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India Gazette
08-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Crucial stage of improvement, development": China on relations with India
Beijing [China], July 8 (ANI): Yu Jing, spokesperson of Chinese Embassy in India on Tuesday said that relations with India are at a crucial stage of improvement and development, with both countries working to move bilateral relations forward on a sound and steady track. In a post on X, she said, 'The China-India relations are at a crucial stage of improvement and development. We stand ready to work with India to move bilateral relations forward on a sound and steady track.' This comes after China on Monday lodged a protest against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's greetings to the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday, warning New Delhi against interfering in its internal affairs. On July 6, Prime Minister Modi sent greetings to the Dalai Lama, while the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju attended the celebration on behalf of the Indian government. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday reiterated India's stance on uphelding the freedom of religion for all after Dalai Lama declared that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, a non-profit institution he established, has the sole authority to recognise his future reincarnation. 'We have seen reports relating to the statement made by the Dalai Lama about the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution. Government of India does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion. Government has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so,' MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. The Chinese Embassy in India also welcomed the ongoing peace talks between India and Pakistan, emphasizing China's commitment to regional stability. Yu stated that China has been closely monitoring the developments and actively promoting dialogue between the two nations. 'Over the past weeks and months, China has closely followed the developments between India and Pakistan, actively promoted talks for peace, and worked to maintain regional peace and stability. China welcomes and supports India and Pakistan in properly settling differences and seeking fundamental solutions through dialogue and consultation. China stands ready to continue playing a constructive role to this end,' she said, in a post on X. The recent Operation Sindoor marked a significant escalation in India's response to terror attacks emanating from Pakistan. Triggered by public outrage after the Pahalgam terror attack, this operation involved a series of airstrikes targeting nine terror facilities, including major centers of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Pakistan. Unlike previous actions such as the 2016 surgical strikes or the 2019 Balakot strike, Operation Sindoor targeted multiple locations, demonstrating India's enhanced capability for deep infiltration and precision strikes. India provided conclusive evidence of the operation's success, acknowledged by Pakistan, marking a shift in the narrative around such operations. These targets were symbolic, as they operated openly in Pakistan, defying international anti-terrorism norms. The operation was described by India as 'measured, non-escalatory, proportionate, and responsible,' with no Pakistani military installations targeted. (ANI)
News18
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
'He Belongs To Universe': Richard Gere Receives Dalai Lama's Blessings On His 90th Birthday
Last Updated: Richard Gere received blessings from the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday in Dharamshala. Celebrations included anthems, dancers, and Indian ministers. Hollywood actor and practising Buddhist Richard Gere received blessings from the Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, on his 90th birthday on Sunday. The actor was seen interacting with the Tibetan spiritual leader amid ongoing birthday celebrations in which Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh also participated. Speaking at the event, Gere said, 'Your Holiness, on behalf of all us as Westeners, there was something very sweet I saw at religious conference, the confirmation that his Holiness agreed to continue the institution of Dalai Lama. But many of the Lamas who spoke out, they were openly declaring, Dalai Lama doesn't belong to the Tibet anymore, he belongs to the world… He belongs to the universe." VIDEO | At the 90th birthday celebrations of Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, actor Richard Gere (@RichardGere66) says, 'Your Holiness, on behalf of all us as Westeners, there was something very sweet I saw at religious conference, the confirmation that his Holiness agreed to continue… — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 6, 2025 Richard Gere, who is famous for his iconic roles in various Hollywood movies, has time and again tried to bring the Tibetan cause to a global platform. Speaking about his Dharamshala trip, Gere earlier said, 'All of my friends are here to celebrate the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama. This monastery is very important to me and my friends. It is always a delight being here." Dharamshala Celebrates Dalai Lama's 90th Birthday Before starting the celebrations, the Tibetan and Indian national anthems were played at the Main Tibetan Temple, where his 90th birthday celebrations were held. Thousands of people had gathered in Dharamshala for the celebrations, and masked dancers were seen twirling to the sounds of gongs in traditional outfits. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also wished Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. 'I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline. His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life," wrote the prime minister. The Dalai Lama's 90th birthday comes days after he announced his succession plans and stated that only his office has the 'sole authority" to decide who will be his future reincarnation. 'No one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter," said the Dalai Lama in his recorded message. The statement contradicted China's long-standing position on the issue, and Beijing soon clarified that it holds the right to choose the next Dalai Lama based on old traditions from the time when China was ruled by emperors. First Published: July 06, 2025, 11:16 IST
The Hindu
05-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
H.K. Patil initiates various development works in Gadag district
Minister for Law, Justice, Human Rights, Parliamentary Affairs, Legislation and Tourism H.K. Patil on Saturday initiated development works at various places in Mallasamurdra of Gadag district. He performed bhoomi puja for the development of tank at Mallasamudra village for which a grant of ₹62 lakhs has been provided and called on the residents to make good use of the funds for development and extend necessary cooperation towards groundwater recharge. In the same village, the Minister performed bhoomi puja for construction of school building and library for Dr. A.P.J. Kalam Residential School. A grant of ₹7.33 crore has been provided for the project. Later he performed bhoomi puja for the laying of 1.6 km road which provided connectivity to the office of the District Armed Reserve Police from the State highway in Mallasamudra. RDPR Department has released a grant of ₹1 crore for the project and Mr. Patil has sanctioned ₹50 lakh from his local area development fund for the project. Speaking on the occasion, he said the 'Third Eye' project implemented in Gadag district had helped in increasing adherence to traffic rules and regulations by the motorists and had also brought down the number of accidents. The technology had also helped the police in cracking several cases, he said. On the occasion two vehicles one provided by the State Minerals Development Corporation and the other under local area development fund of MLC S.V. Sankanur, were symbolically handed over to the Police Department. People who parted with their land for facilitating construction of the road were also felicitated on the occasion. Chairman of Minerals Development Corporation and MLA G.S. Patil, MLC. S.V. Sankanur, Deputy Commissioner C.S. Sridhar, Superintendent of Police B.S. Nemagouda and others were present.
The Hindu
14-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Minister H.K. Patil reviews progress of various tourism projects in Kalaburagi
H.K. Patil, Minister for Law, Justice, Human Rights, Parliamentary Affairs, Legislation, and Tourism, conducted his department's progress review meeting on Saturday regarding various tourism projects identified under the 2020-25 Karnataka Tourism Policy. During the meeting held at the old Aiwan-e-Shahi guest house, Mr. Patil engaged with officials to assess the status of ongoing projects and sought updates on pending works. Anusuyya M. Huggar, deputy director of the Tourism Department, said that the concept report for ₹83.5 crore has been prepared for the development of Ganagapura in Afzalpur taluk and submitted to the government for approval. She stated that once funds are released, all essential infrastructure for tourism development would be provided. Additionally, a ₹100 lakh pilgrim accommodation project at Gattargi village is progressing. Officials also briefed the Minister on proposals submitted for the development of tourist destinations. Mr. Patil promised that he would work closely with relevant authorities to expedite the release of funds for tourism projects. He also highlighted that the 2024-25 Budget included plans for water adventure sports and tourism activities at Chandramapalli reservoir, which have recently commenced. The Minister added that several key tourist sites in Kalaburagi district were included under the 'Tourism Mitra' scheme, with 48 personnel appointed to assist visitors. Mr. Patil added that unemployed individuals would receive four to five months of skill development training, and ₹5 lakh financial assistance for mobile canteen operations under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) for Scheduled Castes and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) to Scheduled Tribes. Three new proposals have been submitted, including land allocations for tourism activities in Atanur in Afzalpur taluk (2 acres, 30 guntas) and Kesartagi in Kalaburagi taluk (3.5 acres). Officials informed the Minister that ₹1,359 crore has been sanctioned for tourism projects across six implementing agencies. Rajaram, assistant director of Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, said that the discussions were on in his department for heritage conservation efforts at Nagavi's 60 Pillar temple, Nandeshwara temple, Kari mosque, Sanjeevini Anjaneya temple, and archaeological exploration at Madhusudana temple. He added that a detailed project report was submitted for Kanaganahalli Information Centre in Chittapur taluk, with site inspections conducted by Dwijaa Associates and IDIC Bengaluru.
New Indian Express
27-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Meghwal, Khattar emerge as frontrunners for BJP national president
NEW DELHI: Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, along with fellow Union Ministers Manohar Lal Khattar, Bhupender Yadav, and Dharmendra Pradhan, as well as other potential candidates, including a woman, is emerging as a frontrunner for the BJP's top organisational position - the national president. Meghwal, a former civil servant from Rajasthan's Bikaner, was awarded the Best Parliamentarian in 2013. He currently serves as the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, and also holds the Ministry of Law and Justice portfolio in the current Modi cabinet. Considered one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trusted allies, Meghwal has strong ties to the RSS and significant support from the organisation. An added advantage is his background as a member of the Dalit community, having been elected three times as MP from the SC-reserved Lok Sabha constituency. Notably, Meghwal is regarded as one of the BJP's key floor managers during parliamentary sessions, particularly in handling challenges from the Opposition. He has also played a pivotal role in passing crucial legislations, including the abrogation of Article 370. After Meghwal, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar is being cited as the second most prominent contender, with a strong likelihood of emerging as the party's most formidable and consensus candidate to succeed incumbent JP Nadda. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, who previously served as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh with numerous achievements to his credit, is also being considered as a top contender, alongside Meghwal, Khattar, and others. Other names speculated for the party president's post include Bhupender Yadav, a strong OBC face from the Yadav community, which holds significant electoral influence in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, and Dharmendra Pradhan, both of whom are serving ministers in the Modi government. Sources within the party said on Sunday that preparations for the organisational elections are progressing quietly, with the candidate for national president expected to be announced by the first or second week of May. 'Required organisational formalities in many states have been completed and process for making a consensus on a suitable candidate from a shortlist of 6-7 names, including a woman, is expected to be made by May first and second week,' said a senior BJP leader. When asked by TNIE , a BJP source revealed that the woman leader being considered is Vanathi Srinivasan, an MLA from Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu and the national president of the BJP Women's Front. When asked about the name of the Andhra Pradesh BJP president being considered as a potential candidate, a senior BJP source said, 'She has not been with the BJP for the past 15 years and being in the party as a primary member for the last 15 years is required as a point in the election for the party president for a candidate.' Daggubati Purandeswari joined the BJP in 2014 from Congress and is currently heading the party as state president since 2023 after she joined the party. 'Therefore, her chances of being nominated as the party's consensus candidate are now seem not strong', remarked the sources, adding the names of Vinod Tawde and Arun Singh.
