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Rahul Gandhi joins DMK’s protest against draft UGC regulations; Akhilesh Yadav slams Centre, says he doesn’t support NEP

Gandhi specifically highlighted the Tamil people’s unique history, language, and struggles, stating that the RSS’s efforts to impose its ideology were an insult not only to Tamil Nadu but to all states.

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Centre over the draft University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, accusing the BJP-led government of pushing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) agenda to impose “one history, one tradition, one language” on the country.

Speaking at a protest organised by the DMK in New Delhi against the draft UGC regulations, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, alleged that the RSS aims to eradicate the diverse histories, cultures, and traditions of India.

“The RSS’s starting point is the eradication of all other histories, cultures, and traditions. It attacks the Constitution because it wants to impose its idea of ‘one history, one tradition, one language’ on the country,” Gandhi said.

He criticized the draft regulations as an attempt to undermine the education systems of various states, calling it an insult to India’s federal structure. “Each state has its own traditions, history, and language. That is why the Constitution refers to India as a ‘Union of States.’ We must respect all languages, cultures, traditions, and histories to truly understand the essence of India,” he asserted.

Gandhi specifically highlighted the Tamil people’s unique history, language, and struggles, stating that the RSS’s efforts to impose its ideology were an insult not only to Tamil Nadu but to all states.

Yadav, the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, also lashed out at the BJP-RSS, accusing them of centralising power and undermining state governments. “They want to make politicians servants of industrialists. We can never support the New Education Policy (NEP). I stand with the students and oppose the BJP’s agenda,” Yadav said.

The Congress has vehemently opposed the draft UGC regulations, labelling them “draconian and anti-Constitution.” The party has demanded their immediate withdrawal, arguing that the justification for the regulations—compliance with the NEP, 2020—does not hold up to scrutiny.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh reiterated the party’s stance, emphasizing the importance of federalism and the quality of higher education. “The constitutional principle of federalism is sacrosanct. The NEP, 2020, does not override this principle, and the draft regulations must be rolled back immediately,” Ramesh said.

The opposition’s concerns were echoed at a State Higher Education Ministers’ Conclave hosted by the Karnataka government in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Ministers and representatives from Karnataka, Telangana, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, and Jharkhand—all opposition-ruled states—adopted a 15-point resolution condemning the UGC’s draft regulations.

The conclave discussed the implications of the draft regulations, which pertain to the appointment and promotion of teachers and academic staff in universities and colleges, as well as the grading of higher education institutions based on NEP implementation. Participants unanimously called for the withdrawal of the regulations, citing their potential to undermine state autonomy and the diversity of India’s education system.

The draft UGC regulations have sparked widespread criticism from opposition parties, educationists, and state governments, who view them as an attempt to centralize control over higher education and impose a homogenized vision of India’s cultural and educational landscape.

As the debate intensifies, the Centre faces mounting pressure to address these concerns and uphold the principles of federalism and diversity enshrined in the Constitution.

India News

Congress slams Maharashtra CM Fadnavis over Nagpur violence, says Mahayuti govt responsible for unrest as it raised Aurangzeb issue

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Fadnavis addressed the violence in the Maharashtra Assembly, stating that the protests were organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal.

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The Congress on Tuesday strongly criticised Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the recent communal clashes in Nagpur, which left over 30 people injured and prompted the imposition of a curfew in several areas. The violence erupted on Monday evening following tensions over a call to relocate the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb from Maharashtra.

Maharashtra Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal expressed shock over the unrest in Nagpur, a city known for its communal harmony. Speaking to PTI on Tuesday, Sapkal said, “Nagpur is a nearly 300-year-old city where such riots have never occurred. People here have always lived together peacefully. The fact that violence has broken out now is surprising and reflects the government’s failure. However, this is not the time for politics. The Congress appeals for peace.”

Sapkal also targeted Fadnavis, who holds the home portfolio, for the deteriorating law and order situation. “Nagpur is the CM’s hometown, and as Home Minister, he is responsible for maintaining peace. His ministers are provoking people by raising the Aurangzeb issue because they have failed on all other fronts. I urge them not to compromise law and order for political gains,” he added.

The clashes, which took place in the Mahal area of Nagpur, resulted in over 60 arrests and the torching of around 30 vehicles. In response to the violence, Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury submitted a suspension notice in the Rajya Sabha, calling for a discussion on the “complete breakdown of communal harmony and law and order” in Nagpur.

The notice stated, “This House should suspend zero hour and relevant rules relating to Question Hour and other scheduled business to deliberate on the complete breakdown of communal harmony and law and order in Nagpur, Maharashtra. In its 300 years of dynamic existence, Nagpur has never experienced riots.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also criticized the Mahayuti government, accusing it of diverting attention from pressing issues. “The government is instigating violence and creating instability to keep citizens distracted from the state’s financial crisis, rising debt, unemployment, and farmer suicides. Maharashtra is being strategically made unattractive for investment to benefit neighbouring states,” she alleged.

Chaturvedi further claimed, “Under Eknath Shinde’s leadership, businesses were driven to Gujarat at Maharashtra’s expense. Now, under the current CM, the state is being made unviable for investment, forcing businesses to move out. This is shameless.”

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Fadnavis addressed the violence in the Maharashtra Assembly, stating that the protests were organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal.

He alleged that rumours about religious items being burnt had fueled the clashes. “It appears to be a well-planned attack. No one has the right to take the law into their own hands. Attacks on the police will not be tolerated, and strict action will be taken,” Fadnavis assured.

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India News

Supreme Court extends interim protection to ex-IAS trainee Puja Khedkar in forgery case

The Supreme Court has extended interim protection from arrest for Puja Khedkar, accused of document forgery for UPSC eligibility, while directing Delhi Police to complete the investigation.

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Supreme Court extends relief to Puja Khedkar in UPSC forgery case

The Supreme Court on Tuesday extended the interim protection from arrest for former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) trainee Puja Khedkar, who is accused of forging documents to gain eligibility for the 2022 Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam.

A bench comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma directed the Delhi Police to expedite the investigation and set April 15 as the next date for hearing her anticipatory bail plea.

Delhi Police urged to accelerate probe

During the hearing, the bench questioned the delay in completing the investigation, despite Khedkar’s affidavit stating her willingness to cooperate. “You must track up this investigation steadfastly,” Justice Nagarathna told Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju, who represented Delhi Police.

ASG Raju argued that custodial interrogation was essential to probe a larger scam involving the submission of fake documents by UPSC candidates. He claimed that the investigation aimed to determine whether Khedkar’s case was an isolated incident or part of a broader fraudulent network.

However, the Supreme Court observed that revealing the source of the allegedly forged certificates does not necessarily require Khedkar’s custody.

Khedkar’s defense counters allegations

Khedkar’s counsel refuted the forgery claims, stating that she was diagnosed with a low-vision disability in 2018 and had since attempted the UPSC exam thrice under the disability quota. The bench responded by emphasizing the need for justification regarding her attempts.

Khedkar has challenged a Delhi High Court ruling that rejected her anticipatory bail plea. In January, the Supreme Court had granted her interim protection from arrest and directed her to cooperate with the investigation.

Forgery allegations and High Court’s stance

Khedkar is accused of fraudulently availing reservation benefits meant for Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities to clear the UPSC exam.

The Delhi High Court had earlier dismissed her anticipatory bail plea, making strong remarks about the case, calling it a “classic example of fraud, not only with a constitutional body but also with society and the nation.” It emphasized that custodial interrogation was necessary to uncover the extent of the conspiracy.

Additionally, the High Court pointed out that Khedkar’s parents held high-ranking positions, raising concerns about possible collusion with influential individuals.

Khedkar faces criminal charges filed by the Delhi Police, including accusations of cheating and unlawfully claiming quota benefits in the civil services examination.

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Cricket news

Rapper Hanumankind shares fan moment with Virat Kohli at RCB Unboxing event

Hanumankind met Virat Kohli at the RCB Unboxing event, calling him ‘GOAT.’ Kohli introduced Rajat Patidar as the new RCB captain.

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Hanumankind, Virat Kohli, RCB, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, IPL 2025, Rajat Patidar, RCB Unboxing event, Chinnaswamy Stadium, Indian hip-hop, cricket news

Rapper Hanumankind recently had a special moment as he met Virat Kohli at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Unboxing event at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The rapper, who has gained popularity with tracks like Big Dawgs, shared a picture with Kohli on Instagram, capturing the heartfelt moment.

In the post, Hanumankind expressed his admiration for the cricket legend, captioning the photo, “Met the GOAT today.” The image showed both the rapper and Kohli dressed in RCB jerseys, sharing a warm hug.

RCB’s Unboxing event and Kohli’s special request

The RCB Unboxing event took place on March 15, 2025, ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Kohli, along with the rest of the RCB squad, attended the event, engaging with fans and making an important announcement.

See Instagram Post here :

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHTn8-RTMok/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=62d8adbd-ae02-47b6-bfc1-3a1c23271a04

During the event, Kohli introduced Rajat Patidar as RCB’s new skipper, urging fans to support the young leader. He expressed confidence in Patidar’s leadership, encouraging fans to show their love and support as the franchise enters a new phase.

Hanumankind’s rising fame in the music industry

Rapper Sooraj Cherukat, widely recognized by his stage name Hanumankind, has been making waves in the Indian hip-hop scene. Some of his popular tracks include Namma Stories, Go To Sleep, Maadeva, Rush Hour, and DAMNSON. His meeting with Kohli added another memorable moment to his journey, as fans from both the cricket and music communities celebrated the interaction.

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