The updated order, effective from September 2025, extends the deadline for persecuted minorities seeking refuge in India from these neighboring countries, allowing them to stay without valid documents. Initially, the CAA, which became law in 2019, applied to individuals who entered India by December 31, 2014, but the recent extension to December 31, 2024, addresses the ongoing influx of refugees fleeing religious persecution. This change offers a lifeline, particularly for many Hindus from Pakistan, who have been residing in India since 2015 but lacked the documentation to regularize their stay.

The amended law allows individuals from these minority communities who arrived in India without valid documents — or whose documents have expired — to apply for citizenship under the CAA. The key criteria for the exemption include being persecuted or fearing religious persecution in their countries of origin. The new measure addresses concerns from many who arrived post-2014 and had feared being left in legal limbo, particularly those unable to obtain or renew essential travel documents due to political instability or lack of consular support from their home countries.

In a significant shift from the original cut-off date of December 31, 2014, the MHA’s decision marks a decade-long extension. This move comes after appeals from various refugee organizations and minority rights bodies that argued the original deadline did not account for the continued migration of persecuted communities. Notably, Hindus from Pakistan have been among the most vocal in seeking this extension, given their precarious position in Pakistan’s religious landscape.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, passed by Parliament in 2019, sought to fast-track citizenship for non-Muslim refugees who had fled Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan to escape religious persecution. Under the CAA, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians were granted an expedited path to citizenship, but Muslims were notably excluded from the provision, sparking widespread debate and controversy.

The extension to December 31, 2024, also responds to the challenges posed by the ongoing refugee crisis. Cross-border migration, particularly in the context of religious persecution, has been a long-standing issue. Many of those seeking shelter in India did so with expired documents or without any formal travel papers. As a result, the MHA’s recent move to waive the requirement for valid documentation aims to address the humanitarian aspect of the crisis, providing much-needed clarity and protection for displaced individuals.

However, the CAA continues to face significant opposition, especially in India’s northeastern states, where the law has fueled fears of demographic change. Critics argue that the law’s exclusion of Muslims violates the secular principles enshrined in India’s Constitution. The law has been challenged in the Supreme Court for its constitutionality, with opponents claiming it discriminates against Muslims, including those who face religious persecution in the countries from which they are fleeing, such as the Ahmadiyyas and Shias in Pakistan and the Hazaras in Afghanistan.

Protests against the CAA erupted across India in 2019, with large demonstrations continuing in 2024 when the rules for implementing the law were finalized. Opposition parties and civil society groups have expressed concerns that the CAA, when coupled with the National Register of Citizens (NRC), could render Indian Muslims vulnerable to losing their citizenship status, while non-Muslims excluded from the NRC would be able to reclaim citizenship under the CAA.

The controversial nature of the law has also led to concerns regarding its impact on the Assam Accord of 1985, which set a cut-off date for detecting and deporting illegal immigrants in Assam, regardless of their religion. Critics argue that the CAA could undermine the Assam Accord, particularly in light of concerns that the law could bring large numbers of migrants to the region, changing its demographic composition.

In response to these concerns, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that only three individuals in the state have been granted citizenship under the CAA so far, highlighting that the process is ongoing, with nine more applications under consideration. Sarma emphasized that the law, as it stands, would not be implemented indiscriminately, and applicants must go through a rigorous verification process.

While the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has defended the CAA, asserting that it provides shelter to persecuted minorities, the law remains highly contentious. Proponents of the Act argue that it is a necessary measure to protect the religious minorities facing persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, countries where Islam is the state religion and religious minorities are often marginalized.

The CAA’s critics, however, point out that the law fails to address the plight of Muslim minorities in these countries, particularly the Shia, Ahmadiyya, and Hazaras in Pakistan, and the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, who also face severe persecution. The exclusion of Muslims from the CAA has led to accusations of religious discrimination and a violation of India’s secular ethos.

The government, on its part, has stated that the CAA does not affect the citizenship of any Indian citizen and is solely intended to provide protection to religious minorities who have been persecuted for their faith. The MHA has clarified that the law’s provisions are designed to address the needs of communities facing genuine religious persecution, with a particular focus on minorities from neighboring Islamic-majority countries.

The implementation of the CAA, particularly in the context of the extended deadline and its implications for India’s demographic composition, continues to be a subject of intense debate. As the legal challenges against the law continue to unfold, the future of the CAA and its impact on India’s secular fabric remains uncertain. For now, the latest order from the Ministry of Home Affairs provides a crucial lifeline to many individuals who have sought refuge in India but were left without a clear path to citizenship.

The members of the naval, military, or air forces of India entering or exiting India on duty, along with the family members of any such person when accompanying them on a government transport, will also not be required to carry a passport or visa, according to an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) following the enforcement of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.

The requirement of a valid passport or other valid travel documents, and a valid visa for entry into, stay in, and exit from India shall not apply if “a citizen of India is entering India by land or air over the Nepalese or Bhutanese frontier, a citizen of Nepal or Bhutan is entering India by land or air over the Nepal or Bhutan border, or if they possess a valid passport while entering or exiting India from or to a place other than Nepal or Bhutan, but not from China, Macau, Hong Kong, or Pakistan,” the MHA said.

The provision is also applicable to Tibetans who have already entered India and are staying in the country, or entering India if they have registered with the registration officers concerned and obtained certificates of registration. This applies to those who entered India after 1959 but before May 30, 2003, on the Special Entry Permit issued by the Indian embassy in Kathmandu, or those who entered India after May 30, 2003, till the date of the Act coming into force, on the new Special Entry Permit issued by the Indian embassy in Kathmandu through the immigration post on the Indo-Nepal border, as designated by the Centre.

A person belonging to a minority community in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan — Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians — who were compelled to seek shelter in India due to religious persecution or fear of religious persecution, and entered the country on or before December 31, 2024, without valid documents, including a passport or other travel documents, or with valid documents, including a passport or other travel documents whose validity has expired, will be exempted from the rule of possessing a valid passport and visa.

The rule will also not apply to registered Sri Lankan Tamil nationals who took shelter in India by January 9, 2015.

Potdar had been undergoing treatment at Jupiter Hospital in Thane for age-related ailments and breathed his last there. While the exact cause of death has not yet been disclosed, his funeral is scheduled to be held on August 19 in Thane. News of his passing has led to an outpouring of tributes from across the Indian film and television fraternity.

Before making his mark in cinema, Potdar served in the Indian Armed Forces, retiring with the rank of Captain, and later held a senior position at the Indian Oil Company. Despite a secure professional life, his passion for acting remained undimmed, leading him to enter the film industry in the 1980s. What followed was a prolific career spanning more than 125 films in both Hindi and Marathi, as well as memorable performances on television.

Potdar became a familiar face with significant roles in acclaimed films such as Aakrosh, Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai, Ardh Satya, Tezaab, Parinda, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Dilwale, Rangeela, Vaastav, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Parineeta, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Dabangg 2, and Ventilator. His characters, often layered with authority and depth, resonated deeply with audiences across generations.

Yet, it was his portrayal of a strict but endearing engineering professor in Rajkumar Hirani’s blockbuster 3 Idiots that etched his name indelibly into popular culture. The professor’s interactions with Aamir Khan’s Rancho, particularly the iconic moment when he demanded, “Hey, kehna kya chahate ho?”, remain among the most fondly remembered scenes in contemporary Indian cinema. His lines continue to be quoted widely in conversations, memes, and pop culture references.

Potdar’s contribution was not limited to films alone. He brought the same dedication and authenticity to television, featuring in Wagle Ki Duniya, Majha Hoshil Na, Mrs. Tendulkar, and Bharat Ki Khoj, among others. His ability to move seamlessly between stage, television, and the silver screen earned him admiration and respect within the entertainment industry.

Colleagues and fans have remembered him as a disciplined, humble, and hardworking artist whose simplicity in real life contrasted with the intensity of the roles he portrayed. Social media has since been flooded with condolences, with admirers sharing clips from his most iconic performances and recalling his warmth off-screen.

Achyut Potdar’s journey from soldier and corporate professional to one of India’s most recognized character actors is a story of resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to art. His body of work remains a treasure for Indian cinema and television, ensuring that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors and film lovers alike.

KalimNews,  Imphal,  Aug 10, 2025 : In a remarkable recognition of his lifelong dedication to healthcare, hospitality, and tourism, Dr. Thangjam Dhabali Singh, the Chairman and Managing Director of the BABINA Group of Companies, was conferred the prestigious “Life-Time Achievement Award 2025” by the Mylai Thiruvalluvar Tamil Sangam (MTTS), Chennai. The award ceremony, held on August 9, 2025, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Manipur, took place at the Swamy Vivekananda Auditorium in Mantripukhri, Imphal.

Dr. Dhabali’s accomplishments were honored during a grand formal event attended by several distinguished personalities, including the Vice Chancellor of Manipur University, Professor N. Lokendra Singh, Dr. N. Murugan, the Founder Chairman of Thiruvalluvar, and Professor Krishnan Baskar, Director of IIIT, Manipur. This recognition comes as a testament to Dr. Dhabali’s immense contributions to multiple sectors, especially his transformative impact on the healthcare and tourism landscape of Manipur and the surrounding region.

A pioneering medical entrepreneur, Dr. Dhabali’s work has been instrumental in establishing a comprehensive network of diagnostic laboratories and healthcare facilities, notably including a state-of-the-art cancer treatment center. These contributions have not only enhanced the region’s healthcare infrastructure but also provided employment to over 1,250 professionals. His relentless efforts have broadened access to advanced medical services for the people of the region, improving the quality of healthcare available to the public.

Beyond healthcare, Dr. Dhabali has also made significant strides in the hospitality and tourism industries. As the founder of the Classic Group of Hotels, he played a critical role in the development of Manipur’s modern hospitality sector, thereby promoting tourism and bolstering the local economy. His vision led to the establishment of the Imphal Peace Museum in 2019, a project he spearheaded in collaboration with several international partners, including the Nippon Foundation and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation of Japan. The museum commemorates the Battle of Imphal and stands as a beacon for peace, reconciliation, and cultural understanding.

The Life-Time Achievement Award 2025 serves as a symbol of Dr. Dhabali’s tireless dedication to service, innovation, and the holistic growth of his community. His leadership in public service, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his role in fostering cultural understanding through tourism have earned him recognition as a key figure in the region’s development.

In addition to the Life-Time Achievement Award, the event also honored numerous other outstanding individuals from diverse fields, including science and the arts, celebrating the excellence and contribution of professionals across the spectrum. Dr. Dhabali’s award stands as a culmination of a distinguished career devoted to public welfare, service, and the improvement of society.

Dr. Dhabali’s recognition is not just a personal achievement but a milestone for Manipur, highlighting the state’s growing influence and commitment to fostering innovation, peace, and development.

This prestigious accolade adds to a long list of national and international awards already received by Prime Minister Modi, further reflecting his growing diplomatic stature on the world stage. Expressing his gratitude upon receiving the honor, the Prime Minister emphasized the collective nature of the recognition. Taking to his official handle on X, he wrote, “I am proud to receive Ghana’s highest national award. This is not just a personal achievement. Rather, I am accepting it on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India.”

He further remarked, “The India-Ghana bilateral relations will deepen further. After this honor, the responsibility has also increased.” Modi reiterated that the award symbolizes the enduring friendship between the two nations and dedicated it to India’s youth, its rich cultural heritage, and the shared commitment of India and Ghana to inclusive development.

This historic visit marks Prime Minister Modi’s first trip to Ghana as head of the Indian government. He arrived at Kotoka International Airport in Accra on Wednesday afternoon, where he was warmly received by President Mahama with a ceremonial embrace. A guard of honour was presented in his welcome, and traditional Ghanaian customs were observed to greet the visiting dignitary.

Adding a heartwarming touch to the diplomatic event, a group of local schoolchildren gathered at Modi’s hotel to sing devotional hymns including “Hare Ram Hare Krishna.” The Prime Minister, visibly moved, smiled and listened to the performance with appreciation. A video capturing the moment quickly went viral across social media platforms, resonating with audiences in both countries.

This honor from Ghana stands as a testament to the growing strategic, economic, and cultural ties between the two democracies. As Prime Minister Modi continues to promote India’s engagement with Africa, this gesture from Ghana underscores the mutual respect and shared aspirations that form the foundation of India-Africa relations.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, June 21, 2025, Kolkata :  An Air India flight (AI2470) operating from Delhi to Pune encountered a bird strike on Friday, prompting emergency safety procedures and the subsequent cancellation of its return leg to the capital. The incident occurred mid-air, but thanks to the pilot’s prompt response and skillful handling, the aircraft landed safely at Pune Airport without any injuries reported among the passengers.

In an official statement, Air India confirmed that the bird strike was detected only after the aircraft had landed in Pune. The airline immediately grounded the aircraft and initiated a detailed engineering inspection to assess potential damage and ensure all safety protocols were met before the aircraft is cleared for service.

Due to the incident, AI2470’s return journey from Pune to Delhi was canceled, causing disruption to travel plans and stranding many passengers at Pune Airport. Acknowledging the inconvenience, Air India announced a series of remedial measures, including hotel accommodation for affected travelers, full refunds for those opting to cancel their trips, and free rescheduling options for passengers wishing to alter their travel dates.

The airline added, “We are arranging alternative flights to help passengers reach Delhi at the earliest. The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority, and we appreciate everyone’s cooperation and patience.”

Experts in aviation safety have noted that while bird strikes are more common during takeoff and landing, they can also occur mid-flight and pose a serious risk to aircraft engines and critical systems. Timely decision-making and strict adherence to safety protocols are essential, and Air India’s swift response in this case has drawn praise from aviation observers and passengers alike.

This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers bird strikes pose to aviation, underscoring the ongoing need for strict monitoring of flight paths, especially near airports, and for aircraft to be maintained in readiness for emergency situations.

In a separate development, Air India also announced a temporary reduction in international operations as part of a network rationalisation initiative from June 21 to July 15. The airline will suspend three international routes during this period:

• Delhi–Nairobi (4 flights/week)

• Amritsar–London Gatwick (3 flights/week)

• Goa (Mopa)–London Gatwick (3 flights/week)

Additionally, frequencies will be reduced on 18 other international routes, affecting services to destinations in North America, Europe, East Asia, and Australia. Major routes impacted include Delhi–Toronto, Delhi–Vancouver, Delhi–San Francisco, Delhi–Chicago, and Delhi–Washington D.C.

Air India has stated that affected passengers will be fully compensated, with the options of refunds, free rescheduling, or re-accommodation on alternate flights being made available.

These operational adjustments come amid ongoing fleet maintenance, safety reviews, and performance optimisations as the airline continues to modernize and restructure its global network.

National

Two Dead, Three Injured in Landslide on Kedarnath Yatra Route in Uttarakhand

June 19, 2025 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty | KalimNews | June 19, 2025 | Kolkata : A tragic incident struck the Kedarnath Yatra route in Uttarakhand on Wednesday, June 18, when a sudden landslide near Jungle Chatti in Rudraprayag district claimed the lives of two pilgrims and left three others injured. The incident occurred at around 11:20 AM, when large rocks and debris fell from the hillside, hitting pilgrims and porters ferrying them along the trekking path.

The deceased have been identified as Nitin Kumar and Chandrashekhar, both from Doda district in Jammu. They were labourers carrying a woman pilgrim on a palanquin—referred to locally as a dandi or kandi—when the landslide hit, causing them to fall into a gorge. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi confirmed that the woman sustained only minor injuries and was safely rescued, along with others caught in the debris.

Three others sustained serious injuries in the incident. They have been identified as Sandeep Kumar and Nitin Manhas from Doda, and Akash Chitriya from Bhavnagar, Gujarat. All injured individuals were promptly rescued and admitted to a nearby hospital in Gaurikund for treatment.

Upon receiving reports of the landslide, local police stationed at the Jungle Chatti outpost, along with the district disaster management force and the SDRF, reached the site and launched immediate rescue operations. Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police Akshay Prahlad Konde confirmed that those who had fallen into the gorge were safely recovered and that the evacuation of remaining pilgrims was carried out in a secure and organized manner.

The affected area, Jungle Chatti, is known for frequent landslides, especially during the monsoon season. In 2024, a portion of the Gaurikund-Kedarnath trekking route at this same location had been washed away due to heavy rains.

Despite the latest incident, Rudraprayag police confirmed that the trekking route remains open and the Kedarnath Yatra is continuing without disruption. However, an advisory has been issued urging pilgrims to remain cautious while trekking, especially beyond Gaurikund later in the day. Authorities have also advised travellers to monitor weather updates closely, as rainfall is typically reported along the route during afternoon hours.

All safety and rescue measures are being actively enforced, and the administration remains vigilant to ensure the wellbeing of pilgrims undertaking the yatra.

National

Five Killed, 18 Injured After Pick-Up Van Overturns in Bihar’s Saran District Due to Tyre Burst

June 17, 2025 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, June 16, 2025, Patna :  In a tragic road accident early Monday morning in Bihar’s Saran district, five people, including three women and a child, lost their lives and at least 18 others sustained injuries after a pick-up van overturned following a tyre burst. The incident occurred around 6 a.m. near the Nayagaon locality on National Highway-19, under the Nayagaon police station area, as confirmed by Saran Senior Superintendent of Police Kumar Ashish.

The vehicle, reportedly travelling at high speed, was carrying several passengers and bags of corn from Dighwara to Hajipur. As the van approached the Bajitpur four-lane stretch, one of its front tyres suddenly burst, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle overturned, resulting in a horrific scene with victims trapped and corn scattered across the road.

Local residents and passersby rushed to the aid of the victims. The police, upon receiving an emergency alert via Dial 112, promptly reached the site and, with help from locals, transported the injured to Sonpur Sub-divisional Hospital. After initial treatment, all injured individuals were referred to Sadar Hospital in Hajipur for further medical care. Two of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.

Among the deceased are Anju Devi (48), Radhika Devi (50), Sonu Kumar (23), Rajlaxmi Kumari (15), and Shivam Kumar (7). Four of the victims died at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries during treatment at the hospital. The identities of the remaining injured are currently being verified by authorities.

The police have initiated an investigation into the cause of the accident. The driver of the pick-up van, who also sustained injuries, will be questioned once his condition stabilizes. Authorities have sent the deceased for post-mortem and are overseeing the treatment of the injured in coordination with the local administration.

The community remains in shock following the tragic incident, as officials work to piece together the circumstances leading to the crash and ensure appropriate assistance for the victims’ families.

National

Digital Census 2026 Brings Opportunities and Security Concerns in the Era of Data Sensitivity

June 16, 2025 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, June 16, 2025, Delhi : As India prepares for its first fully digital census, scheduled to begin in 2026, both opportunity and apprehension mark this landmark shift. The transition to digital tools and real-time data uploading reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader Digital India initiative, but it also brings to the forefront heightened concerns over data privacy, accuracy, and the potential for misuse in an increasingly cyber-sensitive era.

A gazette notification for the upcoming census will be officially published today, setting in motion an expansive and technologically intensive exercise. The process will be conducted in two phases, starting in 2026 and concluding by February 28, 2027. The final reviewed report is expected to be released after March 2027.

This will be India’s first census to be conducted entirely through mobile applications, with enumerators and officers across all states uploading data directly to a central server housed in the Census Building on Man Singh Road, New Delhi. Each citizen’s data—including religion, age, caste, and household details—will be entered using coded formats. For instance, numeric codes will represent religious affiliations, such as ‘1’ for Hindu, ‘2’ for Muslim, and so forth.

While this digital approach promises efficiency and speed, it also poses complex challenges. The central concern revolves around ensuring the confidentiality of sensitive personal data in a time when cyber fraud is rampant and personal information is often sold or leaked in underground digital markets. Despite legal safeguards stating the confidentiality of census data, the possibility of data breaches remains a matter of serious concern for the Centre.

In response, Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a high-level meeting on Sunday with Census Commissioner Mrityunjay Kumar Narayan at his residence on Krishna Menon Marg. Another follow-up meeting is scheduled with the Union Cabinet Secretary on Tuesday. These meetings aim to reinforce safeguards that ensure data integrity and protection throughout the census process.

Special emphasis is being placed on data verification. Mechanisms will be implemented to detect anomalies—such as improbable age gaps between family members or mismatched religious or caste information. If any such inconsistencies are found during central-level reviews, the relevant enumerators will be dispatched again for field-level verification. Situations such as foster parentage, religious conversion, or household reconstitution will be carefully evaluated to uphold the accuracy of the data.

A particularly sensitive aspect of this census is the inclusion of ‘others’ under caste categorization, encompassing a broad array of communities beyond Scheduled Castes and Tribes. While Scheduled Castes include only Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists, Scheduled Tribes can belong to any religion. In a diverse country like India, many individuals from these ‘other’ communities may not possess caste certificates. The census will rely on verbal declarations from the head of the household in such cases—raising further questions about verification and potential discrepancies.

With the census data sheet currently under development, key questions remain about how to handle non-disclosure, inaccurate reporting, or intentional data omission. The central objective remains twofold: to capture a comprehensive, inclusive, and truthful demographic profile of the country, and to ensure that Digital India’s most ambitious data initiative does not compromise the privacy and dignity of its citizens.

The 2026 Census is not only a logistical and technological undertaking but also a test of governance, trust, and digital responsibility in the world’s largest democracy.

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