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Commissioner CV Anand Addresses Muthyalamma Temple Protest, Shares Videos to Counter Misleading Narratives

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Hyderabad, Oct 21, :- In a bid to clarify the circumstances surrounding the police lathi-charge during the recent protests at Muthyalamma Temple, Hyderabad Police Commissioner CV Anand urged the public not to believe misleading narratives circulating on social media. His statement comes in the wake of public outcry regarding police actions that resulted in injuries to several demonstrators.

Commissioner Anand released a series of videos on platform X, aiming to present an alternative perspective on the events that unfolded. While initial reports suggested that the police had unnecessarily escalated the situation, the videos depict a different scenario, showing protesters exhibiting aggressive behavior, including hurling footwear and attacking police personnel.

In one of the released videos, a group of demonstrators, some armed with sticks, can be seen aggressively advancing toward the police line. They are shown throwing footwear and furniture at officers, including women constables. The footage captures instances where footwear strikes an Inspector General (IG)-rank officer and several other police personnel in the head and face.

As the situation intensified and the unruly mob attempted to breach the police barricades to reach a place of worship, law enforcement officials found themselves with no alternative but to order a lathi-charge to disperse the crowd. The police stated that despite repeated warnings, the protesters did not comply with their instructions, necessitating the use of force to restore order.

The clash resulted in injuries to fifteen police officers who were on duty at the temple during the protest. Commissioner Anand emphasized the importance of refraining from spreading narratives that aim to demoralize the police force and mischaracterize their actions as unwarranted.

In his appeal, Anand reiterated the need for public understanding of the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining peace and order, especially in situations involving heightened tensions.

“Chandrababu Naidu Advocates for Population Growth, Urges Citizens to ‘Produce More Children in the Interest of the Nation'”

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Chandrababu Naidu Warns: “If More Children Are Not Born, the Future Will Only Have Elderly, with No Youth in Sight”

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has urged citizens in southern states to consider having more children, citing concerns over a declining birth rate and an ageing population. In a recent statement, Naidu expressed that the state government is planning to implement “population management” strategies, including potential legislation to incentivize families to have more children.

Naidu mentioned that the government is exploring the possibility of introducing a law that would make only those with more than two children eligible to contest local body elections. “We are considering reversing the existing policy. Previously, individuals with more than two children were barred from contesting local polls, but we have repealed that law. Now, we are contemplating new benefits for larger families,” he said.

Addressing the demographic challenges, Naidu explained that although India currently has a demographic advantage until 2047, southern states, including Andhra Pradesh, are beginning to experience signs of an ageing population. “Many nations like Japan, China, and some in Europe are grappling with a growing elderly population. This is becoming an issue in South India, exacerbated by the migration of younger individuals to other parts of the country or abroad,” he added.

Naidu highlighted the fertility rate in southern states, which has dropped to 1.6—below the national average of 2.1. “If this trend continues, we will face a significant increase in the elderly population by 2047, which is undesirable. In many villages, only elderly people remain as the younger generation has migrated to urban areas,” he said.

Reflecting on his previous stance advocating for population control, Naidu acknowledged the shift in thinking. “Earlier, we focused on conserving natural resources and believed that population growth would hinder development. While we succeeded in controlling population growth, it has led to new challenges.”

Naidu’s remarks have sparked discussions on the need to balance population management with the long-term social and economic impact of an ageing population.

Women Footballers Urge FIFA to End Saudi Aramco Partnership Over Human Rights Concerns

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino pictured alongside Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal and Manchester City Chairman Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak at the 2023 Club World Cup in Jeddah
(Photo Credit: Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Over 100 professional women’s football players, including several Matildas stars, have called on FIFA to sever its partnership with Saudi Arabian-owned oil conglomerate, Saudi Aramco. In an open letter, 106 players from 24 countries, including five Australians, urged FIFA to reconsider its alliance with the oil giant due to concerns over human rights violations and climate impact.

The letter, published on Monday, criticizes the sponsorship deal, describing it as a “middle finger to women’s football.” Prominent Australian signatories include Matildas players Aivi Luik and Alex Chidiac, along with Perth Glory’s Isobel Dalton, Canberra United’s Emma Ilijoski, and Nordsjaelland’s Winonah Heatley. The players argue that Saudi Arabia’s criminalization of same-sex relationships and its treatment of women contradicts the inclusive values of football.

Heatley, who has been with the Matildas since 2021, expressed frustration over Saudi Aramco’s role in exacerbating the climate crisis. “As players, we depend on stable climate conditions for our sport. This partnership with an oil company stands in direct opposition to that,” Heatley said. She further emphasized that allowing such partnerships would permit Saudi Arabia to distract from its poor human rights record, especially its treatment of women.

FIFA’s four-year partnership with Saudi Aramco, signed in April 2023, grants the oil company rights across multiple major tournaments, including the 2026 World Cup and the 2027 Women’s World Cup. However, the players’ letter highlights the growing success of women’s football globally, pointing to record attendance at events such as the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia. Despite this, the Aramco deal is seen as a significant setback.

The letter raises three key questions for FIFA:

  1. How can FIFA justify partnering with a company tied to human rights violations?
  2. How can FIFA defend this sponsorship, given Aramco’s role in the climate crisis?
  3. Will FIFA consider the players’ proposal for a review committee with player representation?

Canadian national team captain Jessie Fleming added that the letter aims to draw attention to gender inequality and environmental damage linked to Aramco. “By taking Aramco’s sponsorship, FIFA is prioritizing money over the safety of women and the planet,” Fleming said.

Saudi Arabia is expected to host the 2034 World Cup, further intensifying concerns. FIFA has defended its partnership, stating that sponsorship revenues are reinvested into the development of football, particularly the women’s game.

Watch: India and China Reach Agreement on Patrolling and Military Standoff Resolution

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India and China have reached an agreement on patrolling arrangements and the resolution of the military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), four-and-a-half years after tensions escalated. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced on Monday that the disengagement process is set to move forward, affecting the 50,000 to 60,000 troops stationed on both sides of the border.

Misri stated that diplomatic and military negotiators from both nations have been in constant communication through various forums. “Agreement has been reached on patrolling arrangements along the LAC in the India-China border areas, leading to disengagement and resolution of the issues that arose in 2020. The next steps will soon be initiated,” he said.

In September, China’s Defence Ministry acknowledged progress in reducing differences, citing “some consensus” on disengaging troops from critical friction points in Eastern Ladakh. Both nations agreed to maintain dialogue and reach an acceptable solution as soon as possible. The Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs, Li Jinsong, met with Indian Ambassador to China, Pradeep Kumar Rawat, during these discussions.

Sources suggest that Indian troops may soon regain access to key patrolling points along the LAC, which were previously blocked by Chinese forces or buffer zones created during disengagement negotiations. Currently, troops remain on high alert, although efforts are being made to avoid confrontations that could disrupt trust-building efforts or delay further redeployment.

Significant progress has been observed at key friction points, including Galwan Valley, Pangong Tso, and Gogra-Hot Springs, where buffer zones have been established. However, legacy issues in Depsang Plains and Demchok persist, with Indian troops still unable to access certain patrol points in these areas. Local commanders on both sides have been holding regular meetings to prevent clashes and build confidence along the border.

Watch // Three-Member Gang Strikes in Malkajgiri, Stealing Mobile Phones; 2024 Sees Surge in Similar Thefts

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Hyderabad: A three-member attention diversion gang struck again on Sunday, stealing mobile phones from at least five people in Malkajgiri. The incident, one of many reported this year, was caught on surveillance cameras installed near a local shop.

In one case, two offenders entered a shop where they distracted a customer by claiming a currency note had fallen. As the victim bent down to pick up the note, one of the offenders swiftly stole the mobile phone from the customer’s pocket. The thief then walked away quietly, while the second offender followed him. The duo fled on a motorcycle with a third accomplice waiting nearby.

Malkajgiri Police have registered cases and launched an investigation into the gang’s activities.

This year has seen a concerning rise in such thefts across Hyderabad. In March 2024, a similar gang stole phones from passersby in Ameerpet, using nearly identical tactics. On April 17, another group targeted individuals in Koti, making away with phones from four people. In July, a theft was reported in Kukatpally, with the culprits employing diversion techniques to snatch valuables.

Law enforcement agencies have stepped up their efforts to crack down on such gangs, but the incidents continue to plague Hyderabad’s citizens, particularly in busy marketplaces and public areas.

Three Vehicles in Haryana Governor Dattatreya’s Convoy Damaged in RGI Airport Collision

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Hyderabad: Three vehicles from the convoy of Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya were involved in a collision at Rajiv Gandhi International (RGI) Airport on Sunday, though no injuries or casualties were reported, according to police.

The incident occurred as the Governor’s convoy was en route to the airport from the city. As the convoy entered the airport premises, an SUV abruptly came in front of the pilot vehicle, forcing it to brake suddenly.

In a chain reaction, the following vehicles in the convoy were also forced to stop quickly, leading to two vehicles rear-ending the ones ahead of them.

As a result, three vehicles sustained damage in the crash. However, Governor Dattatreya was not harmed, and no occupants of the vehicles were injured.

The police have registered a case and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

All India Milli Council Strongly Condemns Desecration of Muthyalamma Temple, Demands Immediate Action to Preserve Communal Harmony

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Hyderabad, Oct 20 : The All India Milli Council (AIMC) Telangana has issued a forceful condemnation following the desecration of the Muthyalamma temple, an act they have termed as “deplorable” and a direct attempt to disturb the peace and communal harmony in the region. This statement was made during an urgent press release by the council, calling for prompt and decisive legal action against the individuals responsible for the attack.

Speaking on behalf of AIMC Telangana, Mufti Omar Abideen, General Secretary of the council, expressed deep concern over the escalating incidents of communal provocation in the state. “This act of desecration is not only an affront to a place of worship but also a blatant attempt to inflame tensions between communities. We urge the authorities to not only investigate the incident with full diligence but to ensure that those responsible face the maximum legal consequences,” Abideen stated.

He further highlighted the critical need for maintaining communal harmony during such sensitive times. “We cannot allow such acts to disrupt the peaceful coexistence that has been a hallmark of our diverse society. The authorities must act swiftly to reassure the public and demonstrate that any attempt to provoke unrest will be dealt with sternly,” he added.

Ongoing Violence in Jainoor Cited as an Alarming Concern

In addition to the temple desecration, AIMC Telangana also brought attention to the ongoing violence and unrest in Jainoor, Asifabad , where local residents have been enduring severe hardships. The council expressed concern over the continuous internet shutdown in the area, which has crippled daily life, leaving people disconnected from essential services and exacerbating the struggles faced by the community.

“Many families in the region have lost their livelihoods due to the violence, and the prolonged internet shutdown has only worsened their plight. Immediate steps must be taken to restore normalcy and provide relief to those affected,” AIMC’s statement emphasized.

Appeal to Telangana DGP for Swift Intervention

Mufti Omar Abideen, on behalf of AIMC Telangana, called upon the Director General of Police (DGP) of Telangana to prioritize the investigation of both the temple desecration and the violence in Jainoor. “The restoration of peace and communal harmony should be the utmost priority at this juncture. We request the authorities to crack down on individuals or groups that seek to divide communities through acts of violence and hate,” Abideen urged.

He also stressed the importance of curbing narratives that promote division and communalism, which threaten the state’s overall peace and stability. “It is imperative that communal tensions are not allowed to escalate further. The situation demands a proactive approach from law enforcement agencies to reassure citizens and restore confidence in the system,” the council’s statement concluded.

This latest incident, along with the ongoing unrest in rural parts of Telangana, has raised serious concerns among both political and community leaders about the potential for further disturbances. AIMC Telangana’s call for decisive action is being echoed by various social and religious groups who are urging the government to act swiftly to prevent such provocations from escalating.

Telangana Targets Trillion-Dollar Economy, CM Revanth Reddy Calls for Global Push

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Hyderabad, October 20 — Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced an ambitious goal of transforming the state into a trillion-dollar economy, with Hyderabad being developed into a $600 billion hub. Speaking at the Leadership Summit held at the Indian School of Business (ISB) on Sunday, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for global promotion of Telangana and called on ISB students to play a key role in this vision.

Addressing the gathering, Revanth Reddy appealed to the ISB students to actively engage with investors, businessmen, and people during their travels to promote Telangana and its capital city, Hyderabad, on the global stage. “You are the brand ambassadors of Hyderabad, Telangana, and New India. Our aim is to make Hyderabad not just compete with Indian cities, but with global metropolises like New York, London, Paris, Tokyo, and Seoul,” the Chief Minister said.

Revanth Reddy underscored the importance of international collaboration and the state government’s vision to position Hyderabad as a leading economic and innovation hub. He sought the support of ISB professionals and students in driving this global outreach.

The Chief Minister further encouraged ISB graduates and professionals to work with the Telangana government for two to three years. Though the state may not be able to offer large financial packages, he highlighted that it could provide significant opportunities and challenges that could help build a better future for the region.

The Leadership Summit at ISB served as a platform for Telangana’s government to outline its economic roadmap, as the state gears up to compete on an international level.

Revanth Reddy’s Honeymoon Period Over, Time for Agitation Against Failures: Harish Rao

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Karimnagar, October 20 — In a sharp attack on the newly formed Congress government in Telangana, senior BRS leader and Siddipet MLA, T. Harish Rao, declared that the “honeymoon period” for Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has ended. Speaking at the Alai-Balai program organized by former legislator Rasamai Balakishan in Thimmapur on Sunday, Rao urged the public and political parties to launch an agitation against the state government for failing to fulfill its promises.

Rao pointed out that Revanth Reddy had made lofty promises during the election campaign, often in the presence of Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi. However, he alleged that these promises had not been met. Harish Rao specifically mentioned that before the elections, Rahul Gandhi appealed to the youth in Telangana by visiting libraries and seeking votes from the unemployed. Now, under the Congress government, job aspirants are being subjected to police lathi charges, he said. Rao even challenged Revanth Reddy to visit any library without security.

Criticism of GO 29 and Welfare Schemes

Harish Rao also questioned why the Congress government had not abolished Government Order (GO) 29, which was hindering constitutional opportunities for the youth and job seekers. He further accused Revanth Reddy of undermining the Constitution, contrasting his actions with Rahul Gandhi, who has been championing constitutional rights across the country.

Rao also took aim at the Congress government’s financial priorities, questioning how it could plan to spend ₹1.5 lakh crore on the Musi beautification project while simultaneously claiming that there were no funds to implement welfare schemes and fulfill promises made to the public. “Revanth Reddy is spending extravagantly on Musi, while turning a blind eye to the poor and making personal threats against us,” Rao said, referring to himself and BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao.

Farmer’s Plight Under Revanth Reddy

On the issue of farmers, Harish Rao accused Revanth Reddy of betraying the agricultural community. During the election campaign, Reddy had promised to give ₹15,000 Rythu Bharosa (financial aid) per acre of land, but Harish Rao pointed out that even the ₹10,000 provided by the previous BRS government had been discontinued by the Congress administration. He highlighted that the KCR-led BRS government had never suspended Rythu Bandhu support, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, while Revanth Reddy had failed to deliver on his promises.

Calling Revanth Reddy an “anti-farmer” Chief Minister, Harish Rao urged the farming community to unite and launch a protest against the Congress government. He claimed that Reddy’s government would not provide the Rythu Bharosa funds during the Rabi season either, further alienating the farming community. Rao also criticized the CM’s backtracking on the promised ₹500 bonus for paddy farmers, adding that Reddy’s government had placed additional conditions on the distribution of the bonus, limiting it to paddy sold at government procurement centers.

Loan Waiver Failures

Harish Rao also touched on the controversial crop loan waiver issue, criticizing Revanth Reddy for not delivering on his election promise to waive farmers’ loans. He cited the lack of progress in Manakondur village, where not a single farmer had seen their loan waived. Before the assembly elections, Revanth Reddy had promised to waive loans by December 9, 2023. Later, he postponed it to August 15, coinciding with the parliament elections. Now, the government is promising to complete the loan waiver process by December 9, 2024, but only for three lakh farmers, Rao noted.

Call for Agitation

Rao made it clear that there would be no compromise on holding the Congress government accountable. “We will not bow to personal threats from Revanth Reddy,” he stated, urging the people of Telangana to rise up in agitation until all the promises made by the Congress party during their election campaign are fulfilled.

Mufti Salman Azhari Released After 8 Months, Supreme Court Quashes PSA Charges

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New Delhi, October 20 — In a major legal development, prominent Islamic scholar and preacher Mufti Mohammad Salman Azhari was released from jail on Saturday after the Supreme Court of India quashed the charges filed against him under the Public Safety Act (PSA). His release marks the end of an eight-month-long incarceration that had sparked considerable public attention.

The Supreme Court’s decision came after a detailed review of the case, where it found no substantial evidence linking Azhari’s speeches to any disruption of public order. The bench, consisting of Justices Vikram Nath and Prasanna B. Varale, criticized the Gujarat Police for failing to provide sufficient grounds to justify the preacher’s detention. The court stated, “Upon examining the records and available material, it is evident that the detention order cannot be upheld. There is no proof that the appellant’s speeches had any detrimental effect on public peace.”

The Gujarat High Court had earlier upheld Azhari’s detention, but the Supreme Court overturned this ruling, stressing that the police failed to show how his speeches posed any threat to public order. Azhari was accused of making an inflammatory speech during a religious gathering in Junagadh, which led to his arrest.

Timeline of Events

Azhari was arrested by a special team of the Gujarat Police on February 4, 2024, in Mumbai. The police accused him of inciting religious sentiments during a gathering in Junagadh on February 22, 2024. He was subsequently incarcerated at Vadodara Central Jail under the stringent PSA law, which allows for preventive detention in cases where public safety is perceived to be at risk.

The Legal Battle and Public Attention

The case drew considerable attention from various legal and human rights groups, many of whom argued that Azhari’s detention was politically motivated and an infringement on his right to free speech. His supporters organized protests and petitions, calling for his release, and emphasizing that his speeches were centered on religious teachings and were not aimed at inciting violence or unrest.

The court’s judgment comes as a significant relief to Azhari’s family and supporters. His brother, Mufti Zubair Misbahi, expressed gratitude for the court’s decision and confirmed that Azhari had safely returned to his hometown of Karnah, where he was warmly welcomed by his family and followers.

Azhari’s Response

In his first public statement after his release, Azhari thanked the judiciary for delivering justice and expressed relief at being reunited with his family. He reiterated that his speeches were focused on spiritual guidance and religious education, and that he had no intention of causing any social disturbance. He also emphasized his commitment to peace and harmony and urged his followers to maintain these principles in all walks of life.

Azhari stated, “This is not just a personal victory for me, but a win for justice and the right to free speech in India. I thank my legal team, my family, and all those who stood by me in this difficult time.”

Community Reaction

Leaders from various Islamic organizations and religious scholars hailed the court’s decision as a landmark ruling, reaffirming the importance of protecting civil liberties. Many expressed hope that this would set a precedent for similar cases where individuals are detained under preventive laws without solid evidence.

The release of Mufti Salman Azhari is expected to calm the unrest that had been brewing among his supporters and community members, who had been advocating for his release since the day of his arrest.

As of now, there is no official statement from the Gujarat Police regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling, but legal experts believe this case may prompt a review of how PSA laws are applied in the future.

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