed the Tamil Nadu government's special leave petition (SLP) challenging the Madras High Court's judgment, which had struck down the government order issued on March 9, 2024.

The apex court upheld the High Court's ruling on constitutional principles, holding that a person belonging to a Backward Class or Scheduled Caste in the Hindu social order cannot automatically carry forward the benefit of reservation after embracing another religion.

The Supreme Court observed that social backwardness associated with a person's original religious and caste identity cannot simply be transferred to a different religious community following conversion.

The case arose from a plea filed by Sameer Ahamed N., who was born into a Hindu family and converted to Islam in 2015. He subsequently sought a community certificate recognising him as a Muslim Lebbai, but his application was rejected by the revenue authorities in Tamil Nadu.

The Madras High Court had upheld the rejection and declared unconstitutional the Government Order (G.O.) No. 31, issued on March 9, 2024, which permitted converts from BC, MBC, Denotified Communities and Scheduled Castes to be treated as Backward Class Muslims for reservation purposes.

In its judgment, the High Court said the government could not use an executive order to override binding judicial precedents governing the consequences of conversion to Islam. “When a Hindu gets converted to Islam, he becomes just a Mussalman, and his place in Muslim society is not determined by the caste to which he belonged before his conversion,” a Division Bench of Justices G.R. Swaminathan and P.B. Balaji had observed, referring to an earlier Madras High Court judgment.

The High Court further held that the government order was arbitrary because it sought to accommodate people from distinct reservation categories, including Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes, within the same category of Backward Class Muslims.

The Madras High Court concluded that a person converting to Islam could not claim membership of one of the notified Backward Class Muslim communities merely on the basis of conversion.

“As a corollary, we hold that a convert to Islam cannot claim the status of Backward Class Muslim. He is only a Muslim, and that’s all there is to it,” the High Court had said.

The Supreme Court's ruling comes months after it upheld an Andhra Pradesh High Court judgment holding that a person who converts to Christianity and continues to profess and practise that faith cannot claim Scheduled Caste status.

In its judgment passed on March 24, a Bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and N.V. Anjaria held that “no person who professes a religion other than Hinduism, Sikhism or Buddhism can be regarded as a member of the Scheduled Caste”.

The apex court had ruled that conversion to a religion not covered by the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, results in the “immediate and complete loss” of Scheduled Caste status.

The Supreme Court had also dismissed a subsequent review petition challenging the March 24 verdict, holding that there was “no error apparent on the record” warranting reconsideration.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended greetings to the nation on the fifth day of Shardiya Navratri, dedicated to Goddess Skandamata, and prayed for love and harmony in the country.

The fifth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, the fifth form of Goddess Durga. Skandamata is associated with the Vishuddha Chakra, symbolising purity and clarity. Her devotees consider her the embodiment of motherhood, love and empathy.

In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "Salutations again and again to the Goddess who abides in all beings in the form of power."

He also shared a bhajan by Vijay Durga and said, "The fifth day of Navratri is dedicated to the worship and adoration of Mother Skandamata. May the blessings of Mother, the Goddess of maternal affection and tenderness, forever fill every family with love and harmony -- this is my heartfelt wish."

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, taking to his social media, extended warm wishes on the fifth day of Navratri and said, "I bow with reverence to the holy feet of Mother Skandamata, the fifth form of Goddess Durga and the embodiment of love, affection, and compassion."

"May the entire world be filled with happiness, peace, and prosperity by the grace of Goddess Skandamata, the creator of new consciousness," he added.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hailed the divine Mother and sought blessings.

"Seated on the throne eternally, with two hands resting on the lotus. May the auspicious Goddess Skandamata, the renowned one, always bestow her blessings. At the feet of Mother Skandamata, the fifth form of the primordial power Mother Durga, I offer millions upon millions of obeisances," CM Yogi said in a post on X.

"May all resolutions gain strength through Mother's grace, may life be filled with auspiciousness, and may love and joy forever prevail in families," he added.

Navratri, which means 'nine nights' in Sanskrit, is a Hindu festival celebrating Goddess Durga and her nine avatars, known collectively as Navdurga.

The festival is celebrated with great devotion across India, with rituals and prayers honouring the Goddess in her nine forms.

Devotees all over the country throng to temples to seek blessings and offer flowers, fruits, and prayers to the Goddess, seeking her blessings for protection, guidance and well-being.

Flowers are considered especially dear to Maa Skandamata and are offered yellow and saffron-coloured 'bhog' items. Devotees offer them during puja to gain her grace.

Goddess Skandamata symbolises motherhood, compassion, and the power to guide her devotees toward both spiritual and material success. Skandamata is portrayed with her son Kartikeya on her lap, seated on a lion and holding lotus flowers in her hands.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, Oct 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) Ahmedabad Metro services will run until 2 a.m. from October 14 to 19 to facilitate late-night travel during Navratri, with passengers required to purchase a special Rs 50 paper ticket for journeys during the extended operating hours, the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) said on Wednesday.

Metro services currently operate from 6:20 a.m. to 11 p.m. Under the revised schedule, trains on the Vastral Gam–Thaltej Gam and APMC–Koteshwar Road corridors will run at intervals of 30 minutes, while services on the APMC–Sector-1 corridor will operate at hourly intervals during the specified late-night period.

On the Vastral Gam–Thaltej Gam corridor, the last trains will depart from Vastral Gam at 2 a.m. and from Thaltej Gam at 2:12 a.m. On the APMC–Koteshwar Road corridor, the last departures will be at 2:14 a.m. from APMC and 2:07 a.m. from Koteshwar Road.

On the APMC–Sector-1 corridor, the last scheduled departures will be at 12:44 a.m. from APMC and 12:38 a.m. from Sector-1.

The extended schedule for this corridor includes departures at 10:30 p.m., 11:44 p.m. and 12:44 a.m. from APMC, and at 10:38 p.m., 11:38 p.m. and 12:38 a.m. from Sector-1.

GMRC said only the special paper ticket, priced at Rs 50, would be valid for travel during the extended operating hours. The tickets will be available at all metro stations and can be used for a single journey only.

Meanwhile, Ahmedabad Police said traffic congestion remained limited during the first three days of Navratri, although some congestion was reported at night on SG Highway, Ring Road and major junctions after garba programmes ended.

According to the police, the city control room is monitoring traffic through 4,300 cameras, comprising 3,300 cameras installed under the Smart City Project and 1,000 under the Nirbhaya Project.

The police received three traffic congestion-related calls on October 11, nine on October 12 and five on October 13. The response time to these calls was less than 10 minutes. In comparison, around 45 such calls were received during the first three days of Navratri last year.

The police attributed the reduction in calls to traffic regulation, road engineering measures and public cooperation.

For the festival, the city police deployed 49 SHE Team vehicles, 12 Abhayam helpline vehicles, 49 special garba vehicles and 129 patrolling vehicles, including Janrakshak Dial 112 vehicles.

"During the first three days, four women who sought assistance were picked up from locations specified by them and safely dropped at their homes," the police said.

The SHE teams also conducted visits to major garba venues and street garba events, besides inspecting CCTV control rooms and using body-worn cameras.

On October 11, the teams visited 67 major garba venues and 341 street garba events, using 57 body-worn cameras and making 54 visits to CCTV control rooms.

On October 12, they visited 80 major venues and 357 street events, used 73 body-worn cameras and made 54 CCTV control room visits.

On October 13, they visited 80 major venues and 326 street events, used 60 body-worn cameras and made 60 CCTV control room visits.

The teams also reunited seven children, including five boys and two girls, with their families after they became separated from their parents or lost their way during the celebrations.

The incidents included two girls separated from their father at GMDC Ground and a child separated from his parents at TransStadia Eka Club on the first day.

On the second day, the Naroda SHE team helped a girl who had lost her way in the GIDC area, while the West Women's Police Station team reunited a girl found alone at a party plot in Isanpur with her family.

On the third day, the Vejalpur SHE team handed a boy found alone to his maternal uncle, while the Women's Cell team reunited a child separated from his family at a party plot in the Sola area.

Source: IANS

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Vijayawada, Oct 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) President Droupadi Murmu offered prayers at the Kanaka Durga Temple in Andhra Pradesh's Vijayawada on Wednesday night.

After arrival at Gannavaram Airport from Delhi by a special aircraft, the President travelled by road to Indrakeeladri and offered prayers to Goddess Kanaka Durga.

Following the darshan, temple priests rendered Veda Ashirvachanam and presented her the sacred offerings.

On arrival at Indrakeeladri, Home Minister V. Anitha, MP Kesineni Chinni, temple chairman Radhakrishna, Executive Officer Sheena Naik and other temple officials welcomed President Murmu.

She moved ahead while greeting devotees standing in queues with folded hands. The priests performed various rituals.

After the pujas in the sanctum sanctorum, Vedic scholars and temple officials offered Vedic blessings to the President and presented her with silk sarees, a shawl, and a portrait of the Goddess.

Earlier, on arrival from Delhi at Gannavaram Airport, President Murmu was received by Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan, State Minister for Mines, Geology, and Excise Kollu Ravindra, Andhra Pradesh Home and Disaster Management Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad, State Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta, Krishna District Collector D.K. Balaji, and District Superintendent of Police V. Vidya Sagar Naidu.

Subsequently, the President departed for Vijayawada by road in a special vehicle, escorted by security forces.

President Murmu will inaugurate the national-level SARAS Mela at Punnami Ghat in Vijayawada on Thursday.

SARAS Mela (Sale of Articles of Rural Artisans Society) is organised jointly by the Union Ministry of Rural Development and the Andhra Pradesh government.

The mela will feature more than 600 stalls showcasing products made by women belonging to self-help groups from across the country.

After the programme, she will attend a luncheon with members of Self-Help Groups and 'Lakhpati Didis'.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi/Jammu, Oct 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) As temples across the country witnessed large gatherings on Wednesday, the fourth day of Navratri dedicated to Maa Kushmanda, hundreds of devotees visited the historic Tali Wali Mata Mandir in J&K's Marh near the Pakistan border to offer prayers.

Devotees were also seen singing bhajans and playing musical instruments at the temple in Jammu district.

Speaking to IANS, a young devotee said that the voices of people chanting slogans at the temple could be heard all the way to the Pakistan border. She said a large number of devotees were visiting the temple during Navratri, and the crowd was expected to grow further on the ninth day.

She added that people travelled from far-off places to visit the shrine. Despite the firing and bombings during Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, the temple had not suffered any damage, she said.

"The temple is very renowned. People from far-off places visit it. Even soldiers deployed at the border sometimes come here to offer prayers," she said.

Another devotee said many BSF personnel visited the temple to seek the Goddess’s blessings. “People from Jammu city and Nagrota also came to the shrine”, she added.

She said the sound of bhajans and devotional chants reached across the border, adding that people from different religious communities visited the temple and participated in its service.

Meanwhile, in Madhya Pradesh’s Dewas, thousands of devotees gathered at the Chamunda Mata Temple on the fourth day of Navratri to offer prayers during the morning aarti. Some devotees were seen crawling on their knees to fulfil their vows.

Temple priest Suresh Nath said the Goddess was worshipped as Maa Kushmanda on the fourth day of Navratri. According to local religious belief, the deity is also known as Raktavahini Chamunda because the Goddess’s blood is believed to have fallen at the site.

He said the Goddess was believed to assume different forms throughout the day – appearing childlike during the day, youthful in the afternoon, and elderly at night.

"In three to four days, nearly four to five lakh people have visited the temple," the priest said.

He also spoke about villages located near the zero point in the area, saying residents believed they could live without fear even during firing or military operations because the Goddess was protecting them.

In New Delhi, devotees continued to visit the Kalkaji Temple, where special arrangements had been made to manage the crowds during Navratri.

Mahant Surendranath Avdhut said some devotees visited the temple on all nine days of the festival. He added that the Goddess was worshipped at midnight during Navratri, and the temple doors were opened for devotees.

The temple had arranged three entry points and two exit points to ensure the smooth movement of worshippers. An outpost had also been set up within the temple premises to enable police personnel, paramilitary forces and volunteers to assist devotees.

Devotees also visited the revered Maa Vindhyavasini Temple in Uttar Pradesh’s Mirzapur to offer prayers.

Speaking to IANS, Avinash Singh, who had travelled from Ranchi, said the arrangements at the temple were good and that he had faced no hassle or rush during darshan.

Another devotee, Manish Kumar Dubey, said he visited the temple every Tuesday and throughout the nine days of Navratri.

Describing his experience, he said, “I felt as if I was sitting in Mother’s lap and being blessed.”

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vivek Bhagat, posted in Delhi's Connaught Place subdivision, has lodged an FIR against a woman journalist and two others, alleging that they made casteist remarks against him, publicly humiliated him and obstructed him from performing his official duties during a protest in the national capital on October 3.

The FIR, registered at Parliament Street Police Station on October 13, names journalist Rosy, Gajendra Singh, associated with a news portal, and an unidentified person as accused. The case has been registered under Sections 221, 356(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Bhagat has been in the spotlight amid allegations of harassment of women protesters during the recent agitation against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The allegations are being investigated by the Crime Branch.

According to the complaint filed by ACP Vivek Bhagat, who belongs to the Megh/Meghwal Scheduled Caste community, the alleged incident took place at Buta Singh Roundabout on October 3, when police personnel were deployed to manage a protest called by Neha Bora and others against the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Bhagat stated that protesters had gathered around 2.30 p.m. and were attempting to proceed towards Jantar Mantar. Despite police announcements regarding the enforcement of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and requests to disperse, the protesters allegedly refused to move, following which police personnel began detaining them.

The ACP alleged that before the detention process, Rosy, in the presence of her colleague Gajendra Singh and others, made derogatory remarks referring to his nameplate and caste identity.

According to the complaint, she allegedly said, "Ye Bhagat hai, Meghwal hote hain, ye choti jaati ke hote hai, silai bunai ka kaam karte hai, ye *** kahan se ACP ban gaya." (This is Bhagat; they are Meghwals, belonging to a lower caste. They do sewing and stitching work. How the hell did this fellow become an ACP?)

Bhagat said he ignored the remarks and continued performing his duty. He further alleged that around 3 p.m., while facilitating the movement of a bus carrying detainees, Rosy accused him of sexually assaulting her. He claimed that she and her colleagues repeatedly confronted him, questioned his conduct and obstructed his official work.

The complaint further states that Rosy, Gajendra Singh and others staged a protest outside Parliament Street Police Station around 6.15 p.m. the same evening, raising slogans against him and allegedly portraying him as a sexual predator and potential rapist.

Bhagat also alleged that several posts and reels were subsequently circulated on X and Instagram by the accused and others, including members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), damaging his reputation.

The ACP claimed that the allegations and online posts had caused him mental trauma and reputational damage. He also expressed apprehension that the actions were intended to target and humiliate him because of his caste identity.

The FIR states that, prima facie, offences under the relevant provisions of the BNS and the SC/ST Act were made out. Further investigation has been assigned to ACP Ajay Kumar Sharma of Parliament Street subdivision.

Source: IANS

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Guwahati, Oct 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday linked the worship of Maa Kushmanda during Navratri with the state government's efforts to combat anaemia and malnutrition among women and children, highlighting the role of Anganwadi centres under the Centre's POSHAN Abhiyaan.

In a message posted on X, CM Sarma said Maa Kushmanda, worshipped on the fourth day of Navratri, symbolises the source of life, health, nourishment and energy.

Drawing a connection between the day's religious significance and maternal and child health, the Chief Minister stressed that proper nutrition must begin during pregnancy and continue through a child's early years.

Under POSHAN Abhiyaan, Anganwadi centres across Assam provide supplementary nutrition, hot cooked meals, health check-ups and counselling to pregnant women, lactating mothers, adolescent girls and children below six years of age, CM Sarma said.

He also underlined the contribution of Anganwadi workers and helpers, who track beneficiaries to ensure that mothers and children receive the required support and that no one is left out of the welfare initiative.

Referring to this year's Poshan Maah campaign, the Chief Minister highlighted the message, "Hamari Anganwadi, Hamari Jimmedari", calling for collective responsibility in improving nutritional outcomes.

CM Sarma said that ensuring good nutrition should not be viewed merely as a government programme but as a shared responsibility of families and communities across the state.

Emphasising the link between maternal health and the well-being of future generations, he said healthy mothers raise healthy children and that well-nourished children are essential for building a stronger Assam.

The Chief Minister also urged people to use the occasion of Navratri to renew their commitment to eliminating anaemia and malnutrition among women and children.

Concluding his message, CM Sarma invoked the blessings of Maa Kushmanda, expressing hope that every household would be blessed with good health.

The message combines the religious significance of Navratri with a public health appeal, placing maternal and child nutrition at the centre of Assam's efforts to improve the well-being of its population.

Source: IANS

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Kochi, Oct 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) The arson attack near a Jewish synagogue in Kerala's Ernakulam is being investigated for possible international terror links after police found suspicious messages, foreign-linked communications and references to attacks in different Indian cities on the arrested accused’s mobile phone.

Ebin Paul, 32, a native of Puthencruz, was arrested within hours of the October 12 incident in which a fire was set at Blossom Nursery, near the Kadavumbhagam Synagogue in Ernakulam Market.

Police suspect that the accused acted on the instructions of a person he referred to as his boss.

Preliminary investigations indicate that he was allegedly assigned targets, asked to carry out attacks and send video footage in return for payment.

Investigators are examining information that he may have received money through cryptocurrency.

The phone reportedly contained messages referring to Jewish places of worship and possible attacks in different cities.

Communications with individuals having foreign links were also found, prompting Central agencies to examine whether the incident was part of a wider conspiracy.

The accused allegedly arrived at the nursery in a blue car around 2.30 a.m., poured petrol and set fire to the premises.

He recorded the act on his mobile phone before fleeing, investigators found.

Kochi City Police launched an intensive investigation, treating the location near a Jewish place of worship as a matter of security concern.

CCTV cameras at most shops in the market were not functioning at night, posing an initial challenge.

However, investigators examined available footage from the market and nearby areas and gathered information from around 150 people.

With the help of the cyber wing, police traced the blue car despite being unable to clearly establish its registration number.

The trail led them to a rented house in Puthencruz, where Ebin was arrested.

Investigators also linked him to an earlier arson incident involving a used car showroom in Muvattupuzha.

Police said he admitted his involvement in that case during questioning.

Suspicious communications relating to drug transactions were also found on his digital devices.

The information has been handed over to Ernakulam Rural Police for further investigation.

The police are examining the messages, financial transactions and possible links of the accused to establish the full extent of the alleged conspiracy.

The accused’s mental condition is also being examined.

Source: IANS

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