Archives for 2024

Lucknow: A local resident in Ambedkar Nagar had ambitious plans to soar to new heights in mechanics by transforming his car into what resembled a helicopter. However, his dreams were grounded by the intervention of local police, who not only confiscated the modified ‘Helicar’ but also imposed a fine on the owner.

Ishwar Deen, a resident of Khajuri Bazar, took the initiative to weld a helicopter rotor onto the roof of his old car, giving it the appearance of a chopper. Additionally, he attached the tail rotor of a helicopter to the car’s boot. Deen had invested Rs 2.5 lakh in the project and was prepared to paint the modified vehicle when he was halted by a traffic policeman.

The traffic officer issued Deen a fine for unauthorized modifications and confiscated the car, dubbed the “car copter,” and “Helicar’ until the fine was paid. Deen had envisioned using the unique vehicle as a mode of transport during special occasions like weddings to earn additional income for his family.

While Deen emphasized that the vehicle was intended for occasional use during weddings rather than regular transportation, the police cited safety concerns as the primary reason for confiscation. They confirmed that the vehicle had been modified without proper authorization under the Motor Vehicles Act.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Vishal Pandey explained, “Following the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, the police have been conducting regular vehicle checks. This vehicle was intercepted during one such inspection, and we are further investigating the matter.”

A video of Deen’s creation parked outside a police station in Ambedkar Nagar has since gone viral on social media, garnering attention for its unconventional appearance and the subsequent police intervention.

New Delhi: Renowned journalist Rajdeep Sardesai delivered a thought-provoking speech at the 21st edition of the India Today Conclave 2024 in New Delhi, addressing critical issues surrounding representation and inclusivity in Indian politics. Sardesai’s remarks centered on the concerning lack of Muslim representation in the country’s parliament and the implications of this trend for India’s diverse population.

During his address, Sardesai highlighted the slogan “Ab ki baar 400 paar, 350 paar,” which has become synonymous with the aspirations of BJP to secure a significant majority in parliament. However, he pointed out that despite these ambitions, the current government lacks a single Muslim Member of Parliament (MP). Moreover, Sardesai expressed concern that the projected outcome of 350 or 400 MPs from the ruling party might also exclude representation from the Muslim community, which constitutes approximately 13% of India’s population.

Drawing attention to the marginalization of Muslims in various spheres of society, Sardesai spoke candidly about the systematic invisibilization of the Muslim community. He cited examples from his own affluent neighborhood, where he observed a decline in the number of Muslim residents. Sardesai attributed this phenomenon to deep-rooted prejudices and stereotypes that have permeated Indian society, perpetuating a culture of exclusion and marginalization.

He said, “Just think about it. We are talking about ‘Ab ki baar 400 paar, 350 paar.’ This government at the moment in parliament doesn’t have a single Muslim MP. This 350 or 400 paar is also probably not going to have a single Muslim MP. 13% of your population in a way is being invisibilized. I don’t want to say it in this room also but I know in my own colony, which is an affluent and upmarket colony, how many Muslims live there today? There is a systematic invisibilizing of the Muslims.”

While acknowledging that he was not singling out any individual for blame, Sardesai emphasized the urgent need for introspection within the media fraternity. He challenged media professionals to reflect on their role in perpetuating stereotypes and contributing to the proliferation of hate politics targeting marginalized communities.

“I am not blaming an individual for it but this is the nature of it. An indoctrination has set in and I think since we are in a media conclave, we in the media should also look inside. How much have we done to spread these kinds of stereotypes, prejudice and the worst kind of hate politics that targets people because of the community they belong to? Nothing can be more dangerous for India in the future, the country with the third-largest Muslim population if the party in power with 400 MPs can not throw up a single Muslim MP or cannot actually actively promote a sense of genuine cooperation between communities. Don’t blame anyone and we in the media need to look inward.” He added.

The video clip of Sardesai’s speech quickly gained traction on social media platforms, with many users applauding his courage in addressing sensitive issues and advocating for greater inclusivity and representation in Indian politics. Several users also pointed out how the cameraman had done a commendable job by bringing Sudhir Chaudhary on screen while Sardesai was questioning the role media has played in spreading these kinds of stereotypes, prejudice and the worst kind of hate politics that targets people because of the community they belong to.

Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (BOSE) was forced to postpone the Class 12th annual examination on Wednesday after the candidates were mistakenly given question papers of Class 11th across the Union Territory (UT).

The BOSE will investigate the circumstances that led to such a mistake, officials said.

The Class 12th students were mistakenly given question papers of Physical Education meant for Class 11th due to packaging error, the officials said.

The BOSE subsequently decided to postpone today’s Class 12th examination across the UT.

The Physical Education paper has been cancelled, and a new date will be announced soon, the official said.

Thane: A 38-year-old woman doctor jumped off the Atal Setu sea bridge that connects south Mumbai with Navi Mumbai, police said on Wednesday.

The incident took place on Monday, police said, adding there has been no trace of her body so far.

The victim hailed from Bhiwandi in Thane district, said Rajendra Kote, senior inspector of the Nhava Sheva police station in Navi Mumbai.

Atal Setu, officially known as the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu and also referred to as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), was inaugurated in January this year.

“The woman was travelling in a taxi on March 18 afternoon. When the taxi reached the Atal Setu, she asked the driver to stop the vehicle there. She then stepped out and jumped off the bridge. The taxi driver immediately alerted the police, who rushed to the spot and launched an operation to trace her, However, she has not been found so far,” he said.

Meanwhile, on the same day, the personnel of the Bhoiwada police station in Bhiwandi division registered a missing person’s report based on her father’s complaint. They later recovered a suicide note from her residence, which stated that she had been extremely depressed since the last eight years and decided to end her life by jumping from the Atal Setu, he said.

The note also said that nobody should be held responsible for her death, not even the taxi driver who ferried her to the spot, the police official said.

The Nhava Sheva police along with their counterparts from Bhiwandi and other agencies are carrying out an operation to trace the woman, he added.