Tragedy in Kuwait: Fire Claims Lives of 40 Indians, Others Injured 2
A tragic fire incident in southern Kuwait’s Mangaf area has claimed the lives of 40 Indians and injured over 50 others, according to officials on Wednesday. The fire broke out at dawn in a building housing around 195 migrant workers from various countries, including Pakistan, the Philippines, Egypt, and Nepal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as ‘saddening’ and held a meeting with key officials, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval. Following the meeting, Modi announced ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and directed the government to extend all possible assistance.
Indian authorities are working closely with their Kuwaiti counterparts to investigate the incident and repatriate the mortal remains. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar has spoken to Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, who assured a thorough investigation and necessary support. Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh is traveling to Kuwait to oversee the relief efforts.
Pawan Kalyan Sworn In as Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh 4
In a significant political development, Janasena chief Pawan Kalyan was officially sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Telugu cinema superstar Chiranjeevi took to social media to congratulate him.
Amit Shah, expressing his confidence in the new government, tweeted, “Congratulations to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Shri @ncbn Ji, Deputy Chief Minister Shri @PawanKalyan ji, and all others who took the oath of office today. It is my firm belief that the NDA government will pivot the state of Andhra Pradesh to new heights of prosperity, fulfilling the aspirations and hopes of the people.”
Chiranjeevi, in a similar vein, wished the new cabinet well and expressed his hope for the all-round development of Andhra Pradesh. “Best wishes to Deputy CM @PawanKalyan Konidala Pawan Kalyan and the rest of the cabinet,” he stated.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has accused the opposition of weaving false narratives against BJP’s ‘400 paar’ slogan, which he said contributed to the electoral setback faced by the National Democratic Alliance in Maharashtra and some other places in the country in the recent parliamentary elections.
“We had to suffer losses in some places because a false narrative was set up against us. In Maharashtra as well, we suffered losses. The constitution will be charged and reservations will be abolished, false narratives like this propagated and because of the ‘400 paar’ slogan, people began doubting us and believing in the false narratives,” said Shinde.
“PM Narendra Modi has dedicated his life to the country. He is the only PM in the country who hasn’t taken a leave in 10 years,” he said. The leader of the NDA ally, JD (U), KC Tyagi, also made a similar statement, stating, “400 paar slogan raised by us was grossly misused by the opposition parties by associating it with changing the constitution.”
Notably, during the Lok Sabha election campaign, the BJP used the slogan ‘Abki baar 400 paar’ to appeal for mandates from the voters, which would help the party notch up a tally of over 400 seats in the 543-seat Lok Sabha. The BJP won 240 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, down from its earlier tally of 303 seats in the 2019 polls.
In Maharashtra, the overall performance of the BJP saw a dip from the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, when it had gained nine seats against 23 in 2019. The total tally of the Maha Vikas Aghadi stood at 17, with that of the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) (Ajit Pawar) being seven and one, respectively.
The Congress, on the other hand, marginally improved its seat share by securing 13 seats in the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has secured a third term, along with the support of other parties in the coalition, primarily the Nitish Kumar-led JD (U) and the Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP. The BJP fell 32 seats short of the 272 majority mark after votes polled in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections were counted. For the first time, since the BJP swept to power in 2014, it did not secure a majority on its own.
Congress Slams BJP Over Kashmir Terror Attacks, Questions National Security Claims 7
The Congress criticized the BJP’s ‘hollow’ assertions of restored peace in Jammu and Kashmir following three terror attacks within three days. Rahul Gandhi demanded accountability from the ruling party, questioning why conspirators remain elusive. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi is being accused of ignoring national issues amidst his engagement with congratulatory messages.
Pawan Khera, heading Congress’ media and publicity department, pointed out that PM Modi has responded to Pakistani leaders yet has stayed silent on the terror strikes. Khera highlighted an increase in terror activities in Rajouri and Poonch, attributing this to the BJP’s failed ‘Naya Kashmir’ policy.
Khera also referenced the loss and trauma caused by the recent attacks, alleging the Modi government has compromised national security over the past decade with a disregard that’s resulted in numerous casualties. The Congress underscores the rising security threats and persistent terror incidents as major failures of BJP’s administration.
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Roasted BJP for Their Arrogance 9
Amid the Lok Sabha elections, BJP president JP Nadda made a statement that the RSS is a cultural and social organisation and the BJP is a political organisation. The party has grown stronger and they don’t need any support from the RSS. Any way the BJP had an anti-incumbency challenge, their hate mongering and destruction in the name of development had not gone well with the voters. Manipur was another burning issue where Modi maintained stillness. This is the reason the BJP fell short of a majority in the Lok Sabha polls but formed the government with its allies for a record third term and Modi Sarkar became NDA Sarkar once again.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, in his recent speech, picked up all the points and roasted the BJP. In his first public remarks on the outcome of the elections, Mohan Bhagwat said one who serves the people does not have “ahankar” (arrogance) and works without causing any hurt to others. Referring to the bitter poll campaign, he said “decorum was not maintained.” He said that during the recently held Lok Sabha elections, political parties did not maintain decorum. The real public servant is the one who does not show arrogance and maintains decorum while working in public life. He said the elections are over, the results have been declared and the government has also been formed but the discussion about it is still going on. He said, this is an event that happens in our democratic country every five years. The voters have given their opinion and now work is being done accordingly.
The people of the Sangh do not get involved in such things. We keep doing our duty. Tathagata has also said that Kusalasya Upasampada. One should not starve the body but earn a living skillfully. This should not hurt others. This is the decorum inherent in. We work with this kind of decorum. The person working keeps decorum in mind. One who follows decorum does not have arrogance and only he deserves to be called a servant. Bhagwat said that there is competition in elections, so it is important to keep someone behind. But there is decorum in this too. Lies should not be used. Elections are held to sit in Parliament, form a consensus, and run. Even if our minds are different, we have to move together.
Everyone’s mind cannot be the same, so the majority is used. There are two sides to the coin, which is why there is a system of ruling parties and opposition in Parliament. Bhagwat said, decorum was not followed during the campaign. It was also not thought that this could create discord in society. The Sangh was also dragged into this without any reason. Lies were spread with the help of technology. Is this the use of knowledge and science? Bhagwat said the government was formed. The same government came back again. A lot of good things happened in 10 years. The economic situation in our country has improved. The strategic situation is better than before. Its reputation has increased worldwide. We have all progressed in the fields of arts and sports. This does not mean that we are free from challenges. Now we have to think about the future by freeing ourselves from anger.
Regarding Manipur, Mohan Bhagwat said that there is a need for peace in the country. Manipur has been waiting for peace for a year. Before that, it was completely peaceful for 10 years. But then it seemed that the old public culture had ended. The conflict that suddenly arose or was created there is still going on. Who will pay attention to it? It should be considered by giving priority. Bhagwat also underlined the importance of building consensus. He also reiterated the Sangh’s concern over continuing violence in Manipur and asked who was going to pay attention to the problem on the ground. He said it had to be dealt with on priority.
The words of the head of the RSS, the ideological mentor of the BJP, assume significance as the party, despite an aggressive poll campaign, fell far short of the ambitious ‘400 paar’ call for the NDA. The party even failed to get to the majority mark of 272—it won 240 of 543 Lok Sabha seats—as an energised INDIA bloc prevented a Modi wave. The BJP relied on NDA allies, including TDP’s N Chandrababu Naidu and JD (U)’s Nitish Kumar, to form a coalition government at the Centre.
He also stressed the need for consensus between the government and the opposition, saying that even if they have differences, they should come together and work for the masses. On the opposition, Bhagwat said, “I do not call it Virodhi Paksh, I call it Pratipaksh. Pratipaksh virodhi nahi hai (The opposition is not an opponent). It is revealing a side and that must be deliberated upon. If we understand that this is how we must operate, then we must be cognizant of the decorum required in contesting elections. That decorum was not maintained.”
According to Bhagwat, there will never be 100% alignment of thoughts and ideas. “But when society decides that we have to walk together despite our differences, then a consensus is built. Parliament has two sides so both sides can be heard. Every coin has two sides. If one side brings an idea, then the other side has to reveal the other perspective,” he said, adding, “We have to free ourselves of the rhetorical excesses of the polls and think about the future.”
Rajya Sabha elections are ahead, let’s see how the BJP deals with their future campaigns. Right now, the biggest challenge for the party is to sustain the alliance and stay in power.
NEET-UG 2024: "Sanctity Has Been Affected, So We Need Answers," Supreme Court to National Testing Agency 11
The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice to the National Testing Agency (NTA) on pleas seeking fresh NEET-UG, 2024 examination amid allegations of paper leak. it said the “sanctity” of the exam has been affected and it needs an answer from the testing agency. “It is not that simple that because you have done it is sacrosanct. Sanctity has been affected, so we need answers,” a vacation bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Ahsanuddin Amanullah told NTA.
Advocate Mathews J Nedumpara, appearing for the petitioners, urged the bench to stay the counselling process. The apex court, however, refused to stay the counselling process and posted the case for hearing on July 8.
“Let the counselling start, we are not stopping the counselling,” the bench remarked. The Supreme Court was hearing petitions seeking cancellation of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2024 exam over alleged paper leak and other irregularities this year.
Apart from paper leak, NEET-UG candidates have also alleged irregularities in the award of compensatory marks to students for loss of time. A number of petitions were filed in the apex court seeking direction to recall NEET-UG 2024 results and to conduct the examination afresh, alleging paper leakage and malpractices in the test held on May 5.
The NTA has denied any irregularities. NEET-UG examination, conducted by NTA, is the pathway for admissions into MBBS, BDS and AYUSH and other related courses in government and private institutions across the country.
Fire breaks out at diaper factory in Maharashtra's Bhiwandi 13
A massive fire broke out at a diaper manufacturing factory in Maharashtra’s Thane in the early hours of Tuesday. Fire tenders rushed to the spot soon after receiving information about the incident and efforts to douse the flames are underway.
In visuals from the area, massive flames can be seen billowing out of the large factory building. No casualties have been reported in the incident so far.
The reason behind the incident is yet to be ascertained.
The reason behind the incident is yet to be ascertained. Sharing details of the incident, Bhiwandi Fire Brigade Officer, Pramod Kakade said, “The fire broke out in a factory situated in Saravali village… The incident happened at 3:00 AM. The efforts to douse the fire are underway. Once the fire is doused, then we will be able to calculate the loss.”
Hijab Controversy at Kolkata College: Teacher Resigns, Returns Amid Public Uproar 15
A teacher at a private law college affiliated with the University of Calcutta resigned after the institute allegedly asked her to refrain from wearing a hijab at the workplace.
Following public outrage, the college authorities clarified it was a miscommunication. The teacher, Sanjida Qadar, plans to return on Tuesday after withdrawing her resignation.
Sanjida Qadar, who has been at LJD Law College for three years, initially resigned on June 5, alleging that the authorities had instructed her not to wear a hijab after May 31. “The diktat from the college governing body offended my values and religious sentiments,” she said.
West Bengal minister and Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind president Siddiqullah Chowdhury expressed solidarity with Qadar and called for an apology from the college governing body president. The minister also questioned whether the authorities were influenced by the RSS and BJP.
The college governing body chairman Gopal Das stated there was no directive and that the incident resulted from miscommunication. “There was no directive or prohibition, and the college authorities respect the religious sentiments of everyone. She will resume classes on Tuesday. Now, there is no misunderstanding,” Das told PTI.
Despite receiving an email stating she could use a dupatta or scarf to cover her head, Qadar said she would analyze her next steps before deciding to return. The minister alleged the management is instilling regressive values and questioned their secular and pluralistic values.
Chandrababu Naidu to Be Elected Leader in TDP Legislature Meeting 17
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Legislature Meeting will convene on June 11 to elect N Chandrababu Naidu as the leader, a party spokesperson confirmed on Monday. Jyotshna Tirunagari announced that the meeting is expected to take place on Tuesday morning.
‘Telugu Desam Legislature Party meeting will be held tomorrow (Tuesday). Naidu will be elected as the leader,’ Tirunagari told PTI.
Following the election, leaders from the NDA coalition, including TDP, BJP, and Janasena, plan to meet Governor S Abdul Nazeer to form the government, she said. An invitation from the Governor to form the government could be extended by Tuesday evening.
Naidu, along with other leaders, is scheduled to take the oath as Chief Minister at 11:27 am at Kesarapalli IT Party near Gannavaram Airport on Wednesday. Tirunagari mentioned that the list of other leaders to be sworn in alongside Naidu would be finalised by Tuesday night.
The NDA secured a landslide victory in the recently concluded simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in the southern state.
Anandraj Ambedkar Leads Protest Against Manusmriti in School Curriculum 19
Anandraj Ambedkar, the Republican Sena leader and grandson of BR Ambedkar, spearheaded a protest on Monday against the Maharashtra government’s alleged plan to incorporate verses from the Manusmriti into the school curriculum. The protest saw Ambedkar burning a copy of the ancient text.
The demonstration took place at Kranti Stambh in Mahad city, Raigad district, as Ambedkar and his supporters vociferously opposed the state’s education department. Addressing the gathering, Ambedkar condemned the government’s intentions, emphasizing the detrimental impact such a curriculum would have.
A heavy police presence was maintained around the Kranti Stambh and Chavdar Tale area to avert any potential disturbances, according to a senior police official.
