Stay updated with the latest Other news, articles, and insights from trusted sources. Explore in-depth coverage and expert analysis on Other topics.
Thiruvananthapuram, June 28: Muslim groups in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram have raised strong objections after the state education department introduced Zumba dance in schools, stating that they can't accept girls and boys intermingling, dancing together, or wearing minimal clothing. The move, as part of its anti-drug campaign, aimed at helping students manage stress through physical activity, drew criticism for allegedly promoting indecent intermingling of boys and girls. The backlash began after TK Ashraf, a teacher and General Secretary of the Wisdom Islamic Organisation, posted on Facebook that he and his son would not participate in the programme. "Cannot accept this, and my son and I will not participate in this," Ashraf wrote in a brief but direct statement opposing the initiative. Soon after, Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama leader Nassar Faizy Koodathai also posted, calling the Zumba sessions inappropriate and a violation of students' rights. Zumba Dance Programme in Kerala Schools Faces Opposition from Muslim Groups. In a post on Facebook, Nasar Faizy Koodathai said, "The Kerala government has implemented Zumba dance in schools. Zumba is a method of dancing together while wearing minimal clothes. If the government has instructed even older children to do this, it is objectionable. Instead of improving the existing physical training, do not force vulgarity. This is also a violation of the personal freedom and fundamental rights of students whose moral sense does not allow them to express their anger and dance together." Kannur School Holiday: Educational Institutions, Including Anganwadis and Tuition Centres, To Remain Shut on June 16 As IMD Issues Red Alert for Kerala. The education department, on the other hand, defended its decision, saying the Zumba sessions were voluntary and were introduced under a statewide initiative to help students cope with academic pressure and discourage drug abuse. According to the official, the programme was designed to promote mental and physical well-being and was not mandatory for students.
New Delhi: In an open letter sharply condemning the detention and alleged expulsion to Bangladesh of a number of people declared foreigners by tribunals in Assam as a violation of their rights, a group of activists, lawyers and academics has urged the government to stop such expulsions and allow the return of those sent across the border. Dozens of those expelled to Bangladesh reportedly have appeals against their declaration as foreigners pending in the Supreme Court, the letter noted. "Pushbacks," said the letter using the term being used by the government for these expulsions, "fall on the ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Axiom-4 crew members, including Shubhanshu Shukla, were welcomed with hugs and drinks as they stepped into the International Space Station on Thursday. The newly launched spacecraft -- the fifth in the Dragon series and named Grace -- successfully completed a soft docking with the International Space Station at 4.01pm while orbiting above the North Atlantic Ocean."At 6:31 am EDT (4:01 IST) on Thursday, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docked to the International Space Station for the fourth private astronaut mission to the orbiting laboratory, Axiom Mission 4," the National Aeronautics ...Read More >
Rahul Gandhi criticized the RSS after its general secretary, Dattatreya Hosabale, suggested reviewing the terms "socialist" and "secular" in the Constitution's Preamble. Gandhi alleged the RSS prefers "Manusmriti" over the Constitution, aiming to deprive marginalized communities of their rights. He vowed to defend the Constitution against the RSS's alleged agenda.leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said the mask of the RSS has come off again as it wants "Manusmriti" and not the Constitution, after the ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 27 (ANI): Congress MP Manickam Tagore launched a scathing attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday following remarks by its General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, who questioned the legitimacy of including the terms 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. Reacting to Hosabale's statement that these terms were 'forcibly inserted' during the Emergency and should now be reconsidered, Tagore took to social media platform X to issue a strong rebuttal. Tagore shared a picture with text stating, 'RSS seeks the removal of terms ' ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 27 (PTI) Zumba dance, a high-energy fitness programme introduced in schools in Kerala by the General Education Department as part of its anti-drug campaign, is facing opposition from certain Muslim groups who argue that it goes against moral values. The programme was introduced in schools following a directive from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who stated that the dance -- which combines dance and aerobic movements performed to lively music -- would help reduce stress among schoolchildren and, in turn, counter the menace of drug abuse among young people. From this ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala's General Education Minister V Sivankutty on Saturday firmly defended the government's decision to introduce Zumba in schools, amid mounting opposition from several Muslim organisations. Calling the backlash an expression of "majoritarian communal tendencies," Sivankutty reaffirmed that Zumba would continue as a part of physical activity programmes in state-run schools. "When several states protested against the hijab, we took a progressive stand. But now, some organisations are promoting conservative views under the garb of cultural protection," Sivankutty remarked ...Read More >
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The museum police have arrested three caretakers of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for allegedly injuring a two-and-a-half-year-old child. The accused -- Ajitha, Maheswari, and Sindhu were taken into custody on Tuesday under the POCSO Act and relevant sections of the BNS. The incident reportedly happened when the child was hurt in the genital area as a punishment for urinating on the bed. The injury came to light when the child was being bathed. On noticing it, CWC General ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 12 (VOICE) The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered that no fresh suits would be registered under the Places of Worship Act in the country, and in the pending cases, no final or effective orders would be passed till further orders of the Apex Court. A Special Bench headed by CJI Sajiv Khanna asked the Union government to file within four weeks its reply to the clutch of petitions challenging the validity of the 1991 Act, which prohibits the filing of a lawsuit to reclaim a place of worship or seek a change in its character from what prevailed on August 15, 1947. The Bench, also c ...Read More >
New Delhi: As Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi compared the actions of the BJP-led government to the tale of Dronacharya and Eklavya, several religious criticised him and said the Congress leader was a 'Rashtra Virodhi' (anti-national) and 'Hindu Virodhi (anti-Hindu)'. Gandhi on Saturday claimed that the Modi-led government was "chopping the thumb of the youth of the country," drawing a parallel to the story where Dronacharya allegedly cut off Eklavya's thumb. The statement has drawn sharp criticism from several religious leaders, who are now calling for strict action and an ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram, May 27: Monsoon rains accompanied by gusty winds continue to lash Kerala, causing widespread damage across the state. Several incidents of trees being uprooted, house wall collapses, and electrical short circuits have been reported from different parts of the state. Since the onset of the monsoon last week on May 24, three casualties have been reported, prompting the state government to open a dozen relief camps in affected districts of the state. The most major disruption on Tuesday has been the delay in train services across Kerala after fallen trees blocked railway trac ...Read More >
Guwahati, Jun 5 (PTI) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said that the caste census will greatly benefit the indigenous Muslim community living in both the Brahmaputra and Barak Valley in the state. The Centre on Wednesday announced that India's 16th Census with caste enumeration will be carried out in 2027. The indigenous Muslim communities of Assam have been demanding for a long time, a caste-based census to assert their distinct socio-cultural identities, the chief minister said on the sidelines of the World Environment Day programme here. ''The proposed caste enumerati ...Read More >
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has charged five individuals, including goldy Brar, in relation to the 2024 Gurugram club bombing plot, as revealed in a recently filed chargesheet. This case involves a conspiracy to bomb two clubs, aiming to disrupt communal harmony in Haryana, with the banned terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) implicated. The NIA's investigation highlights the severity of the plot. Those charged include satinderjit Singh (Goldy Brar), Sachin Talian, Ankit, Bhavish, and Randeep Singh. News Directory 3 provides crucial updates on sensitive cases such ...Read More >
VISAKHAPATNAM: Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar inaugurated Andhra Pradesh's first Super ECBC (Energy Conservation Building Code) compliant building at Sagar Nagar in Visakhapatnam on Friday. Terming it a landmark in sustainable infrastructure, he emphasised the government's commitment to energy efficiency and green design in public facilities. The facility will serve as a national-level training hub for power sector staff. He urged power utilities to expedite 20 lakh rooftop solar connections, targeting 10,000 in each Assembly segment. He reaffirmed nine-hour uninterrupted power for agri ...Read More >
Hyderabad police recently busted a drug party in Madhapur, involving Tollywood choreographer Kanha Mahanthi and architect Priyanka Reddy. The raid at an OYO property led to the seizure of MDMA and other narcotics. Kanha, known for his work on the dance reality show Dhee, attended the party hosted by Priyanka, with drugs allegedly sourced from Bangalore. Other attendees included architect Shaki and stock trader Gangadhar. The authorities have launched an investigation to uncover the extent of the drug network. This incident highlights ongoing concerns over drug abuse in the Telugu film industry ...Read More >
Guwahati (Assam) [India], December 13 (ANI): AIUDF MLA and Party General Secretary Dr Rafiqul Islam responded to the Union Cabinet's approval of the 'One Nation, One Election' and labelled the bill "very difficult and almost impossible" to implement effectively, questioning its sustainability given the country's vast and diverse political landscape. The AIUDF MLA claimed that the BJP lacks the majority to pass the bill in Parliament and suggested it might be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). Also Read | Atul Subhash Suicide Case: Wife Nikita Singhania Absconds, Karnataka Pol ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 6 (PTI) The Kerala Government's decision to change Bakrid holiday triggered a political row in the state on Friday with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) accusing it of attempting to implement "communal agenda and fascism" in the state. Originally Friday (June 6) was marked as holiday for Bakrid. However, following the reports that the festival would be celebrated on Saturday across the state, on Thursday, the Kerala government announced that Saturday, June 7, will be a public holiday for Bakrid. As per the change, government also declared that June 6 (Friday) wou ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], June 7 (ANI): Kerala Governor, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, on Friday, greeted the Muslim brothers and sisters of Kerala on the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Ad'ha. "Eid-ul-Ad'ha glorifies the spirit of sacrifice and everlasting faith in the Almighty, inspire humanity to stay united through love, compassion and kind deeds that foster brotherhood and social harmony," the governor's X post read. Also Read | Indus Waters Treaty Suspension: Desperate Pakistan Wrote 4 Letters to India, Pleading Reinstatement of IWT, Say Sources. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi ...Read More >
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India] June 7 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy conveyed his greetings to the Muslim community on Bakrid (Eid al Adha), a festival celebrated as a symbol of sacrifice, an official statement said. The Chief Minister remembered that Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid al-Kabir in memory of one of the Islamic prophets, Ibrahim Assalam, who announced his readiness to sacrifice his son, obeying the orders of Almighty Allah. Also Read | Indus Waters Treaty Suspension: Desperate Pakistan Wrote 4 Letters to India, Pleading Reinstatement of IWT, Say Sources. ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy extended greetings to the Muslim fraternity on the occasion of Bakrid (Eid ul Azha) festival which is being celebrated as a symbol of sacrifice. The Chief Minister remembered that Muslims all over the world celebrate Bakrid in memory of one of the Islam prophets Ibrahim Assalam, who announced his readiness to sacrifice his son obeying the orders of Almighty Allah. Bakrid festival reflects the unwavering devotion and sacrifice of the prophets, CM Revanth Reddy said, adding that the festival also professes a great message to humanity that people should ...Read More >
New Delhi: Chief minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday said authorities cannot go against demolition orders issued by courts and stressed that displaced residents have been provided accommodation.Her words came in the wake of the recent Madrasi Camp demolition for which the opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has criticised her. AAP has targeted Gupta, and alleged that the displaced Madrasi Camp residents were provided homes in faraway Narela, and those lack basic amenities.Attending an event to mark the construction of a Jan Sewa camp at a slum cluster in the Haiderpur area, Gupta told reporters: "In t ...Read More >
Mumbai, June 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana joins names such as Kamal Haasan, Ariana Grande, and Jeremy Strong at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences this year. Ayushmann along with names such as Kamal Haasan Naomi Ackie, Gillian Anderson, Branford Marsalis, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Graham, Jodie Comer and Jason Momoa are among 534 individuals who were invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences on June 26. "We are thrilled to invite this esteemed class of artists, technologists, and professionals to join the Academy," said Ac ...Read More >
ISKCON Bangladesh has strongly condemned the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent Hindu leader, and spokesperson for the "Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatani Jagaran Jot" and also issued a list of demands to the Muhammad Yunus-led government for subsequent violence and attacks against Sanatanis in various regions of Bangladesh. The organisation has also issued a statement and called upon the government authorities to promote peaceful coexistence. ISKCON Bangladesh made note of the above points and more matters in a statement issued, regarding the current situation in Bangladesh and the arres ...Read More >
VIJAYAWADA: The State government on Friday accorded approvals to a slew of industries. Among those are Krishnapatnam Power Corporation Limited (KPCL), which is set to establish a 350 MW Solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Thamminapatnam and Mommidi villages of SPSR Nellore district with a Rs 1,225 crore investment, creating 575 jobs. Furthermore, the government also waived off a Rs 54 crore extension of time fee, contingent on project completion within two years as per the Andhra Pradesh Integrated Clean Energy Policy-2024. The government also allocated 22.80 acres at MPSEZ in N ...Read More >
Moradabad (Uttar Pradesh) [India], December 13 (ANI): Samajwadi Party (SP) leader ST Hasan on Friday said that the 'One Nation, One Election' rule was not possible in the country with the various cultures and laws present. "The One Nation, One Election rule is not possible in our country. Our country has a lot of different cultures and religious laws. There is a huge conspiracy behind it... Indirectly, only the centre will rule. They are trying to change the Constitution. They are talking about a common civil court, saying One Nation One Constitution... tomorrow you'll say One Nation One Cult ...Read More >
Kolkata: BJP on Saturday criticised urban development minister Firhad Hakim over a video where the Kolkata mayor is purportedly heard making a comment on minorities. Hakim had made the comment while addressing an educational conference recently. Hakim said BJP was using his quote out of context and he was only referring to the gulf between the educated and the uneducated. "As education spreads, the gulf will be bridged and there will be one identity," said Hakim. Saying that he would never play ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 18 (PTI) Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said the country will not tolerate Babasaheb Ambedkar's insult and demanded that Home Minister Amit Shah should apologise for his remarks in the Rajya Sabha. Several MPs of the INDIA bloc, including Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, staged a protest in Parliament premises demanding Shah's apology for his remarks which they claimed were an insult to B R Ambedkar. Sharing pictures from the protest, Gandhi said in a Facebook post in Hindi, "Baba Saheb is the architect of the Constitution, ...Read More >
Ahmedabad, Jun 6 (PTI) Gujarat Congress general secretary Rajesh Soni was arrested on Friday and charged under a tough section of the BNS for allegedly uploading "misleading" as well as "morale breaking" content on a social media platform related to 'Operation Sindoor', police said. After registration of an FIR on Thursday, the Cyber Crime Cell of the state CID arrested Soni in the wee hours over his controversial posts on the operation launched by Indian armed forces to destroy terror hubs in Pakistan and PoK, said Superintendent of Police (CID-Cyber Crime) Bharatsinh Tank. During the May 7 ...Read More >
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India] June 7 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy conveyed his greetings to the Muslim community on Bakrid (Eid al Adha), a festival celebrated as a symbol of sacrifice, an official statement said. The Chief Minister remembered that Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid al-Kabir in memory of one of the Islamic prophets, Ibrahim Assalam, who announced his readiness to sacrifice his son, obeying the orders of Almighty Allah. CM Revanth Reddy expressed that the festival conveys a powerful message to humanity: people should strive to lead joyful lives while ...Read More >
Silchar: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday visited the flood-ravaged districts of Hailakandi and Sribhumi in the Barak Valley. He assured affected residents of providing timely disbursement of rehabilitation grants and swift repair of damaged infrastructure.This marks Sarma's second visit to the flood-hit region within four days, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Speaking to the media in Sribhumi after inspecting multiple relief camps, the CM said, "Flood-related problems may persist till July. I will return before Durga Puja to ensure that roads and infrastructure ar ...Read More >
Srinagar: In Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, in a continued assault on religious freedom, the New Delhi-imposed administration barred Kashmiri Muslims from offering the Eid-ul-Adha prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid and Eidgah in Srinagar. According to Radio Pakistan, the ban was enforced by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha-led administration on the instructions of Indian Home Minister Amit Shah. This continues a repressive pattern, as Eid prayers have been barred at Jamia Masjid and Eidgah since 2019, the year the Modi government revoked the special status of IIOJK. This m ...Read More >