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Indian Express
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
July 23, 1985, Forty Years Ago: Kanishka explosion
Doubts over the possibility of an explosion aboard the Kanishka flight are fast disappearing. Those who have heard the Shannon ATC tapes and the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) are now fairly certain there was an explosion on board the aircraft. In the Shannon ATC tape there is a four minute, three second silence after the captain's final talk with the ground station, punctuated only by beeps. Then suddenly, there is a prolonged rumble, followed by a series of lower rumbles, one loud rumble and a piercing human shriek that dies out suddenly. Rajiv-Longowal meet The Akali Dal (L) president, Harchand Singh Longowal, will meet PM Rajiv Gandhi in New Delhi. This will be the first contact between the Akali Dal leadership and the government since early 1984, when talks on the Punjab problem broke down. The meeting, which has come about at the Prime Minister's initiative, will be held in Parliament House. PM talks to Reagan Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi said that he told US President Ronald Reagan that India would be hard-pressed to counter the nuclear threat from Pakistan if that country persisted in its efforts to acquire a nuclear bomb. Although there were many points of divergence, Gandhi said he found Reagan to be 'very frank'. DDA flats inspection The Supreme Court appointed the chief engineer (quality control) of Delhi Development Authority as its commissioner to inspect the condition of the low-income group flats in KG 11, Vikaspuri, which were allegedly on the verge of crumbling down. In a petition, the KG 11 Residents Welfare Association said the condition of the flats, where over 400 families were living since 1982, was fast deteriorating.
India Today
21 hours ago
- Politics
- India Today
Taken At The Flood: Jagdeep Dhankhar's journey through India's political currents
Life moves like a restless river, always flowing and changing course. At times, it lifts us up to new heights; at other times, it draws us back. But, as Shakespeare wrote, there are moments in life—high tides—that, if seized, can carry us to great fortune. The story of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who resigned on Monday, is much like this river, full of ebb and At The FloodIn 1989, India's political landscape was turbulent, with the Congress facing unprecedented challenges from a united opposition. It was a Dickensian ode to the best of times for the non-Congress opposition and the worst for the Congress and then Prime Minister Rajiv young PM, who had caught the nation's fancy with his persona and vision, had suddenly lost his sheen. A penumbra of corruption, opportunism, and communalism had surrounded his early aura. Bofors, a Swedish gun, had become a household name, and the streets echoed with a nasty slogan: 'Gali, gali main shor hai, Rajiv Gandhi chor hai.' Another narrative was unfolding with the unravelling of Rajiv Gandhi—the rise of Hindutva, amplified by BJP's campaign for a Ram Temple in Ayodhya. As BJP leader LK Advani led a 'Rath Yatra' through the heart of India, leaving behind a legacy of Hindutva revivalism and a trail of blood, a strange alliance shaped Indian politics. It presented Jagdeep Dhankhar an opportunity to ride the high tide of Unlikely AllianceThe left is left, and the right is right, and the twain shall never meet. This axiom of politics turned on its head when the BJP, the Janata Dal—led by VP Singh—and the Left joined hands against Rajiv Gandhi in the 1989 elections. The alliance shredded the social tapestry the Congress had woven through clever caste and communal equations. In many places, it brought rival social groups together, creating a solid vote bank against the Congress. The impact of this coalition was felt most in states like Rajasthan, where feudal-era loyalties had created deep schisms between politically vocal castes like Jats and Rajputs. For the first time in Indian history, these arch-rivals united to uproot the 1989The desert town of Jhunjhunu, possibly named after a chieftain called Jhunjha, is the beating heart of Shekhawati, a region in Rajasthan known as the birthplace of some of India's biggest business tycoons. Born in a small village in Jhunjhunu, Dhankhar moved to Jaipur to practice law, where he became president of the High Court Bar Association. But his political destiny awaited him in politics is dominated by three groups—the numerically superior Jats, the politically united Muslims, and the socially powerful Rajputs, who once ruled as chieftains. The politics of Jhunjhunu was historically dominated by the Congress, which created a solid vote bloc of Jats, Muslims, and Dalits. In 1989, two leaders blasted away this bonhomie, giving Dhankhar a rare opportunity in Tau and The ThakuradvertisementAmong the Jats of Rajasthan, especially in the Shekhawati region, Chaudhary Devi Lal emerged as an unexpected star, even though his karma bhoomi was the adjoining state of Haryana. Revered as Tau by followers, Devi Lal shook Rajasthan's political landscape when he announced his candidature from Sikar, against Congress heavyweight and fellow Jat, Balram Lal's decision to contest from Sikar, which abuts Jhunjhunu, drew Jats to the opposition in the entire Shekhawati region. They combined with the Rajputs, led by BJP stalwart Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, and the lure of VP Singh, a Thakur, to form a formidable group that guaranteed opposition victory.A Pivotal Rally: The Turning PointIt was Tau Devi Lal's 75th birthday, an occasion turned into opposition's heft at Delhi's Boat Club. Dhankhar, a young lawyer with political ambition, organised a large gathering from Jhunjhunu to attend the birthday rally.A few days later, while his Sangram Colony house in Jaipur was dipped in the dark because of a power cut, light shone through. Devi Lal and Ajit Singh visited him, offering him the chance to contest from Jhunjhunu. Riding on the anger against PM Gandhi, thrust forward by the combined might of the Jat-Rajput coalition, Dhankhar swept the and FlowThe river of destiny shifted its course in November 1990. VP Singh, carried to power by high hopes and the surge of public will, formed the government. Dhankhar was inducted as a junior minister, ironically, on the recommendation of Bansi Lal, a Congress leader. In November 1989, VP Singh's government fell toppled by collapsing alliances. Chandra Shekhar, whose journey had long flowed against the mainstream, now found himself steering the that moment's confluence, another opportunity emerged when he was called to serve as Minister of State in the government. But, he refused to take oath, objecting to the inclusion of Rajasthan leaders Daulat Ram and Kalyan Singh as senior March 1991, Chandra Shekhar's government, always precarious, lost the support that had kept it standing. Faced with mounting political pressure and growing isolation, he resigned, bringing his brief time in office to an end. With the cabinet dissolved, Dhankhar's role in national politics faded as quickly as it had appeared. The attention shifted, new names emerged, and for Dhankhar, it was a return to relative obscurity, his moment on the central stage quietly passing into Out the LullThe gates of Parliament had closed, but ambition still stirred. Politics, though, seldom forgives or forgets. The Congress, regaining dominance through the 1990s, saw Dhankhar make a pragmatic shift—he joined its ranks, winning a state assembly seat in 1993. For a while, after his assembly win, Dhankhar's career he made a political blunder. In the caste-driven politics of Rajasthan, Dhankhar positioned himself as a Jat leader. Unfortunately for him, the reins of the Congress passed to Ashok Gehlot, who swiftly purged the party of Jat leaders. Denied the chance to contest for the Assembly by Gehlot, Dhankhar joined the NCP, and then the BJP ahead of the 2003 Assembly polls. Vasundhara Raje, his old friend and the new BJP satrap, refused to give Dhankhar a Rajya Sabha ticket, ending his dream of a return to national 15-year ExileHis political journey, once brimming with promise, was derailed by a mix of his own impatience, sudden changes in allegiance, and missteps, as well as the rise of regional leaders who viewed the shrewd lawyer with suspicion. Consequently, after brief spells in nearly every major political party within a decade, he found himself pushed to the sidelines, left to while away his has its own rhythm. At the beginning of the millennium, Dhankhar waited patiently for the tide to turn. Visitors to his farm on the outskirts of Jaipur were treated with the luxury of time and the coffee he blended himself, stirring it for hours with a political wilderness stretched for nearly 15 years. Dhankhar, however, remained more than a distant memory. He remained active in the legal world, earning renown as a sharp, argumentative advocate in the Supreme Court. In these years, he forged quiet but potent links with the RSS, lending his insights and tenacity to the background operations of the Sangh and BJP, even as he was denied a formal Angles of ReturnIn 2019, fortune turned. The BJP, seeking a seasoned and regionally credible leader, tapped Dhankhar as Governor of West Bengal—a surprise move that returned him to the center of political action. His legal acumen and deep understanding of political strategy became assets as he dealt with the fierce, often confrontational politics of Bengal, often sparring with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. His confrontational style was rewarded by the BJP with his election as Vice President in 2022. But another chapter was Health and Political ConcernsThis March, Dhankhar underwent a procedure for removal of blockages in the heart. But the problem of low blood pressure and fainting spells persisted. This, according to official sources, is the reason for his sudden the real reason is complex. Sources close to Dhankhar cite his continuous neglect by the BJP top brass, indicating a rapid souring of relationship. In his home state, Rajasthan, the Vice President felt slighted by the chief minister, Bhajan Lal, who would often ignore his trips, or requests. Sources close to him say he was being insulted on purpose–a clear message that his stock had fallen within the 20 was the birthday of his wife, Dr Sudesh Dhankhar. A feast was organised for the staff, with jalebis flown in from Jaipur. There was no sign of his impending resignation, though Dhankhar was aware that he had overstayed his welcome. Whispers in political circles suggest tensions with BJP leadership over his outspoken remarks on farmers and the judiciary, though no official confirmation a day later, on the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Dhankhar quit. 'He was simmering because the top brass had turned cold and aloof. Things had turned so bad that the party leadership would ignore even his salutations and greetings,' a family source of the SurvivorsDhankhar's journey is less a tale of permanent ascent and more one of resilience—the ability to wait, adapt, and seize opportunity when it arises. His recent resignation is simply the latest bend in a long, unpredictable course. Jagdeep Dhankhar has navigated the floods with remarkable tenacity. Will he catch another high tide, or is this the end of his political journey? Time will reveal its future ebb and flow.- Ends
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
CM urges Youth Cong to protect secular values
Mysuru: Chief minister on Friday urged Youth Congress members to protect socialist and secular values enshrined in the Constitution. Congratulating the new officebearers of Youth during the oath-taking ceremony at Indira Gandhi Congress Bhavan here, Siddaramaiah said Sangh Parivar is posing a danger to secularism and socialism of the country. " has been against social justice ever since its inception. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Youth of this country should stand united to defeat the conspiracy. Youth Congress workers should never compromise on their principles so they can survive and grow politically," he said. It is Congress which implemented the Mandal Commission report and provided reservations in education and employment, but the communalists and casteists opposed the report. Youth Congress workers should remember this anti-people history, he said. It is the Congress that provided reservation for women. Former PM Rajiv Gandhi brought a constitutional amendment to extend 35% women's reservation in local bodies, and AICC former chief Sonia Gandhi fought to increase it to 50%. This should be remembered, the CM said. Although RSS was started in 1925, its senior leaders K B Hedgewar and M S Golwalkar did not participate in India's freedom struggle. Young friends should know this, he said. The political wing of RSS, Jan Sangh, later became BJP. They talked loudly about patriotism, but stayed away from the freedom struggle. They never stood for the country, he claimed. "They never attempt to unite society. PM Modi talks about 'Sabka Saath', but among BJP's 240 MPs, not one is a minority," Siddaramaiah revealed. They never respect national leader B R Ambedkar. Ambedkar himself wrote a letter stating that RSS' Vinayak Damodar Savarkar defeated him in the election. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Youth should understand this, and Youth Congress members should educate them, he stated. Siddaramaiah suggested that the young members avoid factionalism and not follow one leader. Open debate on works Siddaramaiah on Friday challenged the opposition BJP to come for an open debate on a common platform with regard to developmental works. "Let BJP come for an open debate with us. Why is BJP not ready to accept this challenge? Because BJP has done nothing but making empty promises. Let its functionaries prove with evidence of their work. Has BJP done anything for Mysuru? Siddaramaiah asked. All development works in Mysuru, including the construction of Maharani's College, hospitals, and Jayadeva Hospital, were done by Congress. As the chief minister, I developed Mysuru under the Congress govt, he claimed. Earlier, Siddaramaiah said Sadana Samavesha is organised in Mysuru city on Saturday to tell citizens about what Congress has done during its tenure and to decimate BJP's claim that Congress hasn't done any development. Siddaramaiah questioned as to how the govt can spend Rs 2,600 crores for Mysuru city alone when BJP is claiming Congress has become bankrupt because of guarantee schemes.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Youth Congress should protect constitutional values, remain committed to ideology, says Karnataka CM
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed the Youth Congress office-bearers here on Friday, and described them as soldiers committed to protect the constitutional values of socialism and secularism. He was speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of Youth Congress functionaries and the 'Yuva Shakti Pratijne 2025' event. The Chief Minister said all those who did not compromise on Congress' ideology has succeeded politically and hence urged the Youth Congress members to remain wedded to the values of the Congress and stand with the party. 'Those who compromise, do not survive or grow politically,' he added. Mr. Siddaramaiah alleged that the Sangh Parivar was conspiring to obliterate secularism and socialism from the Constitution, and said that the BJP was opposed to the concepts of social justice since its inception. 'I am confident that the youth of the State and the country will stand firm and lead the fight to defeat this conspiracy of the BJP and the Sangh Parivar,' he said. Describing the BJP as a party whose ideology was not compatible with the Indian society, the Chief Minister said that it follows a view that divides the society, while the JD(S) was not only devoid of any ideology, but had presence in only small pockets. Mr. Siddaramaiah said that it was the Congress that implemented the Mandal Commission report, and it provided reservations in education and employment while the 'Manuvadis' opposed it. He further said that it was the Congress that provided women's reservation, and while Rajiv Gandhi brought a constitutional amendment to provide 35% reservation for women, Sonia Gandhi fought hard to raise this to 50%. Speaking about India's freedom struggle, Mr. Siddaramaiah said that the Congress spearheaded the movement, while the right wing forces represented by RSS and others, joined hands with the British. ''Though RSS was formed in 1925, neither Hedgewar nor Guruji (Golwalkar) took part in the freedom movement. Youth Congress members must remember this aspect of history. The political outfit of the RSS was Jan Sangh, later renamed as the BJP. These people talk aggressively about patriotism, but stayed away from the freedom struggle. They never stood for the nation,' he added. The Chief Minsiter referred to the speeches of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the concept of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas. 'But the reality is that the BJP has never tried to take Indian society forward together. The party has 240 Members of Parliament but not a single one is from the minority communities. They never respect B.R. Ambedkar, nor honour the Constitution he gave us,' Mr. Siddaramaiah added. He said that Congress was the only party truly committed to the spirit and values of the Constitution, and urged the Youth Congress members to highlight the role of Savarkar in the defeat of Ambedkar in the 1952 elections.
News18
6 days ago
- Science
- News18
GK Quiz: 20 General Knowledge Questions For Competitive Exams
Last Updated: GK takes less time than other sections since it doesn't call for computations or logical thinking. Here are some GK questions that could prove to useful while appearing for exams. In competitive exams such as the UPSC, SBI Bank PO, and other government tests, the General Knowledge (GK) section is sometimes seen as making all the difference. GK takes less time than other sections since it doesn't call for computations or logical thinking. Here are some GK questions that could prove to useful while appearing for exams. Answer: It is about 80 million years old and is considered to be the oldest desert in the world. 2: How much sunflower oil did India import from Argentina in the year 2023? Answer: India imported about 5.35 lakh tonnes of sunflower oil from Argentina in the year 2023, worth an estimated US$566 million. 3: In which city of India was the G20 Summit 2023 organised? Answer: New Delhi 4: Who started 'Navodaya Vidyalaya'? Answer: Rajiv Gandhi 5: In medieval India, the term 'Amir-i-Chahalgani' referred to whom? 6: Who among the following established the 'Mahila Seva Mandal' and 'Native Female School' in Pune? Answer: January 10 8: What is the name of the weak zone of the earth's crust? Answer: Seismic 9: In 2019, which popular singer was awarded the Bharat Ratna award? Answer: Bhupen Hazarika 10: What is the full form of DRDL? 11: Who is known as Father of Indian Constitution? 12: Who is the father of Indian missile technology? 13: What is the name of the first Indian woman who wins the Man Booker Prize? Answer: Arundhati Roy 14: What was the first national animal? Answer: Till 1972, the national animal of India was the lion, but in 1973 the Indian government changed it and declared the tiger as the national animal. 15: What is the chemical symbol of gold? 16: Who was the first Indian to pass the ICS exam? 17: In which year was the Indian Constituent Assembly formed? Answer: 1946 18: Which is the longest river in India? Answer: Ganga 19: Cauvery water dispute is between which states? Answer: Tamil Nadu and Karnataka 20: When was the Paris Agreement on Climate Change signed? Answer: 2015 view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
