Category: India

  • Bombay High Court Backs Adani Group in Dharavi Project Dispute

    Bombay High Court Backs Adani Group in Dharavi Project Dispute

    The Bombay High Court has rejected a challenge from a Dubai-based company, Seclink Technologies Corp, against the Maharashtra government’s decision to give the big Dharavi redevelopment project to the Adani Group. This project, which aims to improve one of Mumbai’s most crowded areas, is known as Asia’s largest urban renewal effort.

    The court’s judges, Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar, explained that their role isn’t to second-guess the decisions made by the authorities about who should get the project. They stated that the government, which issued the bids, knows what it needs best, so the court should interfere only a little bit.

    Seclink Technologies argued that their original bid was higher than the one made by the Adani Group. They claimed they deserved the contract because they were the “rightful highest bidder” from a tender process that began in 2018. However, in November 2022, Adani Properties, part of the Adani Group led by Gautam Adani, won the bidding.

    In this partnership, Adani Group has 80% ownership in the Dharavi Redevelopment Project Pvt Ltd, while the Maharashtra government holds the remaining 20%. Most of the redevelopment will happen on 296 acres, excluding areas like parks and fishing villages.

    Dharavi has over 850,000 residents, and with the temporary population included, that number goes over 1 million. It has an extremely high density of people, making it the most crowded zone in Mumbai, which is itself the sixth most crowded city in the world.

    Seclink also accused the government of making the new tender in October 2022 in a way that purposely kept them out. However, the state’s lawyer, Milind Sathe, explained that things changed because railway land was added to the project, which adjusted the business plan enough to cancel the previous tender.

    Sathe pointed out that Seclink was just one out of eight groups that bid before. He noted that Seclink cannot challenge the tender alone without the other members of its group joining in. If they had concerns about the new bid conditions, they should have raised them earlier. Thus, the High Court dismissed their petition.

    The project is located close to the Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai’s main financial area, which houses important banks, stock exchanges, and corporate offices.

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    Feel free to let me know if you need any more adjustments or additional information!

    A team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) visited a newly discovered temple, five sacred sites, and 19 wells in Sambhal on Saturday. The survey began in the morning and wrapped up at 3:30 PM.

    Sambhal’s District Magistrate, Rajender Pensiya, shared details about the survey. They looked at five important pilgrimage sites, including Bhadrak Ashram and Swargdeep, as well as 19 wells, such as Chaturmukh Koop and Moksha Koop. They also examined a recently revealed temple named Shri Kartik Mahadev.

    Last week, three broken idols were found in the Bhasma Shankar temple well, which was reopened for the first time in 46 years. The temple held a statue of Lord Hanuman and a Shivling and had been closed since 1978. Pensiya mentioned that digging around the temple revealed broken idols of Parvati, Ganesh, and Lakshmi. The officials are currently investigating how these statues ended up in the well.

    This temple is near Khaggu Sarai and not far from the Shahi Jama Masjid, a location that witnessed violence during a protest on November 24, leading to four deaths and several injuries.

    In an important update, the district administration asked ASI to conduct carbon dating to find out how old the temple and well are. Carbon dating helps determine the age of ancient artifacts.

    Additionally, the Supreme Court provided new rules, temporarily stopping fresh lawsuits regarding religious places to maintain peace. A special bench explained that courts must not make any important decisions until further notice.

  • India Protests Bangladesh’s Controversial Comments on Political Crisis”

    India Protests Bangladesh’s Controversial Comments on Political Crisis”

    India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) recently expressed strong concerns to Bangladesh about inappropriate comments made by Mahfuj Alam, a key advisor of the interim government there. MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, emphasized that India values its relationship with Bangladesh and wants everyone to think carefully before speaking publicly.

    Jaiswal mentioned that India has officially protested to Bangladesh and noted that the controversial Facebook post from Alam has been removed. He reminded leaders to consider the impact of their comments on diplomatic relations. Alam had suggested that India should acknowledge the protests that led to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stepping down. Hasina was pressured to resign after facing severe protests over job reservations and had to flee the country for her safety.

    India and Bangladesh’s ties have been tense since an interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus took charge. Recently, India also raised concerns about violence against Hindu communities and other minorities in Bangladesh. The Indian minister for external affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, affirmed that the interim government in Bangladesh must ensure the safety and rights of all communities

  • Exploring the Hidden Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple in Varanasi

    Exploring the Hidden Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple in Varanasi

    The Shri Kashi Vidwat Parishad (SKVP) in Varanasi has confirmed that a temple discovered in Madanpura, called the Siddheshwar Mahadev temple, is in fact dedicated to Lord Shiva. This conclusion comes from the early research they began on the site. However, they plan to do more investigations to understand its history better.

    The SKVP is going to carry out a detailed survey which includes looking at old maps and scriptures. They’re also interested in a nearby water body named Siddhkali, which is mentioned in Hindu texts, but seems to be missing from the current site. Ram Narain Dwivedi, the general secretary of SKVP, pointed out that the water body might be hidden under newer structures, as many temples were covered by houses over the years.

    The team is checking the oldest maps to find where the water body and other temples used to be. They want to gather enough evidence in case legal issues arise. Dwivedi stressed that every step will respect the scriptures and the history of the area.

    The SKVP plans to work with the local government to collect necessary details for their survey. They want to ensure that everything they do aligns with historical texts. As they continue their work, the SKVP also aims to restore other Shiva temples in the area. If they find that some temples are within private homes, they will look for ways to acquire those properties to restore them.

    Dwivedi mentioned that local religious leaders, including the Akhara Parishad and Mahamandaleshwars, have shown interest in looking after the Siddheshwar Mahadev temple and other abandoned temples to ensure they are honored and maintained. These leaders want to help preserve these important sites.

    The ongoing study and plans for restoration reflect SKVP’s dedication to keeping Varanasi’s rich religious heritage alive while carefully handling any legal or social challenges.

  • Sanjay Raut: BJP’s Hostility Towards Marathi Manoos on the Rise”

    Sanjay Raut: BJP’s Hostility Towards Marathi Manoos on the Rise”

    Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut has strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He believes the BJP is creating a negative atmosphere for Marathi-speaking people, known as “Marathi manoos.” Raut claims that since the BJP won the state elections, there have been more attacks on Marathi speakers. He pointed out a recent incident in Kalyan, Thane district, where a Marathi family was supposedly attacked by non-Marathi speakers. Raut warned that this is just the start of a plan to drive Marathi people out of areas like Mumbai, Thane, and Kalyan.

    Raut said, “Attacks on Marathi manoos have increased after the elections. There’s an effort to force them out of their homes.” He believes a bigger plot is underway to marginalize Marathi speakers.

    He didn’t just stop there; Raut also criticized the state government over a tragic accident where 14 people died because of a clash between a Navy boat and a ferry. He argued that the government is failing to tackle increasing crimes in rural areas, like robberies and murders.

    Raut accused the BJP of weakening the Shiv Sena, a party that traditionally supports Marathi people. He said the BJP is splitting the Shiv Sena and turning its leaders into “puppets,” who care more about keeping their positions than the interests of Marathi speakers.

    Furthermore, he mentioned that the BJP’s actions are making it harder for Marathi-speaking businesspeople, while favoring non-Marathi businesses in the region.

    While responding to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Raut said that the people in the ruling Shiv Sena don’t care about the Kalyan incident and are too desperate for power. “The BJP wants to destroy the Marathi manoos,” he stated.

    Lastly, Raut commented on a recent fight in Parliament between rival political groups regarding Dr. B R Ambedkar and joked that some MPs should win an award for acting. He also pointed out that registration of a case against Rahul Gandhi is just another action by the BJP-led government

  • Body Found in Box with Ransom Demand Shocks Andhra Pradesh Family

    Body Found in Box with Ransom Demand Shocks Andhra Pradesh Family

    In Yandagandi, Andhra Pradesh, a strange and scary thing happened. A family received a box late at night, and when they opened it, they found the dead body of a 45-year-old man. What’s more surprising is that inside the box was a letter asking for a huge amount of money—over Rs 1 crore!

    This strange delivery happened at the family’s house, which is still being built. The police, led by District Superintendent Adnan Nayeem Asmi, are now investigating what happened and trying to find out more details. They revealed that the box was brought to the home of a man named S Tulasi by a driver in an autorickshaw.

    The police are working hard to uncover more information about this shocking event. People are scared and curious about what is going on in their community.

  • Supreme Court Reaffirms Alimony Limits for Wives in Divorce Cases”

    Supreme Court Reaffirms Alimony Limits for Wives in Divorce Cases”

    The Supreme Court has decided that a wife cannot ask for alimony just to balance the wealth between her and her husband during a divorce. The court said that a husband shouldn’t have to support his wife at the same level of wealth he has if he becomes more successful after they separate. The judges, Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Pankaj Mithal, explained that marriages are sacred and should not be seen as business deals.

    The judges pointed out that some women misuse laws that are meant to help them, using them instead to threaten or exploit their husbands. They emphasized that laws protecting women must not be used in a way that harms their husbands or families.

    In a recent case, the court ended a marriage because it could not be saved. In this situation, the husband was ordered to pay his ex-wife Rs 12 crore as permanent alimony, settling her claims. The court raised concerns about people making serious complaints just to get money, which leads to quick arrests of husbands and their family members, including older people who may be unwell.

    The couple was involved in several legal battles during their short marriage and had not lived together continuously. The wife claimed her husband was worth Rs 5,000 crore and demanded money based on that. The court said that alimony shouldn’t be about making one partner as wealthy as the other.

    The judges asked whether the wife would still want equal payments if the husband lost all his money after their divorce. The court confirmed that setting the alimony amount is tricky and depends on many factors, not just the couple’s wealth.

    Initially, the husband agreed to pay Rs 8 crore for a divorce. A family court suggested Rs 10 crore, and the Supreme Court increased it to Rs 12 crore so the wife could buy a new home. The court also canceled all criminal complaints that the wife had made against her husband.

  • Navy Boat Crash Near Mumbai: 14 Dead, Search for Missing Boy Ongoing

    Navy Boat Crash Near Mumbai: 14 Dead, Search for Missing Boy Ongoing

    A search operation is still going on to find a seven-year-old boy who went missing after a Navy boat crashed into a ferry off the coast of Mumbai. The accident happened two days ago, and officials say the number of deaths is now 14. A body of a 43-year-old man was found on Thursday.

    The Navy is investigating this tragic event, which is one of the worst accidents in the area. A helicopter and boats from the Navy and Coast Guard are searching for missing people. Out of 113 passengers on board the two boats, 14 people lost their lives, while 98 were rescued, including two who were hurt.

    The Navy boat had six people on it, and only two survived. The accident happened when the Navy boat lost control and hit the passenger ferry called “Neel Kamal.” This ferry was carrying more than 100 passengers and was on its way to Elephanta Island, a popular tourist spot known for its ancient caves.

    Documents from the Maharashtra Maritime Board showed that the ferry had permission to carry only 84 passengers and 6 crew members, meaning it was overloaded. Police have filed a case against the driver of the Navy boat. The charges are about causing death by negligence and unsafe navigation.

    The damaged Navy boat is with the Navy now, and the police will use it for the investigation when needed. The ruined passenger ferry has been moved to a wharf in south Mumbai called Bhaucha Dhakka.

  • Tragic Gas Tanker Accident: 7 Dead, 35 Injured on Jaipur-Ajmer Highway

    Tragic Gas Tanker Accident: 7 Dead, 35 Injured on Jaipur-Ajmer Highway

    A terrible accident happened on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway on Friday morning. A gas tanker collided with several vehicles, causing a huge fire that killed seven people and injured over 35 others. More than 30 vehicles caught fire, sending thick black smoke into the sky. Eyewitnesses saw the flames from nearly a kilometer away.

    Ambulances and fire trucks quickly rushed to the scene. One school van driver, who was picking up students, shared a shocking story of seeing a man on fire. Officials from Rajasthan’s health department confirmed the deaths and injuries. The police are concerned that some people may have been trapped in their vehicles and could not escape.

    Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar visited the SMS Hospital, where the injured were taken. Sharma spoke to doctors, ensuring everyone received the best care possible. He also visited the accident site and chatted with police officers. In a message on social media, he expressed his sadness over the tragedy and promised swift medical help.

    Police officials, including Jaipur Commissioner Biju George Joseph, arrived at the highway to manage the situation. Minister Khimsar said many injured people are in critical condition, and all doctors were called in to help. They even opened an extra ward in the hospital for more patients. Some victims received first aid at nearby hospitals.

    An official report stated that a sleeper bus was behind the gas tanker during the crash. They are still trying to find out more about the passengers on board. Crews are working to clear the burnt vehicles off the highway to reopen it.

    Many leaders, including Chief Minister Sharma and former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, expressed their condolences. Police reported that it was tough to control the fire at first, and fire teams struggled to reach the scene. Luckily, three nearby petrol stations were not harmed.

    To assist victims’ families, a district administration team is at the hospital. For anyone needing information, Jaipur Police has set up helpline numbers: 9166347551, 8764688431, and 7300363636.

  • Bomb Threat at Delhi School: Ongoing Security Alert and Search Efforts

    Bomb Threat at Delhi School: Ongoing Security Alert and Search Efforts

    A well-known school in New Delhi got a scary e-mail that said there was a bomb threat. Because of this, security teams rushed to check the school. The Delhi Fire Services got a call about the threat at 5:02 am from DPS, Dwarka, located in Sector 23. The police, fire department, bomb detection teams, and even a dog squad are all helping to search the school. This is the sixth time in just 11 days that schools in Delhi have received such alarming threats, making many students and parents worried.