Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticised Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav's remark that blamed unauthorized settlements and illegal mining for landslides in Wayanad, calling them false and insulting to the residents affected. Vijayan defended ‘settlers’, stating they are not unauthorized but have lived there for centuries. He refuted claims of illegal mining, noting the nearest quarry is 10.2 km away. Vijayan accused the Centre of pressuring scientists to criticize the state government and labelled Yadav's comments as politically motivated. He emphasized the need for collective efforts and accurate information in the wake of the tragedy. Dig Deeper
The Congress criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning if he would call wrestler Vinesh Phogat after her historic semi-final win at the Paris Olympics. Phogat became the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic wrestling final, defeating Cuba's Yusneylys Guzman and Tokyo 2020 champion Yui Susaki. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh highlighted Phogat's assured medal and urged Modi to apologize for the Delhi Police's mistreatment of women wrestlers during their 2023 protest against Wrestling Federation of India chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who Phogat had accused of sexual harassment. Top wrestlers, including Phogat, protested in Delhi demanding action against Singh. Dig Deeper
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