Emergency a black spot on the golden history of nation: Modi

Agencies
June 26, 2018

Mumbai, Jun 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday slammed the Congress on the 43rd anniversary of imposition of Emergency, saying India was “turned into a jail for the selfish personal interests” of the Gandhi family.

Addressing a meeting in Mumbai organised by the BJP to mark the Emergency anniversary, Mr. Modi said the day needed to be observed to re-dedicate oneself to the protection of the Constitution and democracy.

“Emergency is a black spot on the golden history of the nation. Observing black day today is not just to criticise the Congress for its sin of imposing Emergency but also to create an awareness for protection of Constitution and democracy,” Mr. Modi said.

Mr. Modi lashed out at the Congress for “spreading illusionary fear” about the Constitution, Dalits and minorities facing danger (in the BJP-led regime). He said the Congress could never improve. “For promotion of self-interest, they destroyed their own party.”

“For selfish interests, the Congress turned the country into a jail by imprisoning Opposition leaders. For them, the country and democracy have no value. Instead of [Indira Gandhi] quitting as Prime Minister after the court verdict, Emergency was imposed. How can these people talk about safeguarding the Constitution,” he said.

“When Kishore Kumarji refused to sing for them [the Congress], his songs were not allowed to be played on the radio,” he pointed out.

'No questions about EVMs after Karnataka polls'

Mr. Modi accused the Congress of criticising electronic voting machines (EVMs) and the functioning of the Election Commission after they were reduced to 44 seats from 400 in the Lok Sabha. “They did not question the EVMs after the recent Karnataka elections,” he added.

He also criticised the Congress for moving an impeachment motion against the Supreme Court chief justice.

“They never imagined that they can face corruption charges and be out on bail. Hence, the Congress decided to move an impeachment motion against the Chief Justice of India,” he said.

The government was committed to protecting the Constitution and upholding democratic values. “The Constitution is not just a book but a means to fulfil aspirations and wishes of the common man.”

Mr. Modi also paid tributes to Ramnath Goenka of The Indian Express, Kuldeep Nayar and Statesman newspaper for “standing up” against Emergency.

“Many of them were not our supporters either. Nayar is critical of us. But they fought for democracy,” he said.

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News Network
December 19,2025

Mangaluru: The Mangaluru CEN police have arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly posting provocative and misleading content on an Instagram page named “mr_a_titude”, targeting the Bajpe police.

Mangaluru Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H identified the arrested as Abhishek M, a resident of Katipalla in Mangaluru.

A case has been registered at the Bajpe Police Station under Sections 353(1)(c), 353(2), 56, and 57 read with Section 189 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with the post.

According to police, the accused uploaded a photograph of a hotel on the Instagram page and alleged that accused persons in a murder case under the Bajpe police jurisdiction were being given “royal treatment” by the police, including being served beef meals daily from the hotel.

The post further accused the police of supporting criminals, misusing their authority, and betraying public trust. Police said the content was provocative in nature and aimed at inciting public outrage against the police.

Following the post, a case was registered at the Bajpe police station, and further investigation was transferred to the CEN police station.

Police records indicate that the accused has a criminal history, with multiple cases registered against him, including murder, attempt to murder, assault, and robbery at the Surathkal Police Station, and one case at the Kaup Police Station.

The Commissioner said the accused was traced and arrested using technical evidence.

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News Network
December 7,2025

envoy.jpg

Since 1946, the United States has attempted 93 coups or “regime change” operations across the world — including two in Iran, US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack has admitted.

Speaking to the UAE-based IMI Media Group, in remarks published by The National, Barrack said Washington tried twice to overthrow the Iranian government but failed both times. 

“For (Trump) then to be imputed with regime change — we had two regime changes in Iran already. Neither one worked. So I think wisely leave it to the region to solve,” said Barrack, who also serves as the US ambassador to Turkey.

His comments come six months after the US joined Israel in airstrikes against Iran during ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington.

On June 13, Israel launched an attack on Iran that killed at least 1,064 people and hit civilian infrastructure. Days later, the United States targeted three nuclear facilities — Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan — in what Iran called a clear violation of international law. Iranian retaliation eventually forced a halt to the assault on June 24.

Barrack further claimed that US President Donald Trump and Foreign Secretary Marco Rubio are “not into regime change” and prefer a regional approach driven by Middle Eastern countries themselves. According to him, regional dialogue and non-interference by outside powers offer a more durable path forward.

He added that Washington is still open to an agreement with Tehran if Iranian authorities show “seriousness” and willingness to engage constructively.

However, Iran maintains the US has not shown readiness for meaningful talks. In an interview with Japan’s Kyodo News, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said negotiations could advance only if Washington acknowledges Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy and lifts unilateral sanctions.

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News Network
December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

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