Modi's new veshti strategy
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Hindustan Times
8 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
‘Only education can break chains of dictatorship, Sanatan': Kamal Haasan at Chennai event
Actor and Rajya Sabha member Kamal Haasan has said, 'Education is the only weapon that can break the chains of dictatorship and Sanatanam.' The Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) leader was speaking at an event organised by the Agaram Foundation in Chennai on Sunday, ANI reported. On July 25, Haasan officially stepped into the Parliament for the first time, taking oath as a Rajya Sabha Member. (PTI) His comments come when a former minister in Maharashtra, too, held Sanatan Dharma responsible for caste atrocities, and sought to differentiate between it and Hinduism. 'There was never any religion called Sanatan Dharma. We are followers of Hindu Dharma,' NCP-SP leader Jitendra Awhad said. Haasan, in his speech on Sunday, said, 'Don't take anything else in your hands, only education. We cannot win without it, because the majority can make you lose. Majority (of) fools will make you lose… That's why we must hold on to it (education) firmly.' Haasan further said the introduction of NEET in 2017 for medical education admissions has 'reduced' chances for many students. The MP also recounted a recent interaction with Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin, speaking about Agaram foundation work. "I told the chief minister that NGOs were not asking for anything like money — they're only asking for permission to work. He assured me that steps are being taken in that direction. I am proud to be involved in this cause," he said. Haasan concluded his address by stressing that the work of real leaders often goes unrecognised, despite the lasting impact they leave behind. 'Leadership isn't about staying in power, it's about making change happen, even if your name fades away with the waves.' Kamal Haasan's Parliament debut On July 25, Haasan officially stepped into the Parliament for the first time, taking oath as a Rajya Sabha Member. The actor took his oath in Tamil, which was met with enthusiastic desk-thumping from other MPs. Haasan's induction into the Rajya Sabha is a significant chapter in his political journey, marking his entry into national-level legislation. His nomination was supported by the ruling DMK-led alliance, which had promised him a seat in the Upper House in return for MNM's support during the 2024 general elections. Speaking to the media outside Parliament earlier that day, the 69-year-old actor-politician told reporters, "I am very proud and honoured," as reported by ANI. Prior to this, Haasan found himself at the centre of a controversy sparked during the 'Thug Life' movie audio launch event held in Chennai on May 24. During the event, he had reportedly remarked that 'Kannada was born out of Tamil". The statement triggered strong reactions in Karnataka, leading the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) to ban the film's release and seek an apology from Haasan. The actor issued a clarification, stating that he never meant to offend anyone and emphasised his admiration for the Kannada language and its people.
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Business Standard
8 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Corrupt, ineffective: Akhilesh Yadav slams BJP over flood situation in UP
Yadav listed several problems allegedly faced by the flood-affected people in the state, demanding a response from the Yogi Adityanath-led government ANI Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday sad that the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh was "corrupt and ineffective" alleging that it failed to provide relief to the people affected by the flood situation in the State. Yadav listed several problems allegedly faced by the flood-affected people in the state, demanding a response from the Yogi Adityanath-led government. Sharing an X post, the SP chief wrote, "If the BJP government in UP can organise grand 'super VVIP' rallies or gatherings, why is it not carrying out relief and rescue operations during the floods? The BJP government has proven to be corrupt and ineffective." Further, he alleged a shortage of food and drinking water, and a lack of sanitation and healthcare facilities. "Not only in Prayagraj but across UP, the situation is dire due to floods. There is an acute shortage of food and drinking water. Due to the lack of toilets, people are forced to live in indecent and inhumane conditions. Sick children, pregnant women, and the elderly are unable to access medicines or treatment. Healthcare services are completely stalled," he said. Listing the problems, he added that the belongings have been inundated and people have no clothes to wear, while the flood-affected people are living in fear of venomous creatures and electrocution. "The fear of rats and venomous creatures is preventing people from sleeping. Power outages and the fear of electrocution are additional concerns. People forced to live on upper floors are also afraid of their homes collapsing. People's household belongings have been submerged. People have no clothes to wear. The ones they have are soaked. People are unable to charge their mobile phones, leading to a breakdown in communication," the X post read. He wrote, "People are gripped by the fear of flood-related diseases. It is said that floods leave behind not just mud, garbage, debris, and stench but also diseases and epidemics. Those who depend on daily wages are unable to go to work. The poor and labourers are on the brink of starvation. Farmers' fields and lands have been inundated. Shops have suffered losses worth billions of rupees." He highlighted that people have lost their identity cards and essential documents. "People's identity cards, ration cards, land and property documents, bank passbooks, educational certificates, medical prescriptions, and other essential documents have either been destroyed by water or washed away. People's vehicles have been submerged," Akhilesh added. The Samajwadi Party MP alleged that the BJP is not listening to the plight of the people whose livelihood depends on the river. He wrote, "For communities living "by the river, with the help of boats," there is a severe crisis of livelihood, but no one from the BJP government or its allied parties is there to listen or understand their plight. Children's education is being disrupted. The last rites of those who have passed away cannot be performed." He accused BJP leaders of being absent amid the crisis in the state and demanded accountability over the problems mentioned by him. He said, "In these circumstances, the public is extremely angry because the administration is absent, and the government is busy taking photos in a race for self-promotion. In such a situation, our major demand from the BJP government is that it publishes detailed responses regarding the above points. How long will the public be forced to live in an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty? Amid claims of development and smart cities, the images of destruction are heart-wrenching. There will be peace only when the BJP is gone! The flood-affected say today, we don't want the BJP!" Uttar Pradesh is grappling with floods amid heavy rainfall in the state. Earlier today, in view of the prevailing inclement weather and consistent rainfall in several districts, District Magistrate Visakh G. Iyer announced that all government and private schools from Classes 1 to 12 will remain shut today in Lucknow. In Ayodhya's Jalwanpura locality, residents were seen wading through knee-deep floodwaters after the Saryu river overflowed due to persistent downpours, while several areas in Varanasi city in Uttar Pradesh were flooded following incessant heavy rainfall and a rise in the water level of the River Ganga. The water level of the river has been continuously rising since Saturday. Taking stock of the flood crisis, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had directed all ministers in charge to immediately visit their assigned districts, inspect relief camps, and directly engage with affected families. He instructed senior officials--including DMs, SPs, and CMOs--to stay on the ground and ensure 24x7 monitoring, said a press release on Saturday. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Time of India
8 minutes ago
- Time of India
China's rival Philippines eyeing more BrahMos as president Marcos visits India on five day trip
Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will visit New Delhi for five days. He will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Discussions will focus on defence, maritime security, and trade. Philippines may acquire more defence equipment from India. Both countries aim to boost trade relations. India is expanding defence outreach in Southeast Asia. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Defence and maritime cooperation high on agenda Regional tensions and growing partnerships Trade crosses $3 billion, more economic cooperation planned Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads India's expanding defence outreach in Southeast Asia President of the Philippines Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will arrive in New Delhi on Monday for a five-day State Visit to India. This will be his first visit to the country since assuming office. He will be accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and a high-level delegation comprising Cabinet Ministers, other dignitaries, senior officials, and business Marcos is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. Discussions are expected to focus on defence, maritime security, and trade cooperation. The President has shown interest in acquiring additional defence equipment from April, India delivered the second batch of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines, part of a $375 million agreement signed in 2022 for three BrahMos missile batteries. Philippine Air Force Chief Romeo Brawner said the country is exploring further purchases of Indian defence systems due to their "quality and affordability." Two more sets of the Indo-Russian BrahMos missile are expected to arrive over the next few Philippines continues to face maritime disputes with China in the South China Sea, referred to domestically as the West Philippine Sea. In response, it is strengthening its defence partnerships with India and Japan to promote stability in the trade between India and the Philippines has surpassed $3 billion. Both nations are seeking to enhance their trade relationship, including efforts to finalise a deal with the United States, which currently imposes tariffs of 25% on Indian goods and 19% on Philippine addition to the Philippines, two other ASEAN countries are reportedly in talks with India regarding the BrahMos missile. Indonesia is negotiating a potential $450 million deal, while Vietnam is considering a $625 million agreement. In 2022, India also supplied Vietnam with 12 high-speed guard boats under a $100 million line of credit, reflecting expanding defence cooperation.(With inputs from TOI)
