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Yearender 2021: When hate uncovered its face

Instead of protecting victims of such incidents, the perpetrators not only enjoy immunity from the law, but also the administration in BJP-ruled states punishes victims. The use of false cases and arrests under draconian laws like UAPA are the preferred weapons.

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Yearender 2021

By Mohammad Javed Rasheedi

2021 is about to melt into 2022 in less than 48 hours. Majoritarian politics continued to hold its way over the country this year. But this year, it was not just Muslims but also Christians who felt the heat of Hindutva attacks across India as right-wing Hindu groups waged a culture war against them. Several churches have been attacked and statues of Jesus broken, the latest being in Ambala’s Army Cantonment, the scene of many a Rudyard Kipling work.

December saw targeted hate speeches against minorities. The one at Haridwar saw many participants vow to even take up weapons to redeem their faith by killing non-Hindus. The Hindu right-wing has waged war against Christians accusing them of religious conversion through their missionary work and Muslims for Love Jihad, an Islamophobic trope singling out Muslim men for falling in love with Hindu women and then converting them into Islam. However, such allegations targeting minorities have become a cornerstone of Hindu right-wing nationalism.

The Association for the Protection of Civil Rights, United Against Hate, and United Christian Forum jointly released a fact-finding report highlighting the series of attacks on churches and hate speech against Christians across India. According to the report, India has recorded more than 300 attacks on Christians and worship places within the first nine months of 2021.

Of the 305 incidents, 66 took place in Uttar Pradesh, 47 in Chhattisgarh and at least 32 in Karnataka.

While another report of the United Christian Forum had claimed that India reported more than 400 incidents of violence against Christians across the country. Among those, the incident involved storming churches, burning Christian literature, attacking schools and assaulting worshipers.

However, it is shocking that only 30 FIRs have been registered so far in these cases. On many occasions, restrictions were imposed on people to carry out religious ceremonies.

First on the list of attacks is the one on October 3, where a mob of 250-300 persons barged into a Roorkee church in Uttarakhand and attacked people, destroyed CCTV cameras, and vandalized church premises. Many reports said there were only 12 inside the church for prayers when the attack took place.

Apart from this, the attacks on churches were also reported from BJP-ruled states Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. And these attacks have taken place over allegations of religious conversion. Christians prayers meetings have also been stopped by the same Hindu mob who had stopped Jumma namaz in the so-called Millennium City, Gurugram. The city also saw an attack on a school’s Christmas celebration.

In the last week of 2021, the bank accounts of Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity were frozen over FCRA claims, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted about the heartlessness behind the move affecting the charity of the outfit.

Some 22,000 patients and employees have been left without food and medicines, the West Bengal Chief Minister had tweeted.

The Missionaries of Charity was founded in 1950 by the late Mother Teresa, a Catholic nun from Macedonia, who moved to India and took care of the destitute and the poor and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her work.

Hate speeches have been curtailed by some norms, keeping them among friends and family. The last week of 2021 saw more public hate speeches in the country. The controversial Dharam Sansad organized in Haridwar, other such events in Delhi and Chattisgarh saw where priests and leaders taking an oath to kill Muslims, and even urged Hindus to arm themselves against the Muslims to make India a Hindu Rashtra.

With next year’s assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur due shortly, the increase in such hate is an attempt at reviving polarisation.

The violence in Tripura, where VHP hoodlums attacked Muslims and vandalized some of their mosques and Friday prayers disruptions at designated places at Gurugram were also the prime example of rising hate against Muslims.

Anti-Hindu violence in parts of Bangladesh triggered violence in Tripura. The communal riots erupted on October 26 after a rally organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad to protest against the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh turned violent.

The VHP and the Hindu Jagran Manch organized rallies in different parts of the state to protest against the violence in Bangladesh. Later, the VHP and other right-wing groups denied any role in the violence.

The anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh, which erupted during the Durga Puja festival, was triggered by rumours that the Quran had been insulted in one of the pavilions set up for the celebrations. Seven people were killed, several temples desecrated, and hundreds of houses and business establishments of the Hindu minority were torched.

However, many Muslim groups alleged political conspiracy claiming that the minorities were being targeted in the north eastern state. There were many arrests and some journalists covering the riots in Tripura were also detained. Those who tweeted in favour of Tripura’s Muslims also found themselves being served notices by the state police.

The Uttar Pradesh government had faced severe criticism from the opposition over the killings of Kasganj youth Altaaf in mysterious circumstance. He had been arrested on suspicion of eloping with a Hindu woman. Again, the smoldering love jihad theory. The law and order in Uttar Pradesh, which had earlier won so much praise from PM Modi and other BJP leaders, has been roundly criticized by opposition parties in Uttar Pradesh.

The family of the deceased had alleged that he was tortured by police in the lockup, which led to his death. Police claimed the accused killed himself using the drawstring of his jacket’s hood when he went to the lockup washroom.

Apart from mob lynching, Muslim street vendors in Ahmedabad and some parts of Madhya Pradesh and other parts of the country have been threatened and disallowed from pursuing their livelihood. In Ahmedabad, the Hujarat High Court stepped in to tell off the civic authority to desist from such measures. In Assam, poor peasant families cultivating land for decades were brutally evicted only because they belonged to the Muslim minority. The point-blank shooting of Moinal Haque by police personnel caught on video and the subsequent death dance by a photographer with the remains indeed were a mirror for the crumbling facade of secular India, now overtaken by an aggressive mindless herd mentality spewing hate and violence.

Read Also: Masik Shivratri 2022: Know date, shubh muhurat, puja vidhi, significance   

An empty desolate car park outside Sector 37 police station in Gurugram where Muslims had performed Friday prayers for more than a decade turned into a battleground of faith. Hindu right-wing groups staged protests, sloganeered during Friday prayers and held a Govardhan puja at the namaz site just to deny namaz here.

Instead of protecting victims of such incidents, the perpetrators not only enjoy immunity from the law, but also the administration in BJP-ruled states punishes victims. The use of false cases and arrests under draconian laws like UAPA are the preferred weapons.

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India News

PM Modi says India managed Hormuz crisis with minimal impact on citizens through energy diversification

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India successfully navigated the Hormuz crisis by expanding energy imports, reducing the burden of rising fuel prices on citizens and strengthening the country’s refining capacity while inaugurating Rajasthan’s first integrated refinery.

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July 4, 2026

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PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India successfully managed one of the world’s most challenging energy crises by expanding its energy sourcing, strengthening diplomatic partnerships and shielding citizens from the impact of rising global fuel prices.

Addressing a public gathering after inaugurating the country’s first greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex in Pachpadra, Rajasthan’s Balotra district, the Prime Minister said India adopted proactive measures during the recent Middle East crisis that helped maintain energy security despite global uncertainties.

According to PM Modi, India significantly diversified its energy imports as tensions disrupted global fuel markets.

“When the crisis began, India was importing energy from around 25 to 26 countries. During the crisis, we expanded imports to more than 40 countries,” he said, crediting India’s diplomatic outreach for ensuring uninterrupted supplies.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the financial measures taken by the government to cushion consumers from soaring international crude oil prices. He said public sector oil companies absorbed losses exceeding Rs. 75,000 crore between April and June while the Centre reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs. 10 per litre to prevent a steep rise in fuel prices for consumers.

PM Modi added that despite attempts by some groups to spread rumours and create panic during the crisis, the government’s efforts ensured stability.

He said those who expected India to struggle during the crisis had been proven wrong as the country successfully overcame the challenge.

India strengthening refining capacity

Speaking about India’s energy infrastructure, the Prime Minister said the country has become the world’s fourth-largest refining hub and continues to expand its refining capabilities to meet future energy demand.

He also said the government’s long-term planning helped India deal with disruptions in fuel and fertiliser supplies triggered by the conflict involving Iran and the US-Israel alliance.

Pachpadra refinery inaugurated in Rajasthan

During the visit, PM Modi inaugurated India’s first greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex at Pachpadra, marking Rajasthan’s first refinery project. He launched the facility by remotely activating the project after inspecting the refinery complex.

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for several development projects in the state.

Highlighting the government’s approach towards infrastructure development, PM Modi said the BJP governments focus not only on announcing projects but also on ensuring their timely completion.

He also remarked that work on the Pachpadra refinery had remained largely stalled during the Congress government’s tenure in Rajasthan between 2018 and 2023 before gaining momentum again.

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Entertainment

Aamir Khan set to wed Gauri Spratt on July 5

Actor Aamir Khan is reportedly preparing to marry longtime partner Gauri Spratt in a private ceremony on July 5. While the couple has not officially confirmed the wedding, reports suggest the celebration will be a low-key affair attended by close family and friends.

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14 hours ago

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July 4, 2026

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Actor Aamir Khan is readying to finally marry his longtime partner, Gauri Spratt, in a private ceremony on July 5. Unlike other high-profile Bollywood weddings, the couple is expected to celebrate the occasion with close family members and a handful of friends, choosing a simple gathering over a lavish event. 

The reported wedding has attracted widespread attention from fans and the film industry, with many taking to social media to congratulate the couple. While neither Aamir nor Gauri has shared extensive details about the ceremony, reports suggest the celebrations will remain intimate and focused on family.

The actor was first married to Reena Dutta, and they have two children together. In 2005, Aamir married filmmaker Kiran Rao. The couple announced their separation in 2021 but have continued to maintain a friendly relationship and jointly raise their son while working together on select projects.

Gauri Spratt has largely stayed away from the limelight. Despite growing public interest in their relationship, she has preferred to keep her personal life private. Reports indicate that Gauri and Aamir have known each other for several years before deciding to take the next step in their relationship.

Known for balancing a successful film career with a private personal life, Aamir Khan has often avoided discussing family matters in public. His reported decision to opt for a low-key wedding is in line with his long-standing preference for privacy. 

As news of the upcoming ceremony continues  to make headlines, fans are eagerly waiting for an official glimpse of the celebrations. Whether through a family photograph or a public statement, many hope to see the couple share the joyful occasion with their well-wishers.

With this wedding, Aamir Khan appears ready to embrace a new phase in his life while continuing to focus on both his personal happiness and his significant contribution to Indian cinema.  

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India News

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi becomes India’s youngest international debutant, surpasses Sachin Tendulkar

Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has become India’s youngest-ever international cricketer after making his debut in the second T20I against England at the age of 15 years and 99 days. The milestone sees him surpass Sachin Tendulkar and Shafali Verma in the Indian record books.

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14 hours ago

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July 4, 2026

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Vaibhav suryavanshi123

Indian cricket witnessed the beginning of a new era as teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made his senior international debut, becoming the youngest player ever to represent India in men’s or women’s cricket.

The left-handed batter received his maiden India cap ahead of the second T20I against England in Manchester. At 15 years and 99 days, Sooryavanshi broke a long-standing national record previously held by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who made his international debut at the age of 16 years and 205 days in 1989.

The milestone also saw Sooryavanshi overtake Shafali Verma, who had been India’s youngest international debutant overall after making her debut at 15 years and 239 days.

Historic moment for Indian cricket

The young opener’s debut had been eagerly anticipated ever since he was included in India’s squads for the Ireland and England T20I series.

Although he did not feature in the matches against Ireland, India initially continued with the experienced opening pair of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma for the opening T20I against England. Following Samson’s struggles with the bat, discussions around Sooryavanshi’s inclusion intensified.

The Indian team management eventually decided to hand the youngster his opportunity, with captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Gautam Gambhir backing the teenager for his first international appearance. The debut cap was presented to him by Tilak Verma before the Manchester encounter.

Youngest men’s debutants for India

Following his debut, Sooryavanshi now tops the list of India’s youngest men’s international debutants.

  • Vaibhav Sooryavanshi – 15 years, 99 days (vs England, July 4, 2026)
  • Sachin Tendulkar – 16 years, 205 days (vs Pakistan, November 15, 1989)
  • Piyush Chawla – 17 years, 75 days
  • Laxman Sivaramakrishnan – 17 years, 118 days
  • Parthiv Patel – 17 years, 152 days
  • Maninder Singh – 17 years, 193 days

While Sooryavanshi now holds the record for India’s youngest international debutant, Pakistan’s Hasan Raza remains the youngest men’s Test debutant globally at 14 years and 227 days. Romania’s Marian Gherasim continues to hold the record as the youngest international cricketer overall, having debuted in T20Is at 14 years and 16 days.

Shreyas Iyer backs the young opener

Speaking before the match, captain Shreyas Iyer expressed confidence in the youngster’s temperament and ability to perform at the highest level.

Iyer said Sooryavanshi had consistently impressed during training, adding that the teenager deserved his opportunity after displaying fearless batting and showing no signs of pressure despite his age.

IPL heroics paved the way

Sooryavanshi’s selection followed a remarkable IPL 2026 campaign for the Rajasthan Royals, where he emerged as the tournament’s highest run-scorer.

He accumulated 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.30, registering one century and five half-centuries while smashing 72 sixes. His performances earned him multiple individual honours, including the Orange Cap, Most Valuable Player, Emerging Player, Super Striker, and Super Sixes awards.

Strong performances across formats

The teenager has also impressed in domestic and age-group cricket.

During the recent tri-series involving Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A, he scored 211 runs in five innings, including a match-winning 94 in the final. He also recorded the fastest fifty in List A cricket by reaching the milestone in just 11 balls against Sri Lanka A.

His record in youth cricket has been equally impressive. Sooryavanshi finished as the leading run-scorer at the Under-19 World Cup with 439 runs in seven matches, helping India lift the title. He also set a tournament record by hitting 30 sixes.

Across youth ODIs, he has accumulated 1,412 runs at an average of 56.48, while his T20 numbers include 1,477 runs from 34 innings at a strike rate above 220.

In the IPL, the youngster has already crossed the 1,000-run mark in just 23 innings, underlining the promise that has made him one of India’s brightest emerging talents.

With his record-breaking debut now complete, Indian cricket fans will be hoping that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s international journey lives up to the enormous expectations surrounding one of the country’s most exciting young prospects.

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