UP Governor's call for Ram temple construction triggers row

December 12, 2014

New Delhi, Dec 12: Stirring a new controversy in the middle of a row over religious conversions, Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik has said a Ram temple should be built in Ayodhya soon as "it is the wish of Indian citizens."

"The Ram Temple should be built as soon as possible, this is what the people of this country want and their wishes should be fulfilled," Mr Naik, 80, said at an event at Awadh University in Faizabad near Ayodhya, home to the decades-old dispute over the razed Babri mosque site that many Hindus believe was the birthplace of Lord Ram.

Asked to clarify, Mr Naik repeated his words to the media.

"The UP Governor is acting like the government's mouthpiece," said Congress leader Renuka Chaudhury.

Trinamool Congress parliamentarian Derek O'Brien told report, "The governor of Uttar Pradesh has said every Indian wants a Ram Mandir. Do you expect Parliament to run with a statement like that from a Governor?"

Mr Naik has been accused of making inappropriately political statements earlier too.

Last month, on a visit to Ayodhya for an event organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, he had reportedly said that the temple-mosque row could be resolved within five years as Prime Minister Narendra Modi was working out a plan.

Mr Naik, a former BJP parliamentarian and union minister, was appointed governor to Uttar Pradesh in July as part of a series of switches in top posts after the BJP came to power.

His comment adds to a raging row over religious conversions in Agra, allegedly by groups linked to the BJP's ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, which has had the government confronting an angry opposition in Parliament. Statements by BJP MP Yogi Adityanath, announcing a bigger conversion programme in Aligarh on December 25, have not helped.

Defending Mr Naik, BJP spokesperson Siddharth Nath Singh today said, "Is it wrong to take Ram's name? Is it wrong to construct Ram's temple? Is the belief of millions in Lord Ram is wrong? Opposition should raise valid issues before the public and not spread propaganda."

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Elusive bamboo shrimp resurfaces in Mangaluru estuary after 70 years

News Network

December 7,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 7: A rare bamboo shrimp has been rediscovered on mainland India more than 70 years after it was last reported, confirming for the first time the presence of Atyopsis spinipes in the country. The find was made by researchers from the Centre for Climate Change Studies at Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, during surveys in Karnataka and Odisha.

The team — shrimp expert Dr S Prakash, PhD scholar K Kunjulakshmi, and Mangaluru-based researcher Maclean Antony Santos — combined field surveys, ecological assessments and DNA analysis to identify the elusive species. Their findings, published in Zootaxa, resolve decades of taxonomic confusion stemming from a 1951 report that misidentified the species as Atyopsis moluccensis without strong evidence.

The shrimp has now been confirmed at two locations: the Mulki–Pavanje estuary near Mangaluru and the Kuakhai River in Bhubaneswar. Historical specimens from the Andaman Islands, previously labelled as A. moluccensis, were also found to be misidentified and actually belong to A. spinipes.

The rediscovery began after an aquarium hobbyist in Odisha spotted a shrimp in 2022, prompting systematic surveys across Udupi, Karwar and Mangaluru. Four female specimens were collected in Mulki and one in Odisha, all genetically matching.

Researchers warn the species may exist in very small, vulnerable populations as freshwater habitats face increasing pressure from pollution, sand mining and infrastructure development. All verified specimens have been deposited with the Zoological Survey of India for future reference.

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SMR Public School’s ‘EXCELLENTIA’ highlights academic excellence and holistic growth

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December 16,2025

Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.

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