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Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu owns responsibility for train mishaps, meets PM; PM says ‘Wait’

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In what was construed as his offer to resign, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, taking full moral responsibility for train mishaps, after two successive train derailments in the last four days.

Prabhu wrote on Twitter that he takes full moral responsibility for the accidents and has met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in this regard. Prabhu tweeted that the Prime Minister had asked him to wait.

Earlier today, Railway Board chairman AK Mittal also tendered his resignation. Air India CMD Ashwani Lohani has replaced him.

Prabhu sought to explain his performance as the Railway Minister in the past three years under the leadership of PM Modi in a series of tweets:

“In less than three years as Minister, I have devoted my blood and sweat for the betterment of the Railways.”

“Undr leadership of PM, tried 2 overcome decades of neglect thru systemic reforms in all areas leading 2 unprecedented investment& milestones.”

“New India envisioned by PM deserves a Rlys which is efficient and modern. I promise that is the path, on which Rlys is progressing now.”

“I am extremely pained by the unfortunate accidents, injuries to passengers and loss of precious lives. It has caused me deep anguish.”

“I met the Hon’ble Prime Minister @narendramodi taking full moral responsibility. Hon’ble PM has asked me to wait.”

On Saturday, the Kalinga Utkal Express, travelling from Puri to Haridwar, had derailed at Khatauli near Muzaffarnagar killing 22 people and injuring over 150 others. Fourteen bogies of the train had derailed allegedly due to repair and maintenance work being carried out on those tracks at the time.

The Government Railway Police began an investigation into the derailment with its personnel visiting the site and talking to locals about the accident.

On Sunday, the railway ministry sent on leave top officials including a member of the railway board for the Utkal Express derailment.

Stung by the accident and criticism of opposition parties, the ministry sent member (engineering) railway board Aditya Kumar Mittal, general manager (GM) Northern Railways RK Kulshrestha and divisional railway manager (DRM) RN Singh on leave till further orders.

Early Wednesday morning, in the second incident in four days, nine coaches of the Kaifiyat Express derailed near Auriaya leaving over 70 injured, four of them seriously. The Railway Ministry said in a statement today: “An unauthorised dumper broke the railway fence and hit the engine of Kaifiyat Express causing derailment. There are no casualties.”

According to railway officials in North Central Railway (NCR), the collision happened around 2.40 am between Pata and Achhalda railway stations. While eight coaches have been derailed, one coach overturned due to the massive impact of the collision. “An unauthorised dumper broke the railway fence and hit the engine of Kaifiyat Express causing derailment,” the Railway Ministry said in a statement.

As per a PTI report, at least 53 per cent of the 586 train accidents in the last five years were due to derailments with the Utkal Express derailment being the latest. Notwithstanding the railways’ attempts to upgrade the safety apparatus, many such accidents continue to occur. Over 20 people died and 97 were injured after 14 coaches of the Utkal Express derailed near Muzzafarnagar in western Uttar Pradesh on Saturday evening.

According to official figures, of a total of 586 rail accidents in the last five years, nearly 53 per cent were due to derailments. Since November 2014, there have been 20 rail accidents, many of them minor.

There have been over 20 rail accidents, including minor ones, since November 2014, when Suresh Prabhu took office. The total count of “consequential accidents” since 2014-15 stands at 346 accidents. In at least nine of these cases, casualties were reported.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1503487020728{border-top-width: 20px !important;border-bottom-width: 20px !important;background-color: #a2b1bf !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Some of the biggest rail accidents that took place during Prabhu’s tenure:

Anekal derailment

On February 13, 2015, around 7:30 am, nine bogies of the Bangalore-Ernakulam Intercity Express (Train No. 12677) derailed near Anekal on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The D9 compartment of the train crashed into D8 and the first four rows of seats were crushed. Passengers in D8 were either trapped or killed. 10 people were killed in the incident and around over 150 were injured.

Janata Express derailment

The Dehradun-Varanasi Janata Express derailed in Rae Bareli district on March 20, 2015 around 9 am, resulting in at least 58 deaths and over 150 deaths. An investigation later showed that brake failure was the cause behind the accident.

Kaushambi derailment

The 18109 Rourkela-Jammu Tawi Muri Express derailed in Kaushambi district of Uttar Pradesh on May 25, 2015. Eight of the train’s bogies were derailed, leading to five deaths and over 50 injuries.

Madhya Pradesh twin-train derailment

The Kamayani Express and Janata Express, both successively derailed near Harda in Madhya Pradesh on August 4, 2015. The combined passenger-count of both trains at the time was over 300. The Kamayani Express, which was on its way to Varanasi in UP, was the first to derail owing to flash floods in the area. Soon after, the Janata Express derailed near the same spot. The death toll was reported at 31 and over 100 people were injured.

Duronto Express

Nine coaches of the 12220 Secunderabad Junction–Mumbai Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Duronto Express derailed near Karnataka’s Kalburgi town on September 12, 2015, resulting in two deaths and seven injuries.

Kalka-Shimla derailment

A narrow-gauge train, the Shivalik Queen – a chartered train from Kalka to Shimla, derailed on September 12, 2015. The train was occupied by 36 British tourists and a tour guide. Two of the tourists died in the accident and 15 were injured.

Indore-Patna Express

One of the worst accidents under Prabhu’s tenure was the derailment of the Indore-Patna Express near Kanpur on November 20, 2016. This resulted in 150 deaths and over 150 injuries. The accident was attributed to several causes, including overcrowding and fracture in the railway line.

Hirakhand Express

Nine coaches and one diesel engine of the 18448 Jagdalpur–Bhubaneswar Hirakhand Express derailed in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh in January this year. A few of the train’s coaches even collided with a freight train on a parallel track. According to reports, many of the deaths were caused by a stampede as passengers tried to escape from the train. 41 people died and 68 were injured.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

India News

PM Modi extends wishes to Maharashtra and Gujarat on Statehood Day, highlights their rich legacies

PM Modi and Vice President Dhankhar extended warm wishes to Maharashtra and Gujarat on their state formation day, acknowledging their vital role in India’s development.

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On the occasion of the State Formation Day of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar conveyed heartfelt greetings to the citizens of the two states. The leaders lauded the states for their significant contributions to India’s development and for preserving their unique cultural heritage.

Maharashtra and Gujarat, both carved out of the former Bombay state in 1960, are now among the country’s most industrially advanced and prosperous regions.

Maharashtra praised for resilience and heritage

In a social media post, Prime Minister Modi reflected on Maharashtra’s enduring contribution to India’s progress. “Maharashtra has always played a vital role in India’s development,” he said. He added that the state’s glorious past and the bravery of its people are a source of pride and inspiration.

Modi described Maharashtra as a pillar of national progress that remains firmly rooted in its cultural traditions. “My best wishes for the state’s progress,” he added, affirming his hopes for continued growth and development.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also recognized Maharashtra’s legacy of social reform, cultural richness, and economic influence, calling it a symbol of national pride.

Gujarat hailed for innovation and enterprise

Extending greetings to his home state, Prime Minister Modi praised Gujarat’s dynamism and spirit of enterprise. He emphasized the state’s achievements across diverse sectors and its growing reputation for innovation. “The people of Gujarat have excelled in various fields. May the state keep attaining new heights of progress,” he noted.

The vice president echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Gujarat’s association with national icons like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He noted that the state’s tradition of leadership and resilience continues to shape the nation’s path forward.

As both Maharashtra and Gujarat observe their 64th Foundation Day, the leaders’ messages serve as a reminder of the states’ enduring impact on India’s political, social, and economic landscape.

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India News

Gold sales shine bright on Akshaya Tritiya despite soaring prices

Akshaya Tritiya 2025 saw a significant jump in gold and silver sales, with festive sentiment overpowering price concerns as India’s jewellery market adapts to changing consumer behaviour.

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Gold price

Gold and silver purchases witnessed a vibrant start across India on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, with festive enthusiasm overcoming the deterrent of high prices. The All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) has projected a 35% rise in value terms for gold sales compared to last year, even though prices are significantly higher.

Regional footfall and demand trends

Retail activity gained early momentum in southern states, as consumers flocked to jewellery stores in the first half of the day. In contrast, northern regions and Maharashtra are expected to see increased activity later, as extreme heat delayed consumer turnout during morning hours.

Gold prices hovered between ₹99,500 and ₹99,900 per 10 grams in various regions — a sharp 37.6% jump from the previous year’s Akshaya Tritiya rate of ₹72,300. Despite the surge, shoppers re-entered the market, reassured by recent price stabilization.

Changing buyer profiles and strategies

GJC Chairman Rajesh Rokde noted that the tradition of buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya, once dominant in the south, is now gaining traction nationwide. “Even younger consumers aged 25 to 40 are actively buying gold and silver,” he said, emphasizing a growing trend among millennial buyers.

Consumers are purchasing a mix of jewellery, coins, and bullion based on their budget and need. A significant portion of buyers are managing high prices through old gold exchanges — accounting for nearly 50% of all transactions, according to PNG Jewellers Chairman Saurabh Gadgil.

“Volume growth may be marginally down by 8–9%, but in value terms, we’re seeing an increase of 20–25%,” Gadgil explained, underlining the resilience of the jewellery market.

Market adapts with innovation

Studded jewellery is reportedly gaining popularity, especially in urban centers, while lab-grown diamonds are carving a niche among new-age buyers, according to industry executives from GSI India and Aukera.

The All India Jewellers and Goldsmith Federation estimated around 12 tonnes of gold sales, worth approximately ₹12,000 crore, and 400 tonnes of silver, valued at ₹4,000 crore — totalling a massive ₹16,000 crore in expected festive turnover.

Long-term demand remains robust

Despite frequent price hikes over the past three years, India’s gold appetite has remained steady. The country continues to import between 700 and 800 tonnes annually, underscoring its status as the world’s largest gold consumer.

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India News

Bangladesh High Court orders release of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das on bail

The prosecutor’s killing fueled demands to ban ISKCON, which clarified that Das had been expelled from the organization six months prior.

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In a significant development, a Bangladesh High Court bench, comprising Justices Atoar Rahman and Ali Reza, granted bail to Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, five months after his arrest on charges of disrespecting the national flag.

The court’s decision followed a final hearing on an earlier directive questioning why bail should not be granted, marking a turning point in a case that has stirred tensions and drawn international attention.

Das, a former ISKCON leader and spokesperson for the Sammilito Sanatani Jagaran Jote, a Hindu advocacy group, was detained on November 25, 2024, at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

The charges stemmed from an October 31, 2024, case filed at Chattogram’s Kotwali police station, accusing Das and 18 others of defaming Bangladesh’s national flag. A Chattogram court rejected his initial bail plea, sending him to jail, a decision that sparked widespread protests among his supporters in Dhaka and beyond.

In Chattogram, demonstrations turned deadly when assistant government prosecutor Saiful Islam Alif was killed hours after Das’ bail denial, escalating the controversy.

The case, unfolding less than three months after a student-led uprising toppled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, strained Bangladesh-India relations. Hasina’s flight to India and the subsequent interim government led by Muhammad Yunus intensified scrutiny.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs voiced concern on November 26, 2024, highlighting “multiple attacks on Hindus and minorities” in Bangladesh, including arson, looting, and temple desecration. “It’s unfortunate that a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful means faces charges while perpetrators of violence remain free,” the MEA stated, urging Bangladesh to protect its minority communities.

Das’ legal team, led by former Deputy Attorney General Apurba Kumar Bhattacharya and 11 Supreme Court lawyers, argued the flag disrespect charge was baseless, asserting the item in question was not a national flag.

“This case lacks legal grounding,” Bhattacharya told reporters in January. Earlier bail attempts, including a plea for an advanced hearing on December 11, 2024, were rebuffed, with the court sticking to a January 2, 2025, date. Associates claimed Das faced obstacles securing legal representation due to intimidation from a “politically motivated lawyers’ group.”

The prosecutor’s killing fueled demands to ban ISKCON, which clarified that Das had been expelled from the organization six months prior.

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