India Archive

Podcasters and YouTubers Ranveer Allahbadia and Samay Raina are facing intense criticism after an inappropriate comment made on India’s Got Latent went viral. The comment, widely deemed offensive, has drawn sharp backlash from political leaders, influencers, and actors. As a result, YouTube India was compelled to take down the episode on the directive of the Indian government. Multiple police complaints and an FIR have been filed against Ranveer—also known as Beer Biceps—Samay, and the other judges of the show, including Apoorva Makhija, Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, and the show's creators.

Sonam Wangchuk, the self-styled activist, never seems to stay out of controversy for long. His attention-grabbing stunts, like “fasting unto death,” are well-known. But this time, he crossed a line by attending a climate conference in Pakistan—yes, Pakistan—just days before returning to India to oppose development in Pune.

On Tuesday, 4th February, the historic city of Madurai witnessed a massive wave of protests as thousands of Hindus gathered at Palakkanatham to stand against what they believe to be a serious threat to their religious heritage. The unrest was sparked by allegations that Islamists are laying claim to the Thiruparankundram hill, a sacred site that houses the ancient Murugan Temple, a place of immense spiritual significance for Hindus.

On Sunday, 2nd February, a historic event unfolded in Johannesburg, South Africa, as the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere was inaugurated. The grand ceremony, attended by thousands of Hindu worshippers, marked a monumental moment for the Indian community in South Africa, whose cultural and religious identity is deeply interwoven with Hinduism. This temple is not just a spiritual milestone but a reflection of the profound cultural heritage carried by the Indian diaspora in the nation. The unveiling was led by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, adding significance to the occasion.

The sudden disappearance of 75 Bangladeshi nationals arrested in Tamil Nadu last year has stirred widespread alarm regarding the state's security measures. This incident highlights significant lapses in managing illegal immigration, prompting Tamil Nadu BJP chief K. Annamalai to voice strong disapproval. He accused the state government of "failing to handle critical issues that jeopardize national security." His words reflect growing concerns over Tamil Nadu's approach towards the influx of undocumented immigrants.

On January 23, the Madhya Pradesh High Court dismissed a petition seeking the removal of a temple located on Yashwant Niwas Road in Indore. The court's stance was unequivocal—the petitioner had no compelling reason or justification for his demand. In a firm rebuke, the court imposed a penalty of Rs 25,000 on the litigant, who identified himself as a journalist. The bench asserted that the petitioner had a "vested interest" in the property in question, which likely motivated his plea for the temple’s removal.

Controversy erupted after Congress leader Sonia Gandhi criticized President Droupadi Murmu's speech at the joint sitting of Parliament. The remarks, made on Friday, came after the President's address preceding the Budget session. Sonia Gandhi commented that the President appeared fatigued towards the conclusion of her speech and struggled to continue.

In a major development in Chhattisgarh's fight against Naxalism, 29 Naxals from the Kutul area surrendered to Narayanpur SP Prabhat Kumar on Wednesday. According to the officials, the group consisted of 22 men and 7 women, marking a significant shift in the ongoing efforts to curb insurgency in the region.

The Islamic State (ISIS) has expanded its battlefield beyond physical territories, venturing into the vast expanse of the internet to recruit and train a new generation of 'online jihadis.' Central to this strategy is their propaganda magazine, Voice of Khurasan, which plays a crucial role in realizing ISIS's ambition of enlisting jihadis worldwide through social media and other online platforms.