India Archive

In the quiet village of Ramgarh Sardaran, Ludhiana, a family is grappling with a devastating loss. Agniveer soldier Ajay Singh, a young man of just 23 years, was tragically killed in a landmine blast near the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district. This heartbreaking news came on Friday, casting a shadow of grief over his family and the entire nation.

In a distressing revelation from Tamil Nadu, an 18-year-old Dalit woman from the Kallakurichi region has come forward with allegations of severe abuse and neglect. She reports that this maltreatment occurred while she was working as a domestic helper in a Chennai household. The gravity of the situation is compounded by the identity of her employers: Anto Mathivanan and Marlina, the son and daughter-in-law of prominent Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader and Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) I Karunanithi.

In a significant development from New Delhi, reported on January 18, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has confirmed that the Indian ambassador to Qatar, along with embassy officials, successfully met with eight former Indian Navy officials currently detained in Qatar. This meeting marks a crucial step in addressing the concerns surrounding the detention of these veterans.

In a moment of introspection and candidness, Supreme Court Justice Abhay S. Oka delivered a striking message during the Second Shyamala Pappu Memorial Lecture. His words shed light on a concerning issue facing India's judiciary system — the diminishing faith of the common man in its ability to deliver justice.

In a recent turn of events that has stirred the political landscape, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut has brought a new perspective into the ongoing narrative surrounding the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. With the Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha ceremony slated for the 22nd of January in Ayodhya, Raut’s remarks have added an unexpected dimension to the discourse.

In a significant move reflecting the stringent enforcement of aviation safety norms in India, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Safety (BCAS) has levied a substantial fine on both IndiGo and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMI Airport) in Mumbai. The fines, amounting to Rs 1.2 crore for IndiGo and Rs 60 lakh for CSMI Airport, were imposed following an incident that caught public attention through social media. A video showing passengers eating on the tarmac at the Mumbai Airport had gone viral, sparking widespread concern over safety protocols at the airport.

In Ayodhya, amidst a whirlwind of controversy surrounding the completion of the iconic Ram Temple, the chairman of the Ram Mandir Construction Committee, Nripendra Mishra, has come forward with clarifications. The center of this debate is the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, a sacred rite marking the consecration of a deity, scheduled amidst allegations that the temple construction remains unfinished. Mishra addressed these concerns directly, affirming the temple's readiness for this significant event.

Capt Kanika Bhardwaj's journey began on the 12th of July, 1988, in the bustling city of New Delhi. Her early life was a blend of traditional expectations and unorthodox upbringing. Raised in a society often characterized by distinct gender roles, her parents chose to bring her up with a unique approach. As she puts it, "Born as a daughter-brought up as a son," this statement encapsulates the blend of strength and independence instilled in her from a young age. This upbringing shaped Kanika into a "happy-go-lucky child with a no-nonsense attitude," a blend of joyfulness and determination that would define her path ahead.

In a recent address on January 15th, a prominent religious figure in Ayodhya, Shashikant Das Maharaj, who holds the esteemed position of President of Saryu Maha Aarti, brought clarity to a growing controversy. He spoke about the upcoming Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Mandir, which has been a topic of debate. Shashikant Das Maharaj specifically referred to certain claims suggesting that this ceremony should not be held at the Ram Mandir because it is still under construction. He firmly stated that these claims are 'misleading'.

In a significant move that has captured the attention of both the entertainment and real estate industries, Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has made a notable investment in the holy town of Ayodhya. Just days before the much-anticipated Pran Pratishtha event at the historic Ram Mandir, Bachchan has reportedly purchased a substantial plot in a luxurious enclave known as The Sarayu.