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Nitesh Rane Sparks Row: “Hindutva Groups Must Do Their Duty” Amid Aurangzeb Tomb Row

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Nitesh Rane Sparks Row: "Hindutva Groups Must Do Their Duty" Amid Aurangzeb Tomb Row 2

Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane on Monday stirred controversy by invoking the demolition of the Babri Masjid while addressing ongoing demands from right-wing groups to remove Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khuldabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. Rane, known for his hardline Hindutva stance, declared that while the government would do its job, Hindutva organisations must fulfill their role.

“The government will do its part while Hindutva outfits must do theirs. When the Babri Masjid was being demolished, we did not sit and talk. Our karsevaks did what was appropriate,” Rane said while speaking at Shivaji Maharaj’s birthplace, Shivneri Fort, in Pune on the occasion of the Maratha king’s birth anniversary.

His statement came amid intensified protests by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), which has labeled Aurangzeb’s tomb a “symbol of pain and slavery.” The VHP has staged demonstrations across Maharashtra, demanding the site’s removal and warning that if the government fails to act, they will take matters into their own hands.

Rane also took aim at efforts to portray Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as a “secular king,” rejecting such claims. “Shivaji Maharaj was the founder of Hindvi Swarajya, and this identity must be reinforced. Some people are trying to distort history, but we will not allow it,” he asserted.

Reiterating his controversial stance, Rane claimed that Shivaji Maharaj’s army never had Muslim soldiers. “The British referred to my king as a Hindu General. When Adil Shah sent Afzal Khan to kill Shivaji Maharaj, the decree clearly stated that the spread of Islam had been hindered during his reign. These historical records are now coming to light,” he said.

The minister also praised the upcoming Bollywood movie Chhaava, which depicts the life of Shivaji Maharaj’s son, Sambhaji Maharaj. “Aurangzeb demanded that Sambhaji Maharaj convert to Islam. If their battle was not about religion, then what was it?” Rane asked, reinforcing his assertion that the Marathas fought a religious war against Mughal rulers.

Speaking on the calls for Aurangzeb’s tomb to be razed, Rane called the movement “significant” and hinted at his personal support. “As a minister, I have limitations on how much I can openly say, but you all know my views. Today, I am a minister. Tomorrow, I may not be. But until my last breath, I will remain a Hindu,” he declared.

The remarks have sparked fresh political debate in Maharashtra, with opposition parties accusing the BJP of fueling communal tensions for electoral gains. While the government has yet to take a clear stand on the fate of Aurangzeb’s tomb, Rane’s comments have further escalated tensions over the issue.

Stranded in Space for 9 Months, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Finally Get a Ride Home

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Stranded in Space for 9 Months, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Finally Get a Ride Home 4

More than nine months after they were supposed to return, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are finally set for their long-delayed journey back to Earth. Their unexpected extended mission began last June when they launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule, which was meant to be a short one-week test flight. However, technical failures forced NASA to leave the capsule behind and delay their return indefinitely.

Their long wait is coming to an end as a SpaceX crew capsule successfully arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday, carrying four replacement crew members from the United States, Japan, and Russia. After a brief transition period, Williams and Wilmore will board the same SpaceX capsule that has been docked at the ISS since last year and begin their long-awaited journey home later this week.

Wilmore and Williams were originally expected to return in September, but repeated delays—including the need for extensive battery repairs on their replacements’ brand-new capsule—kept pushing their return date further. Now, weather permitting, they will finally undock from the ISS no earlier than Wednesday and splash down off Florida’s coast.

For now, the ISS is unusually crowded, hosting 11 astronauts from the US, Russia, and Japan. As Williams described the arrival of the relief crew, she expressed relief and excitement, saying, “It was a wonderful day. Great to see our friends arrive.” Soon, she and Wilmore will get their long-overdue homecoming after an unexpected space odyssey.

BJP Picks Fadnavis Aide, Former MLA for Maharashtra Council Bypolls

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BJP Picks Fadnavis Aide, Former MLA for Maharashtra Council Bypolls 6

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday declared the names of three candidates for the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council bypolls, including a close aide of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and a former MLA. The by-elections, scheduled for March 27, were triggered after five sitting MLCs vacated their seats following their victories in the November 2024 Assembly elections.

Among the five vacant seats, three were held by BJP members, while one each belonged to the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). All three parties are part of the ruling Mahayuti coalition in Maharashtra, giving them a strong numerical advantage in the 288-member Legislative Assembly.

The BJP’s candidates for the bypolls include Sandip Diwakarrao Joshi, former mayor of Nagpur and a trusted associate of Fadnavis; Sanjay Kishanrao Kenekar, the state BJP general secretary, and former MLA Dadarao Yadavrao Keche. Keche, who represented Arvi constituency in Wardha district in 2009 and 2019, was denied a ticket in the 2024 elections in favour of Sumit Wankhede, Fadnavis’ former personal secretary.

With nominations open until March 17, the scrutiny of candidates will take place on March 18, and withdrawals are permitted until March 20. Given Mahayuti’s significant majority in the Assembly—BJP holding 132 seats, Shiv Sena 57, and NCP 41—the ruling coalition is well-positioned to secure all five seats uncontested. However, if required, voting will be conducted on March 27, with MLAs forming the electoral college.

Karnataka DGP Sent on Forced Leave Amidst Stepdaughter Ranya Rao’s Gold Smuggling Scandal

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Karnataka DGP Sent on Forced Leave Amidst Stepdaughter Ranya Rao's Gold Smuggling Scandal 8

The Karnataka government has placed IPS officer K. Ramachandra Rao, the Director General of Police (DGP) and Additional Director General of Police for Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd., on compulsory leave with immediate effect. The move follows an inquiry into allegations of power misuse and nepotism linked to the arrest of his stepdaughter, Kannada actress Ranya Rao, in a high-profile gold smuggling case.

The controversy erupted after Ranya was arrested on March 3, 2025, at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). Authorities seized 14.2 kg of gold biscuits strapped to her body upon her arrival from Dubai. Investigations suggest she was part of a larger smuggling syndicate and may have used her stepfather’s influence to bypass scrutiny.

A government notification, signed by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Vijayanagara Sountha, confirmed Rao’s immediate suspension pending further inquiry. The directive was forwarded to the Principal Accountant General, Bengaluru, and senior officials, including the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the Karnataka Police Chief.

Rao, a senior IPS officer, has held key positions in Karnataka’s police administration, making his alleged indirect involvement in the scandal particularly alarming. The case took a dramatic turn with the arrest of her associate, Tarun Konduru Raju, a businessman from Bengaluru, and the recovery of digital evidence from her mobile phone and laptop. Investigators suspect a well-coordinated operation, raising concerns about possible complicity or negligence by powerful individuals.

In a fresh twist, Ranya Rao has accused the DRI of misconduct, alleging that officials assaulted her and coerced her into signing blank and pre-typed documents. In a letter to the Additional Director General of the DRI in Bengaluru, she claimed she was falsely implicated and denied the opportunity to prove her innocence. She insists she was not carrying 14 kg of gold and that the case against her has been fabricated.

With the SIT probing deeper into the scandal, the Rao family’s alleged involvement has intensified scrutiny on Karnataka’s law enforcement. The unfolding investigation is expected to reveal the extent of power abuse and potential links between influential figures and organized smuggling operations.

Maharashtra Cracks Down on Fake Birth, Death Certificates Amid Illegal Immigrant Concerns

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Maharashtra Cracks Down on Fake Birth, Death Certificates Amid Illegal Immigrant Concerns 10

Maharashtra has introduced stringent measures to curb the fraudulent acquisition of birth and death certificates, particularly by foreign nationals residing illegally. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced in the legislative assembly that producing fake documents to obtain these certificates will now result in criminal charges.

The crackdown follows allegations that thousands of Bangladeshi nationals acquired birth certificates using forged documents. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya recently claimed that 3,997 birth certificates had been fraudulently issued to Bangladeshi nationals, leading to the suspension of two government officials in Malegaon, Nashik.

“Birth and death certificates are crucial documents, but they are also prone to misuse. To curb this malpractice, the norms have been tightened. Anyone found guilty of forging documents will face legal action,” Bawankule stated.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the issue, and a government resolution (GR) from the Public Health Department outlines a revised verification process for birth and death certificate requests older than a year. Under the new guidelines, applications will require approval from senior district officials, including the district magistrate, sub-divisional magistrate, or designated executive officers. A late fee and a thorough verification process will be mandatory before issuing the certificates.

Authorities have received complaints about foreign nationals applying for birth and death certificates long after the actual events. In response, the government has mandated additional scrutiny, requiring supporting evidence such as postmortem reports, FIRs, statements from Anganwadi workers, and hospital records before issuing a certificate.

Moreover, applicants must provide multiple identity and residency proofs, including hospital records, vaccination certificates, Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, domicile certificates of parents or relatives, and school leaving certificates. Officials must also evaluate the reasons for any delay in applying and secure a police verification report confirming the applicant’s address. A talathi or gram sevak report will further validate the claim.

The newly enforced three-step verification process ensures stricter scrutiny, and any attempt to submit fake documents will lead to immediate criminal charges. The SIT’s ongoing investigation aims to uncover the full extent of fraudulent certifications, reinforcing the government’s commitment to preventing document misuse and ensuring a transparent verification system.

India Slams Pakistan’s ‘Baseless’ Terrorism Claims, Calls It the ‘Epicentre of Global Terror’

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India Slams Pakistan's 'Baseless' Terrorism Claims, Calls It the 'Epicentre of Global Terror' 12

India on Friday trashed Pakistan’s allegations of backing terrorism against that country following the Balochistan train attack and said Islamabad should look inwards before shifting the blame on others for its “failures”.

India also said the whole world knows “where the epicentre of global terrorism lies”.

On Thursday, Pakistan accused India of “sponsoring terrorism” without directly implicating it in the Balochistan train attack that killed 21 passengers.

“We strongly reject the baseless allegations made by Pakistan,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, responding to media queries on Islamabad’s allegations.

He also said, “The whole world knows where the epicentre of global terrorism lies.” “Pakistan should look inwards instead of pointing fingers and shifting the blame for its own internal problems and failures on others,” he added.

Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, at a weekly press briefing, was asked several questions about the deadly attack on Tuesday, which led to a hostage situation lasting for more than 24 hours.

Terrorists were in direct communications with Afghanistan-based planners throughout the incident, he said, adding Islamabad has repeatedly asked Afghanistan to deny the use of its soil for terrorist groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) for their attacks against Pakistan.

“We urge Afghanistan to hold the perpetrators, organisers and financiers, of this reprehensible act of terrorism accountable and cooperate with the government of Pakistan to bring all those who are concerned with this attack, including the real sponsors of terrorism, to justice,” Khan had said.

When asked about any change of policy because India was blamed in the past for any activity by the BLA while this time the finger was pointed towards Afghanistan, the spokesman said there was no change in the policy.

“There is no shift in our policy. And again, the facts have not changed. India is involved in sponsoring terrorism against Pakistan,” the spokesperson alleged without providing any evidence.

To another question, he claimed that India has been trying to destabilise its neighbouring countries and running a global assassination campaign.

British Woman Gang-Raped in Delhi Hotel: Social Media Trap Leads to Horror

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A British woman was allegedly gang-raped by two men at a hotel in Delhi’s Mahipalpur area, leading to their swift arrest, officials confirmed on Thursday.

The victim had reportedly traveled from the UK to Delhi to meet one of the accused, whom she had befriended on a social media platform.

Authorities are investigating further details of the case, with police confirming that both suspects are in custody. The incident has raised serious concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in India and the growing threat of social media-driven crimes.

Pakistan Train Hijack Horror: 25 Dead as Army Eliminates Militants in Balochistan

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Pakistan Train Hijack Horror: 25 Dead as Army Eliminates Militants in Balochistan 15

Twenty-one passengers and four paramilitary soldiers were killed when militants hijacked a train in Pakistan’s Balochistan, triggering a high-intensity military operation that ended with the army eliminating all 33 insurgents.

Pakistan Army spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif confirmed the successful completion of the operation, stating that security forces had neutralized the terrorists responsible for the deadly attack. Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar echoed this, declaring that all militants who had taken passengers hostage had been “eliminated.”

The Jaffar Express, carrying 440 passengers from Quetta to Peshawar, was derailed and seized by militants using explosives near Gudalar and Piru Kunri, 160 km from Quetta. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility, alleging it had killed six soldiers.

Lt Gen Sharif detailed that the terrorists had rigged the railway track with explosives in the Bolan Pass area and used hostages—including women and children—as human shields. The army, Air Force, Frontier Corps, and elite commandos executed a coordinated operation, ensuring a gradual and cautious clearance of the train. Snipers eliminated suicide bombers first, followed by room-to-room sweeps of each coach.

The military revealed that the insurgents maintained contact with their handlers in Afghanistan via satellite phones, reinforcing suspicions of foreign involvement.

Despite the army’s claims of a successful rescue, the scale of civilian casualties has raised concerns. Survivors recounted horrifying moments of gunfire and explosions, with passengers forced to shield their children as bullets tore through the train. The BLA reportedly singled out individuals based on their ethnicity, releasing Baloch passengers while targeting others.

Pakistan’s government has vowed retaliation, with officials warning that the attack has “changed the rules of the game.” The Information Minister also accused Indian media of pushing “propaganda” and claimed a connection between the BLA’s narrative and the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

As Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif prepares to visit Balochistan for further action, global reactions have poured in. The US and EU strongly condemned the attack, pledging solidarity with Pakistan. Meanwhile, concerns over the escalating Baloch insurgency remain, with the region witnessing a surge in militant activity targeting security forces and infrastructure, including the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

This marks the first time a militant group has hijacked a passenger train in Balochistan, signaling a dangerous escalation in the province’s long-standing insurgency.

SRCC Staff Demand FIR Against DUSU President Ronak Khatri Over ‘Misconduct’

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SRCC Staff Demand FIR Against DUSU President Ronak Khatri Over 'Misconduct' 17

The SRCC Staff Association has accused Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) President Ronak Khatri of misconduct and spreading a “malicious social media campaign” against the college. In a meeting held on Wednesday, faculty members unanimously condemned Khatri’s behaviour and demanded legal action, including an FIR, a campus entry ban, and intervention from the Delhi University Vice-Chancellor and Proctor.

Khatri, who belongs to Congress-affiliated NSUI, claimed he visited the college on March 11 to discuss the safety of stray dogs but was denied a fair hearing. He alleged that the Vice Principal refused to engage with him, misled students about her schedule, and later called the police to remove them.

In social media posts, Khatri accused certain faculty members of intimidating students based on political affiliations, questioning whether such groups “run the university.” He criticised professors who, according to him, suppress student voices.

Students have reportedly raised concerns about stray dogs since August 2024, using personal resources to vaccinate and sterilise them under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program. Khatri further claimed that a dog was killed by a speeding vehicle and another was injured by a sanitation worker, highlighting what he called the administration’s neglect.

The SRCC Staff Association has also urged the administration to preserve CCTV footage from the day of the incident and escalate the matter to the cyber cell, intensifying tensions between student leaders and faculty at the prestigious Delhi University institution.

Yogi Adityanath Demands ‘Permanent Action’ on Loudspeakers at Religious Places, Bans High-Volume DJs for Holi

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has called for permanent noise control measures on loudspeakers at religious places and ordered a strict ban on high-volume DJs during Holi celebrations. Reviewing development projects and law and order at the Circuit House on Wednesday, Adityanath instructed officials to enforce noise restrictions strictly and prevent any disturbances.

The CM also directed authorities to install CCTV cameras at key locations, including banks, shops, and commercial areas, to bolster security. A strong warning was issued against illegal cattle smuggling, with orders for strict action against smugglers, vehicle owners, and any complicit police personnel. ADG Zone Piyush Mordia has been tasked with conducting district-wise reviews to ensure the statewide ban on cattle smuggling is enforced effectively.

To accelerate development projects, Adityanath instructed officials to appoint nodal officers for each under-construction project, conduct weekly inspections, and submit progress reports. Delays in infrastructure projects were criticized, with orders to expedite work while maintaining quality standards.

With summer approaching, the CM stressed the importance of an uninterrupted water supply and proposed the beautification of flyover pillars with artistic paintings and high-quality advertisements. He also directed the creation of dedicated vending zones for street hawkers to regulate urban spaces.

Adityanath further ensured provisions for affordable meals, free drinking water, and proper seating arrangements for farmers at all wheat procurement centers, with the District Magistrate confirming that procurement at ₹2,425 per quintal will begin on March 17 across 36 district centers.

The CM also ordered the establishment of hostels and affordable canteens for working women and called for strict security measures during Holika Dahan and Holi celebrations. Additionally, officials were instructed to identify the top ten criminals from each police station for targeted action, signaling a tougher stance on law enforcement across Uttar Pradesh.

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