"Great pride for us": Union Minister Piyush Goyal on UNESCO honour for Shivaji's 12 forts
Goyal said Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj worked to bring 'swaraj' to the country, fought for the nation's unity and integrity, and promoted development and respect for every individual to the farthest reaches.
'This is a matter of great pride for all of us. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj worked to bring 'swaraj' to the country, fought for the nation's unity and integrity, and promoted development and respect for every individual to the farthest reaches. We are deeply proud that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's 12 forts (11 in Maharashtra and 1 in Tamil Nadu) have been granted World Heritage Site status. This reflects how his profound influence reached every corner and continues to inspire us all,' Goyal told mediapersons.
In a remarkable decision taken at the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee, India's official nomination for the 2024-25 cycle, 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India', got inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming India's 44th property to receive this recognition. This global accolade celebrates India's enduring cultural legacy, showcasing its diverse traditions of architectural brilliance, regional identity, and historical continuity, the Ministry of Culture said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, along with Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis, lauded the historic milestone and congratulated the people of India for this achievement.
The proposal was sent to the consideration of the World Heritage Committee in January 2024 and after a rigorous eighteen-month-long process involving several technical meetings with the advisory bodies and a visit of ICOMOS's mission to review the sites, this historic decision was taken by the members of the World Heritage Committee today evening at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris. (ANI)
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Hindustan Times
24 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Give 'martyr' status to Pahalgam attack victims: Shubham Dwivedi's wife
Kanpur: As the Lok Sabha debated 'Operation Sindoor' on Monday, Aishanya Dwivedi, the wife of Pahalgam terror attack victim Shubham Dwivedi, demanded 'Martyr' status for all 26 victims of the horrific incident. Ashanya Dwivedi, wife of Shubham Dwivedi, who was shot dead in the Pahalgam terror attack.(ANI file photo) She also accused political leaders of undermining the gravity of the April 22 attack this year and reminded them that "terrorists didn't ask for anyone's caste or political party -- they attacked Indians". "It's been three months since the attack (Pahalgam terror attack) and only now the matter is finally being addressed in Parliament," Aishanya told PTI. "I've spent the entire day hoping that something concrete will come out of today's discussions (in parliament) for the 26 martyrs, their families, and the widows left behind," she said. The Lok Sabha on Monday took up a special discussion on India's 'strong, successful and decisive Operation Sindoor in response to the terror attack in Pahalgam". "A tragedy of such magnitude, and it's through 'Operation Sindoor' that it's being acknowledged," she said, adding, "We're still fighting for recognition (martyr status)". She said the country must stand by the grieving families and support them. "I'm only 27 or 28 years old; I don't know what people expect to do or how they expect us to move on. But I know one thing: I am a daughter of this nation, and he was a son of this soil. If this country truly stands by its citizens, this is the time to show it," she said. She stressed that at a time like this, "all of us", regardless of background, should speak in one voice, as one nation. This is not a political issue, Aishanya Dwivedi said. "Terrorists didn't ask for anyone's caste or political party -- they attacked Indians," she told PTI, reacting sharply to remarks by senior Congress leader and former Home Minister P Chidambaram, who allegedly questioned the government's claim that the attackers were from Pakistan. "I fail to understand why some people -- XYZ or anyone -- are making such insensitive statements. Do they forget that they are Indians first? "This terrorist attack wasn't carried out after asking someone's political affiliation... It was an attack on Indians, on our own people, on Hindus living peacefully in this country," she said. "Making unnecessary comments, defending Pakistan, raising baseless questions, I honestly don't know where these people come from or what they're thinking. Do they even hear themselves? Maybe they're unaffected because this didn't happen to them. That's why they can talk so carelessly," she said. At the same time, she said, questions on how the country will fight terrorism should be addressed. "More than anything, I want answers. What are we doing to fight terrorism? What strategies are in place? What action will we take moving forward? These are the questions that matter most to me today." She said getting a 'Martyr' status for her slain husband, Shubham Dwivedi, and the 25 others killed in the terror ambush remains her priority. "Shubham didn't just die; he gave his life for the country. What more does it take to be called a martyr?" She says the families of the victims -- particularly the wives have received "no official assurance, no meaningful relief and no recognition". "What about the families they left behind? What is the government doing for the wives, for the children, for those of us who now have to live with this loss? "Life has changed forever. For 26 women, the word 'husband' no longer exists. We've lost more than a loved one; we've lost our support system, our future. But till now, not one step from the government makes us feel seen," she said. "I'm not saying the government isn't thinking. Maybe the central or the state government must be thinking and is waiting for the right moment. But even after three months, we haven't seen a single step that makes us feel that something meaningful has been done for us," she said. Aishanya appealed for national solidarity and rejected divisive narratives. "We must stand with the nation and fight against terrorism. Dividing opinions, questioning the Army doesn't make any sense. It only makes us weaker." Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said in the Lok Sabha that Operation Sindoor was "paused" as the armed forces had achieved the desired politico-military objectives and asserted that there was "no pressure" to end it. The entire operation was over in 22 minutes and the Pahalgam killings were "avenged". If Pakistan indulges in a fresh misadventure, it will resume again, the minister said in his opening remarks on the special debate on Pahalgam terror strikes and Operation Sindoor in the lower house.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
'We Are Hoping...': Omar Abdullah Wants J-K's Statehood Reinstated This Monsoon Session
Last Updated: Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah reiterated his demand for statehood reinstatement and praised the Indian Army for eliminating the mastermind of the Pahalgam terror attack. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday reiterated his demand for reinstating the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir saying the he hopes that union government would consider giving the statehood back to the union territory in the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament. 'We are hoping that we will get something in this session. If we don't get anything, then we will talk after that. I will not go on strike, at least for now, as long as the parliament session is going on…" he said as quoted by news agency ANI. He further commended the Indian Army after its Special Forces reportedly eliminated Hashim Musa, the mastermind behind the recent Pahalgam terror attack, during an intense encounter in the dense forests of Harwan near Dachigam under 'Operation Mahadev', saying that the killing of the terrorist is a 'good thing." '…From the day of the Pahalgam attack, whether it is the police, paramilitary, or the army, they are after them (terrorists). If even one of them is killed in an encounter today, it will be a good thing," #WATCH | On Operation Mahadev, Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah says, '…From the day of the Pahalgam attack, whether it is the police, paramilitary, or the army, they are after them (terrorists). If even one of them is killed in an encounter today, it will be a good thing.… — ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2025 Amid the ongoing debate on Operation Sindoor in the monsoon session of the Parliament, the National Conference leader urged for a more intense discussion on the the terror attack and India's retaliatory action against Pakistan over the ghastly attack. He emphasised that Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha took responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack. In an interview with the Times of India, LG Sinha had said the attack was undoubtedly the result of a security failure, and took responsibility for it. He had called the Pahalgam incident a Pakistan-sponsored terror attack which aimed to create a communal divide in India 'Discussion on Operation Sindoor is fine, but before that, it is necessary to discuss Pahalgam. Recently, LG sahab said that there was definitely negligence in this. Intelligence and security failure played a role in this, so that should also be discussed in the Parliament, that after all, if there was an intelligence failure, a security failure, then who was held responsible for it. There will be a discussion on Operation Sindoor after that," Abdullah added. Operation Mahadev Hashim Musa alias Suleman, the alleged mastermind of the Pahalgam terror attack, is believed to have been killed in the encounter. The identity of Hashim Musa and two other slain terrorists, however, is yet to be confirmed, top police sources said. The other two are believed to be Abu Hamza alias Harris and Yasir, both with alleged links to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), they said. Musa — a key operative linked to cross-border terror networks — and the two other terrorists are believed to have been neutralised during the army's 'Operation Mahadev' following weeks of coordinated intelligence efforts. Known as Suleman, he was also suspected to be behind several other terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir. Operation Sindoor In Parliament The Operation Sindoor debate began in Lok Sabha on Monday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh began the debate in Lok Sabha, explaining how, through Operation Sindoor, the Indian armed forces hit nine terror targets in Pakistan and PoK and killed over 100 terrorists. He also said that the Operation was stopped because India's objective was achieved and not under pressure. In one of the biggest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Lashkar-linked terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22, killing at least 26 people, including foreign tourists, and injuring many others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, claimed responsibility for the attack, although it later backtracked after massive global outrage. India responded with Operation Sindoor on May 7, bombing nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in pre-dawn strikes that killed at least 100 militants. The operation sparked four days of cross-border fighting involving fighter jets, missiles and artillery. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. 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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
36 dead, 2 lakh displaced: Why Thailand & Cambodia just called for a ceasefire after 5 days of border clashes
After five days of intense fighting along their disputed border, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an unconditional and immediate ceasefire. The announcement was made by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who hosted the mediation talks in Putrajaya on July 28. The clashes, which left at least 36 people dead and over 200,000 displaced, showcased the deadliest bout of violence between the two Southeast Asian neighbours in more than a decade. Both Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai were present at the talks, along with ambassadors from China and the US. The ceasefire agreement, effective from midnight on July 28, was reached following intervention from multiple regional and international players, including US President Donald Trump. Cambodia and Thailand agree an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire" with effect from midnight What triggered the recent border clashes? The fighting between Thailand and Cambodia broke out on July 24, escalating quickly with reports of heavy artillery and Thai airstrikes. While both sides accused each other of starting the conflict, tensions had already been rising since a Cambodian soldier was killed during a skirmish in late May. The two countries share an 817-km border, with several stretches. Disputes over ancient temples—especially the 11th-century Preah Vihear and Ta Moan Thom—have long strained relations. The International Court of Justice awarded Preah Vihear to Cambodia in 1962, but a fresh wave of tension erupted in 2008 when Cambodia sought to list it as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Skirmishes since then have led to deaths on both sides. Cambodia has denied Thai claims of targeting civilians, accusing Thailand of putting innocent lives at risk. On the other hand, Thailand has said Cambodia escalated the conflict, leading to the deaths of 13 Thai civilians and 8 Cambodians. A message to my international friends, both Thai and Cambodia agreed to cease fire unconditionally effecting 12:00AM tonight GMT +7. I will still be off to provinces at 03:00AM tonight to donate to affect families.#JusticeForCambodia #CambodiaWantsPeace Malaysia steps in, backed by US and China Malaysia offered to mediate once the border conflict intensified. The mediation effort was supported by both China and the US. Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim invited both Thai and Cambodian leaders to his official residence in Putrajaya. US President Donald Trump also played a crucial role, speaking to both leaders and warning that no trade deals would be signed unless the conflict ended. Hun Manet confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the meeting was held to reach a ceasefire, which had been 'initiated by US President Donald Trump' and agreed to by both governments. Malaysia, which currently chairs the ASEAN bloc, hosted the talks with an aim to restore stability in the region. Anwar told reporters that the leaders had 'expressed their positions and willingness' for a ceasefire, describing it as a 'vital first step' toward de-escalation and a return to peace. I just had a very good call with the Prime Minister of Cambodia, and informed him of my discussions with Thailand, and its Acting Prime Minister. Both Parties are looking for an immediate Ceasefire and Peace. They are also looking to get back to the 'Trading Table' with the… What happens next? Despite the ceasefire announcement, both Thailand and Cambodia reported clashes in some border areas even on the day of the agreement. Hun Manet described the outcome of the talks as 'a condition for moving forward for our bilateral discussion to return to normalcy of the relationship.' While Cambodia has asked the International Court of Justice to step in, Thailand continues to prefer a bilateral approach and has not recognised the court's jurisdiction. The fundamental disagreements over the historical boundary lines remain unresolved. The latest violence serves as a reminder of how quickly long-standing territorial disputes can spiral into deadly conflict. Whether this ceasefire holds depends on how sincerely both governments follow through with diplomatic talks in the days ahead.
