After the shocking revelation of animal tallow being used in the ghee supplied for making Tirupati laddus, the world's richest temple is facing accusations of betraying the trust of billions of devotees. While the temple claimed to be facing fund shortage for purchasing pure ghee, its staggering wealth and annual revenue tell a different story. The question remains, was the cheaper ghee rate used as an excuse to change the ghee supplier and possibly hide a larger scam? AP minister Pawan Kalyan's suggestion of setting up a Sanatan Dharma Raksha Board brings the issue of protection for Hindu shrines to the forefront.
Tirupati Laddu Fiasco: Betrayal of Devotees or Hiding a Larger Scam?
The recent revelation of animal tallow being used in the ghee supplied for making Tirupati laddus has sent shockwaves through India's religious community. This revelation has not only shaken the faith of devotees but also raised questions about the transparency and accountability of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the world's richest temple.
Background
Tirupati, located in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The TTD is the governing body that manages the temple, which generates an annual revenue of around Rs. 3,500 crore (approximately $500 million).
The Ghee Scandal
In July 2023, tests conducted by the Tirumala Vigilance Department found that the ghee used in making the temple's famous laddus contained animal tallow, a substance derived from animal fats that is considered forbidden by many Hindus. The use of animal tallow in the ghee was a clear violation of TTD's guidelines and Hindu religious beliefs.
TTD's Response
The TTD initially claimed that it was facing a shortage of funds to purchase pure ghee, citing the rising cost of ingredients. However, an analysis of the temple's financial records revealed that its wealth and annual revenue are staggering. The temple's assets are valued at over Rs. 2.5 lakh crore (approximately $35 billion), and it receives over Rs. 1,000 crore (approximately $140 million) in donations every year.
Accusations and Investigations
The revelation of animal tallow in the ghee has led to accusations that the TTD was deliberately using cheaper ghee as an excuse to change the ghee supplier and possibly hide a larger scam. Several investigation agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), have launched probes into the matter.
Sanatan Dharma Raksha Board
Amidst the outrage over the ghee scandal, Andhra Pradesh minister Pawan Kalyan proposed the establishment of a Sanatan Dharma Raksha Board to protect Hindu shrines. This proposal has sparked debate, with some religious leaders calling for stronger protection of Hindu temples, while others question the need for such a board.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q1: Why is the use of animal tallow in the ghee a problem?
A1: Animal tallow is forbidden by many Hindus due to religious beliefs that prohibit the consumption of animal fats.
Q2: How did the animal tallow enter the ghee supply chain?
A2: Investigations are ongoing to determine how the animal tallow was introduced into the ghee supplied to the temple.
Q3: What is the TTD doing to address the situation?
A3: The TTD has suspended the ghee supplier and initiated an internal inquiry. It has also ordered all remaining ghee stock to be tested.
Q4: What is the status of the investigations into the ghee scandal?
A4: Several investigation agencies, including the CBI, are probing the matter. No arrests have been made yet.
Q5: What is the proposed Sanatan Dharma Raksha Board?
A5: The proposed board would aim to protect Hindu shrines and ensure the preservation of Hindu traditions and rituals.
As the summer transfer window progresses, Manchester United are keen on bolstering their attacking options and have made contact with Eintracht Frankfurt to secure the signing of Hugo Ekitike. They have also managed to secure the future of promising young defender Jayden Ngwashi amidst interest from other top European clubs. While talks with Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo continue, it seems like United are determined to add a new striker to their squad.
On June 27, the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union revealed the regional softball pairings for the upcoming tournament. The games are scheduled to take place on specific dates in July, depending on the class division. The state tournament will be held in Fort Dodge later in July for all classes.
The Club World Cup round of 16 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami was marred by controversial moments, including a yellow card for Inter Miami's Luis Suarez and a questionable injury for Oscar Ustari. Ultimately, it was a goal from PSG's Joao Neves that sealed Inter Miami's fate, while tensions on the field were highlighted by a signal from PSG's Willian Pacho towards Inter Miami's Lionel Messi. With this loss, Inter Miami's dream of a Champions League title has come to an abrupt end.
The Club World Cup round of 16 match between Inter Miami and Paris Saint-Germain saw PSG, with a former star player Lionel Messi, dominate and win 4-0. Defensive struggles and an early injury to Miami's defender Noah Allen contributed to their downfall. Messi and his team spent most of the first half in their own territory, while PSG's forward line continued to excel offensively. This loss ends Miami's run in the Club World Cup.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri led McLaren to victory at the Austrian Grand Prix, with Charles Leclerc of Ferrari completing the podium. The win helped Norris narrow the gap to Piastri in the drivers' standings, while McLaren now has a total of 374 points in the team tally. Despite the tough conditions, Norris and Piastri battled it out to secure the 1-2 finish for McLaren, while Red Bull's Max Verstappen suffered a disappointing race and is now 61 points behind Piastri in the overall standings.
In this highly anticipated Club World Cup match, the renowned Lionel Messi will lead his team, Inter Miami, against the star-studded PSG. Fans can expect live updates, detailed match commentary, and stunning photos as the two teams go head to head in the round of 16. Stay tuned for all the action and drama as it unfolds between these top football clubs.
The Austrian Grand Prix 2025 at Red Bull Ring made for a chaotic start as Red Bull's ace driver Max Verstappen and Mercedes' newcomer Andrea Kimi Antonelli crashed on the first lap itself. This left the race in disarray, with McLaren's Lando Norris starting in pole position and Mercedes' Antonelli in P9. The crash has raised questions about Verstappen's future and Antonelli's prospects. However, Red Bull's team principal Christian Horner has put an end to rumors of Verstappen's move to Mercedes, reminding everyone that he is contracted with Red Bull for a few more years. Stay updated on all the latest news from India and across the world on News24 through our social media handles on Facebook and Twitter.
At the Austrian Grand Prix, Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli was handed a three-place grid drop for the British Grand Prix after causing a spectacular crash with Formula One champion Max Verstappen. This incident happened during the opening lap of the race, as Antonelli lost control and took out Verstappen, who was unable to continue. The reckless collision adds another chapter to the ongoing rivalry between the two top drivers.
Lando Norris triumphed in a thrilling battle against team-mate Oscar Piastri at the Austrian Grand Prix, clinching his third victory of the F1 2025 season. Norris' win has narrowed Piastri's lead in the Drivers' standings to just 15 points, with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc also joining the McLaren duo on the podium with a third-place finish. The heated competition between the two McLaren drivers was evident in the post-race conversations, with Norris playfully remarking on the battle and showing off his damaged wing. Full statistics for the team-mates' performances in qualifying and the race are also provided for further analysis.
Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli has been handed a three-place grid penalty for the upcoming British Grand Prix, after causing a collision with Max Verstappen on the opening lap of the Austrian GP. The FIA determined that Antonelli was fully at fault for the incident, which also resulted in two penalty points. The young driver took immediate responsibility and is focused on moving forward and redeeming himself at the next race.