The Waqf Act of India, initially designed to manage and oversee the properties endowed for public welfare in the Muslim community, has come under heavy […]
Katyuri and Chand Dynasties Architectural Marvels
Legacy and Cultural Significance The Katyuri Dynasty is renowned as the foremost rulers in Uttarakhand, credited with establishing the civilization in Katyur, Baijnath. This civilization not only flourished culturally but also showcased remarkable intelligence. The iconic architecture of Baijnath, Jageshwar, Kandolia in Pauri, and Katarmal Sun Temple stand as enduring legacies of Katyuri reign. Despite the presence of other dynasties like Shaks, Pals, and Chands, the Katyuris wielded significant influence in Kumaon. The term “Kurmanchal,” later evolved into Kumaon, originated from the Katyuri Kingdom, underscoring their historical importance. Believed to have ruled Kabul in Afghanistan before expanding into Kashmir, Himachal, and Uttarakhand, the Katyuris left a lasting imprint across these regions. According to Badri Dutt Pandey, a prominent journalist in the 1940s, the Katyuris hailed from Ayodhya and were of Suryavanshi lineage. Evidence suggests a strong connection between the Katyuris and Kabul, Afghanistan, as ruins resembling the architecture of Jageshwar and Baijnath temples can be found in Gandhar (Khandar), Afghanistan.…
Supreme Court Orders Handover of Ballot Papers in Chandigarh Mayor Election Controversy
In a significant development, the Supreme Court has intervened in the controversy surrounding the recent Chandigarh mayor elections, directing that all ballot papers and original records, including videography, be handed over to the registrar of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The apex court's decision follows allegations of irregularities and vote tampering during the election process. Key Points: Judicial Intervention: The Supreme Court, while issuing notice on a petition filed by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillor Kuldeep Dhalor, expressed grave concern over the alleged malpractices in the Chandigarh mayor elections. The court criticized the actions of the returning officer, stating that defacing ballot papers amounted to "murdering democracy" and emphasized the need to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process. Scathing Remark: Describing the situation as a "mockery of democracy," the apex court ordered the deferral of the Chandigarh municipal corporation meeting scheduled for February 7. The court's rebuke comes in the wake of controversy surrounding the victory of Bharatiya…
Police Resticts Mar Thrissur Pooram, Triggering Political Backlash in Kerala
The vibrant festivities of Thrissur Pooram, a cultural highlight in Kerala, turned into a political battleground following allegations of police excesses and unwanted restrictions imposed during the celebrations. The event, renowned for its grandeur and fervor, saw sharp criticisms from opposition parties, particularly the BJP and UDF, who accused the LDF government of dampening the spirit of the festival. Thrissur Pooram, which commenced on April 20th this year, typically draws large crowds to partake in the revelry surrounding the temple festivities, characterized by music, processions, fairs, and the spectacular fireworks display. However, reports emerged of disruptions and chaos during the early morning rituals on Saturday, attributed to police interference and severe restrictions. Allegations surfaced of police obstructing devotees' entry, blocking LED-lit canopies known as parasols, and engaging in clashes with festival attendees. City Police Commissioner Ankit Asokan came under fire for reportedly impeding the procession and confronting devotees, leading to tense confrontations within the temple premises. The situation escalated when…
Rajya Sabha Chairman Revokes Suspensions of 11 Opposition MPs Ahead of Budget Session
In a conciliatory move ahead of the Budget Session, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar has lifted the suspensions of 11 opposition MPs who were found guilty of breach of privilege by the House panel. The privilege committee reportedly recommended treating the period of suspension already served as sufficient punishment, paving the way for their return to Parliament. This decision comes as a relief for the suspended MPs, who included members from Congress, CPI, DMK, and CPIM. They will now be able to participate in the upcoming session, starting on February 1, and attend President Droupadi Murmu's special address to both Houses on February 1. The revocation of suspensions applies only to the Rajya Sabha members as the Lok Sabha has its own procedure for dealing with such matters. The fate of three suspended Lok Sabha MPs remains uncertain for now. The suspensions stemmed from the tumultuous winter session, which witnessed unprecedented chaos over various issues, culminating in the suspension of…
Lawlessness in Bengal: Violent Attack on Enforcement Directorate Officials Raises Alarms
In a shocking and brazen act of violence, the peaceful process of a raid turned into chaos as a mob of nearly a thousand people attacked Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal. The targeted raid, part of an investigation into the Public Distribution System (PDS) scam, quickly escalated into a dangerous situation, leaving three ED officials seriously injured and a trail of destruction in its wake. The Background: The ED, in its pursuit of justice, was conducting searches at three premises belonging to Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sahajahan Sheikh. The focus of the investigation was the PDS scam, a matter of significant concern that warranted a thorough inquiry. The Violent Mob Attack: As the ED officials and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel went about their duties, they were met with an astonishingly large and aggressive mob armed with lathis, stones, and bricks. The attackers, numbering between 800 to 1000, had a clear intention – to…
ISRO’s Stellar Start to 2024: Successfully Placing XPoSat in Orbit
The dawn of 2024 witnessed another milestone for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as it successfully launched its first X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C58, on its 60th mission, flawlessly carried XPoSat into its designated 650km orbit, marking a promising start to the year. ISRO commemorated the achievement by sharing a video capturing the satellite's orbital insertion, showcasing the precision and expertise involved in the mission. The success of this launch underscores India's growing capabilities in space exploration and technology. XPoSat's mission holds significant importance in the realm of space science. As the first dedicated polarimetry mission, India becomes the second country, following the United States, to delve into the characteristics of celestial bodies by analyzing the direction of the vibration of incoming waves. This groundbreaking approach is poised to unravel the complexities of various astronomical sources, including black holes, neutron stars, active galactic nuclei, and pulsar wind nebulae. ISRO's Chairman,…
PM Narendra Modi alerted the public against rising threat of “digital arrest” scams, urging individuals to remain vigilant against fraudsters
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his recent Mann Ki Baat address, alerted the public to the rising threat of “digital arrest” scams, urging individuals to […]
Internal Dissent Grows as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Faces Pressure to Resign from Liberal Party MPs
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is under significant pressure from within his own party as 24 out of 153 Liberal Party MPs call for his […]
Indian High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Verma Addresses Khalistani Extremism, Calls Out Canadian Support
In a recent exclusive interview with ANI, recalled Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Verma, emphasized that a small fraction of the Canadian Sikh community […]
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal Confronts German Vice Chancellor Over China Blocking Tunnel Boring Machine Exports to India
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal had a candid exchange with German Vice Chancellor and Economic Affairs Minister Robert Habeck on Saturday regarding an […]
GoI to amend the Waqf Act amended by UPA2 in 2012 granting power to reclaim any land as per the Islamic Law
The recent move by the Government of India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to amend the Waqf Act has generated significant attention. This initiative, set […]
Kerala Landslides: A Tragic Tale of Nature’s Fury and Human Missteps
The picturesque district of Wayanad in Kerala, known for its lush green landscapes and serene beauty, was recently struck by a devastating tragedy. On July […]
Kedarnath Gaurikund landslide – Rescue for 1865 completed with help of SDRF , NDRF and Air Force
The rescue operation for pilgrims stranded along the rain-ravaged trek route to the Kedarnath shrine in Uttarakhand has entered its third day on Saturday. Over […]
Torrential Rains Cause Devastation in Uttarakhand: A Call for Resilience and Preparedness
The serene landscapes of Uttarakhand, often referred to as Devbhoomi (Land of the Gods), have once again been struck by the fury of nature. In […]
Uttarakhand Athletes to Watch at the Paris Olympics 2024
The 33rd Olympic Games are set to officially begin on Friday, July 26, in Paris, although some competitions have already started before the opening ceremony. […]