KOLKATA - It was in May 1955 that a British mountaineering team successfully climbed Kangchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain at 8,586m, for the first time.
But members of this expedition did not step onto the peak of the mountain on the border of Nepal and India. They instead stopped about 1.5m short of the summit, in deference to the wishes of locals in the region, who venerate this Himalayan mountain and did not want the climbers to sully its sacred peak by stepping onto it.
More than 70 years later, locals in the small Indian state of Sikkim, which lies in the heart of the Himalayas between Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet, are fuming over a mountaineering team having done just that.
A team comprising representatives from the Indian and Nepalese armies scaled Kangchenjunga’s peak in two waves on May 19 and 20, as part of the Indian government’s Har Shikhar Tiranga (Hindi for “A Tricolour Atop Every Peak”) initiative aimed at hoisting the Indian national flag on the highest point in all 28 Indian states.
The expedition, which flagged off on March 26, was organised by the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (Nimas), which functions under India’s Ministry of Defence and is based in the north-eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh.
As the Indian side of the mountain remains closed to climbers, the team approached it from Nepal.
Nevertheless, the ascent to the top of Kangchenjunga has angered locals in Sikkim, particularly members of the Bhutia and Lepcha communities, most of whom are Buddhists and consider the mountain as a guardian deity who has watched over them and their land for generations.
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“They have defiled the sanctity of our Kangchenjunga,” said Mr Tseten Tashi Bhutia, the convenor of Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (Siblac) – an organisation that represents the rights and interests of these two communities – and a former minister with a previous state government in Sikkim.
The controversy has ignited concerns that the centuries-old religious and cultural traditions of indigenous Buddhist communities in Sikkim, India’s second-smallest state with a population of around 632,000, were disregarded to generate patriotic fervour.
It also highlighted the power dynamics between the central government, which organised the climb, and the state government, which expressly prohibits any climb atop Kangchenjunga.
A view of Kangchenjunga, one of the five highest peaks in the world, taken from Sandakphu, the highest point in India’s West Bengal.PHOTO: ST FILE
Sikkim has maintained a formal climbing ban atop Kangchenjunga since 2001, one that followed another controversy in 2000 when the state government allowed an Austrian team to attempt the near-vertical trek up the peak in exchange for US$20,000. The team failed to make it to the summit.
“Whatever has happened, has happened. Now damage control has to be done,” Mr Bhutia told The Straits Times, stressing the need for a “purification ritual” to placate their guardian deity. He also called for an apology from the climbers as well as the central government that organised the climb and the state government that failed to stop it.
“This type of blunder should also not be repeated in the future,” he added.
Neither the climbers nor the Indian government has issued any statement following the controversy. ST approached Nimas for a comment but did not receive a response.
The caves were first documented in 1884 by British geologist Robert Bruce Foote.
VIJAYAWADA: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has granted Geo Heritage Site status to the historic Belum Caves. With this recognition, Belum Caves becomes the seventh site in the State to receive this prestigious status.
Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh hailed the recognition as a proud moment. “Glad that the GSI has given special recognition to the world-famous Belum Caves in Kolimigundla of Nandyal district. These are not just natural wonders but ancient cultural sites that deserve national and global attention,” he said. Belum Caves is the country’s second-longest publicly accessible limestone cave system.
Formed by a tributary of the ancient Chitravathi River, the site also features archaeological remains, including pre-Buddhist pottery and relics linked to Buddhist and Jain monks.
The caves were first documented in 1884 by British geologist Robert Bruce Foote. They were later explored in the 1980s and declared a protected site in 1988 before opening to the public in 2002. Durgesh said that the inclusion in the GSI list is expected to increase both domestic and international tourist footfall. “With this announcement, Belum Caves will become even more popular as a tourist destination. The tag will also bring infrastructure improvements,” he added.
He said Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is committed to strengthening tourism in the State. “We will ensure more publicity for Belum Caves to attract foreign visitors and highlight its geological and cultural significance,” Durgesh said.
The tourism department plans to enhance connectivity, upgrade amenities, and promote the site to align with the international attention it is now poised to receive.
The Bombay High Court has stayed the government’s notification that imposed caste-based reservations on minority colleges, calling it a violation of minority rights
NEW DELHI/MUMBAI — Minority educational institutions across Maharashtra, especially those run by Muslims, have expressed relief and gratitude after the Bombay High Court on Friday stayed the state government’s decision to impose reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes (SC/ST/OBC) in their institutions.
The court order came in response to petitions filed by APD Jain Pathshala and the Maharashtra Association of Minority Educational Institutions. These groups challenged a government resolution issued on 6 June, which made it compulsory for minority-run colleges to enroll students under caste-based quotas during First Year Junior College (FYJC) admissions.
“This was not just an attack on our institutions but on our constitutional rights,” said Dr Arif Shaikh, administrator of a Muslim minority college in Aurangabad. “We welcome the court’s order. The government must not interfere in our right to run institutions according to our faith and community needs.”
A division bench of Justices MS Karnik and NR Borkar delivered the decision after senior lawyer Milind Sathe, representing the petitioners, argued that reservations cannot be imposed on minority institutions. He reminded the court that a similar attempt in 2019 had also been withdrawn after legal intervention.
“As per the Constitution of India, minority institutions — whether aided or unaided — are not required to follow reservation for any community, including SC, ST, or OBC,” Sathe argued.
Government advocate Neha Bede admitted before the court that she had not received any instruction or clarification on the matter from state authorities. In response, the court not only stayed the implementation of the resolution but also ordered that the government update the admission portal to reflect the change. The next hearing is scheduled for 6 August 2025.
“This move by the government was a direct challenge to Article 30 of the Indian Constitution, which protects the rights of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions,” said Advocate Zainab Momin, who supports minority education rights. “We are glad the judiciary upheld the rule of law.”
The 6 June resolution had created panic among the management of Muslim and Christian-run colleges, especially as it came just ahead of the admission season.
“The timing of the order was very suspicious,” said Mohammad Ali, head of an Urdu-medium junior college in Solapur. “It seemed like the government was trying to target our institutions just when we were about to begin the new academic year.”
Educational experts had also raised alarms over the notification. They said such interference could dilute the identity and autonomy of minority institutions, many of which were established decades ago to provide education tailored to their communities.
“Minority colleges were built by the community for the community,” said Prof Naushad Ahmad, an academic from Pune. “Why should we be forced to admit students based on caste quotas, especially when our seats are already limited?”
Several Muslim community leaders and activists accused the state government of using caste reservation as a tool to weaken minority-run institutions. They called it a deliberate move to interfere with the functioning of Muslim and Christian colleges.
“This government is pushing a communal agenda,” said All India Majlis-e Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Abdul Hameed. “On one hand, they don’t provide enough grants to our schools, and on the other hand, they impose restrictions and conditions on who we can admit. This is nothing but harassment.”
Another local leader, Sister Maria Fernandes from a Christian college in Mumbai, added, “The Constitution clearly protects our rights. It is unfortunate that we have to go to court every few years just to protect what is already guaranteed to us.”
There were also discussions among Muslim scholars that the move may have been aimed at disrupting Urdu-medium institutions and pushing students into Hindi and Marathi medium schools run by pro-Hindu organisations.
“This is not just about admission. This is about controlling our institutions and slowly wiping out our language and identity,” said Prof Rahmatullah Qureshi, a senior Urdu lecturer from Mumbai.
The Maharashtra Association of Minority Educational Institutions (MAMEI), which was one of the main petitioners, called the verdict a “much-needed moral and legal victory.”
“Our schools and colleges are not run for profit. They serve the poor and marginalised within our own community,” said MAMEI president Yusuf Pathan. “It is shameful that the state tried to impose such a discriminatory order without any discussion with stakeholders.”
Muslim educationists have also urged the government to stop using minority institutions for political experimentation.
“We should not be treated like second-class citizens,” said Fatima Rizvi, a retired principal from Nagpur. “Our forefathers built these institutions with great struggle. Any attack on them is an attack on the dignity of our community.”
As mentioned during the court proceedings, a similar resolution in 2019 was withdrawn after facing legal resistance. Despite this, the government once again brought forward the same demand, raising questions about its intent.
“Why do they repeat the same mistake again and again?” questioned advocate Farhan Shaikh, who has fought many cases involving minority rights. “It seems like they are testing how far they can go in violating our constitutional protections.”
Many legal experts say that unless the government comes up with a clear constitutional amendment or change in central law, it cannot impose such reservations on minority-run institutions.
The high court has given the state four weeks to file a reply and has fixed the next hearing for August 6. Until then, minority institutions will continue their admission process without applying the reservation order.
Observers believe the case could become a litmus test for the freedom that minority institutions enjoy in formulating their policies.
“Today it is about admission, tomorrow it could be about our syllabus, our teachers, our dress code,” warned Dr Nasreen Rehmani, an educational consultant. “We must remain alert and continue to defend our rights.”
Meanwhile, community leaders have called for a statewide campaign to raise awareness about minority rights and to resist any future attempt to impose unjust laws.
“We need to stay united,” said Maulana Habibuddin, a prominent cleric from Mumbai. “This judgment is a victory, but the fight is not over. They will try again.”
West Bengal Job Reservation Policy Change:A significant change has occurred in the realm of West Bengal government jobs. The state government has recently released a new 100-Point Roster for job reservations, bringing about crucial modifications to the previous regulations. This updated roster will now be effective, replacing the older 2011 roster.
Table of Contents
If you are a government job aspirant, understanding these changes in recruitment policy is vital. In this report, we will highlight the key differences between the two rosters in a straightforward manner.
The main differences between the two rosters can be clearly understood from the table below:
Category
Reservation as per 2011 Roster
Reservation as per 2025 Roster
Unreserved
55%
45%
Scheduled Caste (SC)
22%
22%
Scheduled Tribe (ST)
6%
6%
OBC Category-A (OBC-A)
10%
10%
OBC Category-B (OBC-B)
7%
7%
Economically Weaker Section (EWS)
0% (No provision)
10%
Detailed Analysis of Key Differences
The table above clearly indicates some significant changes. Let’s delve into the details.
1. The Major Addition: EWS Reservation
The most crucial difference between the two notifications is the reservation for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS).
2011 Roster:There was no provision for EWS reservation under this regulation.
2025 New Roster:10 percent of seats have been reserved for EWS candidates. This is undoubtedly a significant step.
2. Change in Unreserved (General) Posts
The introduction of the EWS quota has directly impacted the number of unreserved or general category posts.
Previously (2011):According to the old rules, the number of unreserved posts was 55 percent.
Under the New Rules:To accommodate the 10 percent EWS reservation, the number of unreserved posts has decreased, now standing at 45 percent.
3. Stability in SC, ST, and OBC Reservations
A reassuring point for job seekers is the consistency in the state’s core reservation policy.
The reservation percentages for Scheduled Castes (SC) at 22%, Scheduled Tribes (ST) at 6%, OBC Category-A at 10%, and OBC Category-B at 7% remain the same in both rosters.
4. Modernization of Laws
The new roster gives importance to current legal frameworks. For instance, regarding the reservation for Persons with Disabilities:
The 2011 notification referred to the ‘Persons With Disabilities Act, 1995’.
The new 2025 notification has updated the regulations according to the ‘Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016’.
What Does This Mean for Job Aspirants?
New Opportunities:With 10% of posts now reserved for the EWS category, a new avenue of opportunity has opened up for eligible candidates.
Change in Competition:As the number of unreserved posts has decreased from 55% to 45%, competition in the general category might slightly increase.
Policy Continuity:Candidates from the SC, ST, and OBC categories can be assured that there has been no change in their reservation percentages.
Overall, the new 2025 roster represents an important and timely update to the state’s recruitment system. All future government recruitments will follow this new list, making it essential for all job aspirants to be aware of these changes.
HomePune'We Served Sinhagad Fort For Generations, Now We're Homeless': Cries Adivasi Woman After PMAY Home Demolished By Pune Administration In Peak Monsoon (VIDEO)
'We Served Sinhagad Fort For Generations, Now We're Homeless': Cries Adivasi Woman After PMAY Home Demolished By Pune Administration In Peak Monsoon (VIDEO)
The anti-encroachment operation, which took place from May 29 to June 4, saw several structures razed at the historic fort. Officials, citing heritage protection norms, manually dismantled RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) homes. However, the victim claimed she is illiterate and was not aware of the notice.
Sunday, June 15, 2025, 04:58 PM.
'We Served Sinhagad Fort For Generations, Now We're Homeless': Cries Adivasi Woman After PMAY Home Demolished By Pune Administration In Peak Monsoon (VIDEO) |
A 37-year-old woman along with her family were left in tears and without shelter after officials from the Archaeological Department and Forest Department demolished her only home at Sinhagad Fort on May 29. Interestingly, she claimed that the home was constructed under the Central scheme of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
The anti-encroachment operation, which took place between May 29 to June 4, saw several structures razed at the historic fort. Officials, citing heritage protection norms, manually dismantled RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) homes. However, the victim claimed she is illiterate and was not aware of the notice.
Speaking to Free Press Journal, Savita Gaikwad (victim) narrated her whole story. Gaikwad said, we belong to the Adivasi Mahadev Koli community. It is our seventh generation at the fort. Our ancestors were deployed as "Pahredar" in the Maratha Kingdom. In 2016, the government helped under the Pradhanmantri Awas Yojana scheme to construct our home at the fort. It was clearly mentioned on the wall but the archaeological officials did not verify any documents. We have all documents regarding the land (one guntha). It was our first concrete home. Till yet we were living in a hut.
She added, "Serving Nimbu-Pani to the tourists is the only mode of our survival. In the monsoon season, the administration demolished our home and left us homeless. We are forced to suffer the heavy rain. Leaving this land, we have no other place to stay. It was the only home for me and our family. Now where to go? All domestic materials are lying in the open space and are damaged due to rain. I want my home back as it was. I request the government to rebuild at the same place and give justice to us. Our ancestors have devoted their whole life to this fort despite the administration leaving us homeless."
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Sanjay Dattatrey Gaikwad (her husband) said, "Only Rs 1.2 lakh we got under the scheme. I borrowed money from friends and took an additional loan for a total of Rs 5 lakh to build this house under a government scheme. It was not illegal. It was my only roof, and now I have nothing. My wife's eyes are swollen from days of crying and sleepless nights under the open sky."
"Even during monsoon, the authorities did not stop. No rehabilitation, no alternate shelter, they just broke our home," he added.
"We will talk to the collector for the substitute shelter near the fort"
Vilas Wahane, Assistant Director, Archaeological Department of Pune Division, speaking to FPJ, said, "We have notified the Gaikwad family and they have not taken a No Objection Certificate from the Archaeological Department, leading to the demolition of their house under the anti-encroachment drive." Moreover, Wahane claimed the Gaikwad house was built under another scheme, not under PMAY. "However, we will talk to the collector for the substitute shelter near the fort," he added.
Shockingly, the photos of Gaikwad's house before demolition proved that her house was built under PMAY. The family, now sheltering under a plastic sheet amid heavy rainfall, is still waiting for someone from the administration to even acknowledge her existence, let alone offer compensation or assistance.
MLA Bhimrao Tapkir, speaking to Free Press Journal, said, "This is totally inhumanity and an anti-encroachment squad could not demolish the home constructed under Pradhanmantri Awas Yojana. Without verification of documents, the government does not clear the finances to build a home. We will definitely talk to the Pune Collector regarding the matter. And strict action will be taken against the responsible one."
Student from Adi Dravidar Welfare school secures seat in national law university
Published - June 17, 2025 12:41 am IST - TIRUCHI
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin presenting his pen to Rahini | Photo Credit: DIPR
D. Rahini, a 17-year-old student with hearing disability from Government Adi Dravidar Welfare Higher Secondary School at Milaguparai in Tiruchi has made her mark by cracking the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) and securing a seat at the Dharmashastra National Law University in Madhya Pradesh.
Rahini, who scored 29.75 in CLAT, ranked 3,724 in the Scheduled Caste category and 185 in the Persons with Disabilities category in the test. Her All India Rank was 47292. She secured admission to the Dharmashastra National Law University at Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh in the second round of JoSAA counselling. She completed Class 12 in the Biology stream, scoring 300 out of 600.
🍭🍭🍭🍭🍭🍭🍭🍭🍭🍭 *BENEFITS OF MEDITATION* 🌳😇🌅 🔵 *Why to meditate?* 🔵 *What is power of meditation?* 🔵 *Why to do group sadhana?* 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 😇😇😇 *When 100 people do meditation together then its vibrations spread to a region of 5 kilometers around it and the negativity in this area is destroyed.* *🍀:^:^:🌹:^:^:🍀* 😇😇😇 *Eienstien had scientifically explained how if we break 1 atom , it breaks all other atoms around it- called an atomic explosion.* *🍀:^:^:🌹:^:^:🍀* 😇😇😇 *Our Rishis and Munis had said the same thing thousands of years ago – that is even 4% of the people on this planet do meditation that the rest 96% will also automatically come in bliss.* *🍀:^:^:🌹:^:^:🍀* 😇😇😇 *You can also observe a tremendous change in ...
+ + + Home NewsTamil Nadu Villupuram Dalit boy tops govt quota seats in medical admissions Performance of govt school students improves; 7.5% quota https://www.dtnext.in/news/tamilnadu/villupuram-dalit-boy-tops-govt-quota-seats-in-med-admissions-800265
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WBPAY4 days agoLast Updated: June 14, 2025
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