NIA Connects New Dots In Khalistani Terror Plot, Adds 3 To Chargesheet In Neemrana Hotel Hit Job Case

The NIA named Dharmendra Singh, Gaurav and Deepak for conspiring with other accused to carry out the attack on Hotel Highway King in Neemrana in December 2024.

NIA has so far chargesheeted a total of six accused in the case. (PTI File Image)

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has chargesheeted three more accused in the Neemrana hotel firing case, linked with Canada-based Khalistani terrorist Arsh Dala, the agency said on Sunday.

The NIA filed its second supplementary charge sheet on Saturday before the NIA Special Court, Jaipur, naming Dharmendra Singh, Gaurav and Deepak for conspiring with other accused to carry out the attack on Hotel Highway King in Neemrana in December 2024, the agency said in a statement.

With this, NIA has so far chargesheeted a total of six accused in the case relating to the conspiracy involving Dala and others.

Three other accused, identified as Sachin alias Praveen alias Dholia, Yogesh alias Monu, and Vijay alias Kale, were chargesheeted by NIA last month.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/nia-chargesheets-3-more-accused-in-firing-case-linked-with-khalistani-terrorist-arsh-dala-ws-l-9306698.html

Punjab: ISI-backed Terror Modules Operated From Abroad Busted; IEDs, 2 kg RDX Recovered

Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the modules were being operated from abroad by France-based Satnam Singh, also known as Satta, and Greece-based Jaswinder Singh, also known as Mannu Agwan.

Police recovered two rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) including a launcher, two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) weighing 2.5 kg each. (Photo: DGPPunjabPolice/X)

Punjab Police on Saturday said they have busted two major Khalistani terror modules backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), arresting 13 people and seizing a large cache of weapons and explosives.
Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the modules were being operated from abroad by France-based Satnam Singh, also known as Satta, and Greece-based Jaswinder Singh, also known as Mannu Agwan. Both are linked to the banned group Babbar Khalsa International.

This is a major blow to transnational terror networks targeting peace and stability in Punjab, Yadav said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Police recovered two rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) including a launcher, two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) weighing 2.5 kg each, two hand grenades with detonators, two kilograms of RDX with remote control, five pistols including Beretta and Glock models, six magazines, 44 live cartridges, a wireless communication set, and three vehicles.

The four suspects linked to the first module were identified as Jatinder Singh, also known as Honey, and Jagjit Singh, also known as Jagga, both from Kapurthala, and Harpreet Singh and Jagroop Singh from Hoshiarpur. Police said their network was managed by Satnam Singh from France.
Nine operatives from the second module, allegedly led by Jaswinder Singh from Greece, were also arrested. Their identities were not immediately released.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/punjab-isi-backed-terror-modules-operated-from-abroad-busted-ieds-2-kg-rdx-recovered-article-151455303

80-Year-Old Man Dragged, Kicked And Slapped By Doctor For Violating ‘Queue Rules’ At MP Hospital – VIDEO

The victim, 80-year-old Uddhav Singh Joshi, has alleged that the doctor initially misbehaved with him and then dragged him out of the hospital. He said the doctor also kicked and slapped him repeatedly.

Elderly man dragged and thrashed in MP hospital.
Photo : Times Now

A senior citizen was dragged, slapped and kicked inside a District Hospital in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh and the victim has alleged it was a doctor who misbehaved with him and thrashed him brutally. 80-year-old Uddhav Singh Joshi said he had gone to the government hospital with his wife for treatment and they were standing in a queue.
He claimed one of the doctors, Dr Rajesh Mishra, first misbehaved with him and then said that they were not following the rules while standing in the queue. He said the doctor then dragged him, kicked and slapped him as well. Joshi further alleged that his wife was also beaten by the doctor.

Responding to the concern, Civil Surgeon, Doctor GL Ahirwar said, “Yes, there was an argument between the doctor and the senior citizen, but the victim’s allegations are false that he was kicked and doctor misbehaved with him.”
However, in a video that has surfaced, a man is seen dragging the elderly out of the hospital. He then slaps and kicks the victim. The incident reportedly happened on April 17.

Ahirwar said the doctor has been instructed not to behave in any such manner, and elderly people can be prioritised in the queue. However, the matter has now become political with the Congress training guns at BJP’s Mohan Yadav government in the state.
“Chhatarpur incident clearly shows that Mohan Govt has entirely failed in giving better health services and this govt has turned into a JUNGALRAAJ,” said Abhinav Barolia, Congress Spokesperson.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Ajay Yadav said that the administration has been asked to act against those guilty. “The Dist administration has been given Instructions to take action against those whoever are guilty in it … As BJP government in MP is committed to the privileged service of Poor and Senior citizens on priority, ” he added.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/80-year-old-man-dragged-kicked-slapped-by-doctor-for-violating-queue-rules-mp-hospital-video-article-151457310

Hardik Pandya’s Rumoured GF Jasmin Walia Attends MI Vs CSK Match, Gives Standing Ovation After 9-Wicket Win At Wankhede (PHOTO)

Jasmin Walia was yet again spotted in the stands at Wankhede Stadium, cheering for rumoured boyfriend Hardik Pandya’s Mumbai Indians (MI) during their IPL match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday. She celebrated MI’s 9-wicket victory with a standing ovation. Her frequent appearances have sparked speculation about the truth behind dating rumours.

British singer and TV personality Jasmin Walia was once again spotted in the VIP stands at Wankhede Stadium, cheering for rumoured boyfriend Hardik Pandya’s team, Mumbai Indians (MI), during their IPL match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Mumbai on Sunday. She was seen celebrating MI’s 9-wicket victory.

Jasmin was seen wearing a white cropped top and white pants, clapping for her rumoured boyfriend Pandya’s team. She gave a standing ovation and was seen beaming with joy.

Jasmin has frequently been spotted attending MI matches at Wankhede Stadium, leading netizens to believe that the ongoing dating rumours may have some truth.

Earlier, following Mumbai Indian’s IPL match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Jasmin was seen leaving with the WAGs (wives and girlfriends) in the official team bus allotted for them.

Walia’s appearance with the WAGs seemingly confirmed her relationship with Hardik, as the bus is only allotted to family members of the cricketers.

The dating rumours between Jasmin and Hardik began after the duo posted separate photos from the same locations, including a trip to Greece. Following the India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy match, they were also spotted relaxing by the beach in Dubai, fuelling further speculation.

The duo have yet to confirm the dating rumours.

Hardik was earlier married to Nataaa Stankovic. The duo tied the knot on May 31, 2020, and welcomed their first child, son Agastya on July 30 of the same year. In 2023, they renewed their vows with a lavish ceremony in Udaipur.

The former couple’s divorce announcement post read, “After 4 years of being together, Hardik and I have decided to mutually part ways. We tried our best together and gave it our all, and we believe this is in the best interest for the both of us. This was a tough decision for us to make, given the joy, mutual respect and companionship we enjoyed together and as we grew a family.”

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/hardik-pandya-rumoured-gf-jasmin-walia-attends-mi-vs-csk-match-gives-standing-ovation-after-9-wicket-win-at-wankhede-photo

 

Deportation Dilemma: Diplomatic Roadblocks Delay Repatriation Of Illegal Bangladeshi Nationals, Only 1 In 5 Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants Sent Back Amid Diplomatic Deadlock

Despite a surge in arrests, India’s fight against illegal Bangladeshi infiltration is hitting a dead end literally at the border, Indian security and immigration authorities continue to face mounting challenges in deporting Bangladeshi nationals who enter the country unlawfully.

Deportation delay: Diplomatic hurdles stall repatriation of illegal Bangladeshi nationals in India | Representative Image

Despite a surge in arrests, India’s fight against illegal Bangladeshi infiltration is hitting a dead end literally at the border, Indian security and immigration authorities continue to face mounting challenges in deporting Bangladeshi nationals who enter the country unlawfully. Even after arrests and legal convictions, the repatriation process remains slow, uncertain, and fraught with diplomatic and procedural complications.

Highly placed sources in the Crime Branch, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that several hundred Bangladeshi nationals were arrested over the past year for illegal stay, use of forged Indian identity documents, and links to organised crime. Authorities have taken steps to limit their ability to stay and move freely within the country. Yet, once behind bars, their journey back home hits a diplomatic wall.

Officials admit that while arrests and case registrations have increased, deportation is far from straightforward. A major roadblock is the refusal of the host country Bangladesh to acknowledge and accept these individuals as its citizens. “Even after arrest and court convictions, deportation gets stuck at the verification stage. The Bangladeshi side often fails to confirm their nationality or outright denies their citizenship,” an officer said.

Officials revealed that most of these individuals entered India through porous border routes and secured fake Indian identity documents with the help of organized networks. In most of the cases, the permanent addresses used by these Bangladeshi nationals were found to be bogus.

A critical bottleneck for security agencies is the refusal of the host country to accept deportees. “Even after a Bangladeshi national is convicted in court, the deportation process is not straightforward. There have been cases where the host country Bangladesh has refused to acknowledge these individuals as their citizens, making repatriation nearly impossible,” the senior official said. This admission underscores a growing diplomatic and legal conundrum for Indian authorities, where the lack of documentation and non-cooperation from the Bangladeshi side often leads to indefinite detention or legal limbo for the detainees.

A senior official from the Bureau of Immigration noted that the primary hurdle in the deportation process is identity confirmation. “We cannot deport anyone unless the Bangladeshi government officially verifies their nationality. Without valid documents or cooperation, the process is paralyzed,” the official said. This challenge has led to prolonged detention of many individuals in correctional homes or holding centers, often for months or years. In some cases, courts order the release of detainees if their continued detention is deemed unjustifiable.

Maharashtra’s Minister of State for Home Affairs, Yogesh Ramdas Kadam, recently presented detailed statistics in the state legislative assembly regarding the arrest and deportation of illegal Bangladeshi nationals in the state.

According to the data, from January 2023 to March 2025, a total of 2,935 illegal Bangladeshi nationals have been arrested across the state. However, only 587 of them have been deported back to Bangladesh. This means that approximately 20% of the arrested illegal Bangladeshi nationals have been deported, as per official records.

In Mumbai, between January and March, 197 cases were registered against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. These cases led to the arrest of over 369 illegal Bangladeshi nationals, but only 17 were deported after completing the lengthy formalities.

Arrest and deportation figures (excluding Mumbai)

2021-

Arrested- 192

Deported- 109

Result- 56.77%

2022-

Arrested- 217

Deported- 77

Result- 35.48%

2023-

Arrested- 573

Deported- 127

Result- 22.16%

2024-

Arrested- 716

Deported- 202

Result- 28.21%

These operations have targeted various districts across Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, Nanded, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and other districts.

Deportation of undocumented migrants requires coordination between multiple Indian agencies including the BSF, local police, immigration authorities, and the Ministry of External Affairs as well as active engagement from the Bangladeshi government. Officials admit that while mechanisms for deportation exist under the India-Bangladesh extradition treaty and bilateral dialogues, ground-level implementation is inconsistent. “We send dossiers for verification, but responses are slow and often inconclusive,” said another source familiar with the process.

Enforcement agencies stress the urgent need for enhanced bilateral cooperation and a reliable verification mechanism. “We need a faster and verifiable identification system and accountable cooperation from both sides,” said a senior immigration official. “Otherwise, the cycle of infiltration, arrest, and stalled deportation will continue.”

‘Space debris’? Huge metal object falls on house terrace in Nagpur district

For its part, Nagpur Rural Police said a large metal piece reportedly fell from the sky on the terrace slab of a house in the Kose layout at 4 am on Saturday.

Photo for representational purpose. Credit: iStock photo

An unidentified object from the sky fell on the terrace of a house in Umred taluka of Nagpur district in Maharashtra, triggering discussions of whether it was part of ‘space debris’.

For its part, Nagpur Rural Police said a large metal piece reportedly fell from the sky on the terrace slab of a house in the Kose layout at 4 am on Saturday.

A forensic team of police is trying to identify the object, police said.

The local resident claimed the steel object fell on the parapet of his terrace between 4 am and 4.15 am.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/maharashtra/space-debris-huge-metal-object-falls-on-house-terrace-in-nagpur-district-3501927

‘Kumbh Mela Was BJP’s Plan To Launch Yogi Adityanath As…’: Akhilesh Yadav’s Big Claim On UP CM’s Political Future

Akhilesh Yadav has levelled a big allegation about Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s political ambitions.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minster Yogi Adityanath at Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, in Prayagraj.
Photo : PTI

Samajwadi Party chief and MP Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday made a massive claim surrounding Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s political future, suggesting that the recent Mahakumbh mela was projected in a way to position him as a Prime Ministerial candidate. Raking up the Mahakumbh mela that was organised in Prayagraj this year at a grand scale, Akhilesh Yadav alleged that there were rumours to make it an event of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and to announce the UP CM as the next Prime Ministerial candiate.
Speaking to reporters, Akhilesh Yadav said, “They want to make every event a BJP event. It is being heard that during the Maha Kumbh, it was their plan to announce his (CM Yogi Adityanath) name as the Prime Minister’s face. They wanted to make this a political Kumbh. This was not a religious Kumbh. Have you ever seen so many announcements and interviews on Kumbh before? People should be able to see the truth.”

What the UP CM said amid PM Modi’s ‘retirement’ buzz

There has been growing conjecture surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s potential retirement after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut claimed that he will resign on September 17 this year when he turns 75. In a recent interview with PTI, Yogi Adityanath was asked about how a section of society wanted to see him as the Prime Minister of India one day and what he thought about it.

“Look, I am the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, the party has put me here for the people of Uttar Pradesh, and politics is not a full-time job for me. At present, I am working here but in reality, I am a Yogi. As long as we are here, we are working. There will be a time limit to this too,” he had said in response.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/kumbh-mela-was-bjps-plan-to-launch-yogi-adityanath-as-akhilesh-yadavs-big-claim-on-up-cms-political-future-article-151459357

Actor Disha Patani’s Sister Climbs Wall To Save Baby In Abandoned Building

The child was found near Disha’s Bareilly residence where Kushboo stays with her father, retired police circle officer Jagdish Patani. Her brave act is being widely appreciated in the city.

Khushboo Patani climbed over a wall to save the baby, police said. (File)

An abandoned infant, about nine to 10 months old, was rescued from a dilapidated structure by Bollywood actress Disha Patani’s sister, Khushboo Patani here on Sunday morning, police said.

Khushboo Patani climbed over a wall to save the baby, they said.

The child was found near Disha’s Bareilly residence where Kushboo stays with her father, retired police circle officer Jagdish Patani. Her brave act is being widely appreciated in the city.

According to Circle Officer (City-I) Pankaj Srivastava, Khushboo was out for a morning walk when she heard the cries of the baby from an abandoned building nearby.

“There was no direct access to the structure, so she took the courageous step of climbing over a wall to reach the spot. Inside, she found an infant lying on the ground, crying and with visible injuries on the face,” Srivastava said.

She immediately brought infant home and administered first aid.

The family then informed the police about the incident. The child was later admitted to the district hospital, where treatment is ongoing, police said.

Police have begun checking CCTV footage from the vicinity to identify who abandoned the child.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/disha-patanis-sister-rescues-injured-infant-from-abandoned-building-in-up-8212293

Actor Abhinav Shukla gets death threat from ‘Bishnoi gang’ member after wife Rubina’s spat with Asim Riaz

The Instagram user allegedly referred to the recent shooting at Salman Khan’s house and threatened to attack Abhinav Shukla in a similar way.

Abhinav Shukla urged the police to take firm and prompt action against the death threat.

Television actor Abhinav Shukla has allegedly received death threat from a social media user claiming to be a part of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang.

The death threat reportedly comes after a verbal tiff between Shukla’s wife, actress Rubina Dilaik, and rapper Asim Riaz on the show “Battleground”, a news agency ANI report said. Soon after the episode aired, Shukla was allegedly targeted on social media, with the threat referring to the recent shooting incident at Salman Khan’s house.

Shukla shared a series of screenshots and videos on his X handle, wherein it was visible that the threat message was sent on Instagram by a user named Ankush Gupta.

“I’m from Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang. I know your address. Should I come over? Just like Salman Khan was shot at, I’ll come to your house and shoot you with an AK-47,” the threat message read in Hindi.

It further said, “Consider this your final warning. Say anything about Asim, and your name goes on the list. Lawrence Bishnoi stands with Asim.”

Shukla also posted a screen recording of the sender’s Instagram profile, mentioning that the person appeared to be from Chandigarh.

In his X post, the actor tagged Punjab and Chandigarh Police and said, “DEATH THREATS to my family! @DGPPunjabPolice @PunjabPoliceInd @DgpChdPolice @ChdPol. Person seems to be from Chandigarh/Mohali. Please act firmly & promptly. To anyone who recognises the person plz report @DGPPunjabPolice.”

The incident comes just a week after Salman Khan received fresh death threat. Reports said that the WhatsApp number of the Mumbai Traffic Police helpline received a threatening message, claiming that they would kill the actor after entering his house and blow up his car with a bomb.

Last year, shots were fired at Salman’s house, Galaxy Apartments in Bandra, by shooters associated with the Bishnoi gang. Following this, the actor’s security was also beefed up. This was the fifth time that the actor received a threat to his life in the last two years.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/abhinav-shukla-gets-death-threat-from-bishnoi-gang-member-after-wife-rubinas-spat-with-asim-riaz-101745174260688.html

Chaos at Delhi Airport: 68% of flights delayed as disruption warnings issued 4 months ago go unheeded

Officials pinned the chaos on Sunday on a combination of poor planning and months-long miscommunication, with one of the airport’s 4 runways shut for upgrades.

The newly opened upgraded Terminal 1 of the Delhi Airport is seen in this photo.(Vipin Kumar/Hindustan Times)

Flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport remained hobbled on Sunday, with roughly 68% of all arrivals and departures delayed, as the airport operator said airlines failed to heed warnings about disruptions issued four months ago and neglected to adjust their flight schedules.

Officials pinned the chaos on a combination of poor planning and months-long miscommunication, with one of the airport’s four runways shut for upgrades during the busy summer travel season, coupled with an untimely change in wind direction – a perfect storm of factors that slashed capacity and left passengers blind-sided.

Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), the airport operator, said airlines were informed about the planned runway upgrade and potential wind disruption four months ago, but made “minimal or no changes”.

“The closure of Runway 10/28 since 8th April for essential Instrument Landing System (ILS) upgradation, was planned well in advance in consultation with all relevant stakeholders and based on historical wind patterns over 4 months ago…it was agreed amongst all stakeholders, including Airlines and ATC [air traffic control] that will be temporary capacity constraints for arrivals…,” DIAL said in a statement on X.

“During such moments the Airlines are to reschedule or cancel flights at short notice in interest of passenger safety and convenience… However, there were minimal to no changes made. Unfortunately this limited action/non action has led to significant operational challenges for all the stakeholders including Delhi airport and ATC and in the end impacted the passengers significantly,” it added.

DIAL said the airport, in coordination with stakeholders, had decided to temporarily suspend the upgrade work.

“Runway 10/28 will be brought back into operation in the first week of May, with the remaining upgrade activities deferred for a month or so,” it said.

Thousands of passengers were affected on Sunday as 501 departures and 384 arrivals were delayed, as of 11.30pm, according to flight-tracking service Flightradar24. This is just over 68% of the 1,300-odd flights the airport handles a day.

The service also said departures were, on average, delayed by an hour and arrivals by 75 minutes.

The airport operates four runways; 27/09, 28/10 (both these runways are old), 29L/11R, and 29R/11L, with the newest runway becoming operational in 2023. On a typical day, the airport handles up to 46 arrivals per hour.

Meanwhile, Terminal 2 was closed on April 15 2025 with the 46,000 passengers and 270,280 flights it handled being shifted to expanded Terminal 1, which was completely operational on the same day, April 15.

These concurrent factors snowballed into a harrowing time for passengers, and the mayhem was thrown under the spotlight again when Jammu & Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah early on Sunday morning criticised the airport for a lengthy delay.

“Delhi airport is a bloody shit show (excuse my French but I’m in no mood to be polite). 3 hours in the air after we left Jammu we get diverted to Jaipur & so here I am at 1 in the morning on the steps of the plane getting some fresh air. I’ve no idea what time we will leave from here,” he said on X.

Runway 28/10 was closed on April 8 to enhance its Instrument Landing System (ILS) to CAT III B standards – an upgrade that would help it better cope with fog in winter. The timelines were set out to ensure work was completed before winter this year.

In mid-December, key aviation stakeholders were in discussions to devise a plan to minimize weather-related disruptions, said officials aware of the matter. DIAL anticipated a reduction in runway capacity — and possible flight cancellations — because of the upgrade.

By January, DIAL formally informed stakeholders and stated that the runway work would not impact flight operations.

Further complicating the situation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) experienced a leadership change at the same time. DIAL first sought approvals from the civil aviation ministry in December 2024 and later from both the DGCA and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on January 15. These approvals were granted in February, said the people cited above.

A meeting on March 4 involving DIAL, AAI, the civil aviation ministry and airline representatives discussed DIAL’s mitigation plan to handle passenger operations during the closure and ILS upgrade. According to the meeting minutes reviewed by HT, all stakeholders were made aware of the shift in wind patterns and were advised to plan their operations accordingly.

In the meeting led by the AAI chairman Vipin Kumar, it was noted that when the airport operates with easterly winds in mind, the flight paths for runways 09 and 11R cross each other about 7.6 nautical miles west of the airport at a 12 degree angle. Because of this, the number of arriving flights are forced to be reduced to 32 per hour.

A former AAI official explained, “When Runway 11L is used for departures and 11R for arrivals, and runway 09 is also used only for departures, the flight paths are not fully separate. So, there must be a gap of 100 to 110 seconds between each arriving flight on Runway 11R, which limits the number of arrivals to about 32 per hour.”

Officials from AAI confirmed that airlines were informed about IMD’s forecast, which predicted an increase in easterly wind conditions. In March and April, around 30% of flights were expected to operate in easterly Mode, increasing to 50% by May and June. This seasonal shift, driven by pre-monsoon changes, was expected to further reduce runway capacity.

During westerly winds — when Runway 27 operates in mixed mode, Runway 29 is used for departures, and Runway 29L for arrivals — the combined capacity is 74 flights per hour. Under Easterly winds, with Runway 09 and 11L handling departures and Runway 11R managing arrivals, capacity is around 72. But with only one runway available for arrivals, the effective arrival capacity drops significantly.

Runway 28/10 had been reopened in February 2024 after being shut for re-carpeting in September 2023. It was closed again in April, right when summer flight traffic started increasing.

Relief may be on the way. A senior IMD official said the wind direction is expected to shift back to westerly in two days.

“Every time a western disturbance hits the western Himalayas, wind direction temporarily shifts to easterly. This is normal. As for how operations are affected, that’s for the airport authorities to determine,” the official said.

Some officials suggested that the upgrade work could have been phased. However, industry experts disagreed, saying the nature of the work—milling the runway surface and installing inset lights—required it to be completed in one go. They added that the March to June window was optimal, as it avoids fog in winter and heavy rains during the monsoon.

Airlines were also advised that delays and diversions during easterly mode were inevitable. They were encouraged to review and adjust their schedules every two weeks based on actual operating conditions and unscheduled flight movements to minimise cancellations.

“The airport operator shares its plans with stakeholders as per standard procedures. It’s the airlines who should have trimmed their operations to avoid disruption,” said Mohan Ranganathan, an aviation safety expert.

“A four-month closure of a major runway is a long time for a hub like Delhi. DGCA, as the regulator, should have revisited the summer schedule and possibly issued a revised one.”

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/chaos-at-delhi-airport-68-of-flights-delayed-as-disruption-warnings-issued-4-months-ago-go-unheeded-101745193828299.html

‘Cricketers sent nude pics…asked to sleep with me’: Sanjay Bangar’s daughter on journey since gender transition

Anaya Bangar. Credit: Instagram/anayabangar

Daughter of former Indian cricketer and ex-coach Sanjay Bangar, Anaya has made shocking revelations about her journey after she transformed from a male to a female.

Claiming that the world of cricket is very insecure and full of toxic masculinity, in an interview with Lallantop, Anaya shed light on the fact that she had to maintain secrecy when playing cricket while growing up. “I played with some well known cricketers now like Musheer Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, Yashasvi Jaiswal. I had to maintain secrecy about myself because dad is a well-known figure.”

While she accepted that there has been support regarding her decision, there has also been harassment. She revealed that a few cricketers have been randomly sending her nude pictures of themselves, while some people have been asking her to send pictures of herself. “The person used to give gaalis in front of everybody. The same person then used to come and sit beside me and ask for my photos.

She recalled another incident where she confided about her situation to a veteran cricketer, and he replied, “Let’s go in your car, I want to sleep with you.”

Reflecting on her journey, she revealed in the interview that she knew at the age of 8-9 years old that she was in the wrong body. “I used to get clothes from my mother’s wardrobe and look in the mirror and say that I want to be a girl.”

The cricket career of Anaya, who was Aryan back in the day, started at the age of 12. However, transwomen have been banned from playing cricket as per the International Cricket Council (ICC) rules.

She also called for setting new margins to determine the eligibily of trans women in women’s sports.

Last year, Anaya shared a post on Instagram expressing her hurt over the ban on transgenders from competing in cricket.

“We need policies that don’t make us choose between our identity and our passions. Trans women deserve the right to compete, play, and thrive,” Anaya had said in her post last year.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/cricket/cricketers-sent-nude-pics-asked-to-sleep-with-me-sanjay-bangars-daughter-on-journey-since-gender-transition-3500724 

What’s On JD Vance’ India Visit Itinerary? Akshardham Temple, Dinner With PM Modi And More

The US vice president, his wife, Usha, and their three children — Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel — are scheduled to land at the Palam airbase in Delhi at 10 am on Monday on a four-day India visit.

US Vice President JD Vance with PM Modi | File Image

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a dinner for US Vice President J D Vance and Indian-origin Second Lady Usha on Monday evening, after holding talks with the American leader that are set to focus on trade, tariff and several other key issues, people familiar with the matter said on Saturday.

The US vice president, his wife, Usha, and their three children — Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel — are scheduled to land at the Palam airbase in Delhi at 10 am on Monday on a four-day India visit.

The Vances will be welcomed on their arrival by a senior Union minister.

Besides Delhi, Vance and his family will travel to Jaipur and Agra.

Vance is expected to be accompanied by at least five senior officials, including from the Pentagon and the State Department, the people cited above said.

Hours after arriving in Delhi, Vance and his family are scheduled to visit the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple and could also go to a shopping complex selling traditional Indian handcrafted goods, they said.

At 6:30 pm on Monday, Modi will host Vance for talks that are expected to focus on an early finalisation of the proposed India-US bilateral trade agreement as well as on ways to boost the overall trajectory of the ties between the two countries.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Indian Ambassador to the United States Vinay Mohan Kwatra are expected to be part of the Indian team to be led by Modi, the people said.

After the talks, the prime minister will host the Vances and the accompanying American officials for dinner.

The people cited above said Vance and his family will leave for Jaipur on Monday night.

In Delhi, the US vice president and his family are set to stay in the ITC Maurya Sheraton hotel.

On April 22, the Vances will visit a number of historical sites, including the Amer Fort, also known as the Amber Fort — a UNESCO world heritage site — the people said.

In the afternoon, the US vice president is scheduled to address a gathering at the Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur, they added.

Vance is expected to delve into the broader aspects of the India-US relations under the Donald Trump administration during his speech that is expected to be attended by diplomats, foreign policy experts, Indian government officials and academia.

The US vice president and his family are expected to travel to Agra on the morning of April 23, the people cited above said.

In Agra, they will visit the Taj Mahal and Shilpgram, an open-air emporium showcasing various Indian artefacts, they said.

After concluding their trip to Agra, the Vances will return to Jaipur in the second half of April 23.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/whats-on-jd-vance-india-visit-itinerary-akshardham-temple-dinner-with-pm-modi-and-more-9305910.html

Artist Wins AI-Generated Image Contest With Hand-Drawn Submission

Michi, the illustrator, said the artwork passed for machine creation, though they later came clean.

The entry and the photo that inspired it. @NekoMichiUBC / X

A self-described artist says they won an AI-generated image competition held at their office by entering a hand-drawn illustration. According to a social media post, the submission, a drawing of a cat, ended up winning the prize – a box of chocolates which they later forfeited – after “nobody noticed it wasn’t AI.”
The artwork shows the perspective of the artist overlooking a cat sitting on a laptop connected to a monitor. The tabby was revealed to be a real feline from a picture that seemingly inspired the drawing.

“For the record, I’m not completely against AI,” clarified the illustrator, who uses the name Michi on X. “I think it has massive potential in scientific research. We’ve already been using it here for protein structure and genomic analysis and it’s been a powerful tool.”

“However as an artist, I also feel that it’s important to remember that technology should be regarded as a tool to extend our own creativity and capabilities, not replace them.”
Michi said they’d have preferred for the competition to be a real art or photography contest, but suspected that it may not have been a competition at all, just an interactive activity to see whose submission got the most “smiles.”

The artist also clarified that after winning, they disclosed “the nature of the artwork” and that it was all in good fun.
“As for the prize, it was a box of chocolates that I decided to forfeit by sharing with the rest of the office (I can’t eat that much sweets anyway),” Michi added.
This isn’t the first time man has beaten machine in an AI contest.
Miles Astray, a photographer, won the People’s Vote Award and third place in AI category at the 1839 Awards’ Color Photography Contest in 2024 with a portrait of a real flamingo sleeping with its head tucked in its feathers.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/viral/artist-wins-ai-generated-image-contest-with-hand-drawn-submission-article-151455564

BB Bombay HC Reserves Order On Kunal Kamra’s Plea To Quash FIR, Grants Interim Protection From Arrest

The Bombay High Court has reserved its verdict on comedian Kunal Kamra’s plea seeking to quash an FIR lodged against him for allegedly playing the song “Mehangai Dayan” during a protest outside the residence of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The protest was held in March 2024 in Mumbai’s Malabar Hill area, and Kamra participated in it to raise concerns about inflation and unemployment.

The FIR, filed at Malabar Hill police station, accused Kamra and others of unlawful assembly and use of loudspeakers without permission. The charges were registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Maharashtra Police Act. Kamra filed a petition in the High Court challenging the FIR, calling it an attack on his right to free speech and expression.

Kamra’s lawyer argued that the protest was peaceful and the song played was part of symbolic dissent, not meant to incite hatred or violence. The advocate also highlighted that no law prohibits the playing of such songs during a protest, especially when it is conducted without disrupting public peace.

The state’s counsel, however, argued that the gathering lacked police permission and disturbed the quiet, posh residential area. After hearing both sides, the bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Manjusha Deshpande reserved the order but extended interim protection to Kamra from arrest until the final verdict is pronounced.

Source : https://www.spotboye.com/trending/trending-news/bb-bombay-hc-reserves-order-on-kunal-kamra-s-plea-to-quash-fir-grants-interim-protection-from-arrest/68006e1198e7b5da75cc72ef

India, France to sign largest-ever deal for Rafale-Marine fighter jets on April 28

(File Photo)India, France to sign largest-ever deal for Rafale-Marine fighter jets on April 28 (Photo: PTI)

India and France are likely to ink a deal for the sale of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft to the Indian Navy on April 28.

Senior officials from both sides will be present during the signing event, sources said.

According to sources, the event is also planned to be held outside the Defence Ministry headquarters in South Block. The French Minister is expected to arrive in India on Sunday for the same.

India cleared its largest-ever defence deal for 26 Rafale-Marine combat aircraft with France earlier this month on April 9 at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi under a government-to-government deal.

This government-to-government contract will include 22 single-seater and four twin-seater jets, along with a comprehensive package for fleet maintenance, logistical support, personnel training, and indigenous component manufacturing. These fighters will be operational from INS Vikrant and will support the existing Mig-29 K fleet.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-france-sign-largest-ever-deal-rafale-marine-fighter-jets-april-28-2711638-2025-04-20

“Want Justice”: Flyers Complain Of Long Delays In Jammu Due To Bad Weather

Jammu airport saw chaotic scenes with hundreds of passengers complaining of inconvenience after bad weather led to flight cancellations in Srinagar and affected connecting flights.

IndiGo in a post on X said its teams are monitoring the situation and will have smooth operations back on track as soon as the weather plays nice.

Many passengers at Jammu airport posted visuals on social media showing crowds swelling inside the terminal as flights got delayed or cancelled. Some raised concerns whether they would get accommodation for the night.

A passenger said, “I need accomodation for the night since the flight has been cancelled. I don’t have enough to pay for stay. We want justice.”

Flights scheduled to land from Kolkata and Delhi, and those scheduled to take-off were cancelled. A few departures were on hold at Jammu airport, pending clearance.

Airline authorities said alternative connecting flights were provided to passengers for cancelled flights.

Some passengers said they landed at 2 pm in Jammu after their flight to Srinagar was diverted due to bad weather.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/chaotic-scenes-at-jammu-airport-after-bad-weather-hits-flight-operations-8205994

 

11 killed as four-storey building in northeast Delhi’s Mustafabad caves in

The building collapsed around 2.30am in Gali no 3 where houses stand cheek by jowl. Officials said 22 people were in the building at the time

Emergency responders carry out search and rescue operations at the site in Mustafabad, Delhi, on Saturday. (Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo)

Eleven people were killed, eight of them from a family, after a four-storey unauthorised residential building collapsed in the Dayalpur village area in Mustafabad, northeast Delhi, in the early hours of Saturday, police officers said. The incident, they added, left 11 others with varying degrees of injuries.

The collapse happened around 2.30am in Gali no 3, locals said, where homes stand cheek by jowl. Delhi Fire Services (DFS) chief Atul Garg said the first distress call was received at 2.50am, after which nine fire tenders were rushed to the site, a 60-square-yard plot.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/lady-don-zikra-arrested-in-seelampur-murder-case-teens-killing-linked-to-2024-spat-what-transpired-101745023368016.html

 

Elon Musk Is Coming: What It Means For Tesla, Starlink, SpaceX, And India

The announcement came after a phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday

This visit has been long overdue, as it was planned almost a year ago but did not happen. (File pic/Reuters)

Elon Musk, the man behind big brands like Tesla, SpaceX, X, and Starlink, has confirmed that he will visit India later this year. The announcement came after a phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday.

This visit has been long overdue, as it was planned almost a year ago but did not happen.

But there have been fast-paced developments ever since Donald Trump became the US President earlier this year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to the United States and met Donald Trump, as well as Elon Musk, in a separate meeting this February.

Before this, the PM had met Musk in June 2022 when he invited the billionaire businessman to invest in India in electric mobility and India’s rapidly expanding commercial space sector.

The offer was on the table from Modi again this February — that Musk should invest in India in fields such as innovation, space exploration, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development.

And one soon heard about Tesla’s plans to set up shop in Delhi and Mumbai. India would be eager to learn if Musk plans a Tesla factory in Maharashtra too.

Tesla all charged up

Besides showrooms in Mumbai’s BKC Complex and Delhi’s Aerocity, Tesla is also planning to work on a massive charging site infrastructure for the electric vehicles it will sell in India, apart from facilities for battery cell material manufacturing. The battery cell is a critical component in Tesla vehicles and storage systems.

India is one of the fastest-growing EV markets—a market Musk can’t ignore, India feels.

Over 1.5 million electric vehicles were sold in 2023. With government incentives and a huge tech workforce, India could be the next global hub for Musk’s ambitions. And with the tariffs issue resolving, hopefully with a trade deal between India and the US, Tesla could be the first entrant among Musk’s products into India.

Tesla is anticipated to face a lot of hurdles with China due to the ongoing tariff war. Hence, India is being seen as a good option.

Many are hoping for cheaper Teslas in a competitive market like India.

Starlink to log in

The second big offering from Musk for India could be the Starlink satellite internet going mainstream. This could mean fast internet connectivity for Indians.

Just last week, before Musk’s phone call with the PM, Starlink’s top officials were in Delhi meeting commerce minister Piyush Goyal as well as officials from the telecom ministry. What the company wants is a licence to start satellite communication services in India, but the nation’s security establishment has been raising some issues.

What India desires, as per the country’s latest rules, is for companies like Starlink to set up a command centre here so that communication services can be suspended in a particular area that is sensitive or troubled. This is a national security demand.

Then, there is the need for interception. But Starlink’s top brass coming to India shows Elon Musk’s company is eager to tide over the regulatory issues and make an entry into the massive Indian market, sources say.

The minister, Piyush Goyal, himself said that the discussions with Starlink have covered areas like the company’s cutting-edge technology platform, their existing partnerships, and future investment plans in India.

Musk’s company SpaceX has already signed agreements with Reliance Jio and Airtel for bringing fast internet connectivity to India.

So, the process of Starlink’s impending entry into India seems to be in the last lap.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/elon-musk-is-coming-what-it-means-for-tesla-starlink-spacex-and-india-9305835.html

Man downloads WhatsApp image; hackers access phone, pocket Rs 2 lakh: Report

Traditional antivirus tools are not enough to detect steganography, which needs forensic tools, behavioural analytics and steganalysis platforms in order to spot file structure anomalies.

Image for representation. Credit: iStock Photo

Scammers are always looking for ingenious ways to carry out their misdeeds, and one such incident happened with a certain Pradeep Jain, who lost more than Rs 2 lakh soon after downloading an image sent to him over WhatsApp, as per a report by Indian Express.

One fine morning the 28-year-old received a call from an unknown number, which also sent him said image a few moments later.

The image was of an elderly man with “Do you know this person?” written on it.

Jain ignored the calls at first, but after the scammers kept incessantly dialling him, he finally gave in and dowloaded the picture. Within minutes, his bank account was left short of Rs 2.01 lakh.

The money was debited from a Hyderabad ATM. When Canara Bank, where Jain had his account, tried to verify the transaction via a phone call, the scammers mimicked his voice and got away with it.

The technology used in this case is called Least Significant Bit (LSB) steganography. With this technology, one can hide data on media files like audio or images by modifying the bits of data units that are the most insignificant.

“The word ‘steganography’ has Greek origins. It means ‘hidden writing’. In cybercrime, this technique is exploited to embed malware or secret instructions inside harmless-looking media files. These hidden payloads often evade traditional detection systems and are triggered only by specific scripts,” an expert told the publication.

“This isn’t a new concept. In 2017, hackers embedded harmful executable code inside GIF files shared on WhatsApp. When downloaded, the hidden code ran in the background, bypassing security settings and accessing the user’s data. Though the vulnerability was patched, this technique made a comeback in 2019 with more refined methods and broader targets.” another said.

Traditional antivirus tools are not enough to detect steganography, which needs forensic tools, behavioural analytics and steganalysis platforms in order to spot file structure anomalies.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/man-downloads-whatsapp-image-hackers-access-phone-pocket-rs-2-lakh-report-3500941

India halts Pakistan bid for SL naval drills

Pakistan’s naval drill with Sri Lanka near Trincomalee was scrapped after India raised concerns, amid a fresh India-Sri Lanka defense pact.

The joint exercise was planned in the weeks ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka this month, when New Delhi and Colombo signed a defence cooperation agreement (File)(PIB India/X)

Pakistan’s effort to conduct a joint naval exercise this year with Sri Lanka in the waters off Trincomalee, a port city where an energy hub is being developed with Indian involvement, was shut down after New Delhi conveyed its concerns to Colombo, people familiar with the matter said.

The joint exercise was planned in the weeks ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka this month, when New Delhi and Colombo signed a defence cooperation agreement, the first of its kind, and another tripartite agreement involving the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the energy hub at Trincomalee, including a multi-product pipeline.

The move by Pakistan, especially the proposal that the exercise be conducted in the waters around Trincomalee, was seen as a deliberate attempt to needle India, the people said on condition of anonymity. It came after Sri Lanka last year imposed a one-year moratorium on visits by foreign research vessels, a measure put in place by Colombo largely because of the activities of surveillance vessels from China, Pakistan’s long-standing ally.

Once the Indian side learnt of the planned joint naval exercise, it was taken up with Sri Lankan authorities by the Indian high commission in Colombo, which strongly conveyed New Delhi’s concerns about such activities in a region where the Indian side has important stakes, the people said.

The joint exercise was quietly scrapped by Sri Lankan authorities despite protests from the Pakistani side, the people said.

There was no word on the development from Indian officials. The officials cited above did not elaborate on the scale of the planned exercise, nor the exact dates.

In February and early March, a Pakistan Navy frigate, PNS Aslat, visited Colombo port. In the March visit, it conducted a “passex”, or passing exercise, with a Sri Lanka Navy warship in the waters off the capital before departing from Sri Lankan waters. This passex focused on communication and tactical maneuvering, according to a readout from the Sri Lankan Navy.

The Indian government has traditionally bristled at port visits to Sri Lanka by Chinese or Pakistani warships. Port visits by Chinese vessels have been more frequent, especially since Beijing controls Hambantota port under a 99-year lease.

In recent years, India has been increasingly concerned by visits to Sri Lanka by sophisticated Chinese surveillance vessels that are capable of monitoring coastal defences and tracking satellite and missile launches.The moratorium imposed by Sri Lanka on visits by such vessels last December, and the people said the Sri Lankan side is yet to take a call on dealing with visits by such vessels.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation signed by New Delhi and Colombo on April 5, during Modi’s visit for talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, marked the first refresh of ties in this important sector since India’s troubled intervention in Sri Lanka’s civil war in the late 1980s, and came at a time when India has been concerned about China’s increasing presence in its strategic backyard.

The MoU will make existing initiatives for defence cooperation more structured and lead to more joint exercises and potential defence industry collaboration.

The tripartite MoU involving India, Sri Lanka and the UAE, signed the same day, will focus on developing an energy hub at Trincomalee, including a multi-product pipeline and further development of a World War 2 oil tank farm partly held by the Sri Lankan subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation.

In 2022, the Sri Lankan government, Lanka IOC, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and a joint venture between the two oil firms signed lease agreements for refurbishing and developing the 850-acre oil storage facility in Trincomalee, a strategic natural harbour on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-halts-pak-bid-for-sl-naval-drills-101745001870101.html

Cracks in NSCN-IM? Naga rebel group leader joins hands with Myanmar-based faction to ‘carry forward the struggle’

Ikato has decided to join Naga rebel leaders based out in Myanmar to “carry forward the Naga struggle.”

The NSCN-IM, however, has been in ceasefire since 1997 and its cadres and leaders including Muivah are lodged in their ‘designated camp’ at Hebron near Dimapur. (Representative image) Credit: iStock Photo

In a major development in the decades-old Naga conflict, NSCN-IM, is poised for a new split from Ikato Swu who has decided to join Naga rebel leaders based out in Myanmar to “carry forward the Naga struggle.”

Ikato is a senior leader and son of its founder Isak Chishi Swu who was part of the biggest Naga insurgent group which has been maintaining ceasefire since 1997.

In a strongly worded statement, Ikato blamed the present leadership of NSCN-IM for failing the Naga cause as the reason for his departure from the group. He also announced his decision to join Absalom Raman and HS Ramsan, two Naga rebel leaders based out in Myanmar, who remained out of the peace process in India.

Ikato also stated that the Centre ‘betrayed’ the Nagas by not implementing the Framework Agreement, which was signed in 2015 just before the demise of his father Isak Chishi Swu. The NSCN-IM was founded by Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah. Swu died in 2016 while Muivah is now the group’s general secretary, whom they call “Ato Kilonser” (Prime Minister.)

Setback to peace process?

Ikato’s departure is seen as a setback to the ongoing peace process between the Centre and NSCN-IM, which began following a ceasefire in 1997.

The Framework Agreement signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2015 was to be the basis for signing a final agreement to end the 76-year-old Naga conflict.

But the government said the final agreement has not yet been possible mainly due to NSCN-IM’s insistence on recognition of Naga flag and the Constitution.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/nagaland/cracks-in-nscn-im-naga-rebel-group-leader-joins-hands-with-myanmar-based-faction-to-carry-forward-the-struggle-3500042

Delhi Government To Deploy 1000 GPS Enabled Water Tankers: Parvesh Verma

The GPS-enabled tankers are part of a broader strategy to modernize the city’s water distribution. (File)

Water Minister Parvesh Verma on Friday said the Delhi government will deploy 1,000 GPS-enabled water tankers across the capital to boost supply in view of the summer season.

The minister said the tankers will be flagged off to their destinations from Nirankari Ground in Burari on Sunday.

This initiative aims to ensure timely and transparent delivery of water to areas where piped supply is unavailable or unreliable, he added.

Parvesh Verma said the Delhi government is “working with complete dedication” to realize Prime Minister Narendra Modi ‘s “vision of water for all on time”.

“This initiative is not just about delivering water. It’s about bringing transparency, accountability and dignity to every citizen, who depends on us for this essential service,” he added.

The tankers will be dispatched from Nirankari Ground in Burari and will be monitored in real-time through a newly established Command Center.

“The state-of-the-art facility will track each tanker’s movement, delivery times and speed, allowing authorities to ensure that water reaches the intended destinations efficiently,” said a government statement.

The GPS-enabled tankers are part of a broader strategy by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to modernize the city’s water distribution infrastructure.

In addition to improving supply, the plan includes strict monitoring of water theft, misuse and uneven distribution.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/delhi-government-to-deploy-1000-gps-enabled-water-tankers-parvesh-verma-8198892

Murder of Delhi teen fans stir, political row

A 17-year-old boy’s murder in Delhi sparked protests, leading to police action and political blame over the city’s law and order situation.

Police initially rounded up at least four people, including a woman identified as 25-year-old Zikra Khan, who goes by the moniker “Lady Don” on social media. (File)(HT Photo/Sanjeev Verma)

The daytime murder of a 17-year-old boy in northeast Delhi’s Seelampur on Thursday snowballed into a late night protest by the teen’s family and neighbours, leading to the deployment of security forces in the area and interventions by the state’s top political leaders.

Police said Kunal (who went by one name) was killed in a revenge attack, alluding to an earlier altercation between an associate of his and one of the suspects, as they arrested a woman who allegedly led the gang of boys behind the murder.

The victim’s mother said he was waylaid and stabbed multiple times by the accused in the J-block market of the locality, around 50m from their home, at around 6pm. “My husband ran towards the street where Kunal was being stabbed, but by the time he reached, the attackers were fleeing. He [her husband] saw four-five boys and a woman running,” Parveen Devi, 45, said.

Senior AAP leader and Leader of Opposition in the Delhi assembly Atishi blamed the BJP governments at the Centre and in the Capital.

“The murder of a 17-year-old youth in Seelampur is another example of the deteriorating law and order situation in Delhi. What is Delhi Police doing? What is Home Minister Amit Shah doing? What is the double-engine government doing?” she posted on X.

Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta said the authorities will ensure that the family of the victim gets justice. “I have talked to the Commissioner of Police. The police are making all efforts, and I hope the accused will be arrested soon,” she said.

Police initially rounded up at least four people, including a woman identified as 25-year-old Zikra Khan, who goes by the moniker “Lady Don” on social media.

Later in the evening, police officially arrested Khan. “During questioning, she confessed she was involved in the murder. She said that the reason was revenge over an attack on her cousin in November by Kunal’s associate Laala,” additional deputy commissioner of police (northeast) Sandeep Lamba said. Two boys were seen attacking Kunal in CCTV footage, police said, adding that they were on the run.

Police said she was arrested in March for brandishing a weapon in a social media post.

The teen’s family said he was receiving threats from the accused over the attack on Khan’s cousin but maintained that Kunal was not involved in the incident. Police officers said that they did not receive any complaints about the alleged threats.

As the outrage over the killing mounted on Friday, local residents took to the street in protest and blocked traffic with members of right-wing outfits also joining the demonstration. As tension gripped the locality, authorities increased deployment and posted two companies of Rapid Action Force (RAF) in the area. “There is fear, and we want our kids to go away from here,” said one of the protesters on condition of anonymity.

BJP MP from northeast Delhi Manoj Tiwari said the people’s anger was justified but urged the local residents to maintain peace. “Anger among people is natural, but people of the area should maintain restraint. Efforts should be made to ensure that police action is not hindered,” he said.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/murder-of-delhi-teen-fans-stir-political-row-101745001929398.html

India’s Shubhanshu Shukla To Fly To International Space Station In May

Shubhanshu Shukla, who has spent the last eight months training with NASA and Axiom Space, will fly to the International Space Station on a privately funded commercial mission.

Group Caption Shubhanshu Shukla. (axiomspace.com)

Marking a significant milestone in India’s space journey, the Centre has announced that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a Gaganyatri or astronaut-designate, is scheduled to fly to the International Space Station next month.

Union Minister for Space and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh said, “The International space mission carrying an Indian astronaut is scheduled for next month. India is poised to script a defining chapter in its space journey. An Indian astronaut is set for a historic space mission as ISRO charts bold new frontiers. India’s space dreams are soaring higher with Gaganyaan preparations, ISS mission, and a summer of launches.”

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who has spent the last eight months training with NASA and Axiom Space, will fly to the International Space Station on a privately funded commercial mission. India has reportedly paid over $60 million for the mission, which will launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying a four-person crew, lifting off from Florida’s Kennedy Space Centre.

Who is Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla?

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is 40 years old, the youngest of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) astronauts. The space centre has chosen Shukla for this mission as he has a long career ahead of him.

The commander of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission will be former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, who now works for Axiom Space. The other two crew members are Slawosz Uznanski from Poland, who is a European Space Agency astronaut and will be a mission specialist, and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu, who will also have the same role. Group Captain Shukla will be the mission’s pilot.

Significance of Axiom-4 Mission

Union Minister Singh said the mission will make Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station and the first Indian in space in over four decades, following Rakesh Sharma’s historic 1984 flight on a Soviet Soyuz spacecraft.

Dr V Narayanan, Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO, said that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force is prepared for the mission.

Group Captain Shukla’s mission represents a confident and forward-thinking India, poised to reclaim its position in the global space race. His journey is more than just a flight – it’s a signal that India is stepping boldly into a new era of space exploration.

A decorated test pilot with the Indian Air Force, Group Captain Shukla was selected for ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Program. He’s a top contender for India’s Gaganyaan mission, India’s first indigenous crewed orbital flight. His journey aboard the Ax-4 mission is expected to provide critical hands-on experience in spaceflight operations, launch protocols, microgravity adaptation, and emergency preparedness – all essential for India’s crewed space ambitions.

Group Captain Shukla’s mission is strategically significant as it focuses on operational readiness and global integration, marking a shift from earlier symbolic endeavours. It highlights India’s growing involvement in international public-private partnerships in space and its resolve to emerge as a serious contender in human space exploration.

Underscoring the significance of the upcoming human spaceflight and a series of critical ISRO missions, Singh said, “India is ready for its next space milestone.” He noted that the collaboration with international partners and the strategic momentum of projects like Gaganyaan reflect India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in space technology. The minister emphasised that these efforts are not only scientific but also aligned with the vision of a developed and self-reliant India.

ISRO is set to launch the PSLV-C61 mission, carrying the EOS-09 satellite, which features a C-band synthetic aperture radar for high-resolution Earth imaging, under all weather conditions, day or night.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/indias-shubhanshu-shukla-to-fly-to-international-space-station-in-may-ws-kl-9304762.html

Robert Vadra Faces ED Heat in Land ‘Scam’ Probes, Chargesheets in 3 Cases To be Readied Soon

The ED has recorded the statement of Robert Vadra for three consecutive days in the 2008 Haryana land deal-linked money laundering case in April.

Businessman Robert Vadra arrives at the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office for questioning in a land deal-linked money laundering case, in New Delhi, Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (PTI Photo/Arun Sharma)

The Enforcement Directorate will soon file a chargesheet against Robert Vadra, the businessman husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, for his alleged involvement in suspected land deals which the probe agency believes are part of “proceeds of crime”.
Among the major cases which ED is investigating and in which Robert Vadra’s statement has been recorded are –

Beneficial Ownership of London Properties

The ED investigations started in 2018. The agency claims Robert Vadra’s close aide, London-based businessman Sanjay Bhandari, got commission in business deals which was used to purchase plush homes in London. Robert Vadra was quizzed several times in 2018 and last questioned in 2019. India has so far not been successful in the extradition of Bhandari.

Faridabad Land Deal Case

In a supplementary chargesheet filed against Sanjay Bhandari, ED, without naming Robert Vadra and Priyanka Vadra, had mentioned the sale and purchase of a land deal in Faridabad. This was based on a statement given by CC Thampi, who was earlier arrested by ED.
CC Thampi purchased approximately 486 acres of land from 2005–2008 in village Amipur in Haryana’s Faridabad district through HL Pahwa, a Delhi NCR-based real estate agent.
It is imperative to mention that Robert Vadra also purchased 40.08 acres in Amipur from HL Pahwa from 2005–2006 and sold the same land to Pahwa in December 2010. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also purchased agricultural land measuring five acres in village Amipur from Pahwa in April 2006 and sold the same land to Pahwa in February 2010. Pahwa was receiving cash out of the books for the purpose of acquisition of land. It was also noticed that Robert Vadra did not pay the entire sale consideration to Pahwa, the ED had said in its chargesheet filed in November 2023.

Shekopura (Gurugram) Land Deal Case

His two companies had Rs 1 lakh in their accounts when they purchased 3.53 acres of land worth Rs 7.5 crore in 2008, according to ED sources.
After purchasing the land from Onkareshar Properties, Vadra’s firm wrote to the Haryana government stating that it wanted to use the land for commercial purposes, and approval was granted within four days.
Sky Light Hospitality Private Limited purchased the 3.53-acre land from Onkareshar Properties on 12 February 2008 for Rs 7.50 crore without making any payments.

Rs 1,000-Per-Plate Holi Lunch, Rs 1.2 Lakh Bill: Himachal Top IAS Officer’s Bash Puts Govt Under Spotlight

Himachal Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena’s Holi party at a Shimla hotel has sparked a row, with Rs 1,000-per-plate meals for officers and Rs 600 for drivers, resulting in a Rs 1.22 lakh bill. The use of public funds for the event is under review.

Himachal Chief Secretary’s Rs 1.2 Lakh Holi Bash Has Raised Eyebrows

A Holi party hosted by Himachal Pradesh’s Chief Secretary, featuring lunch at Rs 1,000 per plate for IAS officers and their families, Rs 600 per plate for drivers, and additional taxi fares, has sparked controversy. The event, which included meals for 22 drivers, resulted in a bill of Rs 1.22 lakh, now under scrutiny as the General Administration Department (GAD) reviews whether public funds should cover the expenses.
Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, who received a six-month extension after his scheduled retirement on March 31, hosted a lavish Holi celebration at Holiday Home, the flagship hotel of Himachal Tourism in Shimla.
The bill, forwarded by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC), details charges of Rs 1,000 per plate for officers and their families, Rs 585 per plate for drivers, Rs 11,800 in taxi fares, and Rs 22,350 in taxes.

Former Industries Minister Bikram Thakur has criticised Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena for hosting a lavish Holi party for IAS officers and their families in Himachal Pradesh.

Key Points of Criticism
– Misuse of Government Funds: Thakur questioned the justification of using government funds to pay for the party expenses, especially when the state is facing a financial crisis.
– Prioritising Extravagance Over Necessity: He criticised the bureaucracy’s priorities, suggesting that the focus should be on addressing the state’s financial woes rather than indulging in lavish parties.
– Inconsiderate Timing: Thakur pointed out the insensitivity of holding such an extravagant event during a time when the state is grappling with significant debt.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/rs-1000-per-plate-holi-lunch-rs-1-2-lakh-bill-himachal-top-ias-officers-bash-puts-govt-under-spotlight-article-151449126

No, FASTag Won’t Be Discontinued From May 1, Government Drops Big Update On Toll Collection

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways confirmed that the FASTag system for collecting tolls will remain operational beyond May 1. Additionally, there are no plans to close toll plazas nationwide. Instead, a pilot program for a barrier-less tolling system is being tested at select sites, integrating Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) with FASTag.

Since 2021, FASTag has been mandatory for paying toll fees on National Highways. (File Image/ PTI)

The current FASTag system to collect toll taxes will continue even after May 1, clarified the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). The clarification comes after several reports surfaced suggesting that a satellite-based tolling system would be rolled out nationwide from 1 May 2025 that would replace the FASTag-based system.

No Toll Plaza Shutdown, ANPR-FASTag System Being Piloted at Select Locations

The government has further clarified that no decision has been made to shut down toll plazas across the country. Instead, MoRTH announced the pilot launch of a barrier-less tolling system at select locations, aiming to streamline traffic flow and reduce congestion at toll booths. This upcoming system will use a hybrid model, integrating Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology with the existing FASTag infrastructure.
Under this setup, vehicles will be charged automatically as high-performance ANPR cameras read license plates, while FASTag RFID readers confirm payment, eliminating the need for stopping at toll booths.

The ministry also warned that violations will be penalised. E-notices will be sent to defaulters, and repeated non-compliance may result in FASTag suspension and other penalties under the VAHAN database.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/no-fastag-wont-be-discontinued-from-may-1-government-drops-big-update-on-toll-collection-article-151448671

‘Lady Don’ Link? Delhi Police Detain Woman In Seelampur Teen Murder After Victim’s Family Claim

Zikra worked as a bouncer for jailed gangster Hashim Baba’s wife, Zoya, before her arrest by Delhi Police in a drugs case

Zikra, a local woman known as ‘lady don’ in the area, was present at the crime scene when the teen was killed. (Image via Instagram)

The Delhi Police is investigating the role of a woman referred to as a “lady don” in connection with the murder of a 17-year-old boy in north-east Delhi’s Seelampur area. The woman, a former bouncer, has been detained for questioning.

The victim, Kunal, was stabbed to death on Thursday in New Seelampur. Police have identified two suspects — Sahil and Rehan — after reviewing CCTV footage from the area.

According to the police, the “lady don” angle emerged after Kunal’s family alleged that the woman, identified as Zikra — a local figure known by that nickname — was present at the crime scene when Kunal was attacked.

Kunal’s family also claimed that the murder may have been an act of revenge. They said that some time ago, members of Kunal’s community allegedly attacked Zikra’s cousin, Sahil, leading to an attempted murder case being filed by the police.

“It is suspected that Kunal was also involved in the stabbing of Sahil. Although Sahil did not die, he, along with Zikra, hatched a plan to take revenge for the attack,” a family source said.

Although Zikra has not been formally arrested, she is currently being questioned by the police.

Police sources said that Zikra once worked as a bouncer for Zoya, the wife of jailed gangster Hashim Baba. Before Zoya’s arrest in a drugs case, Zikra reportedly lived with her. Since then, it is believed that Zikra has been trying to form her own gang.

Parveen, Kunal’s mother, told PTI, “Zikra used to roam around in the area with a pistol. An incident happened with her cousin Sahil but my son was not involved in it. Yet they killed him. They brutally stabbed him multiple times.”

Zikra had previously been arrested under the Arms Act after posting a video of herself holding a pistol on social media. She was later released on bail and was living in a rented house near Kunal’s home. She is reportedly leading a gang of 10–12 young men, some of whom are now being linked to Kunal’s murder.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/lady-don-link-delhi-police-detain-woman-in-seelampur-teen-murder-after-victims-family-claim-ws-l-9304720.html

Urvashi Rautela’s claim of ‘temple’ in her name sparks outrage among Badrinath priests and locals

Urvashi Rautela in an interview on Friday claimed that she had a temple to her name near Badrinath Dham(Photo: Instagram/urvashirautela)

Actress Urvashi Rautela has triggered backlash from priests and locals in Badrinath after claiming that a famous temple in Uttarakhand was dedicated to her, reported India Today.

During an interview with host Siddharth Kannan, the actress claimed that the Urvashi Temple, located in Bamni near Badrinath Dham, attracted devotees who worshipped her and garlanded pictures of her, referring to her as ‘Damdamamai.’

However, priests and locals, who consider the temple sacred, were not pleased with the actress’s bold statement, with several calling for the government to take action against her for hurting religious sentiments.

Local priest Bhuwan Chandra Uniyal, a former religious officer of Badrinath Dham, told India Today that Rautela’s claims were misleading and criticised her for claiming ownership of the temple, which is deeply connected to the spiritual practices of the residents of Bamni and Pandukeshwar villages.

The Urvashi Temple is associated with a figure in Hindu mythology, Goddess Sati, who is highly revered and considered one of the 108 Shaktipeeths. According to legend, the temple emerged at the site where Goddess Sati’s body fell.

Uniyal called for action against Rautela and said, as quoted by India Today, “It is not her temple. Such statements are unacceptable, and the government should take strict steps against anyone making such claims.”

Amit Sati, President of the Brahma Kapal Teerth Purohit Society, also criticised Rautela’s remarks, stating that the temple was ancient and could not belong to any individual. He further mentioned that such remarks were disrespectful to people’s religious sentiments.

Villagers oppose Rautela’s remarks

Urvashi Rautela’s remarks angered several villagers from Bamni and Pandukeshwar as well.

Local resident Ramnarayan Bhandari told India Today that no individuals had the right to make claims about a sacred place which held mythological and cultural significance for the people in the region.

He added that the whole community condemned Rautela’s comment.

Rautela however, had doubled down on her comments, during her interview, and said that she also wanted a temple in her name in south India as she had worked in many films there.

She said, “Yes, because I have worked in the South, so it (temple) should be there.”

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/urvashi-rautelas-temple-claim-sparks-outrage-among-badrinath-priests-locals-101744986590362.html

‘Angaro ka ambar sa’: Kejriwal, wife Sunita dance to Pushpa 2 song at daughter’s engagement ceremony | Video

Arvind Kejriwal was spotted dancing with his wife Sunita Kejriwal to the popular “Pushpa 2: The Rule” track “angaro ka ambar sa” (via PTI)

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal was spotted dancing with his wife Sunita Kejriwal to the popular “Pushpa 2: The Rule” track “angaro ka ambar sa” during their daughter’s engagement ceremony held in Delhi on Thursday.

A video shared by news agency PTI captured the cheerful moment, showing the couple enjoying the song, originally performed by actors Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna in the film “Pushpa 2: The Rule”.

The engagement celebration took place at Delhi’s five-star Shangri-La Eros hotel.

Watch the video here:

Harshita Kejriwal tied knot to Sambhav Jain

Arvind Kejriwal’s daughter, Harshita Kejriwal, married her college friend Sambhav Jain on Friday, April 18. According to the Mint, the wedding ceremony was held at Kapurthala House in Delhi, the official residence of the Punjab chief minister when in the capital.

Harshita and Sambhav met while studying at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, where both were enrolled at the same time. Harshita pursued Chemical Engineering, while Sambhav is currently working as a project management consultant with a private firm.

The couple has also co-founded a healthcare startup named Basil Health. Harshita, the elder child and only daughter of Arvind and Sunita Kejriwal, has a younger brother, Pulkit, who is also studying at IIT Delhi.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/angaro-ka-ambar-sa-kejriwal-wife-sunita-dance-to-pushpa-2-song-at-daughter-s-engagement-ceremony-video-101745004111879.html

 

7 Day Deadline Set For GST Registration Grant

Observing that some field officers are seeking various “unwarranted documents” by raising “presumptive queries”, the CBIC gave an “indicative list” of the documents which officers can seek online from businesses.

Businesses will be able to get GST registration within 7 days, while applications flagged as risky will be processed within 30 days after physical verification of the premises.

Observing that some field officers are seeking various “unwarranted documents” by raising “presumptive queries”, the CBIC gave an “indicative list” of the documents which officers can seek online from businesses.

“While processing registration application, query should not be raised by the officer seeking original physical copy of these documents,” said the CBIC’s revised instruction for granting GST registration.

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) said it has received complaints regarding difficulties being faced in getting a GST registration, mainly on account of nature of clarifications being sought by the officers and seeking of additional documents, which are not prescribed by the Board.

With regard to documents in respect of Principal Place of Business (PPOB), the applicant has to upload any one of the documents — latest Property Tax receipt or Municipal Khata copy or copy of Electricity Bill of the owner, or any similar state-government document like water bill, which clearly establishes the ownership of the premises.

In cases where premises are rented, the applicant is required to upload the valid Rent/Lease agreement along with any one of the documents relating to PPOB.

With regard to documents related to ‘constitution of business’, the CBIC said where the applicant is one of the partners, Partnership Deed for the proof of constitution of business is required to be uploaded by the applicant.

No additional document like Udhyam certificate, MSME certificate, shop establishment certificate, trade license etc. should be sought from the applicant, it added.

The CBIC said some of the common queries that are being raised by the field officers currently and are causing hardship for taxpayers include residential address of the applicant/Managing Director/Authorized Signatory is not in the same city or the state where the registration has been sought; activities mentioned in the registration application can not be conducted from the particular premises etc.

“Officers handling registration applications should not ask any presumptive query which is not related to the documents or information submitted by the applicant,” the CBIC said.

The CBIC also asked the field officers to carefully examine and check completeness of the registration application, and cross verify the authenticity of the documents furnished as proof of address from the publicly available sources, such as websites of the concerned authorities such as land registry, electricity distribution companies, municipalities, and local bodies, etc.

“Where applications have not been flagged as risky on the common portal based on data analysis and risk parameters, and the same are found to be complete and without any deficiency, the officers should approve the application within 07 working days of submission of application,” it said.

Registration shall be granted within 30 days of submission of application after physical verification of the place of business in case where the applicant has undergone authentication of Aadhaar number and is flagged as risky on the common portal based on the data analysis and risk parameters; or fails to undergo authentication of Aadhaar number; or the officer deems it fit to carry out physical verification of place of business.

AMRG & Associates Senior Partner Rajat Mohan said this instruction eliminates discretionary practices, reduce registration delays, eliminate avoidable rejections, and ensure fair treatment of applicants-particularly for businesses operating from shared or rented premises, startups, and proprietorships.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/7-day-deadline-set-for-gst-registration-grant-8198453

PM Modi Reviews Yamuna Cleaning Efforts, Directs Agencies to Expedite Action

The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Union Ministers and the Chief Minister of Delhi, to assess the status of the river’s cleaning and rejuvenation efforts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a comprehensive review meeting at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg to address the pollution crisis in Yamuna River

In a significant move to address the pollution crisis in the Yamuna River, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a comprehensive review meeting at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Union Ministers and the Chief Minister of Delhi, to assess the status of the river’s cleaning and rejuvenation efforts.
During the meeting, PM Modi reviewed the agency-wise action plan, which includes short-term, medium-term, and long-term activities to be completed within specific timelines. The plan focuses on several key areas, including drain management, sewage treatment, solid waste management, and industrial waste management.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need for immediate action to improve the river’s water quality and directed the agencies involved to expedite their efforts.

The meeting also discussed measures to enhance the river’s flow, protect floodplains, and develop green spaces along its banks.
With a renewed commitment to cleaning the Yamuna, the government aims to make significant progress in the coming months. The meeting’s outcome is expected to have a positive impact on the river’s health and the lives of millions of people who depend on it.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/pm-modi-reviews-yamuna-cleaning-efforts-directs-agencies-to-expedite-action-article-151445080

31 Students Fall Ill After Consuming ‘Pani Puri’ At Roadside Stall In Maharashtra’s Nanded

In a suspected food-poisoning case, 31 students of different educational institutes were admitted to a government hospital in Maharashtra’s Nanded city early on Thursday as they fell ill after consuming ‘pani puri’ at a roadside stall.

31 students hospitalised after eating ‘pani puri’. (Representational image from Canva)

In a suspected case of food poisoning, 31 students from various educational institutions in Maharashtra’s Nanded city were admitted to a government hospital early Thursday after falling ill upon consuming ‘pani puri’ from a roadside stall, officials said, as reported by news agency PTI.
The affected students belong to Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, SGGS College, and a local nursing college. According to an official from Dr Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College and Hospital, students began arriving at the facility from 4 am onwards with symptoms including vomiting, nausea, and uneasiness.
Following medical examinations, they were admitted to different wards for treatment. Hospital authorities confirmed that all students are currently in stable condition.

In another news, MNS workers had a heated argument with members of a housing society in suburban Ghatkopar for allegedly insulting their Marathi-speaking neighbours for eating non-vegetarian food, prompting police to intervene. A video of workers of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena issuing a warning to Gujarati residents of the society on Wednesday, accusing them of ill-treating four Marathi-speaking families living there, has gone viral on social media.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/31-students-fall-ill-after-consuming-pani-puri-at-roadside-stall-in-maharashtras-nanded-article-151444359

Varanasi Rape Case: SIT Formed After Families Of Accused Allege Inconsistencies In Woman’s Account

Varanasi Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal said the arrest of the remaining suspects has been paused till the SIT completes its probe

Police said CCTV footage have purportedly shown the girl riding a bike during the time period of the alleged gang rape. (PTI file photo)

Families of several accused in the alleged gang-rape of a woman in Varanasi have claimed there are inconsistencies in the survivor’s account and have informed the police on Thursday. In response, a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP)-rank officer, has been formed to investigate the case and look into both sets of allegations.

According to the woman’s complaint, she was sexually assaulted by 23 men at various locations between 29 March and 4 April. Based on this, police began searching for the accused and have arrested 14 people so far.

However, after families of several accused raised doubts about her claims, Varanasi Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal said the arrest of the remaining suspects has been paused till the SIT completes its investigation.

The Varanasi police chief stated that the SIT will submit a comprehensive report within 30 days. “No one — the survivor, or the accused — will face injustice,” he added.

Accused’s families memorandum

In a memorandum submitted to police, some of the accused’s families alleged that the woman had demanded money in exchange for removing certain names from her complaint. They also questioned why she did not seek help during the alleged assault and continued to post videos and photos on social media, where she appeared to be “laughing and roaming around”.

The accused’s families further pointed out that although the survivor initially named 23 men, she only identified nine during her court testimony, suggesting possible coercion or manipulation.

Investigators have said that CCTV footage purportedly shows the girl riding a bike during the time period mentioned in her gang-rape complaint.

Agarwal also confirmed that when police first found the woman, she neither mentioned rape nor asked to return home. “Only after a lengthy conversation with the officers did she agree to go back to her family,” he said.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/varanasi-rape-case-sit-formed-after-accuseds-family-allege-inconsistencies-in-survivors-account-ws-l-9303547.html

India’s Sharp Rebuttal To Gen Asim Munir’s Kashmir Remark: ‘Its Only Relation With Pakistan…’

India s

Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir (Image Credit: Videograb)

India on Thursday said Jammu and Kashmir is a union territory of India and its only relation with Pakistan is vacation of illegally occupied territory by that country, in a strong reaction to the Pakistan army chief General Asim Munir’s statement that Kashmir is Islamabad’s “jugular vein”.

Reacting to this, the ministry of external affairs said: “How can anything foreign be in a jugular vein? This is a union territory of India. Its only relationship with Pakistan is the vacation of illegally occupied territories by that country

At the Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad earlier, Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir said: “Our stance is absolutely clear, it was our jugular vein, it will be our jugular vein, we will not forget it. We will not leave our Kashmiri brothers in their heroic struggle.”

Gen Munir also pushed the two-nation theory as he stressed that India and Pakistan are two different nations and Pakistanis are different from Hindus in terms of their culture, ideologies, and more. “Our forefathers thought we are different from Hindus in every possible aspect of life. Our religions are different, our customs are different, our traditions are different, our thoughts are different, our ambitions are different. That was the foundation of the two-nation theory that was laid there. We are two nations, we are not one nation,” he said.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/india-reaction-asim-munir-kashmir-relation-pakistan-vacation-illegally-occupied-territory-ws-l-9302960.html

 

Army Jawan Arrested For Training Accused In Grenade Attack On YouTuber’s House

Singh came in contact with Kamboj through social media platform Instagram, police said.

An Army jawan posted in Jammu and Kashmir has been arrested for allegedly imparting online training to the man who hurled a grenade at the residence of a Jalandhar-based YouTuber last month, Punjab Police said on Thursday.

A court in Jalandhar sent the jawan, Sukhcharan Singh, to five-day police remand, police officials said.

The main accused, Hardik Kamboj, hurled the hand grenade at the house of YouTuber Rozer Sandhu on the intervening night of March 15 and 16. However, the grenade did not explode.

During the course of investigation, it came to light that Singh provided online training to Kamboj on throwing the grenade at the residence of the YouTuber, said Senior Superintendent of Police (Jalandhar Rural) Harvinder Singh Virk.

Singh came in contact with Kamboj through social media platform Instagram, police said.

Singh, who hails from Muktsar district, was named in the FIR and an arrest warrant was secured from a court, the SSP said.

Police said they apprised the Army authorities about Singh’s role in the matter.

A court in Jalandhar sent Singh to five-day police remand. Further investigation in the matter is underway, they said.

Police have so far arrested nine people, including Kamboj, in this case.

Pakistani gangster Shahzad Bhatti claimed responsibility for the attack at Sandhu’s house over his use of alleged derogatory language against the Muslim community.

There have been many explosions targeting police posts in Amritsar and Gurdaspur in the past four to five months.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/army-jawan-arrested-for-training-accused-in-grenade-attack-on-youtuber-house-punjab-jalandhar-8191081

What’s The Buzz About Janhvi Kapoor And Taarzan: The Wonder Car?

Image Source- Instagram/Janhvi Kapoor/Pinkvilla

Janhvi Kapoor and Ananya Birla have recently become subjects of a hot discussion involving a fast and obnoxiously loud car. Specifically, the topic trending on social media platforms is a purple Lamborghini Gallardo that was used to deliver a gift to the actress by her entrepreneur friend. Furthermore, the purple vehicle, with its iconic wedge-shaped design, has become a source of another hot discussion as netizens believe that it is reminiscent of the supernatural car from the movie, Taarzan: The Wonder Car.

Ananya Birla’s Gift to Janhvi Kapoor

Pinkvilla shared a video on Instagram, showing a purple Lamborghini Gallardo bringing a gift in a similarly coloured big box with a bow on top. The parcel also had a note on it, saying, “With love, etc, Ananya Birla.”

Along with the parcel, the car in the video caught the netizens’ attention. Social media users claimed that the purple Lamborghini reminded them of the supernatural car from the movie, Taarzan: The Wonder Car.

Lamborghini Gallardo in Viral Video

The car, reminding people of the Taarzan car, is an iconic car itself and an important part of the Italian car manufacturer’s legacy. The car in the video is the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder LP 550-2. It went out of production in 2014 before its successor, the Huracan, took its place in the brand’s lineup. It was designed to deliver performance with a sharp and aerodynamic design.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/auto/whats-the-buzz-about-janhvi-kapoor-and-taarzan-the-wonder-car-8176162#pfrom-movies-topstories

Form Swift Response Protocols For Road Accident Victims; Enforce Drivers’ 8-Hour Daily Work : Supreme Court To States/UTs

The Supreme Court on Thursday issued significant directions to all states and union territories, mandating them to take effective steps towards developing swift response protocols to ensure that victims of road accidents receive immediate assistance. A Bench comprising Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan emphasized the growing concern of delayed medical help and rescue efforts for accident victims, calling it a matter of serious public interest.

“A very important issue has been flagged by the applicant. Road accidents in our country are on the rise. The reasons may be different. There are cases where victims do not get immediate healthcare,” the Bench observed in its order.

The Court acknowledged that in many instances, accident victims may not be injured but remain trapped inside vehicles, highlighting the broader need for a comprehensive state response mechanism. While the applicant had suggested six heads of protocol, the Court refrained from issuing a writ of mandamus at this stage. However, it underscored the urgent need for action.

“We are of the view that the state governments and union territories must work on having swift response protocols, as in every state at grassroots level the situation may be different,” the Court said.

Accordingly, the Court directed all states and union territories to initiate steps within the next six months to create and implement such protocols, with the objective of ensuring that help reaches accident victims without delay. The respective governments have been asked to place their responses on record within the stipulated time.

We therefore direct all state governments and union territories to take effective steps for developing swift response protocols with the object of ensuring that help immediately reaches the victims of road accidents. We grant time of 6 months to states and union territories to take appropriate action and place the response on record.

Directions on Drivers’ Working Hours

In a related direction aimed at improving road safety, the Supreme Court also turned its attention to the working conditions of drivers of transport vehicles. Invoking provisions under Section 91 of the Motor Vehicles Act and the Motor Transport Workers Rules, 1961, which restrict drivers to 8 working hours per day and 48 hours per week, the Bench raised concerns about the implementation of these safeguards.

“The question is implementation of the provisions,” the Court noted, highlighting that the law is frequently flouted, leading to fatigue-related road accidents.

To address this, the Court directed the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to convene meetings with all state and union territory departments to formulate effective implementation strategies. The Ministry has also been tasked with collecting reports from the states and union territories on the implementation status of the working hour provisions.

We therefore direct the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways of the Government of India to convene meetings of the concerned departments of all the states and union territories for working out effective methods to implement the provisions regarding working hours of the drivers.

Significantly, the Bench directed that the possibility of invoking penal provisions against violators be considered in the discussions. “Unless there are deterrents, important provisions regarding working hours of the drivers cannot be implemented,” the order stated.

Source : https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/form-swift-response-protocols-for-road-accident-victims-enforce-drivers-8-hour-daily-work-supreme-court-to-statesuts-289599

CBI seeks non-bailable warrant against Mehul Choksi in Canara Bank cheating case

Choksi, a prime accused in the alleged multi-million dollar Punjab National Bank fraud, was arrested in Belgium on April 12 following an extradition request by Indian probe agencies.

Mehul Choksi. Credit: DH File Photo

Days after diamantaire Mehul Choksi was arrested in Belgium, the CBI approached a court here seeking a Non-Bailable Warrant against him in another case where he and others are accused of cheating a Canara Bank-led consortium of Rs 55.27 crore.

Choksi, a prime accused in the alleged multi-million dollar Punjab National Bank fraud, was arrested in Belgium on April 12 following an extradition request by Indian probe agencies.

The Central Bureau of Investigation, probing the Canara bank cheating case, approached the special CBI court here on Wednesday seeking an NBW against him.

However, judge V P Desai sent the matter to a magistrate’s court, saying his court had no jurisdiction.

The judge cited a Supreme Court judgement which states that for a special CBI court to try a case under the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act, there must be alleged involvement of a public servant.

In the present case, the charge sheet was filed only against private persons for offences under Indian Penal Code sections 120 B(criminal conspiracy) and 420 (cheating).

Hence, the PC Act did not come into the picture and the case should go to a magistrate, the judge said.

The entire CBI case including the application for NBW was transferred to an Additional Metropolitan Magistrate for its final disposal.

The NBW application should be decided forthwith, the special court said.

As per the CBI case, Canara Bank and the Bank of Maharashtra had sanctioned Rs 30 crore and Rs 25 crore, respectively, as working capital facilities under consortium agreement to Bezel Jewellery.

The loan was for the manufacturing and sale of gold and diamond-studded jewellery, but the company did not route any of the business transactions through the account to hide diversion of funds, the CBI claimed.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/mh-court-choksi-warrant-3499067

Bengaluru Man’s Rs 50 Crore ‘Wolf-Dog’ Claim Triggers ED Raid At His House

ED found that the man had “no means” to afford such an expensive dog, and concluded that the reports were fabricated for social media attention

The man claimed to have imported the “world’s most expensive” dog — a cross-breed of a Caucasian Shepherd and a wolf. (Image via Instagram)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday conducted a search at the residence of a Bengaluru man who claimed to have imported a rare “wolf dog” worth Rs 50 crore, triggering intervention by the central probe agency.

Following the man’s headline-grabbing claim, which quickly became a topic of discussion on social media, ED officials visited his home to investigate potential violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

However, after the search, it was revealed that the man’s claim was false.

The officials found that the man had “no means” to afford such an expensive dog, and concluded that the reports were fabricated for social media attention, PTI reported.

According to several news reports, the man had claimed to have imported the “world’s most expensive” dog — a cross-breed of a Caucasian Shepherd and a wolf. The claim gained significant attention on social media.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/bengaluru-mans-rs-50-crore-wolf-dog-claim-triggers-ed-raid-at-his-house-ws-l-9303453.html

 

Indian Navy To Deploy Underwater Sensor Network To Monitor Chinese Submarines In Indian Ocean

Submarines | Representative Image

The Indian Navy, in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), plans to deploy advanced underwater sensors to detect submarine movements—an ambitious move aimed at bolstering maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which is critical for India’s geopolitical and economic interests amid the growing presence of foreign submarines, particularly from China.

The new strategic plan focuses on creating a network of underwater sensors capable of detecting submarine activity in the Ninety East Ridge, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the Bay of Bengal. These sensors include advanced hydroacoustic systems, similar to those used by the United States and Japan in their “Fish Hook Undersea Defense Line” in the Pacific, which stretches from Japan to Southeast Asia. The Indian Navy plans to deploy similar systems at the northern and southern tips of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to provide early warning of Chinese submarine activity in the region.

“India faces significant challenges from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) expanding its submarine operations in the region. The four-week survey of the Ninety East Ridge by China’s ‘silent’ research vessel Dong Fang Hong 3 last month has heightened concerns about mapping underwater environments for submarine operations,” said a senior naval intelligence official, adding that Chinese vessels frequently enter the IOR under the guise of scientific research, which is often linked to intelligence-gathering missions.

The Ninety East Ridge, a linear intraplate rise ideal for submarine navigation, has been a focal point of concern for India due to its strategic importance in monitoring and preventing undetected incursions by foreign submarines.

“The troubled waters of the IOR are further complicated by Pakistan’s acquisition of eight Yuan-class submarines with air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems from China,” added the senior naval officer.

While the Indian Navy’s current submarine fleet—comprising 13 conventional diesel-electric submarines, including nine Sindhughosh-class and four Shishumar-class vessels—lacks the numerical and technological edge to effectively counter underwater threats from Pakistan and China, the development of underwater sensors marks a critical step toward enhancing India’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities and maintaining its strategic pre-eminence in the IOR.

The vast expanse of the IOR includes key chokepoints like the Malacca Strait and the Sunda Strait, making underwater domain awareness (UDA) vital for regional security.

The indigenous underwater sensors under development include passive and active sonar systems, magnetic anomaly detectors (MAD), and superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs).

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/indian-navy-to-deploy-underwater-sensor-network-to-monitor-chinese-submarines-in-indian-ocean

Thermal generation growth slowest in FY 2024-25 since Covid

Thermal power. Representative image. Credit: iStock Photo

India’s total electricity generation reached 1,821 billion units (BU) in Financial Year (FY) 2024–25, marking a 5 percent year-on-year increase over the 1,734 BU generated in FY 2023–24.

While this continues the post-Covid pandemic upward trajectory, the pace of growth has slowed.

Generation grew by 7 percent in FY 2023–24 and 9 percent in FY 2022–23.

Among all sources, thermal power recorded the slowest growth in FY 2024–25 at just 2.8 percent, rising from 1,326 BU to 1,363 BU.

In contrast, nuclear power grew by 18.4 percent, large hydro by 10.8 percent, and renewable energy by 11.4 percent.

This was revealed in a report of the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), which  analysed data for the period FY 2019–20 to FY 2024–25 to capture key trends in electricity demand, supply, and coal stock position amid rising temperatures and changing consumption patterns.

In FY 2024–25, peak power demand reached 250.1 GW, a 4.2 percent rise over FY 2023–24.

Importantly, this nearly matched the total peak demand including unmet demand, which stood at 250.2 GW. This indicates a significant improvement from FY 2023–24, when 10.7 GW of demand went unmet out of a total peak demand of 250.7 GW.

On the day of peak demand in FY 2024–25, the share of renewable energy (solar, wind, and biomass) rose to 15 percent of total generation, up from 9 percent in FY 2023–24. Coal and lignite held steady, marginally declining from 71 percent to 70 percent.

Nuclear and gas-based sources maintained shares of 2 percent and 4 percent respectively. However, the share of large hydro projects dropped from 14 percent in FY 2023–24 to 9 percent in FY 2024–25, influenced by seasonal reservoir variations – 14 percent was recorded in September (monsoon), while 9 percent was seen in May (pre-monsoon).

As FY 2025–26 begins, coal stock at thermal power plants stands at 58.1 million tonnes, 15 percent higher than the 50.5 million tonnes recorded at the start of FY 2024–25. This trend of rising opening coal stock has continued over recent years, with levels of 36.9 million tonnes in April 2023 and 25.4 million tonnes in April 2022. The steady increase indicates a greater emphasis on pre-season stockpiling to meet high power demand reliably.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/thermal-generation-growth-slowest-in-fy-2024-25-since-covid-3497645

Baba Siddique Murder Case: Fugitive Zeeshan Akhtar Linked To ISI, Hiding In Nepal, Says Mumbai Crime Branch

Baba Siddique Murder Case: Fugitive Accused Zeeshan Akthar |

In a startling development in the Baba Siddique murder case, the Mumbai Crime Branch claims that fugitive accused Zeeshan Akhtar has established links with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and is currently hiding in Nepal.

Sources within the Crime Branch revealed that Zeeshan, who has so far evaded arrest, is believed to be operating from across the border with help from Pakistan’s intelligence agency. This ISI connection surfaced following a viral social media post asserting that Zeeshan is not affiliated with the Bishnoi gang.

The post prompted Mumbai Police to launch a fresh line of inquiry. According to investigators, Zeeshan’s alleged involvement in the recent grenade attack at BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia’s residence in Jalandhar has led the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to distance itself from him. Punjab Police, which is probing the attack, suspects that Zeeshan conspired with gangster Shehzad Bhatti — an alleged ISI operative.

This marks the second time Zeeshan’s name has been linked with Bhatti. Earlier this year, in February, he released a video from an undisclosed foreign location claiming he was falsely implicated in the Baba Siddique murder and had received help from Bhatti. While Punjab Police believed he might be in Azerbaijan or another European country, Crime Branch sources insist he is hiding in Nepal.

Investigators also revealed that Zeeshan’s role in the Jalandhar grenade attack was confirmed after two arrested accused named him during interrogation. It is now suspected that Zeeshan is operating from a foreign location under ISI’s direction and may be used to carry out anti-India activities.

Zeeshan, a native of Jalandhar, was arrested in 2022 and lodged in Patiala jail until his release in June 2024. He faces several charges in Punjab including murder, attempted murder, and robbery. Police records indicate strong ties to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and connections to Pune-based gangster Saurabh Mahakal, who was earlier questioned in the threat letter case involving actor Salman Khan’s father, Salim Khan.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/baba-siddique-murder-case-fugitive-zeeshan-akhtar-linked-to-isi-hiding-in-nepal-says-mumbai-crime-branch

Indian consumer courts can entertain complaints against WhatsApp: UP consumer forum

WhatsApp

The Uttar Pradesh State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission recently held that since WhatsApp offers services to users in India, a consumer complaint against the platform can be entertained by consumer courts in the country.

The State commission made the observation while setting aside a district consumer forum’s decision to dismiss a consumer complaint filed against WhatsApp as not maintainable (not liable to be examined on merits).

A coram comprising State commission President Sushil Kumar and Member Sudha Upadhyay disagreed with the district commission’s view and held,

“WhatsApp is a service provider company. This company also provides services in India, so it cannot be said that this company is a foreign company and the consumer complaint against it is not maintainable. Therefore, the conclusion of the District Consumer Commission – that the person using WhatsApp is not a consumer of WhatsApp and the consumer complaint against WhatsApp is not maintainable – is against the law. Therefore, the order passed by the District Consumer Commission is liable to be set aside.”

The State commission was hearing two appeals filed by former IPS officer and National President of the Azad Adhikar Sena, Amitabh Thakur, who challenged orders of the Lucknow District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.

Thakur had sought compensation from WhatsApp after its services were allegedly disrupted for around six hours. He claimed that the disruption of WhatsApp’s services affected his work.

A district consumer disputes redressal forum refused to admit his consumer complaint. It reasoned that WhatsApp was an international entity and that since Thakur had not paid any consideration to use WhatsApp’s services, his consumer complaint was non-admissible.

This led Thakur to approach the State forum for relief.

The State forum observed that WhatsApp offers a service whereby its users can exchange personal information. WhatsApp attracts its customers because of this function. This renders WhatsApp a service provider, the State consumer forum held, making it subject to consumer law in India.

It proceeded to order the district consumer forum to register Thakur’s complaint and decide on his plea for compensation from WhatsApp within 90 days, as required under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/indian-consumer-courts-can-entertain-complaints-against-whatsapp-up-consumer-forum

VIDEO: Woman Drowns In Ganga At Manikarnika Ghat While Making Reels; Search Underway

A woman drowned in the Ganga at Uttarkashi’s Manikarnika Ghat while trying to click a selfie on Monday. The incident, caught on camera, shows her losing balance and being swept away by the strong current.

Search is underway (Image Screengrab)

A video has been going viral on social media, in which a woman is seen drowning in the river Ganga at Uttarakashi’s Manikarnika Ghat while trying to pose for a photo or a reel. The incident occurred on Monday and was captured on camera.

In an attempt to click a better picture, the woman lost her balance near a riverbank and was dragged away by the fast-moving current. She had come to the place to visit her relatives, along with her daughter.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/video-woman-drowns-in-ganga-at-manikarnika-ghat-while-making-reels-search-underway-article-151439292

PM Modi Hails Inauguration Of Amravati Airport, Terms It ‘Great News For Maharashtra’

PM Modi hailed the Amravati airport inauguration, calling it great news for Maharashtra and Vidarbha. CM Fadnavis and Minister Naidu emphasised its economic and job benefits.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the inauguration of Amravati airport a ‘great news for Maharashtra’.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed the inauguration of Amravati airport, terming it as ‘great news’ for Maharashtra.

“The inauguration of Amravati airport is great news for Maharashtra, especially for the Vidarbha region. The active airport in Amravati will boost commerce and connectivity,” PM Modi in response to the X post of Union Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu.

Earlier, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the city of Amravati will get special recognition due to the state-of-the-art Amravati Airport and Pilot Training Centre.

“By completing the developmental works in Vidarbha and bringing this region into the mainstream of development, priority will be given to this work,” the Chief Minister said at the function organised for the launch of passenger flight services and the flight demonstration of the Air India Pilot Training Centre.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu said that today marks a historic milestone for Vidarbha.

“Honoured to inaugurate Amravati Airport alongside Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership, this RCS-VGF funded airport takes flight with Alliance Air’s inaugural RCS Amravati–Mumbai flight. Also witnessed a demo flight at what will soon be South Asia’s largest Air India Flying Training Organisation (FTO), a big leap for India’s overall aviation ecosystem,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that the airport will bring about an economic revolution, and this area will benefit directly and indirectly.

“It will also create various employment opportunities. The airport will create a new identity for the area. Since entrepreneurs are also giving priority to setting up industries in the area where the airport is located, the textile industry here will get a boost,” he said.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/pm-modi-hails-inauguration-of-amravati-airport-terms-it-great-news-for-maharashtra-ws-kl-9302094.html

 

Woman fakes pregnancy for 9 months, then kidnaps girl from Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi; held

The woman was arrested by police. (Representative photo)

For nine months, 27-year-old Pooja Devi carried out an elaborate deception. She convinced her husband, her in-laws, and her own family that she was pregnant. She even moved back to her parents’ house in Malviya Nagar, claiming she was nearing delivery.

But the charade unravelled on Tuesday, when she stole a day-old infant from the maternity ward of Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital — a baby girl she intended to pass off as her own.

Police said Devi did not use a prosthetic belly to feign pregnancy. Her natural physique, investigators said, was “healthy enough” for her to appear visibly pregnant.

What gave her away, however, was her suspicious behaviour inside the hospital. She was caught on CCTV footage loitering near the neonatal and postnatal care wards, speaking to several women, and keeping her face partially covered with a dupatta.

She was arrested within hours, and the infant safely reunited with her family.

According to deputy commissioner of police (southwest) Surendra Chaudhary, the child was born to a couple living in Yashwant Place, Chanakyapuri, on Monday. On Tuesday afternoon, while the mother was in postnatal care in Ward No. 5, she stepped out to get milk. When she returned, her daughter had vanished.

“However, at around 3.15pm on Tuesday, their child went missing and even after looking for her everywhere, they couldn’t find her,” DCP Chaudhary said.

A case of kidnapping under section 137(2) of the BNS was registered around 4pm, and police began reviewing CCTV footage from the hospital.

The footage showed Devi interacting with multiple patients and lingering inside the ward where the baby was taken. She had partially concealed her identity but was clearly visible enough for police to identify her movements. “She had partially covered her face with a dupatta,” Chaudhary said.

After leaving the hospital, Devi tried to cover her tracks. She boarded a Metro at AIIMS station, headed toward Samaypur Badli, then changed routes at INA to head toward Millennium City Centre, finally exiting at Hauz Khas and making her way toward Panchsheel flyover.

“Eventually, she was spotted in an autorickshaw. We checked the registration numbers and ownership of more than 20 autorickshaws as the registration number was not clear in the footage,” the DCP said.

Eventually, police zeroed in on the autorickshaw and the driver told them he dropped the woman in Malviya Nagar.

When police raided the location, they found Devi in a house with the stolen infant. The baby was recovered unharmed and returned to her family.

During questioning, Devi told investigators that she had been married for seven years to Pinku Kumar, a daily-wage labourer in Faridabad, and had been unable to conceive. Though her husband had never pressured her, she said she had begun to feel a deep societal and emotional burden. Roughly eight months ago, she told her family and in-laws that she was pregnant.

To maintain the illusion, she left her marital home days before the theft and moved to her parents’ house, claiming her due date was near. On Monday, she left home saying she was being admitted to Safdarjung Hospital for delivery. On Tuesday, she returned — carrying the stolen infant.

Her husband, police said, was unaware of the entire scheme.

“She was driven by desperation and the pressure to become a mother in the eyes of her family and society,” said an officer. “But the act she committed was not only criminal — it could have endangered the life of the child.”

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/woman-abducts-girl-child-from-safdarjung-hospital-in-delhi-held-101744826895505.html

 

TASMAC HQ raided on suspicion of finding proceeds of crime: ED to HC

TASMAC HQ raided on suspicion of finding proceeds of crime: ED to HC

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) told the Madras High Court on Wednesday that it had raided the headquarters of the Tamil Nadu government’s liquor distribution arm, TASMAC, last month since it had reasons to believe that proceeds of crime or records connected to such proceeds of crime were stored at the premises.

Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, who appeared for ED, told a bench of justices SM Subramaniam and K Rajasekar that there was no reason to question the central agency’s jurisdiction in the present case. Raju said that Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) provided that ED can conduct a raid at any place even if it has a mere suspicion that proceeds of crime or their records are kept there.

“Suspicion alone can be used as a ground for search,” Raju said, adding that the court or the state government cannot question ED’s search locations.

The DMK-led government had earlier questioned the timing of the ED raids conducted in Chennai between March 6 and 8 this year.

On Wednesday, Tamil Nadu Advocate General PS Raman alleged before the Court that the central agency was conducting a politically motivated, roving inquiry, without any predicate offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act, as the state assembly elections were scheduled for next year.

The bench asked Raju, why ED raided the TASMAC headquarters in Chennai when the 41 FIRs, claimed to be the basis for its investigation into the alleged scam, were registered across Tamil Nadu for several individual offences of bribery, liquor price and inflation among others.

Raju, however, said ED had exercised its statutory power granted under Section 17 of the PMLA in conducting the search and seizures.

He added that these FIRs had been registered by state agencies themselves and indicated a broader pattern of alleged money laundering involving TASMAC officials. Raju maintained that the ED’s actions were based on legal provisions and credible information pointing to a multi-crore scam involving kickbacks, irregular procurement practices, and tender-related corruption across TASMAC.

Advocate General Raman however, reiterated that the ED’s probe and the raids were meant only to tarnish the image of the State and its officials.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tasmac-hq-raided-on-suspicion-of-finding-proceeds-of-crime-ed-to-hc-101744830021351.html

Monk Becomes Victim Of Cyberfraud, Loses Rs 2.5 Crore Over 26 Days

The criminals alleged that Swami Supradiptananda’s name had surfaced in a money laundering case.

The secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission Ashram in Gwalior, Swami Supradiptananda, became a victim of what is being described as Madhya Pradesh’s biggest “digital arrest” fraud. Over a period of 26 days, he was virtually held hostage through video calls and coerced into transferring Rs 2.52 crore to multiple bank accounts across the country.

The fraud began on March 17, when the monk received a video call from a person claiming to be a police officer from Nashik, Maharashtra.

The caller alleged that Swami Supradiptananda’s name had surfaced in a money laundering case involving businessman Naresh Goyal.

Exploiting his trust and fear, the imposters convinced him that he needed to cooperate with their investigation or face legal action.

According to police sources, the fraudsters demanded that the monk remain in constant contact with them through video calls – a tactic now being referred to as a “digital arrest”. During this time, he was systematically pressured into transferring funds in multiple instalments, believing that his cooperation would clear his name.

The total amount transferred – Rs 2.52 crore – was sent to 12 different bank accounts across India. The fraudsters even promised to return the full amount by April 15, claiming it was part of a verification process. However, when the money was not returned, Swami Supradiptananda lodged a formal complaint with Gwalior Superintendent of Police Dharamveer Singh.

Following the complaint, the Gwalior Crime Branch registered a First Information Report and launched an investigation into the matter. The case is now being handled by the Cyber Police Station, and efforts are in progress to trace the individuals behind the scam and recover the stolen funds.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/monk-becomes-victim-of-cyberfraud-loses-rs-2-5-crore-over-26-days-8181756

India To Expand Ties With Nations Offering Balanced Free Trade Deals: Piyush Goyal

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.

India will expand its trade ties with nations that will offer fair, balanced and equitable free trade agreements (FTAs), Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Wednesday, stressing that the country’s gains must match its offer of accessing a 1.4 billion-strong, and fast-growing consumer market.

He said that India is negotiating FTAs with different countries and regions, including the European Union (EU) and Oman.

The remarks also assume significance as India is negotiating a bilateral trade agreement with the US. The aim is to finalise the first phase of the pact by the fall (September-October) this year.

“So we will be expanding our trading relations with countries where we get a fair deal, where we can have equitable and balanced free trade agreements, where India’s gains commensurate with what we are offering, a large market of 1.4 billion people, growing market, the world’s fastest growing economy,” he said here at India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) Conclave 2025.

He added that this corridor would help promote trade, seamless movement of goods and people, and cut down logistics costs.

Billed as a pathbreaking initiative, the IMEC envisages vast road, railroad and shipping networks among India, Saudi Arabia, the US and Europe with an aim to ensure integration among Asia, the Middle East and the West.

The IMEC was formed on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in September last year in Delhi. An agreement was signed by India, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the US and some other G20 partners for the corridor.

Goyal said that it can also open up opportunities for the financial world.

“We could have multilateral financing agencies along this corridor to help promote both the setting up of the corridor and at some stage…we should explore innovative financing models and see how this could finally be financed. For example, we have had green bonds in the past…long-term, 50-year, 100-year bonds to finance this kind of infrastructure,” he said.

He added that the countries can look at harmonising regulatory practices, and enhanced alignment on process, procedures, trade practices, customs union and paperworks within these nations.

“For example, the UAE and we are already engaged to bring some alignment in our regulatory practices. If this region has to really be successful, we can’t have border checkpoints at every level, so we’ll have to look at regulatory connectivity also. So procedures, processes, regulation, all will have to be aligned to make this corridor a bigger success,” Goyal said.

He emphasised that there would be a need for a railway system also.

“So we’ll have to have more interoperable systems going forward. If you have highways, then we need some interoperable charging infrastructure across highways if we are promoting electrical mobility. So we’ll have to think through all of these possibilities and bring nations together,” he said adding these measures would ultimately add to scale.

The member countries will have to look at a multi-faceted dimension that this project offers.

“For example, like UPI, you could have common payment systems, enabling money flow to be easier, and could be settled periodically, monthly or quarterly, in the reserve currency of the globe, or in dollars. But on a day to day basis, every transaction will not need to go through several iterations, only making the banks richer and adding to the cost of transport or cost of trade,” the minister said.

He informed that India and the UAE have been in a dialogue for a virtual trade corridor.

“Can we extend that through the IMEC corridor?” he wondered.

India, he said, is also in dialogue with Singapore to look at the possibility of having an undersea cable for transporting clean energy.

“I’ve had a conversation with Australia…Singapore is also talking to Australia to see if the Singapore, Australia leg could be connected. We are in dialogue with Saudi Arabia and UAE to see if this leg could be connected,” he said.

Further he said that this project needs to be seen from the lens of public-private partnership as it will help in making it financially viable and it should not be only the government’s initiative.

“I do believe that initiatives will not only reduce the time to transport goods significantly…estimated to be about 40 per cent…bring down transport time, bring down cost of logistics, and therefore make trade seamless across continents, faster, more efficient,” he said adding “I think this can become a new global access of the 21st century”.

The good part of the project, he said, is that it respects sovereignty and it is not trying to foist one idea on everything.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-to-expand-ties-with-nations-offering-balanced-free-trade-deals-piyush-goyal-8181787

Parliament Security Breach Accused Tried To Bring Back 2001 Memories: Cops

The breach occurred on December 13, 2023.

The police has told the Delhi High Court that an accused, arrested in the December 13, 2023 Parliament security breach case, had intended to bring back “haunted memories” of the 2001 Parliament attack.

The police made the submissions in its response opposing the bail plea of Neelam Azad, the sole woman accused arrested in the 2023 case.

The police said detailed investigations have categorically established that accused Manoranjan D and his associates had always been planning a disruptive terror attack in Parliament.

The reply was filed before a bench of Justices Subramonium Prasad and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar which heard the bail plea briefly on Wednesday and listed it for further hearing on Thursday.

“Even though the Parliament building, per-se, is open for visitors during its recess periods also, the plan was to strike right on the day when Parliament would be mourning and observing silence in memory of the 2001 Parliament attack. This happens to be the period when the Winter Session of the Parliament usually takes place,” the reply said.

It further said even though the plans to mount an assault in Parliament were being deliberated from as early as 2015, by the time the plan came to fruition, the majestic New Parliament building, a symbol of resurgent, revitalised India, had been inaugurated and was functional.

“In a recorded disclosure statement of accused Neelam, there is a sinister reference from Manoranjan that what they were about to do in the New Parliament will bring back haunted memories of something that had taken place in the Old Parliament,” the police said.

It said the use of “revered patriots and freedom fighters like Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose etc.”, in their digital footprints and sundry discussions, was to arrogate patriotism but the interrogations have revealed that the accused had limited or purely “perfunctory knowledge” about the philosophies or lives of these great men.

It said that during their preliminary interrogations, the arrested accused had presented a coordinated, premeditated theory portraying the incident as a means “to raise innocuous public issues”.

The police said in the reply that post the December 2023 incident, there was absolute panic and terror amongst all those who were present in the Parliament.

“It will not be wrong to say that the entire nation, for a few moments, was stunned by the act of the accused persons. Post incident, some parliamentarians came out and interacted with the media that had gathered outside… Similarly, the security personnel present over there got absolutely terrorised by the act,” it said.

Referring to social media chats between the accused and some witness, the police said top level secrecy was being maintained in their inter-se communications and though the word December in the chat was not qualified with December of 2022 or December of 2023 (when the accused could actually commit their intended act), it was clearly indicative of the month of December and Delhi, leaving no other inference that the terror act was planned to coincide with the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack.

The police also sought dismissal of the bail plea on the grounds of being barred by limitation and said there has been a delay of 142 days in the filing of the petition challenging a trial court’s September 11, 2024 order dismissing her bail plea.

The police said the plea was in contravention of the provisions of Section 21 of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act.

This section explicitly stipulates an outer time limit of 90 days for filing any appeal. The delay of more than the permissible period renders this petition ineligible for consideration, it said.

Seeking bail for Azad, her counsel said she was not carrying any explosives in the Parliament and was standing outside.

On the issue of delay in filing the appeal, the counsel said Azad belonged to a poor family and they had no money to come to Delhi.

The trial court had rejected Azad’s bail plea, saying there was sufficient evidence to believe that allegations against her were “prima facie” true.

It noted that all the accused persons — Azad, Manoranjan D, Sagar Sharma, Amol Dhanraj Shinde, Lalit Jha and Mahesh Kumawat — already had the knowledge about the threat given by designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu for targeting Parliament on December 13, 2023.

Despite the threat perception, the accused persons being aware of the same carried out the alleged offence in Parliament on the same day, it observed.

In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack, Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before they were overpowered by some MPs.

Around the same time, two other accused — Amol Shinde and Azad — sprayed coloured gas from canisters while shouting “tanashahi nahi chalegi” outside Parliament premises.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/accused-in-parliament-security-breach-tried-to-bring-back-2001-attack-memories-police-delhi-high-court-8181679

Allahabad HC Denies Police Protection To Couple Marrying Against Parents’ Wish

The observation from court came while it was hearing a plea filed by one Shreya Kesarwani and her husband seeking security and a court order against private respondents disturbing their peaceful married life.

Allahabad High Court (News18 Hindi)

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that couples who marry against their parents’ wishes cannot seek police protection as a matter of right unless there is a real threat to their life and liberty. It also observed that courts are not to “provide protection to those who simply fled to marry according to their own wishes”.

The observation by the Allahabad High Court came while it was hearing a plea filed by a couple seeking protection. The court mentioned that security can be provided in “deserving” cases but not in the absence of any threat perception. In such cases, the couple must “learn to support each other and face the society”, said the court.

Shreya Kesarwani and her husband filed a petition in the court seeking security and a court order against private respondents disturbing their peaceful married life.

“There is no requirement of passing any order for providing police protection to them in the light of the judgement rendered by the Supreme Court in the case of Lata Singh Vs State of UP and another, wherein it has been held that the courts are not meant to provide protection to such youths who have simply fled to marry according to their own wishes,” Justice Saurabh Srivastava observed.

“There is not even an iota of evidence to evince that private respondents (relatives of either of the petitioners) are likely to cause physical or mental assault to the petitioners,” the court noted.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/allahabad-hc-denies-police-protection-to-couple-marrying-against-parents-wish-ws-b-9302173.html

Man’s US Visa Rejected In 40 Seconds After One Honest Answer; Netizens Weigh In

The applicant claimed that he had planned a two-week trip to the United States, including visits to Disney World, Universal Studios, Kennedy Space Center, and various beaches.

After reading his post, the internet was quick to diagnose the issue (Representational image)

A young man’s dream of an international trip to the United States was shattered in mere 40 seconds after he honestly answered a question posed to him during his visa interview.

A Reddit user with username “nobody01810″, shared his ordeal after appearing for B1/B2 tourist visa interview at the US Embassy in New Delhi.

“I had my B1/B2 visa interview at the US Embassy recently, and I was rejected in less than a minute after just three questions. I’m trying to understand what went wrong and how I can improve for next time,” he said in a post on the social media platform.

The applicant claimed that he had planned a two-week trip to the United States, including visits to Disney World, Universal Studios, Kennedy Space Center, and various beaches.

He said that he was asked three questions– Why do you want to travel to the US? Have you traveled outside of India? and Do you have any family or friends in the US?

When asked by the visa officer, “Do you have any family or friends in the US?” he answered, “Yes, my girlfriend lives in Florida, and I plan to visit her.”

After hearing to this honest answer, the visa officer didn’t ask any follow-up questions. Instead, handed him a 214(b) refusal slip and ended the interview, crushing his visa hopes and international trip dream.

Netizens React

The netizens quickly diagnosed the issue, saying “strong ties to the US, weak ties to India.”

“It’s a dangerous minefield—one small slip-up can cost you your international travel,” one user commented.

“You’re a textbook denial, unfortunately. You have zero travel history, especially to Western countries. Plus, a girlfriend in the States? That’s a strong tie to the US,” commented another.

“You were honest mentioning your GF … yes but then again in the eyes of the embassy worker you just want to stay in the US illegally , even if you don’t they think so because you have stronger ties to the US than to India,” another commented

“The moment you mention a relationship with a US citizen or resident, it often triggers an instant rejection. This subreddit is full of such cases,” added another user.

Source : https://www.news18.com/viral/mans-us-visa-rejected-in-40-seconds-after-one-honest-answer-netizens-weigh-in-ws-d-9301657.html

 

A fugitive Indian jeweler accused of a $1.8bn bank fraud has been arrested in Belgium

Antigua and Barbuda businessman Mehul Choksi is taken to a police van via a wheelchair by a police officer after attending a court hearing, in Roseau, Dominica, Thursday, June 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Clyde Jno Baptiste, file)

Fugitive Indian jeweler Mehul Choksi, who has been accused of involvement in one of India’s biggest bank frauds, has been arrested in Belgium, his lawyer said Monday.

Choksi and his diamond tycoon nephew Nirav Modi are accused of a $1.8 billion fraud involving Punjab National Bank, the country’s second-largest public lender. Both fled India in 2018.

The arrest was made following an extradition request by Indian authorities, local media reported.

Choksi was arrested on Saturday in the Belgian port city of Antwerp, one of the most important diamond trading hubs in the world. His lawyer, Vijay Aggarwal, told reporters that Choksi’s legal team would file an appeal for his release.

Both Choksi and Modi have denied the accusations.

Punjab National Bank accused Choksi, Modi and others of fraud by using fake financial documents to get loans to buy and import jewels.

Aggarwal said the “obvious” grounds for the appeal would be that Choksi is “not a flight risk, is extremely sick and undergoing treatment for cancer.” He also said they would argue that Choksi’s was a “political” case and mount their defense on grounds that Indian prisons have inhumane conditions.

Modi, who built an international jewelry empire that stretched from India to New York and Hong Kong, was arrested in Britain in 2019. He has been in prison since.

Source: https://apnews.com/article/india-mehul-choksi-belgium-diamonds-fraud-charges-2c392594a6daadbfbe0915909fbe01e1

Human hand coming out of car boot: Four stage ‘crime scene’ for social media reel, detained in Navi Mumbai

The detained persons admitted to the police that the act was part of a staged video shoot meant for creating reels and other social media content to promote laptop sales

fotoedu

Thane: Police have detained four persons after they allegedly staged a “fake” crime scene in Navi Mumbai to create social media content and garner people’s attention, officials said on Tuesday.

A white car was spotted in Sanpada area at around 8.45 pm on Monday, with a human hand visibly protruding from its trunk, an official from the Navi Mumbai crime branch said.

A video and photograph of the same went viral on social media at night.

Alarmed by the scene, a person alerted the Sanpada police, suspecting a possible abduction or murder.

Acting swiftly, police teams tracked down the vehicle and detained its driver and three others for questioning. One of them runs a laptop shop in Koparkhairne area of Navi Mumbai and was preparing a reel along with others for his business promotion, the police said.

The persons admitted to the police that the act was part of a staged video shoot meant for creating reels and other social media content to promote laptop sales, the official said without elaborating how the act and the laptop sales promotion were linked.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/maharashtra/human-hand-coming-out-of-car-boot-four-stage-crime-scene-for-social-media-reel-detained-in-navi-mumbai-3494486

Airtel teams up with Blinkit to deliver SIM cards to customers’ doorstep in 10 minutes

Customers will have the option to choose from both postpaid and prepaid plans or trigger a mobile number portability for porting into the Airtel network.

After the delivery of the SIM card, customers can activate the number using Aadhaar-based KYC authentication, as per stipulated process. Credit: Reuters Photo

New Delhi: In a first, Bharti Airtel on Tuesday announced its partnership with quick commerce platform Blinkit for the delivery of SIM cards to its customers within ten minutes.

In the initial phase of this launch, the SIM delivery service will be available across 16 major cities, including Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ahmedabad, Surat, Chennai, Bhopal, Indore, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Lucknow, Jaipur, Kolkata, and Hyderabad.

There are plans to add more cities and towns over a period of time, according to a release.

“This collaboration marks a significant milestone enabling, as it does, customers to receive SIM cards at their doorstep in a minimal 10 minutes at a nominal convenience fee of Rs 49,” it said.

After the delivery of the SIM card, customers can activate the number using Aadhaar-based KYC authentication, as per stipulated process.

Customers will have the option to choose from both postpaid and prepaid plans or trigger a mobile number portability for porting into the Airtel network.

The release explained that in order to streamline the process, customers can access the online link and view the activation video for a seamless activation experience.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/business/companies/airtel-teams-up-with-blinkit-to-deliver-sim-cards-to-customers-doorstep-in-10-minutes-3494454

Apple Airlifted $2 Billion Worth Of iPhones From India Ahead Of Trump’s Tariffs

In April, the U.S. administration imposed 26% duties on imports from India, much lower than the more than 100% China was facing at the time.

iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max cameras will get the power of the duo.

Apple’s main India suppliers Foxconn and Tata shipped nearly $2 billion worth of iPhones to the United States in March, an all-time high, as the U.S. company airlifted devices to bypass President Donald Trump’s impending tariffs, customs data shows.

The smartphone maker stepped up production in India and chartered cargo flights to ferry 600 tons of iPhones to the United States to ensure sufficient inventory in one of its biggest markets on concern Trump’s tariffs would push up costs.

In April, the U.S. administration imposed 26% duties on imports from India, much lower than the more than 100% China was facing at the time. Trump has since paused most duties, except for China for three months.

Foxconn, Apple’s main India supplier, exported smartphones worth $1.31 billion in March, its highest ever for a single month and equal to shipments for January and February combined, according to commercially available customs data reviewed by Reuters.

This included Apple iPhone 13, 14, 16 and 16e models, and took Foxconn’s total shipments from India to the United States this year to $5.3 billion.

Exports from Tata Electronics, another Apple supplier, stood at $612 million in March, around 63% higher than the previous month, and included iPhone 15 and 16 models.

Apple, Foxconn and Tata did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Reuters is the first to report the shipment details.

Customs data showed all Foxconn shipments to the United States in March were by air from the Chennai Air Cargo terminal and landed at various locations, including Los Angeles and New York, with Chicago receiving the majority.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/apple-airlifted-2-billion-worth-of-iphones-from-india-ahead-of-trumps-tariffs-ws-l-9300495.html

Amid Trump’s Threats, China Issues 85,000 Visas To “Indian Friends”

The Chinese Embassy in India has issued over 85,000 visas to Indian citizens between January 1 and April 9, 2025, marking a significant step towards strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations.

The Chinese Embassy in India has issued over 85,000 visas to Indian citizens

The Chinese Embassy in India has issued over 85,000 visas to Indian citizens between January 1 and April 9, 2025, marking a significant step towards strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations.

According to Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong, “As of April 9, 2025, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in India have issued more than 85,000 visas to Indian citizens traveling to China this year. Welcome more Indian friends to visit China, experience an open, safe, vibrant, sincere and friendly China.” He said this in a post on X.

Visa Relaxations for Indian Travelers

The Chinese government has introduced several relaxations to facilitate smoother travel between India and China:

– No Online Appointment: Indian applicants can now directly submit their visa applications at visa centers on working days without prior online appointments.
– Biometric Exemption: Travelers visiting China for a short time are exempt from providing biometric data, reducing processing time.
– Visa Fees: Now, a Chinese visa can be obtained at a much lower rate, making travel more affordable for Indian visitors.
– Quicker Processing Times: The visa approval timeline has become more streamlined, allowing for quicker issuance and benefiting both business and leisure travelers.
– Tourism: China is actively promoting travel for Indian tourists, showcasing its cultural and seasonal attractions, such as festivals and destinations.

Economic and Trade Relations

Since the start of his presidential term, Donald Trump has been threatening countries about slapping tariffs on them – and especially on China, it’s top economic adversary but major trading partner.
The Chinese Embassy spokesperson, Yu Jing, emphasised the importance of India-China economic and trade relations, stating that “China-India economic and trade relationship is based on complementarity and mutual benefit. Facing the U.S. abuse of tariffs… the two largest developing countries should stand together to overcome the difficulties.” Yu Jing further added that “Trade and tariff wars have no winners. All countries should uphold the principles of extensive consultation, practice true multilateralism, jointly oppose all forms of unilateralism and protectionism.”

Soft Power Gesture

Although the diplomatic relations between India and China have been rife with challenges,
especially the ongoing military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), this move can be viewed as a soft power move to show openness towards India and extend goodwill, as this rebuilds trust from bottom-up, even with officials trying to resolve border and trade issues.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/amid-donald-trumps-threats-china-issues-85-000-visas-to-indian-friends-8172974

Locals, refugees and simmering strife

Since Myanmar’s military coup in 2021, over 40,000 Chin refugees have crossed over to Mizoram.

On April 8, the Central Young Mizo Association, Mizoram’s most influential civil body, urged the state government to adopt a comprehensive framework for refugee management. (HT Photo)

On January 24, four refugees from Myanmar allegedly killed an auto-rickshaw driver in Mizoram’s Siaha district after a monetary dispute. Three of the accused were arrested. On April 3, a refugee from Myanmar allegedly assaulted a village council vice president in Vengthar.

The two are among several instances that suggest all is not well between local Mizos and Chin refugees from war-torn Myanmar who have made a home in the northeastern state over the past four years. Both share ethnicity, religion and language — one reason why the state government is sheltering the refugees — but the bonhomie between them is beginning to fray.

On March 11, social activist VL Thlamuanpuia wrote to Union home minister Amit Shah, expressing concern over the escalating influx of Myanmar refugees. He warned of potential threats to national security and demographic balance, and cited mounting pressure on local resources.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/locals-refugees-and-simmering-strife-101744742893160.html

India, China close to understanding on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

India and China near agreement to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, marking progress in normalizing relations post-LAC standoff, sources say.

The yatra has not been held since 2020. (PTI)

India and China are close to an understanding on resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra as the two sides continue the protracted process of normalising their relations after the more than four-year standoff on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), people familiar with the matter said.

The resumption of the pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake in China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, which has not been held since 2020, is among confidence-building measures being discussed by the two sides after they reached an understanding last October on disengagement of troops at the two remaining friction points of Demchok and Depsang.

Two days after the understanding on disengagement of forces, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping met in the Russian city of Kazan and decided to revive several mechanisms to address the border dispute and to normalise ties. One of these mechanisms – the Special Representatives on the border issue – focused on the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, data sharing on trans-border rivers and border trade at a meeting in Beijing last December.

Following talks through other mechanisms since then, the two sides are now close to an understanding on resuming the pilgrimage, people on both sides familiar with the deliberations said on condition of anonymity. The restarting of the pilgrimage, which was put off in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic and was subsequently affected by the face-off on the LAC, was one of the major asks of the Indian side.

The people, however, said this year’s pilgrimage may start a little later than usual and continue later than the normal schedule. The Chinese side has sought time to refurbish facilities for the pilgrims as they remained unused for almost five years, the people said. An announcement about the resumption of the pilgrimage is also expected soon, they said.

There was no word from Indian officials on the development.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is organised by the external affairs ministry between June and September via two routes , Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and Nathu La in Sikkim. The site in Tibet is of religious significant to Hindus, Jains and Buddhists, and pilgrims have to trek at altitudes of up to 19,500 feet in extreme weather and rugged terrain.

If the pilgrimage goes ahead, it will mark another step in the slow process of normalising bilateral relations following the standoff on the LAC, which began with skirmishes in April-May 2020. A subsequent clash at Galwan Valley in June 2020, which resulted in the death of 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese troops, took ties to their lowest point since the 1962 border war.

The Chinese side has pushed India to act on a range of measures aimed at enhancing economic activities, including the resumption of direct flights and easing of visa restrictions on Chinese nationals, the people said. The Chinese side is also keen on reviving the practice of both countries allowing the posting of more journalists in each other’s capitals, they said.

There is currently only one Indian journalist in Beijing and no representatives of China’s state-run media in New Delhi.

At an event organised earlier this month by the Chinese embassy to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Chinese ambassador Xu Feihong said the two countries “should properly handle differences through dialogue and never allow bilateral relations to be defined by the boundary question”.

Source:https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-china-close-to-understanding-on-kailash-mansarovar-yatra-101744742473642.html

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Receives Bomb Threat Email, ‘Individual From Tamil Nadu’ Under Scanner

The Ram Temple in Ayodhya received a bomb threat via email on Monday night, with the police revealing that an “individual from Tamil Nadu wrote the email in English”, as per a report.

The Ram Temple in Ayodhya received a bomb threat via email on Monday night, with the police revealing that a man ‘from Tamil Nadu wrote the email in English’.

Security arrangements have been stepped up at Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir after a bomb threat was emailed to the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust late Monday night. Vigilance was heightened across the temple complex, as well as in Barabanki and neighbouring districts. An FIR has been registered at the cyber police station in Ayodhya, with officials confirming that the cyber cell is investigating the matter.

PTI reported that the police have so far refrained from revealing other details, except that “an individual from Tamil Nadu wrote the email in English”.
Neither the Ram Temple Trust nor the security agencies have released an official statement so far.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/ayodhya-ram-temple-receives-bomb-threat-email-cyber-cell-probes-article-151431214

Why India Rarely Discusses Pakistan Publicly? Jaishankar’s ‘Precious Time’ Reply And A ‘Bad Habits’ Reminder

“India has changed. I wish I could say Pakistan has changed. They, unfortunately, in many ways, are continuing their bad habits,” said Jaishankar.

India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar (Image: X)

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said the 2008 Mumbai terror attack marked a turning point in relations with Pakistan. When asked about why the Indian government rarely discusses Pakistan publicly, Jaishankar reminded the audience that one should not waste their precious time on a country that is continuing with its “bad habits”.
Speaking at Charotar University of Science and Technology during an interactive session, Jaishankar acknowledged India’s transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the last decade, adding that Pakistan has remained unchanged.
He said that after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Indians collectively felt that such behaviour from a neighbouring country could no longer be tolerated.

When asked why the Indian government rarely discusses Pakistan publicly anymore, Jaishankar explained that there was no need to waste “precious time” on them.
“India has changed. I wish I could say Pakistan has changed. They unfortunately, in many ways, are continuing their bad habits. I would say the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attack was the turning point. I think that was when the Indian public, across political parties, said this is too much,” he said.
“People felt that the country (India) cannot accept this behaviour from a neighbour. I think that feeling was very very strong in society, but it may not have been entirely understood at that time by the Government at that time, which is a different matter,” the Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat told the audience.
“During this period, we have grown economically and politically, and our standing in the world has improved. But, Pakistan continued the old playbook,” he said.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/why-india-rarely-discusses-pakistan-publicly-jaishankars-precious-time-reply-and-a-bad-habits-reminder-article-151433060

Two Indian Nationals Killed by Pakistani Man in Dubai

Union Minister and BJP leader G Kishan Reddy said that he has spoken to Minister of External Affairs (MEA) S Jaishankar about the incident and he has assured full support to the victims’ families.

Premsagar was killed in Dubai. (Photo: Times Now)

Two Indian nationals were killed in Dubai allegedly by a man of Pakistani origin. The two, identified as Ashtapu Premsagar and Srinivas, hailed from Telangana.
Premsagar was from Nirmal district, while Srinivas was from Nizamabad district. The reason for the murder is yet to be known. Authorities in Dubai are investigating the case.

Union Minister and BJP leader G Kishan Reddy said that he has spoken to Minister of External Affairs (MEA) S Jaishankar about the incident and he has assured full support to the victims’ families. “MEA will work towards ensuring the delivery of speedy justice in the matter,” Reddy said.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/two-indian-nationals-killed-by-a-pakistani-man-in-dubai-article-151432546

The Taliban banned Afghan girls from school. Low-paid carpet weaving is now their lifeline

Carpet weaving is one of few professions open to women since the Taliban government took power in 2021

At a workshop in Kabul where carpets are made, hundreds of women and girls work in a cramped space, the air thick and stifling.

Among them is 19-year-old Salehe Hassani. “We girls no longer have the chance to study,” she says with a faltering smile. “The circumstances have taken that from us, so we turned to the workshop.”

Since the Taliban seized power in 2021, girls over the age of 12 have been barred from getting an education, and women from many jobs.

In 2020, only 19% of women were part of the workforce – four times less than men. That number has dropped even further under Taliban rule.

The lack of opportunities, coupled with the dire economic situation the country faces, have pushed many into long, laborious days of carpet weaving – one of the few trades the Taliban government allows women to work in.

According to the UN, the livelihoods of about 1.2 to 1.5 million Afghans depend on the carpet weaving industry, with women making up nearly 90% of the workforce.

In an economy that the UN warned in a 2024 report had “basically collapsed” since the Taliban took power, the carpet export business is booming.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce noted that in the first six months of 2024 alone, over 2.4 million kilograms of carpets – worth $8.7m (£6.6m) – were exported to countries such as Pakistan, India, Austria and the US.

But this has not necessarily meant better wages for the weavers. Some the BBC spoke to said they had seen none of the profit from a piece sold in Kazakhstan last year that fetched $18,000.

Within Afghanistan, carpets sell for far less – between $100-$150 per square metre. Needing money to help support their families and having few options for employment, workers are trapped in low-paid labour.

Carpet weavers say they earn about $27 for each square metre, which usually takes about a month to produce. That is less than a dollar a day despite the long, gruelling shifts that often stretch to 10 or 12 hours.

Nisar Ahmad Hassieni, head of the Elmak Baft company, who let the BBC go inside his workshops, said that he pays his employees between $39 and $42 per square metre. He said they are paid every two weeks, with an eight-hour workday.

The Taliban has repeatedly said that girls will be allowed to return to school once its concerns, such as aligning the curriculum with Islamic values, are resolved – but so far, no concrete steps have been taken to make that happen.

Mr Hassieni said that, following the rise of the Taliban government, his organisation made it its mission to support those left behind by the closures.

“We established three workshops for carpet weaving and wool spinning,” he says.

“About 50-60% of these rugs are exported to Pakistan, while the rest are sent to China, the USA, Turkey, France, and Russia to meet customer demand.”

Shakila, 22, makes carpets with her sisters in one of the rooms of the modest rental they also share with their elderly parents and three brothers. They live in the impoverished Dasht-e Barchi area, in the western outskirts of Kabul.

She once had dreams of becoming a lawyer, but now leads her family’s carpet-making operation.

“We couldn’t do anything else,” Shakila tells me. “There weren’t any other jobs”.

She explains how her father taught her to weave when she was 10 and he was recovering from a car accident.

What began as a necessary skill in times of hardship has now become the family’s lifeline.

Shakila’s sister, 18-year-old Samira, aspired to be a journalist. Mariam, 13, was forced to stop going to school before she could even begin to dream of a career.

Before the Taliban’s return, all three were students at Sayed al-Shuhada High School.

Their lives were forever altered after deadly bombings at the school in 2021 killed 90 people, mostly young girls, and left nearly 300 wounded.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy8qdql7p4eo

‘Ch*t*ya Samajh Rhi Hai Kya’: Viral Video Of Ghaziabad Cop Threatening Woman With ‘Fake’ Rape Case Against Her Husband Sparks Online Outrage

A video of a Ghaziabad Police officer allegedly threatening a woman to file a false rape case against her husband.

Ghaziabad Police Officer Shouts At Woman, Threatens To File Fake Rape Case Against Her Husband (Screengrab) | X/Sachin Gupta

A shocking video of a Ghaziabad Police officer allegedly threatening a woman to file a false rape case against her husband surfaced online. Soon, the video went viral on social media. In the footage, the officer could be heard saying that as soon as a rape case is filed, the person will land in Jail whether he has done anything or not.

The incident reportedly took place at the Sikanderpur Police Station in the Teela Mod area. In the video, the police officer could also be heard using abusive words while having a heated conversation with the woman complainant.

‘Kya karwayi karein yeh bta, tu kya karwayi karein. Jayada kanoonchi ban rhi hai (What action will we take, you tell. You are becoming lawyer), the police officer could be heard shouting.

He further added, “Jyada bole jaa rhi hai, ch*t**a samajh rhi hai kya humein (You are talking too much).”

Video Of Police Officer Shouting And Threatening Woman:

After the video went viral, netizens demanded action against the police officer for threatening the woman complainant with a fake rape case against her husband.

One of the users said, “Filing a rape case has become a Joke now in India. Yet another video which proves it. This officer is saying as soon as rape case is filed, the person will land in Jail whether he has done anything or not.”

Meanwhile, another user posted, “This gentleman does not know how to talk to a woman in the garb of uniform, he is also threatening to implicate the woman’s husband in a rape case. This gentleman is Vimal Kumar, Sikanderpur Chowki Incharge, Teela Mod Police Station, Ghaziabad.”

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/chtya-samajh-rhi-hai-kya-viral-video-of-ghaziabad-police-officer-threatening-woman-to-file-fake-rape-case-against-her-husband-sparks-online-outrage

‘Case Mein Kuch Nahin Hai,’ Says Robert Vadra After Appearing At ED Office Over Gurugram Land Case (Video)

“Case mein kuch nahin hai yaar… I hope there is a conclusion. They call me when they want to digress from the original issues,” Vadra said. He added that whenever he speaks in favour of the country, he is stopped, and it is all just a “political vendetta” by the BJP.

‘Case Mein Kuch Nahin Hai,’ Says Robert Vadra After Appearing At ED Office Over Gurugram Land Case | ANI

After reaching the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Gurugram land case in the national capital on Tuesday, Businessman Robert Vadra expressed his discontent over the matter, stating that there was “nothing” in the case and hoped for a conclusion in the investigation.

Robert Vadra’s Statement

“Case mein kuch nahin hai yaar… I hope there is a conclusion. They call me when they want to digress from the original issues,” Vadra said.

He added that whenever he speaks in favour of the country, he is stopped, and it is all just a “political vendetta” by the BJP.

“I hope there is a conclusion… They call me when they want to digress from the original issues… When I speak in favour of the country, I am stopped; Rahul is stopped from speaking in the Parliament. BJP is doing it. This is a political vendetta. People love me and want me to join politics… When I express my willingness to join politics, they bring up old issues to bring me down and divert from the real issues,” Vadra said.

Referring to the number of times he had appeared before the ED, Vadra expressed frustration over the length of time it had taken to find anything in the case.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/case-mein-kuch-nahin-hai-says-robert-vadra-after-appearing-at-ed-office-over-gurugram-land-case

 

Supreme Court slams UP, Allahabad HC for bail to child trafficking accused; sets 6-month deadline for trial in such cases

Importantly, the Court said that if a new born is stolen from hospital, the first step to be taken is to cancel the license of the concerned hospital.

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Tuesday laid down extensive guidelines to be followed by States to prevent child trafficking and to deal with cases involving child trafficking offences.

A Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan also directed High Courts across the country to issue directions to lower courts to complete trial in child trafficking cases in six months.

“State governments shall take a look at the detailed recommendations by us and study the report which was submitted by Bhartiya Institute and implement the same at the earliest. High Courts across the country are directed to call for status of pending trial in child trafficking cases. Then directions shall be issued to complete trial in 6 months and also conduct day to day trial,” the Court ordered.

Any laxity showing to implement the directions would be taken seriously and be treated as contempt of court, the Bench added.

Importantly, the Court said that if a new born is stolen from hospital, the first step to be taken is to cancel the license of the concerned hospital.

“If any new born is trafficked from a hospital, the first step should be suspend the license of such hospitals. if any lady comes to deliver a child to the hospital and the baby is stolen, the first step is suspension of license,” the Court ordered.

The Court issued the directions while hearing anticipatory bail pleas filed by accused in a child trafficking case from Uttar Pradesh.

The top court today slammed both the Allahabad High Court and the Uttar Pradesh government for the manner in which they dealt with the matter.

“The High Court dealt with bail applications callously and it led to many accused to abscond. These accused pose serious threat to society. Least which was required from High Court while granting bail was to impose a condition to mark presence in police station every week. The police lost track of all accused persons,” the Court opined.

As regards the State, the Court said,

“We are thoroughly disappointed how State of UP handled this and why no appeal was made. No seriousness was showing worth the name,” the Court stated.

The case involved a stolen baby being delivered to a couple who were desirous of having a son.

“It appears the accused was longing for a son and then got a son got for ₹4 lakh. If you desire a son.. you cannot go for a trafficked child. He knew that the baby was stolen,” the Court noted.

Directions shall be issued by High Courts to complete trial in child trafficking cases within 6 months and also to conduct day to day trial.
Supreme Court
Therefore, the Court proceeded to cancel the bail granted to the accused.

“All accused directed to surrender and they shall be sent to judicial custody. We direct CJM Varanasi and ACJM Varanasi to commit the cases to court of sessions within two weeks. Charges shall be framed within one week. If it’s informed that some accused have absconded, the trial court to issue non bailable warrants. Trial of those present shall go on and not be delayed. Once charge is framed concerned court shall proceed on recording of evidence preferably within a week. Three special public prosecutors to be appointed by state and police protection to be given to the witnesses. We direct that trafficked children are admitted in school under Right to Education Act and continue to provide them education. The trial court to pass orders with regard to compensation under BNSS and the UP state law as well,” the Court ordered.

Source: https://www.barandbench.com/news/supreme-court-slams-up-allahabad-hc-for-bail-to-child-trafficking-accused-sets-6-month-deadline-for-trial-in-such-cases

Couple Horrified After Stranger Slips Note Into Their Bedroom Window At 3 AM! Here’s What It Read…

A woman’s Reddit post went viral on social media and left the internet petrified for all the obvious reasons. As per the post, the Redditor and her partner were left scared after a stranger allegedly slipped a ‘note’ into their ‘bedroom window’ at around 3 AM in the morning. Here’s what the note read…

Woman’s Reddit post goes viral.
Photo : iStock

What was supposed to be a regular night for a young couple living together, turned into a petrifying one at around 3 AM in the early morning! Taking to social media, a woman shared an incident on Reddit. Opening up about the matter, the 20-year-old woman- allegedly living with her 22-year-old partner- shared that the duo woke up at around 3:15 AM in the morning, after hearing the sound of someone writing something on a piece of paper and tearing it apart. Switching to ‘alert’ mode, the women began to find the source of the sound, only to realise that a stranger was near their bedroom window! The stranger then allegedly slipped the same note into the duo’s bedroom window. As soon as the stranger left, the couple opened the note- ONLY to find a contact number written on it. As bizarre as it may sound, the note further read that the stranger had lost the duo’s contact number- in return giving them a number to call- to reconnect.
As per the post, the couple informed about the same to their landlord, and decided not to call the number. The woman also clarified that the duo only moved to the ground floor apartment last year in September, speculating that the stranger was possibly at the house for someone else.
The troubled couple also called the ‘non-emergency line’ the next morning, however, the authorities left as nothing happened after the incident.

Times Now could not confirm the location and the authenticity of the post. The netizens, on the other hand, suggested that they call the police and not call the number.

“Stranger slipped a note into my bedroom window,” the post read.
“My partner (f22) and I (f20) were woken up this morning at 3:15ish am with the sound of someone writing a note and ripping the page out to put inside our cracked window. The sound of the page ripping woke me up, but I have the feeling they may have tried opening it as well.
The note has a named listed and a phone number, and it states that the writer of the note has lost our number, but neither of us know this person or number listed. We called the non emergency line as once we had gotten up (and shut all our windows) as nothing else had happened and they had left the scene,” the post read.
The video was shared on Reddit, by the handle ‘Ok-Alarm-3382’. The post was shared a day ago and pulled more than 800K likes from people.
Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/viral/couple-horrified-after-stranger-slips-note-into-their-bedroom-window-at-3-am-here-what-it-read-viral-reddit-post-article-151425129

8-10 Hour Interrogations, Asks For Quran, Pen & Paper: Inside 26/11 Mastermind Tahawwur Rana’s NIA Custody

Tahawwur Rana, extradited from the US, is being interrogated daily by the NIA for up to ten hours over the 26/11 attacks, with officials probing a larger conspiracy and ensuring legal and medical access.

Tahawwur Rana Rana, 64, extradited from the US, is being interrogated daily by the NIA for up to ten hours.

Tahawwur Rana, the key mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, is currently undergoing intense interrogation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), according to sources cited by news agency PTI. He is reportedly being questioned for up to ten hours each day. Rana arrived in New Delhi on Thursday after being extradited from the United States.
The NIA aims to unravel a larger conspiracy behind the deaded strikes, which killed 166 people and injured over 230.
The NIA officials are ensuring Rana’s medical check-up and he is being allowed t meet his lawyer, according to the order of a Delhi court that had on early Friday morning granted 18-day custody to the probe agency following his extradition from the US.

Rana is currently held in a high-security cell at the NIA headquarters in Delhi CGO Complex. PTI sources said that he has been cooperating with investigators led by Chief Investigating Officer Jaya Roy. Rana has requested a pen, some paper on notepad, and a Quran.
According to PTI sources, there has not been any specific food-related demand raised by Rana so far and he is being provided with “food items which are given to any other accused” according to the standard protocols meant to deal with such subjects.
“Rana has been cooperating during the questioning,” a source said, adding that a team of NIA officials led by Chief Investigating Officer Jaya Roy is interrogating him.
Rana is being grilled on the basis of various leads gathered by the probe agency during the course of its investigation, including a large number of phone calls between him and his co-conspirator David Coleman Headley alias Daood Gilani.

NIA, earlier on Sunday, dissected dozens of phone calls between Rana and his childhood friend and Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, using them to piece together the larger conspiracy that spanned continents.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/8-10-hour-interrogations-asks-for-quran-pen-paper-inside-tahawwur-ranas-nia-custody-article-151419957

Woman With World’s Largest Mouth Eats A Whole Burger With 10 Patties In One Go

Marie Pearl Zelmer Robinson from the US set a Guinness World Record for the largest mouth gape at 7.62 cm, surpassing the previous record of 2.56 inches.

Marie Pearl Zelmer Robinson’s mouth measures an astounding 7.62 centimetres (3 inches).

In a revelation that’s as startling as it is fascinating, a woman from the United States – Marie Pearl Zelmer Robinson – has officially secured her place in the Guinness World Records as the woman with the largest mouth gape in the world, a distinction she claims was hiding in plain sight for years.

Measuring an astounding 7.62 centimetres (3 inches) when fully agape, Marie’s mouth easily eclipses the previous record of 2.56 inches held by Samantha Ramsdell. She can effortlessly fit a towering burger stacked with ten patties between her jaws – a feat that defies belief until witnessed in person.

But Robinson’s record-setting moment could have come much sooner – if not for an unfortunate scheduling conflict. Back in 2021, she had a chance to claim the title when her hometown hosted an event associated with Guinness World Records. Ironically, the occasion had nothing to do with mouths but with wellies: nearly 2,000 people gathered to break the record for the world’s largest Wellington boot race. Marie, however, had to miss the event – duty called at the courier business she runs with her husband.

It wasn’t until she stumbled across online videos showcasing the reigning male and female record-holders for the largest mouth gape that Marie realised she might have them beat – quite literally by a wide margin. “I was watching the videos and I thought, ‘Wait a second, there’s a record for that? And people are measuring it?'” she recalled with a laugh. “I grabbed a ruler, looked in the mirror, and thought – I can totally do that,” she said.

Watch the viral video:

Marie’s unique ability to stretch her mouth isn’t just about muscle flexibility or freak genetics. In fact, the phenomenon has a physiological twist. She describes her jaw as being positioned unusually high – so much so that she can feel it extend into her ear canal, something she says is extremely rare.

Source: https://www.news18.com/viral/woman-with-worlds-largest-mouth-eats-a-whole-burger-with-10-patties-in-one-go-ws-kl-9298881.html

 

‘Failed To Ensure Safety’: Influencer Shares Ordeal, Raises Concerns About MakeMyTrip’s Accountability

Screengrab of the viral video

In a recent incident, Naya Khullar, a tarot card reader and social media influencer, accused MakeMyTrip of negligence, alleging that the company’s mismanagement compromised her family’s safety during their trip to the Khatushyam Ji Temple in Rajasthan.

The incident has triggered fresh concerns over traveller safety and customer support accountability in India’s booming tourism sector.

Influencer Naya Khullar shared a video on Instagram, alleging that MakeMyTrip’s arranged driver was late, prompting her family to book another cab to return to Delhi. However, the original driver allegedly became aggressive, demanding payment despite not rendering the service.

In the video, Naya claimed the MMT’s driver threatened to follow them to Delhi and their home, raising fears for their safety.

“MMT failed to ensure our safety! We are at Khatushyam Baba, and this is what happens when you book through MakeMyTrip! I’m in fear for the safety of my family and my life. If anything happens to me and my family, then MakeMyTrip will be responsible,” she said in the video.

“I’m stuck at Khatushyam Baba, and he is not letting go. He has been threatening us. We booked the driver for Rs 2000 at night, but he didn’t come on time. We had a discussion, and he misbehaved. I’ve women and family travelling with me,” Naya added. The lack of proper arrangements and immediate customer support, she said, left the family feeling vulnerable.

Following her public post, a MakeMyTrip representative reportedly reached out and assured her that safety measures were being taken. “We understand your agony, and we regret the inconvenience caused. We request you to provide the detail related to your concern in DM along with your contact details and booking ID so that we can investigate the issue at the earliest.”

Source: https://www.news18.com/viral/failed-to-ensure-safety-influencer-shares-ordeal-raises-concerns-about-makemytrips-accountability-ws-kl-9299115.html

Afternoon Digest: Twist In Saif Ali Khan Case, Katra To Srinagar In Just 3 Hrs & Other Top Stories

We are also covering: Sensex Rallies Over 1,600 Points, Nifty Tops 23,300; Katra To Srinagar In Just 3 Hours and Bengaluru Woman Assaulted After Husband Spotted Her With A Male Friend, among other stories.

In today’s afternoon digest News18 brings you latest updates on New Twist In Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Case; Tahawwur Rana ‘Smiled, Laughed’ Weeks Before 26/11 Mumbai Attack and MS Dhoni Questions Logic Behind Him Winning POTM, among other top stories.

Actor Saif Ali Khan was stabbed by an intruder at his Bandra residence in January.

In a big twist in the Saif Ali Khan’s stabbing case, the chargesheet has revealed that the crucial fingerprint samples collected from inside the actor’s Mumbai flat did not match with that of the accused Shariful Islam. Nearly ⁠20 samples were sent to the state CID’s Fingerprint Bureau, of which 19 did not match with that of the accused.

While the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is questioning Tahawwur Rana in a high security cell inside the agency’s headquarters, he himself told the US court how he reacted when he was briefed on the 26/11 Mumbai terror plot by David Headley, the Pakistani-American operative who conducted surveillance for Lashkar-e-Taiba. The NIA is also looking for the men who prepared Headley’s documents on the order of Rana and worked in his travel agency.

Chennai Super Kings snapped their losing streak by beating Lucknow Super Giants in an IPL 2025 match held at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Monday night. The MS Dhoni-led outfit produced a vastly improved show across departments for a confidence-boosting five-wicket win – their second in seven matches of the season so far.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/news18-afternoon-digest-twist-in-saif-ali-khan-case-as-accuseds-fingerprints-not-found-in-actors-flat-other-top-stories-9299582.html

 

GPS spoofing: Every mission was achieved as planned, says IAF

GPS spoofing: Every mission was achieved as planned, says IAF

GPS spoofing: Every mission was achieved as planned, says IAF

New Delhi, After sources in the military establishment suggested that Indian Air Force’s transport aircraft carrying relief materials to earthquake-hit Myanmar late last month faced “GPS spoofing”, the IAF has said its crew are well capable to handle such situations, and “every mission was achieved as planned”.

GPS spoofing can be considered to be a form of cyber attack that includes generating false GPS signals to mislead an aircraft. The false signals result in misleading the navigation equipment, posing a significant risk to the aircraft.

“The possibility of degraded GPS availability was published by the Mandalay International airport as NOTAM and all due precautions were put in place to cater for such conditions,” the IAF said in a post on X on Monday.

NOTAM or ‘Notice to Airmen’ is a notice filed with an aviation authority that seeks to alert pilots of an aircraft of potential hazards.

“IAF crew are well capable to handle such unavailability, while ensuring safety of flight and achievement of the designated task or mission. Accordingly, every mission was achieved as planned,” the IAF added.

India sent the first consignment of relief materials to Myanmar on March 29 in a C-130J aircraft and its pilots reported that the plane’s GPS signal was tampered with when it was in Myanmar’s airspace, sources told PTI on Sunday.

New Delhi sent a total of six military transport aircraft to Myanmar, transporting relief materials, field hospitals and rescue teams, with a majority of them experiencing GPS spoofing, they said.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/gps-spoofing-every-mission-was-achieved-as-planned-says-iaf-101744688393392.html

All about 125-year-old extradition treaty India is using to bring Mehul Choksi from Belgium

The treaty was first signed on 29 October 1901 between Britain, who was ruling India at the time, and Belgium and underwent amendments in 1907, 1911, and 1958.

Mehul Choksi was arrested in Belgium on Saturday.(File/ANI )

Mehul Choksi, a fugitive diamond trader accused of defrauding the Punjab National Bank of over ₹13,500 crore, has been arrested in Belgium after a seven-year-long struggle by Indian agencies to extradite him to India.

Mehul Choksi was arrested on Saturday while he was reportedly preparing to flee to Switzerland citing medical reasons. However, Belgium authorities acted swiftly on request of Indian investigation agencies – Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) and arrested him.

Wasting no time, Indian agencies reportedly made use of an almost 125-year-old extradition treaty between India and Belgium and have requested Choksi’s extradition so he can be tried for the charges levied against him.

India-Belgium extradition treaty
The treaty was first signed on 29 October 1901 between Britain, which was ruling India at the time, and Belgium and underwent amendments in 1907, 1911, and 1958. However, after India gained independence, the two countries (India and Belgium) decided to continue the treaty through an exchange of letters in 1954.

The treaty agrees to extradite people accused or charged of committing serious crimes if found on each other’s soil. A person can be extradited between India and Belgium for some serious crimes such as murder, manslaughter, forgery or counterfeiting of money, fraud, rape, extortion, illegal drug trafficking, and more.

Key features of the treaty

    • Dual criminality is a major key feature to seek anyone’s extradition between India and Belgium. It means that the crime the person is accused of or charged with shall be considered a punishable crime in both the countries.
    • Enough and strong evidence of either conviction of the said criminal/accused or their crimes, in case they are yet to be tried, shall be presented by the country seeking extradition.
    • Neither country is obliged to extradite their own citizen(s).
    • An extradition request can be denied if it is found to be politically motivated or for political crimes.
    • The treaty also puts a certain timeline on the extradition process. If the country seeking extradition of an accused or a criminal does not make a formal request within 14 days of the said person’s arrest, that person may be released. The person can also be released if enough proof of their crime is not presented within two months of their arrest.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/all-about-125-year-old-extradition-treaty-india-is-using-to-bring-mehul-choksi-from-belgium-101744687660188.html

Karnataka truckers go on indefinite strike against fuel price hike, toll harassment

Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents Association (FOKSLOAA) launched this strike.

The truckers’ strike may affect the economic activities in the state severely,(Representational Image)

Karnataka based trucks that transport goods within and outside the state came to a screeching halt as a key lorry operators association launched its idefinite strike against fuel price hikes and toll-related issues, starting midnight between Monday and Tuesday.

Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents Association (FOKSLOAA) launched this strike, condemning the fuel price hike and alleged harassment they face at toll plazas.

The association is an umbrella organisation of 129 truckers associations with six lakh members — drivers, agents and truck owners.

The trucks keep off the road as strike began.

The truckers’ strike may affect the economic activities in the state severely, increasing the prices of essential commodities.

Harish Sabharwal, president, All India Motor Transport Congress told PTI that the initial response shows that stir is successful. According to him, neither the trucks from any part of India would enter Karnataka, nor trucks from the state will go out.

Somasundaram Balan, Honorary General Secretary of FOKSLOAA, alleged that the state government has not yet responded to its requests to address its grievances, which compelled the truckers to go on strike.

The association gave a call for an indefinite strike demanding to solve critical and long-standing issues faced by the road transport sector in the state.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/karnataka-truckers-go-on-indefinite-strike-against-fuel-price-hike-toll-harassment-101744698043702.html

Who was trying to mislead IAF aircraft taking aid to Myanmar?

The Indian Air Force’s C-130J Hercules, tasked with delivering aid to Myanmar after the March 2025 earthquake, fell victim to GPS spoofing, raising suspicions about the involvement of foreign actors in the disruption

(File) In this image released by @IAF_MCC via X on Sunday, March 30, 2025, IAF planes prepare for the Operation Brahma, the HADR mission to earthquake-hit Myanmar. PTI

For the Indian Air Force pilots of the C-130J Hercules aircraft that took off from Hindon Airbase with tonnes of relief materials for Myanmar—struck by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake followed by intermittent aftershocks on March 29, 2025—the GPS spoofing encountered in Myanmar’s skies must have come as a surprise. Professional and well-trained as they are, they immediately switched to backup systems, ensuring the safety of both aircraft and crew. They effectively put their training to use under unexpected and challenging conditions.

The origin of this electronic interference is certainly foreign. It sends a clear message to those who attempted this below-the-belt attack on a military aircraft engaged in a peace mission.

The question is: who carried out these dirty attempts targeting aircraft involved in humanitarian missions to Myanmar?

Mapping GPS spoofing over Myanmar

Below is a screenshot from the website GPSJam.org, which uses publicly available flight data to identify areas of likely GPS disruption worldwide. On March 29, 2025, GPS interference levels were indeed high. This kind of interference is not unique to Myanmar, as reports from around the world have revealed an increasing frequency of GPS spoofing incidents. In late August of the previous year, for example, pilots in the West Asia or the Middle East, reported their navigation systems being hijacked by fake GPS signals, causing them to be thrown hundreds of miles off course. This type of interference resulted in a complete loss of navigational capability in some instances, forcing pilots to rely on air traffic controllers for directions, according to an article by Amy Mackinnon in Foreign Policy.

According to GPSJam.org’s data from March 29, there are strong indications of GPS spoofing or jamming activity in the skies over southern Myanmar—particularly around Yangon and the Irrawaddy Delta (marked in blue). A dense red cluster on the map marks areas with significant GPS interference (greater than 10 per cent), pointing to concentrated disruption of satellite navigation systems in that airspace.

These red zones—indicating high interference—are notably concentrated around Yangon and stretch toward the southern coastline. The localised and isolated pattern suggests deliberate electronic interference, possibly involving spoofing, jamming or other forms of electronic warfare. Spoofing, in particular, is a more dangerous phenomenon than jamming, as it involves the transmission of false signals that mislead aircraft systems into calculating incorrect positions. As experts have pointed out, spoofing is particularly dangerous because it can “infect” the aircraft’s inertial reference system (IRS), essentially disabling the aircraft’s ability to navigate properly as Mackinnon wrote in the Foreign Policy.

The Coco Islands: A strategic link

Of particular interest is the area’s relative proximity to the Coco Islands. Though under Myanmar’s control, these islands have long been subject to speculation about the presence of signals intelligence (SIGINT) and radar facilities. Located just north of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Coco Islands are approximately 300 to 400 kilometres southwest of the red hotspot. If equipped with long-range electronic warfare systems, installations there could potentially project interference into Myanmar’s mainland airspace.

The timing and geographic isolation of the interference—especially when the surrounding region shows minimal disruption—suggest a targeted activity. While the exact source remains unidentified, the pattern supports the theory that military or intelligence-linked installations may be involved, either on the Coco Islands or elsewhere in the region. As Todd Humphreys, a professor of aerospace engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, noted, the use of spoofing technology has become increasingly common in regions with heightened military tension, such as the Middle East and Eastern Europe, where it is used as a missile-defence technique, as reported in an article by Matt Berg for Politico.

Deliberate electronic warfare or random interference?

The GPS spoofing over Myanmar on March 29 appears deliberate and concentrated. The data points to a possible operational footprint extending from nearby strategic locations. Given recent developments and infrastructure upgrades in the area, the situation warrants further investigation and monitoring to determine the scope and intent behind the interference.

The IAF’s statement on April 14, 2025, acknowledging “temporary navigational anomalies” experienced by one of its transport aircraft near Myanmar on March 29, significantly reinforces concerns about active GPS spoofing or jamming in the region. This incident, analysed alongside independent GPS interference data and known developments on the Coco Islands, presents a compelling case for a coordinated electronic warfare presence affecting regional airspace.

Source: https://www.firstpost.com/india/who-was-trying-to-mislead-iaf-aircraft-taking-aid-to-myanmar-13879803.html

 

Punjab LoP Bajwa booked after being quizzed by police over ’50 bombs’ claim

The case was registered against Bajwa at Cyber Crime police station in Mohali under sections 197(1)(d) (false and misleading information that endangers country’s sovereignty and unity) and 353(2) (false statements intend to create enmity and hatred or ill will) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, sources said.

Punjab Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa Credit: X/@Partap_Sbajwa

Chandigarh: Hours after being quizzed over his “50 bombs have reached Punjab” claim, police on Sunday booked Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the state assembly Partap Singh Bajwa on charges of giving misleading information that endangers country’s sovereignty and unity.

The case was registered against Bajwa at Cyber Crime police station in Mohali under sections 197(1)(d) (false and misleading information that endangers country’s sovereignty and unity) and 353(2) (false statements intend to create enmity and hatred or ill will) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, sources said.

Earlier in the day, a two-member team of Punjab Police reached the residence of Bajwa and questioned him over his claims even as Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann asked the Congress leader to reveal the source of his information, questioning if he “had direct links with Pakistan”.

Sticking to his statement, Bajwa said he cooperated with the police team but refused to divulge his sources.

The Congress accused the AAP government of trying to “intimidate him out of sheer political vendetta” and asked it not to divert the public attention from the “serious threat that has been posed to peace and harmony in Punjab”.

Bajwa said, “It is deeply unfortunate that Mann is running the government not with the intent to serve the people of Punjab but to carry out personal vendettas. Today’s events stand as clear testimony to the AAP government’s misuse of power.”

Earlier, Mann lashed out at Bajwa over his claims, saying neither Punjab Police Intelligence nor a Central intelligence agency has shared any such information.

The chief minister said strict action will be taken if Bajwa’s statement was meant only to “create panic”.

In an interview to a private television channel, Bajwa claimed, “I have come to know that 50 bombs have reached Punjab. Of this, 18 have exploded, 32 are yet to go off.”

The Qadian MLA’s claims came amid several grenade attacks in the state in recent months.

A team of Punjab Police comprising Assistant Inspector General of Police Ravjot Kaur Grewal and Mohali Superintendent of Police (City) Harbir Atwal on Sunday visited the residence of Bajwa and questioned the source of his statement.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/punjab/punjab-lop-bajwa-booked-after-being-quizzed-by-police-over-50-bombs-claim-3492338

Bengaluru man attempts suicide near Raj Bhavan, wanted to attract media attention

Zuhail Ahmed, a resident of Hebbal, doused himself in petrol around 4.30 pm while reporters had gathered to cover a politician’s press briefing. Reporters intervened, snatching a plastic bottle from him. The police said he was not carrying a matchbox or lighter.

Karnataka Raj Bhavan. Credit: rajbhavan.karnataka.gov.in

Bengaluru: A 26-year-old man attempted to kill himself near Raj Bhavan on Sunday, in what the police described as an effort to garner media attention.

Zuhail Ahmed, a resident of Hebbal, doused himself in petrol around 4.30 pm while reporters had gathered to cover a politician’s press briefing. Reporters intervened, snatching a plastic bottle from him. The police said he was not carrying a matchbox or lighter.

Bystanders poured water on Ahmed and handed him over to the police. He was booked by the Vidhana Soudha police for causing public nuisance.

Speaking to reporters, Ahmed alleged that he had been assaulted by his wife and admitted to a hospital. He claimed he wanted to draw the media’s attention to his plight.

A police officer familiar with the case said the Chikkaballapur police had earlier booked Ahmed under IPC Section 498A (cruelty by a husband or his relatives) following a complaint filed by his wife.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/bengaluru-man-attempts-suicide-near-raj-bhavan-wanted-to-attract-media-attention-3492419

CCTV Footage Shows Horrific Abduction Of 5-Year-Old Girl Raped & Murdered In Karnataka; Accused Killed In Police Encounter

CCTV Footage Shows Horrific Abduction Of 5-Year-Old Girl Raped & Murdered In Karnataka; Accused Killed In Police Encounter | (Photo Courtesy: X/@SachinGuptaUP)

The CCTV footage, captures the accused Nitesh Kumar, carrying the little girl in his arms, leading her away from a residential lane in Hubli, near the area where her mother worked as a domestic help.

 In the shocking rape and murder case of a 5-year-old girl in Karnataka, a CCTC footage has surfaced, which shows the accused abducting the child from a residential area in Hubli.

The accused, identified as Nitesh Kumar (35) from Patna, Bihar, was shot dead in an encounter with the police after he allegedly attacked officers while in custody, on Sunday, April 13.

The CCTV footage, now in possession of the Hubli police, captures Kumar carrying the little girl in his arms, leading her away from a residential lane near the area where her mother worked as a domestic help. As per reports, the child was accompanying her mother for work on the day the incident took place. Shortly after, the girl went missing.

Have a look at the shocking video here:

According to reports, the girl’s lifeless body was discovered in a nearby vacant building hours later. Police officials told ANI that the CCTV footage played a crucial role in identifying and tracking the accused, who was later booked under the POCSO Act on charges of rape and murder.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/cctv-footage-shows-horrific-abduction-of-5-year-old-girl-raped-murdered-in-karnataka-accused-killed-in-police-encounter

Pimple, A Strong Enough Reason To Quit! Man Leaves Job After Citing Pimple As ‘Health Issue’

A woman’s Reddit post left the netizens shocked and speechless at the same time, soon after getting shared. As per the post, an employee at the Redditor’s office ended up leaving the job- after citing a ‘pimple’ as a ‘health issue’.

Man leaves job because of a pimple.
Photo : iStockThe ample number of skincare products that are ruling the market somewhat also explains the value many have for ‘flawless skin’ all around the world. From using all kinds of products to maintaining a great diet and impressive water intake- there are quite a few ways which are considered beneficial for healthy skin. However, among all the methods, ‘quitting job’ for better skin surely turned out to be something ‘new’! Taking to social media, a woman narrated an incident on Reddit. As per the Reddit post, the woman’s company hired a man for a post that involved working with machinery. The machinery allegedly also ‘needed to be cleaned with ethanol’, making the chemical an everyday thing for the man. However, just after working for a month, the man ended up leaving the job- citing a ‘pimple’ as a ‘health issue’.
As per the post, the man texted the woman saying that he never had a pimple before but got one after working with the chemicals. The post went viral in an instant, leaving people laughing, shocked and speechless- all at the same time.
Times Now could not confirm the authenticity of the incident.

“Coworker resigned after getting a Pimple,” the post read.

“We hired a new guy last month. To work in our manufacturing line. Job description included working with machinery in a temperature and humidity controlled space. The machinery needed to be cleaned with ethanol. That was the extent to which he would be involved with chemical solvents. After training the guy for a month, he sent me a text one morning citing health issues due to using chemicals,” the post read.
“The health issue was that he got a pimple on his forehead. And he never grew any pimples at all. Therefore it had to be because he was exposed to chemicals during work and he couldn’t work with us any longer,” added another.
The post was shared on Reddit, by the handle ‘lstsmle331’. The post was shared 4 days ago and pulled more than 6K upvotes from people.
Check out the viral post:

“We once had a new coworker who was allergic to everything. No one in the office could wear scented anything. One day we had an issue with a specialized printer. A repairman was working on it and was using canned air to clean it all out before putting it back together,” a user said.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/viral/man-leaves-job-after-citing-pimple-as-health-issue-viral-reddit-post-article-151412265

Marrying A US Citizen? Green Card Now Comes With Intense Interviews And Tighter Checks

Securing a green card through marriage to a US citizen is no longer an easy, straightforward process. Spouses or newly-weds will now be subjected to tougher interviews and intense vetting.

The US is cracking down on immigration-related fraud by increasing scrutiny of spouses of US citizens or newly-weds who are yet to enter the country. Gaining a green card through marriage is no longer a straightforward process under the Donald Trump administration.

The process of obtaining a green card through marriage to a US citizen or lawful permanent resident has become significantly more stringent, as American immigration authorities increase scrutiny over potential fraud. While marriage-based green card applications have historically included an interview stage, recent months have seen a shift toward more intense vetting.
The relaxed approach once seen under the Biden administration — including occasional interview waivers — has been scaled back. The stricter policies introduced during the Trump era continue to shape current immigration procedures.
According to a TOI report, immigration attorney Ashwin Sharma said that officials are now adopting a more investigative approach. “Officers will be looking deeper… leaning into their discretion more often than they did in the Biden years. They are already spending more time verifying marriages and we are seeing an increase in requests for evidence,” he said.

If the spouse applying for a green card resides abroad, the interview is conducted at the relevant US consulate, such as in India. Those already in the United States — for instance, on a non-immigrant H-1B visa — must apply for adjustment of status, with interviews carried out by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/us-donald-trump-tightens-green-card-rules-tougher-interviews-vetting-for-spouses-of-us-citizens-article-151412046

India has sent relief materials on six planes for earthquake-struck Myanmar. While in Myanmar airspace, an Indian aircraft faced ‘GPS spoofing’, a type of cyberattack that give wrong navigation signals to a pilot.

India has sent relief materials on six planes for earthquake-struck Myanmar. While in Myanmar airspace, an Indian aircraft faced ‘GPS spoofing’, a type of cyberattack that give wrong navigation signals to a pilot.

IAF with relief material in Myanmar
Photo : PTI

New Delhi: An Indian Air Force carrying relief material toearthquake-hit Myanmarlast month intercepted ‘GPS spoofing’, and the pilot’s timely action saved the aircraft from any untoward incident, revealed Defence sources, as per PTI. It was not clear if the attempt of GPS spoofing was made on all the six aircraft, but the pilot of the plane which faced the attack did inform all the pilots, the sources added.
GPS spoofing is a type of cyberattack in which the attackers try to confuse the pilot by sending false navigation. This makes them believe they are in wrong place and at times, causes crash like accidents as well.
On March 29, India sent the first consignment of relief materials to Myanmar in a C-130 J aircraft. Defence sources told PTI that the pilots reported that the plane’s GPS signal was tampered with when it was in Myanmar’s airspace.

A total of six military transport aircraft were sent to Myanmar that had relief materials and a majority of them experienced GPS spoofing, they said.

What Did Pilot Do To Tackle Cyberattack?
One of the pilot faced the GPS spoofing attack and immediately switched to the backup systems, sources in the military establishment said. The pilots activated the backup system called ‘inertial navigation system’ to prevent any significant damage due to the attack.
Indian Air Force has not issued any statement on the development. However, on any possible probe, sources said it is practically impossible to investigate such episodes if they take place in foreign airspace.
“The GPS spoofing must have been carried out by our adversary in the region,” said a source, quoted PTI.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/indian-air-force-plane-on-myanmar-relief-ops-faced-big-cyberattack-then-this-happened-article-151412159

Why Mehul Choksi’s Extradition Will Not Be Easy, PNB Scam Whistleblower Explains

Absconding diamantaire Mehul Choksi has been arrested in Belgium following an extradition request by Indian probe agencies for his involvement in the Rs 13,000 crore PNB bank loan ‘fraud’ case.

PNB Scam Whistleblower Hails Mehul Choksi’s Arrest In Belgium

Bengaluru-based entrepreneur Hariprasad SV, the whistle-blower of Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, hailed the arrest of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi on Monday, April 14. Mehul Choksi was arrested in Belgium on India’s request for his role in the PNB loan fraud case.
Speaking to ANI, Hariprasad termed it as “great news” not only for India but for all those who were cheated by him.
“Wow, Mehul Choksi getting arrested in Belgium is great news not only for India but also for all those who got cheated by him. The government must bring him back to India as soon as possible, and justice must be delivered,” he said.

“Apart from bringing him back, the most important thing is to get back all those billions of dollars he looted from India and stashed anywhere in the world. Hopefully, the Government of India will succeed this time. Great news,” Hariprasad said.

Mehul Choksi Arrested

Absconding diamantaire Mehul Choksi has been arrested in Belgium following an extradition request by Indian probe agencies for his involvement in the Rs 13,000 crore PNB bank loan “fraud” case.
The action against the second “prime suspect” in this case, after Choksi’s nephew diamantaire Nirav Modi, was taken on Saturday based on an extradition request moved by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Choksi was located in Belgium last year when he went there on the grounds of getting medical treatment. He had been staying in Antigua since 2018 after leaving India.
How PNB Scam Was Unearthed?
Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi allegedly siphoned off Rs 13,500 crore of public money from the state-run Punjab National Bank using fraudulent letters of undertaking.
On July 26, 2016, Hariprasad, in his letter to the Prime Minister’s office, has pointed out that the balance sheets of PNB clearly indictaed that something was amiss.
According to the investigating agencies, officials at PNB’s Brady House branch in Mumbai issued 165 LoUs and 58 FLCs during March-April 2017, against which 311 bills were discounted. These LoUs and FLCs were allegedly issued to Choksi’s firms without any sanctioned limit or cash margin and without making entries in PNB’s central banking system to evade any scrutiny in case of a default.

Amid Heat Wave Warning In Delhi, DU College Principal Coats Classroom With Cow Dung

Established in 1965, and named after Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, the college is located in Ashok Vihar and operates under the Delhi government. (Photo:X)

The principal of Delhi University’s Laxmibai College was seen applying cow dung on the walls of a classroom in an effort to combat the scorching heat in the national capital.

The principal, Pratyush Vatsala, herself shared a video of the act on the college’s internal teachers’ group, showing her coating the walls of the classroom with cow dung, a traditional Indian practice believed to regulate indoor temperatures.

The Principal said that the act was part of an ongoing project—Study of Heat Stress Control by Using Traditional Indian Knowledge— being undertaken by a faculty member.

“It is under process. I will be able to share details of the full research after a week. The research is being carried out in porta cabins. I coated one of them myself because there’s no harm in touching natural mud. Some people are spreading misinformation without knowing the full details,” she said.

In the video, Vatsala is seen applying cow dung on the walls with the help of her staff.

She shared the video herself in the college’s teachers’ group which later surfaced on social media. She noted that indigenous methods are being adopted to cool classrooms in C Block.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/amid-heat-wave-warning-in-delhi-du-college-principal-coats-classroom-with-cow-dung-video-9297840.html

Six Workers Killed In Explosion At Firecracker Factory In Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli

Firefighting operation is underway. (News 18)

At least six workers lost their lives and seven others sustained injuries after an explosion at a fireworks manufacturing plant in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli district on Sunday.

Upon receiving the information, fire department personnel and police reached the spot and began the rescue operations.

The injured were taken to the hospital for treatment.

All the victims in the incident belonged to the Samarlakota locality of the Kakinada district.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has also expressed shock over the death of six workers in the explosion. According to the CMO, the Chief Minister spoke with the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, and state Home Minister Anitha to gather details about the incident.

He directed officials to ensure the injured received the best possible medical care. He assured them the government would support the victims’ families and urged them to stay strong. He instructed officials to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and submit a report to him.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that the condition of two of the injured workers is critical.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/six-workers-killed-seven-injured-after-explosion-in-firecracker-factory-in-andhra-pradesh-ws-bl-9297374.html

680 Dolphins Spotted Off Gujarat Coast In Latest Census

This year, the spotlight is on the western coast of the country, where Gujarat – home to India’s longest coastline – has emerged as a significant hub for dolphin conservation.

India officially declared the dolphin as its National Aquatic Animal in October 2009 (Representational)

National Dolphin Day is celebrated across India on April 14, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the ecological importance of dolphins, their conservation, and the protection of their natural habitats.

This year, the spotlight is on the western coast of the country, where Gujarat – home to India’s longest coastline – has emerged as a significant hub for dolphin conservation.

With its 1,600 km-long coastline, Gujarat has a rich marine biodiversity. In the latest Dolphin Census conducted by the Gujarat Forest Department, approximately 680 dolphins were recorded across a 4,087 sq. km marine stretch – a promising outcome of sustained conservation efforts, as per government data shared today.

The coastal expanse from Kutch to Bhavnagar has been identified as a thriving habitat for dolphins.

The Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary located in the southern part of the Gulf of Kutch, between Okha and Navlakhi, recorded the highest dolphin population: 498 dolphins in 1,384 sq. km.

The northern Gulf of Kutch saw 168 dolphins in 1,821 sq. km, while 10 were spotted in Bhavnagar and 4 in Morbi.

Experts highlight that dolphins are top predators in the marine food chain and play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Their presence is often an indicator of a healthy ocean ecosystem.

Conservationists also credit coastal fishing communities, particularly from Kutch to Bhavnagar, for their growing awareness and cooperation in dolphin protection.

Among the species sighted along Gujarat’s coast, the Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin is the most prominent.

Recognised by its distinctive hump and elongated dorsal fin, this dolphin species is known for its acrobatic displays and friendly nature.

Found in shallow waters near estuaries, these dolphins feed primarily on fish, crabs, and shrimp.

India officially declared the dolphin as its National Aquatic Animal in October 2009, with the Ganga Dolphin symbolising the purity of the Ganges River.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/680-dolphins-spotted-off-gujarat-coast-in-latest-census-8156561

“Quite Bizarre”: UP Cop Hunts For Judge Instead Of Accused In Huge Mix-Up

The judge directed senior police officers, including the Uttar Pradesh police chief, to take action against Banwarilal so that “such unwarranted acts” were never repeated in future.

Representational Image

In a bizarre mix-up, a policeman in Uttar Pradesh’s Firozabad launched a hunt for a judge after writing down her name in place of the accused man on the proclamation order in a theft case.

The mix-up emerged last month when sub-inspector Banwarilal, who was assigned to serve a court notice to theft suspect Rajkumar, informed the chief judicial magistrate, Nagma Khan, that the accused “Nagma Khan” could not be found at her home despite a “thorough search”.

“When the attached NBW (non-bailable warrant) was served by me, then a thorough search was done at the mentioned address of Nagma Khan, and no accused of this name lives at the said address. Therefore, you are requested to please pass further orders,” he told the court.

In her March 24 order, Magistrate Khan said it was “quite bizarre” that Banwarilal had “little to no idea of what was sent by this court, who exactly sent it and against whom”.

“Without giving an inch of attention to the process, he first carelessly mentions the proclamation as an NBW and he then just wrote the name of the presiding officer quite blindly,” she said.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/up-cop-starts-looking-for-judge-nagma-khan-instead-of-accused-after-court-order-mix-up-8159218

Drugs Worth Rs 1,800 Crore Dumped By Smugglers In Gujarat Sea Off Seized

The seized contraband is suspected to be methamphetamine and has been handed over to the ATS for further probe, a release by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) said.

The smugglers, who were on a boat, dumped the contraband into the sea and fled across the IMBL.

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad and the Coast Guard have seized 300 kg of drugs valued at Rs 1,800 crore which were dumped into the Arabian Sea by smugglers before fleeing across the international boundary line, officials said on Monday.

The seized contraband is suspected to be methamphetamine and has been handed over to the ATS for further probe, a release by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) said.

The ATS and the Coast Guard carried out the joint operation near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in the Arabian Sea off Gujarat on the intervening night of April 12 and 13, said the release.

Upon seeing the approaching Coast Guard ship, the smugglers, who were on a boat, dumped the contraband into the sea and fled across the IMBL, it said.

“In an overnight operation on April 12-13, the Indian Coast Guard undertook an intelligence based anti-narcotics operation at the sea jointly with the Gujarat ATS. More than 300 kg of narcotics approximately valued at Rs 1,800 crore have been seized. The seized drug is suspected to be methamphetamine,” the release said.

Based on an input from the Gujarat ATS, an ICG ship from the Coast Guard Region (West) was diverted to that area in the sea near IMBL where a suspected boat’s presence was detected, it said.

“The ICG ship identified a suspect boat despite pitch dark night. On realising the approaching ship, the suspect boat dumped its narcotics consignment in the sea before it started fleeing towards the IMBL. The alert ICG ship deployed its sea boat immediately for recovery of the jettisoned consignment whilst commencing a hot chase of the suspect boat,” it said.

The proximity of the international boundary line and the initial separation between the Coast Guard ship and the boat at the time of its detection helped the boat to evade interception before it crossed over the IMBL within a short time, said the release.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/drugs-worth-rs-1-800-crore-dumped-by-smugglers-in-gujarat-sea-off-seized-8158967

India demonstrates ‘Star Wars’ capability to shoot down drones using laser weapon | Watch

The first successful trial of the Mk-II(A) Laser- Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system took place in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh today.

The Mk-II(A) Laser- Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system can shoot down drones and missiles in seconds(ANI)

India on Sunday conducted a successful trial of a laser-based weapon system that can disable fixed-wing and swarm drones, becoming one of the only four nations to have developed the technology. Apart from India, only the US, China and Russia can disable weapons using the technology.

In the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, the first successful trial of the Mk-II(A) Laser- Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system took place.

The high-power Laser-DEW is equipped with the technology to shoot down drones and smaller projectiles, the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) told ANI.

DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad, developed the system along with several academic institutions and Indian industries.

DRDO chairman Samir V Kamat told ANI, “As far as I know, it is the United States, Russia and China that have demonstrated this capability. Israel is also working on similar capabilities, I would say we are the fourth or fifth country in the world to demonstrate this system.”

‘Star Wars’ technology
Much like the Death Star in the popular movie series ‘Star Wars,’ the Laser-DEW also demonstrates similar capabilities. According to DRDO chairman Kamat, more such technologies are being developed by the Indian military.

He said, “This is just the beginning of the journey. The synergy that this lab has achieved with other DRDO labs, industry and academia, I am sure we will reach our destination soon.”

The chairman added, “We are also working on other high energy systems like high energy microwaves, electromagnetic pulse. So we are working on several technologies that will give us Star Wars capability. What you saw today was one of the components of Star Wars technologies.”

How does it work?
The Mk-II(A) Laser- Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) is one of the most potent counter drone systems in the world due to its lightning speed of engagement, precision and lethal action within a few seconds.

The laser system engages fixed-wing drones from a long range and can thwart multiple drone attacks at a time, destroying surveillance sensors and antennae.

Once a target is identified by the Laser-DEW system’s radar or its inbuilt Electro Optic (EO) system, it uses an intense beam of powerful light (Laser Beam) to cut through the target, causing structural failures or even more lethal damage.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-joins-us-china-russia-as-only-nation-to-have-star-wars-laser-weapon-101744547925596.html

‘Cash is always King’: UPI down again; netizens share anecdotes

Netizens shared pictures of other places they were stuck at since they could not complete the payment with UPI being down.

UPI transaction. Credit: iStock Images

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) users across India took to socal media on Saturday to complain about the service being down. This is the third time in less than a fortnight that UPI witnessed outages impacting transactions. In the recent past, UPI outage was reported on March 26 and April 2.

Laughing at the Indian online payment system, one user wrote on X: “#UPIDown again. So strange!! This is becoming way too frequent nowadays. First #UPI goes down, then banks declare their own “downtime” for UPI transactions. India ka online payment system 😂😂😂!”

Another shared the embarrassment one faces when UPI stops working during a payment.

“Just finished lunch like a boss but when I tried paying via UPI—boom! Server down. Now I’m just sitting in hotel like a wanted criminal full stomach but cooked RIP to me! 💀,” a social media user wrote on X.

Netizens also shared pictures of other places they were stuck at since they could not complete the payment with UPI being down.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/business/cash-is-always-king-upi-down-again-netizens-share-anecdotes-3491157

Probe Agency ED Takes Action On Key Properties In Congress-Linked Herald Case

The action has been taken under Section (8) and Rule 5(1) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Probe Agency Takes Action On Key Properties In Congress-Linked Herald Case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Saturday said it has issued notices to take possession of immovable assets worth Rs 661 crore that it had attached in a probe into the money laundering case against Congress-controlled Associated Journals Limited (AJL).

The notices, which seek vacation of the premises, were affixed at the Herald House at ITO in Delhi, at the premises in Bandra area of Mumbai and the AJL building located at Bisheshwar Nath Road in Lucknow on Friday, the central agency said in a statement.

The action has been taken under Section (8) and Rule 5(1) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The ED, the central agency which investigates financial crimes, attached these immovable assets in November 2023.

“These properties were attached after extensive investigation by ED which revealed signification generation, possession and use of proceeds of crime to the tune of Rs 988 crore. Therefore, to secure the proceeds of crime and to prevent the accused from dissipating the same, the immovable properties of AJL located at Delhi, Mumbai and Lucknow valued at Rs. 661 crore along-with the shares of AJL valued at 90.2 crores were attached by issuing provisional attachment order (PAO) dated 20.11.2023 by the Directorate of Enforcement and the same has been confirmed by the Ld. Adjudicating Authority on 10.04.2024,” said the agency.

The investigation by the ED into the case began in 2021, on the basis of an order issued on June 26, 2014, by the Metropolitan Magistrate Patiala House Courts in New Delhi. The case is based on a private complaint filed by BJP’s Subramanian Swamy.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/probe-agency-begins-process-of-taking-possession-of-herald-house-other-properties-in-national-herald-case-linked-to-congress-8147614

Legs Tied, Nails Pulled Out: Bear Tortured To Death, Video Shared Online

A forest officer said villagers tortured the animal to death. People can be jailed for up to two years for such crimes

The incident allegedly happened in a village in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma

A horrific video of cruelty against animals has surfaced on social media and gone viral. The incident involving a bear was reported from Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district.

A forest officer said villagers tortured the animal to death. People can be jailed for up to two years for such crimes.

The video showed the bear writhing in pain with its legs twisted and blood coming out from its mouth. Some men were seen hitting the animal with sticks. They also pulled out its nails.

One of them was seen pulling the ears of the bear, while another hit the animal on its head.

Chief Conservator of Forest RC Dugga said he has seen the video and is trying to find the people who tortured and killed the bear.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/legs-tied-bloody-mouth-bear-tortured-to-death-on-camera-in-chhattisgarh-8148900

Cop Killed, CRPF Soldier Injured After Maoists Trigger Bomb In Jharkhand

A policeman was killed and a paramilitary soldier was injured in a blast triggered by Maoists in a hilly area in Jharkhand.

A policeman was killed in a Maoist attack in Jharkhand

A policeman was killed and a paramilitary soldier was injured in a blast triggered by Maoists in a hilly area in Jharkhand.

The policeman, Sunil Dhan, was critically injured after an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Maoists exploded in the state’s hilly Chaibasa area, police said.

Vishnu Saini of the Central Reserve Police Force’s (CRPF) Cobra unit was also injured. The two were taken in a helicopter to the state capital Ranchi for treatment. However, Sunil Dhan died of critical injuries.

“Two jawans – one from CoBRA 203 battalion and another from Jharkhand Jaguar – were injured in the incident. Both have been airlifted to Ranchi for better treatment,” Kolhan DIG Manoj Ratan Chothe earlier told news agency PTI.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/police-personnel-dies-crpf-man-injured-as-maoists-explode-bomb-in-jharkhands-chaibasa-8149204

In NIA custody, Tahawwur Rana demands 3 things – Quran, pen and…

NIA continues questioning 26/11 conspirator Tahawwur Rana for a second day to investigate broader conspiracy. He is kept in a secured cell in New Delhi.

Tahawwur Rana was handed over to a team of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday and brought to Delhi on Thursday evening. (AFP)

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) questioned 26/11 Mumbai attacks conspirator Tahawwur Hussain Rana for the second consecutive day to probe a larger conspiracy of the series of coordinated strikes of 2008.

Tahawwur Rana is kept in a highly-secured cell, inside the NIA’s head office at CGO complex in New Delhi, being guarded by security personnel round the clock, news agency PTI reported, citing unnamed sources.

Official told HT that Tahawwur Rana is being treated “as any other arrested person with no special treatment”. He has been provided with a copy of the Quran at his request and is observed offering Namaz five times daily in his cell at the agency headquarters.

“He requested for a copy of Quran which we provided. He is seen offering Namaz five times in his cell,” said an officer, describing Rana as a “religious man”.

Besides the Quran, Rana asked for pen and paper, which have been provided, though he remains under close observation to ensure he doesn’t use the pen to harm himself. “Beyond that, he has not made any other demands,” the officer noted.

As per court directives, Rana is allowed to meet a lawyer provided by the Delhi Legal Services Authority (DLSA) every alternate day, and undergoes a medical examination every 48 hours. “All procedures are being followed, like for other arrested individuals,” confirmed another officer.

Rana was brought to the NIA headquarters early Friday morning after a Delhi court granted 18-day custody to the probe agency, following his extradition from the US.

Tahawwur Rana’s grilling continues

    • Tahawwur Rana is being questioned by a team of NIA officials as they try to piece together his exact role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks that left the country shaken over 16 years ago.
    • Unnamed sources told PTI that investigators are grilling him based on a series of leads, including dozens of phone calls between him and David Coleman Headley — also known as Daood Gilani — the American national who’s currently serving time in a US prison for his role in the plot.
    • Rana is also being asked about people he met in the lead-up to the attacks, especially a key contact in Dubai who, according to officials, may have been aware of the plan to target Mumbai.
    • The 64-year-old Canadian businessman, originally from Pakistan, is also under the scanner for his suspected links to Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI, and the terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, which carried out the strikes.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/in-nia-custody-tahawwur-rana-demanded-3-things-quran-pen-and-26-11-mumbai-attacks-questioning-101744502744774.html

Are Tatkal Ticket Booking Timings Changing? IRCTC Clarifies

IRCTC has issued a clarification stating that no such move has been planned. (Shutterstock)

Tatkal ticket timings: Amid the buzz on social media platforms regarding changes in Tatkal and Premium Tatkal train ticket booking timings, the Indian Railways has issued a statement clarifying that no such changes have been proposed or implemented.

The clarification came in wake of several misleading reports doing rounds the corner on social media platforms claiming that the Tatkal ticket booking timings have been revised.

“Some posts are circulating on Social Media channels mentioning about different timings for Tatkal and Premium Tatkal tickets. No such change in timings is currently proposed in the Tatkal or Premium Tatkal booking timings for AC or Non-AC classes. The permitted booking timings for agents also remain unchanged,” the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) said in statement shared on X.

Indian Railways has further urged the passengers to rely only on official sources for any information related to ticket booking rules and not to believe such rumours.

Current Timings For Tatkal Tickets
As per IRCTC, Tatkal tickets can be booked one day in advance of the journey date, excluding the day of travel, from the train’s originating station. It can be booked on the opening day from 10:00 IST for the AC class (2A/3A/CC/EC/3E) and at 11:00 IST for the non-AC class (SL/FC/2S). Tatkal bookings are allowed in all classes except First AC.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/are-tatkal-ticket-booking-timings-changing-irctc-clarifies-ws-kl-9296721.html

How India Is Making Bangladesh’s Yunus Pay For Cozying Up With Pakistan, China

In a recent interview with BBC Bangla, Yunus acknowledged that restoring functional bilateral ties with India was crucial for Bangladesh. He stated that the two nations remain ‘historically, politically, and economically’ connected and that their relationship is ‘fundamentally strong’.

PM Modi with Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh.

New Delhi’s withdrawal of the trans-shipment facility it had granted to Bangladesh for exporting various items to the Middle East, Europe and various other countries except Nepal and Bhutan has hit Dhaka hard. The move came in wake of the increasingly ‘anti-India stance’ of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government. The Foreign Ministry, however, said the privilege offered to Dhaka was withdrawn as it begun causing significant operational issues at Indian ports and airports
Among the worst affected by the withdrawal of the trans-shipment facility is the Bangladesh garment exporters, who had been reeling under huge stress due to global demand. “Primarily, finished branded ready-made garments were entering India for air transport to Europe and the US from Delhi and Mumbai airports. Bangladeshi exporters used air freight for high-value cargo to ensure faster delivery to clients. Traditional sea freight often involves delays due to congestion,” PCASWA secretary Kartik Chakraborty said told news agency PTI.
Transshipment cargo from Bangladesh for re-export through India grew by 46 per cent between the 2023-24 and 2024-25 fiscals at the Petrapole Land Port in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district, according to official data.

New Delhi’s move is seen as retaliation against the increasingly “anti-India stance” of the Muhammed Yunus-led interim government.

During his recent four-day trip to China, Yunuus described India’s Northeast as a “landlocked” region reliant on Dhaka for access to the ocean — remarks that triggered strong diplomatic backlash.
In a sharp rebuttal to Yunus, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the role of India’s cast 6,500-km coastline and its geographical linkages with five Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) members.

“India shares borders not only with five BIMSTEC members, connects most of them, but also provides much of the interface between the Indian sub-continent and ASEAN. Our North-Eastern region in particular is emerging as a connectivity hub for the BIMSTEC, with a myriad network of roads, railways, waterways, grids and pipelines,” Jaishankar said in a statement.
India Is Among 15 Sources Of FDI For Bangladesh
India is Bangladesh’s second-largest trading partner, and a foremost development partner with a development portfolio of US $8 billion. Dhaka relies substantially on foreign funds for its development and sustenance. However, amid increasing anti-India sentiment, trade has declined due to border closures, customs clearance issues, and increased security surveillance hindering the smooth flow of goods between the two countries.

Apart from that, several projects aimed to boost connectivity between both countries have also been put on hold, and public transportation has remained suspended since last June. This has not only led to losses for traders sending goods across the border, but has also created challenges for Bangladeshis looking for medical treatment in India.
India-Bangladesh Relations and the Pakistan Wildcard
While Yunus has publicly reassured that “there is no problem in our basic relationship (with India),” his government has repeatedly blamed India for the domestic chaos in Dhaka to shift responsibility.
Breaking the Awami League’s Hilsa diplomacy, Farida Akhter, the Yunus government prohibited the sale of Hilsa to India ahead of the Durga Puja, stating that there would not be enough for the domestic population. This decision – which appeased anti-India sentiments in Bangladesh – affected Hindu celebrations across the border, raising doubts over the interim government’s commitment to protecting the rights of its Hindu minorities.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/how-india-is-making-bangladeshs-yunus-pay-for-cozying-up-with-pakistan-china-article-151407027

India Is Not Fighting Back On Tariffs, Because It Doesn’t Have To – EXPLAINED

This week, global markets were rattled by a fresh wave of trade tensions triggered by new US tariffs, leading to sharp declines across Wall Street and Asian indices. While Indian markets also witnessed a steep drop, they showed notable resilience. In contrast to its neighbour China, India has taken a more cautious approach to navigating the tariff issue. Let’s take a deep dive into India’s strategy for tackling the tariff shock.

As the US and China engage in a trade war, a deep dive into India’s strategy for tackling the tariff issue.

New Delhi: Tariff hike, global market meltdown, and trade war were some of the buzzwords that dominated the headlines this week. April 7 brought several key global indices to their knees as Wall Street registered a 52-week low at the start of trade on Monday. The fallout was the outcome of a reciprocal tariff announcement by US President Donald Trump on April 2. Asian markets were also hit hard; however, compared to other major economies, India did not feel the impact as much, at least for now. The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which plunged over 3,000 points during early trade on Monday, showed some recovery to close the day down by just over 2,000 points.
The days that followed saw extreme global reactions, not-so-in-favour of Mr Trump, who insisted that his tariff move was doing “really well” for the US and his administration amid the fear of recession.

But with China, things got a bit too far. The tariff war that began in February gradually took the shape of a trade war between these two countries as they kept increasing tariffs in a tit-for-tat move. From 10% in February, the Trump administration kept on increasing the tariffs as currently it stands at a whopping 145%. China, too, has retaliated with a counter-tariff of 125% on US goods. Not only this, the US, in a bid to tame the dragon, announced a pause on tariffs for 90 days, except for China.

India, in the meantime, did not take China’s route of retaliation and chose a path of dialogue and trade talks. Firstly, the tariffs on New Delhi were comparatively lower than a few major economies, and secondly, Trump has been, so far, favourable to India’s approach to tariff hikes. India was slapped with a 26% reciprocal tariff; however, after the announcement of a pause for 90 days, the country only needs to pay a 10% baseline tariff for now.

Trump’s Tariffs Rattle World Markets — India Falls Least
The Indian market has shown resilience at a time when global indices are finding it tough to negotiate with Trump’s tariff shock. On April 7, the BSE Sensex plunged by 2,226.79 points or 2.95% to close at 73,137.90 and the Nifty 50 declined by 742.85 points or 3.24% to end at 22,161.60.

Compared to India, the Shanghai Composite tumbled over 8% intraday before closing 7.3% lower. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index posted a historic 13.2% crash — its steepest fall since the 2008 global financial crisis. Japan’s Nikkei 225 closed 7.8% lower, while Taiwan’s benchmark index recorded a staggering 9.7% decline, the worst in its history. Australia’s ASX 200 and South Korea’s Kospi were also hit hard, losing 4.2% and 5.6%, respectively.
Sensex looks set on its way to recovery as the Indian equity markets bounced back with strong momentum on April 9, adding Rs 7.32 lakh crore to investor wealth. The benchmark BSE Sensex surged 1,089.18 points or 1.49% to close at 74,227.08. On April 11, Indian equity markets surged as the Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex logged gains of over 1,100 points and 385 points, respectively in early trade.

India’s Way of Handling Tariff Shock

So far, India has taken a cautious approach as the focus seems to be on negotiations and bilateral trade talks to navigate the current tariff storm. As nations rush to adjust to the shifting tides of US trade policy — especially after Donald Trump’s sudden 90-day tariff pause following weeks of tough talk — India’s more insulated approach appears to have cushioned it from the shocks that have rattled more trade-reliant economies.

If Trump’s trade representative is to be believed, India is among a group of countries now planning to lower tariffs. Speaking to the Senate Finance Committee, Trump’s Trade Representative Jameson Greer said India is among several nations — including Argentina, Vietnam and Israel — that have expressed willingness to cut both tariff and non-tariff barriers under Trump’s push for “reciprocity” in trade. (quote source)
“Nearly 50 countries have approached me personally to discuss the President’s new policy and explore how to achieve reciprocity. And they’ve spoken with many members of the administration. Several of these, such as Argentina, Vietnam, India and Israel, have suggested that they will reduce their tariffs and non tariff barriers in line with the President’s policy,” he said.
Meanwhile, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal assured that the government is “keeping India’s interests at the forefront”.

We are working on a bilateral trade agreement as was decided between Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump in February… We had a series of engagements, all of which are going in the right direction. We are covering a wide area of subjects and products. I can assure businesspersons across the country that we are keeping India’s best interests at the forefront… Our bilateral trade agreement will power the economy towards Viksit Bharat 2047

– Piyush Goyal

On Monday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks on the tariff issue. According to US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, the discussion focused on moving toward a fair and balanced trade relationship between the two nations.
Other Measures Taken By India
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Wednesday announced a rate cut by 25 bps to 6% to push consumption demand. Despite the disruptions triggered by Trump’s tariffs, India is still on track to achieve its projected GDP growth of 6.3% to 6.8% for FY 2025-26, according to an Indian finance ministry official who spoke to CNBC on condition of anonymity. The forecast was outlined in the government’s Economic Survey released in January.

‘I Got the Murder Done’: Gangster Kapil Sangwan Posts Shocking Confession; Claims Hit Order On Delhi Property Dealer

London-based gangster Kapil Sangwan alias Nandu, took responsibility for the murder of a property dealer in New Delhi. The 52-year-old victim, Rajkumar Dalal, was gunned down in Paschim Vihar (East) on Friday, April 11, while he was on his way to the gym.

‘I Got the Murder Done’: Gangster Kapil Sangwan Posts Shocking Confession; Claims Hit Order On Delhi Property Dealer | (Photo Courtesy: X/@KaliKamlesh)

In a new development hinting at escalating gang rivalries, a gangster based in London took responsibility for the murder of a property dealer in New Delhi. The 52-year-old victim, Rajkumar Dalal, was gunned down in Paschim Vihar (East) on Friday, April 11, while he was on his way to the gym. According to reports, the attack took place when the two vehicles intercepted Dalal’s Toyota Fortuner and opened fire, pumping around 15 bullets into the car.

Sangwan’s Social Media Confession

The police’s suspicion of gang-related violence was confirmed when Kapil Sangwan, alias Nandu, claimed responsibility for the killing through a post on Facebook. Currently hiding in London, Nandu is wanted under an Interpol Red Corner Notice. In his post written in Hindi, he wrote, “I got the murder done. He used to occupy a plot for my enemy Manjeet Mahal. When out on parole, I met Manjeet Mahal and told him that whoever supports him would become my enemy.” He further warned, “Don’t play this victim card. You started it. I am going to finish it.”

The police believe the hit was premeditated, with the attackers likely surveying the area in advance. The precision and speed of the attack also suggest that the killers were highly organised.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/i-got-the-murder-done-gangster-kapil-sangwan-posts-shocking-confession-claims-hit-order-on-delhi-properly-dealer

Heart-Wrenching! 11-Yr-Old Boy Pulls Injured Brother On Scrap Cart Due To Unavailability Of Ambulance In UP’s Raebareli (VIDEO)

Due to the unavailability of an ambulance, an 11-year-old boy had to take his injured elder brother to the hospital using a scrap-pulling rickshaw. The video of the heartbreaking incident has hit the internet and has gone viral on social media.

11-Yr-Old Boy Pulls Injured Brother On Scrap Cart | X | @bstvlive

A shocking incident from Raebareli district has once again highlighted the poor state of healthcare and emergency services in Uttar Pradesh. Due to the unavailability of an ambulance, an 11-year-old boy had to take his injured elder brother to the hospital using a scrap-pulling rickshaw. The video of the heartbreaking incident has hit the internet and has gone viral on social media.

Details About The Incident

The incident took place in Hasanpur village of Unchahar area. A 13-year-old boy fell from a wall and was seriously injured. The family made several attempts to call an ambulance, but received no response.

With no help in sight, the younger brother who is just 11 years old placed the injured boy on a hand-pulled rickshaw usually used for collecting scrap, the same kind his father uses for a living, and dragged it all the way to the hospital. A woman, possibly their mother, was seen walking behind the cart, pushing it from the back.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/viral/heart-wrenching-11-yr-old-boy-pulls-injured-brother-on-scrap-cart-due-to-unavailability-of-ambulance-in-ups-raebareli-video

UP man arrested for murder; blackmail linked to his wife’s affair led to crime, say police

District police arrested Anuj Chauhan alias Shiva, who is under trial in another murder case, in connection with the killing of a youth whose body was found on March 25 in Amardobha village.

Representative image of a person in handcuffs Credit: iStock Photo

A man was arrested here on Friday for allegedly killing a youth who had an affair with his wife and later blackmailed them with objectionable photos and videos he had clicked of her.

District police arrested Anuj Chauhan alias Shiva, who is under trial in another murder case, in connection with the killing of a youth whose body was found on March 25 in Amardobha village.

Superintendent of Police Satyajeet Gupta said that the investigation revealed that Chauhan killed Heyatullah over a personal dispute involving his wife.

Heyatullah allegedly had a relationship with Chauhan’s wife while he was lodged in jail in connection with a 2022 murder case, the SP said.

“Anuj Chauhan, who was released on bail on January 25 this year, learnt about the affair after his release. His wife admitted to the relationship and promised to end it. However, Heyatullah refused to stop meeting her,” SP Gupta said.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/uttar-pradesh/up-man-arrested-for-murder-blackmail-linked-to-his-wifes-affair-led-to-crime-say-police-3490492

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