INDIA

On Monday, incidents of vandalism and violence marred the country during the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The scale of these incidents varied, encompassing allegations of sandals thrown inside a mosque and a shop being burnt in Telangana, a graveyard set ablaze in Bihar, and violent skirmishes in different parts of Maharashtra. Gujarat witnessed an FIR following alleged stone-pelting on a Shobha Yatra celebrating the temple's inauguration. Hateful songs played in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, gained notoriety through viral videos. In Madhya Pradesh, a saffron flag featuring the Ram Temple's image was planted atop a church a day before the ceremony. The 'pran pratishtha' or consecration ceremony took place in Ayodhya on Monday afternoon, marked by the inaugural ...

A recent analysis by Boom Live highlights the alarming trend of misinformation targeting the Muslim community. The study, published in three languages, examined 1,190 fact-checks, revealing that 183 of them specifically targeted Muslims, emphasizing a concerning surge in fake news since 2021. According to the research, 84.2% of statements directed at Muslims aimed to fuel 'demographic concern,' indicating a rise in Islamophobic rhetoric in Indian politics. In contrast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced only 63 fact-checks, with positive assertions overshadowing misleading claims. The analysis delves into political affiliations, revealing that out of 70 fact-checks on political party statements, 33 targeted the BJP, 21 the Indian National Congress, and 8 the Aam Aadmi Party. ...

After the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony at Ayodhya's Ram Temple on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proclaimed that the unveiling of the Ram Lalla idol on January 22 marks the commencement of a new era, destined to be etched in people's memories for years to come. During the ceremony, PM Modi led the rituals as the idol of Ram Lalla was revealed at the temple. Addressing the gathering at the Garbh Griha, he expressed that the construction of the Ram Mandir has infused a renewed spirit among the people, as reported by the media. Congratulating the nation on this momentous occasion, PM Modi declared that Ram Lalla will no longer reside in a tent. He joyously exclaimed, "Lord Ram has finally arrived after centuries of anticipation. Today, as a nation, we have liberated ourselves fro...

The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) expressed strong concerns on January 19 regarding the celebration surrounding the construction of the Ram temple on the site of the demolished Babri Masjid, an act perpetrated by Hindu nationalists. IAMC highlighted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is organizing a grand spectacle with over 6,000 guests, while Hindu far-right groups plan events across the United States, extending the divisive celebration. Describing the Ram Temple as a symbol of historical injustice, particularly against Indian and global Muslims, IAMC denounced the celebration as an endorsement of the impunity enjoyed by those responsible for the demolition. IAMC President Mohammed Jawad emphasized that the event not on...

On January 22, a significant development is anticipated as government employees and students in state-run schools may be granted a half-day leave to partake in the live telecast of the auspicious consecration ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Union Minister Jitendra Singh has officially affirmed the half-day leave for government offices, while a decision for state-run schools remains pending, adding an air of anticipation to the approaching event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, keenly involved in the preparations, has reportedly sought feedback from ministers to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for all. In a unique twist, ministers have been instructed to illuminate lamps at their residences, fostering a celebratory atmosphere reminiscent of Diwali. Furthermore, they...

A 19-year-old youth was stabbed to death by three individuals in Central Delhi’s Meena Bazar, an official said on Sunday. The deceased was identified as Armaan a.k.a Kasim, a resident of Loni, Ghaziabad. According to police, the incident occurred at 4:30 a.m. on Sunday in the Jama Masjid area. “In the morning at about 5.20 a.m., an information was received in Jama Masjid police station that a person has been declared as brought dead by the doctors,” said a senior police official. Immediately a police team reached there and on inquiry it was found that the person, who was later identified as Armaan, had stab injury in the upper part of the body. “The deceased and his father used to work as street vendors in Meena Bazar. Primary inquiry suggests that a dispute had arisen between ...

A truck driver was arrested for allegedly offering ‘namaz’ (prayers) on the side of a busy road without permission in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district, police said Sunday. A case was registered against Bachal Khan (37) after a video surfaced on social media, in which he was seen offering prayers in front of his truck parked on the side of a busy crossroad near Palanpur city, an official from Palanpur (west) police station said. The accused offered ‘namaz’ after stopping his truck at a busy crossroad on a highway on Friday, he said, adding that someone shot a video which went viral on social media, prompting police action. A first information report (FIR) was registered against Khan under sections 283 (danger in public way), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharging duties) and ...

Renowned poet Munawwar Rana, celebrated for his poignant verses on motherhood, breathed his last late last night, succumbing to a cardiac arrest amid a prolonged battle with kidney and heart-related ailments. The 71-year-old literary icon had been receiving treatment at PGI, Lucknow, and was admitted to the ICU on January 9. Despite determined efforts, he passed away around 11 pm on Sunday, as shared by his daughter Sumaiya, who also disclosed that his last rites would be conducted on Monday. A Life Marked by Literary Excellence and Struggle with Health Survived by his wife, four daughters, and a son, Munawwar Rana faced health challenges over the past year, with hospitalizations at Apollo Hospital, Lucknow, and subsequent stays at Medanta and SGPGI. His son, Tabrez, reveale...

Karnataka BJP MLA representing the Udupi seat, Harish Poonja, has sparked controversy with his remarks suggesting that the Hindu population in India may be outnumbered by Muslims if Hindus continue having only one or two children. Poonja made these statements during the Ayyappa Deepotsava Dharmika Sabha held at Peradi in Belthangady taluk on January 7. Expressing concern, Poonja stated, "A few people think that the population of Hindus in India is 80 crores and Muslims are just 20 crores. But, you need to think in another direction. It is our belief that Muslims are lesser in numbers and they won’t do any harm. But Muslims are giving birth to four children each, and we (Hindus) mostly have one or two kids. If 20 crores Muslims give birth to four children each, their population would ...

Hindutva organizations orchestrated the Shree Akhand Vedant Sant Sammelan in the bustling city of Indore, situated in the heart of Madhya Pradesh. This event unfolded as a strategic response to what these groups perceived as a surge in cases related to 'Love Jihad.' The gathering witnessed a poignant moment captured in a viral video, where schoolgirls fervently pledged not to traverse beyond the boundaries of their religious affiliations in matters of matrimony. The atmosphere was charged with determination as these young minds, echoing the sentiments of a woman's heartfelt words, proclaimed their steadfast commitment to preserving their beliefs and cultural heritage. The essence of their vow resonated with an unwavering resolve to defend their religion against any encroachment...