cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/38501

> India's trade minister will hold talks in the UK on a free trade deal with Britain and meet ministers from the European Free Trade Association from July 10 to 11, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Sunday. > > Trade minister Piyush Goyal will meet with his UK counterpart, Kemi Badenoch, as well as representatives from British industry, the ministry said in a statement. > > The talks offer an opportunity to discuss the main priorities of a free trade agreement "with a focus on addressing trade barriers, promoting investments, and fostering greater cooperation in areas such as technology, innovation, and intellectual property rights," the statement said. > > Differences have emerged between India and the UK on some key tariff lines and investment protection rules, including disagreement over concessions on duties levied by India on car and liquor imports. > > Goyal will also meet ministers and officials from the European Free Trade Association, which comprises Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, to assess progress toward reaching a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement with them.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/31536

> French President Emmanuel Macron will show PM Modi the Louvre Museum and the two may get photographed with its most famous resident—Mona Lisa. > > ! > > Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be feted by French President Emmanuel Macron when he lands in Paris on July 13 afternoon to take the India-France ties to a new height. > File Photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron at Elysee Palace. > File Photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron at Elysee Palace. > > According to inputs from Paris and New Delhi, PM Modi will address a diaspora event at La Seine Musicale, a performing arts centre located on IIe Seguin island in scenic Seine River, in the western suburbs of Paris on the first day. Inaugurated in 2017, La Seine Musicale had hosted American folk-rock singer Bob Dylan in the 6000-seat Grand Seine theatre, where PM Modi will address the Indian diaspora on July 13. The La Siene Musicale is currently hosting the Festival of India called "Namaste France, organized by the Indian Embassy in France and the Ministry of Culture. > > This will be followed by PM Modi being hosted by President Macron for a private dinner at his official residence at Elysee Palace. It is during this private dinner that both the leaders will discuss crucial global and bilateral issues and formal delegation level talks will follow after the Bastille Day parade on Champs Elysees in front of the French President on July 14. > > A 269 men strong contingent of Indian Army from the Punjab Regiment and Rajputana Rifles will participate in the parade on the ground while one single Indian Air Force Rafale fighter will be the show with three others following in a formation. INS Chennai, an indigenous guided missile destroyer of the Indian Navy, will be stationed at the strategic port of Brest, where the nuclear ballistic missile firing submarines (SSBNs) of the French Navy are stationed. But the grand show will follow after the delegation-level talks in Paris. > > President Macron will host PM Modi at Cour Marly courtyard at the world-famous Louvre Museum for a ceremonial dinner expected to be attended by over 250 dignitaries. Filled with natural light and a ficus trees forest, the Cour Marly has an army of statues made by the finest sculptors of the world since the 19th century. It is after the French lay a sumptuous vegetarian spread for PM Modi at the Cour Marly that President Macron will take the Indian leader for a guided tour of the Louvre. Perhaps the two of them may get photographed with Louvre’s most famous and most expensive painting, Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance. > > The two leaders after the tour of the Louvre will attend the dazzling fireworks display over Eiffel Tower from the terrace at Louvre. While the bilateral ties between the two middle-level powers will reach the next stage after PM Modi’s visit, the red-carpet treatment given to the Indian leader will surpass any bilateral visit by an Indian PM in the past by miles.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/30611

> > > New Delhi: In the India-UK Strategic Dialogue that took place in Delhi on Friday, India urged the UK to tackle extremists threatening Indian diplomats. > > Indian National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval and his UK counterpart Tim Barrow led the talks, where India aired its grievances about extremist factions attacking Indian diplomats. The Indian government demanded legal prosecution or deportation of these groups. > > These requests come in the wake of attacks on Indian embassies overseas by pro-Khalistan extremists in March this year. The Indian High Commission in London was also a target, leading to a diplomatic dispute between India and the UK regarding the security provided to Indian diplomats. In a move to address the Khalistan extremism, India hosted Matthew Rycroft, the UK Home Department's senior official, this year. > > The two sides also discussed counter-terrorism, counter-terror financing, use of the internet for terrorism purposes, illicit drug trafficking and counter-radicalisation. > > The two nations are also considering a collaborative agreement similar to India's partnership with the US on critical and emerging technologies such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. This agreement aims to connect Indian businesses with UK-based leading-edge research facilities focusing on 5G and other pivotal technologies, and facilitating easier movement of research talent between the countries. > > The technology partnership was given further impetus after the Indian Science Minister, Jitendra Singh, visited London in April. Both nations inked an agreement to strengthen the ties between their scientific communities, and to allocate funds for research in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and bio-imaging. > > The NSAs also deliberated on wider regional and international issues during their encounter.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/30328

> The curtain raiser event for the World Hindu Congress 2023, set to take place in Bangkok later this year, commenced in Mumbai’s Jio World Centre. The event witnessed the presence of prominent leaders, scholars, and distinguished personalities. It also included the announcement of the World Hindu Congress 2026. It will be hosted in Mumbai. Swami Vigyananand, the organizer of the event, emphasized the importance of unity, strength, and global recognition for Hindus. The conference aims to bring together intellectuals, experts, politicians, and media personalities to address these priorities. The theme for the congress is “Jayasya Aayatanam Dharmah: Dharma, the Abode of Victory.” The primary objective is to unite Hindus on a global platform. It aims at fostering the exchange of ideas and strengthening their collective voice. > > ### The Curtain Raiser Event > The curtain raiser event, held in Mumbai’s Jio World Centre. It marked the official launch and announcement of the World Hindu Congress 2023. Organized by the World Hindu Foundation, the event drew attendees from various countries, including prominent personalities, religious leaders, and scholars. The gathering served as a precursor to the main congress scheduled to be held in Bangkok. > > ### Significance of the World Hindu Congress > The Hindu Congress serves as a platform for Hindus to come together, exchange ideas, and address contemporary challenges facing their community. It aims to promote dialogue, foster intellectual discourse, and forge alliances. They address issues such as religious freedom, education, social empowerment, and environmental sustainability. > > The congress provides an opportunity to strengthen networks and collaborations among global Hindu organizations, scholars, and thought leaders. > > The World Hindu Congress also plays a crucial role in projecting the positive aspects of Hinduism, dispelling misconceptions, and encouraging interfaith dialogue and understanding. It acts as a catalyst for social change and community development by advocating for the values of compassion, inclusivity, and service inherent in Hindu philosophy. > > ### Way Forward > > The World Hindu Congress has been a resounding success in previous editions, with New Delhi, India hosting the event in 2014 and Chicago in 2018. These landmark conferences witnessed the participation of distinguished individuals such as the revered Dalai Lama, renowned British politician Priti Patel, esteemed American politician Tulsi Gabbard, Vice President of India Venkaiah Naidu, and notable Union Ministers like Nitin Gadkari and Smriti Irani. The conferences also attracted delegates from a staggering 60 countries, further solidifying its global significance and impact.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/30302

> > > Hinduism, also known as Sanatana Dharma, is the world’s oldest living religion. > > It is a natural religion, meaning its philosophies and practices are considered universally accessible through sincere study, reason, and experience apart from special revelation. Hinduism is also an indigenous religion made up of a diverse family of philosophies and traditions that have been practiced primarily throughout Asia for thousands of years. Today, Hinduism is a global religion with adherents representing virtually every racial, ethnic, and national background and living on every continent, and comprising majorities in three countries: India, Nepal, and Mauritius. > > Most traditions, sects, or schools within Hinduism share certain distinctive, foundational concepts despite the absence of an identifiable beginning in history, single founder, central religious establishment, or sole authoritative scripture. Two of these foundational concepts are that of the oneness of existence and pluralism. > > All beings, from the smallest organism to man, are considered manifestations of the Divine (existence, pure being, light of consciousness) or reflections of the Divine’s qualities, depending upon the school of thought. Because of this shared divinity, Hinduism views the universe as a family or, in Sanskrit, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. > > Hinduism also advances the concept of the equal worth of all mankind, as expressed in the ancient hymn: > > Ajyesthaso akanishthaso ete sambhrataro vahaduhu saubhagaya. > > “No one is superior, none inferior. All are brothers marching forward to prosperity.” > > Mankind, because it is believed to be the most spiritually evolved, thus carries a special responsibility to honor the equal worth of all people and the underlying unity of existence through one’s relationship with oneself and others. Ensuring that one’s thoughts, words, and actions uphold and promote values such as truth, kindness, equanimity, empathy, generosity, and equal regard is how this responsibility is met. > > The popularly recited Hindu invocation demonstrates this concern for universal kinship and well-being: > > Om sarve bhavantu sukhinah. Sarve santu niraamayaah. Sarve bhadraani pashyantu. Maa kaschid dukhbhaag bhavet. > > “May all beings be happy. May all beings be healthy. May all beings experience prosperity. May none in the world suffer.” > > Against the backdrop of this understanding of equality and unity, the Hindu world has been able to embrace the reality of diversity through its philosophy of pluralism. Every being, with their varying likes and dislikes, their unique personalities, and their different cultures, not only connect with one another in their own unique ways, but connect with the Divine in their own individual ways. > > As such, Hindus understand the Divine (existence, pure being, light of consciousness) to : 1) Manifest in different forms; 2) Be understood and worshipped by various means; 3) Speak to each individual in different ways to enable them to not only believe in the Divine, but experience and know the Divine. > > This embrace of pluralism has contributed to the incredible spiritual and religious freedom one witnesses within Hinduism — in its many deity traditions, paths or yogas, schools of thoughts, saint traditions, ways of worship, etc. > > The worldview of pluralism is not just applicable to Hindus, but to all members of this universal family. Accordingly, Hinduism acknowledges not just the possibility, but also the existence of more than one path (religion) or way of relating to Truth (God). > > This true, unadulterated pluralism is captured in the ancient Sanskrit hymn: > > Ekam sat vipraha bahudha vadanti. > > “Truth is one, the wise call it by many names.” > > In relating to other religions, Hinduism asserts that it is not only harmful, but inherently flawed to insist that one’s own path towards God is the only true and meaningful path. Based on this firm pluralistic belief, Hinduism has never sanctioned proselytization. Further, over their vast history, Hindus have never invaded another land in the name of religion. It is also clear that, for centuries in Southeast Asia, it has been this Hindu brand of absolute pluralism, which has provided the ideal environment for peaceful coexistence and prosperity for at least eight major religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Jainism and Zoroastrian. >

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/28422

> ## Phir Mile Sur Mera Tumhara, a Republic Day special song created by Zoom TV. This soul-stirring track that was created in 2010 brings together many influential personalities - Bollywood celebs, sportspersons, and musicians, in the spirit of patriotism. > > ### Featuring: > Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, A R Rahman, Sonu Nigam, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Prasenjit Chatterjee, Baichung Bhutia, Shahrukh Khan, Mahesh Babu, Deepika Padukone, Ranbir Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, Shaan, Bhupen Hazarika, Kavita Krishnamoorthy, Dr. L. Subramaniam, Anoushka Shankar, Mammootty, Shivkumar Sharma, Rahul Sharma (musician), Gurdas Mann, Juhi Chawla, Zakir Hussain (musician), Thetakudi Harihara Vinayakram, Vikram, Surya, Abhinav Bindra, Sudarshan Patnaik, Shilpa Shetty, Vijender Singh, Sushil Kumar, Karan Johar, K. J. Yesudas, Shiamak Davar, Shobana Chandrakumar, Shreya Ghosal, Rohit Bal, Priyanka Chopra, Louis Banks, Rituparna Sen Gupta, Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan Ali Khan, Ayaan Ali Khan and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/26776

> Chandrayaan-3 be launched by Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-III from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota > > ! > > ISRO on Wednesday announced that the launch of Chandrayaan-3 has been scheduled for mid-July. ISRO Chairman S Somnath said the agency is now awaiting its integration with the rocket. > > “The Chandrayaan-3 is already fully built, assembled inside the fairing and we are waiting for integration with the rocket. Currently, the window of opportunity is between 12-19 of July, and we will take the earliest possible date,” Somnath said. > > >VIDEO | Chandrayaan-3 to be launched in July. "The Chandrayaan-3 is already fully built, assembled inside the fairing and we are waiting for integration with the rocket. Currently, the window of opportunity is between 12-19 of July, and we will take the earliest possible date,"… pic.twitter.com/oQhTARAJu9 > > >-Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 28, 2023 > > The ISRO chief said that the window of opportunity to launch is between 12-19 July and the exact date will be announced once all tests are complete. Even so, some reports say the launch date has been fixed 13 July at 2.30 pm. It will be launched by Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-III from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. > > Chandrayaan-3 is India’s third lunar mission and a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 to demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface. Chandrayaan-3 consists of an indigenous Lander module (LM), a Propulsion module (PM) and a Rover with the objective of developing and demonstrating new technologies required for Interplanetary missions. > > ! > > The GSLV-Mk3 will place the integrated module in an Elliptic Parking Orbit (EPO) of around 170 x 36500 km size. > > The propulsion module will carry the LM from launch vehicle injection till final lunar 100 km circular polar orbit and separate the LM from the PM. The propulsion module has a Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload to study the spectral and Polari metric measurements of Earth from the lunar orbit. It has been added as a value addition which will be operated after the separation of the Lander Module. > > The Lander will have the capability to soft land at a specified lunar site and deploy the Rover which will carry out in-situ chemical analysis of the lunar surface during the course of its mobility. The Lander and the Rover have scientific payloads to carry out experiments on the lunar surface. > > The Lander will carry several instruments to study the lunar surface. These include Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) to measure the thermal conductivity and temperature, an instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) for measuring the seismicity around the landing site, and Langmuir Probe (LP) to estimate the plasma density and its variations. A passive Laser Retroreflector Array from NASA is also accommodated for lunar laser ranging studies. > > The rover module will carry Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) for deriving the elemental composition in the vicinity of the landing site. > > The mission objectives of Chandrayaan-3 are: > > To demonstrate Safe and Soft Landing on Lunar Surface > To demonstrate Rover roving on the moon and > To conduct in-situ scientific experiments. > > The launch was originally scheduled for 2021 but was postponed owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. > > ### Aditya-L1 Mission > > The ISRO chief also gave an update on Aditya-L1 Mission, India’s first mission to study the sun. “Satellites are now getting integrated. Payloads have been developed by various agencies. It has reached the satellite center. Payloads are getting integrated into satellites and it will go through a series of testing,” he said. > > >#WATCH | ISRO chief S Somanath gives an update on Aditya-L1 Mission, India's first mission to study the Sun. > > >He says, "…We are targeting that by August end, Aditya can go." pic.twitter.com/qyOexGlUfw > > >-ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2023 > > ISRO’s target is to launch Aditya-L1 by the end of August this year. > > Aditya L1 will be the first space-based Indian mission to study the Sun. The spacecraft shall be placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrange point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system, which is about 1.5 million km from the Earth. A satellite placed in the halo orbit around the L1 point has the major advantage of continuously viewing the Sun without any occultation/eclipses. This will provide a greater advantage of observing the solar activities and their effect on space weather in real-time. > > The spacecraft carries seven payloads to observe the photosphere, chromosphere and the outermost layers of the Sun (the corona) using electromagnetic and particle and magnetic field detectors.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/26762

> The training module covered issues like conduct during the mission, actions required during medical exigencies, and technical aspects of aircraft and rescue equipment. > > ! > > First batch of Crew Module Recovery Team Completes Phase-1 Training (Image Credit - PIB/Ministry of Defence) > > The first batch of crew module recovery for Mission Gaganyaan has successfully completed Phase-1 training at the Indian Navy’s Water Survival Training Facility (WSTF) in Kochi, reported the Ministry of Defence’s official statement dated 2nd of July. > > As per Ministry’s statement, the team includes Indian Naval divers and the Marine Commandos. They utilised state-of-the-art facilities and underwent recovery training of crew modules in varied sea conditions. > > ! > > The team underwent rigorous training for two weeks. The training module covered issues like conduct during the mission, actions required during medical exigencies, and technical aspects of aircraft and rescue equipment. Notably, the standard operating procedures (SOPs) have been jointly formulated by the Indian Navy and ISRO. > > The Ministry said. “The two weeks training capsule covered a brief on the conduct of the mission, actions to be taken during medical exigencies, and familiarisation with different aircraft and their rescue equipment.” > > As per Times of India, this team will participate in the recovery of the unpressurised crew module that will be used in the first abort test mission, which ISRO has planned in August. > > Subsequently, the team was greeted by Dr. Mohan M, Director of the Human Space Flight Centre, ISRO. > > After the completion of the initial phase of training for the first batch, the recovery training program will progress incrementally. It will include unmanned recovery followed by manned recovery training in both harbor and open sea conditions. > > The Indian Navy, in collaboration with other government agencies, is taking the lead in overseeing the recovery operations. > > As per media reports, the crew trained here at Indian Navy’s WSTF will now be involved in the recovery of test launches planned by ISRO in the forthcoming months. > > ### Mission Gaganyaan > > Notably, Mission Gaganyaan is India’s first manned space mission. It was announced by PM Modi during his Independence Day speech in 2018. The mission aims to demonstrate India’s human spaceflight capability. Additionally, with the manned space mission, India wants to join the League of elite nations that are capable of sending humans to space. > > As per the mission statement, a three-member crew will be launched to an orbit of 400 km for a three-day mission. Subsequently, they will be brought back safely to earth, by landing in Indian sea waters. > > The estimated timeframe for the final launch with Indian astronauts onboard is the fourth quarter of 2024.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/26353

> Taiwanese companies operating in China are looking at "decoupling" the global supply chain from that country. > > ! > > Leading Taiwanese technology firms are looking at relocating their manufacturing bases to India to bring down their exposure to the Chinese market, top policymakers in the Taiwan government have said, amid the self-governed island's increasingly tense relations with China. > > Deputy Minister for Taiwan's National Development Kao Shien-Quey said there is huge scope for collaboration between New Delhi and Taipei in areas of emerging and critical technologies including manufacturing of semiconductors and electronics equipment. > > In an interaction with a group of international journalists, she said major Taiwanese technology giants are looking at India as a key destination to strengthen their global supply chains. > > Kristy Tsun-tzu Hsu, the director at premier policy think-tank Taiwan ASEAN Studies Center at Chung-Hua Institution of Economic Research, described India as an important country for Taiwan and said Taiwanese companies operating in China are looking at "decoupling" the global supply chain from that country while maintaining it for the domestic consumers. > > Leading Taiwanese companies are increasingly looking at relocating their production bases from China to countries in Europe, North America, the US and India in view of Washington's trade dispute with Beijing and the Chinese military's increasing muscle-flexing around Taiwan. > > The relationship between China and Taiwan has become increasingly strained after US House Speaker Nancy Palosi's visit to the island in August last year. > > India is keen on having production facilities of leading Taiwanese chip producers including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (TSMC), the world's largest chipmaker whose clients included Apple. > > "With the larger context of global supply chain restructuring and the 'China plus one' strategy, I am sure that we will see an acceleration of collaboration between the two sides in the field of semiconductor and information and communication industry," Shien-quey said. > > It is learnt that a sizable number of Taiwanese companies are going to set up production bases at two industrial parks in India which are being set up exclusively for leading industries from Taiwan. > > Talks are in the final stages for a Taiwanese semiconductor company to set up a manufacturing facility in India, an official said on condition of unanimity. > > Taiwan produces over close to 70 percent of the world's semiconductors and over 90 percent of the most advanced chips that are required for almost all electronic equipment such as smartphones, car components, data centres, fighter jets and AI technologies. > > The 'China-Plus-one' strategy aims at encouraging businesses to expand their operations outside of China while maintaining their presence in that country. > > "We are actively promoting the diversification of the production bases of the Taiwanese companies and we would like them to move their production bases to other countries with a like-minded value system," Shien-quey said. > > Tsun-tzu Hsu said the Indian economy is significantly large and the view is that it can provide some opportunity for Taiwan to change its trade dynamics with China. > > "It is not only about trade. It is more about strategic collaboration. Our companies were considering moving to India even before the beginning of the US-China trade war because the Indian economy is so large that it can provide some opportunity to Taiwan to change the dynamics with China and reduce its dependence on China," she said. > > Tsun-tzu Hsu said the Taiwanese government has been trying to negotiate a trade deal with India to expand the trade basket. > > Taiwan-based Foxconn, which is Apple's largest supplier, has an iPhone manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu. > > The company is now setting up another iPhone production facility in Karnataka that is expected to start production by April next year. > > New Delhi and Taipei inked a landmark bilateral investment pact nearly five years back that seeks to protect Taiwanese investment in India. > > The bilateral trade between India and Taiwan is on an upswing. The volume of trade increased from $2 billion (roughly Rs. 16,361 crore) in 2006 to $8.9 billion (roughly Rs. 72,806 crore) in 2021. > > "Recently, we see new momentum in Taiwanese companies moving to India and expanding their operations. The expansion of Foxconn is one such example," Tsun-tzu Hsu said. > > Deputy Minister Shien-quey said there is a lot of room for collaboration between India and Taiwan in the area of semiconductor manufacturing. > > "India is strong in its software capabilities while Taiwan is strong in hardware and manufacturing in the ICT sector. There is a lot of room for complimentary collaboration here. Secondly, India enjoys a very huge domestic market. So this is also an incentive for investment," she said. > > The deputy minister said the operations by Foxconn in India are expected to encourage more technology companies to invest in India. > > "Since Foxconn is already there (India) and some of the suppliers in the lower part of the supply chain for Foxconn are also in India, I am sure that this will attract more companies to invest in the upstream of the value chain," she said. > > China considers Taiwan as its breakaway province and insists it should be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary. Taiwan, however, sees itself as completely distinct from China. > > India does not have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan but both sides have trade and people-to-people relations. > > Following the eastern Ladakh border row with China, some experts in India have been pushing for upgrading New Delhi's ties with Taipei, especially in the trade and investment sectors.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/26285

> ! > > यूनिफॉर्म सिविल कोड (UCC) को लेकर लॉ एंड ऑर्डर मामलों की पार्लियामेंट्री कमेटी आज मीटिंग करेगी। इस मीटिंग में UCC पर ड्रॉफ्ट तैयार कर रहे लॉ कमीशन को भी बुलाया गया है। > > मीटिंग की अध्यक्षता भाजपा के राज्यसभा सांसद सुशील मोदी करेंगे। जिसमें 31 सांसद और कमेटी के सभी मेंबर्स शामिल होंगे। सभी से UCC पर राय मांगी जाएगी और उन पर विचार होगा। > > सिब्बल बोले- UCC पर बहस थॉटलेस एक्सरसाइज > इस बैठक से दो दिन पहले राज्यसभा सांसद कपिल सिब्बल ने UCC पर बहस को थॉटलेस एक्सरसाइज करार दिया। उन्होंने पूछा- UCC के तहत क्या ‘यूनिफॉर्म’ करने की कोशिश हो रही है? अनुच्छेद 23 के तहत परंपराएं ही कानून हैं। सरकार को बताना चाहिए कि क्या सिर्फ हिंदुओं पर लागू होने वाला HUF हटा दिया जाएगा? सरकार को यह स्पष्ट करना चाहिए कि आखिर सरकार क्या समान करने की कोशिश कर रही है। > > केंद्रीय मंत्री पीयूष गोयल ने UCC के एग्जीक्यूशन पर सवाल उठाने पर कपिल सिब्बल और कांग्रेस पर निशाना साधा। उन्होंने न्यूज एजेंसी ANI से बात करते हुए कहा- समय की मांग है कि सभा पार्टियां एकजुट होकर इसे कानूनी जामा पहनाएं। > > सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने भी पांच बार अलग-अलग फैसलों को UCC को लाने की बात कही है। सिब्बल अल्पसंख्यकों के लिए किए गए विकास कार्यों को भूल गए हैं। मोदी सरकार जितना काम किसी ने नहीं किया। मुझे लगता है कि UCC के लिए सभी दलों के नेता समर्थन करेंगे। > > UCC पर छिड़ी बहस के बीच केंद्र सरकार ने 20 जुलाई से मानसून सत्र बुलाने की घोषणा कर दी है, जो 11 अगस्त तक चलेगा। > > ! > > UCC पर बहस क्यों शुरू हो गई > प्रधानमंत्री मोदी ने 27 जून को भोपाल में भाजपा के 10 लाख बूथ कार्यकर्ताओं को संबोधित करते हुए देशभर में यूनिफॉर्म सिविल कोड जल्द लागू करने की वकालत की थी। > > PM ने कहा- यूनिफॉर्म सिविल कोड पर लोगों को भड़काया जा रहा है। एक घर दो कानूनों से नहीं चल सकता। BJP यह भ्रम दूर करेगी। > > विपक्षी पार्टियों ने क्या कहा > > देशभर में यूनिफॉर्म सिविल कोड लागू करने के PM के बयान का आम आदमी पार्टी (AAP) और उद्धव ठाकरे गुट की शिवसेना ने समर्थन किया है। हालांकि, उद्धव ने सरकार के स्पष्टीकरण की शर्त रखी है। > > शरद पवार के नेतृत्व वाली राष्ट्रीय कांग्रेस पार्टी (NCP) ने न तो UCC का समर्थन किया है और न ही सपोर्ट किया है यानी वो न्यूट्रल है। वहीं, नेशनल कॉन्फ्रेंस लीडर फारूक अब्दुल्ला ने कहा है कि सरकार को UCC लागू करने के नतीजों पर बार-बार विचार कर लेना चाहिए। > > ! > > फारूक अब्दुल्ला ने 29 जून को ईद की नमाज के बाद UCC पर बयान दिया। उन्होंने कहा- सरकार इसके नतीजों पर ठीक से विचार कर ले > > UCC के समर्थन में शिवसेना (ऊद्धव गुट) और AAP > > - शिवसेना (उद्धव गुट): अध्यक्ष उद्धव ने MPLB के मेंबर्स से बुधवार को कहा कि हम UCC का समर्थन करते हैं, लेकिन हम सरकार से स्पष्टीकरण भी चाहते हैं। हम चाहते हैं कि सरकार बताए कि इसका विभिन्न समुदायों पर क्या असर पड़ सकता है। साथ ही UCC पर अब चर्चा शुरू करने के पीछे मोदी सरकार का मकसद पाक-साफ नहीं है। > - AAP: AAP के राज्यसभा सांसद संदीप पाठक ने कहा- हम UCC का समर्थन करते हैं, क्योंकि आर्टिकल 44 भी कहता है कि देश में UCC होना चाहिए। हालांकि, इसके लिए सभी धर्म के लोगों, राजनीतिक पार्टियों और संगठनों से सलाह-मशविरा कर आम सहमति बनाई जानी चाहिए। > - बसपा: BSP सुप्रीमो मायावती ने भी UCC का समर्थन किया है। उन्होंने कहा- उनकी पार्टी समान नागरिक संहिता के विरोध में नहीं है। मगर संविधान इसे थोपने का समर्थन नहीं करता है। UCC लागू करने के ‌BJP मॉडल पर हमारी असहमति है। भाजपा UCC के जरिए संकीर्ण मानसिकता की राजनीति करने की कोशिश कर रही है। > > ! > > UCC के विरोध में पार्टियों के बयान > > - NCP: पार्टी ने UCC के मुद्दे पर वर्किंग कमेटी की मीटिंग में चर्चा की। इसके बाद नेशनल सेक्रेटरी नसीम सिद्दिकी ने कहा- हम ना तो UCC का समर्थन करते हैं और न ही उसका विरोध। जनता और इससे जुड़े वर्गों के बीच इस पर चर्चा की जरूरत है। > - नेशनल कॉन्फ्रेंस: फारूक अब्दुल्ला ने कहा कि सरकार UCC पर ज्यादा जोर ना डाले। इसे लागू करने के परिणामों पर बार-बार विचार कर ले। देश विभिन्नताओं से भरा है और अलग धर्मों-जातियों के लोग यहां रहते हैं। मुस्लिमों का अपना अलग शरीयत कानून है। सरकार सोच ले, तूफान आ सकता है। > - AIMIM: चीफ असदुद्दीन ओवैसी ने UCC पर बहस छेड़ने को साजिश बताया था। कहा था कि भाजपा मुख्य मुद्दों से जनता का ध्यान भटकाने की कोशिश कर रही है। > - कांग्रेस: सांसद शशि थरूर ने कहा, 'जहां तक यूनिफॉर्म सिविल कोड का सवाल है, प्रधानमंत्री नेहरू ने कहा था कि UCC होना चाहिए, लेकिन हमें सभी को साथ लेकर चलना होगा। आप किसी भी देश में किसी एक तबके को नहीं भूल सकते।' > - सपा: सांसद एसटी हसन ने कहा - हम हदीस की हिदायतें नहीं छोड़ सकते। संविधान हर व्यक्ति को अपने धर्म का प्रचार करने का अधिकार देता है। > - DMK : CM एमके स्टालिन ने कहा- मोदी सांप्रदायिक भावनाओं को भड़काकर और देश में भ्रम पैदा करके 2024 का लोकसभा चुनाव जीतने की सोच रहे हैं। > - शिरोमणि अकाली दल : दलजीत चीमा ने कहा UCC लागू होने से अल्पसंख्यकों के अधिकारों पर असर पड़ेगा और देश में अशांति-तनाव बढ़ेगा।

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/26275

> Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Police along with the Indian Army have detained a suspect for interrogation from Dabi area in Balakot sector of Mendhar Sub-division. > > ! > > Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Police along with Indian Army have detained a suspect for interrogation from Dabi Dharti area of Balakot sector of Mendhar Sub-division in Poonch. Security forces have recovered two mobile phones from his possession. > > Sources informed Republic that an operation was launched by District Police, Poonch along with the Special Operations Group (SOG) and the local unit of the Indian Army in the Dabi Dharti area of the Balakot sector of Poonch. “House-to-house searches were carried out based on intercept generated by agencies after which one suspect has been detained and taken to Poonch by security forces for questioning,” he added. > > On May 20, an infiltration bid from Pakistan in the same area was foiled when an intruder was shot dead by the Indian Army when he was trying to sneak into Indian territory. The killed intruder was carrying a high-powered IED along with narcotics while in a bid to enter India. > > ### Past incidents in the area > > The area has always been prone to mischief by the Pakistani side. Earlier on May 21, Security forces recovered a PIA- Pakistan International Airlines written balloon in the Balakot area and started an investigation. > > Earlier this year, Security forces foiled a major narco terror bid in the same area when three terrorists who were planning IED strikes were arrested by security forces. “Three Lashkar terrorists arrested from Poonch- Rajouri who were involved in multiple IED attacks conspiracy in Rajouri on January 18th and other days. Two were arrested from Rajouri, one from the Balakot area of Poonch, and have been identified as Majid Dar, Jabbar, and one other was arrested by Rajouri Police. They were working to carry out IED attacks in Rajouri on directions of terror handler Rafiq Nai sitting in Pakistan Occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK),” Police informed. > > The Pir Panjal region in Jammu has been the target of Pakistan-based terrorists with three major attacks in the region this year only. 7 civilians lost their lives in the Dhangri terror attack on January 1 and 2 when armed terrorists barged into the house of Hindus in the Rajouri district. The second attack happened on April 20th when the vehicle of the Indian Army’s Rashtriya Rifles was attacked by terrorists hiding in an ambush which led to the martyrdom of five jawans of the Indian Army in the Bhimber Gali area of Poonch. The third and deadliest attack happened in the Kandi area of Rajouri when 5 jawans of the Indian Army’s Special Forces attained martyrdom in a terror attack in the woods of Kalakote.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/25521

> Prompt: Intricately detailed, professional photograph, of(ancient indian temple),magnificent, cinematic view, cinematic lighting, photographed on a Sony a9 II Mirrorless Camera, (highly detailed:1.2), (soft focus), lush forest in background HDR, 8k resolution > > Negative prompt: nsfw,CyberRealistic_Negative,(deformed, distorted, disfigured:1.3), poorly drawn, bad anatomy, wrong anatomy, extra limb, missing limb, floating limbs, (mutated hands and fingers:1.4), disconnected limbs, mutation, mutated, ugly, disgusting, blurry, amputation. tattoo > > Steps: 40, Sampler: DPM++ SDE Karras, CFG scale: 7, Seed: 708755406, Size: 768x512, Model hash: 03363589fe, Model: CyberRealistic_V3.1, Version: v1.3.0

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/25517

> ! > > Prompt: Intricately detailed, professional photograph, of(ancient indian village),shallow depth of field, cinematic lighting, photographed on a Sony a9 II Mirrorless Camera, (highly detailed:1.2), (soft focus), lush forest in background HDR, 8k resolution > > Negative prompt: nsfw,CyberRealistic_Negative,(deformed, distorted, disfigured:1.3), poorly drawn, bad anatomy, wrong anatomy, extra limb, missing limb, floating limbs, (mutated hands and fingers:1.4), disconnected limbs, mutation, mutated, ugly, disgusting, blurry, amputation. tattoo > > Steps: 40, Sampler: DPM++ SDE Karras, CFG scale: 7, Seed: 1581137127, Size: 768x512, Model hash: 03363589fe, Model: CyberRealistic_V3.1, Version: v1.3.0

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/25483

> ! > > Photo of Swami Vivekananda in Chicago in 1893 with the handwritten words “one infinite pure and holy—beyond thought beyond qualities I bow down to thee” > > Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902) is best known in the United States for his groundbreaking speech to the 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions in which he introduced Hinduism to America and called for religious tolerance and an end to fanaticism. Born Narendranath Dutta, he was the chief disciple of the 19th-century mystic Ramakrishna and the founder of Ramakrishna Mission. Swami Vivekananda is also considered a key figure in the introduction of Vedanta and Yoga to the West and is credited with raising the profile of Hinduism to that of a world religion. > > ### Speech delivered by Swami Vivekananda on September 11, 1893, at the first World’s Parliament of Religions on the site of the present-day Art Institute > > Sisters and Brothers of America, > > It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us. I thank you in the name of the most ancient order of monks in the world, I thank you in the name of the mother of religions, and I thank you in the name of millions and millions of Hindu people of all classes and sects. > > My thanks, also, to some of the speakers on this platform who, referring to the delegates from the Orient, have told you that these men from far-off nations may well claim the honor of bearing to different lands the idea of toleration. I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance. We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true. I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth. I am proud to tell you that we have gathered in our bosom the purest remnant of the Israelites, who came to Southern India and took refuge with us in the very year in which their holy temple was shat­tered to pieces by Roman tyranny. I am proud to belong to the religion which has sheltered and is still fostering the remnant of the grand Zoroastrian nation. I will quote to you, brethren, a few lines from a hymn which I remember to have repeated from my earliest boyhood, which is every day repeated by millions of human beings: “As the different streams having their sources in different paths which men take through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to Thee.” > > The present convention, which is one of the most august assemblies ever held, is in itself a vindication, a declaration to the world of the wonderful doctrine preached in the Gita: “Whosoever comes to Me, through whatsoever form, I reach him; all men are struggling through paths which in the end lead to me.” Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descen­dant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with vio­lence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now. But their time is come; and I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honor of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/24659

> Author: Anurag > > In this article, we have delved into the antecedents of 16 organisations and 24 lawmakers who have undersigned the two letters and the findings are shocking - the organisations and lawmakers have links with Islamic terror organisations, Khalistanis, anti-India and anti-Hindu elements. > > ! > > Govt approves 3.7 lakh crores worth schemes for farmers > > On June 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi started his five-day visit to the United States and Egypt. The US visit is PM Modi’s first state visit to the US on an invitation by President Joe Biden. A state dinner is scheduled for India’s PM on June 22 at the White House, where President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will be the hosts. In an official statement, Prime Minister Modi said that this special invitation is a “reflection of the vigour and vitality of the partnership between our democracies.” As expected, 17 organisations and 75 Senators and Members of Congress have written to President Biden asking him either not to host the State Dinner or to raise some specific issues. > > On June 7 (local time), Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), which has links to Islamic terrorist organisations, announced to have written a letter to the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, to rescind the invitation of State Dinner extended to Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. Seventeen organisations, including IAMC, signed the letter. > > The organisations claimed that India is facing sharp democratic backsliding. The claim was based on April 20, 2023, Financial Times report titled ‘India’s Democratic Backsliding’. In the report, FT claimed the democratic values of India were on backtrack because a Gujarat court denied disqualified Congress MP Rahul Gandhi‘s plea against a 2-year sentence in a defamation case. FT called it bad news not only for India but for the whole world. In the letter, they cited four reports linked to CAA and NRC. They included a fact sheet by United States Commission on International Religious Freedom from February 2020. However, the report clearly mentioned that CAA was only meant for minorities in neighbouring Islamic countries. The report does point out Assam NRC controversies, but assuming NRC, whenever it comes, will have the same regulations and guidelines is far-fetched. OpIndia did a detailed analysis of the baseless claims made by IAMC and other organisations in the letter sent to President Biden that can be checked here. > > Each organisation listed in the signatories has a history of anti-India and anti-Hindu activities. We explored the details of these organisations to understand what India is standing against on the international platform. In this article, we have delved into the antecedents of 16 organisations and 24 lawmakers who have undersigned the two letters and the findings are shocking – the organisations and lawmakers have links with Islamic terror organisations, Khalistanis, anti-India and anti-Hindu elements.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/19302

> Author: Pragya Bakshi Sharma > > NYT writes, "A public scolding from the White House, especially when the United States is wrestling with its own threats to democracy, would serve little purpose except to anger the Indian public." > > ! > > On Friday, PM Narendra Modi became the only Indian Prime Minister and third global leader to address the Joint Session of the US Congress twice. “It is always a great honour to address the United States Congress. It is an exceptional privilege to do so twice. For this honour, I extend my deepest gratitude on behalf of 1.4 billion people of India,” PM Modi said. > > He jestfully added, “Mr. Speaker, you have a tough job. (Congress erupts in laughter). I can relate to the battles of passion, persuasion, and policy. I can understand the debate of ideas and ideology. But I am delighted to see you come together to celebrate the bond between world’s two great democracies – India and the United States (Congress standing ovation). I am happy to help out whenever you need a strong bipartisan consensus (Congress erupts in laughter).” > > In just 100 words, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inadvertently incarcerated The New York Times’s latest 1376-word rant. > > Titled “The India Quandary”, NYT’s op-ed on Thursday was uncommonly politically correct. Of course, the article didn’t fall short of its traditional anti-Modi, anti-India, anti-Hindu bigotry, but seems to have preached a rather introspective gospel to the Biden administration instead of its general habit of preaching to India. > > Keeping in line with its convoluted style of writing so as to leave an escape route open, the New York Times op-ed begins with an outright hypocritical stand as it questions the applicability of the ideals of the very liberal democracy it has been preaching to India. > > “…but that chimera soon gave way to the more complex world we inhabit today, in which the ideals of liberal democracy — often in otherwise well-functioning democracies — sometimes seem to be in conflict with the popularity of strongmen leaders, the desire for security or the forces of xenophobia or grievance,” it reads. > > The op-ed further reads, “For American presidents and policymakers, this poses a challenge; it is no longer enough to champion the ideals of liberal democracy and count on the rest of the world to follow.” > > This is the same New York Times that has demeaned India by calling it “an increasingly illiberal democracy“. And now, the change of heart is such that it is preaching, twice in 24 hours, the US govt to use measures that are more tolerant than the ideals of liberal democracy. > > ! > > In another one of NYT’s opinion articles titled ‘Democracy and Reality,” the author says that “an alliance made up only of liberal democracies would probably weaken global democracy.” The article is written by NYT senior writer David Leonhardt. > > So what is it that has made the already politically correct New York Times now also politically correct towards its own coterie? It is the 1.4 billion people of India. Yes, you read that right. Here’s another part from the op-ed to tell you how. > > It reads, “A public scolding from the White House, especially when the United States is wrestling with its own threats to democracy, would serve little purpose except to anger the Indian public.” After 9 years of the Modi govt, 6th visit as PM, and the first official state visit, the New York Times seems to have finally grasped the pulse of the Indian electorate. > > The Prime Minister’s consecutive victory and his popularity among the Indian masses both at home and abroad have trampled the toolkit gang’s daydreams of stripping India of its Hindu identity. Here’s an excerpt that proves the same: “…senior American officials believe that India’s views of the United States have fundamentally improved in recent years. This is partly through the work of the dynamic Indian diaspora…” > > It is surprising to note that NYT somehow mustered the courage to speak the truth in saying that “India is a democracy in which the world’s biggest electorate openly and freely exercises the fundamental right to choose its leader”. The Hindu-hating “news” organisation has otherwise often written off the role of the Indian voter in consciously bringing Modi to power and has attributed his victory to what it deems an “anti-Muslim narrative”. > > ! > > But let’s not get ahead of ourselves here for this is the notorious New York Times after all. In sugarcoated and seemingly intellectual words, the op-ed is basically suggesting that the Biden administration use more careful means of “engagement which can, at least sometimes, lead to further dialogue and space for diplomacy”. Why? Because “Mr. Modi, the prime minister since 2014, commands sky-high popularity ratings and a secure majority in his Parliament, and is in the enviable position of leading a country with a relatively young, growing population”. > > The New York Times with this op-ed has sensationally elaborated that the United States of America should continue to meddle in India’s internal affairs while ensuring that Democrats remain in the good books of the Indian diaspora. An excerpt from the op-ed declares NYT’s fears in this regard: > > “The administration also faces the problem that the United States’ democratic credentials have been tarnished by Donald Trump and the possibility that he may be back in the White House before long. Mr. Trump’s politics have been openly hailed as an inspiration by many an elected autocrat — including Mr. Modi, whose magnetism Mr. Trump likened to Elvis Presley’s at a rally in Houston on an official visit in 2019.” > > The above excerpt also reveals the deep-seated fear among America’s left-liberal Democrats of losing power come the 2024 Presidential elections. “Hurry up! Quell the chorus for Trump among Indians” is the underlying desperate message. > > For The New York Times to be so high-handed to think that it has any control over the Indian political and global sentiments is vainglorious, to say the least. From the pitch to “advance American ideals” at the beginning of the editorial to assuming that India gives two hoots about what “America admires” about us at the end of it, NYT itself is far from pragmatism; that America is no more the absolute and decisive world power. > > At one point, the editorial quotes US govt officials as saying that “it’s far better to raise concerns (with Modi about Indian democracy) in private” because “India’s vital role on the global stage supersedes concerns about one leader”. As if Biden, of all people, who has made a faux pas on several occasions, has the skill to give a simple statement off the prompter, let alone raise concerns with Prime Minister Modi. > > Exposé after exposé of the anti-India, Hindu-hating brigade has brought down the likes of NYT’s propaganda editors to conspire diplomatic means to push their narrative using their favorite jargons like “autocratic Modi!”, “fascist Modi!”, “anti-Muslim, Hindutva Modi”. > > This New York Times op-ed is nothing but just another left-liberal whining about not being able to preach to India as India refuses to further their interests. Basically, when NYT has failed to preach to India, it is preaching its own govt on how to preach to India.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/18204

> Author: Nupur J Sharma > > The outrage was amusing and deafening, in an attempt to defend the insidious comments of the man who oversaw the rise of ISIS - Barack Obama. One wonders if those opposing Himanta Biswa Sarma and claiming to fight for the rights of Muslims are fighting for the right of Islamists and Jihadis to unleash violence against Hindus and tear India apart once again > > ! > > Obama, who has a notorious record as a potential war criminal, suggested that the Indian Prime Minister must be told by the Biden administration about protecting the ‘Muslim minority in a majority Hindu India.’ He also hinted at another ‘partition’ of India, under which the Modi government did not mend its ways. > > He said, “If President (Joe Biden) meets with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi, the protection of Muslim minority in a majority Hindu India is something worth mentioning.” Barack Obama also claimed, “If I had a conversation with Prime Minister Modi, then part of the conversation would be that if you do not protect the rights of minorities, then there is a strong possibility that India at some point starts pulling apart…That would be contrary to the interests of India”. > > The Liberal and Islamist cabal was celebrating this comment by former US President Barack Obama. It is pertinent to note that Obama himself has the unique distinction of bombing more Muslims across the globe than any other leader. He launched airstrikes in at least seven Muslim-majority countries of Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia, Iraq, Syria, Libya and Pakistan, killing thousands of Muslims. > > The United States of America, whether Obama was the President or not, has a terrible human rights track record with rampant atrocities against minorities – with a history of slavery, modern-day racism and atrocities against African-Americans, a crippling wage gap and further persecution of Muslims right after the 9/11 terror attack. > > The Liberals and Islamists, who claim to be bleeding hearts for the Muslims of the world, including the terrorists and Islamists, had no compunctions allying with a potential war criminal who murdered several Muslims while he was in power simply to bring PM Modi and India down, furthering the mythical trope of Muslim persecution. > > Rohini Singh, the woman who had disappeared from social media after emphatically claiming that Akhilesh Yadav would win Uttar Pradesh, extended her support to Obama and, strangely, picked Assam to berate the current government dispensation. Displaying the glory of her terribly low IQ, she wondered if the Assam police were on their way to arrest Obama for hurting sentiment. Responding to her wondrous asininity, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma responded with a scathing tweet. He said, “There are many Hussain Obama in India itself. We should prioritise taking care of them before considering going to Washington. The Assam police will act according to our own priorities,” the Assam CM tweeted. > > Leftists and Islamists, of course, had their knickers in a bunch rather instantly. The outrage was amusing and deafening, in an attempt to defend the insidious comments of the man who oversaw the rise of ISIS – Barack Obama. > > Essentially, the global Left ecosystem used the comments by Himanta Biswa Sarma to allege that the concern about Muslims displayed by Obama was spot on, given that Modi’s Chief Minister was himself talking about persecuting Muslims. Further, many asked for USA intervention in India based on this comment, saying that the tweet was an example of the human rights of Muslims being stifled in India under the leadership of PM Modi and another leader of the BJP. > > If one breaks down the statement by Obama, there are two main components that one needs to focus on to understand what ‘kind of people’ was Himanta Biswa Sarma talking about arresting. > > 1. Obama’s distinction between Hindu India and Muslim India > 2. The fact that he alluded to a second partition of India > > Firstly, Obama should realise that India is India. Bharat. A ‘Muslim India’ was already carved out of the nation when Muslims claimed they could not survive with Hindus in India as their Muslim identity constituted a nation of its own. In 1947, Pakistan was created based on the fanaticism of one religion, and that religion certainly was not Hinduism – it was Islam – however, one won’t be remiss if one says that Barack Hussein Obama would not have the temerity to acknowledge the fanatic moorings of Islam and what those moorings did to Bharat. The partition of India based on religion, a partition demanded by the Muslims, was a blood-soaked one with several genocides of Hindus – from the Malabar genocide of Hindus to the Direct Action Day, the streets of Bharat were littered with Hindu bodies, chopped, raped, massacred by Muslims. If one wishes to go further back in time, one could also evaluate the period of Islamic invasion, where Hindu Temples were desecrated, Hindus were forcefully converted, beheaded upon refusal, barred from practising their religion, and so on. This article, however, is not to give Barack Obama a history lesson, one he desperately needs. > > One simply needs to reiterate that a “Muslim India” already exists – in the form of Pakistan – the greatest exporter of Islamic terrorism, cross-border aggression and Islamic fundamentalism. It is in “Muslim India” that Hindus are persecuted regularly, with minors being raped and converted to Islam, forced to marry old Muslim men, Hindus being lynched in the streets in broad daylight and more. > > One also needs to reiterate that Hindus and Bharat are not new to threats of partition, similar to the ones issued by Barack Hussein Obama. The nature of Muslim separatism was encapsulated rather well by the father of Communism. Karl Marx stated in 1854, “The Koran and the Mussulman legislation emanating from it reduce the geography and ethnography of the various people to the simple and convenient distinction of two nations and two countries; those of the Faithful and the Infidels. The Infidel is “Harby,” i.e. the enemy. Islamism proscribes the nation of the Infidels, constituting a state of permanent hostility between the Mussulman and the unbeliever.” > > It was this very mentality, which was verbalised by Barack Hussein Obama, that led to the partition of India. The cycle has continued to date. Jinnah, for example, called for a separate Muslim nation because he felt that Muslims were not safe in Hindu majority India – this – while it was the Muslims who were massacring Hindus and this – while he gave a call to murder Hindus leading to the Direct Action Day. Once the violence was unleashed by the Muslims after they believed they were being victimised, sans proof or merit, they would blame the Hindus aided by the ‘secular’ politicians and leaders, threatening and demanding that they be given special privileges because they were persecuted. > > There are, to this date, several Islamists in India who follow the same pattern. Despite the Islamist aggression, it is the Muslims who are to branded as victims in perpetuity. The Communal Violence Bill aimed to do just that. In the Purola case, too, for example, it is a Muslim man who abducted a minor Hindu girl, but the narrative is spun as such that the Muslims of the area are the REAL victims simply because the Hindus decided to protest against these religiously motivated crimes. Delhi Riots was another such example. While people from both communities died in the riots, it is pertinent to note that the Delhi anti-Hindu riots were planned for three months before the low-level everyday violence and hate speech culminated in the anti-Hindu riots. Several Islamists and Leftists had meticulously planned the riots to “teach Kafirs a lesson”, in the words of Tahir Hussain. The violence in February 2020 started with an onslaught against Hindus as well. The first to lose his life in the riots was countable Ratan Lal, who was lynched to death by a Muslim mob. Thereafter, others like Ankit Sharma, Dilbar Negi and several others were brutally murdered. Disregarding the conspiracy, the plan hatched, the meticulous planning of the violence, the hateful slogans, and so much more, the global media run by the Left and the Islamists cries hoarse, turning it into an anti-Muslim pogrom. The propaganda was such that NDTV deliberately cropped live footage of a mosque to ensure that bricks on the terrace were not visible to people. > > When Himanta Biswa Sarma says that those who are like Barack Hussein Obama would be dealt with in India, he merely means that those who believe in the concept of a Muslim India – that is, Pakistan – and those who unleash violence and then threaten to tears India apart if their demands are not met – won’t be tolerated and will be met with the full force of the law. > > One only wonders why the Liberals and Islamists globally are outraged by the idea of Bharat protecting its integrity and sovereignty. One wonders if those opposing Himanta Biswa Sarma and claiming to fight for the rights of Muslims are fighting for the right of Islamists and Jihadis to unleash violence against Hindus and tear India apart once again, all the while painting themselves as the victims with the help of Indian liberals and others like Barack Hussein Obama. > > However, as a leader with appeal beyond Assam, he should henceforth avoid replying to jobless trolls masquerading as journalists, something PM Modi excels at

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/18201

> The invite-only event, organised by the United States Indian Community Foundation (USICF), also marked the end of PM Modi's 3-day State visit to the United States. > > ! > > On Friday (local time), Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his goodbye speech to the Indian diaspora at an event, which was held at the Ronald Regan Centre in Washington DC. > > The invite-only event, organised by the United States Indian Community Foundation (USICF), also marked the end of PM Modi’s 3-day State visit to the United States. > > During his speech, the Indian Prime Minister said, “The amount of love I am getting in the US is wonderful, all the credit goes to the people of this country. President Biden and I had a lot of discussions in the last 3 days…He has always tried to take the India-US partnership to another level.” > > He pointed out that the India-US relationship has become stronger over the years with strong defence cooperation, transfers of technology and increased cooperation on strategic issues. > > He said that the US State Department was working on a pilot programme wherein Indians working in the US on H-1B visas do not need to leave the country to renew them. > > “America’s new consulates will be opened in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. It has now been decided that the H1B visa renewal can be done in the US itself,” the Indian Prime Minster added. > > ### PM Modi on return of antiquities > > He stated that more than 100 artefacts that were stolen and smuggled from India to the United States will be returned to the country. > > PM Modi added, “I am happy that the American government has decided to return more than 100 antiquities of India that were stolen from us. These antiquities had reached the international markets. I express my gratitude to the American government for this” > > He also lauded India’s digital revolution. “Hundreds of years of colonisation had taken this belief away from us,” the Indian Prime Minister emphasised. > > ### PM Modi urges entrepreneurs to ‘Invest in India’ > > He also urged entrepreneurs in the United States to invest in India. PM Modi informed, “During my visit, companies like Google Micron, Applied Materials and others have announced to make huge investments in India.” > > He added, “India is the mother of democracy and America is the champion of advanced democracy – our biggest trading partner and export destination – but the real potential of the bilateral relation is yet to come out.” > > “Technology handshake held at the White House today is a direct message to the companies, businesses, manufacturers and innovators of both the countries – This is the moment. India & US Governments have done the groundwork for you. But now, the responsibility to grow on this ground is yours,” PM Modi concluded.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/16304

> Despite his active war-mongering and mass killing of civilians in the name of drone attacks against terror groups, Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009. > > ! > > On Thursday (June 22), former US President Barack Obama courted controversy by virtue-signalling India about its ‘human rights’ record. > > Obama, who has a notorious record as a potential war criminal, suggested that the Indian Prime Minister must be told by the Biden administration about protecting the ‘Muslim minority in a majority Hindu India.’ He also hinted at another ‘partition’ if India, under the Modi government, did not mend its ways. > > The former US President made the contentious remarks during an interview with CNN news host Christiane Amanpour, just hours before PM Modi made his historic address at the joint session of the US Congress. > > He said, “If President (Joe Biden) meets with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi, the protection of Muslim minority in a majority Hindu India is something worth mentioning.” > > Barack Obama also claimed, “If I had a conversation with Prime Minister Modi, then, part of the conversation would be that if you do not protect the rights of minorities, then there is a strong possibility that India at some point starts pulling apart…That would be contrary to the interests of India” > > The former US President, who is now mouthing platitudes about protecting the interests of Muslims in India, has been single-handedly responsible for the death of 100s of innocent people in Muslim-majority countries. > > ### Human rights record of ‘war monger’ Barack Obama > > Barack Obama scripted history in 2008 by being the first African-American man to become the President of the United States. In 2016, he also created another record of being the only President to take the country to war during the entirety of his 8-year term. > > As per a report by the ‘Bureau of Investigative Journalism’, Obama oversaw more drone strikes (54) in his first year than George W Bush did in his entire term. Prior to his Presidency, he would talk about ending ‘dumb wars’ but did the opposite when he came to power. > > Barack Obama, who holds the distinction of being a Nobel Peace Prize Winner, reportedly launched airstrikes in at least seven Muslim-majority countries of Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia, Iraq, Syria, Libya and Pakistan. > > He sanctioned the use of a whopping 563 drone strikes and killed 3797 people in this process. In one instance, a CIA drone strike targeted a funeral in Pakistan, which led to the death of 41 civilians in Pakistan. > > ! > > More than 89 civilians in the same country were killed by the Obama administration over the course of 128 targeted drone strikes. The US President was aware that the drone strikes were far from accurate and were increasingly leading to the death of civilians. > > But this did not stop him from continuing with such attacks in Somalia (2010) and Yemen (2011). Reportedly, 21 children and 12 women (five of them being pregnant)were killed by the Obama administration’s first strike in Yemen, with the aim of targeting Al-Qaeda. > > It also came to light that in 2016 alone, the US government under Obama carried out at least 26,171 bombings, which translates to 72 bombings every day on civilians in other countries. > > Mass civilian casualties were also reported in Afghanistan. An average of 582 people were killed annually in Afghanistan by the US, its allies and the Afghan government in Kabul between 2007 to 2016. > > The Obama administration has also been accused of conducting ‘double-tap drone strikes’, which means that the site of a drone strike is attacked again. This is despite knowing the fact that such follow-up strikes lead to the death of first responders, which is against the guidelines laid down by the 1948 Geneva Conventions. > > ### Obama administration warmed up to Muslim brotherhood, oversaw the rise of ISIS > > During the tenure of Barack Obama, the US government warmed up to the radical Islamist outfit ‘Muslim Brotherhood’ in Egypt during the Arab Spring. It was a complete departure from the approach undertaken by previous US administrations. > > According to author Hany Ghoraba, Barack Obama believed that he could separate the terror outfit ‘Al-Qaeda’ and Muslim Brotherhood. “Empowering the Muslim Brotherhood would, according to Obama, weaken Al-Qaeda in a decision that can be considered as one of the severest cases of political naiveté in modern times,” he noted. > > “The core fault of the Obama administration was its adoption of a false rhetoric, presented for years by Islamist activists and later liberal Western politicians and pundits, that there is a distinction between the Muslim Brotherhood and Al-Qaeda,” Ghoraba pointed out. > > The Arab Spring led to significant political changes in several countries, including the ousting of long-standing autocratic leaders. In Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood’s political arm, namely, the Freedom and Justice Party, emerged as a major political force. > > In 2011, the Obama administration thought it was a great idea to engage with the Muslim brotherhood-led- government, mistaking it to be a ‘new democratic force’ and looking past its radical Islamism, dangerous ideology and its mistreatment of religious minorities. > > Later when protests erupted against the government in Eqypt, the Obama administration quickly took a U-turn and called for the removal of the Muslim Brotherhood-backed-Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi. Documents now reveal that the US government funded anti-Morsi activities. > > The Presidential tenure of Barack Obama was also marked by the rise of the dreaded terrorist organisation, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria aka ISIS. > > One of the major contributing factors was the withdrawal of the US troops, failed negotiations with the Iraqi government and lack of residual US military presence in the country. The security vacuum left in Iraq gave opportunities for radical Islamist groups to expand. > > ### Conclusion > > Barack Obama has been at the helm of building secret drone bases in the Middle East and Africa and increasing the deployment of warships and troops in the Western Pacific and Eastern Europe. > > He has been accused by his first three Defense Secretaries at the Pentagon of micro-manging the military from the White House. Through the killing of dictator Muammar Gaddafi, Barack Obama ensured that Libya plunged into complete chaos. > > Later, the oil-rich nation became a magnet for terrorist groups. Despite his active war-mongering and mass killing of civilians in the name of drone attacks against terror groups, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009. With the left media acting as his PR agent, Obama has been able to keep up with the false image of being a ‘great ex-President.’ > > At the time of PM Modi’s visit to the US on the invite of the incumbent President Joe Biden, Barack Obama is pontificating the Modi administration about human rights and peddling the distorted narrative of ‘Muslims being in danger in India.’

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/15044

> Authors: Jonathan Evans and Neha Sahgal > > > ! > Sikh devotees light candles at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India, on June 25, 2021. (Narinder Nanu/AFP via Getty Images) > > > India’s massive population is diverse as well as devout. Not only do most of the world’s Hindus, Jains and Sikhs live in India, but it also is home to one of the world’s largest Muslim populations and to millions of Christians and Buddhists. > > A new Pew Research Center report, based on a face-to-face survey of 29,999 Indian adults fielded between late 2019 and early 2020 – before the COVID-19 pandemic – takes a closer look at religious identity, nationalism and tolerance in Indian society. The survey was conducted by local interviewers in 17 languages and covered nearly all of India’s states and union territories. Here are key findings from the report. > > ## How we did this > > ### 1. Indians value religious tolerance, though they also live religiously segregated lives. > > Across the country, most people (84%) say that to be “truly Indian,” it is very important to respect all religions. Indians also are united in the view that respecting other religions is a very important part of what it means to be a member of their own religious community (80%). People in all six major religious groups overwhelmingly say they are very free to practice their faiths, and most say that people of other faiths also are very free to practice their own religion. > > > ! > > But Indians’ commitment to tolerance is accompanied by a strong preference for keeping religious communities segregated. For example, Indians generally say they do not have much in common with members of other religious groups, and large majorities in the six major groups say their close friends come mainly or entirely from their own religious community. That’s true not only for 86% of India’s large Hindu population, but also for smaller groups such as Sikhs (80%) and Jains (72%). > > Moreover, roughly two-thirds of Hindus say it is very important to stop Hindu women (67%) or Hindu men (65%) from marrying into other religious communities. Even larger shares of Muslims oppose interreligious marriage: 80% say it is very important to stop Muslim women from marrying outside their religion, and 76% say it is very important to stop Muslim men from doing so. > > ### 2. For many Hindus, national identity, religion and language are closely connected. > > Nearly two-thirds of Hindus (64%) say it is very important to be Hindu to be truly Indian. Among Hindus who say it is very important to be Hindu to be truly Indian, 80% also say it is very important to speak Hindi to be truly Indian. > Most Hindus in India say being Hindu, being able to speak Hindi are very important to be ‘truly’ Indian > > ! > > Hindus who strongly link Hindu and Indian identities express a keen desire for religious segregation. For instance, 76% of Hindus who say being Hindu is very important to being truly Indian feel it is very important to stop Hindu women from marrying into another religion. By comparison, 52% of Hindus who place less importance on Hinduism’s role in Indian identity hold this view about religious intermarriage. > > Moreover, Hindus in the Northern (69%) and Central (83%) parts of the country are much more likely than those in the South (42%) to strongly link Hindu identity with national identity. Together, the Northern and Central regions cover the country’s “Hindi belt,” where Hindi, one of dozens of languages spoken in India, is most prevalent. The vast majority of Hindus in these regions strongly link Indian identity with being able to speak Hindi. > > ### 3. Among Hindus, views of national identity go hand-in-hand with politics. > > Support for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is greater among Hindus who closely associate their religious identity and the Hindi language with being truly Indian. In the 2019 national elections, 60% of Hindu voters who think it is very important to be Hindu and to speak Hindi to be truly Indian cast their vote for the BJP, compared with 33% among Hindu voters who feel less strongly about both these aspects of national identity. These views also map onto regional support for the BJP, which tends to be much higher in the Northern and Central parts of the country than in the South. > > ### 4. Dietary laws are central to Indians’ religious identity. > > Hindus traditionally view cows as sacred, and laws on cow slaughter have recently been a flashpoint in India. Nearly three-quarters of Hindus (72%) in India say a person cannot be Hindu if they eat beef. That is larger than the shares of Hindus who say a person cannot be Hindu if they do not believe in God (49%) or never go to a temple (48%). > > ! > > Similarly, three-quarters of Indian Muslims (77%) say that a person cannot be Muslim if they eat pork, which is greater than the share who say a person cannot be Muslim if they do not believe in God (60%) or never attend mosque (61%). > > ### 5. Muslims favor having access to their own religious courts. > > Since 1937, India’s Muslims have had the option of resolving family and inheritance-related cases in officially recognized Islamic courts, known as dar-ul-qaza. These courts are overseen by religious magistrates known as qazi and operate under Shariah principles, although their decisions are not legally binding. > > > ! > > Whether or not Muslims should be allowed to go to their own religious courts remains a hotly debated topic. The survey finds that three-quarters of Muslims (74%) support having access to the existing system of Islamic courts, but followers of other religions are far less likely to support Muslim access to this separate court system. > > ### 6. Muslims are more likely than Hindus to say the 1947 partition establishing the separate states of India and Pakistan harmed Hindu-Muslim relations. > > > ! > > More than seven decades after the Indian subcontinent was divided into Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan at the end of British colonial rule, the predominant view among Indian Muslims is that the partition of the subcontinent was a bad thing for Hindu-Muslim relations (48%). Only three-in-ten Muslims say it was a good thing. > > Hindus, however, lean in the opposite direction: 43% of Hindus say Partition was beneficial for Hindu-Muslim relations, while 37% say it was harmful. Sikhs, whose historical homeland of Punjab was split by Partition, are even more likely than Muslims to say the event was bad for Hindu-Muslim relations: Two-thirds of Sikhs (66%) take this position. > > ### 7. India’s caste system, an ancient social hierarchy with origins in Hindu writings, continues to fracture society. > > > ! > > Regardless of whether they are Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist or Jain, Indians nearly universally identify with a caste. Members of lower caste groups historically have faced discrimination and unequal economic opportunities, but the survey finds that most people – including most members of lower castes – say there is not a lot of caste discrimination in India. The Indian Constitution prohibits caste-based discrimination, including untouchability, and in recent decades the government has enacted economic advancement policies like reserved seats in universities and government jobs for members of some lower-caste communities. > > Still, a large majority of Indians overall (70%) say that most or all of their close friends share their caste. Much as they object to interreligious marriages, a large share of Indians (64%) say it is very important to stop women in their community from marrying into other castes, and about the same share (62%) say it is very important to stop men in their community from marrying into other castes. These figures vary only modestly across different castes. > > ### 8. Religious conversion is rare in India; to the extent that it is occurring, Hindus gain as many people as they lose. > > Conversion of people belonging to lower castes away from Hinduism to other religions, especially Christianity, has been contentious in India, and some states have laws against proselytism. This survey, though, finds that religious switching has a minimal impact on the size of religious groups. Across India, 98% of survey respondents give the same answer when asked to identify their current religion and, separately, their childhood religion. > > > ! > > An overall pattern of stability in the share of religious groups is accompanied by little net change from movement into, or out of, most religious groups. Among Hindus, for instance, any conversion out of the group is matched by conversion into the group: 0.7% of respondents say they were raised Hindu but now identify as something else, and roughly the same share (0.8%) say they were not raised Hindu but now identify as Hindu. For Christians, however, there are some net gains from conversion: 0.4% of survey respondents are former Hindus who now identify as Christian, while 0.1% were raised Christian but have since left Christianity.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/13744

> # Introduction to Upanishads > > The Upanishads are a collection of ancient philosophical and spiritual texts that form the core teachings of Hinduism. These texts are considered the culmination of Vedic knowledge and are revered for their profound insights into the nature of existence, consciousness, and the ultimate reality. The word "Upanishad" is derived from the Sanskrit root words "upa" (near), "ni" (down), and "shad" (to sit), implying the act of sitting close to a spiritual teacher to receive esoteric knowledge. > > ## Significance of the Upanishads > > The Upanishads occupy a central position in Hindu philosophy and have influenced various schools of thought, including Vedanta, Yoga, and Buddhism. These texts delve into profound metaphysical and spiritual concepts, exploring the nature of the self (Atman), the ultimate reality (Brahman), and the interconnectedness of all things. They offer profound meditations on the nature of existence, the purpose of life, and the path to spiritual liberation (Moksha). > > ## Profound Insights and Teachings > > The Upanishads provide deep insights into the nature of reality, consciousness, and the human experience. They emphasize the unity of all existence and the interconnectedness of all beings. The texts offer profound teachings on meditation, self-realization, and the nature of the divine. They guide individuals on the quest for self-discovery and spiritual awakening, inviting them to transcend the limitations of the material world and realize their true nature. > > ## Eternal Wisdom and Timeless Relevance > > Despite their ancient origins, the wisdom found in the Upanishads remains timeless and relevant. The concepts and teachings presented in these texts continue to inspire seekers and spiritual aspirants across the globe. The Upanishads provide a comprehensive understanding of the human condition and offer guidance on leading a purposeful and fulfilling life. They encourage individuals to explore the depths of their own consciousness and seek answers to life's fundamental questions. > > ## Conclusion > > The Upanishads stand as a testament to the profound wisdom and spiritual insights of the ancient sages. Their teachings continue to resonate with individuals seeking to understand the nature of existence, consciousness, and the ultimate reality. By delving into the Upanishads, one embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth, uncovering the eternal truths that lie within.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/10224

> Author: Sanghamitra > > ## East and west: Gujarat and Odisha celebrate the Rathayatra of Lord Jagannath with pomp and splendour > > Today is Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya, the auspicious day for Lord Jagannath's Rathayatra every year. Two Indian states, located on the two opposite coasts of the grand nation, are celebrating the festival with much fervor and grandeur. > > > ! > > Today is Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya, the auspicious day for Lord Jagannath’s Rathayatra every year. Two Indian states, located on the two opposite coasts of the grand nation, are celebrating the festival with much fervor and grandeur. > > ### Odisha Rathayatra > > Odisha, the home abode of Lord Jagannath, has been celebrating the Rathayatra festival for centuries now. The grand Jagannath Temple at Puri, constructed in the 12th century organizes the world’s largest and oldest Rathayatra festival every year in the ‘Bada Danda’ in Puri. > > The three grand chariots await outside the Singhadwara of the Temple on the day of the Rathayatra. The construction of the chariots starts on the day of Akshaya Tritiya, and designated carpenters, known as ‘Maharanas’ make the chariots. The colour schemes, and design of the chariots are fixed for each of the three Gods. > > Lord Jagannatha’s chariot is called ‘Nandighosha’, Lord Balabhadra’s chariot is called ‘Taladhwaja’ and Devi Subhadra’s chariot is called ‘Debadalana’. Lord Sudarshana rides in the Debadalana too. > > The process of bringing the holy Trinity out from their pedestal in the temple to their respective chariots is called ‘Pahandi’. > > > ! > > > ! > > After the Gods are seated in their respective chariots, the Gajapati Maharaj, the traditional ruler of Kalinga, performs the ritual of ‘Chhera Panhara’. It is the ritual of sweeping the chariots with a golden broom. It signifies the belief that the Gajapati Maharaj is the servant of Lord Jagannath and rules in his name. > > The Chhera Panhara ritual has another significance in Odia folklore and literary tradition. Odia epic ‘Kanchi Kaveri Upakhyana’ describes Purushottama Deva’s campaign to win kingdoms in the south of Kalinga. Purushottama Deva was insulted by Kanchi ruler Saluva Narasingha Deva because the former wanted to marry the latter’s daughter Padmavati. Saluva Narasingha Deva had declared that he would rather get his daughter married to a poor sweeper than allow her to marry the Kalinga Gajapati. > > Purushottama Deva, fumed at the insult, had attacked Kanchi and eventually won with direct help from Lord Jagannatha and his brother Lord Balabhadra. After bringing Padmavati to Kalinga, he was yet to forget the insult. So he had declared that Padmavati will be married off to a sweeper, just as her father wanted. > > However, the clever ministers of Purushottama Deva knew that the Kanchi princess deserves to marry the Gajapati, and Kalinga deserves a queen of unparalleled beauty and qualities that she possessed. So on the day of Rathayatra, when Purushottama Deva was performing the sweeping ritual, they brought the Kanchi princess on board the chariot, and she put a garland on the neck of the Gajapati, just when he held a broom in his hand, literally being a ‘sweeper’. > > Purushottama Deva had loved the princess and there was no way he could be angry now, after being married to her in the presence of Lord Jagannatha himself. > > Thus, the ministers avoided their king’s wrath and made him see reason by forgetting his anger. The story can be read in detail here. > > > ! > > In Puri’s Rathayatra, the Gods visit the Gundicha Temple and stay there for 9 days. Then they return to their own Temple, that Yatra is called ‘Bahuda Yatra’. > > ### Gujarat Rathayatra > > Gujarat is home to Dwaraka, Lord Krishna’s kingdom. Like Odisha, it too has a deep Vaishnava tradition. The state has been celebrating Rathayatra for nearly a century and a half. > > It is celebrated as a ‘Lokotsav’ or a public festival in Gujarat. Though many cities have their own Rathyatra, Ahmedabad hosts the grandest and biggest event. The CM performs the ‘Pahind Vidhi’ which is similar to the ‘Chhera Panhara’ ritual of Odisha. > > In Ahmedabad Rathyaatra, the chariots pass through the different parts of the city. The chariots cover a distance of 14 km and the devotees offer ‘mahabhoj’ to the entire entourage. > > Union Minister Amit Shah today performed the mangal aarti at the Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad before the commencement of Rathayatra. CM Bhupendra Patel performed the ‘Pahind Vidhi’. This is the 146th year of the Ahmedabad Rathayatra. > > > ! > > Gujarat and Odisha are separated by over 1800 km, located on the opposite coasts of India. However, Rathayatra is something that binds the two states together. Each celebration is unique in its style and decorations, but the deep Jagannath Bhakti and the Vaishnava traditions of their people are what bring them close in mind and spirit. > > Rathyatra celebrations in these two distant states are another example of how the states of India, despite diverse linguistic and cultural norms, are bound together by strings of Hindu tradition and spirituality.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/10221

> Author: Jinit Jain > > ## Ahilyabai Holkar, the Maratha Queen like no other who constructed and restored Hindu temples which stand tall even today > > *Ahilyabai Holkar is fondly remembered for constructing hundreds of temples, ghats, pilgrimage centres, Dharamshalas but rebuilding of Kashi Vishwanath Temple is considered as her greatest achievement. * > > > ! > > PM Narendra Modi on Monday, December 13, 2021, inaugurated the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Project in Varanasi, restoring an array of temples to their past glory. With the inauguration of the hallowed temple corridor project, PM Modi has once again burnished his credentials as the most potent preserver of the Hindu heritage in the recent times. > > As PM Modi buckles down the task of fulfilling the promises he made while contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Varanasi constituency in 2014, one of them being transforming it into a “city of temples”, he did not fail to acknowledge the role of historical figures who helped in conserving the city’s holy character. > > In his inaugural speech, PM Modi paid floral tributes to Ahilyabai Holkar, Maharaja Ranjit Singh among other people, who played a pivotal role in reconstruction and renovation of Kashi Vishwanath in the past. > > PM said, “The role of Mata Ahilyabai Holkar in the reconstruction of the temple is noteworthy. Maharaja Ranjit Singh sent 23 man (920 KG) of gold to the temple.” He said after Mata Ahilyabai Holkar, the expansion of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham had happened now. > > And not just in words but in deeds too, PM Modi and the Centre paid homage to Maratha Queen Ahilyabai Holkar for her momentous contribution in preserving the heritage of Kashi Vishwanath. A figurine of Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar has been put up at the sprawling campus of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham, which was adorned with flowers for its inauguration on Monday. In addition to this, large posters of the Maratha queen were also held up in the premises of the corridors. > > ### Who was Ahilyabai Holkar? > > Ahilyabai Holkar was one of the most well-known queens to have presided over the Maratha Empire in the 18th century. Born in May 1725 in the village of Chaundi, in present-day Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar was the Holkar Queen of the Maratha Malwa kingdom. > > She was not born in the royal lineage and was the hereditary noble Queen of the Maratha Empire. When she was 8-years-old, she was spotted by the acclaimed Lord of the Malwa territory, Malhar Rao Holkar, while she feeding the poor. Struck by her compassion and empathy for the destitute, Malhar Rao betrothed her to his son. > > However, she lost her husband in the battle of Kumbher when she was just 29. After her husband’s death, she tried to end her life with the practice of Sati but was stopped by her father-in-law. She later ascended the throne and became the ruler of Indore on 11 December 1767. > > In opposition to the prevailing culture of the time which disallowed women from pursuing education, Ahilyabai Holkar was an educated woman. She was homeschooled by her father. Perhaps, it was her education and knowledge that helped her to pull together the kingdom of Malwa after the demise of her husband and father-in-law. > > Ahilyabai ruled for nearly three decades and was conferred with the title of ‘The Philosopher Queen’ by a British historian John Keyas. In her praise, he said: “Ahilyabai Holkar, the philosopher-queen of Malwa, had evidently been an acute observer of the wider political scene.” > > ### Ahilyabai Holkar-The pioneer of temple construction and restoration > > Though Ahilyabai Holkar was an astute queen and quite adept in handling court matters, she was best known for being the pioneer, builder and preserver of the Hindu temples across the length and breadth of the country. From Somnath in the west, to the Kashi Vishwanath in the east, Holkar dedicated her life towards renovating and reconstructing temples that were victims of the ravages of the time or were subjected to assault and plunder by Muslim invaders. > > She built temples at Srinagar, Haridwar, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Rishikesh, Prayaga, Varanasi, Naimisharanya, Puri, Rameshwaram, Somnath, Nasik, Omkareshvar, Mahabaleshwar, Pune, Indore, Srisailam, Udipi, Gokarna, Khatmandu etc. She built and restored temples everywhere across India except for territories controlled by Afghans, Nawabs & the British. > > River Ganga holds special importance as per Hindu scriptures. Regarded as sacred by Hindus, the river is embodied as the goddess Ganga in ancient texts and art. The water of river Ganga is considered as holy, with ritual bathing being an integral part of Hindu pilgrimage. The water, reverentially called as gangajal, was also used in various pujas performed in Hindu temples. Ahilyabai Holkar arranged for supplying water from the river Ganga collected at Gangotri to be received by temples across the country, including temples as far away as in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. > > ### The Maratha Queen’s contribution in rebuilding Kashi Vishwanath Temple > > She is fondly remembered for constructing hundreds of temples, ghats, pilgrimage centres, Dharamshalas around her kingdom but rebuilding of Kashi Vishwanath Temple is considered as her greatest achievements of all. > > Her contribution in restoring Kashi Vishwanath temple was particularly significant. The temple had stood tall for centuries before becoming an eye sour for the Mughals. The Islamic rulers, who were on the mission to destroy anything that was against Islam, saw Kashi Vishwanath Dham as one of the main targets challenging the supremacy of their faith. > > On April 18, 1669, Islamic ruler Aurangzeb gave the order to demolish Kashi Vishwanath Temple. In his order, he had written that the temple was the place where “the foolish Pundits teach evil knowledge from junk books.” > > On the explicit orders from Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, Kashi Vishwanath Dham, one of the holiest Hindu sites of pilgrimage, was plundered, desecrated, demolished & converted into Gyanvapi Mosque in 1669. The current structure and the form of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple could be attributed to Ahilyabai Holkar, who got the structure reconstructed in 1776. Then in 19th century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh adorned the temple with ‘golden’ shikhar.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/10110

> Author: Megha Rawat > > ## Nine Fishermen Held Captive By The Sri Lankan Army Near Rameshwaram > > Sri Lankan army captured the boat and arrested nine fishermen when the boat was stationed at a place for fishing near Neduntheevu island in Sri Lanka. > > > ! > > Nine fishermen, have been held captive by the Sri Lankan Army near Rameswaram. Around 500 boats left for fishing on Monday, June 19 from Rameshwaram after getting an entry receipt. > > Sri Lankan army captured the boat and arrested nine fishermen when the boat was stationed at a place for fishing near Neduntheevu island in Sri Lanka. > > The arrest has left the Tamil Nadu fishermen in shock and their families are seeking immediate action from the state and central governments. > > (This is a developing story, more details are awaited) >

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/9326

> cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/9325 > > > PM Modi will also hold discussions with President Biden on bettering trade and investment relations, besides forging closer ties in the technology domain comprising telecom, space and manufacturing. > > > > ! > > > > Stepping up defence cooperation, India and the US are poised to unveil a roadmap for industries in the sector to partner closely in co-production, co-development and maintaining supply change during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US beginning June 21. > > > > Prime Minister Modi, during his first state visit to the US, will also hold discussions with President Joe Biden on bettering trade and investment relations, besides forging closer ties in the technology domain comprising telecom, space and manufacturing. > > > > Addressing a press conference here, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said the prime minister will also be on a state visit to Egypt from June 24-25 at the invitation of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi during which he is also scheduled to visit 11th Century mosque Al-Hakim, which was refurbished and renovated by the Bohra community. > > > > The foreign secretary said the Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap was expected to be one of the key outcomes of Prime Minister Modi's visit to the US. > > > > >It essentially focuses on all aspects of defence co-production and co-development. It also talks about how defence industrial ecosystems of the two countries could cooperate much better, how the supply lines in the field of defence industry could also interface with each other much better," he said. > > > > Kwatra described defence cooperation as a "key pillar" of India's relationship with the US. > > > > "If you look at the complete matrix of the India-US defence partnership, it is very robust, very dynamic, it has all the significant elements that make it so important. > > > > "We conduct a large number of bilateral military exercises – both bilateral as also regional in nature. Armed forces have staff-to-staff engagement. India is also the deployer of the US equipment and platforms. Some of them are used by India," he said. > > > > Also top on the minds of Biden and Modi would be the challenges posed by the incidents such as the attempts to incite violence outside the Indian embassy in Washington. > > > > “The underlying intent and the goal of such attacks is something which we are concerned (about) and we have shared those concerns very actively and very completely with the countries where such organisations function,” Kwatra said. > > > > Modi will begin the visit to the US from New York, where he will lead the International Yoga Day celebrations at the United Nations headquarters and meet prominent personalities and leaders on June 21. > > > > He will travel to Washington the same day and join President Biden and first lady Jill Biden for a private engagement. > > > > Prime Minister Modi will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the White House on June 22, which will be followed by a formal bilateral meeting with Biden. > > > > President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will also host a state dinner in honour of Modi on Thursday evening. > > > > On Friday, the prime minister will interact with select Chief Executive Officers of leading companies. Later, US Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Bilnken will host a state luncheon. > > > > Prime Minister Modi will also address the Indian-American community at the Reagan Centre. > > > > "It is a milestone in our relationship. It is a very significant visit, a very important visit, a visit on which there is a genuine, widespread and deep interest in the US," Kwatra said, adding that Modi has visited the US six times since 2014. > > > > On planned protests against Modi's visit to the US, Kwatra said India viewed the visit from a very different frame of reference. > > > > “We sense deep and widespread positive interest in the US on the visit. We are aware, evidence based, of the positive things we have done in the relationship. > > > > "We are determined and targeted to move to the new domains of strategic partnership, which are crucial not just for partnership between our two societies, two countries, two systems, which would also be net positive contributors to developments in the world,” Kwatra said. > > > > He said the extent of enthusiasm across the various cross-section of the US system was palpable. > > > > “You can see it well spread in the pages of the media and determine what is the frame of reference in which the two systems are looking at the relationship,” Kwatra said. > > > > On the situation in Myanmar, Kwatra said India’s position on Myanmar has always been clear and the US side was appreciative of it. > > > > “Let us not forget we have a large border with Myanmar. Myanmar is our neighbour. The kind of framework in which we deal with our relationship in Myanmar is very different. > > > > "We have continued with our extensive humanitarian assistance and development cooperation with Myanmar, even when the times that Myanmar was troubled, so to speak,” the foreign secretary said. > > > > “Being a neighbour, we have always tried, we have wished and we make an effort in that direction so that the country remains peaceful and stable,” Kwatra said.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/8288

> Premiered Jun 14, 2023 ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash > Shashi Shekhar is a technocrat, and a leader in the media and technology space as well as a regular columnist and has authored ‘Collective Spirit, Concrete Action’, a book based on Mann Ki Baat - Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship communication program for connecting with people of the country. Shekhar is also a member of Team Modi and worked in the 2014 campaign for the general elections. Shekhar has also been CEO of national broadcaster Prasar Bharati and is credited with having brought change in the working style of the national broadcaster. In this edition of Podcast with Smita Prakash, Shekhar talks about how Narendra Modi has rewritten the rules of communication with the use of technology and ‘Mann Ki Baat’. He also spoke about the hostility by the media towards Modi before he became Prime Minister of the country. Shekhar also spoke about the reasons behind technocrats joining Modi’s campaign, PM’s connection with the Indian diaspora, and his first meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also shares his experience of working along with Rajesh Jain on ‘Niti Digital’ and creation of a volunteering platform ‘India272.com’ in 2013 and much more.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/7311

> The Hoysala Empire (Kannada: ಹೊಯ್ಸಳ ಸಾಮ್ರಾಜ್ಯ) (pronunciation: [hojsəɭə saːmraːdʒjə] (help·info) in Kannada) stood as a prominent South Indian empire that ruled most of the modern day state of Karnataka between the tenth and the fourteenth centuries. The capital of the empire initially resided at Belur, later moving to Halebidu.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/7309

> Sun Temple, Konârak > > On the shores of the Bay of Bengal, bathed in the rays of the rising sun, the temple at Konarak is a monumental representation of the sun god Surya's chariot; its 24 wheels are decorated with symbolic designs and it is led by a team of six horses.