As Maharashtra commemorated the 16th anniversary of the 26/11 terror attacks, key figures from the state came together to pay their respects at a memorial in Mumbai. The event was attended by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, whose upcoming resignation is set to create political turmoil and potentially form a new government. The day also saw tensions rise in Udaipur's royal family feud, Trump's plans to appoint Kash Patel to a key position, and unrest in Bangladesh over the arrest of a Hindu leader.
Mumbai Terror Attack: 16 Years of Remembrance and Unresolved Issues
On November 26, 2008, Mumbai, India, witnessed one of the deadliest terror attacks in its history. The coordinated strikes by Pakistani militants left 166 people dead and over 300 injured.
Background
The Mumbai terror attacks were carried out by 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists who sailed from Karachi, Pakistan, to Mumbai by boat. They targeted various sites, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the Oberoi Trident Hotel, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station, and the Jewish Center.
The terrorists held hostages and engaged in fierce gun battles with security forces for over three days. The Indian Army, Navy, and police eventually regained control, killing nine of the attackers and capturing one, Mohammad Ajmal Kasab.
Commemoration and Political Turmoil
On the 16th anniversary of the attacks, Maharashtra commemorated the victims with a memorial service in Mumbai. Amidst the remembrance, political tensions arose as Chief Minister Eknath Shinde faces resignation and a possible government change.
Impact and Aftermath
The Mumbai terror attacks had a profound impact on India and the world. They highlighted the threat of cross-border terrorism and led to increased security measures at airports, ports, and other vulnerable targets.
The attack also strained relations between India and Pakistan. The Indian government accused Pakistan of supporting LeT, which is based in the Pakistani city of Lahore. Pakistan denied the allegations but vowed to cooperate in the investigation.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q1: Who was responsible for the Mumbai terror attacks? A1: The Pakistani militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
Q2: How many people were killed in the attacks? A2: 166 people.
Q3: Was anyone caught and convicted for the attacks? A3: Yes, Mohammad Ajmal Kasab, one of the attackers, was captured and sentenced to death in 2009.
Q4: What were the long-term consequences of the attacks? A4: Increased security measures, heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, and a renewed focus on counter-terrorism efforts.
Q5: What is the current status of the investigation into the attacks? A5: Pakistan has not fully cooperated in the investigation, and several suspects remain at large. The Indian government continues to press for justice for the victims.
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Chief Justice of India Sanjeev Khanna spoke at a Constitution Day event, highlighting the transformative journey of India since independence and the role of the Constitution in shaping the country. He emphasized that the Constitution is a way of life that must be upheld by both judges and members of the bar. The annual observance of Constitution Day was officially declared in 2015 to honor the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
The Supreme Court has dismissed a set of petitions demanding the elimination of "secular", "socialist" and "integrity" from the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. The court stated that after 44 years of their introduction in 1976 by the Indira Gandhi government, there is no genuine reason for challenging the Constitutional amendment. The petitioners, including Subramanian Swamy, argued that these words violate the basic structure of the Constitution, but the apex court disagreed and emphasized that parliament holds the power to amend it. The court also pointed out the delay in filing the petition and clarified that parliament's power to amend the Constitution is not constrained by the date of its adoption.
After Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi's victory in the 2024 Indian parliamentary elections, members of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) expressed their congratulations and belief that her win signifies a boost for women's empowerment in India. They also drew comparisons to her grandmother, Indira Gandhi, who they say championed women's rights during her tenure as prime minister. Meanwhile, they criticized the opposing BJP and RSS parties for their lack of support for women in politics and society.