The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has filed a police complaint against fashion designer and lifestyle influencer Archana Makwana for performing yoga at the Golden Temple and sharing photos on social media. Makwana has apologized for her actions, but SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami stated that the act hurt Sikh sentiments and their religious "maryada" (conduct). Moreover, the general manager of Darbar Sahib, Bhagwant Singh Dhangera, claimed that the woman's action hurt the sentiments of Sikhs and the 'sangat'.
Designer Archana Makwana's Yoga at Golden Temple Sparks Controversy
Background:
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is the chief religious body managing Sikh gurdwaras (temples) in India. The Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, is the holiest shrine of the Sikh religion. It is considered a place of worship and reverence, where strict protocols and conduct are observed.
Incident:
On January 4, 2023, fashion designer and lifestyle influencer Archana Makwana performed yoga postures inside the Golden Temple's complex. She then shared photos of her practice on social media,引发争议.
SGPC Response:
The SGPC filed a police complaint against Makwana, accusing her of disrespecting Sikh religious sentiments. SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami condemned her actions, stating that they violated the temple's "maryada" (conduct). The general manager of Darbar Sahib, Bhagwant Singh Dhangera, also expressed concern over how Makwana's act had hurt the emotions of Sikh devotees.
Makwana's Apology:
Makwana apologized for her actions, stating that she had "no intention of disrespecting the sanctity of the Golden Temple." She claimed that she had performed yoga solely for health purposes and had not realized it was considered disrespectful.
Consequences:
The Amritsar police have registered a case against Makwana under Section 295A of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with offenses that intend to outrage religious feelings. Makwana has been summoned for questioning.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the significance of the Golden Temple? Answer: The Golden Temple is the holiest shrine of the Sikh religion, considered a place of worship, pilgrimage, and spiritual significance.
2. Why was Makwana's yoga practice considered disrespectful? Answer: Yoga is a form of physical exercise, and its practice within the Golden Temple complex was seen as inappropriate and disrespectful to the temple's sacred atmosphere.
3. What is the SGPC? Answer: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee is a statutory body responsible for the management of Sikh gurdwaras in India.
4. Has there been a similar incident before? Answer: In 2019, a woman was arrested for posing for a photoshoot wearing inappropriate clothing inside the Golden Temple.
5. What action has been taken against Makwana? Answer: The Amritsar police have registered a case against Makwana under Section 295A of the Indian Penal Code, and she has been summoned for questioning.
President Trump gets heated during a Cabinet meeting when a reporter asks Attorney General Pam Bondi about a recent memo regarding Jeffrey Epstein's 2019 death in jail and possible high-profile co-conspirators. The President suggests that discussing the convicted sex offender is a "waste" of time and mentions current successes and tragedies in the country. Trump's outburst adds to the ongoing speculation and conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein, particularly among those on the far right.
As India gears up for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present an Interim Budget on February 1. This budget will act as a temporary financial plan until a full-fledged Union Budget is presented by the new government after the elections. Before the announcement, it's important to understand key terms related to the budget, such as the Annual Financial Statement, Economic Survey, Tax Regime, and Money Bill. These terms play a crucial role in shaping the country's fiscal policies.
President Trump's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has led to optimism regarding the ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Trump hinted at "progress" in the planned move to relocate Palestinians out of Gaza, stating that they are working with other countries to give Palestinians a "better future." However, the relocation plan has been met with criticism and accusations of ethnic cleansing. Trump's foreign envoy is expected to join the talks soon, and Trump believes there is a "good chance" of reaching a deal this week.
The controversial leader of Dera Sacha Sauda, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, has been granted parole for the 21st time and was met by his close associate Honeypreet in Sirsa. This comes as the sect leader continues to face legal troubles for various cases, including the rape of two disciples and the murder of a journalist. Following significant violence and protests in 2015, Gurmeet Ram Rahim was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the rape case and was also convicted for the murder in 2019. He will now only appear through video conferencing for cases related to the 2015 sacrilege incidents, while he remains imprisoned in Rohtak's Sunaria Jail.
Leicestershire Police have charged an 18-year-old for multiple offenses after officers used a controlled technique to stop a moped rider during a pursuit. The incident, which took place in Shepshed, resulted in the rider being charged with possessing a weapon, driving without a license, and failing to stop for police. The officers involved have reminded motorists of the importance of following police instructions during traffic stops.
In a highly unorthodox move, US President Donald Trump made a social media announcement on Monday declaring that a 25% tariff will be imposed on imports from Japan and South Korea starting August 1. The announcement, which also included copies of letters sent to the leaders of the two countries, issued a warning that any retaliatory actions could result in even steeper tariffs. The White House has also stated that similar letters will be sent to 12 more nations, while Trump has signaled possible flexibility in the newly announced tariffs if Japan and South Korea revise their trade policies. However, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has maintained a firm stance, signaling tough negotiations ahead. This latest tariff saga follows earlier measures imposed by Trump on April 2, resulting in limited progress in trade negotiations.
Outrage and scrutiny surround a report from the Justice Department and FBI stating that Jeffrey Epstein did not have a "client list" and likely took his own life in prison. Billionaire Elon Musk publicly voiced frustrations with the Trump administration's lack of action against those involved in Epstein's child sex trafficking crimes. Trump's supporters are demanding answers and questioning if top officials are being deceitful about the case.
Recently released CCTV footage sheds light on Jeffrey Epstein's final moments in his prison cell before his alleged suicide. The video shows the disgraced billionaire being escorted to his cell by a guard in an orange jumpsuit, about 11 hours before his death. Investigations by the FBI and US DoJ have concluded that Epstein died by suicide and there is no evidence of him possessing a "client list" to blackmail powerful figures. However, conspiracy theorists continue to allege that Epstein was murdered. The newly disclosed footage captures the last known interactions in the vicinity of Epstein's cell, further fueling public interest in the controversial case.
The FBI has officially concluded its investigation into Prince Andrew's connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after a comprehensive review ordered by the Department of Justice. Victims of Epstein have expressed anger and disappointment over the decision, as they were hoping for justice and accountability for the years of abuse they suffered. However, officials maintain that there is no evidence to suggest any wrongdoing on the part of any third parties, including Prince Andrew, and are set to release CCTV footage of Epstein's final days in custody to dispel any conspiracy theories surrounding his death.
The Department of Justice has released a detailed report on the death of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, confirming that he died by suicide and dismissing theories of foul play or a secret "client list" of powerful individuals allegedly involved in illegal activities. The investigation found no evidence to support these claims, debunking popular conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein's death. This new evidence addresses long-standing speculation and challenges narratives about Epstein's death, shedding light on the truth behind this high-profile case.