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India Vigilantly Observing Atrocities Against Minorities in Pakistan: Jaishankar

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On Friday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed India’s deep concern over the ongoing atrocities against Hindus and other minority groups in Pakistan, highlighting that the government is actively addressing the matter on the international stage.

In response to a query regarding “crimes and atrocities against minorities in Pakistan” during a session in the Lok Sabha, he referenced ten incidents of mistreatment of minorities that occurred in Pakistan in February, including seven cases involving abduction and forced conversions.

“I empathize with the sentiments shared by the honorable member. The question encompasses two aspects: first, whether we monitor the crimes and atrocities against minorities in Pakistan, and second, what actions we are taking on the international front. To the first query, yes, we closely observe and track the treatment of minorities in Pakistan,” the minister stated.

He went on to provide details, stating, “In February alone, there were ten reported cases of atrocities against the Hindu community; seven involved abduction and forced conversion, two concerned abduction, and one involved police action against students celebrating Holi.”

Jaishankar also mentioned that there were three incidents related to the Sikh community and two instances concerning the Ahmadiyya community. He noted a significant case involving a Christian individual, who was charged with blasphemy after reportedly showing signs of mental instability.

Addressing the Sikh incidents, he elaborated, “There were three cases concerning the Sikh community. In one instance, a Sikh family was attacked, while another family faced threats due to the reopening of an old gurdwara. There was also a case involving the abduction and conversion of a girl from this community. Additionally, there were two cases related to the Ahmadiyya community; one involved a sealed mosque, while the other dealt with the desecration of 40 graves. Moreover, a Christian individual with mental health issues was accused of blasphemy.”

Jaishankar reiterated that India raises these concerns at international platforms, citing statements made by India’s representative at the UN Human Rights Council and the country’s Ambassador at the UN General Assembly.

“We monitor such incidents very closely and address them at the international level. For example, in February, our representative at the UN Human Rights Council remarked that Pakistan is a nation where, as he put it, ‘human rights abuses, the persecution of minorities, and the systematic erosion of democratic values are state policies.’ This country harbors individuals sanctioned by the UN and is ill-equipped to instruct others on governance,” Jaishankar emphasized.

He concluded with emphasis on Pakistan’s need to provide governance and justice for its citizens, noting that just weeks ago, India’s Ambassador at the UN General Assembly highlighted Pakistan’s known fanatical mindset and history of bigotry, further underlining India’s commitment to bringing these issues to light on an international scale.

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MoD Issues Warning About Fake WhatsApp Messages Requesting Donations for Indian Army Modernization

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The Ministry of Defence has issued a warning regarding a deceptive WhatsApp message that solicits donations for the modernization of the Indian Army. This message, which falsely implicates Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, includes a bank account for donations.

The fraudulent message claims that during a cabinet meeting, the Modi government decided to open a bank account for contributions towards the modernization of the Indian Army and for soldiers injured or martyred in conflict zones. It states, “Another great decision by the Modi government on superstar Akshay Kumar’s suggestion—just Rs 1 per day to support the Indian Army. Yesterday, the Modi government opened a bank account during a cabinet meeting for the Army and soldiers in war zones. Every Indian can donate any amount starting from Rs 1 to an unlimited sum. These funds will also be used to purchase weapons for the Army and paramilitary forces.”

Additionally, the message suggests that if 70% of India’s 1.3 billion population donates even one rupee daily, it would accumulate significant funds—transforming into 100 crores in a day, 3,000 crores in a month, and 36,000 crores in a year. It emphasizes that Pakistan’s annual defense budget doesn’t even reach Rs 36,000 crore and encourages citizens to contribute for the country’s ambition to become a superpower.

In response, the Ministry of Defence has clarified that the account details provided in the message are incorrect, resulting in failed online donations. “Individuals should be vigilant and avoid falling victim to such scams. The government has launched numerous welfare schemes for soldiers who are killed or disabled in active duty,” the statement asserted.

The Ministry highlighted the establishment of the ‘Armed Forces Battle Casualty Welfare Fund (AFBCWF)’ in 2020, which provides immediate financial assistance to the families of soldiers who lose their lives or suffer severe injuries during military operations. The Indian Army, under the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, manages the fund’s accounts. Contributions can be made directly to the Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund, with correct bank account details provided in the official announcement.

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Customs Officials Detain Passenger with 2 kg of Gold Bars at Delhi Airport

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Customs officials at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi have apprehended an Indian passenger attempting to smuggle two kilograms of gold bars valued at around Rs 1.91 crore, according to a statement from the Customs Department on Sunday.

The individual, a 40-year-old man from Jaipur, Rajasthan, was flagged by customs officers based on profiling measures. Following his arrival from Dubai on Friday, the necessary legal actions are being taken in accordance with Customs regulations.

The authorities intercepted him at the green channel exit.

Upon conducting an X-ray examination of his luggage, customs officials noticed suspicious images. Although the Door Frame Metal Detector (DFMD) did not signal any alerts for the passenger, a thorough inspection of his baggage led to the discovery of the gold bars.

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Telangana Appoints K. Ramakrishna Rao as New Chief Secretary

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K Ramakrishna Rao, currently the Special Chief Secretary (Finance), has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Telangana, set to take over after A Santhi Kumari retires on April 30. Rao, an IAS officer of the 1991 batch, brings extensive experience in state budget preparation.

In a recent reshuffle, several IAS officers were transferred, including Smitha Sabharwal, who served as the Secretary for Youth Advancement, Tourism, and Culture. She has been assigned to the Finance Commission just as the Miss World beauty pageant approaches, marking its first occurrence in the state.

Sabharwal reportedly faced backlash from the Chief Minister due to a Ghibli-style AI-generated image of bulldozers connected to the Kancha Gachibowli issue she shared on her ‘X’ account, leading to police summons. Jayesh Ranjan, formerly the industry secretary, has now taken over her position in the tourism department.

Jayesh Ranjan also steps into the Chief Minister’s office as CEO of the Industry and Investment Cell. Additionally, R V Karnan has been appointed as the GHMC Commissioner, previously known for conducting rigorous inspections and imposing fines on food establishments for hygiene violations.

M Dana Kishore, who was overseeing the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department, has been transferred to the Labour Department.

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