kuraljournal

[kuraljournal]

Supreme Court Raps Rahul Gandhi Over Army Comments, Halts Defamation Case

The Supreme Court of India on Monday stayed the criminal defamation proceedings against Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for his alleged remarks against the Indian Army related to the 2020 Galwan clash with China, while also issuing a sharp rebuke to the Congress leader for his public statements.

The two-judge bench of Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice A G Masih was hearing Gandhi’s appeal challenging the Allahabad High Court’s refusal to halt trial court proceedings in Lucknow, initiated on a complaint by Uday Shankar Srivastava, a former Border Roads Organisation (BRO) director.

SC Questions Rahul Gandhi’s Credibility on Army Claims

During the hearing, the bench grilled Senior Advocate A M Singhvi, representing Gandhi, over the veracity of his statements made on December 16, 2022, during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, in which he allegedly claimed that:

“Chinese soldiers are beating up Indian Army personnel.”

The court asked:

“How do you know that 2,000 sq km of Indian territory is occupied by the Chinese? Were you there? Do you have any credible material? Why make such statements without any basis?”

Justice Datta further remarked:

“If you are a true Indian, you would not say all these things. You are the Leader of Opposition; say these things in Parliament, not on social media.”

Background of the Case

Complainant: Uday Shankar Srivastava alleged that Gandhi’s remarks defamed the Indian Army and undermined morale.

Timeline:

December 2022: Gandhi made the remarks during Bharat Jodo Yatra.

Early 2023: A Lucknow trial court admitted the complaint.

2024: Allahabad HC refused to stay proceedings, prompting Gandhi to move the SC.

Key Allegation: Gandhi’s public statement implied Indian troops were being beaten, which the complainant termed false and defamatory.

SC Stays Trial Court Proceedings

After the sharp observations, the Supreme Court granted interim relief, staying the defamation proceedings. The court will later examine:

Whether Gandhi’s remarks constitute criminal defamation under Section 499 of IPC.

Whether political speech enjoys greater leeway under free speech principles.

The matter is expected to have political ramifications, as it comes at a time when Gandhi is actively challenging the government on national security and border management with China.

Key Takeaways

SC halts defamation case against Rahul Gandhi over Army-related remarks.

Bench raps Gandhi for making unverified public statements on sensitive issues.

Case tests boundaries between free speech, political criticism, and Army defamation.

[kuraljournal]

Bihar SIR Row Sparks TN Political Storm; EC Calls Claims ‘Absurd’

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has strongly refuted allegations from DMK and its allies that migrant workers from Bihar are being illegally enrolled in Tamil Nadu’s voter lists under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The poll body termed the reports and circulating figures of 6.5 lakh new migrant voters as “false, misleading, and absurd.”

DMK, Allies Raise Alarm Over Electoral ‘Demographic Shift’

The controversy began after Bihar’s SIR first-phase data revealed 36 lakh voters missing, reportedly due to permanent migration outside the state.

DMK leaders, including P Chidambaram and Duraimurugan, alleged that 6.5–7 lakh migrants from Bihar may have been added to Tamil Nadu’s electoral rolls, calling it an attempt to alter the state’s political landscape.

Duraimurugan warned: “If such attempts are made, we will become roaring lions to oppose it.”

Chidambaram went further, accusing the EC of “abusing its powers to reshape the electoral character of states”, insisting that migrant workers have fixed homes in Bihar and should vote in their native constituencies, as they do during Chhath Puja and state elections.

Election Commission Issues Strong Rebuttal

In a detailed statement, the EC clarified:

SIR has not yet been rolled out in Tamil Nadu.

Figures of 6.5 lakh alleged new voters are baseless.

Enrollment of migrant workers in other states can only occur if they genuinely reside there permanently and self-register as per law.

The EC urged political leaders to avoid spreading misinformation that could undermine the credibility of the voter revision exercise.

Regional Parties Call for All-Party Meet

The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), a DMK ally, has requested Chief Minister M K Stalin to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the issue, warning that granting voting rights to transient workers could alter Tamil Nadu’s electoral balance ahead of next year’s Assembly elections.

Other reactions:

Seeman (NTK) called the move “a great injustice to Tamil people”, accusing the BJP of using the EC as a political tool.

T Velmurugan (TVK) alleged a “covert plan” to dilute Tamil Nadu’s cultural and political identity through demographic engineering.

Expert Perspective: Electoral Domicile vs Migration

Professor Ramu Manivannan, former HoD of Politics, University of Madras, explained:

Migrants can live and work anywhere in India, but electoral domicile requires genuine, permanent relocation, not just seasonal migration.

Converting short-term guest workers into voters is seen as political manipulation and could escalate regional tensions.

He warned that linking migrant labor with electoral politics risks polarizing the debate away from development issues in southern states.

Key Takeaways

EC denies any SIR-linked voter additions in Tamil Nadu.

DMK and allies allege BJP strategy to reshape TN’s electoral map.

Legal framework allows voter registration only for permanent residents.

[kuraljournal]

The Journey of Senthil Balaji: DMK’s Dynamic Leader from Karur

Senthil Balaji has earned a strong reputation in Tamil Nadu politics through years of committed public service and grassroots activism. A senior DMK leader and a prominent minister, his political career reflects dedication, reform, and an unwavering connection with the people.

Born on October 21, 1975, in Rameswarapatti near Karur, Balaji grew up in a farming household led by his parents P. Veluchamy and Rukmani. He attended local government schools and experienced firsthand the hardships faced by village communities. These early influences shaped his empathy-driven leadership style.

His political journey began in his youth. Known for addressing local issues directly and efficiently, Balaji quickly gained popularity. He was elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in 2006 from Karur and retained public trust with victories in 2011 and 2016, later representing Aravakurichi. In 2021, he returned as Karur’s MLA under the DMK banner.

During his tenure as Transport Minister, Balaji prioritized access and efficiency, focusing on improving bus connectivity, revamping fleets, and extending services to remote areas. His reforms made daily commutes easier for thousands across the state.

Later, as the Minister for Electricity, Prohibition, and Excise, he drove major initiatives in energy development. He championed renewable energy, upgraded transmission lines, and expanded access to reliable power across both rural and urban regions. These steps not only supported domestic needs but also bolstered Tamil Nadu’s industrial infrastructure.

Balaji’s leadership is rooted in constant public engagement. He is known for personally addressing community concerns, staying accessible to citizens, and initiating welfare programs tailored to local needs. His efforts range from supporting farmers to empowering women through self-help groups and encouraging youth employment through skills training.

He believes in development that bridges rural-urban gaps. His vision for Tamil Nadu includes modern infrastructure, cleaner energy, and an inclusive approach that leaves no community behind.

Senthil Balaji’s life story—rising from humble beginnings to becoming a key voice in Tamil Nadu’s cabinet—is a powerful example of how consistent service and people-first politics can shape lasting impact.

[kuraljournal]

PM Modi: Chola legacy guides India's path to progress

In a historic event at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid rich tributes to the Chola dynasty, calling their military brilliance, administrative strength, and maritime supremacy a timeless guide for modern India's development goals.

Participating in the valedictory ceremony of the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival commemorating the birth anniversary of Rajendra Chola I, PM Modi emphasized how the Chola emperors — Rajaraja Chola and his son Rajendra Chola I — continue to inspire India’s vision of becoming a global power.

Statues of Chola Kings to Be Erected in Tamil Nadu

Marking the occasion, PM Modi announced that the Central government will install grand statues of both Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola I in Tamil Nadu, celebrating their enduring contributions to India’s cultural and strategic legacy.

“The heights attained by the Chola emperors in governance, naval strength, and international diplomacy serve as a road map for modern India. Their achievements in trade, infrastructure, and defence are models that we must emulate today,” he said.

Ancient Wisdom, Modern Aspirations

Standing before the iconic Brihadisvara temple and Chola-built lake, PM Modi lauded the dynasty’s expansive trade networks and robust maritime forces that extended India’s influence from Southeast Asia to the Indian Ocean.

“To realise our dream of becoming a developed nation, we need unity, courage, and a forward-looking approach—much like the Cholas had. Their visionary strategies are not just history; they are blueprints for India’s future,” he stated.

The Prime Minister also unveiled a commemorative coin in honour of Rajendra Chola I, responding to a request from the Gangaikondacholapuram Development Council Trust. He noted that such recognitions are part of a larger national effort to restore India’s civilisational pride.

[kuraljournal]

India-UK FTA: Cars, Chocolates, Scotch to Get Cheaper

India and the United Kingdom have officially signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to London, in the presence of his British counterpart, Keir Starmer. The agreement, inked by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds, is expected to boost bilateral trade by $34 billion annually.

Key Highlights:

Tariff Cuts: British goods like chocolates, biscuits, salmon, lamb, cars, and soft drinks will get cheaper as average import duties drop from 15% to 3%.

Whisky imports will see a duty cut from 150% to 75% immediately, then to 40% over 10 years.

Electric vehicle tariffs reduced from 110% to 10%, encouraging EV access.

For Indian Professionals:

Easier UK entry for Indian IT, management, engineering, consulting, yoga, and culinary professionals.

60,000+ IT professionals could benefit yearly, with access to 35 UK sectors for 2 years, without needing a local office.

Exemption from UK social security for 3 years.

UK opens 36 service sectors to Indians, no Economic Needs Test required.

Broader Impact on India:

Increased access to medical devices, aerospace components from the UK.

New UK investments: 26 British companies to expand in India.

Expected boost to agriculture, processed foods, and employment across multiple sectors.

🇬🇧 How the UK Benefits:

Tariff reductions on 90% of Indian imports, 85% fully exempt in 10 years.

Access to 40,000 Indian govt tenders (non-sensitive) worth ₹4.09 lakh crore.

Job creation: Over 2,200 new UK jobs linked directly to the deal.

Wage hikes worth £2.2 billion expected annually.

British consumers to enjoy cheaper Indian clothes, shoes, and foods.

This FTA is India’s most significant trade deal with a developed nation in over a decade, opening mutual opportunities in goods, services, and mobility — and signaling stronger economic and diplomatic ties between two major democracies.

[kuraljournal]

Sam Altman Warns of AI Voice Fraud Crisis in Banking

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has issued a stark warning to the global financial sector, calling out the growing threat of AI-powered voice fraud that can bypass traditional security systems. Speaking at a Federal Reserve conference in Washington, Altman described the current reliance on voiceprint authentication as “crazy” in today’s AI landscape.

“AI has fully defeated that,” Altman said, referring to voice-based verification systems still used by some banks to authenticate users.

Originally introduced over a decade ago, voiceprint technology became popular among banks, especially for high-net-worth clients. Customers would recite a specific phrase to gain access to their accounts. But with the advancement of AI voice cloning, these systems are now highly vulnerable.

Altman warned that AI tools can now mimic voices—and soon, even video personas—with near-perfect accuracy, making fraud "indistinguishable from reality." The implications for identity theft and financial crime are serious, and Altman urged institutions to rethink verification methods urgently.

Michelle Bowman, Vice Chair for Supervision at the Fed and host of the session, responded positively, saying the issue could be an area for collaborative policy efforts.

Altman’s comments come amid a growing chorus of tech and financial leaders urging updated regulation and multi-factor identity protections in response to generative AI's rapid evolution.

Altman’s remarks have resonated deeply across the banking and cybersecurity communities, as AI-generated voice clones are now capable of replicating subtle human traits—tone, rhythm, and accent—well enough to fool both humans and automated systems.

He emphasized that fraud prevention models must now evolve, warning that “we’re entering a phase where traditional biometrics like voice or even video can no longer be trusted as sole identifiers.” Altman urged the industry to invest in multi-factor authentication and AI-resistant verification systems, such as cryptographic keys, behavioral biometrics, and secure tokens.

Bowman, responding to the concerns, added:

“Financial institutions can no longer afford to depend on legacy identity tools. We’re open to public-private partnerships to ensure robust protection against next-gen fraud.”

Rising Incidents Globally: Recent cases have already proven Altman’s warning to be more than theoretical. In several countries, AI-cloned voices have been used to trick customer service agents into granting account access or authorizing transactions, leading to millions in fraud losses.

What Comes Next?

Banks are re-evaluating authentication practices amid pressure from regulators and security experts.

Consumer awareness campaigns are being planned to educate the public about social engineering and AI scams.

The Federal Reserve is expected to draft new guidance on voice biometrics in collaboration with AI experts and cybersecurity firms.

Altman concluded his address with a strong message:

“The tools we build are incredibly powerful. But without safeguards, they can be misused. It’s on all of us—builders, regulators, and institutions—to act now.”

The financial world is now on high alert, with many institutions moving quickly to phase out outdated voiceprint authentication and replace it with AI-resilient security infrastructure.