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‘Congress won’t use evidence of corruption against kin of Vajpayee and Advani’

[email protected] (PTI)
October 21, 2012

advaj

New Delhi, October 21: Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh has suggested that there was evidence against the kin of former Prime Minster Atal Behari Vajpayee and L K Advani on alleged corruption and wrong-doing but Congress will never use that to embarrass them.

Singh also rejected as "hollow" and "media hype" the allegations of "nexus" among Sonia Gandhi's son-law Robert Vadra, DLF and Congress government in Haryana to give Vadra undue benefits in land dealings. Defending Gandhi, the Congress leader said that she was not Vadra's "Chartered Accountant" to question his rising assets.

"Not only me. There were lot of things, which came out during the NDA regime. But did Congress party ever use that. We will never use this... if I say, I do not have it (evidence against kin of Advani and Vajpayee), then it is not correct," Singh said replying to a volley of questions by Karan Thapar in Devil's Advocate programme on CNN-IBN.

He was asked about his statement that he had evidence against kin of Vajpayee and Advani.

Replying to questions, Singh also said that the evidence, which he has, "could" lead to allegations of corruption and wrong-doing against them and will be embarrassing for the leaders.

The AICC general secretary, was quick to add "politicians are also human beings. We are not gods...We can't keep a track or check on the innumerable relations, we have".

"Why should I be a complainant," Singh shot back arguing that there is Parliament and a number of authorities to look into these matters, when asked why was he not disclosing the evidence he has against kin of Vajpayee and Advani.

Dismissing allegations against Vadra, Singh said that there is no illegality in speedy clearance in mutation of land or change of land use permission, which are said to have happened in DLF-Vadra land deals.

"Sonia Gandhi is not the chartered accountant of Robert Vadra," he said, wondering whether "mothers-in-law also do the accounting for sons-in- law," when asked whether Congress president was aware of the rise in fortune of Vadra and whether she ever questioned it.

It is now being questioned that why the files moved so fast in the case of Vadra's land dealings, Singh said, adding that speed is not impropriety and should instead be rewarded.

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News Network
November 21,2025

Tejas.jpg

An Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet crashed on Friday, November 21, afternoon during its aerial demonstration at the Dubai Air Show, plunging to the ground at around 2:10 pm local time while performing a manoeuvre before thousands of spectators.

The IAF confirmed the incident, stating that a Tejas aircraft participating in the show had crashed and that further details were being gathered. An Air Force spokesperson said more information would be shared after initial assessments.

The crash sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky near the airport, causing panic among visitors, including families and children who had gathered to watch the display. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the pilot managed to eject before the aircraft went down. Emergency response teams rushed to the scene, and officials have not released information on casualties or damage so far.

The Tejas is a 4.5-generation, multi-role fighter aircraft developed indigenously by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Designed for versatility, it is capable of offensive air support, close combat, ground attack missions and maritime operations. The aircraft family includes single-seat fighters and twin-seat trainers for both the Air Force and Navy.

HAL describes the latest version, the LCA Mk1A, as the most advanced in the series, featuring an AESA radar, an upgraded electronic warfare suite with radar-warning and self-protection jamming, smart multifunction displays, a digital map generator, a combined interrogator–transponder system and a modern radio altimeter. These enhancements significantly improve the aircraft’s combat capability and survivability.

Further updates from IAF and UAE authorities are awaited.

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News Network
December 2,2025

A major upgrade in safety and monitoring is planned for Haj 2026, with every Indian pilgrim set to receive a Haj Suvidha smart wristband linked to the official Haj Suvidha mobile app. The initiative aims to support pilgrims—especially senior citizens—who may struggle with smartphones during the 45-day journey.

What the Smart Wristband Will Do

Officials said the device will come with:
•    Location tracking
•    Pedometer
•    SOS emergency button
•    Qibla compass
•    Prayer timings
•    Basic health monitoring

SP Tiwari, secretary of the UP State Haj Committee, said the goal is to make the pilgrimage safer and more comfortable.

“Most Hajis are elderly and not comfortable with mobile apps,” he said. “The smartwatch will help locate pilgrims who forget their way or cannot communicate their location.”

The wristbands will be monitored by the Consulate General of India in Saudi Arabia, similar to mobile tracking via the Haj Suvidha App.

Free Distribution and Training

•    Smart wristbands will be given free of cost.
•    Training for pilgrims will be conducted between January and February 2026.
•    Sample units will reach state Haj committees soon.
•    Final devices will be distributed as pilgrims begin their journey.

New Rules for Accommodation

Two major decisions have also been finalised for Haj 2026:
1.    Separate rooms for men and women – including married couples. They may stay on the same floor but must occupy different rooms, following stricter Saudi guidelines.
2.    Cooking banned – gas cylinders will not be allowed; all meals will be provided through official catering services arranged by the Haj Committee of India.

These decisions were finalised during a meeting of the Haj Committee of India and state representatives in Mumbai.

Haj Suvidha App Launched Earlier

The government launched the Haj Suvidha App in 2024, offering:

•    Training modules
•    Accommodation and flight details
•    Baggage information
•    SOS and translation tools
•    Grievance redressal

Haj 2026 Quota and Key States

•    India’s total Haj quota for 2026: 1,75,025 pilgrims
•    70% (1,25,000) allotted to the Haj Committee of India
•    30% (around 50,000) reserved for Haj Group Organisers

Uttar Pradesh has the largest allocation (around 30,000 seats), though approximately 18,000 pilgrims are expected to go this year. States with high pilgrim numbers include Kerala, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Dates of Haj 2026

The pilgrimage is scheduled to take place from 24 May to 29 May, 2026 (tentative).
Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is mandatory for Muslims who meet the required conditions.

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