Ragesh backs govt over DGP's appointment
Addressing a news conference, Ragesh said state govt didn't have full power to appoint the state police chief. "Govt only has the power to choose an officer from the list of multiple names given by UPSC. Govt might have taken the decision to appoint Ravada Chandrasekhar after considering many factors," he said.
Ragesh added that Chandrasekhar was new in service during the Koothuparamba firing. "He joined as assistant superintendent of police without prior knowledge about the area. The commission which investigated the incident didn't find his involvement in the conspiracy. Once a commission report is submitted, only its findings are relevant and not the baseless allegations. That is why the officers, who were involved in the conspiracy, were convicted while Chandrasekhar was appointed as district police chief in Pathanamthitta and Thiruvananthapuram during the tenure of V S Achuthanandan and E K Nayanar," he said.
On senior CPM functionary P Jayarajan's stance over the appointment of new DGP, Ragesh alleged that media was misinterpreting the veteran's statement. "P Jayarajan had not taken any contradictory stance on the matter," he added.
Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with
Doctor's Day 2025
,
messages
and quotes!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Karnataka govt renames Bengaluru Rural district as Bengaluru North, sanctions projects worth Rs 3,400 cr
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that the cabinet has decided to rename Bengaluru Rural district as Bengaluru North, while Bagepalli has been renamed as Bhagyanagar. "We have declared Bangalore Rural District as Bangalore North. We have changed Bagepalli to Bhagyanagar." In another change of name, the Bengaluru University will now be called Dr Manmohan Singh University , after late prime minister. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Uttar Pradesh Mosquito Crisis Solved by Strange New Device (See How) Mosquito Eliminator Read More Undo The cabinet, which met on Wednesday, discussed 48 issues and sanctioned Rs 3,400 crore, including funds for drinking water projects across the state. "We have discussed 48 issues. Rs 3,400 crores is the amount that was discussed and sanctioned today. BJP repeatedly that this government has no money. I am pressing total revised amount for the Yettinahole project is Rs 23,251 crores, the amount spent so far is Rs 17,147 crores, another 6,103 crores will be spent. This is basically a drinking water project, but we will fill 50% of the the drinking water project should be completed. We are working on drinking water projects in Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Bengaluru Rural, Hassan. After completing the drinking water project in the next 2 years, we will provide water to all those districts," Siddaramaiah said. Live Events Furthermore, the chief minister said that the Labour Department has decided to open one residential school for the children of workers in each district. "Rs 1175.25 crores have been sanctioned for its construction, wherever there is a large number of workers. We have allocated Rs 10 crores for the construction of two residential schools to train backward candidates for competitive examinations, including UPSC," the chief minister said. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said the cabinet should investigate mining irregularities in the state. "We have decided that the state cabinet should conduct a special investigation into the mining irregularities and submit a report within a month. HK Patil found some shortcomings. We have formed a cabinet sub-committee under the leadership of the Law Minister to protect our state wealth. Bengaluru was the only one with a high-tech flower market. We have given it to Chikkaballapur district for construction at a cost of Rs 141 crore for a flower market," Shivakumar said.
United News of India
2 hours ago
- United News of India
BJP slams Cong for pact with Jamaat-e-Islami in Kerala bypolls, calls it 'double standards'
New Delhi, July 2 (UNI) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today launched a scathing attack on the Congress for its alliance during the Nilambur Assembly by-election in Kerala with Jamaat-e-Islami, an organisation that, it alleged, has long opposed democracy, the Indian Constitution, and secular values. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Kerala State President of the BJP and former Union Minister while addressing the media, traced the controversial history of Jamaat-e-Islami, saying that it has openly advocated for the implementation of Sharia law in India and rejected the core principles of democracy and secularism. In support of his claims, the BJP leader referred to a 2018 statement by Congress's former Kerala Chief Minister, Oommen Chandy, who had referred to Jamaat-e-Islami as 'dangerous and anti-national.' Chandrasekhar accused Congress of double standards, saying, 'On one hand, leaders like Rahul Gandhi often parade the Constitution, symbolising their commitment to secularism, while on the other, they forge alliances with radical and anti-national groups like Jamaat-e-Islami.' He emphasised that the Congress had allied with Jamaat-e-Islami in the recent Nilambur by-election, a seat that falls within the Wayanad parliamentary constituency once represented by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. Congress won the seat in the bypolls, which marked the first time they officially acknowledged their alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami. 'This is the true face of Congress politics: Constitution in one hand, secularism on the lips, and a dangerous partnership with Jamaat-e-Islami in their pursuit of power,' said Chandrasekhar. The BJP leader accused Congress of indulging in a 'politics of appeasement,' particularly Muslim appeasement, which he argued had been the party's central strategy for decades. He noted that while the Congress had historically relied on Jamaat-e-Islami for support in Kerala, these alliances were previously kept under wraps. 'Now, under pressure from Jamaat-e-Islami, Congress has openly acknowledged the alliance,' he remarked. Mujeeb Rahman, the leader of Jamaat-e-Islami, had recently acknowledged that the BJP was the only party in India that had never sought support from the radical group, while other parties, including Congress, Left, and RJD, had consistently done so, Chandrasekhar added. Shifting the focus to national security, Chandrasekhar recalled instances where, it said, Congress had distorted facts and undermined the nation's security interests. He pointed to the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, accusing Congress of suggesting that the RSS was behind the attacks instead of Pakistani terrorists. He also referenced the Batla House encounter, where Sonia Gandhi had defended the terrorists. Chandrasekhar also condemned Congress MP Rajmohan Unnithan for calling a Hamas leader who attempted to radicalize children in Kerala a 'freedom fighter.' He likened this language to that used by Pakistan to justify terrorism. In his closing remarks, the BJP leader accused Congress of abandoning any meaningful dialogue on development, governance, or economic issues. Instead, he argued, the party has increasingly resorted to religious appeasement in a desperate bid to regain political relevance. He pointed to the party's failures in states like Karnataka, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh, where it has struggled to address key issues of governance. UNI AJ ARN GNK 1509
Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Indian Express
Mains answer practice — GS 2: Questions on India's outreach in reshaping the global discourse of the Global South and NATO (Week 109)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today's answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-2 to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at India has sought to position itself as the 'voice' of the Global South through bilateral visits, multilateral forums, and initiatives.' Discuss the effectiveness of India's outreach in reshaping the global discourse of the Global South. In the wake of increased defence spending commitments within NATO, discuss how member nations like Germany are balancing collective security obligations with strategic autonomy. Introduction — The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction. — It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts. Body — It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content. — The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points. — Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse. — Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer. — Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required. Way forward/ conclusion — The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction. — You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers. Self Evaluation — It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers. QUESTION 1: India has sought to position itself as the 'voice' of the Global South through bilateral visits, multilateral forums, and initiatives.' Discuss the effectiveness of India's outreach in reshaping the global discourse of the Global South. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — The Indian Prime Minister will travel to Africa and South America before attending the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. — The visit to Ghana will be the first by an Indian Prime Minister in three decades. The summit will evaluate the bilateral relationship and explore how to strengthen it through economic, energy, defence, and development cooperation. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: Effectiveness of India's outreach in reshaping the global discourse of the Global South Ghana — Ghana is one of West Africa's fastest-growing economies; its relationship with India is marked by robust and expanding trade and investment. India is the largest destination for Ghanaian exports; gold accounts for more than 70% of India's imports from Ghana. Trinidad and Tobago — Trinidad and Tobago is home to 40-45% of the Caribbean's Indian diaspora, including Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and President Christine Carla Kangaloo. This will be Modi's first visit to Trinidad and Tobago as Prime Minister, and the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister since 1999. Argentina — The meeting will assess ongoing collaboration and discuss strategies to strengthen collaborations in defence, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, and energy, among other areas. The two presidents met before on the fringes of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024. — India and Argentina have made tremendous progress in their bilateral collaboration in the mineral resources sector, particularly in lithium, which is essential to India's shift to green energy. Argentina is a major exporter of sunflower and soybean oil to India. In 2024, India was Argentina's fifth-largest commercial partner and export market. Brazil — The Prime Minister will speak at BRICS about global governance reform, peace and security, multilateralism, responsible AI use, climate action, global health, and other issues. — During the State Visit, the Prime Minister will fly to Brasilia to undertake bilateral discussions with President Lula on strengthening the Strategic Partnership in areas of common interest such as trade, defence, energy, space, technology, agriculture, and healthcare. Brazil is India's most important trading partner in South America. Namibia — Bilateral trade increased from less than $3 million in 2000 to about $600 million today. Indian corporations have made investments in Namibia's mining, manufacturing, diamond processing, and services sectors. — The PM released eight cheetahs from Namibia to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh in September 2022, marking the world's first intercontinental transfer of a large carnivore species. (Source: Explained: In PM Modi's diplomatic tour, India's outreach to the Global South) Points to Ponder Read about relations between India and African countries Read about BRICS Related Previous Year Questions Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation? (2022) 'Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries'. Comment with examples. (2020) QUESTION 2: In the wake of increased defence spending commitments within NATO, discuss how member nations like Germany are balancing collective security obligations with strategic autonomy. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — NATO struck a historic agreement: member states would increase their collective defence spending commitment to 5% of their individual GDP. — This ambitious new standard represents NATO's recalibrated strategic posture in the face of escalating global challenges. The contribution is divided into two essential domains: 3.5% will assist core defence aligned with NATO Capability Targets, while the remaining 1.5% will improve infrastructure resilience, cyber defence, innovation, and preparedness. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — While several nations, including Spain and Slovakia, have expressed concern about the rapid escalation, Germany has taken the lead by announcing a record increase in military spending. Germany has vowed to increase defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2029, up from 2.4% in 2025, marking its most substantial rearmament effort since reunification. — For years, Germany and others fell short of NATO's previous 2% commitment. It did not cross the threshold until 2024. — With rising geopolitical volatility caused by Russia's war in Ukraine, growing Chinese aggressiveness, and Middle Eastern instability, NATO leaders have called for a structural rethink, despite the fact that these issues are not mentioned in the five-paragraph declaration. — Germany's new defence framework outlines a transformational goal. Defence spending is expected to increase from €86 billion in 2025 (2.4 percent of GDP) to roughly €153 billion by 2029 (3.5 percent). These are Germany's largest military allocations in peacetime. — To finance this change, Germany has adopted a number of daring fiscal measures. It has suspended its constitutional 'debt brake,' which previously restricted deficit expenditure, and is requesting an EU exemption under the Stability and Growth Pact to categorise defence spending as extraordinary investment. This permits Germany to borrow more than the standard 1% of GDP limit. — Germany's plan also reflects NATO's broader understanding of security. It will spend heavily on military-relevant infrastructure, such as digital systems, transportation corridors, logistical centres, and dual-use facilities, in accordance with NATO's new 5% framework. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has actively advocated for dual-purpose infrastructure, citing it as critical to national and alliance stability. Conclusion: — Germany's declaration sends a strong signal to both allies and rivals. It responds to NATO's desire for increased burden-sharing and indicates a more robust German posture in Europe and beyond. However, implementation is critical. (Source: As NATO revises defence-spending goals, Germany arms up to position itself as the backbone of European security) Points to Ponder Read about NATO Read about India-Germany relations Read about India-European Union trade Related Previous Year Questions 'The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well for India.' What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer. (2023) Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times Discuss. (2020) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 108) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 109) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 108) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 107) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 108) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 107) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
