BJP MP Nishikant Dubey is under fire for his controversial comments on the Supreme Court during the Waqf Act hearing. A letter has been written to the Attorney General seeking consent to initiate contempt proceedings against the MP, calling his remarks "deeply derogatory and dangerously provocative." This comes as the apex court begins hearing petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the amended Waqf Act. The Act's provisions, such as the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf Boards and denotification of "waqf by user" properties, have sparked widespread controversy.
On Sunday, May 2nd, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of around 3,622 Hajj pilgrims from Srinagar International Airport to Saudi Arabia. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was also present at the airport and interacted with the pilgrims, wishing them a safe and fulfilling pilgrimage. This year, 11 flights will operate between May 4th and May 15th, facilitating the pilgrims' journey, who will be received by the Consulate General of India in Jeddah. This event was praised for its successful organization and the support of all stakeholders, as recognized by the Lieutenant Governor.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has notified all lead and coordinating Hajj agencies to submit visa applications for the remaining 10,000-plus pilgrims by Monday's 12:00 pm deadline. This urgent message comes from Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, stating that the Nusuk Masar Platform, the portal for visa applications, will close permanently after the deadline. Agencies have been warned that failure to submit applications through the platform will result in pilgrims being unable to perform Hajj this year. This year's Hajj is expected to take place on June 5, and so far, 22,203 pilgrims, including management staff, have reached Saudi Arabia.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of Jammu and Kashmir bids farewell to the first batch of Hajj pilgrims, personally ensuring their smooth departure from the Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar. The 178 pilgrims were sent off with well wishes for a safe journey and fulfilling spiritual experience. The Chief Minister also expressed hope for peace and prosperity in the region and the pilgrims expressed gratitude for the elaborate arrangements made for their convenience.
Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the latter has conducted a training launch of the Abdali Weapon System - a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 kilometers. The move comes after India downgraded diplomatic relations with Pakistan following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Pakistan's army has stated that the launch was part of an exercise and aimed at ensuring the operational readiness of troops. However, India sees it as a dangerous escalation by Pakistan and a deliberate provocation to heighten tensions.
Chaos and tragedy struck the coastal city of Goa as at least six people lost their lives and several others were injured in a stampede at the Shirgaon temple. The incident, which took place during a popular annual procession, sent shockwaves through the community and left eyewitnesses stunned by the sudden rush and panic that ensued.
Every year on May 1, the world comes together to celebrate International Workers' Day and honor the hard-working individuals who contribute to the progress and prosperity of their countries. This year, let's take a moment to reflect on the significance of this day and show our appreciation to workers everywhere by sharing some inspiring quotes, messages, and wishes. From highlighting the importance of fair opportunities to recognizing the dedication and sacrifices of workers, these words will surely boost their morale and remind us of the valuable contributions of labor.
On May 1, people all over the world come together to celebrate International Labour Day, also known as May Day, to honor and recognize the tireless efforts of hardworking individuals who have shaped communities and economies. This day serves as a reminder to empower and advocate for workers' rights, fair wages, and improved working conditions. As iconic figures like Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, Tim Notke, Maya Angelou, Van Jones, Conan O'Brien, Theodore Roosevelt, and Sophocles have said, it's through hard work and dedication that we progress and achieve great things.
The tensions between India and Pakistan have heightened as the Pakistan Army has escalated its attacks on multiple locations along the Line of Control and the International Border. In response, the Indian Army and Border Security Force have swiftly and effectively retaliated to the unprovoked firing, while Pakistan has activated a wide stretch of its troops. Intelligence suggests that Pakistan has also further mobilised its divisions in anticipation of possible Indian retaliation. Despite the escalation, the Indian Army remains in firm control of the situation and is actively suppressing Pakistani firepower.
In the aftermath of the tragic terror attack on tourists in Kashmir's Pahalgam, Olympic bronze medallist wrestler Bajrang Punia expressed his sorrow over those who went in search of inner peace but met a brutal end. As the death toll rises and the nation reels from the horror of such senseless violence, the unrelenting hatred of such extremists is palpable. With officials linking the attack to a Pakistan-based terror outfit, the incident has sparked yet another tense moment in the ongoing conflict between India and its neighboring country.
A widespread power cut in Western Europe has caused panic buying and chaos as 50 million people are left without electricity. Spain has declared a state of emergency and several other countries, including France and Portugal, have also been affected. Madrid's main airport has been hit, public transportation has come to a halt, and even airline operations have been disrupted. The situation is critical, with reports of one fatality and numerous cases of smoke inhalation due to a fire caused by the power cut. The Canary Islands have also been affected, with disruptions to their telecommunication systems.