Name: US Vice President JD Vance visits Akshardham Temple with family during India tour
Uploaded: 2025-04-21T12:26:49.000+05:30
Duration: T00M56S
Channel: PTI
Description: US Vice President JD Vance, along with his wife Usha and children, visited the Akshardham Temple in Delhi as part of their four-day visit to India. Vance is also set to meet Prime Minister Modi during his trip.

Centre defends Waqf Act in Supreme Court, stressing waqf's non-essentiality to Islam, addressing misuse of properties.

Centre Stands Firm on Waqf Act in Supreme Court

The Centre defends the Waqf Act in the Supreme Court, claiming waqf is not essential to Islam. Focus remains on curbing property misuse, with a legislative review ensuring the Act respects constitutional values.

Centre defends Waqf Act in SC; waqf deemed non-essential to Islam. Focus on curbing land misuse.

The center on Wednesday defended the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 in the Supreme Court and said though waqf was an Islamic concept, it was not an essential part of Islam.
Arguing before Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said, "Waqf is an Islamic concept. But it is not an essential part of Islam.. Waqf is nothing but just charity in Islam." "Charity is recognised in every religion, and it cannot be regarded as an essential tenet of any religion," he said. Earlier in the day, Mehta asserted nobody could claim right over public land by using waqf by user principle which was a statutory right and the law could take it away.
"Waqf by user" refers to a concept where a property is recognised as waqf based on its long-term use for religious or charitable purposes, even without formal documentation.
Responding to the challenge against the validity of the 2025 law, Mehta argued the amended law dealt with the secular aspects of waqf and activities that were non-essential to Islam.
Mehta said the "waqf by user" concept did not permit &ldquo;wholesale takeover of waqf properties&rdquo; by the state as alleged.
&ldquo;Waqf by user is not a fundamental right, it is a creature of statute, and what the legislature creates, it can also take away,&rdquo; he said.
Any stay of the provision on abolition of unregistered "waqf by user" properties would defeat the purpose of the law which has been enacted to remedy the mischief like usurpation of government land, Mehta added.
&ldquo;The Centre is the custodian of properties on behalf of 14 crore citizens,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;and nobody has the right over government land.&rdquo; Mehta said, &ldquo;There is a Supreme Court judgment which says the government can save the property if it belongs to the government and has been declared as waqf.&rdquo; Contesting the argument of government officers arbitrarily claiming land as government property from now on and override waqf status, he called it &ldquo;misleading and false.&rdquo; On the point of an officer above the rank of a district collector deciding the dispute on the claim over an alleged waqf property, he said officer wouldn't finally determine the property's ownership.
Mehta said the eviction or takeover of property could only occur after due process through the Waqf Tribunal proceedings (under Section 83) and subsequent appeals.
The possession would continue with the waqf until the issue was fully adjudicated, he said.
The SG cited the extensive deliberations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which held 96 sittings, received 97 lakh representations, and incorporated feedback from 25 Waqf Boards and several state governments.
He said the bill was not rushed or passed mechanically but involved thorough clause-by-clause scrutiny.
&ldquo;There has been an unprecedented level of consultation. It's not the case that this was done behind closed doors. Many of the suggestions made by stakeholders were either incorporated or reasonably rejected,&rdquo; Mehta added.
The law officer also drew bench's attention to the "historic misuse" of waqf by user to claim ownership of public or private lands without documentation.
&ldquo;This menace has existed since 1923. The first legislation dealing with waqf property was introduced then to curb this very issue,&rdquo; he said.
On the question whether the law infringed upon Articles 25 and 26 (freedom of religion and management of religious affairs) of the Constitution, he said though waqf was an Islamic concept, it did not constitute an essential religious practice.
Unlike Hindu, Jain religious trusts which deal with religious aspects, temples, priests and their management, waqf may include schools, colleges, etc., Mehta said.
Doctrine of essential religious practices, he added, as articulated by Dr B R Ambedkar must be satisfied before any constitutional protection under Article 25 can be claimed.
&ldquo;Unless it is shown that waqf is an essential part of Islam, the rest of the arguments cannot succeed,&rdquo; Mehta said.
The Centre opposed the claim that the law enabled mass takeover of waqf properties.
&ldquo;There is no wholesale capturing. The designated officer cannot take possession. At best, the revenue entry changes, which itself is subject to challenge and appeal. Title disputes will continue to be resolved in courts,&rdquo; he said.
Referring to case laws, he said the government could protect public lands even if erroneously entered as waqf, and that mere entry in the waqf register did not confer ownership.
Mehta said no affected parties moved the court and &ldquo;it is nobody's case that Parliament does not have the competence to pass this legislation".
He said the amended law did not allow waqf by user prospectively.
On the issue over non-Muslims being appointed in the Central Waqf Council and the state waqf boards, he said in the CWC a maximum of four non-Muslims of the total 22 members were allowed.
In state boards, of the total 11 members, a maximum of three non-Muslim members -- except if the ex-officio members was non Muslim then two non-Muslims&mdash;could be appointed.
&ldquo;Non-Muslims can also be aggrieved or affected or beneficiary and this is the reason that non-Muslims have been included,&rdquo; he said.
The hearing would continue on Thursday.

A Mumbai man was arrested for allegedly murdering his wife in Ahmedabad. After fleeing the scene, coordinated efforts by Ahmedabad and Mumbai police led to his apprehension in Ghatkopar. The case unfolds as investigations into the domestic dispute continue.

Mumbai Man Held for Murder in Ahmedabad

A 28-year-old man from Mumbai was arrested for allegedly murdering his wife in Ahmedabad after a domestic dispute. Ahmedabad police traced his whereabouts, leading to his arrest in Mumbai, highlighting the tragic potential of such disputes.

A 28-year-old Mumbai man was arrested for allegedly murdering his wife in Ahmedabad. Anil Jangam, after fleeing back to Mumbai, was apprehended with the help of coordinated efforts by Ahmedabad and Mumbai police. The incident stemmed from a domestic dispute.

A 28-year-old man was arrested in Mumbai for allegedly killing his wife in Ahmedabad, an official said on Wednesday.
Accused Anil, alias Bobby Jangam, and his wife, Reena Verma, are from Ghatkopar, an eastern suburb of Mumbai, and had gone to the Gujarat city for some work.
Jangam allegedly killed Reena on Tuesday morning following a dispute and fled to Mumbai, the official said.
After learning about the murder, the Ahmedabad police tracked his mobile phone and informed their Mumbai counterparts that he was hiding in Ramabai Nagar, Ghatkopar, in the metropolis.
A team from the Pantnagar police station then took Jangam into custody and handed him over to the Gujarat police, the official said.

NSE CEO and MD Ashishkumar Chauhan supports Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s vision for a developed India by 2047, showcasing NSE's role in national economic growth.

NSE CEO Supports Viksit Bharat 2047 Vision

NSE CEO Ashishkumar Chauhan commends Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's commitment to 'Viksit Bharat 2047', reaffirming NSE's role in advancing India's economic future.

NSE CEO Ashishkumar Chauhan expressed strong support for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's vision toward 'Viksit Bharat 2047', emphasizing NSE's pivotal role in this transformative journey.

National Stock Exchange MD and CEO Ashishkumar Chauhan on Wednesday met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and said the bourse is resolute to be an enabler and contributor to her vision and mission.
In a post on social media platform X, the NSE chief expressed gratitude and unwavering support to the Finance Minister for her leadership and dedication to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
"Thank you for your time Hon'ble FM @nsitharaman ma'am. Your steadfast leadership, resolve and commitment unto Viksit Bharat 2047 under PM @narendramodi ji inspires us all.We @NSEIndia are resolute to be an enabler and contributor to your vision and mission," he added.

Court adjourns the July 2024 stampede case, which resulted in 121 deaths, until June 4. Defense argues conspiracy against the Uttar Pradesh government.

June Date Set in July 2024 Stampede Case

Court proceedings for the tragic July 2024 stampede continue, adjourned to June 4. The incident resulted in 121 deaths. Defense suggests a government conspiracy.

Court adjourns July 2024 stampede case to June 4, 2025. The tragic event resulted in 121 deaths. Defense claims conspiracy against Uttar Pradesh government.

A local court here on Wednesday heard arguments in connection with framing of charges in the ongoing trial of the July 2024 stampede case before setting the next date of hearing to June 4, a lawyer said.
The case pertains to the stampede that broke out on July 2 last year during a religious gathering led by preacher Surajpal alias Narayan Sakar Hari alias Bhole Baba in Sikandrarao tehsil of Hathras district, in which 121 people lost their lives. Most of the victims were women and children.
The court of Additional District Judge (ADJ) Mahendra Srivastava heard the case. The matter was previously being heard in the District Judge's court but has now been transferred to the ADJ-I court.
During Wednesday's proceedings, senior advocate A P Singh appeared on behalf of the accused event organisers and reiterated the defence's stance.
Singh claimed that the stampede was the result of a conspiracy.
"There have been past attempts to malign the Uttar Pradesh government and this was one such orchestrated effort," he alleged.
Singh said he argued that the accused have no criminal history or background and have been volunteering for the spiritual event. Those who lost their lives were also "their own people" (followers of the preacher), he added.
Singh is also the legal counsel of Surajpal, who, however, is not mentioned as an accused in the police FIR.
"The case has now been transferred to a new judge. We have apprised the court of the entire scenario -- there are 700 witnesses, the charge-sheet runs into 10 volumes and an SIT has been constituted to probe the incident. Following this, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also ordered a judicial inquiry commission," he said.
Singh further stated that an FIR was registered and a reward of Rs 1 lakh was announced for the main accused Devprakash Madhukar.
"Eleven people have been arrested and none were apprehended by the police. We presented them ourselves. Justice must be done in this case," he said.

MGNREGA's Aadhaar-Based Payment System faces criticism, affecting 27% of workers, with funds withheld in West Bengal, calls for urgent action.

Scrutiny on MGNREGA Aadhaar Payment System

A new report finds 27% of MGNREGA workers ineligible for Aadhaar-Based Payments, urging restoration of withheld funds in West Bengal.

A recent report highlights challenges in MGNREGA's Aadhaar payment system, affecting 27% of workers, with funds withheld in West Bengal.

Around 27 percent of all MGNREGA workers and 1.5 percent of active workers are still ineligible for the Aadhaar-based payment system (ABPS), a new report said, as it also dismissed the government&rsquo;s claim that it is more efficient than the bank account-based payment system.
In a report released earlier this week, Libtech India, a consortium of academics and activists, also recommended that MGNREGA funds be urgently restored in West Bengal, which the Union government has stalled for more than three years.
ABPS, a mechanism to electronically transfer wages and subsidies to an Aadhaar-linked bank account that is mapped with the National Payments Corporation of India(NPCI) mapper, was made mandatory under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in January 2024.
The BJP-led government at the Centre and the TMC government in West Bengal have repeatedly tussled over the issue.
The central government has said ABPS was introduced to ensure timely payment of wages to the beneficiaries under MGNREGA and has claimed that there were irregularities in utilisation of funds released before March 2022.
In a written reply in Lok Sabha during the recent Budget Session, Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan said ABPS addresses the issues arising due to frequent changes in bank account numbers of the beneficiaries.
The Rural Development Ministry has said release of funds under MGNREGA has been stopped since March 9, 2022 as per provision of Section 27 of MNREGA law "due to non-compliance of directives of central government".
The report by Libtech India said on April 8, 2024, around 31 per cent of all workers and 8 per cent of active workers were ineligible for ABPS. The situation improved only marginally in 2025, and as of April 7, 2025, 27.5 per cent among all workers and 1.5 per cent among active workers are still ineligible for ABPS.
The report said though the Rural Development Ministry has stated that ABPS ineligibility will not lead to loss of work, field insights from 200 cases across 10 states inform that workers ineligible for ABPS are not provided work by frontline officials, fearing non-payment of wages which denied them their "right to work".
At state level, while Maharashtra followed by Gujarat and Jharkhand have the highest number of all workers ineligible for ABPS, West Bengal, Bihar and Punjab have the highest 'active' workers being ineligible, the report said.
According to the Rural Development Ministry website, 15.21 crore job cards have been issued under MGNREGA so far, and there are 26.21 crore workers in total. The number of 'active' job cards is 8.3 crore while the number of 'active' workers is 11.83 crores.
The report also expressed concern over the budget for the scheme, and said various studies in the past have established budget cuts and wage payment delays to play a significant role in the overall employment drop.
It also said the People&rsquo;s Action for Employment Guarantee (PAEG) has recommended a budget allocation of 2.64 lakh crores for MGNREGA for 2022-23, however, the Union government allocated only Rs 86,000 crores for 2024-25.
The report said despite an 8.6 per cent rise in registered households under MGNREGA in 2024&ndash;25, employment indicators point to a concerning decline, and said the person-days generated dropped by 7.1 per cent, average days of employment per household fell by 4.3 per cent, and only 7 per cent of households completed the full 100 days.
It also pointed out that there was no employment generated for West Bengal in 2023-24 and 2024-25, since funds for the state have been stalled by the Union government since March 2022 with the invocation of Section 27 of MGNREGS 2005.
The report also said that the trend of high deletions of MGNREGA workers was reversed in 2024-25 for the first time after 2022-23, and more job cards and workers were added than deleted.
The Centre has said that MGNREGA funds have not been released to the West Bengal as per provisions of Section 27 of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 and has alleged irregularities in the implementation of the scheme.
The Rural Development Ministry has also alleged non-compliance of directives of the central government.
Under the Section 27 of the Act, the central government can "order stoppage of release of funds to the Scheme" on receiving a complaint of improper utilisation of funds.
The Calcutta High Court, while hearing petitions demanding that beneficiaries be paid for work already completed under the scheme, observed last month that the Act does not allow for indefinite suspension of the scheme&rsquo;s implementation due to complaints.

Karnataka bans underground parking in Bengaluru's low-lying areas to tackle waterlogging, pledging infrastructure improvements amidst monsoon challenges.

Bengaluru Bans Underground Parking in Flood Zones

Amidst heavy rains, Bengaluru bans underground parking in low-lying areas to curb flooding, pledging upgrades to roads and sewage systems.

Bengaluru's government prohibits underground parking in flood-prone areas, urging above-ground alternatives, amidst monsoon challenges.

Following heavy rains over the past few days that caused waterlogging and inundation in several parts of Bengaluru, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday said the government will soon introduce a policy prohibiting the construction of underground parking facilities in low-lying areas of the city.
Shivakumar, who also serves as the Minister in charge of Bengaluru Development, said the government is committed to addressing rain-related issues and ensuring the city&rsquo;s development.
The Deputy Chief Minister was speaking to reporters during a visit to various rain-affected areas in Bengaluru, accompanied by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
"I'm taking a policy decision that wherever there is a low-lying area, in the future we will not allow underground parking facilities. We will allow them to build higher, and any parking should be above ground and not underground, because we can see that more water is flowing into such places, leading to seepage," Shivakumar said.
He reiterated, "So we are bringing in a new policy that wherever there is a low-lying area, we will not allow any underground parking. This is the decision we have more or less taken." "I appeal to people to remain calm, there is nothing to worry about. It is a very important city, and we are here to sort out the problem. We are committed to the development of Bengaluru&mdash;we are looking at widening roads, addressing traffic problems, and improving underground sewage. New roads will be built... we will sort out the problems," Shivakumar added.
Stating that the officers are working hard and around the clock to sort out problems that arose due to the rains, Shivakumar said, "We expected that such types of rain would come... two deaths occurred accidentally due to electrocution, as they tried to operate the motor. Yesterday, I visited the families." The administration has already announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of those who died in rainfall-related incidents in Bengaluru.

Banu Mushtaq wins the 2025 Booker Prize for 'Hridaya Deepa', a first for Kannada. Celebrated by Sudha Murthy, this marks a new chapter for Indian languages.

Banu Mushtaq Wins 2025 Booker Prize for Kannada Work

Banu Mushtaq makes history with 'Hridaya Deepa' winning the 2025 Booker Prize, a first for Kannada literature, lauded by Sudha Murthy for its global impact.

Banu Mushtaq's 'Hridaya Deepa' wins the 2025 Booker Prize, marking a first for Kannada literature. Sudha Murthy praises this historic triumph.

Infosys Foundation founder-chairperson Sudha Murthy on Wednesday said that Banu Mushtaq's Booker Prize 2025 -- the first for a book originally written in Kannada -- is a double win for every Kannadiga woman.
Writer, activist, and lawyer Mushtaq's short story collection &lsquo;Hridaya Deepa&rsquo; (Heart Lamp) on Tuesday night became the first Kannada title to win the coveted GBP 50,000 International Booker Prize in London.
"I feel extremely happy. As an Indian, I am happy. As a Kannada person, I am very happy. As an author, I am very happy. And as a woman, I am even happier. She is a great writer, and this is a great beginning. Let many people like her get the Booker Prize in different languages," Murthy told PTI Videos.
'Heart Lamp', translated by Deepa Bhasthi, was described as "a radical translation" that reshaped language and offered "new textures in a plurality of Englishes" by the jury of the Booker Prize.
Hailing from the Hassan district of Karnataka, Mushtaq often said in interviews that she wrote to challenge chauvinistic religious interpretations of societal rules.
Meanwhile, Karnataka's heartthrob, actor Namma Shivanna, aka Shiva Rajkumar, took to 'X' to convey his "heartfelt congratulations".
"Your achievement of introducing Kannada literature on a global scale and attracting the attention of the world is a great contribution to Kannada literature and cultural heritage. I hope that this honor will further strengthen the world of Kannada literature," said Shivanna.
Activist and actor Chetan Kumar Ahimsa, one of the key figures in pushing for equality and safety of women involved in the Kannada Film Industry, also posted his message for the author on 'X', noting that this recognition is a source of pride for Kannada and Karnataka.
During her acceptance speech, Bhasthi paid tribute to the Kannada language by quoting an iconic line from a Kannada song, made immortal by Kannada film legend Dr Rajkumar. "Jenin holeyo, halin maleyo, sudheyo, Kannada savi nudio", she said drawing a parallel between Kannada and a river of honey, a rain of milk, and sweet ambrosia.
"What a win this is for my beautiful language," Bhasthi added.
Not just Bhasthi, but Mushtaq's win--which comes 15 years after Aravind Adiga, another Kannadiga who won the Booker Prize for his 'White Tiger' in 2008-has made most Kannadigas beam with pride.
Many also felt that this is not just a win for Kannada literature, but for every Indian language writer dreaming of global recognition.

Assam Cabinet endorses transformative initiatives including stadium upgrade, new concert tourism policies, and solar power generation.

Assam Cabinet: Major Developments Approved

Assam is set for significant growth with Cabinet-approved initiatives in concert tourism, solar power, and infrastructure development, including the largest state stadium.

Assam's Cabinet has approved initiatives across tourism, energy, and infrastructure, including stadium upgrades and new concert tourism policy.

The Assam Cabinet on Wednesday approved policies for concert tourism and solar power generation, and the upgradation of Khanikar Stadium in Dibrugarh into the largest such facility in the state.
It also gave its nod to provide personal security to individuals with credible threat perceptions against payment of remuneration to the government.
Addressing a press conference at Dergaon in Golaghat district after chairing the Cabinet meet, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, &ldquo;Individuals, facing credible threats, can now apply for personal security, subject to the condition that they must pay a remuneration to the government. This facility will be granted only after a due assessment of the threat perception.&rdquo; He said the Cabinet has approved a new policy for the Concert Economy.
&ldquo;Our state was losing out on the Concert Economy to other states, including our neighbour Meghalaya. This policy aims to position Assam as a premier music and entertainment tourism hub to host large-scale concerts and music festivals,&rdquo; Sarma said.
Guwahati, Dibrugarh and Jorhat will be developed as concert tourism hubs under this policy, he said, adding that the first such programme will be organised in December in Guwahati.
The Cabinet has okayed &lsquo;Assam Solar Power Generation Promotion Policy 2025&rsquo;, which aims to generate 3,500 MW capacity by 2030 and attract public and private investments to create 15,000 jobs, the chief minister said.
A proposal for notification to include over 47,000 hectares of land under the 6th addition to Kaziranga National Park has also been green-lighted, Sarma said.
Some of the areas, included originally under the 6th addition, have been kept out, though inclusion of new places has ensured that the total area of the sanctuary has increased, he added.
The chief minister said that Rs 209 crore has been approved to upgrade Khanikar Stadium in Dibrugarh from a 5,000 to a 35,000-seat capacity, which will make it the largest stadium in the state.
The council of ministers also gave its nod to a proposal of spending Rs 284 crore for the construction of an Assam Assembly building in Dibrugarh, including an MLA hostel and an auditorium with a 1000-seat capacity, he added.
Sarma said that the Cabinet has sanctioned over Rs 205 crore as the last and final share of investment of the Government of Assam&rsquo;s committed contribution to the expansion of the Numaligarh Refinery Ltd.
&ldquo;With this, the government of Assam will complete the investment of Rs 823 crore for NRL&rsquo;s expansion as committed earlier,&rdquo; he added.
Sarma said administrative approval has also been given for the Phase 2 construction and development of residential quarters and associated facilities at the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy, Dergaon, at a cost of Rs 229.41 crore, which is expected to be completed in two years.

Andreas Modlmayer Leads BMW India Financial Services

BMW India Financial Services appoints Andreas Modlmayer as MD 

Andreas Modlmayer, with 20 years at BMW, becomes MD

BMW India Financial Services on Wednesday announced the appointment of Andreas Modlmayer as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
Modlmayer, whose last assignment was CEO of BMW Austria Bank in Greece, succeeds Jaejoon Lee, who is returning to BMW Korea, the company said in a statement.
He has been associated with the BMW Group since 2000. He brings rich experience of working in leadership positions for BMW Group Financial Services across several other markets such as New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, it added.
Modlmayer began his career with BMW Bank GmbH Munich in sales and marketing function.
"Andreas Modlmayer brings with him valuable expertise and leadership acumen, with successful development of BMW Financial Services in diverse markets for over two decades. India is an important market for us, and we are confident that he will further add to the company's growth as he takes charge of BMW India Financial Services," said Lisa Ng, Regional Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group Financial Services for Asia Pacific.

The iconic Ram temple in Ayodhya is nearing completion with a major consecration ceremony set for June 5. This spiritual event marks a historic moment, focusing on religious significance with distinguished spiritual leaders in attendance.

Ram Temple Ayodhya Completion Ceremony in June

The Ram temple in Ayodhya will be completed by June 5, 2023, marked by a significant consecration ceremony. The event emphasizes spiritual significance, with the presence of spiritual leaders, not political figures, celebrating a 500-year journey.

The Ram temple in Ayodhya is set for completion by June 5, with a major consecration ceremony marking a spiritual milestone.

The construction of the iconic Ram temple in Ayodhya will be completed by June 5, and the consecration of 'Ram Darbar' will be performed in a ceremony beginning June 3, according to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Misra.
In an interview to PTI on Wednesday, Misra informed that the 'pran pratishtha' (consecration) ceremony, which is expected to be grand, will be held on June 5. However, the guest list is expected to be different this time, he added.
The consecration of Ram Lalla (child Ram) was held on January 22 last year in a ceremony led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"The idols of Ram Darbar will be consecrated on June 5... the rituals will begin from June 3. Besides that seven other temples have been constructed in the complex and the religious ceremony for those temples will also be performed on the same day.
"The construction of the temple will be completed by June 5, except for murals depicting the story of Lord Ram which are to be pitched in the lower plinth of the temple," he said.
Asked whether the June 5 consecration ceremony will be as grand as it was last year, Misra said the temple trust is taking a call on the final modalities.
"... The consecration ceremonies are grand always. Because you are obviously invoking and the 'pratishtha' of the Lord is being performed.
"But maybe the guest list will be different. Maybe the priests who will come there to perform the puja may be different. So I won't say that it is a similar kind. But I would say it has the same objective and it will achieve the same thing," he said.
Misra said the guest list will not include VIPs from the states or the Centre.
"The trust is taking a call on that. And perhaps they would also be inviting many spiritual gurus of different beliefs at the time of that ceremony. The trust has also decided that no VIPs either from the states or the Centre government will be invited to the ceremony," he added.
Misra denied that there were any political objectives behind the construction of the temple.
"I do not think that it is any political gimmick or there are any political objectives behind it. It has happened on the order of our Supreme Court and the moment has come after over 500 years of struggle," he said.
The new portions of the temple are expected to be opened to the public within a week of the June 5 ceremony, Misra informed.

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US Vice President JD Vance, along with his wife Usha and children, visited the Akshardham Temple in Delhi as part of their four-day visit to India. Vance is also set to meet Prime Minister Modi during his trip.

US Vice President JD Vance visits Akshardham Temple with family during India tour

US Vice President JD Vance, along with his wife Usha and children, visited the Akshardham Temple in Delhi as part of their four-day visit to India. Vance is also set to meet Prime Minister Modi during his trip.

US Vice President J D Vance and his wife Usha along with their three children visited the Akshardham Temple in Delhi on Monday.
The Vances, who arrived in Delhi to a warm welcome earlier in the morning, were received at the airport by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Vance, his Indian-origin wife Usha Chilukuri and their children Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel, all three dressed in Indian attire, posed for camera crews outside the imposing facade of the temple.
The US vice president is accompanied by a delegation of senior US government officials on his four-day trip to India. He will also travel to Jaipur and Agra.
On Monday evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a dinner for the Vances after holding talks with the vice president.
Vance's first visit to India comes weeks after US President Donald Trump imposed and then paused a sweeping tariff regime against around 60 countries, including India.

CISF is deployed at Bhakra Dam to enhance security against potential threats amid water-sharing disputes between Punjab and Haryana.

CISF Secures Bhakra Dam Amid Water Dispute

The government deploys CISF at Bhakra Dam due to rising security concerns amid a contentious water-sharing dispute between Punjab and Haryana, ensuring protection for this critical infrastructure.

The Indian government deploys CISF at Bhakra Dam to counter threats amid Punjab-Haryana water dispute. Security strengthened to protect the critical infrastructure.

The Centre has sanctioned a contingent of 296 armed CISF personnel for providing a counter-terrorist security cover to the Bhakra dam amid the continuing standoff between Punjab and Haryana over sharing of water from the dam, official sources said Wednesday.
They said the Union home ministry has directed that the force be deployed at the dam, located in Nangal along the Punjab-Himachal Pradesh border, in view of threat perception reports prepared for it by central intelligence and security agencies.
A total of 296 Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel will be deployed at the Bhakra dam for securing it against any sabotage or terrorist attack-like threat, the sources said.
The force will take position as soon as logistics and accommodation issues are addressed for the troops there, they said.
The Centre's decision comes amid a dispute between Punjab and Haryana over sharing of its water.
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan on May 2 chaired a high-level meeting which advised to carry out the Bhakra Beas Management Board's (BBMB) decision to release 4,500 cusecs of extra water from Bhakra dam to Haryana for some days to meet the state's urgent water requirements.
The two states are at loggerheads over the distribution of water with the AAP government in Punjab refusing to share water from the Bhakra dam, saying the neighbouring state has already utilised its share of water.
Bhakra dam is Asia's second tallest at 225.55 m after the 261m Tehri dam.
In terms of storage of water, it is the second largest reservoir in India, the first being Indira Sagar dam in Madhya Pradesh.

In Chhattisgarh, security forces marked a major victory by killing top Maoist leader Basavaraju, representing progress in anti-Naxal efforts.

Major Success: Top Maoist Leader Killed in Chhattisgarh

Security forces in Chhattisgarh eliminate Maoist Basavaraju, marking a pivotal achievement against Naxalism. This operation underscores progress in securing peace and eradicating Naxalism by 2026.

Security forces in Chhattisgarh have killed a top Maoist leader in a significant anti-Naxal operation, marking a major success.

In a significant breakthrough in the ongoing fight against Naxalism, security forces in Chhattisgarh&rsquo;s Bastar region have killed Nambala Keshav Rao, widely known as Basavaraju, along with 26 other dreaded Maoists in a fierce encounter.
Hailing from Andhra Pradesh, Basavaraju was considered the top leader and ideological backbone of the Naxal movement. His death marks a pivotal success in anti-Naxal operations.
In his early 70s, Basavaraju held a B.Tech degree and was known for orchestrating numerous deadly attacks on security forces. He carried a bounty of Rs 1 crore on his head in Chhattisgarh alone.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the security forces for their "remarkable success," while Union Home Minister Amit Shah called it a "landmark achievement" in the campaign to eradicate Naxalism.
The encounter began on Wednesday, two days after the launch of a coordinated anti-Maoist operation in the dense forests of Abhujmad&mdash;located at the tri-junction of Narayanpur, Bijapur, and Dantewada districts.
The operation was initiated based on intelligence inputs about the presence of top leaders from the CPI (Maoist) Central Committee, Politburo, and senior cadres of the Maad Division and the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA).
Security forces recovered 27 bodies and a significant cache of arms from the site. One jawan from the District Reserve Guard (DRG), part of the Chhattisgarh Police, was martyred in the operation, while a few others were injured.
Reacting to the development, the Prime Minister wrote on social media: "Proud of our forces for this remarkable success. Our Government is committed to eliminating the menace of Maoism and ensuring a life of peace and progress for our people." Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised the operation's importance, highlighting that it marked the first time in three decades that a Maoist leader of General Secretary rank had been neutralised.
"A landmark achievement in the battle to eliminate Naxalism. Today, in an operation in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh, our security forces have neutralised 27 dreaded Maoists, including Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju," the home minister said.
Shah praised the bravery of security forces and further noted that since the completion of Operation Black Forest, 54 Naxalites have been arrested and 84 others have surrendered across Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Maharashtra.
He reiterated the government's goal to eliminate Naxalism by March 31, 2026.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also praised the forces.
"Jari hai vijay ka sankhnad, khatm ho raha naxalwad' (the victory cry continues, Naxalism is ending). Under the leadership of the successful Prime Minister Narendra Modi, security forces have been moving ahead rapidly to fulfil the resolve of Home Minister Amit Shah to end Naxalism in the country by March 2026, and continuously achieving success," he said.
Despite facing difficult geographical conditions and many other challenges, this decisive campaign against LWE is being carried out with full commitment and determination by the DRG unit of Chhattisgarh Police, he said while expressing condolences over the death of a DRG jawan.
Deputy CM Vijay Sharma, who also holds Home portfolio, wrote on X, "Our security forces have killed 27 dreaded Maoists, including CPI-Maoist General Secretary Nambala Keshav Rao alias 'Basavaraju', during an operation in Narayanpur".
"With the strong determination of the Home Minister Amit Shah ji, our brave security forces have killed a Naxalite of General Secretary rank for the first time in 30 years. 'General Secretary' is the highest post among the Naxalites.
"All this is the result of the valour of our brave soldiers, many congratulations to them. Certainly, we will free the entire country, including Bastar, from Naxalism by March 2026," Sharma said.
Basavaraju, a native of Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh, had been a key figure in the Naxal movement since the 1970s.
He rose to the top leadership of CPI (Maoist) about seven years ago, around the time of a noticeable decline in Naxalite activity in Bastar. He was wanted in numerous major attacks against security forces in Chhattisgarh.
An alumnus of the country's one of premier technical institutes, the Regional Engineering College, Warangal, Basavaraju was known for his military expertise, particularly in training and explosives. He was recognised by various aliases, including Prakash, Krishna, Vijay, Umesh, and Kamlu.
Security agencies have speculated Basavaraju's age to be around 71, with only older photographs available for identification.
He carried a reward of Rs 1 crore on his head, announced by the Chhattisgarh government, with additional bounties announced in other states, including Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Telangana.
With this latest operation, a total of 200 Naxalites have been killed in separate encounters in Chhattisgarh this year, with 183 of those fatalities occurring in the Bastar division encompassing Bijapur, Narayanpur, Dantewada, and Kondagaon.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee expresses concern over Nepalese tea's impact on Darjeeling's reputation, highlights tax issues, river erosion funding troubles, and calls for stringent health vigilance.

Mamata Banerjee on Impact of Nepal Tea on Darjeeling

CM Mamata Banerjee voices concerns on tax benefits for Nepalese tea affecting Darjeeling, river erosion, and counterfeit drugs, urging central intervention.

CM Banerjee highlights unfair tax benefits for Nepalese tea impacting Darjeeling. She addresses river erosion funding, criticizes Farakka neglect, and orders health vigilance.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said tea of cheaper quality from Nepal was entering the state and affecting the state's renowned 'Darjeeling' variety.
She questioned why tea importers from the neighbouring country were given tax-free benefits while the state government had to cough up a tariff of 40 per cent and directed Chief Secretary Manoj Pant to write a strong letter to the Centre.
"We are facing a serious problem. Tea from Nepal is coming here. It is coming at a very cheap price because they do not have to pay any tax... and we have to pay a tax of 40 per cent. This is getting mixed up in our tea, affecting the quality. I will tell the Labour department to highlight this. They are mixing it with Darjeeling tea and deteriorating the quality. I will ask the chief secretary to write a strong letter to the Centre," Banerjee said.
The Bengal CM, who was addressing an administrative review meeting here, also urged officials to install machines on the borders of the state with Nepal to keep a check on tea imported from the neighbouring country.
"We are not against any country. But the Centre cannot do it. We have to pay tax, and they (Tea traders from Nepal) will have to pay no tax. This is wrong. They cannot brand their tea as Darjeeling tea. Install machines in the bordering areas to keep a check on this," she said.
Talking about river erosion in Malda, Banerjee said the Union government has "stopped" releasing funds despite her government sending a proposal of Rs 1,064 crore. She said that 1,800 hectares of land were eaten up by erosion, and the state has spent several crores to address the issue.
She directed the chief secretary to visit New Delhi for a meeting with officials of the Union government in this connection.
She also alleged that the Farakka Barrage, which was entrusted with the responsibility to look into the matter of erosion, has done nothing, and on the contrary, the condition of the roads has deteriorated.
"River erosion in Malda has been a big issue. But those who were responsible for looking after it have done nothing. Nearly 1,800 hectares of land have gone into the rivers. We had given a proposal of Rs 1,064 crore to the Centre, but nothing happened," she said.
The state spent Rs 466 crore, and there are works for another 21 projects at an expense of Rs 225 crore, and work for another Rs 11 crore will start soon.
"Earlier, the Farakka Barrage had a total area of 180 km to maintain, but that has come down to 20 km now. But the condition of roads and other facilities has deteriorated in such a manner that nothing could be done. So, I think the chief secretary should go to Delhi and place it in detail to the Centre," she said.
Banerjee asked Health department officials to ask pharmacists to put advertisements on fake medicines.
"There are several drugs that have been banned. Are you checking whether they are being used in the hospitals or not? Are you checking the expiry dates of drugs stored in the stores? You conduct surprise visits to different stores. Ask all the shops to put up notice on fake medicines ...," she said.
Banerjee also said that doctors at government hospitals "should not prescribe these medicines".
"Recently, we have issued an advertisement in this regard. Keep photos of that advertisement in your phone and check that whenever you are at any medicine shop," she added.
During the meeting, Banerjee sounded a warning for a senior police officer of Cooch Behar Police District over an alleged issue of "lobbying" within the department.
"There is some DSP or SDPO in the Cooch Behar headquarters... Despite being in the headquarters, he is not being given work. He is not allowed to work. If you (the police) form lobbies within yourselves, how will the people sustain them? Involve him in duties in areas like Sitalkuchi, Dinhata and border regions," she said.
"How can someone deployed in the headquarters not be involved in duties despite wanting to work? What is this? Police do not form groups among themselves. Political people do that more&hellip; all this time, that is what we knew," she said.

Two men arrested in South Delhi for allegedly defrauding a retired BSF officer of over Rs 24 lakh. Investigations reveal a network using VoIP calls.

BSF Officer Defrauded Rs 24 Lakh, Two Arrested

In a major case, South Delhi police arrested two men for allegedly defrauding a retired BSF officer of Rs 24 lakh through intricate cyber scams.

Officers detained two men for scamming a retired BSF officer of Rs 24 lakh using VoIP calls, linked to 'Naitik Traders' account.

Two men were arrested in south Delhi for allegedly duping a retired BSF officer of over Rs 24 lakh by luring him with promises of high returns through investments, an official said on Wednesday.
The accused were identified as Neeraj Verma (33) and Ravi Verma (30), both residents of Faridabad in Haryana.
&ldquo;The complainant, a retired BSF inspector residing in Pushp Vihar, filed an online complaint alleging he had been cheated of Rs 24,54,216 by unidentified persons in the name of block trades, IPOs, and share market profits,&rdquo; Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Ankit Chauhan said.
A case was registered on August 9, 2024, and an investigation was launched, he said.
During the probe, it was found that the accused contacted the complainant using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls.
An analysis of the money trail revealed that the accused transferred the amount received from the victim to an account registered under the name 'Naitik Traders', linked to Ravi, the officer said, adding that he was apprehended from Ballabhgarh following technical surveillance.
Based on his disclosures made during interrogation, his associate Neeraj was also arrested.
Two mobile phones, a cheque book, and three bank kits that were used in the crime were recovered from their possession.
Neeraj, who studied up to Class 10, told the police that he came across an advertisement on social media promoting income through the use of corporate accounts for gaming-related transactions, the DCP said.
He then contacted Ravi and received instructions from a handler in Mumbai, following which he obtained GST and Udyam registrations and opened several bank accounts under a fake business.
Neeraj provided Rs 1 lakh to open these accounts and shared the details with the handler, who used them to conduct cyber frauds.
Neeraj allegedly earned a 2 per cent commission on transactions, which he split with Ravi.
The transactions primarily involved the buying and selling of USDT cryptocurrency on a platform, the police said.
Further investigation is underway to identify other associates and trace the handler.

Supriya Sule emphasizes unity in India's fight against terrorism and demands justice in a dowry death case in Maharashtra, urging collective national effort without political divisiveness.

Unity Against Terrorism, Justice in Dowry Case

Supriya Sule urges unity in India's fight against terrorism and demands justice in a Maharashtra dowry case, emphasizing national effort free from political bias.

Supriya Sule stresses unity against terrorism and demands justice in a Pune dowry death case, emphasizing collective national effort without political biases.

Nationalist Congress Party (SP) working president Supriya Sule, who is part of one of the government delegations on global outreach post-Operation Sindoor, on Wednesday said the ongoing fight against terrorism is not a personal or political battle.
Talking to reporters here, the Lok Sabha MP from Baramati in Pune district maintained the opposition must act with restraint and responsibility, and political parties should avoid creating any misunderstanding about the Indian armed forces.
"This is not a time to criticize one another because we are all Indians. The ongoing fight against terrorism is not a personal or political battle, but a collective fight for the unity of our country," she emphasised.
Sule said there was a clear consensus among all political parties that no one should send any message that might create misunderstanding about the Indian armed forces.
"We all stand with India. There should be no politics on this issue (all-party delegations on global outreach against terrorism), and there will not be. Since any issue related to the military is extremely sensitive, the opposition must also act with restraint and responsibility," the MP opined.
"While criticizing the government, we always maintain decorum, because our aim is national and public interest," she added.
The Centre is sending multiple all-party delegations to key countries to project India&rsquo;s continued fight against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism and the recent Operation Sindoor. The composition of some of these delegations had led to a controversy and criticism from a section of opposition parties, particularly the Congress, an ally of the NCP (SP).
To a question on the arrest of three family members of a leader of the ruling NCP for allegedly abetting the suicide of his daughter-in-law over dowry last week, Sule said, "This incident is extremely painful. The Hagawane family is a prominent name in Mulshi and Pune. Their grandfather had done good work in the Panchayat Samiti for many decades." "What has happened is shocking. Based on the information I have received from the police and media reports, there appears to be a grey area. Some say it's suicide, while others believe it's a murder," the veteran parliamentarian said.
She demanded a judicial inquiry into the woman's death, which took place in her Lok Sabha constituency.
"If such educated families are involved in dowry deaths, then where is Maharashtra heading? And not just one, but two daughters-in-law have been affected. This matter belongs to my constituency. A few days ago, there was a family event at their house, and I didn't attend it to convey a message because there was a complaint of domestic violence against their daughter-in-law," she said.
Maharashtra is a progressive state and such cases are unfortunate, Sule opined.
"If daughters-in-law are visiting police stations and court cases are going on, I cannot be seen supporting that family. The victim must get justice in this progressive Maharashtra. I am ready to fight whatever battle is needed to ensure that. Maharashtra's daughter must get justice," she asserted.
"This is a very serious issue. I have demanded a judicial inquiry into the matter. The state government must take strict action and ensure the accused are punished. I expect the government to take stronger measures to ensure women's safety and rights," Sule said.

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