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A curfew has been imposed in multiple areas of Nagpur following violent protests over a call to relocate the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb from Maharashtra. The unrest began when supporters of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal gathered in Nagpur's Mahal area, burning a photo of Aurangzeb and a symbolic grave, which sparked rumors of sacred verses being desecrated. This led to clashes between protesters and police, resulting in injuries to four civilians and over a dozen officers, with 50 arrests made. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have appealed for calm and urged citizens not to believe in rumors. Opposition leaders criticized the state government for failing to maintain law and order, with calls for unity and harmony in Maharashtra amidst rising tensions. Heavy police presence remains in the area as officials work to restore peace. 
Published: Mar 18 2025, 9 ameznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his support for Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who began her return journey to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS) after spending over nine months in space. In a letter dated March 1, shared by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Modi inquired about her well-being and recalled discussions with former U.S. Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden about her achievements. He praised her "inspirational fortitude," emphasizing that 1.4 billion Indians take pride in her accomplishments. Williams and her colleague, Butch Wilmore, undocked from the ISS for a 17-hour return trip, after being stranded due to propulsion issues with their original spacecraft. Modi also conveyed warm regards to Williams' husband, Michael, and expressed anticipation for her visit to India post-return, highlighting the nation's prayers for her safe homecoming.
Published: Mar 18 2025, 3 pmeznews.inViolence erupted in Nagpur last night after a right-wing group, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), protested against the tomb of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, demanding its removal. Eyewitnesses reported that a mob vandalised houses and set vehicles ablaze, with residents claiming police response was delayed. BJP lawmaker Pravin Datke accused authorities of neglecting "Hindu citizens" during the unrest, which began around 7:30 PM at Chitnis Park. The situation escalated as protesters burned a photo of Aurangzeb, leading to tensions over alleged desecration. Residents described the attackers as masked and armed, targeting Hindu properties specifically. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis labelled the violence a "premeditated conspiracy," confirming that at least 33 police officers were injured and a curfew was imposed in parts of the city to prevent further clashes.
Published: Mar 18 2025, 3 pmeznews.inViolence erupted in Nagpur's Mahal area overnight, resulting in injuries to over a dozen individuals, with cars set ablaze amid tensions surrounding the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The modest red stone slab, measuring less than three yards, has become a focal point of controversy due to Aurangzeb's contentious legacy as a ruler accused of persecuting Hindus. His tomb, located in Khuldabad, reflects his wishes for simplicity, contrasting with the opulence of his predecessors' monuments. Recent remarks by Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi, who defended Aurangzeb's actions as politically motivated rather than religiously driven, ignited further outrage. Calls for the tomb's removal, led by BJP MP Udayanraje Bhosale, have intensified, prompting protests from Hindu nationalist groups. In response, security has been heightened at the tomb site, with visitor numbers declining amid fears surrounding its future.
Published: Mar 18 2025, 3 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi's recent address in Lok Sabha focused on the successful organization of the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, which attracted over 60 crore attendees, yet he did not acknowledge the tragic stampede that occurred on January 29, resulting in 30 deaths and numerous injuries. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticized this omission, expressing disappointment that the Prime Minister failed to pay tribute to the victims and highlighting the need for job opportunities for the youth involved in the event. Gandhi emphasized that the Opposition should have been allowed to voice their sentiments during the discussion. Modi praised the event as a demonstration of India's capabilities and national consciousness, stating it would serve as a historical milestone. The Kumbh, while celebrated for its grandeur, was marred by the stampede incidents, which also included a separate tragedy at New Delhi station, claiming 18 lives.
Published: Mar 18 2025, 2 pmeznews.inArmenia's Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan emphasized the importance of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and Chabahar Port during his recent lecture in New Delhi, highlighting Armenia's need for connectivity as a landlocked nation. The Chabahar port, crucial for accessing markets in India and beyond, has already benefited Afghanistan significantly, allowing India to deliver humanitarian aid while bypassing Pakistan. Despite US sanctions impacting the port, India remains committed, having invested $500 million and signed a 10-year operational contract. The port serves as a vital link for trade routes connecting India to Central Asia and Europe, countering China's influence through the Gwadar Port in Pakistan. With ongoing geopolitical tensions, including Iran's relationship with the US, the Chabahar port's development is seen as a strategic asset for India, necessitating continued advocacy for sanctions waivers to ensure its operational viability.
Published: Mar 18 2025, 1 pmeznews.inMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and opposition leaders exchanged sharp accusations following violent clashes in Nagpur, sparked by calls to relocate the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde described the unrest as a "premeditated conspiracy" targeting specific establishments, exacerbated by the release of the Hindi film '_Chhava_,' which depicts the conflict between Chhatrapati Shivaji's son and Aurangzeb’s forces. Fadnavis condemned the violence, noting that certain individuals had been specifically targeted, and emphasized that lawbreakers would be prosecuted regardless of their background. In contrast, opposition leaders, particularly from the Shiv Sena, accused the BJP of orchestrating the unrest to divide communities and distract from governance issues. Amid rising tensions, a curfew has been imposed in several areas of Nagpur, with calls for calm from local leaders, including Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
Published: Mar 18 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches on Tuesday at the Open Soros Foundation and various NGOs linked to it, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, as part of an ongoing Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) investigation. The searches targeted former employees of Amnesty, which ceased operations in India in December 2020 following a government crackdown on its funding. In 2022, Amnesty's India chief was fined for violating foreign exchange laws. The OSF has faced scrutiny from the ruling BJP, which claims that organizations funded by Soros produce "anti-India" narratives. This controversy intensified recently with allegations connecting Sonia Gandhi to Soros-funded initiatives, leading to political tensions and accusations of diversion from governmental issues. The Congress party has dismissed these claims as attempts to distract from the BJP's failures, particularly during a critical parliamentary session. The OSF has yet to respond to the ED's actions.
Published: Mar 18 2025, 1 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi commended the unity of Indian citizens for the successful Maha Kumbh, a month-long Hindu pilgrimage that attracted an estimated 660 million devotees, significantly surpassing the population of France. Speaking in the Lok Sabha during the Budget session, he expressed gratitude to the people of Uttar Pradesh and Prayagraj, where the event took place, highlighting the gathering as a demonstration of "unity in diversity" that reflects India's strength. Modi noted that the Maha Kumbh was a grassroots effort fueled by devotion and that it showcased India's grandeur to the world. However, his remarks were met with criticism from the Congress party for failing to address the tragic stampede incidents that resulted in at least 48 deaths during the event. The Maha Kumbh, held from January 13 to February 26, saw millions partake in ritual bathing at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
Published: Mar 18 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIn recent months, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has engaged in two extensive podcasts, totaling nearly five hours, covering a wide array of topics from his personal life and governance philosophy to sensitive issues like the 2002 Gujarat riots. His discussions with notable hosts, including Lex Fridman and Nikhil Kamath, reflect a strategic shift in his outreach, particularly appealing to younger audiences. Modi's use of podcasts highlights his adaptability to new communication technologies, utilizing AI for multilingual delivery and engaging directly with citizens through platforms like the NaMo app. His innovative approach to political engagement, exemplified by initiatives like "Chai pe Charcha" and appearances on popular media, has helped him cultivate a substantial support base. As he continues to evolve his communication strategies, Modi remains a pioneering figure in leveraging digital media to connect with the electorate, staying ahead of his political rivals.
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