Thursday, 25 January 2024

Gyanvapi built on remains of pre-existing temple, Hindu deities buried underneath: ASI survey report

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has released a scientific survey report on the Gyanvapi mosque, saying that there was a Hindu temple at the site of Gyanvapi before the construction of the mosque.

According to the report, the pre-existing structure was demolished in the 17th century during the rule of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and sculptures of Hindu deities were found buried underneath.

Hindu side Vishnu Shankar Jain said on Thursday the survey report suggests that the mosque was built on remains of a pre-existing temple. Jain told reporters that copies of the survey report consisting of 839 pages were made available to the parties concerned by the court late Thursday evening.

The survey report makes it clear that the mosque was built on remains of a pre-existing temple by demolishing it in the past, said Hindu side Vishnu Shankar Jain. He also claimed that the survey report has sufficient evidence of existence of a temple over which the mosque was built.

“The pre-existing structure appears to have been destroyed in the 17th century, during the reign of Aurangzeb, and part of it was modified and reused in the existing structure. Based on scientific studies/ survey carried out, study of architectural remains, exposed features and artefacts, inscriptions, art and sculptures, it can be said that there existed a Hindu temple prior to the construction of the existing structure,” reported Bar & Bench quoting survey report.

A total of 11 people, including from both the Hindu and the Muslim sides, earlier in the day applied in the court to get the ASI survey report on the Gyanvapi complex adjoining the Kashi Vishwanath temple.

With inputs from PTI.



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Emmanuel Macron India visit Live Updates: WATCH | French President receives traditional welcome at Jaipur's Amer Fort

French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in India Thursday to attend the Republic Day 2024 Parade as its chief guest.

Macron landed in Jaipur Thursday afternoon. His visit caps the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the India-France Strategic Partnership.

Ahead of the French president’s visit, the pink city of Jaipur has been decked up.

Macron’s state visit marks France’s sixth participation, the highest of any other nation, as chief guest on India’s Republic Day. Furthermore, it comes months after PM Modi’s Paris trip on France’s Bastille Day on 14 July, 2023.

LIVE Update of France PM Emmanuel Macron’s India visit

 

03:38 PM (IST): On 26 January, Macron will attend the Republic Day parade and attend reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Later, he will attend the State Banquet, at the invitation of the President of India Droupadi Murmu

03:55 PM (IST): Macron has previously been in India on a state visit in March 2018 and on an official visit in September 2023 for the G20 Summit in New Delhi

03:53 PM (IST): PM Modi and Macron will hold in-depth bilateral talks in Jaipur later on Thursday

03:50 PM (IST): At Amer Fort, Macron met school students gathered there to welcome him EAM Jaishankar and Rajasthan Deputy CM Diya Kumari were also present

03:47 PM (IST): French President Emmanuel Macron receives a traditional welcome at Amer Fort in Jaipur

03:45 PM (IST): According to reports, Macron will spend few moments of his stay in Jaipur savouring the sites – and perhaps some roadside chai – before engaging in talks with PM Modi. Details made available by officials earlier suggest the French leader is also expected to do some shopping in the touristy area

03:40 PM (IST): Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma shared pictures of him "warmly welcoming and felicitating" Macron at Jaipur airport today

03:30 PM (IST): Macron had accepted the last minute invite for the Republic Day 2024 celebration, which is seen as a mark on the strength of the bilateral relations between India and France

03:28 PM (IST): Macron India Visit Day 1 Schedule

On the first day, the French President will be in Rajasthan's Jaipur
02:30 pm: Arrival at Jaipur airport
03:15 pm: Visit Amer Fort
05:30 pm: Visit Jantar Mantar
06:00 pm: Shobha Yatra (Venue: Jantar Mantar)
06:15 pm:  Visit Hawa Mahal
07:15 pm: Meeting with PM Modi (Venue: Hotel Taj Rambagh Palace)
08:50 pm: Emplane for Delhi
9:40 pm: Arrive Delhi (Venue: Air Force Station Palam)

03:26 PM (IST): Macron's visit comes as the Centre and the French government continue to negotiate multi-billion dollar deals for French fighter jets and submarines for the army

03:22 PM (IST): France is eyeing lucrative trade deals with India, world's fifth-biggest economy (AFP)

03:21 PM (IST): A red carpet welcome including a parade of decorated elephants awaited Macron after landing in Jaipur, AFP report said

03:19 PM (IST): Macron and PM Modi will hold a road show from Jantar Mantar to Hawa Mahal before holding a meeting at Hotel Rambagh Palace Thursday evening

03:18 PM (IST): Both Macron and PM Modi are scheduled to visit Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal

03:10 PM (IST): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a visit to Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr, will also reach Jaipur later today

03:05 PM (IST): Macron was received by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma at the Jaipur airport

02:56 PM (IST): French President Macron arrives in Jaipur, Rajasthan as part of his two-day State visit to India



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Bharat welcomes 2024 with optimistic arms riding on holy trinity of national pride, tech and economy

A new survey titled ‘The Mood of Bharat: Optimism ka Mahaul’ has found that 85 per cent of citizens of Bharat have a positive outlook for 2024 with three key factors — national pride, technology and the economy.

The report is based on in-depth interviews of 1,565 people in the Hindi heartland through telephonic and internet surveys.

The survey carried out by Bharat Lab, a think-tank created by the coming together of ad agency Rediffusion and Lucknow University, found that over 62 per cent respondents radiated “positive vibes”, 35 per cent exuded a “confident balance”, and merely 3 per cent expressed “clear pessimism” for 2024.

Work-life balance

The Mood of Bharat 2024 report cited work-life balance as a “key driver of optimism (something India — as opposed to Bharat — seems to struggle with)”.

“Good career prospects and positive personal life circumstances together make up the primary source of optimism for close to 76 per cent of Bharat-wasis,” the report said.

Bharat positive about Indian economy

The survey report further said more than 51 per cent were positive about the state of the economy in 2024, while just 11 per cent in the country harbour any fears about the Indian economy. “37 per cent took a neutral stand,” it added.

Domains of interest

The country will face crucial 2024 Lok Sabha polls this summer. The survey report said elections and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are the top two “domains of interest for Bharat in 2024.”

The report said: “22.3 per cent respondents expressed interest in AI and other technology innovations, and 20.08 per cent registered elections 20.08 per cent as the key domains they are keen to follow in 2024.”

Women lead surge in tech & gadgets

The survey said women will lead the surge in tech and gadgets in 2024. “Of the respondents who chose tech and gadgets as their top interest in 2024, women outnumbered men 2:1. At least 66.5 per cent of women chose tech as top interest vis-à-vis 33.5 per cent of men,” it added.

“With women showing double the interest than men in technology, I wonder how many mobile, laptop and even tech start-ups today are developing products and communications with women as their lead consumer,” Dr. Sangeeta Sahu, Head of the Department of Business Management, Lucknow University said.

Upgrade in lifestyle

The Mood of Bharat report also found that 42.1 per cent of the participants are optimistic about an upgrade in lifestyle this year, while 20 per cent are looking at travel as their big story.

Entrepreneurs steal the spotlight

The respondents were asked about heroes who they think will shine in 2024 (Bollywood and cricket were excluded).

“Entrepreneurs claimed the spotlight with an impressive with 26.7 per cent of the nods. Surprisingly, creators and scientists were at the back of the pack garnering 15.8 per cent and 13.5 per cent of the votes respectively,” the survey report said.

Fears for the planet of tomorrow

During the survey, the respondents were asked about top concerns and climate change topped the list of fears at 33.5 per cent. “Wars and recession followed at 29.1 per cent, even though a global recession was a concern for only 16.2 per cent of Bharat citizens.”

Married workers more optimistic than single folks

The report also said during the survey, it was found out that married individuals foresee better economic conditions (58.13 per cent) compared to unmarried individuals (39.3 per cent). Unmarried workers express 56.17 per cent optimism for personal growth, while married workers are even more positive at 66.27 per cent.

“As always, Bharat surprises us with its readiness for change. The fact that entrepreneurs emerge as bigger heroes than creators hints to a larger shift in Bharat from content consumer to commerce creator,” Divyanshu Bhadoria, lead for The Bharat Lab, said.

Meanwhile, Sandeep Goyal, co-chair of The Bharat Lab, said: “The report documents the perspective of the citizen of Bharat going into 2024 including, but not restricted to their overall sentiment, sources of optimism, areas of concerns, expectations and watch-outs.”

“The overall optimism should give confidence to businesses like FMCG, auto, tech, finance, travel and more. Bharat is a great source of growth, and diving into cohorts will help them unlock new sources of growth,” he added.

Owners of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) — shopkeepers, traders and small business owners — were the most cautious, with highest pessimism for 2024 at 28.8 per cent, according to the survey. “When asked specifically about financial outlook, only 37 per cent were optimistic,” the report said.

On the other hand, “81.3 per cent of the Government and public sector employees expressed a positive overall outlook for 2024, and 79.06 per cent of the government and PSU employees were optimistic about personal growth in 2024,” it added.

The sample covered the mix of cohorts across gender, profession and life stage. Men (56 per cent) and women (44 per cent), students (31 per cent) and working professional (69 per cent), business owners (38 per cent) and salaried class (62 per cent) – all were given a stage to express their mood about 2024.



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India set to export BrahMos ground systems to Philippines in next 10 days, says DRDO chief SV Kamat

India is set to begin the export of ground systems designed for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to Philippines within the next 10 days and the missiles for the system are likely to be dispatched by March this year, DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat said on Thursday.

Speaking to ANI news agency, Kamat said the first set of BrahMos missile systems is expected to reach Philippines by the end of March.

“The ground systems should be sent in the next 10 days, the missiles will hopefully go by March (to Philippines),” Kamat said.

BrahMos missiles export to the Philippines is the biggest ever defence export contract signed with any foreign country by India.

India had signed a deal with the Philippines worth USD 375 million in January 2022 for the supply of shore-based anti-ship variant of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.

“…We are also receiving interest for BrahMos, we have exported to the Philippines and we are receiving interest for other countries,” he said.

Kamat said approximately Rs 4.94 lakh crore worth of DRDO-developed products have either got inducted in to the armed forces or have received AoN (Acceptance of Necessity) from the DAC (Defence Acquisition Council).

“The developments are now increasingly getting done much faster than earlier. My estimate is, more than 60% or 70% of the inducted products are in the last 5-7 years. This rate is going to increase dramatically as we go ahead,” said Kamat.

On DRDO-developed products that would be inducted into the armed forces in the near future, Kamat said, “I would say, LCA Mk-1A, Arjun Mk-1A, QRSAM, more number of squadrons are going to be taken for Akash, several of our tactical missiles are going to get inducted soon….”

Talking about Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), he said order for 307 guns is on cards for this financial year.

“ATAGS has already finished all trials. My estimate is that the order should be placed in this financial year, before March 31, for 307 guns,” added Kamat.

Kamat said they also have been in discussions with Safran for developing the engine for Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

“…The final decision on whom to go with, whom to partner with for making the AMCA engine has not yet been made. This is under discussion,” said the DRDO chief.

The BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles are renowned for their precision and speed, making them a formidable asset in modern warfare.

The move to export ground systems aligns with India’s commitment to bolstering defence ties and showcasing its technological prowess on the global stage. The Indian Army has successfully inducted several BrahMos regiments since 2007.

With inputs from agencies



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Wednesday, 24 January 2024

4 Indians, three woman & a man, die in mass drowning at Australia's Philip Island beach

Four Indians, who were allegedly swimming at an unpatrolled location, died after drowning at the Phillip Island beach in Australia’s Victoria.

Among those who died in a mass drowning incident near Forrest Caves Beach in Melbourne were three woman and a man. One of the women was from Punjab’s Phagwara.

“Heart breaking tragedy in Australia: 4 Indians lost their lives in a drowning incident at Phillip Island, Victoria. Deepest condolences to families of the victims. The team of the Consulate General of India in Melbourne is in touch with friends of the deceased for all necessary assistance,” the Indian High Commission in Australia informed in a post on X.

According to news.com.au report, the victims - a man and two women in their 20s, and a woman in her 40s - were from an extended family and they were found unresponsive in the water on Wednesday afternoon.

The off duty lifeguard received distress calls around 3:30 pm (local time) on 24 January, reporting four individuals in distress in the water. "They tried desperately to save the group," the report added.

The man and two women died at the scene, while the third woman aged in her 20s was rushed to The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, police said. Later, she also succumbed to her injuries.

The 43-year-old woman who died of drowning was holidaying in Australia, Victoria Police Eastern Region Assistant Commissioner, Karen Nyholm said, adding that the other three victims lived in the Melbourne suburb of Clyde.

Emergency services are believing that the group was wading in the water before being caught in a rip.

Who are four Indians drowned in Australia?

As per a report in Punjab News Express, one of the deceased woman has been identified as one Reema, who is said to be the daughter-in-law of Phagwara industrialist Om Sondhi.

The report quoted former councillor Vijay Sondhi, elder brother of Om Sondhi, saying along with Reema, her husband Sanjeev and his brothers went to Australia for a vacation. Reema’s sister Suhani (22) and a brother, both residents of Solan in Himachal Pradesh, also drowned in the mishap. Sanjeev was however rescued by the local police, the report added.

The report also quoted police as saying it seemed to be a group of about 10 people.

Considered to be a famous tourist destination, Forrest Caves Beach is known for its sea caves, but has also earned a reputation among locals as a perilous swimming spot, devoid of lifeguard patrols.

With inputs from agencies



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Ram mandir inauguration: How communal tensions gripped Mumbai's Mira Road, Pune’s FTII

After communal unrest in Mira Bhayander city in Maharashtra’s Thane district, a clash broke out between members of Hindutva outfits and students of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune on Tuesday (23 January). While the tensions in Mira Bhayander arose on the eve of the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the FTII incident took place a day after the grand event in Uttar Pradesh’s temple town.

The police have registered First Information Reports (FIRs) in both cases. What happened in Pune and Mira Bhayander? Let’s understand.

Hindutva outfits ‘barge’ into FTII

A group of men belonging to right-wing Hindutva outfits allegedly entered the FTII campus on Tuesday and burned a poster about the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, as per a Maktoob Media report.

According to Scroll, footage on social media showed men shouting “Jai Shri Ram” slogans. Some men reportedly burnt the poster reading “Remember Babri, death of Constitution” and destroyed a board showcasing images to mark the event.

The police confirmed the banner was set on fire by the members of the right-wing Hindutva outfits, reported Indian Express. “Preliminary probe has revealed that a banner was displayed on the campus by the FTII Students’ Association. Our information also suggests that screening of a film and an exhibition of photos related to the history of the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi issue was also organised on the campus,” an officer from Deccan Gymkhana police station told the newspaper.

A student claimed that more than a dozen security personnel were present when the mob barged in, accusing the police of complicity, reported Maktoob Media.

An FIR was filed based on a complaint by Sanjay Jadhav, a security officer posted at the institute in Pune, against 12 to 15 persons who had barged into the campus under IPC sections relating to unlawful assembly, rioting, causing hurt, trespassing, damage to property and criminal intimidation. The police officer told Indian Express that their probe has revealed that the men do not belong to a single group but are from several Hindutva right-wing outfits based in Pune.

A second police officer told Indian Express, “Some people have approached us and given a complaint application against the FTII students for putting up the banner. They also claimed that the FTII students assaulted the group that had entered the premises. These allegations are being verified.”

According to the police, some people were sent for medical examination and the reports did not show serious injuries, the newspaper reported.

Mira Road clashes

Two incidents of communal tensions reportedly occurred in the Naya Nagar area of Mira Road on Sunday (21 January) and Monday.

As per Indian Express, a group of 10-12 people in vehicles carrying saffron flags and chanting “Jai Shri Ram” were stopped by some local people from another community, which triggered tensions and clashes on Sunday night.

A police officer told PTI that the group allegedly burst firecrackers during the rally, which another group objected to, leading to an argument. The second group then allegedly brought wooden sticks and attacked the vehicles.

Videos shared on social media showed cars being vandalised by a mob, The Quint reported. Later that night, the police carried out marches to control the situation.

The police filed an FIR under various sections of the IPC, including 307 (attempt to murder) and 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion), among others.

On Monday, violence broke out between two groups with both sides allegedly pelting stones, The Quint reported. The police registered a second FIR following the incident.

The police have reportedly picked up a total of 28 people so far, including four minors.

After the communal clashes, the Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC) used bulldozers to raze about 15 structures in the Muslim-dominated Haidary Chowk area in Mira Road on Tuesday afternoon, as per Indian Express. The chowk is close to the area where the violence erupted on Sunday night.

bulldozer mira road clashes
Demolition drive against alleged illegal structure built on a roadside at Mira Road, 23 January. PTI

An official from the MBMC claimed the civic body demolished encroachments in the area as part of a “routine drive”. “We demolished around 15 structures in the Haidary Chowk area on Tuesday. The action has been taken since the structures were illegal and were encroached upon in the public place,” MBMC deputy municipal commissioner Maruti Gaikwad told Indian Express.

Local activists alleged no notices were served to the shop owners ahead of the demolition, claiming that they have legal documents.

Speaking to Indian Express, Saad Syed, a social activist in Mira Road, said, “Close to a dozen structures have been demolished. As far as we know, no notices were served. Even if notices were served, what message is being sent by demolishing structures of a particular community a day after the communal clash. Are illegal structures present only in a particular community’s locality.”

The demolition drive came a day after Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis warned of strict action against the culprits. He had also warned of action against illegal construction in the area, as per ThePrint.

The Mira Bhayandar Vasai Vihar Police on Wednesday issued a notice, asking group administrators on instant messaging and social media platforms to ensure that no jokes, videos, or other forms of content related to clashes are forwarded, reported ANI.

The police also warned of action against the group admins if the order was violated.

With inputs from agencies



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Tuesday, 23 January 2024

Manipur: Close to Indo-Myanmar border, Assam Rifles jawan frags 6 colleagues, kills self

An Assam Rifles soldier allegedly opened fire at six of his colleagues before shooting himself in Manipur on Wednesday. The incident occurred in an Assam Rifles battalion deployed near the Indo-Myanmar border in south Manipur.

All the six soldiers (all non-natives of Manipur) fired at by the Assam Rifles jawan were injured in the incident. They were evacuated to Military Hospital for further treatment and reported to be stable.

Assam Rifles released a statement saying there was no relation whatsoever of this particular incident to the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur.

“In light of the ongoing ethnic strife in Manipur, it is important to share the details of the incident transparently to dispel any potential rumours and avoid any speculation. This unfortunate incident should not be correlated with ongoing conflict, given the fact that none of the injured are from Manipur,” the statement by PRO of IG AR read.

“An investigation into the incident has been ordered to ascertain the facts”, the statement further said.

“All Assam Rifles battalions have mixed class composition including those belonging to various communities from Manipur. All personnel have been staying and operating together despite polarisation of society to maintain peace and stability in Manipur,” the statement added.

The solider who open fired at his colleagues hails from Churachandpur in Manipur and had recently joined duty in Assam Rifles, Hindustan Times report citied official aware of the matter as saying.

“Police will probe the incident... Police will probe the reasons for this fratricide incident,” the report quoted officials as saying.



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