“Honestly, there was a lot of silence”: Dwyane Wade reflects on the moment daughter Zaya Wade came out as transgender
NBA Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade was present at The Dads premiere at South by Southwest. During a recent interview with media outlet The Hollywood Reporter over Zoom, the Miami Heat’s alum opened up on one of the most vulnerable days in his life. Wade reflected on the time when his daughter Zaya, with ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches, came out as transgender in 2020, placing the NBA star’s in the center of parenting and identity acceptance. Reportedly, Wade is the executive producer of the Netflix-based documentary The Dads. The subject of the documentary is deeply personal to the NBA star, as it deals with the struggles that come along with a trans child in the current times. Dwyane Wade is currently married to Hollywood star Gabrielle Union. After being together for over a decade, the couple share a daughter named Kaavia James. Dwyane Wade revisits the emotional moment daughter Zaya Wade came out as transgender During a recent Zoom interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Dwyane Wade revisited one of the toughest times in his life. The Miami Heat star revealed it wasn’t easy for the entire family when his daughter Zaya came forward as transgender back in 2020. He revealed that his job was to support his daughter and stand by her when she needed him the most. The NBA star said, “When it first became public, honestly, there was a lot of silence. A lot of guys didn’t know what to say. And I understand that. Sports culture hasn’t always had these conversations, so sometimes people just stay quiet because they’re afraid of saying the wrong thing. But for me it was never about getting approval. My job is to support my child.” He further elaborated, “She’s doing great. What’s been really beautiful about her starting college is that she gets to walk into a space where she doesn’t have to introduce herself through her story. For a long time our family’s journey has been very public. Now she can just meet people, make friends, and be herself.” According to Dwyane Wade, his biggest responsibility as a father was to stand by his daughter Zaya. Even his current wife, Gabrielle Union-Wade, is an advocate for trans people and their rights. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Govt failed to keep promises made to farmers, says Rahul
NEW DELHI: Congress’s Rahul Gandhi alleged Saturday that the BJP-led govt has not honoured promises it made to farmers and is prepared to sacrifice India’s agriculture for its own interests. In a Facebook post, the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha shared the written response to a question he had asked the minister of agriculture in the lower House. Citing the written response, Gandhi said, “In the Lok Sabha, I asked a direct question to the govt: Why has the promise of a statutory Minimum Support Price – calculated at C2+50% – made to farmers in 2021, not yet been implemented? “Evading a direct response, the govt merely reiterated its existing MSP policy,” he said. “The govt also admitted to pressuring states to discontinue MSP bonuses – a move it sought to justify, without any logical basis, in the name of ‘national priorities’,” Gandhi said in his post in Hindi. He went on to add that there is another critical question: “The trade agreement with the US speaks of reducing “non-trade barriers”. Does this imply an intent to undermine the MSP mechanism and govt procurement? “The govt is evading this question as well,” the former Congress chief claimed. “We will continue to raise our voices – both inside and outside Parliament – to defend farmers’ rights and protect the MSP,” the Congress politician asserted. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
DU dismisses Rahul’s allegation that it uses interviews to eliminate students
NEW DELHI: The Delhi University (DU) has dismissed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s allegation that it uses interviews to eliminate students. In a post on X late on Friday, it said: “The University of Delhi admits students primarily based on the CUET scores, and the standard admission process does not mandate interviews for most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.” “If the Leader of Opposition was referring to recruitments (such as faculty positions), the University in the recent past has recruited thousands of teachers across all categories. We strongly object to such comments, as they create a non-conducive environment in the University. The Leader of Opposition should have verified the facts before making such a statement. @EduMinOfIndia,” it added. This was in response to the remarks of Gandhi, the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, alleging that the DU eliminates students on the basis of caste. “I had gone to the Delhi University. Interview is just a way to eliminate students. They ask what your caste is and then you fail in the interview,” Gandhi said on Friday while addressing an event in Lucknow to mark the birth anniversary of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) founder Kanshi Ram. Targeting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Congress leader further said, “Take out the list of the RSS. Those who are their pracharaks and seniors in the organisation, you will not find one OBC, one Dalit, one Adivasi among them. This is completely against the Constitution.” This has triggered a further controversy, with the Indian National Teachers’ Congress (INTEC), along with some DU professors, including academic and executive council members, pointing out that public record shows that in several departments of the university, despite a large number of teaching posts being advertised under the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) categories, qualified candidates were declared “not found suitable (NFS)” after the interview stage. PTI Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
US deal harming India’s energy & economic interests, claims Rahul
Lucknow: Congress MP and leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Friday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “compromising India’s economic, digital and energy security in trade deal with the United States”. Gandhi also raised concerns over India’s energy policy, alleging that the govt had ceded decision-making authority to Washington. “India had agreed to follow US instructions on whether to buy oil and gas from countries like Russia, Iran or Iraq. The recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz threatened India’s energy stability, because of these policy changes,” he added. The LoP made the remarks while addressing Congress workers at the Samvidhan Sammelan in Lucknow, where he continued his criticism of what he called “unfair terms” in India-US trade and data arrangements. Gandhi alleged that India had surrendered strategic leverage by allowing the US access to Indian data. “The PM handed over all the data of the people of India to the American govt and companies, permitting them to store it anywhere and granting a 20-year tax holiday. This change left India unable to monitor or regulate how the data of its citizens is used,” claimed Gandhi. “The govt has agreed to purchase goods worth Rs 9 lakh crore annually from the US, a move that will severely harm Indian businesses,” Gandhi said. Listing agricultural products such as cotton, soybeans, pulses, fruits and nuts, he said imports from large, mechanized American farms would undercut small Indian farmers operating on two to five acres of land. According to Gandhi, India received nothing in return from these decisions, asserting that taxes had increased and domestic producers were left vulnerable. He alleged that the prime minister was “compromised and has surrendered”, referencing financial and international controversies by name while claiming they weakened India’s negotiating position. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Deadly Game’ at Private Hospital Ahead of CM’s Visit; Dalit Woman Loses Life
In Sheikhpura, a pregnant Dalit woman died due to medical malpractice at an illegally operating private hospital, just prior to the Chief Minister’s scheduled visit. Trapped in the clutches of touts, the woman’s family was extorted of ₹51,000; yet, her life could not be saved. Sheikhpura – A shocking incident that puts humanity to shame has come to light at ‘Ananya Hospital,’ located on Bhojdih Road in Sheikhpura district. Soni Devi, a resident of Kashichak in the neighboring Nawada district, was admitted to this facility through an ASHA worker after she went into labor. Her family alleges that the hospital administration extorted a hefty sum of ₹51,000 under the pretext of performing a surgical operation. Contrary to official government claims, touts active at the grassroots level deceived this impoverished family, effectively pushing them into a “well of death”—the very place masquerading as a hospital. **A Farce of Treatment and the ‘Referral Game’** As soon as the surgical procedure began, the hospital management—in a desperate attempt to conceal their incompetence—sent the family scrambling to procure two units of blood. By the time the family returned with the blood, the patient’s condition had already deteriorated critically. To save their own skins, the hospital authorities hastily referred the patient to Bihar Sharif. Tragically, the woman succumbed to excessive bleeding while being transported in the ambulance. This was, unequivocally, a fatal outcome resulting from gross medical negligence and a severe lack of necessary medical resources. **Old Peddlers of Death, New Address** Alarmingly, the hospital where this tragedy occurred is reportedly linked to the ‘Maa Savitri Hospital,’ a facility that had previously been sealed by the authorities. Locals allege that whenever the administration shuts down a hospital, the very same individuals simply put up a new signboard and resume their deadly trade under a different name. The names of the establishments change, but the operators—and their horrific modus operandi—remain exactly the same. From Patel Chowk to Bhojdih Road, numerous such clinics continue to flourish without any valid medical licenses. Doctors and Staff Flee Amidst Uproar As news of the woman’s death spread, the fury of her family members erupted. A massive commotion ensued outside Ananya Hospital, accompanied by loud demands for justice. Perceiving that the situation was spiraling out of control, the doctors and the entire hospital staff locked up the premises and fled the scene. This hasty escape, in itself, speaks volumes about their complicity and fear. The crowd gathered at the site raised vociferous slogans against the administration, creating an atmosphere of palpable tension in the area. Questions Raised Over the Administration and Health Department Occurring just prior to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s arrival in the district, this incident has placed the functioning of the Health Department squarely in the dock. The pertinent question remains: if the administration is aware that illegal clinics are operating in the region, why is no concrete action taken against them? Are authorities waiting for yet another poor person to lose their life? It now remains to be seen what action the district administration will take against these “white-collar criminals”—or whether the matter will once again end up buried within bureaucratic files. Report – Umesh | Edited By: Anubh Suman | Courtesy: Hindi News
NHRC Seeks Report From Delhi Authorities Over Alleged Lynching Of Dalit Youth During Holi
New Delhi, March 13 (IANS) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the District Magistrate (West Delhi) and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, over allegations that a 26-year-old Dalit youth was assaulted and lynched during Holi celebrations in the national Capital’s Uttam Nagar. A Bench presided by NHRC Member Priyank Kanoongo took cognisance of a complaint alleging that the incident occurred on March 4, after a minor dispute arising from an accidental splash of water during Holi festivities between two families. According to the complaint, despite the victim’s family offering apologies, a group of around 15-20 people allegedly attacked the youth later when he was returning home on a two-wheeler. The attackers reportedly used bricks, stones, and iron rods, causing severe injuries. The victim later succumbed to his injuries during treatment at a hospital. The complainant sought the NHRC’s intervention and requested a proper investigation into the incident, identification and prosecution of all persons involved, protection for the victim’s family, and adequate compensation for the bereaved family. Observing that the allegations, if true, prima facie indicate violations of the human rights of the victim, the apex rights body issued the notice under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The NHRC has directed the authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, ensure identification and prosecution of all accused persons, and assess the threat perception to the victim’s family, taking appropriate measures for their safety as potential key witnesses. It has also asked the investigating agency to examine and preserve all relevant evidence, including social media material, images, and videos that may have evidentiary value. Authorities have been further directed to secure CCTV footage from the area, properly preserve the crime scene, and collect all relevant forensic evidence, such as fingerprints, footprints, stones, and other objects allegedly used in the assault. The NHRC has sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks for its perusal and directed authorities to forward a copy of the report via email. Courtesy : MenaFN Note: This news is originally published on https:/menafn.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Kanshi Ram Succeeded Because of Congress’s Shortcomings… Rahul Gandhi Speaks in Lucknow; Find Out What Else He Said
During the Congress Constitution Conference, Rahul Gandhi acknowledged the party’s shortcomings. He took aim at the government and the RSS over the lack of representation for Dalits, Backward Classes, and Adivasis (tribals). He advocated for the principle of “representation proportional to population.” Rahul reiterated Congress’s commitment to a caste census. He also raised questions regarding the Centre’s energy security policy. Speaking at the Congress Constitution Conference in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, Rahul Gandhi spoke candidly about the party’s flaws. He stated that Kanshi Ram was able to succeed precisely because of the shortcomings within the Congress party. Had Congress performed its duties effectively, Kanshi Ram would not have been able to achieve such success. He further remarked that if Jawaharlal Nehru were alive today, Kanshi Ram would have been a Congress Chief Minister. Rahul Gandhi leveled a major allegation against the Central Government. He asserted that today, one would not find a single Dalit, Backward Class, or Adivasi doctor in any major hospital—despite the Constitution advocating for “representation proportional to population.” He urged people to look at the list of beneficiaries under MGNREGA; in it, one would find that 85% belong to Backward Classes, Dalits, Adivasis, and minorities. **No OBCs, Dalits, or Adivasis in Senior Positions within the RSS** He challenged people to examine the organizational hierarchy of the RSS; among the list of senior functionaries, one would not find a single OBC, Dalit, or Adivasi member. On one hand, this 85% demographic sits on the sidelines, effectively being told that this country does not belong to them. “We may pay lip service by calling you ‘Hindustanis’ (Indians), but when it comes to the distribution of wealth, the governance of the nation, or the exercise of power, you are deemed *not* to be Hindustanis. You are treated as something else entirely. This stands in absolute contradiction to the spirit of the Constitution.” **Ambedkar, Gandhi, and Kanshi Ram Never Compromised** Rahul Gandhi drew a distinction between Ambedkar, Gandhi, Kanshi Ram, and Savarkar. He noted that Ambedkar, Gandhi, and Kanshi Ram never compromised on their principles—indeed, they were incapable of doing so. “Just look at Modi ji’s face,” he remarked; “this tendency toward compromise is an old habit of his organization. Our nation’s energy security has been compromised. The very choice of the individual appointed as the Oil Minister serves as the first instance of such a compromise.” Narendra Modi Compromised Energy Security He stated, “You elevated him from the bureaucracy and appointed him a minister.” Narendra Modi has compromised the country’s energy security, as it is now the United States that dictates where we source our oil. The Congress party has now resolved to conduct a caste census, ensuring that the Backward Classes and Dalits secure a place within the centers of power. Abhijit Thakur Courtesy: Hindi News
Eyeing Dalit votes, Mamata announces five new boards
According to the announcement, the boards will be set up for the Munda, Kora, Dom, Kumbhakar, and Sadgop communities. The initiative aims to support their socio-economic development while preserving their distinct cultural identities. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday announced the formation of five new Cultural and Development Boards for marginalised communities in the state, a move that comes just days before the expected announcement of the schedule for the West Bengal Legislative Assembly election 2026. According to the announcement, the boards will be set up for the Munda, Kora, Dom, Kumbhakar, and Sadgop communities. The initiative aims to support their socio-economic development while preserving their distinct cultural identities. Speaking on the occasion, Mamata congratulated members of these communities and highlighted their role in shaping Bengal’s heritage. She said that each of these groups is an integral part of the state’s cultural fabric and extended her best wishes to them. Sources at Nabanna, the state secretariat, said the boards will primarily work to preserve the languages, traditions, and cultural practices of the respective communities. In addition to cultural preservation, they will also focus on improving access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. The Chief Minister further assured that the traditional and customary rights of these communities would be protected. The government also plans to strengthen their economic base by creating new avenues for employment and ensuring improved public services in areas where members of these communities live. State government officials said that the initiative is part of a broader policy pursued by the state government since 2013, during which several development boards have been formed for backward and tribal communities. Emphasising the government’s guiding philosophy, Banerjee said the core principle of the “Ma-Mati-Manush” administration is to bring development to every section of society and ensure inclusive progress. Political observers, however, point out that the timing of the announcement — just ahead of the election schedule — suggests a parallel political objective. They believe the creation of these boards may help the ruling government send a message of grassroots development while also attempting to strengthen its support base among marginalised communities. Courtesy : NAI Note: This news is originally published on https:/newsarenaindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
TN Dalit man custodial death: Autopsy finds 28 injuries
According to police officials, Akash sustained an injury to his leg while attempting to escape during his arrest. He was subsequently admitted to Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai for treatment. However, he died unexpectedly on March 8 while undergoing medical care. The autopsy report of a 26-year-old Dalit man who died in police custody in Tamil Nadu’s Sivaganga district has revealed the presence of 28 injuries on his body, raising fresh questions over the circumstances surrounding his death. The deceased, Akash Delison, an engineering graduate from Manamadurai, had been arrested on March 6 on charges of being involved in a dispute with residents of a neighbouring village and an alleged attempt to murder. According to police officials, Akash sustained an injury to his leg while attempting to escape during his arrest. He was subsequently admitted to Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai for treatment. However, he died unexpectedly on March 8 while undergoing medical care. Following his death, family members, relatives, and local residents staged a road blockade demanding justice and an impartial investigation into the incident. Acting on the directions of the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, the post-mortem examination was conducted at Government Rajaji Hospital under the supervision of the institution’s head. The entire autopsy process was also video-recorded as part of the court’s directive. The autopsy report released on Friday revealed 28 separate injuries, including both internal and external wounds. Doctors noted a fracture in the middle portion of Akash’s right leg, which had caused severe damage to surrounding muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. In addition, the report documented multiple red-coloured abrasions and scratches on his arms, elbows, knees, and thigh. The internal examination also found hemorrhage in the frontal region of the brain. The report further stated that blood clots were present in the heart and lungs, leading to swelling of these organs. Doctors said the final autopsy report will be issued only after the results of chemical analysis are received. Meanwhile, officials from the Crime Branch Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID) have launched a detailed investigation into the custodial death to determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the incident. Courtesy : NAI Note: This news is originally published on https:/newsarenaindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rahul says, ‘85% of MGNREGA list comprises Dalits- backward classes’:15% control bureaucracy and corporates; focus on Mayawati’s voter base
Rahul Gandhi spoke for 35 minutes in Lucknow to win Dalit votes. The occasion was Kanshi Ram Jayanti, but Rahul’s target was the Modi government. In front of Dalits, Rahul took Modi’s name more than Kanshi Ram’s. He said- Narendra Modi does not believe in the ideology of the country’s constitution. Sometime visit Apollo, look at the doctor’s nameplate there, you won’t find 85% (Dalits, backwards) anywhere. You won’t find Dalits and backwards among CEOs of big companies. Rahul further says: In courts, bureaucracy, and corporate settings, you will only see 15% of the elite class. In MGNREGA list, 85% are Dalits and backwards. This is what Kanshi Ram used to say in his pen model. Kanshi Ram used to say, ‘One man one vote, representation according to population… but what is the reality?’ 15% control the country’s resources’. Kanshi Ram was fighting to change this picture; now Congress is fighting this battle. Rahul Gandhi celebrated Social Change Day in Lucknow 2 days before Kanshi Ram Jayanti. He spoke directly with 4,000 people. Bhaskar learned from the leaders themselves how much Rahul’s message reached them… MP said, ‘Rahul gave clear vision in 3 points’ Congress MP from Sitapur Rakesh Rathore, says, ‘Rahul Gandhi has given a clear vision today. Congress is focused on 3 points. First- Caste census. Second- Protection of the Constitution. Third- MGNREGA’. These 3 factors are going to prove decisive in UP. Due to MGNREGA, 80% of Dalits and backward classes were able to get respect. Congress spokesperson Sachin Rawat says, Rahul Gandhi is saying, ‘The greater the numbers, the greater the participation. This was the dream of Baba Saheb and Kanshi Ram’. Now Congress will become the voice of Dalits and the backwards in UP. Leaders and workers from Dalit and backward communities will advance in Congress. They will also get places in the government. Now the move for reservation in private sector Congress Vice President Vishvavijay Singh said, ” The way Kanshi Ram did politics, Congress also follows that”. We are ready to give participation to Dalits and the backwards in the organisation and government. Also, we will ensure places for Dalits and backwards in large institutions and private sector. Will tell the public how agricultural rights were surrendered Congress National Secretary Dheeraj Gurjar explains this in more detail. He says, Rahul Gandhi mentioned the agriculture sector. Even today, 70% of our country’s population does farming. Most of these are Dalits, backward and extremely backward classes. We will go among the people. Will explain how the BJP central government surrendered agricultural rights to America. We will put these questions to the country’s public about how we have surrendered on the energy sector. Female leader claims, ‘Public will support Congress in 2027’ Bundelkhand zone’s Women Congress State President Karishma Thakur confidently says that Congress will form a government in UP in the 2027 elections. In today’s time, only Rahul Gandhi is such a leader who speaks fearlessly. Our PM is making decisions completely under American pressure. Will Trump now tell us which country to buy oil from? Therefore, the public will give surprising results in the upcoming elections. Sohan Lal, who came to hear Rahul Gandhi, has retired from the Agriculture Department. He says, ‘10% people occupy 90% of the posts in the Secretariat’. When halwa (benefits) is distributed, these 10% people alone are eating the share of the 85%. Rahul Gandhi is attacking this very issue. We will go among the public with this ideology. Today, only Congress is fighting for the voice and rights of Dalits and backward classes. Now, understand the political message of Rahul’s pen model By mentioning Kanshiram’s pen-model, Rahul tried to appeal to Dalits, extremely backward classes and minorities. Said, when Kanshiram used to travel in UP in his struggle to uplift Dalits and ensure their political participation, he kept a pen with him. He used to say that the pen cap represents 15% upper castes who operate the pen. It should have been that 85% should get the benefit. Since the BJP came to power, they have created a new system. They have separated the pen and the cap itself. They are only moving with 15% (upper castes). 85% have been thrown away. Expert View: Suresh Bahadur Singh, Senior Journalist Question: Is Rahul trying to prove Modi as a weak PM? Answer: If you listen to Rahul Gandhi’s speech, it’s clear that he is trying to prove Narendra Modi as a weak PM. This is why he kept claiming that the PM compromised under American pressure. For this, he also mentioned the trade deal with America. They try to explain that they are not speaking baseless words. In this trade deal, all benefits were given to America, while our farmers will suffer the most in the future. American farmers will sell agricultural products worth ₹9 lakh crores in our country. Raising the question of an oil and gas crisis in the country, Rahul Gandhi said, “People are troubled by low gas supply.” Then mentioning the Epstein file, he also attacked the PM’s personal image. Rahul Gandhi openly accused PM Modi of compromising the country’s energy security. This is why America is now deciding where we will buy oil. He mentioned the Epstein Files and George Soros while referring to Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri and his daughter’s company. The meaning is clear that Rahul is making his way by attacking the same PM on whose face and strength the BJP wins state elections. In his speech, Rahul Gandhi clearly said that “There are only two reasons for PM Modi’s surrender. One is Epstein’s and the second is Adani’s ongoing case in America. Modi himself is involved in the Adani case, which is why he has completely surrendered. Modi ji has lost psychologically, and when a person loses mentally, then he has to lose. Now, 3 major points from Rahul Gandhi’s statement: Narendra Modi does not believe in constitutional ideology: The constitution contains the voices of all Dalit great personalities.