Month: December 2024

A disturbing incident occurred in Prakasha village, Nandurbar district, when a Hindutva supporter entered a mosque during the azaan (Islamic call to prayer) and demanded that the loudspeaker be turned off. The individual, dressed in saffron, confronted the muezzin (prayer caller), who refused to comply with the demand. CCTV footage shared on social media shows the man arguing with the muezzin inside the mosque. As tensions rose, other worshippers intervened, attempting to calm the situation and escort the muezzin away from the confrontation. They also spoke with the saffron-clad individual, urging him to leave peacefully. This incident highlights ongoing tensions and challenges regarding religious practices and public spaces in the region.

The music world is in mourning following the demise of legendary tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, who passed away on Sunday, December 15, in San Francisco. The Padma Vibhushan awardee had been receiving treatment for heart-related complications in the ICU for two weeks. His death was attributed to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung condition, according to a statement from Jon Bleicher of Prospect PR, representing the family. Tributes have poured in from across the globe for the maestro, whose influence transcended borders and genres. Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej expressed his grief, describing Zakir Hussain as "one of the greatest musicians India has ever produced." In an emotional Instagram post, Kej highlighted the tabla maestro’s humility, his role in nurtu...

Over 40 Kashmiri students at Mewar University, Rajasthan, were allegedly harassed and subjected to violence by university authorities and local police. The students, enrolled in a B.Sc. Nursing program, have been protesting for months, demanding recognition for their course, which lacks mandatory approvals from the Rajasthan Nursing Council (RNC) and the Indian Nursing Council (INC). On Saturday evening, the situation escalated when the protesting students were reportedly beaten and forcibly removed from the university premises. The students, in a viral video said, Many were left to spend cold winter nights outside the gates, as the university refused to address their demands. The students also claim they have faced consistent intimidation, including threats of suspension and polic...

A Pakistani drone carrying nearly half a kg of high-grade narcotic substance was seized by the Border Security Force near the International Border here, officials said on Sunday. The quadcopter entered India from across the border and was seized from the Chinaz Border Outpost area in the Arnia sector late Saturday, they said. Confirming the recovery, a BSF spokesperson said a smuggling attempt was foiled by the alert troops with the successful interception of the Pakistani drone along with 495 grams of narcotic substance at 8.10 pm on Saturday. “The relentless dedication and sharp vigil of BSF Jammu personnel have once again defeated the nefarious design of anti-national elements, showcasing their unwavering commitment to the nation’s security,” the official said in a statement. P...