
Khaps, farmer unions to protest Brij Bhushan's visit at wrestler's felicitation
Parmar recently won a gold medal at the Under-17 Asian Wrestling Championship held in Vietnam. The event's organisers had extended invitations to Bhiwani-Mahendergarh MP Dharambir Singh, Dadri BJP MLA Suneel Sangwan, and Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh to participate in the celebration.
However, opposition to Singh's presence has been mounting. Phogat Khap's acting president, Krishan Phogat, objected strongly, stating, 'Brij Bhushan's name has come up in a sexual harassment case that is currently under judicial consideration. Such individuals should not be welcomed at social gatherings.'
He also accused Singh of targeting former wrestler Vinesh Phogat. 'He ran a smear campaign against our daughter, Vinesh. His presence only seeks to divide the community. The BJP MLA and MP should refrain from attending if they support him,' he said.
Echoing similar concerns, Athgama Khap chief Ranbir Singh said the organisers should reflect on their decision to invite Singh to the event.
On the other hand, Pawan Kumar, media coordinator of the Charkhi Dadri Rajput Mahasabha, criticised the protest calls. He said, 'Some self-styled leaders are trying to politicise the visit. Rachna Parmar, like many others, belongs to the farming community, and there is no widespread resentment in the area.'
Tensions remain high ahead of the ceremony, with both sides standing firm on their views regarding Brij Bhushan's participation.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Mint
17 minutes ago
- Mint
India not worried about possible US sanctions on Russian oil imports: petroleum minister
New Delhi: With US President Donald Trump warning of sanctions on countries that import Russian oil, union minister for petroleum and natural gas Hardeep Singh Puri said India is not worried about any such penalties and will navigate any eventuality as there is enough supply in the market. Addressing Urja Varta 2025, an annual upstream oil and gas conclave, Singh added that more oil would come in, easing prices further. Trump recently said the US could impose 100% tariffs on Russia and 'secondary tariffs' on countries importing its oil – mainly China and India – if Moscow didn't agree to a deal to end the Ukraine war in 50 days. Responding to a question on India's likely measures in case secondary sanctions were imposed on Russian oil imports, he said, 'My my own view is the price of oil will come down. It will come down only because there is more oil available in the international market. There is more oil coming on the global market from the western hemisphere. I mean countries such as Brazil, Guyana and Canada. They're not even OPEC+ members. I'm not worried at all. If something happens, we'll deal with it.' He added that India felt 'no pressure' and had enough supply options to ensure uninterrupted availability even in turbulent times. Citing estimates, Singh said Russian oil accounted for about 10% of global oil production and that if India and other countries didn't buy it at all, prices could shoot up to $130-140 a barrel. China and India are the largest importers of Russian oil. After the West sanctioned Russia and imposed price caps on its oil in 2022 over the invasion of Ukraine, India increased imports of Russian oil as the country offered steep discounts. In February 2022, at the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, Russian oil comprised of 0.2% of India's oil imports. It has now increased to around 36%. India has maintained that its strategy for sourcing energy prioritises its national interest and that of Indian consumers. 'We will buy from wherever we have to because the prime minister's commitment is to the Indian consumer,' Puri said during the fireside chat. The minister also said India has significantly diversified its sources, buying from nearly 40 countries compared to 27 earlier, and is ready for any global supply disruption, including a hypothetical closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking about efforts to boost domestic oil and gas production, he said the government has opened up 257,000 square kilometres, the biggest ever offering, for bidding under the 10th round of the open acreage licensing policy (OALP). 'We had 3.5 million sq km of sedimentary area. We've already opened up 1 million sq km, including previously declared no-go zones,' Puri said. Assuring Indians of adequate energy supplies even during geopolitical turbulence, he said during the recent Middle East conflict and concerns of a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Indian state-run oil marketing companies had 21 days of inventory.


News18
an hour ago
- News18
Will Yogi's Most Trusted Chief Secretary Stay? UP Govt Seeks Extension Of Manoj Kumar Singh's Tenure
Singh's elevation to the post of CS had signaled a shift in the power dynamics between Lucknow and New Delhi, with the CM taking a more assertive role in bureaucratic postings. Will Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh continue at the helm beyond July 31? This question is currently resonating through Uttar Pradesh's administrative corridors as the Yogi Adityanath government has formally requested the Centre for a six-month extension in Singh's service. A 1988-batch IAS officer, Singh assumed the role of Chief Secretary on June 30, 2024, following the retirement of Durga Shankar Mishra. Just weeks into his tenure, the government has advocated for his continuation, highlighting the necessity for administrative continuity as the state prepares for significant economic and infrastructure events. In its communication to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the UP government underscored Singh's crucial role in advancing infrastructure, industrial development, and investment-related initiatives. The letter mentions Singh's leadership in preparations for the upcoming Global Investors Summit and the Ground Breaking Ceremony scheduled later this year. Officials familiar with the matter stated that the government views Singh as essential to maintaining momentum in its mission to transform Uttar Pradesh into a one trillion-dollar economy. A senior official recalled that in 2019, then Chief Secretary Anup Chandra Pandey was granted a six-month extension for similar reasons, indicating a clear precedent. Manoj Kumar Singh currently manages several significant roles apart from being Chief Secretary. He is also serving as the Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner (IIDC), Chairman of PICUP, CEO of UPEIDA and UPSHA, and Project Director of the Diversified Agriculture Support Project (DASP). His experience in vital departments like urban development, rural development, agriculture, and panchayati raj has earned him widespread respect within the bureaucracy. His multi-dimensional role, officials argue, positions him uniquely to oversee the upcoming high-level state initiatives. Who is Manoj Kumar Singh? Manoj Kumar Singh is a 1988-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, currently serving as the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh. Known for his administrative acumen and low-profile working style, Singh is considered one of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's most trusted officers. Before his appointment as Chief Secretary in June 2024, he held key posts including Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner (IIDC), CEO of UPEIDA and UPSHA, and Chairman of PICUP. His leadership has been central to the state's expressway expansion, industrial corridors, and investor outreach. Singh has previously served as Agriculture Production Commissioner and held important assignments in Panchayati Raj, Urban Development, and Rural Development. He is credited with playing a pivotal role in advancing the state's one trillion-dollar economy goal. Colleagues describe him as result-oriented, calm under pressure, and politically astute without being overtly visible – traits that have earned him rare trust across both political and bureaucratic domains. First Chief Secretary Appointed Solely by Yogi What distinguishes Singh from his predecessors is the political context of his appointment. This marks the first time in Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's seven-year rule that the state's top bureaucrat is widely regarded as his own choice. In contrast, previous appointments – Rajiv Kumar, Anup Chandra Pandey, RK Tiwari, and Durga Shankar Mishra – were largely considered Centre-endorsed decisions. Singh's elevation to the post signaled a shift in the power dynamics between Lucknow and New Delhi, with the CM taking a more assertive role in bureaucratic postings. Centre's Recent Precedents Boost Singh's Chances Observers point to recent developments in other states to suggest that Singh's extension is likely. The Centre recently granted six-month extensions to West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant and Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, both serving under opposition-ruled state governments. Given these decisions, many believe that a recommendation from a BJP-ruled state like Uttar Pradesh stands an even stronger chance of approval. 'If the Centre can extend tenures in non-BJP states, it would make sense to support a key officer in its own party's stronghold," a senior bureaucrat remarked. Commenting on the significance of the move, Professor Shashikant Pandey, Head of the Department of Political Science at Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar University, said, 'This extension request goes beyond mere administrative convenience. Manoj Kumar Singh is a politically trusted officer for CM Yogi, and allowing him to continue reinforces the CM's hold over the bureaucracy – especially when UP is gearing up for major economic showcases." According to him, the decision will reflect the evolving power balance between state leadership and the Centre within BJP-governed states. Pending Bureaucratic Reshuffle Hinges on the Decision The decision on Singh's extension will have a cascading effect on the state's bureaucratic machinery. A top-level reshuffle – expected for weeks – is currently on hold, pending clarity on whether Singh stays or goes. Several senior IAS officers are waiting in anticipation, as Singh's continuation or exit could realign administrative responsibilities at multiple levels. Second Successive Extension if Approved If the Centre grants the extension, Manoj Kumar Singh would become the second successive Chief Secretary in Uttar Pradesh to receive additional tenure after retirement. His predecessor, Durga Shankar Mishra, was granted two one-year extensions and a final six-month term before retiring in June. With Singh's retirement date fast approaching, the state is now awaiting the Centre's response – a decision that will determine not just the future of one bureaucrat but also the pace and continuity of UP's high-stakes development agenda. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : uttar pradesh Yogi Adityanath view comments Location : Lucknow, India, India First Published: July 17, 2025, 14:25 IST News india Will Yogi's Most Trusted Chief Secretary Stay? UP Govt Seeks Extension Of Manoj Kumar Singh's Tenure Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Next Indian astronaut will travel in indigenously built spacecraft: Jitendra Singh
Shubhanshu Shukla 's successful space odyssey has provided expertise for India's future voyages and the next Indian astronaut will travel in an indigenously built spacecraft, Union Minister Jitendra Singh has said In an exclusive video interview to PTI, Singh said Shukla's three-week stay at the International Space Station as part of the Axiom-4 mission has given India valuable insights and experience in handling space missions as it prepares for its own Gaganyaan project. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category MBA Technology others healthcare Cybersecurity Finance Management Others Operations Management Product Management Design Thinking PGDM Data Science Degree CXO Project Management Data Analytics Leadership Data Science Public Policy Digital Marketing Skills you'll gain: Financial Management Team Leadership & Collaboration Financial Reporting & Analysis Advocacy Strategies for Leadership Duration: 18 Months UMass Global Master of Business Administration (MBA) Starts on May 13, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Analytical Skills Financial Literacy Leadership and Management Skills Strategic Thinking Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT Online MBA Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details The Indian Space Research Organisation ( ISRO ) is preparing to launch its human spaceflight mission - Gaganyaan - that will take two astronauts to a low earth orbit sometime in 2027. "The next mission is going to be totally, totally indigenous, developed in India, right from the scratch. Indian astronauts going in for the first time in an Indian spaceship," the Union Minister for Science and Technology said. "It would also place us in that elite league of nations in the world which have actually been able to do so. And it would also pave the way for our future endeavours which includes setting up our own space station," Singh said. Live Events The International Space Station is operated in collaboration by five space agencies - NASA, Roscosmos, European Space Agency, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Canadian Space Agency. China has its own space station Tiangong. Singh said India was also working towards building its own space station and was open to hosting foreign experiments and astronauts when it becomes operational. "We are looking forward to having a space station of our own. Most likely it should be possible by the year 2035 and we have also decided to name it as Bharat Space Station ," he said. Singh rejected criticism that Shukla's travel to the ISS was a commercial mission and offered little scientific value. "Absolutely not. I think there is some kind of a lack of understanding. In fact, he (Shukla) was the most important player of the four (astronauts who were part of the Axiom-4 mission)," Singh said. ISRO has paid Rs 550 crore to Axiom Space for sending Shukla to the ISS and the costs included several months of training for him and backup crew Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair. "Peggy Whitson, the commander, is of course a veteran. Whereas, Shubhanshu was the pilot who performed the bulk of the experiments on board the ISS," the minister said, adding the outcome of the studies carried out by Shukla will benefit the entire mankind. Singh said Shukla's space travel gave a tremendous amount of experience, expertise for India's future voyages and also put the country in a better position for large international collaborations. "But most of all, it also sends out a huge, huge message across the globe. Now, India has come of age as far as the space sector is concerned," the minister said. Singh said the success of Chandrayaan-3 , when ISRO landed a spacecraft near the southern pole of the moon, had placed India among the frontline space faring nations. "After the success of this mission and after what Shubhanshu has conducted in space, the first of its kind, indigenous experiments, it has also sent out a message that India today is ready to accept the challenges," he said. Singh said the decision of the government to open the space sector for private players has given a boost to India's space economy which is projected to grow from the current USD 8.4 billion to USD 44 billion by 2033.