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MP Government Denies Corruption Charges in Mahakal Lok Idol Collapse, blames gusty winds

The Madhya Pradesh government has refuted corruption allegations made by the Congress party concerning the collapse of idols installed in Ujjain’s Mahakal Lok corridor, attributing the incident to strong winds.

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MP Government Denies Corruption Charges in Mahakal Lok Idol Collapse, blames gusty winds
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Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh government has refuted corruption allegations made by the Congress party concerning the collapse of idols installed in Ujjain’s Mahakal Lok corridor, attributing the incident to strong winds. The government also clarified that the installation work order was issued during the Congress regime. Amid stormy weather on Sunday, six out of seven idols of the ‘Saptarishis’ (seven sages) installed along the Mahakal Lok corridor at the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain city fell off their pedestals.

The opposition Congress party claimed that the inferior quality of the installation was a result of corruption. However, Urban Administration Minister Bhupendra Singh dismissed these allegations during a press conference on Tuesday, stating that the incident was caused by gusty winds blowing at a speed of 55 kilometers per hour.

Minister Singh explained that the seven statues, each standing 11 feet tall and made of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP), were installed on a 10-feet platform, with a weight of around 300 kg each. While these heavy statues were damaged, other nearby idols remained intact, he clarified.

The minister further revealed that the work order for 100 FRP idols, amounting to a total cost of Rs 7.75 crore, had been issued during the Congress regime on March 7, 2019. The project has incurred expenses of approximately Rs 96.97 crore thus far. A document distributed during the press conference stated that the decision to install FRP idols was made during the Congress regime. The payment for the work was made on March 31, 2021, and the quality of the statues had been approved by a team of officials, according to Minister Singh.

K K Mishra, the spokesperson for the state Congress, questioned Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s silence regarding corruption complaints made by Congress MLA Mahesh Parmar, despite the case being registered by the Lokayukta. Mishra argued that if the Chief Minister takes credit for the development of Mahakal Lok, he should address these corruption allegations.

Congress legislator Sajjan Singh Verma, who served as the Public Works Department minister when the work orders were issued, alleged substandard construction during the BJP regime. Verma claimed that while the centuries-old temples remained intact, the newly installed idols were blown away.

In response, a Congress committee headed by Verma conducted an inspection of Mahakal Lok on Tuesday.

The controversy surrounding the collapse of idols in the Mahakal Lok corridor continues to be a subject of contention between the Madhya Pradesh government and the Congress party, with both sides presenting their arguments and perspectives on the matter.

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PM Modi Criticizes UN, Calls for Global Reforms on Lex Fridman Podcast

In a recent interview on the Lex Fridman Podcast, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed strong criticisms of the United Nations and similar international organizations, labeling them as “almost irrelevant” in addressing contemporary global challenges. During the extensive conversation, Modi highlighted the inadequacies of these institutions in effectively managing escalating global conflicts, such as ongoing […]

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PM Modi Criticizes UN, Calls for Global Reforms on Lex Fridman Podcast
PM Modi during a podcast of Lex Fridman, in New Delhi | Image Kind Courtesy (ANI)

In a recent interview on the Lex Fridman Podcast, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed strong criticisms of the United Nations and similar international organizations, labeling them as “almost irrelevant” in addressing contemporary global challenges.

During the extensive conversation, Modi highlighted the inadequacies of these institutions in effectively managing escalating global conflicts, such as ongoing wars in the Middle East and rising tensions between major powers like the United States and China.

Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, Modi pointed out how the crisis exposed the limitations of individual nations and underscored the necessity for global unity and cooperation. He emphasized that the pandemic revealed significant gaps in the current international framework, calling for comprehensive reforms to enhance the efficacy of global governance.

This interview marks Modi’s second appearance on a podcast, following his earlier participation in Zerodha founder Nikhil Kamath’s “People by WTF” series. The Prime Minister’s engagement with modern digital platforms reflects his administration’s efforts to connect with a broader audience and address pressing global issues through contemporary media channels.

The Lex Fridman Podcast, known for its in-depth discussions with prominent figures across various fields, provided a platform for Modi to share his perspectives on international relations, the role of global institutions, and the need for adaptive reforms to meet the demands of an evolving world order.

Modi’s candid remarks have sparked discussions worldwide, prompting debates on the relevance and effectiveness of international organizations in the face of current global challenges. His call for reform resonates with a growing sentiment that existing institutions must evolve to better serve the international community in addressing complex, interconnected issues.

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Maharashtra Leaders Call for Aurangzeb’s Tomb Removal Amid Legal Considerations

In recent developments, political figures in Maharashtra have advocated for the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb, situated in Khuldabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament, labeled Aurangzeb a “thief and looter,” urging authorities to demolish the tomb.

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Maharashtra Leaders Call for Aurangzeb’s Tomb Removal Amid Legal Considerations
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In recent developments, political figures in Maharashtra have advocated for the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb, situated in Khuldabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament, labeled Aurangzeb a “thief and looter,” urging authorities to demolish the tomb.

Maharashtra CM also in favor of Aurangzeb’s Tomb Removal

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis echoed this sentiment, expressing support for the tomb’s removal but emphasizing adherence to legal protocols. He noted that the site is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), a designation made during a previous Congress-led administration. Fadnavis stated, “We all also want the same thing, but you need to do it within the framework of the law, because it is a protected site.”

In response to these calls, Maharashtra police have heightened security measures around the tomb to prevent potential unrest. The site is now under increased surveillance, with visitors required to present identification and adhere to stricter protocols.

This controversy underscores ongoing debates about historical narratives and cultural heritage in India, reflecting the complexities of addressing historical figures’ legacies within contemporary society.

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Karnataka’s Largest Drug Haul: MDMA Worth ₹75 Crore Seized in Major Crackdown

In a significant breakthrough, Karnataka police have confiscated a record-breaking consignment of MDMA valued at approximately ₹75 crore. This marks the state’s largest-ever drug seizure, showcasing law enforcement’s commitment to curbing illegal narcotics activities. Details of the Seizure During a well-coordinated operation, authorities intercepted the massive drug shipment in Karnataka’s coastal region. The contraband, identified […]

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Karnataka’s Largest Drug Haul: MDMA Worth ₹75 Crore Seized in Major Crackdown
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In a significant breakthrough, Karnataka police have confiscated a record-breaking consignment of MDMA valued at approximately Rs.75 crore. This marks the state’s largest-ever drug seizure, showcasing law enforcement’s commitment to curbing illegal narcotics activities.

Details of the Seizure

During a well-coordinated operation, authorities intercepted the massive drug shipment in Karnataka’s coastal region. The contraband, identified as MDMA (commonly known as Ecstasy), was reportedly being smuggled into the state for distribution across major cities.

Investigation and Arrests

The police confirmed that multiple suspects have been arrested in connection with the bust. Investigators are working to uncover the broader network involved in the smuggling operation. Preliminary findings indicate that the seized drugs were intended to fuel illicit party scenes and underground markets.

Law Enforcement’s Vigilance

Authorities emphasized that this successful operation reflects their proactive approach to combat the rising threat of synthetic drug abuse. The police have intensified surveillance efforts in key regions identified as high-risk zones for drug trafficking.

Public Awareness and Safety

Officials urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Awareness campaigns are being planned to educate youth about the dangers of MDMA consumption and its harmful effects on mental and physical health.

Future Measures

Karnataka’s police department is strengthening collaborations with national and international agencies to prevent drug smuggling at its roots. This record seizure serves as a stern warning to organized crime groups involved in illicit activities.

This remarkable achievement highlights Karnataka’s unwavering stance in tackling drug abuse and ensuring public safety across the state.

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