Saturday, December 27, 2025

Trump vs Musk—How it may help PM Modi, BJP  

By
Vibha Sharma
-

New Delhi, June 6- In politics perceptions are what matter and since Operation Sindoor Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP have been fighting one suggesting that  “friend” US President Donald Trump played a major role in the India-Pakistan conflict and  ceasefire     

And Trump has continued with the claims that he helped India and Pakistan stop hostilities, that trade talks played a role in what he has called a ceasefire, which India termed a mere cessation of hostilities.

India has said that Operation Sindoor is only suspended, and Pakistan is under watch.

However, using Trump’s claims, the opposition Congress has been trying to corner PM Modi, while taking jibes at his “friendship” with the US President.  

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi recently claimed that PM Modi “surrendered” following a phone call from US President Donald Trump during Operation Sindoor.

“I now know the BJP and RSS people very well. Just put a little pressure on them, give them a slight push, they run away in fear. Trump gave just a signal, picked up the phone and said, ‘Modi ji, what are you doing? Narendra, surrender.’ Saying ‘Yes, sir’, Narendra Modi obeyed Trump’s signal,” Gandhi was quoted as saying.

He was speaking at a Congress event in Bhopal

 “Remember a time when there was no phone call – when the Seventh Fleet came during the 1971 war,” he also said.

However, the ongoing fracas between Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk has not only shifted focus but may also buttress another point. The US President’s open fallout with a friend and close advisor who “helped” him win elections may also prove his behavioural and other shortcomings.          

Musk has stirred a political firestorm posting on ‘X’ a 1992 video showing Trump ‘partying’ with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein

Musk offered no proof but the post reignited public interest in the files, denting Trump’s image by suggesting his connection with hidden government files related to Epstein’s alleged crimes.

In the clip, Trump can be seen dancing with women and socialising with Epstein.

Apparently, efforts are being made to make peace between the two warring sides    

It all started when after leaving the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), Musk began lobbying against Trump’s “big, beautiful” spending bill passed by the US House last month, calling it a “disgusting abomination”

“”Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong,” he said, arguing that the bill will irresponsibly add to the US national debt.

Trump retaliated, saying he was “disappointed” with his former advisor’s criticisms of his government’s centrepiece tax and spending bill, and that it may be the end of their “great relationship”.

Musk, in turn, accused Trump of “ingratitude”

“Without me, Trump would have lost the election,” he also claimed.

41st Anniversary of Operation passed off peacefully amidst the slogans of Khalistan

By
Tehelka Bureau
-
06 June 2025 Amritsar Activists from various Sikh organisations hold placards and shout slogans during a demonstration on the occasion of the 41st anniversary of Operation Blue Star, at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Friday, June 06, 2025. PHOTO-PRABHJOT GILL AMRITSAR

Amritsar, June 6 The 41st  anniversary of Operation Blue star passed off peacefully amidst the slogans of ‘Khalistahn Zindabad’ raised by supporters and activists of Radical Sikh outfits including  activists of Shiromani Akal Dal Amritsar  headed by  former Member Parliament Simranjit Singh Mann, his associate former MP Dhian Singh Mand and activists of Radical outfit Dal Khalsa here today at the Akal Takht. Mann was also present on the spot.

Radical Sikh outfit Dal Khalsa’s activists were also seen holding placards bearing portraits of slain militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhidnrawala.

Sikh youth led by Dal Khalsa carrying Khalistani flags, photographs of damaged Akal Takhat and Sikh killed Sikh leaders who were in June 1984, declared June 6 as a Khalistan Day.  

The entire marbled periphery of Golden Temple near Akal Takht rendered with the slogans of Khalistahn Zindabad. Numbers of Sikh youth were holding banners and placards of “Khalistahn Zindabad”.

Jathedar Akal Takht (highest Sikh temporal seat) Gyani Kuldeep Singh  in while reading Ardas ( prayers as per Sikh rituals) said  all Sikh outfits unitedly apply die hard efforts  for the release of ‘Bandhi Singhs including death row prisoners Balwant Singh Rajona’.

Jathedar today also concluded his address during the Ardas said that this pious spiritual place (Golden Temple and Akal Takht) should never be the place of war as everybody wants peace here.

On this occasion, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami honored the family members of slain Sikh leaders who were killed along with Jarnail Singh Bhindranwala in the Golden Temple complex during the Army action in June1984.

However, as per tradition, Jathedar Akal Takht who every year honors the family of people who were killed in the army actions but this year it was done by the SGPC president, the reason behind the successor of Bhidnrawalla Gyani Harnam Singh Dhuma has objected the recent appointment of Jathedar Akal Takht Gyani Kuldeep Singh  as it was not done as per Sikh rituals, since all Sikh religious outfits were not taken into confidence by the SGPC at the time of appointment of Jathedar Akal Takht.

There was peaceful bandh around the Golden Temple and interior walled city on the call of Radical outfit Dal Khalsa even outer areas were also observed complete Bandh..

It may be mentioned here that 40 years back Indian Army had attacked on Golden Temple with code name Operation Blue Star to flush out hiding militants in the Golden Temple. The Three days operation ended on June6th 1984 when the body of militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwala was found and identified.  

Bhindranwala during his lifetime was strongly demanding a separate Sikh homeland.

Since then every year in anger SGPC observe Operation Blue Star anniversary as a genocide day and honor the family members of Sikhs who were killed during the Army attack. During the Operation Blue Star nearly 3000 people including army personnel were also reportedly killed. Operation Blue Star had also caused severe damage to the structure of Akal Takht.  

Decoding Trump vs Musk: who is Jeffery Epstein; why is tech billionaire upset

By
Vibha Sharma
-

New Delhi,June 6- Tech billionaire Elon Musk has stirred a political firestorm, sharing a 1992 video showing US President Donald Trump ‘partying’ with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The video that he posted on his social media platform ‘X’ suggested that Trump had connections with hidden government files related to Epstein’s alleged crimes.

In the clip, Trump can be seen dancing with women and socialising with Epstein.

Trump’s former advisor and close aide did not offer any proof but the post reignited public interest in the files and to an extent also dented his image. Apparently, efforts are being made by aides to make peace between the duo–Trump and his advisor who played a key role in his election as the US President.        

Who is Jeffery Epstein 

Jeffrey Epstein is a disgraced financier and convicted sex offender. 

The “Epstein files” refer to thousands of documents, videos and investigative materials gathered over the years in connection with Epstein and his associates. 

Many documents are still sealed or heavily redacted.

Why is Musk upset with Trump

Trump and Musk have been trading insults following a break in relationship that came after the tech billionaire Musk started criticising the US President’s key domestic policies.

After leaving the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), Musk began lobbying against Trump’s “big, beautiful” spending bill passed by the US House last month, calling it a “disgusting abomination”

“”Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong,” he said, arguing that the bill will irresponsibly add to the US national debt.

Trump, meanwhile, said he was “disappointed” with his former advisor’s criticisms of his government’s centrepiece tax and spending bill, and that it may be the end of their “great relationship”.

Musk then accused Trump of “ingratitude”

“Without me, Trump would have lost the election,” he claimed.

India supports fair and rule-based global trading system—Birla

By
Tehelka Bureau
-

New Delhi, June 5- India supports a fair and rule-based global trading system—one that adequately addresses the needs and aspirations of the Global South—Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla today said, addressing the 2nd Working Session of the BRICS Parliamentary Forum at Brasilia, Brazil.

Birla called the Forum a vital platform where through shared efforts and dialogue, contours of economic development can be redefined. “Despite global challenges, BRICS nations have made inspiring progress in the realm of economic development. India believes that to further strengthen this progress, we must enhance intra-BRICS trade, investment, and financial cooperation,” he said

Terming India’s economic journey “remarkable”, Birla said despite global uncertainties and domestic challenges, the country consistently outperformed the global growth average, rising from the 10th largest economy in 2014 to the 4th largest today

“From 2014-15 to 2024-25, India’s GDP has grown at an average rate of over 7%, making it the fastest-growing major economy in the world.” Birla noted, attributing it to “India’s stable governance, strong constitutional institutions, the rule of law, a transparent and accountable tax system, and decisive leadership that has earned the trust of global investors”.

Calling terrorism the biggest threat to global peace and stability in today’s era, Birla said that the Pahalgam terror attack has shaken not only India but also the conscience of the entire world. “Pakistan has failed to take concrete action against the terrorist infrastructure operating from its territory; India exercised its right to respond, to prevent such cross-border attacks in the future, and to defend itself, he said

On Operation Sindoor Birla said “these steps were measured, non-provocative, proportionate, and responsible. Their sole objective was to destroy terrorist infrastructure and neutralize the capabilities of terrorists.”

“Today’s India is firmly committed to a policy of zero tolerance towards all forms of terrorism and gives a strong response to every terrorist attack,” he added.

Delhi CM inaugurates ‘waiting hall’ at AIIMS, plants sapling

By
Priyanka Tanwer
-
Photo: Naveen Bansal

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday inaugurated a waiting hall for the people accompanying patients at the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS).

The hall built for Rs 6 crore by Dhanuka Agritech ltd is a part of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative which will serve the thousands of people.

Speaking at the event, Gupta said that the government and the society need to work together for a developed country and a developed Delhi.

Photo: Naveen Bansal

“I always say that the government and the society need to come on one platform and work together, only then the goal of Viksit Bharat and Viksit Delhi be realized,” she added.

She said that the waiting hall is not just a collaboration but an expression of deep humanity. “It will provide a safe, comfortable and respectful place to the relatives of thousands of patients coming from different states of the country,” CM added.

Taking to the micro blogging site X, she further said that this waiting hall is a meaningful solution to the problems of the relatives of the patients, who were forced to wait for hours outside AIIMS in the scorching heat, harsh cold, and in the rainy season.

“The Delhi government welcomes such efforts and is ready to provide all possible assistance. Our government is committed to providing better and modern health facilities to the people of Delhi,” she said.

She also planted the sapling at the venue in the backdrop of World Environment Day.

She said that environmental protection is not an option, but our shared duty and moral responsibility towards the coming generations. “The Delhi government has taken many meaningful steps like tree plantation, waste management, water conservation, and promotion of electric vehicles. But the real change will come only when public participation is associated with it,” she added.

World Environment Day—PM Modi marks the day with ‘sindoor’ and ‘vat vriksh’

By
Vibha Sharma
-

New Delhi, June 5- Special days like World Environment Day are about spreading awareness about an issue, in this case preserving the environment, this year it was also about symbolism and strong messaging about India’s women and their strength and valour.  

Along with planting a banyan sapling under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday also planted a ‘sindoor’ sapling presented to him by a group of women in Kutch at his official residence.  

The PM posted photos of him planting the sindoor sapling and watering it, calling it a “symbol of women’s strength and inspiration”.

Taking to the social media, he wrote “The brave mothers and sisters of Kutch, who set an amazing example of courage and valour in the 1971 war, recently presented me with a Sindoor plant during my visit to Gujarat.

“Today, on World Environment Day, I have had the privilege of planting that plant in the Prime Minister’s residence in New Delhi. This plant will remain a strong symbol of the valour and inspiration of the women power of our country.”

The women had supported the Indian Army by helping rebuild the Bhuj airfield. Officials said a memorial forest named Sindoor Van will be developed near Bhuj to honour Operation Sindoor—India’s military response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

The strong messaging follows the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in April in which men were killed in front of their wives. Associated with married Hindu women, ‘sindoor’ subsequently became a national symbol, triggering strong military retaliation Operation Sindoor under which terror bases inside Pakistan and PoK were targeted.

The name of the operation was suggested by PM Modi, say sources.

Days that followed saw the PM use the word many times to stress his point. “Not blood, but sindoor flows through my veins,” he also said at one public meeting.

Meanwhile the banyan tree he planted at the Mahavir Vanasthali Park in Delhi aims at strengthening the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative under the Aravalli Green Wall project

Highlighting the importance of reforesting the Aravalli range, the PM said the range spanning Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi is one of the oldest on the planet but faces multiple environmental challenges. The government is committed to addressing them, he said, adding that new techniques will be encouraged in addition to the traditional planting methods.

Plantation activities will also be geo-tagged and monitored on the Meri LiFE portal. The Centre will work with local administrations to improve water systems, curbing dust storms, stopping eastward expansion of the Thar desert and more, he added.

Deadly Bengaluru stampede: precious lives lost due to mismanagement, misinformation, apathy

By
Vibha Sharma
-

Have any lessons been learnt, perhaps not

New Delhi, June 5- A deadly stampede on Wednesday outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium left 11 dead and more than 40 injured.

Thousands had gathered to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s historic IPL win.  

Reportedly, it was misinformation about free passes being distributed at a  gate located far from the main entrance that started it all. 

As the word about free passes spread,  crowds surged, the situation started to go out of control and the tragedy unfolded, as per reports.

Crowds, misinformation, rumours can be an ideal mix for a  stampede, this any government/ the authorities should be well aware of. But were any efforts made to stop such a situation, perhaps not.

The fact is, it is not about any political party but the continued inability to anticipate, assess and respond to such situations.

Politics is inevitable as was also witnessed at previous such events, whether the unfortunate stampede at Prayagraj Mahakumbh and New Delhi Railway Station earlier this year or the Morbi bridge collapse in October 2022.

In the case of Bengaluru, what further added to the tragedy is that players continued to be celebrated and felicitated inside while chaos prevailed outside, leading to loss of 11 previous fans. Despite a serious tragedy unfolding  outside, the felicitation ceremony continued in the stadium, if it is not apathy then what else.

Meanwhile, the big question remains whether any lessons have been learnt to avoid such situations in future and save precious lives, this only time will tell.

World Environment Day: NE floods another reminder of climate change   

By
Vibha Sharma
-

New Delhi, June 5- Northeast India has been reeling under the monsoon fury with states of the region struggling with severe floods and landslides triggered by continuous heavy rainfall. 

Among the NE states, Assam is the worst-affected.

Northeast flood fury is another grim reminder of how global warming climate change and human hand are affecting mother nature.  

Flash floods and landslides that followed torrential monsoon rains destroyed livelihoods and claimed many lives. 

According to the IMD, rains are expected to continue in Assam. In any case it is the season of June-September four-month seasonal rains. 

But it is not just the seasonal rains that are wreaking havoc across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Manipur, and Tripura. 

In several parts, especially Assam, major rivers and their tributaries are flowing above danger levels and there are reasons, other than monsoon, behind it.

Nature, climate change, human hand

This year, the monsoon rains arrived early over Kerala, which has happened many times in the past.

But monsoon’s arrival simultaneously over Kerala and NE is quite an uncommon phenomenon.

This year monsoon made an early onset over Kerala on May 24, marking its earliest arrival since 2009 and eight days ahead of the June 1 onset date. And it reached Mizoram on the same day as Kerala, 12 days ahead of its normal schedule.

Normally southwest monsoon advances over most parts of NE by June 5. 

The reasons for the early rains and subsequent flood fury can be related to climate change and global warming but to an extent geographical/topographical factors of the region are also responsible. The hilly terrain and steep slopes facilitate rapid runoff during heavy rains, leading to flash floods and landslides.

As it is, the area receives substantial rains, often exceeding the land’s absorption capacity. Major rivers like Brahmaputra and Barak and tributaries coursing through the region frequently overflow during the monsoon season.

Then is the human hand—deforestation and land use changes—that worsened the matters. Experts say human activities have not only reduced natural vegetation cover but also land’s ability to absorb.

The bottom line is, climate change and global warming are  changing monsoon patterns and exacerbating frequency and intensity of floods.

PM Modi to visit Jammu and Kashmir on June 6, to inaugurate USBRL rail link

By
Tehelka Bureau
-

Srinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Jammu and Kashmir on June 6, during which he will formally inaugurate the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), a 272-kilometre-long strategic railway project that connects the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India.

The Prime Minister’s day-long visit is part of the Centre’s broader push to strengthen infrastructure and connectivity in the Union Territory. The USBRL project, considered a significant engineering achievement, is expected to drastically cut travel time and boost economic integration across the region.

During his visit, PM Modi is expected to dedicate the USBRL to the nation in a formal ceremony. The project includes a network of tunnels and bridges through challenging Himalayan terrain and has been under construction for years. Once fully operational, the rail link will ensure seamless all-weather connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country.

Officials said the Prime Minister’s itinerary will also include interactions with local stakeholders and an assessment of key development initiatives underway in the region. Security has been heightened ahead of the visit, with local authorities coordinating with central agencies to ensure smooth arrangements.

Rahul Gandhi lacks maturity to handle LoP posts, BJP slams Congress

By
Tehelka Bureau
-

New Delhi, June 4 – Launching a scathing attack against Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, senior BJP leader  Sudhanshu Trivedi today accused him of insulting the Indian Armed Forces and making “objectionable and cheap” remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Rahul Gandhi has once again proved his inability and lack of maturity to handle a post like the LoP. He has shown lack of wisdom and low standards. His remarks displayed complete lack of political wisdom, ” Trivedi said.

Slamming Gandhi on his “surrender” remark, the BJP MP also went on to list what he termed a series of “surrenders” by Congress governments over the years.

“….India’s independence is filled with the shameful acts of surrender by your party, your government, and your family,” Trivedi said, lashing out at Gandhi.

Taking a jibe at the PM, Gandhi on Tuesday claimed that he had “surrendered” following a phone call from US President Donald Trump during Operation Sindoor.

“I now know the BJP and RSS people very well. Just put a little pressure on them, give them a slight push, they run away in fear. Trump gave just a signal, picked up the phone and said, ‘Modi ji, what are you doing? Narendra, surrender.’ Saying ‘Yes, sir’, Narendra Modi obeyed Trump’s signal,” Gandhi was quoted as saying.

He was speaking at a Congress event in Bhopal

 “Remember a time when there was no phone call – when the Seventh Fleet came during the 1971 war,” he also said.

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