SIT found that 5,971 tonnes of adulterated ghee were supplied to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams between 2019 & 2024, but no evidence of animal fat, such as fish oil or lard.
The 395 square metre land has been allocated to build facilities like parking space, info centre, etc. A 648 square metre plot was leased out in 2019 for Balaji temple construction.
In 2017, Punjab-domiciled officer became the first ‘north Indian’ to be appointed TTD administrative head. His reappointment to the post now has raised eyebrows in Andhra Pradesh.
CM’s statement is an endorsement of TTD's action in February, when it barred 18 non-Hindus from employment at the temple. TDP-led NDA govt had pursued the matter in previous term, too.
The announcement came amid protests from seers, Hindu groups in the temple town. Naidu, however, indicated lands could be given to the hotel firms at a different location in Tirupati.
Last week's Tirupati stampede, which resulted in deaths of six devotees, has revived criticism of decision to extend Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam at Lord Venkateshwara temple to 10 days.
Religious freedom should include the right of institutions to not employ those who may be inimical to it, but in “secular” India it is apparently a pointer to Hindu bigotry.
Employment of non-Hindus has been a contentious issue at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, which oversees the Tirumala temple, and across Andhra Pradesh.
The temple rituals take from multiple Hindu sects: Vaishnava, Shaiva, Kaumara, and Shakta. This integrated vision has made Tirupati the most popular temple of our time.
Subramaniam Swamy's petition, heard by SC Friday, cited ThePrint's report quoting TTD executive officer, saying ghee found to be contaminated was never used to make laddus.
The Indian fashion design industry had a market value of approximately ₹15.1 lakh crore in 2023 and is expected to reach around Rs 45.3 lakh crore by 2032.
After lapses exposed by terror attacks at Pahalgam and Delhi's Red Fort, Centre has hiked Intelligence Bureau's expenditure for investments in long-term assets from Rs 257 cr to Rs 2,549 cr.
The key to fighting a war successfully, or even launching it, is a clear objective. That’s an entirely political call. It isn’t emotional or purely military.
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