Page 154 - Religion Belief
Outrage after Philippines' Duterte calls God 'stupid'
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte faced growing outrage today in his largely Catholic nation after calling God "stupid", the latest furore he has sparked with an unfiltered broadside. Duterte took aim at the biblical creation story during a speech, raising the question of why God would create Adam and Eve and then expose them to temptation. Original Sin is something Christian theologians have struggled to explain for two millennia. Duterte opted for characteristically colourful language as he broached this thorny catechism. "Who is this stupid God?" the Philippine leader asked on Friday. "You created something perfect and then you think of an event that would tempt and destroy the quality of your work." Leaders of the Catholic Church in the Philippines, which counts some 80 per cent of the nation's more than 100 million people as believers, have condemned the statement. "How can he be a President for all Filipinos if he does not have respect for the Catholic faithful?", Bishop ...
Philippines' Duterte calls God 'stupid'
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, well known for his outrageous statements and unfiltered attacks on his rivals, has sparked anger in the largely Catholic country by calling God "stupid".
Bedi, Pondy CM pull temple chariot
Putting aside their differences, Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi and Chief Minister V Narayanasamy joined a large number of devotees in dragging the chariot of an ancient temple, as part of its annual car festival, near here today. The Moolanathar temple in Bahoor village dates back to 10th century and is protected by Archaeological survey of India (ASI). Earlier, the former IPS officer and Chief Minister were received with temple honours at the temple. The both offered worship to the presiding deity of the temple. This is Bedi's third visit to the temple.
Telangana releases Rs 15 cr for Bonalu festival
Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao on Monday instructed the officials concerned to release Rs. 15 Crore for organising Bonalu Festival.The Chief Minister desired that the festival should be organised as a state festival, and elaborate arrangements should be made for its conduct.He also asked the Home Minister Nayini Narsimha Reddy to convene a meeting with people's representatives of twin cities and concerned officials and coordinate the festival arrangements.Bonalu is an annual festival of Telangana celebrated in twin cities Hyderabad, Secunderabad and other parts of Telangana. It is celebrated in the month of Ashada Masam, in July/August.Special poojas are performed for Yellamma on the first and last day of the festival. The festival is also considered a thanksgiving to the Goddess for fulfillment of vows.
Sohrabuddin case: Witness seeks court permission to depose at non-scheduled time
A Special CBI court, holding trials in the alleged fake encounter cases of Sohrabuddin Sheikh and Tulsiram Prajapati, today sought the CBI stand on a witness' plea to let him depose at a non-scheduled time and not on a specific date as he feared for his life. Witness Azam Khan, a friend of Sheikh and a cell mate of Prajapati at one point of time in Udaipur jail, made the plea in a handwritten letter sent to the court through his wife Salma, another witness in the case. Khan, an Udaipur resident, made the plea claiming that he knew the reason why Sheikh and Prajapati had been killed. Special Judge S J Sharma sought the CBI stand on Khan's plea after keeping his letter for consideration. Salma, who deposed before the court today, produced a handwritten application in Hindi. She claimed the letter was written by her husband and he had stated in it that he knew the reason behind the killing of Sheikh and Prajapati. "I want to personally come and depose before the court, but I have a fear
Adityanath attacks Congress for 'duplicity' on Ayodhya matter
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday hit out at the Congress Party for their duplicity towards the Ayodhya matter.In a scathing attack on senior lawyer and Congress leader Kapil Sibal, the Chief Minister said, "On one side people from the Congress filed a PIL to postpone the verdict of Ayodhya after 2019 General Elections and on the other hand they talks about solution and simultaneously they blame the BJP too not taking any appropriate step in this matter."Last year, senior lawyer and Congress leader Kapil Sibal requested the Supreme Court to defer the hearing in the case till 2019.On construction of Ram Temple, Adityanah said, "When Lord Ram will shower his blessings on Ayodhya, the Ram Mandir will definitely be built and there should be no doubt about it. At least there shouldn't be any doubt among saints."The Chief Minister visited Ayodhya to attend the 80th birth anniversary of Mahant Nrityagopal Das and addressed the gathering there.Adityanath assured the ...
Philippine president slammed for calling God 'stupid'
The Philippine president, notorious for having insulted the pope and former US President Barack Obama, has sparked outrage for calling God "stupid" in Asia's bastion of Catholicism. Opposition Senator Antonio Trillanes IV shot back today by describing President Rodrigo Duterte as "one evil man" and his remarks as "very much consistent with the deceitfulness, heartlessness and ruthlessness of his policies." Even some of Duterte's allies voiced criticism. Catholic Bishop Arturo Bastes sought prayers to end Duterte's "blasphemous utterances." Duterte questioned in a speech Friday the Biblical story on man's creation and asked why God created Adam and Eve only to allow them to succumb to temptation that destroyed their purity. Duterte asked, "Who is this stupid God? This son of a bitch is then really stupid.
UP DGP to inaugurate traffic e-challan and Dial FIR facilities in Ghaziabad tomorrow
The director general of police (DGP) of Uttar Pradesh will visit Ghaziabad tomorrow to inaugurate the integrated traffic e-challan and Dial FIR system, a top official said today. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Vaibhav Krishna said DGP O P Singh would arrive here around 1 pm and launch the integrated traffic e-challan system in Hapur Chungi area. The DGP will also chair the closing ceremony of the summer camp at the Police Modern School in Harsaon police lines, he said. Thereafter, he would attend a meeting with public representatives and then, inaugurate the Dial FIR system run by the UP Dial-100 emergency facility, Krishna added. With the Dial FIR system active, victims in cases of snatching and loot, in which the offenders were unidentified, would no longer be required to be physically present at a police station to lodge an FIR, he said. DGP Singh is also scheduled to address police officials of Gautam Budh Nagar and Ghaziabad districts, the SSP added.
Ramdev proud of recognition for Yoga with Madame Tussauds statue
Ahead of getting a replica at the Madame Tussauds wax museum in London, Yoga Guru Ramdev on Monday said that it is a matter of pride that Yoga and spirituality are getting recognition.Ramdev, while speaking to ANI, said that he is proud that a 'Yogi' is getting a place among stars from India and across the world."Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji is here, Trump Ji is behind me, there is Sachin Tendulkar Ji, Salman Ji, Amitabh Ji, Shah Rukh Ji and so many stars from across the world. It is a matter of pride that spirituality and a Yogi will get recognition," Ramdev told ANI."People should get attracted towards Yoga and spirituality, hopefully, this statue will help attract more people towards it," he added.When asked if he would like to get a statue at the Madame Tussauds museum in New Delhi, he said, "There'll be one there too."Earlier on June 22, Ramdev had revealed that he received the proposal for the replica almost two months ago, and after much persuasion, he decided to accept it.
Swaraj holds talks with UAE FM; leaders vow to consolidate ties
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today held talks with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and discussed ways to consolidate the relationship between the two countries across several sectors. Swaraj held wide-ranging delegation-level talks with Abdullah, who arrived here yesterday on a week-long tour focussed on boosting energy and trade cooperation. "Partnership going from strength to strength! EAM @SushmaSwaraj met with Foreign Minister of UAE, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Leaders exchanged views on consolidating our bilateral relationship across several sectors between the two countries," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. The United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister, during his trip, is scheduled to visit New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru. Abdullah will also attend an interactive session at the International Council of World Affairs and visit the Akshardham Temple here. The UAE foreign
VHP indicates may restart Ram Mandir movement
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad today indicated it may restart its movement for Ram Temple in Ayodhya, saying the organisation will consult saints on the "future course of action" if the Supreme Court does not give its verdict on the issue in next three to four months. Addressing the media on the organisation council meeting in Delhi, VHP working president Alok Kumar said two resolutions were passed - one on the issue of cow protection and another on the influx of the Rohingya Muslims into the country. Kumar said the construction of Ram Temple was discussed during the meeting and reiterated the organisation's stand that it will wait for the apex court's order on the matter. "We hope that Supreme Court would hear daily this case from July. We want temple at that site... Our muslim brothers can build mosque outside of that area," he said. Replying to a question, he said they want temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya "lawfully" but if the issue "hangs in the court for more than three months .
Want to build Ram Mandir lawfully; no mosque: VHP
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Monday said it will wait for the Supreme Court's order to build the Ram Mandir at the disputed site in Ayodhya "lawfully" but expressed its opposition to a mosque next to it.
Cardinal Toppo resigns as Ranchi Archbishop
Cardinal Telopspore P Toppo on Sunday resigned as the Archbishop of Ranchi.
Felix Toppo to take over as Archbishop of Ranchi
Jamshedpur Bishop Felix Toppo will be the new Archbishop of Ranchi. He replaces Cardinal Telesphore P Toppo, who resigned from the post and the Apostolic Nunciature today accepted it under the Canon Law, according to a press release. The resignation of Telesphore P Toppo as the Bishop was announced by Pope Francis in Rome at noon (local time) today and 3.30 pm (IST), the release said. A meeting would be held on June 28 to finalise the date for installation ceremony of Bishop Felix Toppo as the Bishop, Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) Secretary General Bishop Theodore Mascarnerenhas told a press conference here. Till then, Cardinal Telesophore P Toppo will continue the Archbishops responsibilities, he said. Archbishop-elect Felix Toppo was born in Gumla on November 21, 1947. He was ordained a priest on April 14, 1982. He obtained Masters degree in Psychology from Gregorian University, Rome, in 1990, the release said. After serving the Jesuit Congregation in ...
More CCTV cameras to be installed in Jagannath temple
Twenty-three more close circuit television (CCTVs) cameras would be installed inside the premises of Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri for the safety of devotees, a temple official said today. This was decided at the meeting of the Shree Jagannath temple managing committee yesterday under the chairmanship of Gajapati of Puri Dibyasingha Deb, the official said. The move comes in the wake of the Supreme Court directive to improve management at the 12th century shrine. "There are some uncovered areas in the sprawling temple complex which will now be under CCTV surveillance," said Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), P K Mohapatra. As many as 78 CCTV cameras are now in operation in the Jagannath temple and its surroundings, said Public Relations Officer of Jagannath Temple, Laxmidhar Pujapanda. CCTV cameras are also being installed in Gundicha temple, where devotees throng in large numbers to have a glimpse of the deities during their nine-day ...
Joint Hindu-Muslim 'urs' of 'pirs' reinforces India's inter-faith bond
Amid the growing perception of rising communal tiff in the country, a 75-year-old tradition of joint 'urs' of two Muslim 'pirs' with a Lord Hanuman idol overseeing the last two days of function from his perch near the dargah here, has reinforced the intrinsic, inter-faith, Hindu-Muslim bonds. The five-day 'urs' (the death anniversary function) of Muslim 'pirs,' Syed Pahalwan Karamshah and Judian Baba, equally revered by the two communities, was kicked off here on June 19 with holding of a joint cultural function at the dargah on the first day, both by the Hindus and the Muslims. Known as "salana urs evam jawabi kirtan tournament" and held by the 'Hindu-Muslim Bhaichara samiti,' the first day's prayer of the function was followed by a popular two-day qawwali contest, coinciding with the 'urs' (death anniversaries) of Syed Pahalwan Karamshah and Judian Baba respectively on June 20 and 21, 'samiti' chairmain Rustam Bhai told PTI. The last two days of function saw holding of 'jawabi ...
Modi says Nanak, Kabir stood for social harmony
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday invoked Sant Kabir and Guru Nanak Dev to emphasise the message of social harmony and integrity they preached.
Bodies of 4 engg students, drowned in Krishna river, recovered
Bodies of four engineering students, drowned in the Krishna river near here while on a pleasure trip, were retrieved today after a search operation involving the Navy, NDRF and SDRF personnel, the Andhra Pradesh state emergency operations centre said. The four second year students of a private college at Kanchikacharla in Krishna district were washed away in the river at Pavitra Sangamam the confluence of Godavari and Krishna rivers last evening. An intense search was launched soon after the incident by the personnel of the National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force besides those from the Fire Services and expert swimmers. Deep divers of the Navy from the Eastern Naval Command joined the search operations this morning and the bodies were retrieved, a release from the emergency operations centre said. The deceased have been identified as Krishna Chaitanya Reddy, Srinadh N, Raj Kumar Pilla and Praveen K. According to police, in all, five ...
Four students washed away in river;rescue operations on
A massive search operation, involving National Disaster Response Force and SDRF and other rescue teams, is on to trace four engineering students who were washed away in the Krishna river near here this evening, police said. No one has been traced as 31 NDRF and 10 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel besides many from the Fire Services and expert swimmers fanned the river in over 10 boats. Police said five engineering students, belonging to a private college at Kanchikacharla in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, came to Pavitra Sangamam the confluence of the Godavari and Krishna rivers on a pleasure trip. One of the students tried to jump over the steel railing at the ghat to get into the river for a swim, they said. He, however, lost control and fell into the river, according to one student who was safe. On seeing this, three other students jumped to rescue their mate but they too got washed away in the strong river current, Joint Commissioner of Police ...
Goa hard-selling unique Sao Joao to promote tourism
Tourism authorities in Goa are keen on cashing in on a unique Cathokic festival in which revellers leap into wells, swollen to the brim with the monsoon showers, in honour of St. John the Baptist, who is reckoned to have leapt in his mother's womb on hearing of the arrival of Jesus Christ.