This minister blames mobile phones, TV for rising rape cases

News Network
December 5, 2019

Jaipur, Dec 5: In a controversial statement, a Rajasthan Minister has blamed television and mobile phones behind the rising incidents of rape saying that when TV and mobile were not invented, there were no "rapes", news channel reported. Congress leader Bhanwarlal Meghwal, who is the Minister of Social Welfare of Rajasthan, made this statement while speaking to media at Jaipur.

Meghwal said that no rapes were reported when television and mobile phones were not invented. "Now youngsters are moving towards wrong trends by looking at mobile TV," he was quoted by news channel. The minister also told media that decision on the rape cases should be taken within three months and culprits should be hanged publicly.

His comments were in connection with the Telengana gang-rape and murder case. A 26-year assistant veterinarian from Hyderabad was raped and murdered by four accused before they burned her body on November 27. All four accused have been arrested by police.

This is not the first time that bizarre comments have been made on rape and its causes. In 2014, Vinay Bihari, a Bihar BJP leader, had blamed non-veg food for rape and molestation. 'People who eat more non-vegetarian food like chicken and fish are inclined towards carrying out molestation and rape,” Bihari had said.

Months before the Nirbhaya incident in December 2012, a Haryana khap leader accused Chinese fast food chowmein for rising rape cases. In 2014, Babulal Gaur, then BJP minister from Madhya Pradesh, had said that item songs in Bollywood are responsible for such crimes.

Comments

Avi
 - 
Friday, 6 Dec 2019

I partly agree with Bhanwarlal Meghwal & Babulal Gaur. Porn is everywhere now!

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News Network
December 6,2025

indigoticket.jpg

With IndiGo flight disruptions impacting thousands of passengers, the airline on Saturday said that it will offer full waiver on all cancellations/reschedule requests for travel bookings between December 5, 2025 and December 15, 2025.

Earlier in the day, the civil aviation ministry had directed the airline to complete the ticket refund process for the cancelled flights by Sunday evening, as well as ensure baggage separated from the travellers are delivered in the next two days.

In a post on X, titled 'No questions asked', IndiGo wrote, "In response to recent events, all refunds for your cancellations will be processed automatically to your original mode of payment."

"We are deeply sorry for the hardships caused," it further added.

Several passengers, however, complained of not getting full refund as promised by the airline.

Netizens have shared screenchots of getting charged for airline cancellation fee and convenience fee.

"Please tell me why u have did this airline cancellation charges when u say full amount will be refunded (sic)," a user wrote sharing a screenshot of the refund page.

"Well, but you have still debited the convenience charges," wrote another.

Passengers have also raised concerns about the "cancel" option being disabled on the IndiGo app. "First enable the 'Cancel' button on your App & offer full refund on tickets cancelled by customers between the said dates," wrote a user.

A day after the country's largest airline, IndiGo, cancelled more than 1,000 flights and caused disruptions for the fifth day on Saturday, the ministry said that any delay or non-compliance in refund processing will invite immediate regulatory action.

The refund process for all cancelled or disrupted flights must be completed by 8 pm on Sunday, the ministry said in a statement.

"Airlines have also been instructed not to levy any rescheduling charges for passengers whose travel plans were affected by cancellations," it said.

On Saturday, more than 400 flights were cancelled at various airports.

IndiGo has also been instructed to set up dedicated passenger support and refund facilitation cells.

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News Network
December 19,2025

Saudi Arabia has abolished fees on expatriate workers employed in licensed industrial establishments, signaling a strong push to empower national factories and enhance the Kingdom’s global industrial competitiveness. The move reflects the leadership’s commitment to building a sustainable and resilient industrial economy under Saudi Vision 2030.

The decision was approved by the Council of Ministers, chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, following a recommendation from the Council of Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA). It forms part of a broader strategy to support, modernize, and strengthen the industrial sector.

By removing fees on foreign workers, industrial establishments gain greater operational flexibility and relief from financial pressures. This is expected to help factories expand production, improve efficiency, and compete more effectively in international markets, while reinforcing long-term sustainability.

The initiative aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030, which identifies industry as a key pillar of economic diversification. A competitive and resilient industrial base is viewed as essential for driving innovation, attracting investment, and sustaining long-term economic growth.

Overall, the fee exemption underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for industrial development and ensuring that Saudi factories remain globally competitive and capable of leading the nation’s economic transformation.

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