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Rajnath singh slams ‘irresponsible nations’ for misrepresenting laws

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday attacked China’s expansionist policy in Indo-Pacific region without taking its name, saying some “irresponsible nations” for their partisan interests give inappropriate interpretations to international laws.

Speaking during formal induction of Indigenously developed Ship Visakhapatnam into Indian Navy in Mumbai, Singh said, “Some irresponsible nations, for the sake of their narrow partisan interests, keep on giving new and inappropriate interpretations to these international laws from hegemonic tendencies.”

“The arbitrary interpretations create obstacles in the path of a rule-based maritime order. We envision a rule-based Indo-Pacific, with freedom of navigation, free trade and universal values, in which the interests of all the participating countries are protected,” he said.

Singh reiterated that India, as a responsible maritime stakeholder, is a supporter of consensus-based principles and a peaceful, open, rule-based and stable maritime order.

“In the ‘United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea’ (UNCLOS) of 1982, territorial waters of nations, exclusive economic zones and the principle of ‘Good order at sea’ have been propounded.

The defence minister emphasised on the need to keep the Indo-Pacific region open, safe and secure, terming it as the primary objective of the Indian Navy.

He asserted that India’s interests are directly linked with the Indian Ocean and the region is crucial for the world economy.

“Challenges such as piracy, terrorism, illegal smuggling of arms and narcotics, human trafficking, illegal fishing and damage to the environment are equally responsible for affecting the maritime domain. Therefore, the role of the Indian Navy becomes very important in the entire Indo-Pacific region,” he added.

Singh presided over formal induction of the naval ship, first of the four Visakhapatnam class destroyers, indigenously designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house organisation Directorate of Naval Design and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai.

Named after the historic city of Andhra Pradesh on the east coast, Visakhapatnam, the ‘City of Destiny’, the ship has a total complement of about 315 personnel.

During his address, Singh termed INS Visakhapatnam as a symbol of the growing maritime prowess of the country and a major milestone in achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Make in India, Make for the World’.

He added that the ship is a reminder of ancient and medieval India’s maritime power, shipbuilding skills and glorious history.

Singh exuded confidence that the state-of-the-art ship, equipped with latest systems and weapons, will strengthen the maritime security and protect the interests of the nation.

He defined the ship as one of the most technologically advanced guided missile destroyers in the world which will cater to the present and future requirements of the Armed Forces and the nation as a whole.

He appreciated the self-reliance efforts of the Indian Navy, terming navy’s order of 39 of the 41 ships and submarines from Indian shipyards as a testament to their commitment towards achieving ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

He described the development of Indigenous Aircraft Carrier ‘INS Vikrant’ as an important milestone in their path to achieve ‘Atmanirbharta’.

“The carrier will increase our reach from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. Its commissioning will be a golden moment in the history of the Indian Defence. It will be the best occasion to celebrate the 75th anniversary of India’s independence and the 50th anniversary of India’s victory in 1971 war,” he said.

Singh praised the Indian Navy’s consistent efforts to participate in various outreach programmes of the industries and increase indigenised items under ‘Float’, ‘Move’ and ‘Fight’ categories. Stressing on the need to maintain the momentum, he expressed confidence that “the steps taken by the government will continue to provide boost to the self-reliance efforts and we will soon build ships not just for India, but for the entire world”.

He assured of government’s continuous support to achieve this vision.

Saying that global security reasons, border disputes and maritime dominance have forced countries to move towards strengthening their military power, Rajnath Singh exhorted the public and private sector to take advantage of government’s policies, work together and make India an indigenous shipbuilding hub.

Crime

Maha: ED files charge sheet in Sai Group case

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Mumbai, Aug 13: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Mumbai Zonal Office, has filed a charge sheet under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, against Jayesh Vinod Tanna, Deep Vinod Tanna, Vivek Jayesh Tanna and seven entities of the Sai Group.

According to a press release, the charge sheet was submitted before the Special Court (PMLA), Mumbai, after extensive investigations into alleged financial irregularities tied to redevelopment projects across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

The case traces back to 2024, when Mumbai Police registered multiple FIRs under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Maharashtra Ownership Flats Act (MOFA), 1963.

The ED’s probe revealed that the promoters of Sai Group diverted funds collected from flat and shop buyers in several redevelopment projects. Instead of channelling the money into construction, the funds were allegedly siphoned off, leaving buyers and investors in distress, the agency said.

According to the findings, the diversion of funds amounted to Rs 43.73 crore, affecting projects in DN Nagar, Andheri, Kandivali and Goregaon. The promoters are accused of misleading buyers, failing to deliver promised housing units and breaching financial trust.

To secure the proceeds of crime, the ED has attached assets worth Rs 43.73 crore under Section 5 of the PMLA. These include properties in Mumbai and Ahmednagar, as well as overseas holdings in the United Kingdom, it said.

The filing of the charge sheet highlights the ED’s intensified scrutiny of real estate‑linked money laundering cases, which have become increasingly common due to misuse of redevelopment funds. The agency emphasised that such fraudulent practices not only undermine the housing sector but also erode public confidence in redevelopment projects.

With the charge sheet now before the Special Court, the matter will proceed to trial, where evidence presented by the ED will be examined to determine the culpability of the accused individuals and entities.

This marks a significant step in the broader crackdown on financial crimes in the real estate sector, reinforcing the government’s stand to protect homebuyers and investors from exploitation.

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National News

Border tensions escalate as stone-pelting erupts along Assam-Arunachal Highway

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Guwahati, Aug 13: Tensions along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border remained high on Thursday as an ongoing economic blockade over a recent firing incident escalated into stone-pelting, leaving police and CRPF personnel caught in clashes involving protesters from both sides.

The situation continued to remain sensitive in parts of Assam’s Dhemaji district and Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Siang, amid heightened tensions between members of the Mising and Galo communities following the August 10 firing incident.

The incident took place at Mingmang Basti along the inter-state border under the Gogamukh revenue circle of Gerukamukh police station in Dhemaji.

At least 12 people were injured in the firing, which reportedly followed a dispute over alleged encroachment of Assam land by people from Arunachal Pradesh.

Following the incident, the Takam Mising Porin Kebang (TMPK) launched an indefinite economic blockade from August 12, disrupting movement between the two neighbouring states at multiple points.

The blockade has particularly affected the Silapathar-Likabali highway, where tensions intensified on Thursday after protesters allegedly resorted to stone-pelting.

Security personnel, including police and CRPF personnel deployed to maintain law and order, were also targeted.

Vehicles carrying Arunachal Pradesh registration numbers have reportedly been stopped at several entry points as part of the agitation.

The TMPK, along with the Mising Mimag Kebang (MMK) and Takam Mising Mahila Kebang (TMMK), has demanded the arrest of those allegedly involved in the firing and their handover to Assam Police.

The organisations have also sought an early settlement of the long-pending Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary dispute and action against alleged encroachment on Assam territory.

The administration has appealed to residents and protesters to maintain peace and refrain from actions that could further aggravate the situation.

Assam and Arunachal Pradesh share an 804.1-km boundary, with several areas remaining disputed. The two states have been pursuing a negotiated settlement through regional mechanisms and the Namsai Declaration framework.

With tensions still simmering, security forces and civil authorities are maintaining close vigil in the affected areas to prevent further escalation.

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‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign strengthening sentiment of patriotism, pride in heart of every Indian: HM Shah

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New Delhi, Aug 13: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday hoisted the Tricolour as part of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign at his residence in the national capital and said that this strengthens the sentiment of patriotism and pride in the heart of every Indian.

Amit Shah took to social media platform ‘X’ and said, “Today, at my residence in New Delhi, I hoisted the Tricolour under the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign. This campaign, launched under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi ji, is today further strengthening the sentiment of patriotism and pride in the heart of every Indian. Today, crores of countrymen are connecting with the Tricolour and empowering the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.”

The ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign was launched under the aegis of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ to encourage citizens to bring the national flag into their homes and hoist the Tiranga as part of the celebrations marking India’s Independence.

The campaign was based on the idea that people’s relationship with the national flag had traditionally remained more formal and institutional, rather than becoming a personal expression of national pride.

By encouraging citizens to bring the national flag home, the initiative sought to transform the Tiranga into a symbol of a personal connection with the nation while also representing a collective commitment towards nation-building and national unity.

This year, ‘Har Ghar Tiranga 2026’ is being dedicated to the spirit of 150 Years of Vande Mataram, celebrating patriotism, pride in the Tiranga and the deep love for the motherland reflected in India’s National Song.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday appealed to the countrymen to actively participate in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign to mark Independence Day on August 15 and pay tributes to the freedom fighters.

Sharing a reel on Instagram, PM Modi said, “Celebrate August 15 with pride, pay tribute to freedom fighters, take a pledge for Viksit Bharat. Har Ghar Tiranga, Ghar Ghar Tiranga, Har Man Tiranga.”

“Come, let’s make Har Ghar Tiranga a celebration in every home,” the Prime Minister captioned the post on X as the nation prepares to celebrate the 80th Independence Day.

Earlier this week, PM Modi, calling upon the citizens to participate in the campaign, termed the Tricolour as “pride” and “source of motivation”.

Taking to his official X account, PM Modi had said, “Our Tricolour is our pride and a constant source of inspiration to always give our best for the nation.”

“Let us participate enthusiastically in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ movement and renew our collective resolve to contribute towards building a ‘Viksit Bharat’,” he said while underlining this year’s theme as that of the national song ‘Vande Mataram.’

The Prime Minister mentioned: “Glad that this year’s efforts are dedicated to Vande Mataram and that, too, at a time when we are marking its 150th anniversary.”

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