Get all the latest India news and top breaking news live from all cities of India only on Readselective.com. Read latest India news, current affairs and news headlines online today.
One month after Vijay Rupani’s tragic death in the Ahmedabad plane crash, his children recall their last conversations and the overwhelming support they received from PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah.
Vijay Rupani’s daughter Radhika Rupani recalls her last call with her father before Air India plane crash.
One month after the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad that claimed the life of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, his family spoke exclusively to Aaj Tak from their home in Rajkot, sharing emotional memories and their final moments with him.
Rupani’s daughter, Radhika Rupani, who lives in London, recalled, “My father was coming to visit me. At the time of the crash, I was in Vienna. When I first heard the news, I thought he might have just been injured.”
She said that her father had planned to attend a religious ceremony at her home in London and then travel to Scotland and Ireland with three other family friend couples. “I remember how he took me along during the Akshardham terror attack visit. That moment is etched in my memory,” she said.
Radhika mentioned that she had spoken to her father over a video call just a day before the crash. “I had told him, ‘Papa, why didn’t you come on the 5th? Come soon.’ His ticket was originally booked for June 5, but it was later changed to June 12,” she said.
Speaking about the support they received from national leaders, she added, “When we met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he was extremely emotional. He couldn’t speak for two minutes. Then he told my mother, ‘Anju, I knew you even before I knew Vijaybhai. Now you must stay strong and take charge. Trust the government; there will be a thorough and fair investigation.’”
She also recalled how Union Home Minister Amit Shah stayed with the family for four to five hours on the day of the funeral, until all rituals were completed.
According to fellow students, the woman had been mentally distressed for weeks, allegedly due to persistent harassment by her teacher in Odisha’s Balasore.
The woman set herself on fire shortly after she met with the college principal.
A woman undergraduate student of a college in Odisha’s Balasore is battling for life after she attempted self-immolation in front of the college principal’s chamber in protest against months-long sexual harassment by her teacher and the institute’s alleged inaction in the matter. She sustained over 90 per cent burn injuries.
The student, pursuing a B Ed course from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, sustained over 90 per cent burn injuries and is currently undergoing critical care at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. Another student who tried to rescue her also sustained serious burn injuries.
According to fellow students, the woman had been mentally distressed for weeks, allegedly due to persistent harassment by the Head of the Integrated B Ed Department, Sameer Kumar Sahoo. Batchmates claimed Sahoo made repeated inappropriate demands and threatened her with academic consequences if she refused to comply.
Despite reportedly submitting formal complaints to both the college principal and the local police, no substantial action was taken. Students said that although an internal committee was formed, it made little progress.
The woman set herself on fire shortly after she met with the college principal.
In the wake of the incident, the Odisha Higher Education Department has taken swift disciplinary action. Head of Department Sameer Sahoo has been arrested, and Principal Dillip Kumar Ghosh has been suspended.
Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj confirmed the developments, stating, “The state government has taken the matter seriously. A high-level inquiry has been initiated under the chairmanship of the Director of the department, with a committee comprising a Joint Secretary-level woman officer and a senior woman principal from another college.”
The minister added that strict action would follow upon completion of the inquiry. “I have spoken with AIIMS Bhubaneswar officials for her immediate and advanced treatment and also discussed the matter with the Chief Minister,” he said.
Balasore SP Raj Prasad said that HOD Sameer Sahoo was arrested after initial questioning and has been forwarded to court.
Having known her since 2012, Himanshika claimed that Radhika was often targeted for wearing shorts, talking to boys, and living life on her own terms. In a video released by Himanshika, she revealed that Radhika’s movements were tightly controlled, with fixed times for going out and returning home.
Radhika Yadav’s best friend breaks her silence
Days after Radhika Yadav was shot dead by her father, her best friend, Himanshika Singh, has broken her silence, saying that the tennis player felt suffocated at home as her family “had issues with almost everything.”
Having known her since 2012, Himanshika claimed that Radhika was often targeted for wearing shorts, talking to boys, and living life on her own terms.
In a video released by Himanshika, she revealed that Radhika’s movements were tightly controlled, with fixed times for going out and returning home.
“When she used to be on a video call with me, she had to show her parents who she was talking to. Even though the tennis academy was just 15 minutes away from her home, she was given strict deadlines for when she had to return,” claimed Himanshika.
“Radhika’s family was quite orthodox and had issues with almost everything,” she added.
In another hard-hitting post, Himanshika criticised Radhika’s father for making her life “miserable” with his “controlling, constant criticism.”
“He made her life miserable for years with his controlling behaviour and constant criticism… They shamed her for wearing shorts, for talking to boys, for living life on her own terms,” she wrote.
Himanshika remembered her best friend as a “kind soul, sweet and innocent.” She also said that Radhika liked shooting videos and taking photos.
“Gradually, all her hobbies, like shooting videos, disappeared. She faced extreme pressure at home. There was societal pressure on the family. The parents were always worried about what people would say. They were very orthodox,” she said.
The society filed an affidavit in the HC in response to a petition filed by Chinagate Restaurants Pvt Ltd, seeking removal of debris from the premises and directing the society to undertake a structural audit of the building.
Link Square Mall Fire | FPJ/ Salman Ansari
Link Square Premises Cooperative Society Ltd in Bandra, where a fire broke out in the basement Croma showroom in April, has informed the Bombay High Court that a structural audit of the building has been conducted and that they are awaiting the report.
The society filed an affidavit in the HC in response to a petition filed by Chinagate Restaurants Pvt Ltd, seeking removal of debris from the premises and directing the society to undertake a structural audit of the building.
On April 29, a Level 4 fire broke out in the basement Croma showroom of Link Square Mall, which is owned by former MLA Zeeshan Siddique. While no casualties were reported, the fire gutted two terrace restaurants and over 200 shops. The Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) took 22 hours to control the blaze, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of its response. China Gate Group’s restaurants, TAP Resto Bar and Global Fusion, were located in the building.
Chinagate, represented by advocates Ankul Seth and Yashraj Tongia, sought directions to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to remove the debris left on the premises after the fire and to conduct a structural audit of the building.
An affidavit was filed by the society’s secretary, Tabassum Shaikh, emphasising that there was never any “obstacle whatsoever for conducting the structural audit of the building, more particularly due to the fire which had taken place on 29th April 2025”. The society appointed Mahimtura Consultants Private Limited on June 20 to undertake a structural audit of the building. The audit has been completed and the report is awaited.
It also stated that the society has no objection to the structural audit being undertaken by the petitioner by appointing Sardar Patel College of Engineering. The petitioner had sought, on July 3, and was granted permission the very next day, to get the structural audit conducted by the college. “I state that after the decision of Respondent No. 3 society, the audit by Sardar Patel College of Engineering is in progress,” the affidavit said.
The debris lying on the first and second floors of the building has been substantially removed. The insurance company informed the society that the “debris having any salvageable value should be segregated and made available to them for inspection on site”. This process, though time-consuming, is mandatory. Accordingly, the debris removal agency has requested a time period of one and a half months, the society added.
After viral photos from a Milan fashion show drew criticism from Indian artisans who make the sandals – named after the historic city of Kolhapur in Maharashtra state – Prada was forced late last month to acknowledge that its new open-toe footwear was inspired by ancient Indian designs.
‘Kolhapuri’ sandals, an Indian ethnic footwear, are on display at a store in New Delhi. Credit: Reuters Photo
Prada is looking to collaborate with “artisanal footwear” makers in India in a partnership, it said on Friday, two weeks after the Italian luxury group triggered a controversy by debuting ethnic sandals resembling 12th-century Indian ones.
After viral photos from a Milan fashion show drew criticism from Indian artisans who make the sandals – named after the historic city of Kolhapur in Maharashtra state – Prada was forced late last month to acknowledge that its new open-toe footwear was inspired by ancient Indian designs.
The furore even saw sales of Indian sandals boom, with sellers and artisans seeing the controversy as a way to promote the heritage craft by tapping into nationalist pride.
Prada said in a statement to Reuters that it held talks remotely on Friday with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, which represents 3,000 Kolhapuri sandal artisans, and discussed potential opportunities for future collaboration.
“The next step will be for Prada’s supply chain team to meet a range of artisanal footwear manufacturers,” the company said.
The Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce said that Lorenzo Bertelli, son of Prada’s owners and head of its corporate social responsibility, joined the talks on Friday.
The chamber of commerce said that during the talks Prada said it aimed to launch a limited-edition “Made in India” Kolhapuri-inspired collection of sandals in partnership with Indian artisans.
India’s luxury market is small but growing, with the rich splurging on designer fashion, top end sports cars and pricey watches.
Prada does not have any retail stores in India, and its products are usually reserved for the super rich who shop overseas.
In a high-level closed-door interaction with the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the One Nation One Election Bill, former Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud cautioned lawmakers about significant constitutional gaps in the proposed legislation.
Sources present during the meeting told Bar & Bench that the former CJI made it clear that while the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 does not violate the basic structure of the Constitution, it contains serious flaws that need correction before it can move forward.
“does not violate the basic structure
Former CJI Chandrachud
The meeting was attended by 38 Members of Parliament and officials from the Parliament Secretariat. Former CJI JS Khehar was also invited to present his views before the committee.
Synchronised polls not unconstitutional
Chandrachud began by addressing the central premise of the Bill. He pointed out that simultaneous elections are not in conflict with constitutional principles. In fact, from 1950 to 1960, elections to the parliament and State assemblies were held together. He cited the example of 1957, when several assemblies were dissolved early to align with national elections.
“1957, when several assemblies were dissolved early to align with national elections
He stressed that democracy and federalism, though part of the basic structure, do not require that elections be held separately. There is nothing in the Constitution that mandates asynchronous elections, he said.
According to him, legislatures elected before the notified date (defined as the first sitting of the newly elected Lok Sabha) will continue their full five-year terms. Legislatures elected after the Lok Sabha is constituted would, only once, have their terms aligned to parliament’s tenure as part of a transitional provision.
After this one-time adjustment, he said, both parliament and State assemblies would run independently and parallelly, each for their own five-year tenure unless dissolved earlier under regular democratic circumstances.
Concerns raised over excessive powers granted to EC
Chandrachud’s sharpest objection came in relation to the powers conferred on the Election Commission of India (ECI) by the proposed Bill. According to sources, he flagged two provisions as constitutionally unacceptable:
One allows the ECI to modify provisions of Part XV of the Constitution to implement the Bill.
The other empowers the ECI to postpone elections to any State assembly if simultaneous conduct with the Lok Sabha is deemed infeasible.
He reportedly stated that giving the ECI the power to alter substantive constitutional provisions or to shorten the tenure of elected assemblies through a unilateral report to the President cannot pass constitutional muster.
He referred to Article 356(5) as a comparative framework, noting that the Constitution provides specific mechanisms for State intervention. Any power to defer elections, he said, must be clearly defined and limited.
A three-part solution to restore constitutional balance
To resolve the flaws, Chandrachud is said to have suggested a three-point safeguard:
1. The ECI should be allowed to delay elections only in situations involving national security or public order.
2. Any such recommendation must be ratified by both Houses of Parliament.
3. Postponements should be permitted only for a fixed, limited period.
Without these guardrails, he reportedly warned, the proposal could result in an unaccountable and open-ended concentration of power in the hands of the Commission.
Unaddressed constitutional scenarios
Sources said that Chandrachud flagged two major constitutional silences that the Bill currently ignores.
The first concerns a National Emergency under Article 352, which allows Parliament and state assembly tenures to be extended by one year. The Bill does not explain how such extensions would impact the synchronised cycle.
He explained that once an Emergency ends, the government would need to choose between cutting short parliament’s next term or extending the assemblies’ terms to restore synchronicity.
The second silence involves a more everyday situation:
What happens if a State assembly is dissolved six or seven months before its tenure ends, due to a loss of majority? The Bill provides no clarity on whether elections can be deferred in such cases to align with the parliament.
He said this situation is not covered by Article 356, and unless addressed directly in the Bill, could lead to confusion or even misuse.
According to those present, Chandrachud summarised his submission in three broad points:
1. The idea of simultaneous elections does not violate the Constitution’s basic structure.
2. However, the powers conferred on the Election Commission must be revised and limited.
3. The Bill must deal with constitutional silences, particularly in cases of emergency and premature dissolutions.
In December 2024, the government introduced the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, aiming to bring in a framework for holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies. Soon after, a Joint Parliamentary Committee was formed to examine the Bill in detail.
The committee has 39 members drawn from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. It is chaired by BJP MP PP Chaudhary. Among those on the panel are Anurag Thakur, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Manish Tewari, Supriya Sule and Sambit Patra. The committee has been tasked with looking into the legal, constitutional and administrative issues that would arise if all elections across the country were to be held at the same time.
Radhika had appeared in a romantic music video in 2024 alongside an independent artist, Inam.
Radhika Yadav was allegedly shot dead by father
Former state-level tennis player Radhika Yadav was cremated after father allegedly shot her dead at point blank range, bringing the curtains down on a life cut short cruelly and leaving behind questions aplenty. Amid the ongoing probe into the killing of Radhika Yadav, a music video of Radhika had surfaced. Now a colleague from her music video, Inam-ul-Haq said that her father liked the song, adding that she wanted to work in the “film line.”
Radhika had appeared in a romantic music video in 2024 alongside an independent artist, Inam. The video-in-question – Karwaan – was released last year and was produced by Zeeshan Ahmad and released under the LLF Records Label.
Inam said that Radhika had come to the set for shooting with her mother.Inam-ul-Haq, a person who was also a part of the music video in which Radhika worked as an actor, said, “…She (Radhika) came to the shooting (of the music video) with her mother. On the set, she also mentioned that her father liked the song, which means she took permission from her father also…”
He claimed that she wanted to work more often in such videos. “When we met her for the first time, she told us that she wants to work in this line (film line)…She desired to work in this line.”
He said that the two were in contact in during the release of the song, adding that Radhika “deactivated and reactivated her Instagram account around 2-3 times…”
On the question of deleting the song, Inam said, “When the song did not get the expected popularity, I thought my song got wasted and I decided to delete it…I anticipated re-releasing it with another face. I was cast in the music video at the last moment as an actor, but I did not like my look. However, I am not deleting the video for now.”
Radhika’s father, Deepak Yadav, has confessed to killing her and told police he was taunted and mocked for living off her income from a tennis academy. He was produced in court on Friday and remanded to one-day police custody.
The police said that the tennis academy Radhika ran was the bone of contention between the father and the daughter.
Gurugram Murder Case: In a chat accessed by Times Now, Radhika told her coach that she wanted to relocate to Dubai or Australia to pursue a few courses and enjoy life on her own terms.
Radhika mentioned that her father was against the idea of her staying abroad.
Tennis player Radhika Yadav, who was shot dead by her father, had been living under restrictions and was eager to move abroad to live independently. In a chat accessed by Times Now, Radhika told her coach that she wanted to relocate to Dubai or Australia to pursue a few courses and enjoy life on her own terms.
She also mentioned that her father was against the idea of her staying abroad.
” Wanna enjoy life, idhaar kaffi restrictions hai. Merko Nikalna hai idhar se todhe time ke liye,” Radhika wrote in WhatsApp messages.
Why Was Radhika Killed?
A series of incidents, including family tensions over the women’s financial independence, her Instagram videos, and a recent appearance in a music video is reported to have forced her father to commit the crime.
Radhika Was Shot 4 Times
Tennis player Radhika Yadav was shot four times, and not three times as stated in the FIR. The autopsy report of Radhika has revealed that her father, Deepak Yadav, allegedly shot her four times from behind, and all the bullets have been recovered from her body.
The postmortem was conducted by a panel of doctors, who stated that the cause of death was excessive loss of blood. As per the latest information accused Deepak Yadav said he should not have killed his daughter. Earlier, the police said that she was shot three times. The accused father shot her while she was in the kitchen.
So far, the police investigation has revealed that Deepak Yadav was a temperamental individual, and he killed his daughter reportedly because she refused to shut down her tennis academy despite his repeated demands.
According to statements given to the local police by family members, Deepak had always been deeply suspicious about the behaviour of both his daughter and his wife. On one occasion, he had a heated confrontation with his wife merely because she was speaking with Deepak’s real brother.
No Honour Killing Or Love Angle
A Gurugram court on Friday sent Deepak Yadav, arrested for killing his daughter and tennis player Radhika Yadav, to one-day police custody. Radhika Yadav, 25, was allegedly shot dead by his father, Deepak Yadav (49) at the family’s double-storey home in the upscale Sushant Lok area on Thursday. He has reportedly confessed to the crime.
Meanwhile, Shirsat said, “Had there been money, I would have kept it in the cupboard.” Asked if there were only clothes in the bag, the minister said, “Of course. There were clothes in it.”
Maharashtra minister Sanjay Shirsat and a bag full of cash in his room.
A video of Maharashtra minister Sanjay Shirsat has gone viral in which he is seen smoking in a room, and a bag full of cash is purportedly seen in the video. Uddhav Sena leader Sanjay Raut shared the video on X, stating that he felt pity for Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
“I feel pity for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis! How many more times will he just sit and watch his reputation being torn to shreds? Helplessness has another name: Fadnavis!” Raut said in a post in Marathi.
After the video went viral, Shirsat said the bag was not full of money and there was nothing inappropriate in the video. The Social Justice Minister and MLA from Shiv Sena has now been caught in the eye of a storm for allegedly keeping huge cash in a travel bag, a claim he has denied.
Talking to reporters in Mumbai, Shirsat said, “The house seen in the video is my home. It shows I am sitting (clad in a banian) in my bedroom. My pet dog and a bag are also seen. This means that I have just returned from travel and removed my clothes. If I have to keep such a big bag of money, is there a dearth of cupboards? But they see (currency) notes even in a cloth bag.”
Shirsat said, “Had there been money, I would have kept it in the cupboard.” Asked if there were only clothes in the bag, the minister said, “Of course. There were clothes in it.”
“Such claims won’t affect my (political) career,” he added.
Meanwhile, responding to the video, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray says, “… Today, it’s Sanjay Sirsat, sitting in his vest and underwear. We talk about ‘Khokhe’ (boxes of cash), ’50 Khokhe, Ekdum Okay’, one is clearly seen in the video. All these antics happening in just vests and undergarments, bags full of cash beside him, where did all this money come from? Who gave it?”
“Can anyone just roam around carrying such wads of notes? And regarding the Income Tax notice that came the day before, will the IT department take any action? Will any action be taken on the orders of the Chief Minister or not? These are important questions that need answers,” he said.
Mumbai, Maharashtra: On the viral video of Minister Sanjay Shirsat, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray says, “… Today, it’s Sanjay Sirsat, sitting in his vest and underwear. We talk about ‘Khokhe’ (boxes of cash), ’50 Khokhe, Ekdum Okay’, one is clearly seen in the video.… pic.twitter.com/JpiMcOUujK
Shirsat was recently served notice from the Income Tax Department to explain the exponential rise of his wealth from 2019-2024. His declared assets surged from Rs 3.3 crore in 2019 to Rs 35 crore in 2024. The IT department has requested an explanation for this significant increase in his financial worth between the 2019 and 2024 assembly elections. Shirsat told media on Thursday that he has sought more time to reply to the notice.
Maharashtra Mantri in Eye of Storm
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has shared a video in which Shinde Sena minister Sanjay Shirsat can allegedly be seen sitting with a bag full of cash. However, Sanjay Shirsat rejects claims.@AruneelS shares more details with @prathibhatweetspic.twitter.com/po6rBr2nUm
NCP-SCP leader and MLA Rohit Rajendra Pawar reacted to Minister Sanjay Shirsat receiving an Income Tax notice, saying, “It’s not just him (Sanjay Shirsat) — even Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s family has received notices. It seems that Eknath Shinde is being deliberately targeted through the BJP…”
Travelling to America will become significantly more Planning a trip to the United States? You might want to get your visa sorted soon, because applying for one is about to get a whole lot more expensive.
US Tourist Visa Just Got 148% Costlier For Indians: Here’s What You’ll Pay Now!
The US government has passed a new law that will drastically increase the cost of non-immigrant visas—including tourist visas—for Indian passport holders. Starting April 2026, the cost of applying for a US tourist visa could cross ₹40,000, thanks to two brand-new charges added to the existing fees.
Why Is The US Visa For Indians Getting So Expensive?
A new bill called the “One Big Beautiful Bill”, signed into law on July 4, 2025, introduces two additional mandatory charges for visa applicants:
Visa Integrity Fee
Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record Fee
These are in addition to the regular visa application fee that travellers already pay.
Here’s What You’ll Be Paying
Currently, a US tourist visa (non-petition based, like the B-2 visa for tourism) costs USD 185 (approx. ₹15,886). But under the new rules, this is what will be added:
Visa Integrity Fee: USD 250 (approx. ₹21,463)
Form I-94 Fee: USD 24 (approx. ₹2,060)
That means your total visa cost will shoot up by 148%, going well beyond ₹40,000.
Good to know: The Visa Integrity Fee is compulsory and non-refundable, unless you fully comply with all the conditions of your visa, in which case you might get it back.
Who Has To Pay?
This fee hike applies to almost all non-immigrant visa applicants, including:
Tourists
Students (F, M visas)
H-1B professionals
Exchange visitors
Only diplomats are exempt.
Also, these charges will increase every year, based on inflation in the US.
How To Apply For US Tourist Visa
If you’re still ready to make that dream trip happen, here’s a quick guide on how to apply for a US tourist visa (B-2 category):
Choose Your Visa Type
For tourism or visiting friends/family, apply for the B-2 visa.
Fill Out The DS-160 Form
Head to ceac.state.gov/CEAC and complete the DS-160 form online. Upload a passport-size photo and save the confirmation page for your interview.
Pay The Visa Fee
Create a profile on the US Visa Info website for India. Pay the application fee via NEFT, UPI, IMPS, or bank over the counter.
Book Your Appointments
Schedule two appointments: One at the Visa Application Center (VAC) for biometrics
One at the US Embassy/Consulate for your interview
Although the rare earth deposit in Purulia is relatively small, the development is significant as India looks to reduce dependence on imports of critical minerals essential for electric vehicles (EVs), electronics, and renewable energy technologies.
Samples of rare earth minerals.
West Bengal is set to join India’s rare earth mining map with the Geological Survey of India (GSI) conducting advanced exploration in Purulia district, a senior official said on Friday.
Although the rare earth deposit in Purulia is relatively small, the development is significant as India looks to reduce dependence on imports of critical minerals essential for electric vehicles (EVs), electronics, and renewable energy technologies.
“G2-level exploration is underway in two blocks – one in Karbi Anglong district of Assam and the other in Purulia, West Bengal,” GSI Director General Asit Saha said on the sidelines of the Assocham-organised 3rd edition of Minerals and Mining conclave.
He added that these blocks are expected to be ready for auction within a year.
The G2 stage represents an advanced level of exploration, providing a fairly high degree of confidence in the resource estimation. Upon completion, the findings will be submitted to the respective state mines departments and the Union Ministry of Mines for further action, Saha said.
While GSI has not identified specific rare earth elements in these locations yet, Saha said the deposits typically consist of a “basket of 14-17 rare earth minerals,” making the extraction and processing technically challenging.
He noted that India has discovered promising vanadium deposits – another critical mineral – in the lower Himalayan belt.
“We have very good vanadium resources in the Himalayan region, which are essential for energy storage and alloy production,” Saha said.
According to him, nearly 50 per cent of ongoing early-stage exploration projects in the country are focused on rare earth elements, reflecting their growing strategic importance.
However, operationalisation of mines faces challenges, including land acquisition issues, environmental clearances, and lack of private sector interest.
Separately, Union Heavy Industries Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Friday announced that the central government will soon launch a Rs 1,345 crore scheme to boost manufacture of rare earth magnets domestically.
A past life regression expert Meenu Minocha has gained attention for her striking claims about soul relationships.
The expert claimed that love at first sight is actually the soul recognising its match. (Photo Credits: Instagram)
“Mera pichle janam mein usse kuch naata toh nahi.” A line often heard in Bollywood films usually in stories about love, fate or mysterious pasts. But what if such lines weren’t just dramatic fiction? In real life, the belief in rebirth, karmic bonds and past-life connections has long been debated and often accepted in spiritual circles.
Now, a podcast featuring a past life regression expert Meenu Minocha has gained attention for her striking claims about soul relationships.
‘Soul Contract’
In her conversation on a podcast Supertalks, Minocha spoke about what she terms a “soul contract,” a spiritual agreement made before birth that dictates who we end up with and why.
“Shaadiyaan pre-decided hoti hain. Jisse honi hoti hai, wo ho kar hi rahegi. Aap jitna marzi zor laga lo kisi aur se karne ki… jisse honi hogi, wohi hogi (Marriages are pre-decided. No matter how much you try to marry someone else, you’ll end up with the one you’re meant to),” she said.
The expert further said that what people often call love at first sight is actually the soul recognising its match. Not all soul connections lead to smooth relationships. In fact, she said the husband-wife bond is often the most “challenging” one. She mentioned that if a couple constantly argues but is spiritually linked, they may return to each other’s lives but not possibly as spouses.
“Agar iss janam mein dono ki nahi bani, aur sirf ek aadmi spiritually aware hua, toh aap agle janam mein bhi aaoge. Lekin iss baar husband-wife banke nahi, siblings banke (If the couple don’t work out in this life and only one becomes spiritually aware, they’ll meet again. Not as husband and wife but as siblings),” she said.
Minocha explained that the soul must finish its lessons, saying, “Jab ek ne seekh liya aur doosre ne nahi, toh woh rishta badal jaata hai. Aapka iss lifetime mein workout ho jaaye toh bonus hai. Nahin hua toh agle janam mein better hoga (If one learns the lesson and the other doesn’t, the bond changes. If it works out this lifetime, it’s a bonus. If not, the next one will be smoother).”
Soul Bond Doesn’t Mean Stay In Abusive Relationship
Despite advocating for “soul contracts,” Minocha was clear that no one should remain in a relationship that involves violence or emotional harm.
“Agar lagta hai ki ab nahi seh sakte, violence ya torture, then walk away. Har soul ki self-respect hoti hai (If you feel you can’t take any more violence or torture, walk away. Every soul has self-respect),” she said.
“Jab aap yeh soch lete ho ki mujhe divorce chahiye, toh do possibilities hoti hain. Ya toh aapka karma poora ho gaya, ya iss janam ke liye aapne bahut seh liya (Once you decide you need divorce, either your karma is complete, or you’ve tolerated enough in this life),” Minocha explained.
A Stillborn That Refused Birth?
In one of the more intriguing anecdotes, Minocha described a case involving a couple who had a stillbirth. When they came to her for a session, she claimed to have connected with the soul of the unborn child.
“Woh soul bola, ‘Itni ladiyaan karte hain, main nahi aata’ (The soul said, ‘They fight so much, I’m not coming’),” she said. According to her, the couple pleaded with the soul of the baby and even took help from a spiritual guru. Eventually, the baby agreed to return.
Raaz Pichhle Janam Ka: Show On Past Life Regression
The conversation around past lives and rebirths is not new. It gained mainstream attention years ago with the show Raaz Pichhle Janam Ka, hosted by actor-politician Ravi Kishan. Based on past life regression, the show was anchored by psychologist Dr Trupti Jayin who conducted sessions to help participants uncover the supposed root of present-day fears or traumas.
The method involved placing individuals in a relaxed, hypnotic state where they would be guided through imagined past life experiences.
Celebrities Who Featured On The Show
Monica Bedi claimed she was a Portuguese woman in her past life and had three children. She also said this explained her connection to Christianity and her comfort while visiting Portugal.
Actor Chunky Pandey said he saw himself on a ship during colonial India where he was transporting gold. He claimed that he was later killed during an attack.
Payal Rohatgi shared that she regressed into the life of a man named Albert Post who lived in South America with his family and underwent a major betrayal by his best friend.
Host Ravi Kishan himself claimed he saw flashes of his life as a Naga Sadhu in Manali during the 1890s and even admitted to seeing himself commit three murders in that timeline.
Controversy Around Raaz Pichhle Janam Ka
Despite gaining strong TRPs and public interest, Raaz Pichhle Janam Ka faced backlash from scientists and rationalist groups. The show ran for two seasons but was criticised for promoting unscientific beliefs. An NGO named Bharat Jan Vigyan Jatha even filed a petition in court against the channel airing it in 2010. It accused the show of spreading superstition on national television.
Who Are Past Life Regression Therapists?
Past life regression therapists are individuals who guide people through sessions that often involve hypnosis. Through this, they explore what they claim are memories of earlier births. The belief is that unresolved issues from past lives can impact present-day life and that confronting them can offer healing.
Is It Possible To Know About Past Life?
While many people believe they have lived before and that past life memories can be accessed through regression therapy, there’s no scientific proof to back this idea. Here’s what experts say:
No solid evidence: Science doesn’t support the idea of past lives or reincarnation. Past life regression isn’t recognised as a valid technique in mainstream psychology.
Technique questioned: Regression therapy often uses hypnosis to help people “recall” previous lives. The process is seen as unscientific and has been widely criticised.
The Election Commission, the guardian of fairness, is stooping to their statutory duty. It’s shocking to see a constitutional authority interfering in the democratic process. Next, they’ll tell us elections should be won by clean, spotless politicians without spending beyond the statutory limit.
The Election Commission is entrusted with the task of conducting free and fair elections in the country
Why has the Election Commission decided to revise electoral rolls in Bihar, just when the next Assembly election in that state is only a few months away? Why does the Election Commission wake up every time there is an election and interfere in the electoral process? Does that not raise suspicions about its sinister motive to perform its constitutional duty?
An attempt to dust off those electoral rolls in Bihar after a leisurely 22-year slumber is utterly irresponsible at this stage because there is no stage right for this. The EC thinks that it can tackle duplicates spawned by urbanisation and migration that even software can’t catch. How do you spell delulu?
The Opposition’s chorus of concern is spot-on. Why the rush now, mere months before polls, when for decades we’ve sailed through elections on those “unreliable and imperfect” lists without a peep? It’s almost as if the EC is plotting to make voting accurate.
The Election Commission is entrusted with the task of conducting free and fair elections in the country. An election first has to be free before it’s fair. Free for all citizens, not just the privileged lot with documents like Voter ID cards and Aadhaar.
Thousands of voters return from polling booths dejected because their names are missing from the rolls. A truly free election should allow anyone above 18 within a 500-metre perimeter of the booth to vote. Nobody should be turned back with untainted fingers. This will encourage more people to participate and witness democracy in action.
The Opposition has called it an undercover NRC, timed to “benefit” the NDA by scrubbing opposition strongholds like those asymmetric-population districts adjoining Bangladesh, where illegal immigrants blend in seamlessly and ever so beautifully. Putting the burden of proof on the citizens is unfair because their names can’t be matched with the names in a register because there is no National Register of Citizens. Since there is no NRC, how do we know who is a citizen and who is not?
The Supreme Court only gave a nudge to accept Aadhaar, which isn’t proof of citizenship. The card itself declares so. Aadhaar is the aadhaar of your life but it has no aadhaar itself because India’s then agitated liberals ensured it becomes everything and is worth nothing. We must do the same to the Voter ID card.
No card should hold a value greater than human value, as enshrined in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. The entire planet is one family, and the family that votes together, stays together. We need the togetherness of this large family without exclusionary documents that divide us. Inclusion is the essence of democracy. We call elections the festival of democracy. Should we exclude guests from the neighbourhood from entering the pandal of Bharat Mata?
Right now, we have 77,895 BLOs knocking on doors, pre-filling forms, collecting them, and extending deadlines to accommodate claims and objections. If the EC keeps “ensuring inclusivity” like this, Bihar might accidentally end up with a voter list of real, verified Indians, depriving us of the joyful chaos of duplicates deciding fates in Bihar of all places. What a tragedy for democracy!
Bihar is just the beginning. We might see a pan-India cleanup right before polls in every state. Bihar has allegedly been a playground for Bangladeshi immigrants, blending into Seemanchal like sugar in milk. How sweet that is! Anybody aware of the situation in Bangladesh would know that Muhammad Yunus has once again pushed their election to the next year. Where will our neighbours exercise their sacred right?
The Opposition is right in calling out the possible two crore potential disenfranchisements. Nothing spells “democracy” better than letting unchecked rolls balloon with asymmetric population growth in places like Kishanganj, Araria, Katihar, and Purnea. These districts of Kosi-Mithila region are together called Seemanchal. That sounds suspiciously like a border-hopping zone. Panchhi, nadiya, pawan ke jhonke know no boundaries, according to Refugee. We call them illegal immigrants.
As Greta Thunberg would say: How dare you! Voters Sans Borders don’t recognise such man-made lines drawn along riverbanks. That it’s adjacent to the Chicken’s Neck is just a coincidence. The chicken legs aren’t any different. Why focus on suspected immigrants in these four Muslim-majority districts, when illegal immigrants have spread far and wide across the breadth of India? Some say these districts have more Aadhaar cards than residents. What if the Election Commission discovers more Voter ID cards than residents? The EC will have egg on its face. Remember, chickens lay eggs!
The Election Commission spends tonnes of money on enhancing polling percentages. It erects pink booths, yellow booths, and god knows what. The EC advertises heavily in audio-visual media to lure people to booths. Here’s a real opportunity to shatter all past records. We mourn low voting percentages in urban areas. Even in rural spots, it peaks at 60% or so. Imagine 120% polling! It would beat the North Korean and Russian elections. But like all Indian statutory bodies, the EC is squandering the chance.
The Ahmedabad Air India crash killed 260 people, including 241 onboard and 19 on the ground, making it India’s deadliest aviation accident in decades.
AAIB released initial findings in its probe into the Air India crash in Ahmedabad that killed 260 people.(REUTERS File)
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has revealed in its preliminary report that cockpit voice recordings from the June 12 Air India crash in Ahmedabad captured a brief but critical exchange between the two pilots during the engine failure sequence.
According to the 15-page report, one pilot was heard asking, “Why did you cut off fuel?” to which the other replied, “I did not do so.” The exchange took place moments after both engine fuel cutoff switches transitioned from ‘Run’ to ‘Cutoff’ at 13:38:42 IST (08:08:42 UTC), just as the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner reached a maximum speed of 180 knots indicated airspeed.
The two pilots at the controls of flight AI171 were Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and first officer Clive Kunder. Captain Sabharwal, 56, was a highly experienced pilot with over 15,600 flying hours, including more than 8,500 on the Boeing 787.
First officer Kunder, 32, had accumulated over 3,400 flying hours and had been with Air India since 2017. Both were licensed and qualified to operate the Boeing 787 aircraft.
The report outlines a chain of technical events that unfolded in the final moments before the aircraft, operating as flight AI 171 to London Gatwick, crashed into the hostel complex of B J Medical College shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport.
The crash killed 260 people, including 241 passengers and crew onboard and 19 on the ground, making it India’s deadliest aviation accident in decades. One passenger survived.
The report said that engine 1’s switch was moved back to ‘Run’ at 13:38:52 IST (08:08:52 UTC), followed by engine 2 at 13:38:56 IST (08:08:56 UTC). The engine and Aircraft Flight Recorder (EAFR) showed a rise in Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) for both engines, suggesting relight activity.
Engine 1’s core deceleration halted and began recovering. However, engine 2 failed to stabilise despite repeated fuel reintroduction attempts. Both engines’ N2 values, a key indicator of core rotor speed, had fallen below the minimum idle level.
Both engines recovered and kept for examination, says AAIB
“Both engines were retrieved from the wreckage site and quarantined at a hangar in the airport,” the AAIB said. “Components of interest for further examinations have been identified and quarantined,” it added.
The AAIB added that wreckage site operations, including drone photography and videography, have been completed, and the wreckage was moved to a secure location.
The aft section of the EAFR was found to be substantially damaged in the crash and could not be downloaded using conventional methods, the agency noted.
No safety recommendations have been issued yet for Boeing 787-8 aircraft or GE GEnx-1B engine operators and manufacturers. “Additional evidence is being sought from stakeholders and will be examined,” the report added.
Both engines of the aircraft shut down within seconds of takeoff. Investigators found that the fuel cutoff switches were moved from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ just one second apart, leading to a complete loss of engine power. Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) data revealed a startling exchange between the pilots. One asked, “Why did you cut off?” to which the other responded, “I didn’t.”
Ahmedabad Plane Crash | PTI
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released its preliminary findings into the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 that occurred on June 12 in Ahmedabad. The accident claimed 270 lives, including 241 onboard the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. Only one passenger survived, making it one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent memory.
Below are the key takeaways from the 15-page AAIB report:
– Engine Shutdown After Takeoff:
Both engines of the aircraft shut down within seconds of takeoff. Investigators found that the fuel cutoff switches were moved from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ just one second apart, leading to a complete loss of engine power.
– Cockpit Confusion:
Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) data revealed a startling exchange between the pilots. One asked, “Why did you cut off?” to which the other responded, “I didn’t,” indicating possible confusion or a technical anomaly in fuel switch operation.
– Emergency System Activation:
With both engines losing power, the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), a backup emergency power system, was automatically deployed to provide minimal hydraulic power. CCTV footage confirmed RAT activation during flight.
– Failed Engine Restart:
Pilots attempted to restart the engines mid-air. While Engine 1 showed partial recovery, Engine 2 failed to restart. The aircraft remained airborne for just 32 seconds before crashing into a hostel located 0.9 nautical miles from the runway.
– Throttle Inconsistency:
The thrust levers were found at idle during the crash, yet the flight data recorder indicated that takeoff thrust was still engaged, hinting at a possible disconnect or malfunction in the engine control system.
– No Bird Hit Incident
“No significant bird activity is observed in the vicinity of the flight path,” revealed the AAIB report. It also stated that the aircraft started to lose altitude before crossing the airport perimeter wall.
– Fuel Quality Verified:
Fuel samples were tested and confirmed clean with no signs of contamination or improper refuelling.
– Normal Takeoff Configuration:
Flap settings were at 5 degrees, and landing gear was down, both standard for takeoff. Weather was not a factor: skies were clear, visibility was good and winds were light.
– Pilot Credentials & Fitness:
The report confirmed that both pilots were well-rested, medically fit and had valid credentials with sufficient experience on the aircraft type.
– Possible Technical Oversight:
While there was no evidence of sabotage, the report noted that an FAA advisory had previously warned of a potential flaw in the fuel switch system. However, Air India had not conducted the recommended inspections.
A four-storey building collapsed in Delhi’s Seelampur area around 7 am, trapping several people; rescue ops are ongoing with six feared trapped and four rescued so far.
The structure came crashing down suddenly, trapping several people under the debris.
A four-storey building collapsed around 7:00 am on Friday morning in the Janata Mazdoor Colony of Seelampur, located in northeast Delhi’s Welcome area. The structure came crashing down suddenly, trapping several people under the debris.
According to the Fire Department, eight individuals have been rescued, seven have been shifted to JPC Hospital and one to GTB Hospital for treatment so far, while some are still feared trapped. According to a bystander, eight to ten people used to live in the building, including three children and three women.
The National Disaster Response Force along with Senior Officers along with the Fire Brigade and other agencies are present at the site, and rescue operations are underway. The exact cause of the collapse has not yet been determined.
The department has sought a detailed report from all districts (PWD offices) about the actual status as well as design of all existing and proposed bridges.
It came days after an under-construction bridge in Bhopal came under question.
Amid the escalating row over alleged “faulty” design of bridges, including RoBs (Railway over Bridges) and potholes on roads, the Public Works Department (PWD) of the Madhya Pradesh government, on Thursday, ordered an inspection across the state, officials said.
The department has sought a detailed report from all districts (PWD offices) about the actual status as well as the design of all existing and proposed bridges.
The department has also set up a special committee of senior officials to inspect all under-construction bridges, an official source privy to the development, told IANS.
The action came amid the structure of one bridge after another bridges drew criticism in from the commuters and leaders from political parties, including the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The structure of yet another RoB came under question, which is located in Indore. Following this, the BJP MP from Indore Assembly constituency, Shankar Lalwani, wrote a letter to the state’s PWD Minister Rakesh Singh over the bridge’s design, besides instructing officials to change the sharp turn proposed in the design of the under-construction ROB.
However, the PWD Minister, while responding to the matter, said on Wednesday that the work on ROB in the Polo ground area of Indore was underway in accordance with the “fully approved technical design and standards”.
During an interaction with media persons, the Minister had also said that the under-construction RoB was finalised by the Railways and the PWD after a joint survey and design process.
“Its design has been prepared with an aim of providing a traffic facility in three directions. Three arms going towards Polo ground, Laxmibai Station and Bhagirathpura have been included in the project,” Minister Singh said.
It came days after an under-construction RoB in the Aishbagh area in Bhopal came under question a couple of weeks ago.
After the ROB became a subject of criticism and ridicule on social media as well as among people, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had suspended seven engineers associated with the project.
Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to visit the ISS and the second Indian astronaut after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who went to space in 1984.
Group Captain Shukla is on a 14-day mission to the International Space Station.
NASA has announced that the return journey for Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and three other crew members will begin on July 14.
“We are working with the station program, watching the Axiom-4 progress carefully. I think we need to undock that mission, and the current target to undock is July 14,” Steve Stitch, Manager, NASA Commercial Crew Program, told a press conference.
Group Captain Shukla is on a 14-day mission to the International Space Station. He became the first Indian to visit the ISS and the second Indian astronaut after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who went to space in 1984.
Group Captain Shukla did seven India-specific experiments, and the Axiom 4 or Mission ‘Akash Ganga’ is the first firm step for India’s Gaganyaan human space flight mission.
A splashdown is expected several hours after the undocking, near the coast of California in the Pacific Ocean.
Group Captain Shukla’s parents have said they are very proud that he is set to return after completing his mission.
“We are very excited. We are delighted that the moment when our child comes back to us is coming, and that we will get to meet him. We pray to God that he is back safe… We will welcome him with open arms, warmth and ‘band-baaja’,” his mother, Asha Shukla, told news agency ANI.
Speaking to Dr Lucie Low, the chief scientist at Axiom Space, Group Captain Shukla had said he was proud of bringing Indian scientists’ experiments to life aboard the ISS.
Thousands of devotees visited the temple on Guru Purnima, leading to long queues that lasted for nearly five hours.
The donation included ornaments worth Rs 65 lakh
An anonymous donation of ornaments worth Rs 65 lakh was made at the Sai Baba temple in Shirdi on the occasion of Guru Purnima on Thursday.
The donation included a gold crown worth Rs 59 lakh weighing 566 grams, gold flowers weighing 54 grams, and a silver necklace weighing 2 kg. The devotee did not reveal their name or address while offering the jewellery.
Thousands of devotees visited the temple on Guru Purnima, leading to long queues that lasted for nearly five hours.
Speaking about the offering, Goraksh Gadilkar, CEO of Sai Trust Shirdi, said, “This is just a valuable donation in monetary terms, but also a symbol of deep devotion and reverence. The crown and the necklace offered are not mere metals, but a proof of devotion and gratitude from the heart of that Sai devotee.”
“Guru Purnima has been celebrated at the Sai Baba temple in Shirdi since 1908. Every year, the temple receives huge offerings from devotees across the country,” he added.
People from across India as well as abroad visit the temple, the CEO said, adding that foreigners from 61 countries have come to offer prayers. “Even now, devotees from Germany, Colombia, and Sri Lanka have come to visit the temple,” he said.
In recent years, Assam has seen several cases of human-elephant conflict, many resulting in the deaths of both.
Over 1,400 human deaths and 1,209 elephant fatalities were recorded between 2000 and 2023
The Assam Cabinet on Thursday approved the ‘Gajah Mitra’ scheme to combat the human-elephant conflict in the state. The scheme will focus on sustainable habitats for elephants in 80 conflict-prone areas, including planting bamboo and Napier grass – key components of an elephant’s diet.
In recent years, Assam has seen several cases of human-elephant conflict, many resulting in the deaths of both. Over 1,400 human deaths and 1,209 elephant fatalities were recorded between 2000 and 2023, a recent Wildlife Institute of India (WII) report stated.
In addition to maintaining food stocks for elephants, the cabinet announced that rapid response teams will be deployed in the contentious zones to help villagers use harmless means to divert elephant herds away from the human settlements.
The dual focus of the cabinet’s decisions-on healthcare ethics and wildlife conservation-marks a significant step toward a more humane and sustainable Assam.
The WII report said that the vast majority of elephant deaths – 626 out of 1,209 – were due to anthropogenic (human-induced) causes. Electrocution, often from illegal or unsafe electric fences, was one of the leading causes of unnatural deaths of elephants in Assam.
“We want to ensure peaceful coexistence and safety for both our people and elephants,” Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
Human-elephant conflict has risen out of control in Assam, Mr Sarma added.
The highest number of elephant fatalities were reported from Nagaon, Sonitpur West, Dhanasiri, and Karbi Anglong East.
Over the years, 527 villages were affected by human-elephant conflict, with Goalpara reporting the maximum number of affected villages with 80 elephant deaths, followed by Sonitpur West with 53 deaths, Sonitpur East with 51 deaths, and Udalguri with 39 deaths, the WII report stated.
In the wake of the Kanwar Yatra, the Gautam Buddha Nagar Traffic Police has announced traffic diversions for heavy, medium, and light goods vehicles. The diversions will be in effect from 10 PM on July 11 until July 25, News18 reported.
DCP Traffic Lakhan Singh Yadav confirmed that the route changes apply to vehicles travelling towards Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr, Hapur, and Moradabad. However, ambulances, essential goods vehicles, and government transport are exempt.
Noida Diversions
Goods vehicles from Chilla Red Light headed towards Ghaziabad, Hapur, or Moradabad must now use the Eastern Peripheral Expressway via the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway.
Similar diversions apply to vehicles coming via DND Flyway, Delhi-Badarpur Border, or Okhla Barrage.
Trucks from areas like NIB, Model Town, Chhijarsi, and Taj Highway will also be redirected to the Eastern Peripheral.
Vehicles using the MP-01 elevated road will also shift to the same expressway.
Greater Noida Diversions
From Aligarh, Bulandshahr, Sikandrabad via NH-91, Dadri towards Delhi: Take the Eastern Peripheral Expressway.
From Pari Chowk to Delhi: Vehicles from Secunderabad and Kasna will be diverted via the Sirsa roundabout.
The road from Chilla Red Light to Pakshi Vihar Gate will remain completely closed to vehicles.
Rishi Raj Singh was aboard the Jaguar trainer aircraft with Squadron Leader Lokender Singh Sindhu, who became a father just a month ago.
Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh’s brother said that he was “very bright” and that his career had just begun. (X/@Goreunit/ANI)
The tragic crash of a Jaguar trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force during a routine training mission in Rajasthan’s Churu district resulted in the death of both pilots on board.
Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh and Squadron Leader Lokender Singh Sindhu lost their lives in the crash, which took place in an agricultural field near Bhanoda village around 1:25 pm on Wednesday.
The Indian Air Force later said in a statement that no damage to any civil property has been reported. An eyewitness had reportedly said that the pilot “tried his best to protect the village”.
Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh hailed from Rajasthan’s Pali. His cousin Harshraj Singh spoke to news agency PTI and said that Rishi was very young, adding that “his career had just begun”.
Harshraj expressed anguish over the death of his cousin and said that he had never seen Rishi’s father break down before.
The late flight lieutenant’s cousin also revealed that Rishi was “selected in the NDA in his first attempt”. He heaped praises on Rishi and said he was “very bright, had a good nature, and was a great brother”.
Meanwhile, the 32-year-old Squadron Leader Lokender Singh Sindhu hailed from the Kheri Sadh village in Haryana’s Rohtak.
Sindhu’s elder brother, Gyanendra, while speaking to news agency ANI, said that his brother made the “highest sacrifice” a soldier can make for his nation.
“He died while serving his country. He died while saving civilians. My family and I are very proud of him,” he added. The Squadron Leader also became a father just a month ago, in June.
His wife Surbhi Sindhu, a doctor, gave birth to a baby boy on June 10 at her parental home in Hisar. She was still there when she received the news of her husband’s passing.
Sindhu’s brother revealed that he had just joined duty on June 30 after celebrating the birth of his son.
“We talked on text 3 hours before the accident and on a video call the night before. As per the information we got, there was a technical fault with the craft because of which it started crashing over a densely populated area. They managed to fly the craft away from that area, but in the process, their craft got very close to the ground,” Gyanendra added.
The Delhi High Court on Thursday stayed the release of movie ‘Udaipur Files’ till the Central government takes a decision on its contents [Maulana Arshad Madani Vs Union Of India & Ors]
The order was passed on a batch of three petitions, including one filed by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani seeking a ban on the movie based on tailor Kanhaiya Lal Teli’s murder in Udaipur, for vilifying Muslims.
The movie was slated to be released on July 11, Friday.
The Bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal after a detailed hearing ordered the Central government to exercise its revisional powers under Section 6 of the Cinematograph Act to examine the movie.
The Court ruled the power can be exercised by the Central government suo motu or on an application moved by an aggrieved person against a film certificate. In this case, it noted that the petitioners had not taken recourse to the remedy.
Though the Bench said it was not impermissible for Court to intervene in exercise of its extraordinary jurisdiction under Article 226, it added that the petitioners ought to approach the Central government first.
“Accordingly, we permit the petitioner to approach the Central government within two days and in case the petitioners approach the Central government, he may also make a prayer for interim measures. Once the petitioner approaches the Central government with a revision petition, the same shall be considered and decided within a period of one week after giving opportunity to the producer,” it ordered.
The Court also directed that the prayer for interim relief against the movie shall also be considered.
In the meantime, the release of the movie shall remain stayed, the Bench directed.
“Since we are relegating the petitioner to invoke the remedy of revision under Section 6 of the Act, we provide that … there shall be stay on release of film,” it ordered.
The CBFC on Wednesday had told the Court that certain offending portions in the movie have been removed. The Court had then directed the producer to arrange a screening of the movie and the trailer for the counsel appearing in the matter – Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal for Madani and Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma for CBFC.
Summary
Arguments Today
Today, Sibal said he was appalled after watching the movie.
“What I have seen yesterday is horrific,” he said.
During the hearing, the Court suggested that the petitioners can approach the Central government. However, Sibal responded that the movie is scheduled to be released on Friday.
“Today, we are running against time,” he added.
Sibal also apprised the Court that CBFC itself had issued show cause notice to the moviemaker after release of the trailer on June 26, stating that they were not complying with the relevant rules.
The counsel for the movie producer said the trailer has since been taken down. However, Sibal said the trailer was still online. The senior counsel also submitted that he had discovered thematic content of the movie only after seeing the movie.
“Whole film is targeted against the community. Seeing is believing. The lordships will have to decide whether the film can be shown in the context of what is happening in the country,” he added.
After going through the show cause notice, the Court asked the CBFC whether penal action had been taken for violating the rules in respect of the trailer.
“So far as circulation of that portion on social media… there is direction to take down. The other consequences is penal action, what did you do about that in the wake of admission,” the Court asked as it pointed to the rules in question.
In response, ASG Sharma said the trailers would not come within those rules as per a decision of the Bombay High Court.
“That is digital media,” he added, while stating that the CBFC does not deal with online content.
However, the Court questioned how the CBFC had then issued show cause notice. “But it was exhibited, not kept in wardrobe,” it remarked, adding that exhibition of uncertified portions of film invites penal action.
Sharma then said the trailer could have been shown on mainstream platforms. He said the show cause notice was also in accordance with the Bombay High Court ruling.
The Court then remarked,
“Either you follow Bombay High Court or do not. The notice has to be taken to logical conclusion.”
Stating that the film was certified on June 20, Sharma argued that courts have previously held that High Court should loath to injunct a movie certified by the experts of the CBFC.
“The trailer carried [some] parts which was excised. The jurisdiction which we had, so we issued show cause notice,” he added.
The Court then asked that since the filmmaker itself had admitted to the infraction, the action would have to be taken. Sharma conceded that law would have to take its course. The Court then said it would record his statement in this regard.
On the challenge against the movie release, Sharma argued that the petitioners can approach the Central government under Section 5E of the Cinematograph Act for suspension or revocation of the certificate.
However, the Court asked whether this option was available to a viewer, adding that the provision pertains only to exhibition. “5E argument is not perhaps available,” it said.
Sharma then referred to Section 6 which grants revisional powers to Central government against film certification by CBFC. He also said that petitioners had been late in approaching the Court.
“On 20th June film was certified. On 1st July first trailer came out. Petition was filed on 5th July. Listed on 9th. If there is so much urgency then why should someone put pressure on Court,” he said.
However, the Court on a lighter note remarked,
“We are not pressured, don’t worry!”
Sharma also argued that Supreme Court has ruled that film certification is the job of experts.
“Otherwise any person can come rushing under Article 226,” he added.
He further submitted that 55 excisions were ordered in the movie, showing application of mind by the CBFC.
In particular, he referred to removal of portions pertaining to mention of Deoband and a television debate involving Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Nupur Sharma. However, Sibal interjected stating that there have been modifications only.
“Kindly see the lengths to which the Board has gone… even ‘IB’ has been removed,” Sharma said as he continued his submissions on excisions made in the movie.
Sharma claimed that the movie is not community-specific but crime-specific. He also tried to refer to some incident in Karachi, while buttressing his argument about film showing the role of Pakistan in disrupting harmony in India.
“Yesterday on streets of Karachi, the people on whom … Operation Sindoor [we] have come together,” Sharma said.
The Court questioned what that incident had to do with the case. On use of ‘Hafiz’ in the movie, Sharma said it referred to Lashkar-e-Taiba co-founder Hafiz Saeed.
However, the Court said ‘Hafiz‘ can refer to anyone and would depend on perception of a person.
“Somebody’s mind goes to that person in foreign country, somebody’s mind will go to someone else,” it added.
In response, Sharma said the movie refers to Hafiz Saeed only.
“It is a pointer to that man in Pakistan. It is a crime film cautioning people here that harm is engineered somewhere else and we should live in peace. That is the theme,” the ASG said.
Advocate Shreeyash U Lalit, representing the moviemakers, while beginning his arguments, referred to the chargesheet filed by National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Teli’s murder case.
However, the Court said a movie is combination of fact and fiction and that chargesheet is always subject to trial.
“You cannot defend a movie on the basis of some material collected during the course of investigation,” it remarked.
Lalit then argued that,
“It is a typical India- Pakistan movie, nothing else.”
He added that Sibal has taken dialogues out of context after watching the movie.
“There are several characters at play, who are Muslim, India… this not the case where everyone has been vilified. The plot is entirely about external influence,” the counsel said.
The Court was also informed 1800 theaters have been booked for screening of the movie and one Lakh tickets have been sold.
At this, the Court said that the magnitude would not determine whether to stay the movie release or not.
“That magnitude can go both ways,” it added.
“This is not right for the country. This is not art. This is cinematic vandalism.”
In response to the arguments of CBFC and the moviemaker, Sibal said the movie was aimed at the vilification of the entire community. On the argument that the petitioners can approach the Central government, Sibal said the movie would be released by then.
“Dismiss the petition but have a look at the film. It is the most vicious,” he submitted.
Sibal also said the movie is full of hate speech and portrays the Muslim community as ills of society. He also asked the Court to read the background of the movie producer as reported by the Indian Express.
“This movie is visceral hate, nothing short of that … Several scenes having no bearing whatsoever with the basic plot of the movie and are incldemonizingthe objective of demonising Muslims in every possible aspect,” Sibal added.
“This is not right for the country. This is not art. This is cinematic vandalism,” Sibal said in conclusion.
Madani’s plea seeks directions for prohibiting the release, distribution, broadcast or public exhibition of the movie being distributed by Reliance and to remove the trailer of the movie from all digital and social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook and X.
As per the petition, the trailer of the movie portrays that the murder of Teli was committed with the complicity of the leaders of the Muslim community. Such a narrative could create a serious wedge between Hindus and Muslims, the plea has argued.
As torrential rains trigger floods and landslides across Himachal Pradesh and the North East, the Indian Army has launched massive relief and rescue operations, emerging as the nation’s first responder in the crisis.
As torrential rains trigger floods and landslides across Himachal Pradesh and the North East, the Indian Army has launched massive relief and rescue operations, emerging as the nation’s first responder in the crisis.
As relentless monsoon rains continue to batter parts of Himachal Pradesh and the North Eastern states, the Indian Army has stepped up as the nation’s first responder, launching large-scale relief and rescue operations across multiple disaster-hit zones. From the flood-ravaged villages of Mandi district in Himachal to submerged localities in Nagaland, Assam and Manipur, Army columns are working day and night to deliver critical humanitarian aid and ensure no one is left behind.
In Himachal Pradesh, the Army has mobilised relief teams in the worst-affected areas of Mandi district, where landslides and flash floods have cut off entire villages. Army columns are currently active in Thunag, Bagsiad, and Pandoh, coordinating closely with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local authorities. On July 6, a vital mule track between Bagsiad and Thunag—essential for reaching stranded communities—was successfully cleared by Army personnel. This has enabled the steady delivery of food, medical aid, and relief kits to families in need.
Medical assistance camps have been set up in Thunag, where Army medical teams are providing first aid and essential healthcare services to affected locals. Relief materials are also being distributed to remote villages such as Degi, Rushad, and Chapad, which had remained inaccessible for days following the disaster. Aid reached Degi on July 7, Rushad on July 8, and Chapad on July 9, marking significant milestones in the outreach effort.
Communication remains a challenge in some of these remote pockets, especially in Thunag, where mobile networks are weak or absent. To ensure operational coordination is not disrupted, the Army has deployed high-reliability satellite communication systems, including ISAT phones and HX terminals, enabling real-time updates and rapid coordination with civil authorities.
In a major development today, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh is scheduled to visit Thunag to personally assess the situation and interact with relief workers and affected families. Simultaneously, the Brigade Commander leading Army operations in the region will visit Mandi to review the ground situation, meet with relief teams, and hold strategic discussions with the Chief Minister and Deputy Commissioner to further streamline relief efforts.
Meanwhile, in India’s North East, the Army has activated ‘Operation Jal Rahat 2’ following widespread flooding caused by heavy rains. The operation is being spearheaded by Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles (North), with coordinated deployment in Nagaland, Assam, and Manipur. In Dimapur, Nagaland, the Deputy Commissioner formally requisitioned Army assistance on July 10 after floods inundated Singrijan Colony, one of the worst-hit areas. The Army promptly deployed an Engineer Task Force, which began relief work immediately. Although a verbal de-requisition was later communicated by civil authorities, Army teams remain on high alert, with resources fully mobilised and on standby.
In Assam’s Golaghat district, the Dhansiri River breached its danger mark earlier this week, prompting heightened vigilance. Although water levels are now slowly receding, the Army continues to monitor the situation closely and is prepared to launch rescue operations at short notice. In Manipur, rising water levels in the Nambol River have impacted several parts of Imphal West and Bishnupur districts. Army relief teams have been working in close coordination with local officials to evacuate affected residents and provide medical assistance and food supplies.
As of July 10, the Army has deployed 40 relief columns across the North East—24 primary columns and 16 in reserve. These teams have already rescued over 3,820 individuals, distributed more than 1,361 food packets, delivered medical assistance to over 2,000 people, and supplied nearly 15,500 bottles of drinking water.
In both Himachal and the North East, the Indian Army’s efforts have proven vital in preventing further loss of life and bringing relief to thousands. The swift deployment, logistical coordination, and unwavering commitment shown by the Army reflect its indispensable role not only as the nation’s military force but also as a pillar of humanitarian support during natural disasters.
Khalistani terrorist Harjeet Singh Laddi has claimed responsibility for the attack on Kapil Sharma’s restaurant, alleging that the comedian insulted Nihang Sikhs in his show.
Kapil Sharma’s cafe in Canada was attacked just days after it was inaugurated.
Gunfire erupted at KAP’S CAFE, the new Canadian restaurant owned by Indian comedian Kapil Sharma in Surrey, British Columbia, on Thursday. In a social media post, Khalistani terrorist Harjeet Singh Laddi claimed responsibility for the shooting.
In the post, Laddi claimed that certain remarks were passed against Nihang Sikhs on Sharma’s show, which he saw as a “mockery” of the religious sentiments of the community.
“In an episode of Kapil Sharma’s comedy show ‘The Kapil Sharma Show,’ a character made some humorous remarks about the dress or behaviour of Nihang Sikhs. These remarks were considered to hurt the religious sentiments of Nihang Sikhs. This mockery is a mockery of Sikh spiritual traditions and the dignity of Nihang Sikhs. No religion or spiritual identity can be made fun of in the guise of comedy,” he wrote.
“We tried to contact Kapil Sharma’s manager by calling him several times, but there was no response from him. All our calls were ignored,” Laddi said, threatening the attack if Kapil Sharma “doesn’t apologise publicly.”
Who is Harjit Singh Laddi?
Harjit Singh, also known as Laddi, is a Germany-based operative of the banned terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). He is a key conspirator in several targeted killings, including the assassination of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vikas Prabhakar alias Vikas Bagga in Punjab.
On April 13, 2024, Bagga was shot dead at his confectionary shop in Nangal, Roopnagar district, as part of a larger conspiracy orchestrated by BKI operatives under the direction of Pakistan-based BKI chief Wadhawa Singh Babbar. Laddi, along with Kulbeer Singh @ Sidhu, played a major role in planning and executing this attack by recruiting shooters, arranging funds, and supplying arms.
Laddi is named in the NIA chargesheet and remains absconding. He is accused of providing logistical and financial support to the module, coordinating from abroad to enable targeted killings in India.
Canara Bank withdrew its order declaring Anil Ambani’s loan account as fraudulent, telling the Bombay High Court it may revisit the matter later. The court disposed of Ambani’s plea while allowing the bank liberty to re-examine it.
The Bombay High Court had earlier granted relief to Anil Ambani by staying Canara Bank’s order declaring his account as fraudulent. (file photo)
Canara Bank on Thursday informed the Bombay High Court that it has withdrawn its earlier order classifying industrialist Anil Ambani’s loan account as fraudulent, while seeking liberty to re-examine the issue in the future.
The bank’s move came during the hearing of a petition filed by Ambani challenging the classification.
Represented by advocates Nishit Dhruva and Niyati Merchant of MDP Legal, the bank made the submission before a bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Dr Neela Gokhale. The court then disposed of Ambani’s petition while allowing the bank the liberty it sought.
Ambani had moved court after Canara Bank reportedly marked his account as fraudulent on the grounds that funds sanctioned for capital expenditure and debt repayment had been diverted for intercompany transactions.
The classification was related to a Rs 1,050 crore loan granted in 2017 to Ambani’s now-bankrupt telecom firm, Reliance Communications, and its subsidiary.
In an earlier hearing in February, the bench had noted that, as per the Reserve Bank of India’s master circular, banks must follow principles of natural justice before declaring an account fraudulent. The court observed that Canara Bank had failed to provide Ambani with a hearing.
While the bank maintained that it had issued a show cause notice, Ambani’s legal team argued that no such notice was received, as the company was undergoing insolvency proceedings at the time.
A man was critically injured after his car fell into a 300-foot gorge during a stunt at Karad’s Table Point, a popular but unsafe tourist spot lacking safety measures.
The man was reportedly attempting car stunts with his friends when he lost control of the vehicle.
A man was critically injured after his car plunged 300 feet into a deep gorge while performing a stunt on Wednesday evening at the popular Table Point on the Patan-Sadavaghapur road in Karad, Maharashtra.
The man, identified as Sahil Anil Jadhav from Gholeshwar, was reportedly attempting car stunts with his friends when he lost control of the vehicle. The car went off the edge and got stuck in the gorge.
Sahil sustained serious injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at Sahyadri Hospital. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media, clearly showing that the accident occurred during a stunt.
Table Point, located about 3 to 4 km from Patan in the Gujarwadi area, is flat terrain flanked by deep valleys and is known for its scenic inverted waterfall view. It attracts numerous tourists daily who stop here for photography and sightseeing.
However, the spot lacks basic safety infrastructure such as protective railings, making it extremely dangerous for visitors. Despite previous accidents, no safety measures have been implemented by the authorities. The absence of a police presence has also led to frequent unruly behaviour at the site.
The Bombay High Court quashed Maharashtra’s ban on convenience fees for online movie tickets, calling it unconstitutional and beyond the state’s powers under existing law.
Bombay High Court was hearing petitions filed by cinema associations and BookMyShow.
The Bombay High Court on Thursday struck down two Maharashtra government orders issued in 2013 and 2014 that had barred cinema owners from charging convenience fees on online ticket bookings.
The court ruled that the state lacked legislative authority under the Maharashtra Entertainment Duty Act, 1923, to issue such directives and held the orders to be unconstitutional.
A division bench of Justices MS Sonak and Jitendra Jain observed that the prohibition violated Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to carry on any trade or business.
“If business owners are not permitted to determine the various facets of their business (in accordance with law), economic activity would come to a grinding halt,” the bench said. It added that customers are free to choose whether to book tickets online or purchase them at the theatre.
The court was hearing petitions filed by PVR Ltd, the FICCI-Multiplex Association of India, and BookMyShow (Big Tree Entertainment Pvt Ltd), which had challenged the orders banning recovery of any additional charges for online booking services.
Senior advocate Naresh Thacker, appearing for the petitioners, argued that the orders infringed on constitutional freedoms and lacked any specific statutory backing.
BookMyShow’s counsel, advocate Rohan Rajadhyaksha, submitted that the directions constituted an unreasonable interference in private business agreements.
The state, represented by Additional Government Pleader Milind More, defended the orders citing Article 162 of the Constitution and provisions of the Entertainment Duty Act.
Squadron Leader Sindhu was from Haryana’s Rohtak, Lieutenant Singh was from Pali In Rajasthan.
Two IAF pilots were killed after a Jaguar fighter crashed during a training flight
The two Indian Air Force pilots killed in the Jaguar fighter bomber crash in Rajasthan’s Churu district yesterday have been identified as Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh Sindhu, 31, and Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh, 23. While Squadron Leader Sindhu was from Haryana’s Rohtak, Lieutenant Singh was from Pali In Rajasthan.
The twin-seater fighter jet went down yesterday afternoon near Bhanoda village in Churu district while the pilots were on a routine training mission. The Air Force yesterday announced that an inquiry has been ordered to find out what led to the crash.
“An IAF Jaguar Trainer aircraft met with an accident during a routine training mission and crashed near Churu in Rajasthan, today. Both pilots sustained fatal injuries in the accident. No damage to any civil property has been reported. IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families in this time of grief. A court of inquiry has been constituted, to ascertain the cause of the accident,” the IAF said in a statement.
This is the third Jaguar fighter jet to crash this year: the first was in Haryana’s Panchkula on March 7 and the second near Jamnagar in Gujarat on April 2.
The Jaguar fighter used by the IAF is vintage and has been heavily upgraded over the years. India currently has about 120 such fighter jets in operation and these are spread across six squadrons.
A tragic incident occurred on Wednesday when a section of the Gambhira bridge in Gujarat collapsed, resulting in 13 deaths. The collapse happened during peak morning traffic near Padra town.
Rescuers and locals look for survivors after several vehicles fell into a river following the collapse of a portion of a bridge in Mujpur near Vadodara in Gujarat.
A slab of the Gambhira bridge, which connects central Gujarat to the Saurashtra region and is located near Padra town, caved in on Wednesday, killing 13 persons. Initial reports suggested that the incident occurred at Gambhira bridge during peak morning hours when vehicular traffic was significant in the area. Vadodara Bridge Collapse: Top Developments
1. The rescue operation following the bridge collapse in Mujpur, Padra, has been ongoing for over 12 hours. The District Collector and several other officials have been present at the scene since morning, closely monitoring the ongoing rescue efforts.
2. A truck loaded with soil and ceramic tiles had fallen into the Mahisagar River, and a search operation is underway at the site.
3. The operation is continuing under floodlights late into the night. Wires were brought in to pull the truck, which was straightened using a Hitachi machine. Three bodies have been recovered.
4. The bodies were taken to the Padra Community Health Centre for medical examination and later handed over to the families.
5. District Development Officer Mamta Hirpara and the Chief District Health Officer remained stationed at the community health centre to ensure that the victims’ families faced no inconvenience.
6. Of the bodies recovered in the evening, two have been identified: one as Mahendrabhai Parvatbhai Hatia from Dwarka and the other as Vishnubhai Rawal from Anklav.
The initial report on the Air India flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad reveals that investigators are analysing real-time satellite telemetry for potential instrument failures, particularly focusing on a sudden power loss during the flight.
Parts of an Air India plane that crashed on Thursday are seen on top of a building in Ahmedabad, India, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
The preliminary report on the deadly crash of Air India flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad indicates that investigators are reviewing real-time satellite telemetry to detect possible instrument failures during the flight, as per Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) sources.
There is a focus on a sudden mid-flight power loss, which may suggest causes beyond just the fuel control switches. The possibility of multiple system failures has also not been ruled out, as per AAIB sources.
Boeing 787-8 crashed on June 12 shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, leaving 270 dead, including 241 passengers. The AAIB initiated an investigation and constituted a multidisciplinary team on June 12 to probe the crash.
As per the AAIB preliminary report, investigators are currently reviewing real-time satellite telemetry to detect possible instrument failure…: @Sabyasachi_13 joins… pic.twitter.com/Tt8nUL8nef
Where does the Air India crash investigation by AAIB stand?
Presently, data from the black boxes of the plane has been successfully downloaded and is being analysed.
“The Crash Protection Module (CPM) from the front black box was safely retrieved, and on June 25, the memory module was successfully accessed and its data downloaded at the AAIB Lab,” the government said in a release.
The black boxes – a flight data recorder, or FDR, and a cockpit voice recorder, or CVR – were damaged in the fatal crash, raising questions on how much data would be usable. But the team led by DG Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) with technical members from AAIB and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have begun the data extraction process.
The analysis of the Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVR) and Flight Data Recorders (FDR), which are underway, aim to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the accident and identify contributing factors to enhance aviation safety and prevent future occurrences, the government said.
India seeks to cooperate, not compete with Africa, says Mr. Modi; says Africa should not just be raw material source, but lead in value creation, sustainable growth; PM conferred Namibia’s highest civilian honour
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets the gathering during a Joint Session of the Parliament of the Republic of Namibia, in Windhoek on July 9, 2025. | Photo Credit: X/PMO via PTI Photo
Continuing his diplomacy focused on the Global South, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (July 9, 2025) highlighted India’s support to Namibia’s decolonisation, “not just in words, but in action”.
Addressing a special session of the Namibian Parliament, Mr. Modi congratulated the African nation for adopting India’s UPI digital payment system. The Prime Minister also highlighted the country’s wider Africa policy, emphasising that India does not aspire to “compete” with anyone in the African continent, but rather seeks to “build together”.
“India is proud to have stood with Namibia – not just in words, but in action. Like the tough and elegant plants of Namibia, our friendship has stood the test of time. And, just like your national plant Welwitschia mirabilis, it only grows stronger with age and time,” Mr. Modi told the joint session of the Parliament of Namibia, highlighting the historic support that India extended to Namibia’s freedom from the 1940s. According to the records of the Ministry of External Affairs, India was among the first countries to raise the cause of Namibia’s independence at the United Nations in 1946.
Cooperation, not competition
Africa should not just be a source of raw materials and minerals, but should “lead in value creation and sustainable growth”, the Prime Minister said. “With Africa, we seek not to compete, but to cooperate. Our goal is to build together. Not to take, but to grow together,” he added.
Mr. Modi met with Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and signed several agreements, including MoUs to set up an Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Namibia and to cooperate in the field of health and medicine. Namibia also completed the formalities to join the India-led Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the Global Biofuel Alliance. The launch of a digital payments system in Namibia later this year was also announced as an outcome of the UPI technology licensing agreement signed between the National Payments Corporation of India and the Bank of Namibia in April 2024.
Mr. Nandi-Ndaitwah also conferred Mr. Modi with the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, Namibia’s highest civilian award.
Leaders of central trade unions say key sectors such as power, mines, minerals, coal, ports and public transport were affected; they claim it was a bandh-like situation in Puducherry, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Kerala, West Bengal, Odisha, Karnataka, Goa, Meghalaya, Manipur
Workers march in solidarity with the national strike organised jointly by trade unions in Vijyawada, on July 9, 2025. | Photo Credit: G.N. Rao
More than 25 crore workers participated in the nationwide general strike on Wednesday (July 9, 2025) against the policies of the Union government, particularly for scrapping the four Labour Codes, the platform of 10 central trade unions (CTUs) said. The leaders of the unions, addressing a workers’ rally in New Delhi, said key sectors such as power, mines, minerals, coal, ports and public transport were affected by the strike.
The CTUs said in a statement that there were very large mobilisations in rural India and also at block-sub-division levels by informal sector workers, agricultural labour and farmers and other sections of common people. “Participation of students and youth was quite visible in many States. The rank and file of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha [SKM] and joint front of agricultural labour unions played a significant role in the mobilisation in rural India,” they added.
Stern warning
Senior trade union leader Amarjeet Kaur said the workers gave a stern warning to the Centre that any move to impose the four Labour Codes would be opposed. She said the strike was the beginning of more joint protests with farmers. “We will soon have a joint meeting with the SKM to chart the future course of the protests,” she said. The CTUs also appreciated Opposition leaders joining their case in election-bound Bihar. “The move to exclude workers from voter list in Bihar will be objected,” said another trade union leader Rajeev Dimri.
Former MP and general secretary of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions Tapan Sen said the strike saw widespread participation of workers across numerous sectors such as coal, non-coal minerals (like iron ore, copper, bauxite, aluminium, manganese, and gold) finance sector, petroleum, oil and gas, telecom, textile and jute mills, defence sector and anganwadi workers. “The markets were closed at many places in response to the strike/bandh call,” the CTUs said.
They added that it was a bandh-like situation in States such as Puducherry, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Kerala, West Bengal, Odisha, Karnataka, Goa, Meghalaya, Manipur etc. “Reports of partial bandhs were also received in many segments of Rajasthan, Haryana, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh etc. There was industrial and sectoral strike held in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Gujarat,” they said.
Fard said most of the fissile material from different facilities were moved out before the U.S. bombed them. Asked about Bushehr, where the bulk of nuclear fissile material was stockpiled in the mountains, he replied that that facility was left untouched by the Americans.
Iranian consul general in Mumbai Mohseni Fard |
An overwhelming number of Iranians want the country to build a nuclear bomb. However, the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, remains firmly opposed to it, said Mohseni Fard, the 60-year-old Consul-General of Iran, while addressing a select group of journalists at the consulate on Tuesday. He clarified that Iran’s nuclear programme is fundamentally aimed at peaceful applications such as medicine and agriculture. Fard added that, as a sovereign nation, Iran cannot be legitimately prevented from developing nuclear facilities for peaceful purposes.
Fard said most of the fissile material from different facilities were moved out before the U.S. bombed them. Asked about Bushehr, where the bulk of nuclear fissile material was stockpiled in the mountains, he replied that that facility was left untouched by the Americans.
Fard said even though the U.S. B 20 bombers did inflict damage as part of Operation Midnight Hammer at the three nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan they can be rebuilt in a few months. “They tried to destroy the physical nuclear infrastructure, but they cannot take away the knowledge that our scientists had gained over the years,” he added.
Asked how the Mossad was able to eliminate top nuclear scientists of Iran, Fard alleged that officials of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), who had interacted with Iranian nuclear scientists during inspection of the N-sites, had leaked information to Israel. “We got documentary proof from Tel Aviv for this,” he claimed. He said 25 % of the IAEA’s time was focussed on the facilities in Iran.
When pointed out that the October 7 Hamas attack on Israelis was at the root of the current crisis, Fard replied that Tehran only extended moral support to Hamas and Hezbollah since they were fighting for justice. He said a permanent solution to the Middle East situation was to create a state of Palestine where Jews, Muslims and Christians, who were followers of Abrahamic religions, can live in peace.
After spotting drops of blood in the school bathroom, the principal summoned girls from Classes 5 to 10 to the school hall for a strip-check.
A female peon was asked to check some girls, aged between 10 and 12, who said they were not menstruating. (Representative Image/ PTI)
Minor girls in a Maharashtra school, between classes 5 and 10, were reportedly forced to strip and examined by teachers to check if they were menstruating after blood stains were found in the institute’s bathroom, sparking anger among parents, said the police.
The incident took place on Tuesday when the principal called several girl students, mostly from classes 5 to 10, to the school hall and showed them pictures of blood stains found on the bathroom floor, reported taken by the housekeeping staff.
The principal then ordered the students to separate into two groups: those who were menstruating and those who were not. A female peon was asked to check some girls, aged between 10 and 12, who said they were not menstruating.
The peon allegedly touched their undergarments during the checks and found one girl, who was using a sanitary napkin, but was found in the group of girls who said they were not menstruating. Following this, the principal humiliated her by scolding her in front of other students and staff.
After learning about the incident from their children, angry parents gathered outside the school to stage a protest. On Wednesday, they filed a complaint against the school management.
A case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act has been registered against six people, including the school principal, a peon, two teachers and two trustees. The school principal and peon have been arrested, while the police are investigating the other four.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently revealed his post-retirement plans. The sixty-year-old task-master said he would immerse himself in Vedas, Upanishads, and natural farming. Citing health risks linked to the use of chemical fertilisers, Shah batted for the promotion of organic farming.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has the image of a tireless worker and is a central figure in national politics. (Representational Photo: PTI)
It’s often said that politicians never retire. But after a lifetime of steering political tides, even stalwarts seemingly ponder the prospect of a slower life. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, one of India’s busiest and most-active politicians, on Wednesday shared an unusually personal glimpse into his post-retirement plans.
Shah, also the Minister for Cooperation, is a central figure in Indian politics and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Seen as a tireless worker, much like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 60-year-old Shah surprised many with his reflections on what life beyond politics might look like.
While interacting with women and activists from Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, Shah said, “I have decided that after retirement, I will dedicate the rest of my life to the Vedas, Upanishads, and natural farming.”
Though he didn’t elaborate on how he plans to immerse himself in the Hindu scriptures, Shah offered passionate insights into farming, which he would take up too.
He asserted that chemically-grown wheat contributes to serious health issues such as cancer, blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid disorders.
“Wheat grown with chemical fertilisers often leads to cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid issues. We didn’t know much about this earlier. Eating food free from chemical fertilisers means you may not need any medicines,” Shah said during the Sahkar Samvaad, in Ahmedabad.
Natural farming, he said, not only reduces disease but also improves crop productivity.
“I have been practising natural farming on my own farm, and the yields are nearly 1.5 times higher,” said the Home Minister.
Shah emphasised natural farming’s ecological benefits too, saying, “When it rains heavily, water usually flows out of the farm. But with organic farming, not a single drop goes out – it seeps into the soil. That’s because natural farming allows catchways to form. Excessive use of fertilisers has destroyed those catchways”.
Shah rued over the impact of synthetic fertiliser on farming.
“Earthworms produce natural fertilisers. But synthetic fertilisers have killed them off. These creatures are nature’s own factories of urea, DAP (Diammonium Phosphate), and MPK (Monopotassium Phosphate),” Shah said.
During the event, he also spoke about his journey as a minister, emphasising how the Cooperation Ministry holds a special place for him.
Strong earthquake tremors jolted Delhi and its adjoining regions on Thursday morning. It started at 9.04 am and lasted for a few seconds.
Tremors felt in Delhi-NCR
Strong earthquake tremors were felt in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Thursday morning. The tremors hit at 9.04 am and lasted for a few seconds.
According to the National Center for Seismology, a 4.4 magnitude earthquake hit Haryana’s Jhajjar at 9.04 am. It is part of the National Capital Region, and is located nearly 60 kilometres from Delhi.
Tremors jolted Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad in the NCR. The tremors were also felt in Sonipat, Rohtak and Hisar in Haryana.
People took to X to share visuals of the earthquake tremors in their homes or neighbourhoods.
The quake comes after a rain deluge in the Delhi-NCR on Wednesday, which led to waterlogging and stagnation of traffic. The downpour came after several days of sultry weather and humidity in the Delhi-NCR.
Delhi Police informed on X that no damage has been reported across the city because of the quake.
“No reports of any damage have been received so far from the earthquake that struck Delhi-NCR this morning. We pray for the well-being of all Delhi residents,” the post, roughly translated from Hindi, read.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Brazil’s highest civilian award, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, from President Lula.
xPrime Minister Narendra Modi conferred with the ‘Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross’ by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in Brasilia on Tuesday(DPR PMO)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Tuesday conferred with Brazil’s highest civilian award, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross.
The honour was presented by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, in recognition of PM Modi’s notable contributions to strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing India-Brazil cooperation across key global platforms.
“Being honoured with Brazil’s highest national award by the President today is a moment of immense pride and emotion, not only for me, but also for 140 crore Indians,” Modi said during a joint press statement with Lula after their delegation-level talks.
“I express my heartfelt gratitude to him (President Lula), the Brazilian government, and the people of Brazil,” he said.
#WATCH | Brasilia, Brazil: President Lula confers Brazil’s highest civilian honour, the ‘Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross’, on PM Narendra Modi.
He later posted on X, “I’m honoured to have been conferred ‘The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross.’ Gratitude to President Lula, the Government and the people of Brazil. This illustrates the strong affection the people of Brazil have for the people of India. May our friendship scale even newer heights of success in the times to come.”
Modi further stated that President Lula was the architect of India-Brazil Strategic Partnership, and the award was as much an honour to his untiring efforts to take the bilateral ties to greater heights, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release.
The fuel restrictions will also be implemented in the five districts of the National Capital Region (NCR) on the same day.
Days after the Delhi government lifted the ban on diesel cars above 10 years and petrol cars above 15 years, an order issued on Monday said that no fuel will be given to vehicles falling in these categories from November 1.
The fuel restrictions will also be implemented in the five districts of the National Capital Region (NCR) on the same day.
A meeting of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was held on Tuesday after the Delhi government wrote to them to review their decision towards “no fuel” for the End of Life vehicles from July 1.
Keeping the request in mind, the commission decided that it would be judicious to implement the fuel ban in all the six cities of the Delhi-NCR simultaneously from November 1.
The “no fuel” scheme for EOL vehicles will also be implemented in Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida, Ghaziabad and Sonipat from November 1.
On July 1, the Delhi government launched a major campaign to combat air pollution by banning fuel supply to end-of-life vehicles. As per the government order, petrol pumps would not provide fuel to diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years.
The initiative, directed by the CAQM, involved automated camera systems at fuelling stations to detect vehicle age. Traffic police were also empowered to impound violating vehicles or issue challans.
However, following a massive backlash against the move, the government lifted the ban with Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa saying that the government will plan to adopt a new system regarding old vehicles.
The relaxation in restrictions came a day after India Today highlighted how the fuel ban on old vehicles clashes with India’s sustainable, repair-not-replace ethos, rendering the ban un-Indian.
The road, which was reportedly built around six months ago to connect the villages of Baghuli and Jahaj to National Highway 52, gave way under the pressure.
WATCH: Newly-Built Rajasthan Highway Collapses Into River Before Inauguration After Torrential Rains | X/@Rajesh__Jamaal
Jaipur: A newly-constructed state highway in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu collapsed just days before its official inauguration, after torrential rains triggered the water level to rise in the Katli river. A video of the incident, accessed by NDTV, is now viral on social media.
According to the NDTV report, on Sunday, July 6, heavy rains lashed the Udaipurwati region, with the area recording 86 mm of rainfall. As a result, the Katli river, which is typically seasonal, turned into a forceful stream, swelling rapidly and pushing aggressively against the recently laid highway in Baghuli.
The incident raised serious concerns over the quality of construction and prompted an official inspection.
The road, which was reportedly built around six months ago to connect the villages of Baghuli and Jahaj to National Highway 52, gave way under the pressure. A significant portion of the highway also crumbled into the river, along with an electric pole, as seen in the viral video. Residents from nearby villages rushed to witness the dramatic collapse on their phones.
Questions Raised, PWD to Inspect
The collapse raised several questions over the materials and method used in the construction of the road. With the road not even opened for public use yet, the builders are now being held accountable for the mishap.
As per the report, officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) are expected to conduct a detailed inspection of the site and submit a report. The stretch was intended to provide better connectivity between rural areas and the broader NH-52 corridor leading to Jhunjhunu and Sikar.
Priya was found guilty of killing her former business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi, in July 2017. His dismembered body was found in a water tank, and authorities alleged that she had administered a fatal dose of sedatives before disposing of the body.
Kerala Nurse Nimisha Priya. (File Image) Photo : PTI
Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, convicted of murdering a Yemeni national in 2017, is scheduled to be executed on July 16. The date has been fixed by the apex court of Yemen.
Nimisha, who hails from Kerala’s Palakkad district, is currently lodged in a jail in the Yemeni capital of Sana’a, which is under the control of Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Yemen’s Supreme Judicial Council recently upheld her sentence, and the execution was approved by Mahdi al-Mashat, head of the Houthi-led Supreme Political Council.
Priya was found guilty of killing her former business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi, in July 2017. His dismembered body was found in a water tank, and authorities alleged that she had administered a fatal dose of sedatives before disposing of the body. The alleged motive was to retrieve her seized passport and escape alleged abuse.
Priya has denied the murder charges. Her lawyer argued in court that she had intended only to sedate Mahdi temporarily to recover her passport, but the dosage went wrong.
In 2020, a local court sentenced her to death, and the verdict was upheld by Yemen’s Supreme Court in November 2023.
Under Yemen’s Islamic legal system, executions may be halted only if the victim’s family grants a pardon in exchange for diyah – blood money. Efforts have been ongoing to raise the funds and negotiate a settlement with Mahdi’s family.
The video shared on social media shows a Suzuki Hayabusa crashing into a delivery rider on the road.
Image For Representation
A speeding Suzuki Hayabusa superbike crashed head-on into a Zomato delivery rider’s bike in Mysuru on July 6. The accident ended up killing both riders. The incident was recorded on a CCTV camera and has now been shared on social media.
The video shared on social media shows the Suzuki Hayabusa superbike accelerating at high speed. It then hits the delivery rider who was riding along the side of the road. After the crash, the superbike then dragged the delivery rider ahead on the road. Later on, the two-wheeler ended up skidding and crashing. The delivery boy ends up falling on the ground away from his two-wheeler.
The Zomatic delivery rider, Kartik, died on the spot. The Suzuki Hayabusa rider, Syed Saroon from Chamarajanagar in Karnataka, lost control of the bike, skidding several meters. The bike later burst into flames, which is claimed to be because of a petrol leak. Following the incident, Syed was taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries due to burn injuries.
“Speed thrills, but Kills” , CCTV has captured this chilling accident from Mysuru where a speeding Hayabusa crashes into a delivery boy, killing him, the rider of the superbike has also succumbed to his injuries. pic.twitter.com/l6zxYbbNgv
The incident has been reported at the NR Traffic Police Station, and the authorities are continuing their investigation. Both bodies have been taken to the mortuary for their post-mortem examination.
Bharat Bandh: The strike is likely to impact sectors like banking, postal services, coal mining, factories, and transport, causing major service disruptions.
More than 25 crore workers from various industries are anticipated to join the strike, potentially leading to major disruptions in banking, transport, and essential services. (ANI file)
Trade unions affiliated with Left parties are observing a nationwide ‘Bharat Bandh’ on Wednesday, alleging that the central government is implementing economic reforms that undermine workers’ rights. The shutdown has been called by 10 central trade unions.
The protest is aimed at opposing what the groups allege are “pro-corporate and anti-worker” policies implemented by the government.
Over 25 crore workers across multiple sectors are expected to take part in the strike, which could significantly disrupt banking, transportation, and other key public services.
The call for the general strike comes from a joint forum of 10 central trade unions and their affiliates. These unions are protesting against labour law reforms, increased privatisation, and growing economic distress in rural areas. According to them, these policies are harming both workers and farmers.
In a statement, the union forum called for large-scale participation and noted that preparations were in full swing across both formal and informal sectors to ensure the strike’s “success”.
A central issue behind the strike is a 17-point demand charter submitted last year to Union labour minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
The strike is expected to cause widespread disruption in several industries. “Banking, postal, coal mining, factories, and state transport services will be affected due to the strike,” said Harbhajan Singh Sidhu of the Hind Mazdoor Sabha.
The unions backing the protest include prominent organisations such as the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC), Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), Labour Progressive Federation (LPF), and the United Trade Union Congress (UTUC), according to The Economic Times report.
The trade union also slammed the government’s economic policies, alleging they have caused rising unemployment, soaring prices of essential goods, falling wages, and cuts in spending on education, healthcare, and basic services. As part of the ‘Bharat Bandh’, unions are calling for recruitment to vacant sanctioned posts, an increase in MNREGA wages, and more guaranteed work days.
What’s open and what’s closed today?
Banking services likely to be hit: A bank employees’ group has confirmed that the banking sector will take part in the Bharat Bandh scheduled for Wednesday. The Bengal Provincial Bank Employees Association, which is affiliated with the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), has publicly declared its support for the strike. Additionally, the insurance sector is also expected to join the protest. Although no official bank holiday has been announced, the participation of employees from these sectors is likely to cause disruptions in banking services across the country.
No closures announced for educational institutions: There has been no official directive mandating the closure of schools or colleges in connection with the Bharat Bandh. Educational institutions are expected to operate as usual on Wednesday. Unless specific instructions are issued by local authorities or individual managements, schools and colleges across the country will likely remain open and function without interruption.
Power supply may be affected: India’s electricity supply may face disturbances on July 9 due to the participation of a large number of power sector employees in the nationwide strike. Over 27 lakh workers from this sector are expected to join the Bharat Bandh, which could result in outages or disruptions in various parts of the country. The extent of the impact may vary by region, depending on union strength and local arrangements made by electricity boards.
Railways not on strike, but minor disruptions possible: While railway unions have not formally declared their involvement in the Bharat Bandh, there could still be indirect effects on train operations. Historically, such strikes have led to protestors staging demonstrations at or near railway stations and on tracks, especially in regions with a strong union presence. Members of Left-affiliated unions in West Bengal staged a protest against the central government’s “pro-corporate” policies by entering Jadavpur railway station and blocking tracks, despite heavy police presence. Although a complete railway shutdown is not anticipated, localised delays and heightened security at major transit points are likely.
Kerala transport could see partial impact: Kerala Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar stated that the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) would continue to operate its services on Wednesday, as no official strike notice had been received from the unions. However, sources from trade unions, according to PTI, challenged this claim, asserting that a strike notice had already been issued and that KSRTC workers would, in fact, join the nationwide protest. This disagreement could lead to partial disruptions in bus services across Kerala.
Public transport and road travel may face interruptions in several cities: In cities across the country, road transport services such as public buses, taxis, and app-based cabs may experience delays or limited availability due to protest marches and road blockades organised by trade unions and supporting organisations. These demonstrations are expected to impact local travel and delivery services, particularly during peak hours. Daily commuters are advised to plan their travel accordingly and anticipate possible traffic diversions and longer commute times.
Why was the strike announced?
The workers’ union forum criticised the government for not convening the annual labour conference for the past decade. It accused the administration of making decisions that go against the interests of workers, particularly by pushing for the implementation of four labour codes. According to the forum, these codes are intended “to weaken collective bargaining, to cripple unions’ activities and to favour employers in the name of ‘ease of doing business’.”
Businessman Gopal Khemka was shot dead outside his residence in Patna by a bike-borne assailant last week, seven years after miscreants had gunned down his son in Hajipur.
People attend funeral of businessman Gopal Khemka in Patna (PTI Photo) Photo : PTI
Gopal Khemka Murder Case: The Bihar Police on Tuesday, July 8, said that they have achieved a breakthrough in the murder case of businessman Gopal Khemka. Gopal Khemka was shot dead outside his residence in Patna by a bike-borne assailant. The police on Tuesday blamed the killing of the renowned businessman on a land deal that went awry.
At a press conference, DGP Vinay Kumar, among others officials said the firearm used to shoot at Khemka, outside his residence here on Saturday night, has been recovered from a hideout of the alleged shooter.
“As stated earlier, the gunman Umesh Yadav was arrested yesterday, besides Ajay Shaw, by whom he was paid an advance amount of Rs 50,000 for murdering Khemka,” said the DGP. “We have recovered the gun, used to shoot at Khemka, besides a large number of cartridges from Yadav’s place. Saw is said to be involved in property business, and prima facie it was a land deal that led him to hire the contract killer,” added the DGP.
He, however, did not divulge any further details, saying the investigation was still on.
“The motive that has come forward till now is about the land dispute in the business, and there are more reasons also on which we are doing the investigation,” SSP Kartikeya Sharma said. The investigators have also recovered several evidences regarding the land deals.
“We got the papers of the various lands, and an investigation is going on. We have also recovered several audio clips, and the dispute was not only about one land; there were many lands. Vikas, alias Raja, has been sent to jail in other cases also. In 9 cases, FIR has been registered against him… We have not found any criminal record of Umesh Yadav… We are doing the investigation and seeing if there is any outer link,” SSP Sharma said.
Replying to a query, the DGP said, “We are probing as to whether there was any common thread between Khemka’s killing and the murderous assault on his two sons eight years ago.”
Barbie debuts its first doll with type 1 diabetes, promoting inclusivity, awareness, and representation. The doll features real T1D medical gear and partners with Breakthrough T1D to ensure authenticity.
Mattel has launched its first-ever Barbie doll with Type 1 diabetes (Image Source: X/ @CryptoMilox)
Mattel has unveiled its first-ever Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes (T1D), marking a significant milestone in its ongoing mission to promote inclusion and representation in children’s toys.
The new doll, part of the 2025 Barbie Fashionistas line, features a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), an insulin pump, and fashion inspired by global diabetes awareness symbols.
“Introducing a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes marks an important step in our commitment to inclusivity and representation,” said Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls. “Barbie helps shape children’s early perceptions of the world… we ensure more kids can see themselves in the stories they imagine and the dolls they love.”
To develop the doll, Barbie collaborated with Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), a leading diabetes research and advocacy group. The design includes real-world T1D tools like a CGM, visible on the doll’s arm with pink heart-shaped tape, and an insulin pump on her waist. Her outfit consists of a blue polka-dot top and skirt that reflects international diabetes awareness symbols.
One by one, 13 Buddhist monks wearing brightly colored silk costumes and wide-brimmed black hats, stepped onto the rectangular courtyard of the Hemis monastery. They began a ritual dance to a slow rhythm set by drums, cymbals and horns.
As they moved, the white human skull motifs on their costume caught the morning sun. They danced to ward off mythical evil beings and clear the courtyard of negative energy.
That set the stage for the ritual dances to follow at the Hemis Festival — or Hemis Tsechu.
Buddhist monks in ceremonial costume perform a ritual dance during the first day of the two-day festival at the Hemis monastery, on the outskirts of Leh, India, Saturday, July 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)Buddhist monks in ceremonial hats blow horns during the first day of the opening ceremony of the two-day festival at the Hemis monastery, on the outskirts of Leh, India, Saturday, July 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)A Buddhist monk in a ceremonial costume performs a ritual dance during the first day of the two-day festival at the Hemis monastery, on the outskirts of Leh, India, Saturday, July 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)A traditional Tibetan Buddhist art work called Thangka is displayed during the first day of the two-day festival at the Hemis monastery, on the outskirts of Leh, India, Saturday, July 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)
Hemis Gompa belongs to the Drukpa Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism and is one of the most important monasteries in Ladakh. Built in the 17th century, it lies at an elevation of about 3,560 meters (12,000 feet) in the northern Indian desert mountainous territory.
A Liberian-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3 sinks off Kerala Coast Credit: Reuters Photo
The MSC ELSA III had capsized and sunk off Kerala coast on May 25, allegedly releasing oil and cargo that harmed the marine environment, damaged the coastline and affected the livelihood of thousands of fishermen.
Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Monday ordered the conditional arrest of a cargo ship anchored at Vizhinjam Port in connection with a Rs 9,531 crore compensation case filed by the State of Kerala over a major shipwreck and environmental damage.
The vessel, MSC AKITETA II (IMO 9220847), was ordered to be detained after the state accused the owners and managers of another ship which appears to be of the same company, MSC ELSA III (IMO 9123221), of causing severe pollution off the Kerala coast.
The MSC ELSA III had capsized and sunk off Kerala coast on May 25, allegedly releasing oil and cargo that harmed the marine environment, damaged the coastline and affected the livelihood of thousands of fishermen.
Kerala’s Environment Department, which brought the case, said the sunken vessel had 643 cargo containers and that the damage caused was enormous.
The state is seeking Rs 9,531 crore in total — including compensation for environmental harm, clean-up efforts and economic losses to local fishing communities.
During questioning by the Mumbai Crime Branch in NIA custody, Tahawwur Rana confirmed his presence in Mumbai during the 26/11 attacks and that it was part of the terrorists’ plan, sources told India Today TV.
Tahawwur Hussain Rana, one of the key conspirators of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, has made explosive revelations, saying he was in the city at the time of the carnage and was a trusted agent of the Pakistani army, sources told India Today TV.
Rana, who is in NIA custody in Delhi’s Tihar Jail, told the Mumbai Crime Branch during questioning that he and his friend and aide David Coleman Headley had several training sessions with Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, sources said.
Rana also said that the LeT mainly worked as a spy network, they said.
According to sources, Rana said the idea of opening an immigration centre of his firm in Mumbai was his, and financial transactions in it were also done as business expenses. He also admitted he was in Mumbai during the 26/11 attacks and that was part of the terrorists’ plan, sources said.
Rana said he inspected places like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and believed that the 26/11 attacks were carried out in collaboration with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), sources said.
The 64-year-old also said he was sent by the Pakistani army to Saudi Arabia during the Khaleej War, sources further said.
Following his questioning, the Mumbai Police are preparing to arrest Rana as soon as possible and take him into custody.
Rana, a Pakistani-origin Canadian, was extradited to India earlier this year. His extradition followed the April 4 dismissal of his review petition by the US Supreme Court.
Speaking during a dinner with Israeli PM Netanyahu, Donald Trump noted that countries unwilling to agree will receive tariff notices. Trump added some may get adjustments if they have valid reasons, stressing fairness in negotiations.
PM Narendra Modi with US President Donald Trump (File Photo: Reuters)
US President Donald Trump announced that the United States is nearing a trade agreement with India as part of his efforts to eliminate the trade deficit and assert US leverage through tariffs. Trump’s announcement comes as the US imposed tariffs on imports from fourteen countries in order to address its trade deficit with these nations.
“We are close to making a deal with India,” Trump told reporters during a private dinner with Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu. “We’ve made a deal with the United Kingdom. We’ve made a deal with China.”
Trump suggested that while progress has been made with key partners, other nations unwilling to meet US terms will face new tariff notifications.
“Others we met with, and we don’t think we’re going to be able to make a deal, so we just send them a letter,” Trump said. “We’re sending out letters to various countries telling them how much tariffs they have to pay.”
While Trump did not provide details about the structure or scope of the potential deal with India, he hinted at flexibility for countries with legitimate concerns.
“Some will maybe adjust a little bit depending if they have a cause,” he added. “We’re not going to be unfair about it.”
On Monday, Trump expanded tariffs on imports from Japan, South Korea, Myanmar, Laos, South Africa, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Tunisia, Indonesia, Bosnia, Bangladesh, Serbia, Cambodia, and Thailand.
The tariff slabs will come into effect from August 1. According to letters posted by Donald Trump on Truth Social, the United States will impose a new round of tariffs. South Korea and Japan will each face a 25% tariff. Myanmar and Laos are set to be hit with 40% tariffs, while South Africa will face a 30% tariff. Kazakhstan, Malaysia, and Tunisia will each be subject to 25% tariffs.
On Monday, an association of civil society organisations UAID released the hate crime report for the period of June 2024 to June 2025 which marked the first year of Modi government’s third term.
PM Modi’s Third term In India |
India recorded 602 hate crimes and 345 hate speech incidents in the first year of the Modi government’s third term, revealed the hate crime report released by United Against Injustice and Discrimination (UAID). A similar report by Citizens for Peace and Justice (CJP) revealed that 180 cases of targeted violence against Indian Muslims were reported in two months after the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
On Monday, an association of civil society organisations UAID released the hate crime report for the period of June 2024 to June 2025 which marked the first year of Modi government’s third term. According to the report, 602 hate crime incidents occurred in the country’s 23 states and two union territories. While Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 162 incidents, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra followed with 68 and 60 incidents respectively. These hate crimes also resulted in the death of 29 Muslims including one woman.
The hate crime report claimed that 267, out of the 602 incidents, involved right-wing outfits, whereas offences were registered in only 81 cases, which is 13% of the hate crimes. It said that 398 of these crimes were of harassment or intimidation of religious minorities, out of which 214 incidents involved organisations and political parties. This was followed by 173 cases of physical violence, out of which visible religiosity of religious minorities was the reason in 119 cases (60.1%), non-vegetarian food was the reason in 32 cases (8.5%) and inter-community relationships accounted for 17 incidents (6.7%). Other reasons included religious conversion, religious processions and hurting religious sentiments.
The report highlighted that although the activities of right-wing outfits in May died within a few days, Uttarakhand is emerging as a hotspot for hate crimes after the sexual assault of a minor girl in Nainital involving a Muslim accused and the Sanjauli Mosque being labelled as a disputed place of worship.
At a press conference organised to release the report on Monday, Frazer Mascarenhas, priest and activist, raised concerns against the BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar from Sangli’s Jat constituency, who allegedly remarked that he would give cash prize to those who thrash people visiting villages for conversion. He said, “The chain of hate crimes starts from allegations against certain communities, followed by hate speech and then ultimately results in violence. A government’s basic function is to protect the right to life and if it is not able to do the bare minimum, we really do not need a government.”
Similarly, 345 incidents of hate speech were recorded by the hate crime report, out of which 109 were made by a member of a political party or an affiliated outfit. It claimed that 11 states ruled by the BJP recorded these incidents, including 55 from UP and 41 in both Maharashtra and Jharkhand. It claimed that 212 of these incidents fulfilled all requirements of inciting discrimination, hostility or violence.
This even included five speeches by the prime minister, 63 by BJP chief ministers and 71 other elected representatives. According to the report, 288 of the 345 hate speech incidents were made in public gatherings, seven were made during parliament or assembly sessions, 23 online and 27 in press conferences or interviews. While four Shiv Sena members, one Congress and one Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) members were accused of giving hate speeches, non-political organisations accused of hate speech included Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and other right-wing Hindu outfits.
Irfan Engineer, director of Centre for Study of Society and Secularism, shared the statistics from his organisation’s annual record, which claimed that the hate crimes increased by 270% from 33 cases in 2023 to 122 cases in 2024, 38% from Maharashtra alone. He said that while the reasons can range from parliamentary elections to assembly elections in states like Maharashtra and Haryana, Muslims were the targets in 96% of these cases.
Çelebi’s security clearance was revoked by the Indian government after the four-day Indo-Pak military conflict during which Turkey openly backed Pakistan.
Airport Passengers
The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed a plea by Turkish ground handling and cargo operator Çelebi Airport Services India challenging the Central government’s decision to revoke its security clearance, which led to the termination of its services at Delhi and Mumbai airports.
Justice Sachin Datta passed the order, a detailed copy of which is awaited.
The government’s decision followed the four-day Indo-Pak military conflict during which the Turkish government had openly backed Pakistan. This prompted the firm to approach the High Court citing violation of natural justice and other grounds.
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who appeared for Çelebi, contended that the company has been condemned without any proper disclosure on why it was being subjected to such harsh measures, in violation of procedural safeguards including in Rule 12 of Aircraft Rules, 2023. He had argued that the firm should have been given proper notice before being subjected to such measures.
“The notice has to say what is the proposed punishment based on the gravamen of facts. It is not a Carte Blanche. Record reasons in writing, not in your mind,” he said.
Such ‘complete violation of natural justice principles’ renders the revocation of the firm’s security clearance void, Rohatgi said. He added that the government should at least share a gist of its accusations with the company, not just the Court.
Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta represented the Indian government.
He told the Delhi High Court that it could not have given notice of the security clearance revocation to Çelebi, owing to national security concerns in the wake of the conflict between India and Pakistan.
He added that the revocation was rooted in concerns over national security under the Aircraft Security Rules, particularly Rule 12, which permits cancellation of licence where there is a potential threat.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation, acting through the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), had withdrawn Çelebi’s security clearance on May 15, 2025, invoking national security grounds.
Çelebi, a wholly-owned Indian subsidiary of Turkish parent company Çelebi Aviation Holding, challenged the move before the High Court shortly after.
The company termed the Indian government’s justification for its decision as “vague” and “unsubstantiated,” asserting that such actions jeopardise foreign investor confidence and threaten the livelihoods of over 3,800 Indian employees.
The company also clarified that while it has Turkish ownership, operational and managerial control of its Indian entity is handled by an India-based team, and that it has maintained a clean track record for over a decade at major airports.
Along with several top leaders, PM Modi held deliberations on a range of pressing challenges facing the globe at the BRICS’ two-day annual summit in this seaside Brazilian city.
PM Narendra Modi at BRICS Summit 2025 (Image: X)
PM Modi at BRICS: Under its presidency, India will work to define BRICS in a new form and it will be ‘Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the summit of the grouping on Monday.
In an address at a session on environment and global health, Modi also said that the health of the earth and the health of people are connected to each other as he underlined the need to remain prepared for any eventualities. The COVID pandemic taught us that viruses do not come taking visas, and solutions, too, are not chosen by looking at passports, the Prime Minister said.
Underlining India’s priorities during its presidency of BRICS grouping next years, PM Modi said, “Under India’s BRICS presidency, we will work to define BRICS in a new form. BRICS will mean — Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability.”
“For India, climate justice is no alternative; it is a moral duty,” PM Modi said, adding: “Where some people measure it in numbers, India lives it in values.”
The Rio leg of my Brazil visit was very productive. We had extensive deliberations at the BRICS Summit. I compliment President Lula and the Brazilian Government for the work they’ve done through their BRICS Presidency in making this platform even more effective. My bilateral… pic.twitter.com/ZrvQidVTQ4
In a big message, Prime Minister Modi said the developing nations must have the same confidence about the future that the developed nations have. The self-confidence about the future that developed countries have — the same self-strength should also be in these countries, he added.
Along with several top leaders, PM Modi held deliberations on a range of pressing challenges facing the globe at the BRICS’ two-day annual summit in this seaside Brazilian city.
The 193-member UN General Assembly adopted a draft resolution, introduced by Germany on “The situation in Afghanistan’.
UN General Assembly Photo : AP
India on Monday abstained in the UN General Assembly on a draft resolution on Afghanistan as it noted that a “business as usual” approach is unlikely to deliver outcomes that the global community envisions for the Afghan people.
The 193-member UN General Assembly adopted a draft resolution, introduced by Germany on “The situation in Afghanistan’. The resolution was adopted with 116 votes in favour; two against and 12 abstentions, including by India.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, in the explanation of vote, said that any coherent policy to address a post-conflict situation must combine a mix of policy instruments ” incentivising positive behaviour and disincentivising harmful actions.
“An approach focused only on punitive measures, in our view, is unlikely to succeed. The United Nations and the broader international community have adopted more balanced and nuanced approaches in other post-conflict contexts,” Harish said.
He also said that no new policy instruments have been introduced to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan since August 2021, when the Taliban took over Kabul.
“A ‘business as usual’ approach, without new and targeted initiatives, is unlikely to deliver the outcomes the international community envisions for the Afghan people,” he said.
Harish stressed that India is closely monitoring the security situation in Afghanistan and underscored that the international community must direct its coordinated efforts towards ensuring that entities and individuals designated by the UN Security Council, the Al Qaeda and their affiliates, ISIL and their affiliates, including Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, along with their regional sponsors who facilitate their operations, no longer exploit the Afghan territory for terrorist activities, a reference to Pakistan.
He noted that on the political front, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently spoke with the Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Amir Khan Muttaqi.
India welcomed “the strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack” of April 22 by the Afghan side.
“This conversation followed a meeting between India’s Foreign Secretary and the Acting Foreign Minister, where both sides discussed various bilateral issues and regional developments,” Harish said.
Jaishankar had spoken with Muttaqi in May, his first interaction with the Taliban acting foreign minister.
“Good conversation with Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi this evening. Deeply appreciate his condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Welcomed his firm rejection of recent attempts to create distrust between India and Afghanistan through false and baseless reports.
“Underlined our traditional friendship with the Afghan people and continuing support for their development needs. Discussed ways and means of taking cooperation forward,” Jaishankar had said.
Reiterating India’s historic ties with the people of Afghanistan and its enduring commitment to meeting their humanitarian and developmental needs, Harish said that while New Delhi remains committed to continued engagement with all relevant stakeholders and broadly supports the international community’s efforts towards a stable, peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan, “India has decided to abstain on this resolution.”
The resolution expressed deep concern over the dire economic, humanitarian and social conditions, persistent violence and the presence of terrorist groups, the absence of political inclusivity and representative decision-making, as well as violations and abuses of human rights, including those of women, girls and persons belonging to minorities since the takeover by the Taliban.
It recognised that the health, well-being, prosperity and security of the people of Afghanistan affect the entire region and beyond and maintained that sustainable and lasting peace can be achieved only through long-term social, economic and political stability, which requires full respect for civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights as well as commitment to inclusive and representative governance.
It also called upon the Taliban to fulfil and respect their assurances for the safety and security of diplomatic personnel and premises, humanitarian workers and international organisations in Afghanistan.
The resolution expressed serious concern about the grave, worsening, widespread and systematic oppression of all women and girls in Afghanistan by the Taliban, which, as documented by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, has put in place “an institutionalised system of discrimination, segregation, disrespect for human dignity and the exclusion of women and girls.
It recalled the obligations of Afghanistan under international law, in particular human rights, refugee and international humanitarian law, and stressed the need to ensure respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Harish said that India’s approach to Afghanistan ” as its contiguous neighbour with deep historical and cultural ties ” has always been guided by its longstanding friendship and special relationship with the Afghan people. “As a long-standing partner, India has direct stakes in ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan,” Harish said.
A Ram Katha may be organised, and renowned musicians and artists from across the country are expected to perform, further enhancing the grandeur of the ceremony.
Ram Mandir, Ayodhya (File Image)
Ayodhya: A flag-hoisting ceremony is set to take place at the Ram temple in Ayodhya in November with thousands of special guests expected to attend and Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to be the chief guest.
An official of the temple trust, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told PTI on Monday that the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust has shortlisted two dates in November for this significant event. Preparations for the ceremony are gaining momentum.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi might be present as the chief guest on this auspicious occasion,” the official said.
According to sources within the temple, the Ram flag will be hoisted atop the 161-foot-high spire of the temple. In addition, flags will also be hoisted on the spires of all other temples within the complex, marking a major milestone towards the completion of the temple’s construction.
Anil Mishra, a trustee of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra told PTI, “The final programme is still being prepared. As soon as it is ready, it will be shared.”
Temple sources further told PTI that the flag-hoisting ceremony is expected to be as grand as the consecration of Lord Ram. The trust is preparing an extensive guest list that includes saints, religious leaders, distinguished dignitaries and devotees from across India and abroad. The trust estimates that thousands of guests will witness this second historic occasion following the consecration ceremony of the deity Ram Lalla.
A senior official from the Ayodhya administration confirmed that preparations are in full swing to welcome the guests.
The temple trust and the administrative machinery have started booking rooms in hotels, while arrangements are also being made in major dharamshalas and guest houses across the city, the official added.
PM Narendra Modi gifted a miniature silver Ram temple and an urn to the Trinidadian PM, and a silver lion on a fuchsite base and a Madhubani painting to Argentinian leadership
A metal urn filled with water from Saryu river flowing through Ayodhya; (R) a miniature silver version of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. (Image: Sourced)
A silver replica of Ayodhya’s Ram temple was among the unique gifts that Prime Minister Narendra Modi carried with him during his official visit to Argentina as well as Trinidad and Tobago last week.
Modi gifted the temple replica and an urn with sacred water to his Trinidadian counterpart. To the Argentine leadership, he gifted a hand-etched silver lion on a fuchsite base and a Madhubani painting.
The Prime Minister had travelled to Trinidad and Tobago – the second leg of his ongoing five-nation tour – where he gifted a ‘kalash’, or an urn, with water from the Saryu river to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
The urn, filled with what is believed to be sacred water from the Saryu, is a symbol of purity, blessings, and spiritual grace. The Saryu, which flows through Ayodhya – believed to be the birthplace of Hindu deity Ram – is significant in Hinduism.
Crafted in metal, the urn embodies abundance and sanctity making it an auspicious offering. It connects the giver and receiver to Ayodhya’s legacy of dharma, devotion, and liberation.
Modi also gifted the Trinidadian PM a silver replica of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, a finely handcrafted tribute to what is considered one of India’s most sacred and spiritual sites.
Made by skilled artisans from Uttar Pradesh, it captures the grandeur and intricate architecture of the temple – symbolic of dharma, righteousness, and divine blessings. It is entirely cast in pure silver, and is a miniature of the temple embodying purity, devotion, and cultural pride. Ideal for spaces of worship, homes, or as a meaningful keepsake, it reflects UP’s rich heritage of temple art and metalwork.
Before Trinidad and Tobago, the PM was in Argentina for a two-day visit to Buenos Aires, where he interacted with President Javier Milei.
He gifted Milei a silver lion on a fuchsite base, crafted by Rajasthani artisans. The fuchsite stone has been sourced from India’s mineral-rich regions while the piece embodies the country’s rich artistic and geological heritage.
It is a striking example of Rajasthan’s renowned metalwork and gemstone artistry, while the intricately detailed silver lion symbolises courage and leadership. Fuchsite is also known as the ‘stone of healing and resilience’.
Modi also gifted a Madhubani painting to the Argentinian Vice President, Victoria Eugenia Villarruel. It depicts the sun, showcasing one of India’s oldest folk art traditions from the Mithila region of Bihar.
The accused, identified as Vivek Sabharwal, was arrested late Sunday night in Delhi and brought to Mumbai
Mumbai, India – Feb. 8, 2024: Mumbai Congress Leader Baba Siddique interact with media after Quits Party and he Join Ajit Pawar’s NCP on 10th Feb in Mumbai, India, on Thursday, February 8, 2024. (Photo by Satish Bate/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times)
The Bandra police have arrested a 48-year-old man for allegedly attempting to fraudulently get a mobile number belonging to the late Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique transferred to his name. His elaborate cheating scheme featured procuring data of mobile numbers that were unused for a few months and then using fake email IDs and forged documents to gain control of bank accounts linked to them, according to the police.
The accused, identified as Vivek Sabharwal, was arrested late Sunday night in Delhi and brought to Mumbai. A serial offender with at least six cheating and forgery cases registered against him, Sabharwal used to work at a private bank as a loan agent around a decade ago, before turning to the world of crime.
According to the police, Siddique’s wife, Shehzeen, filed a complaint on June 26 alleging that the family had received an email from a telecom company informing them that someone had initiated a request to transfer a mobile number belonging to the slain NCP leader to their name. This was done using a fake email ID and forged documents, said a police officer. In her complaint, Shehzeen also alleged that the accused intended to become an authorised signatory of a family firm, Zears Business India LLP, which was linked to the mobile number.
With help from the cyber police, the Bandra police identified the sender of the email as Sabharwal, a resident of Delhi. Late Sunday, the police raided his home in Delhi, apprehended him, and brought him to Mumbai.
Following his interrogation, the police uncovered his alleged modus operandi: Sabharwal used to procure data of mobile numbers that had not been used for a few months. After calling the numbers to ensure they were not in use, he would then approach the concerned telecom company, seeking to transfer the mobile number in his name by submitting forged KYC documents.
Sabharwal would then allegedly register the procured number on a payment gateway and get the details of bank accounts linked to it. He would then fraudulently transfer the money in those bank accounts to his own account, said a police officer.
Baba Siddique’s mobile number happened to be in one such lot of numbers that Sabharwal had procured. During his interrogation, he allegedly said he was not aware that the number belonged to Siddique, who was shot dead in October last year by three assailants in Bandra East.
Sabharwal then tried to get the slain leader’s mobile number transferred to his name by sending an email to a telecom company in Delhi using a fake email ID. However, Siddique’s family had already requested the service provider to keep the number active, as it was linked to some of their businesses, and not give it to anyone else.
So, when the service provider received a request to transfer the number to someone else’s name, an alert was sent to the family on their registered email ID, said a police officer from the Bandra police station. Sabharwal’s intention was to transfer the number to his name and use it in fraudulent activities, added the officer.
Workers from a wide array of sectors – ranging from banking, insurance, postal services to coal mining – are expected to take part in the Bharat Bandh strike
Bharat Bandh news: A police barricade secured with locks at Ghazipur border in Ghaziabad.(PTI File)
Over 25 crore workers – from sectors ranging from banking, insurance, postal services to coal mining – are expected to participate in a nationwide general strike on Wednesday. The strike, called by a joint forum of 10 central trade unions, has been described as a ‘Bharat Bandh’ to protest against what the unions label as “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and anti-national pro-corporate policies” of the central government.
The trade unions have issued a call to “make the nationwide general strike a grand success,” citing months of intensive preparations across formal and informal sectors. “More than 25 crore workers are expected to take part in the strike. Farmers and rural workers will also join the protest across the country,” Amarjeet Kaur of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) told news agency PTI.
The widespread action is likely to severely impact key public services and industries. “Banking, postal, coal mining, factories, and state transport services will be affected due to the strike,” added Harbhajan Singh Sidhu of the Hind Mazdoor Sabha.
At the heart of the unrest is a charter of 17 demands submitted by the unions to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya last year. The unions claim the government has ignored these demands and failed to convene the annual labour conference for the past decade – a move they say reflects the government’s apathy toward the labour force.
In a joint statement, the forum alleged that the government’s labour reforms, including the introduction of four new labour codes, are designed to erode workers’ rights. These codes, unions argue, aim to dismantle collective bargaining, weaken union activities, increase working hours, and shield employers from accountability under labour laws.
The government has abandoned the welfare state status of the country and is working in the interest of foreign and Indian corporates, and it is so evident from its policies being pursued vigorously, the forum said.
Trade unions have been fighting against “privatisation of public sector enterprises and public services, policies of outsourcing, contractorisation and casualisation of workforce”, it said.
The four labour codes that have been passed by the Parliament are meant to suppress and cripple the trade union movement, increase working hours, snatch workers’ right to collective bargaining, right to strike, and decriminalise violation of labour laws by employers, the statement said.
The large pothole in the middle of the road has caused major trouble for parents transporting school children as well as daily commuters. Locals are blaming the Noida Authority for its negligence. The size of the crater has left residents fearful of potential harm to life and property.
Watch: Crater forms after rain near Noida school, exposing road negligence
This morning’s light rain in Uttar Pradesh’s Noida once again exposed the tall claims made by the Noida Authority. After the rainfall, a road near one of Noida’s posh sectors — Sector-100 — caved in, forming a massive crater in the middle of the road. The incident raises serious questions about the authority’s monsoon preparedness.
While the morning showers brought some relief from the humid heat, they also caused waterlogging and traffic congestion, creating inconvenience for commuters. The most shocking scene came from near Pathways School in Sector-100, where a service road suddenly collapsed, creating a crater approximately 12 feet wide and 15 feet deep.
The large pothole in the middle of the road has caused major trouble for parents transporting school children as well as daily commuters. Locals are blaming the Noida Authority for its negligence. The size of the crater has left residents fearful of potential harm to life and property.
Another youth recorded the incident and made the video viral on social media. The two minor boys involved in the incident have reportedly been detained after the video went viral on social media.
In a shocking incident, a video has surfaced on social media in which it can be seen that young boys are risking their lives for a few likes and shares on social media. The incident came to light from Odisha’s Boudh district where a 12-year-old minor boy is seen risking his life by lying down between railway tracks while a train passed over him. Another youth recorded the incident and made the video viral on social media. The two minor boys involved in the incident have reportedly been detained after the video went viral on social media.
Minor Lies On Railway Track As Train Passes Over Him | X
రీల్స్ కోసం ప్రాణాలతో చెలగాటం
ఒడిశా – బౌద్ జిల్లాలోని పూరునాపానీలో రీల్స్ పిచ్చిలో ట్రైన్ పట్టాల మధ్య పడుకున్న బాలుడు
The incident reportedly occurred in Boudh district on June 29 and the video went viral on Saturday (July 05). The two minors were involved in the life-threatening stunt near Jharmunda station. The local police and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) swung into action after the video hit the internet.
The RPF and Baunsuni Police carried out a joint operation and investigation into the matter and with the help of the villagers they were able to locate the two minor boys involved in the dangerous stunt. After identification, both children, along with their parents/guardians, were taken to the RPF post at Balangir. Further action is being taken under the Juvenile Justice Act, with proceedings being carried out in the presence of their guardians.
The video shows that a 12-year-old boy lies in the middle of the woods on the railway tracks and the other minor present with him starts recording the video. A train is seen approaching as the kid lay down low on the railway track. The entire train passes over the boy who is lying on the railway track. After the train passes, the boy gets up in joy and celebrates with his partner with joy. The youth are seen celebrating as if they did a heroic act or achieved something. However, if anything would have gone wrong, he could have lost his life in the stupid act.
Sigachi Industries, in a statement on Sunday night, said that it is saddened to share the loss of two more team members since July 4, taking the death toll to 42.
The death toll in the fire and explosion at Sigachi Industries Ltd’s manufacturing unit in Pashamylaram near Hyderabad rose to 42 on Sunday.
Two of the injured workers succumbed while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Patancheru on Sunday.
Sigachi Industries, in a statement on Sunday night, said that it is saddened to share the loss of two more team members since July 4, taking the death toll to 42.
Of the 33 injured team members, 14 have now recovered and been discharged from the hospital, while 18 continue to be under medical attention in various hospitals, it said.
Eight team members are still missing. Of the 143 members present on-site during the time of the accident, 61 are safe, the company statement added.
Setup in 1989, Sigachi Industries’ Pashamylaram plant has been incident-free for 36 years. It is an ISO 45001:2018 certified facility and follows stringent safety and compliance measures.
“Since the time of the accident, we have been coordinating the emergency response, family support, and extending cooperation with the investigation and compliance efforts,” the company said.
A major explosion occurred in the manufacturing plant of Sigachi Industries at Pashamylaram, Patancheru Mandal, Sangareddy district on June 30.
The plant manufactures Microcrystalline Cellulose powder, which is used in tablets and capsules as a binding agent.
Rescue teams found 30 pieces of human remains at the site, and they were sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Hyderabad, for DNA analysis.
According to officials at Patancheru Government Hospital, of the 24 DNA samples collected so far, 22 bodies have been identified and handed over to their families.
The deceased hailed from Bihar, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. Authorities are sending the bodies in ambulances to their native places with police escort. Two police constables are accompanying each body.
Reliance Jio is down again, claim users. Photo : BCCL
Several users of Reliance Jio reported issues with the network on Sunday evening, with many complaining of no signal or mobile data not working. Jio has not yet released an official statement addressing the issue.
A recent incident at the AIT Circle branch in Chikkamagaluru district has brought the issue back into focus after a woman customer struggled to communicate with bank staff
Canara Bank viral video: Customer confronts bank official over Kannada language (Photo: X)
Canara Bank is once again facing criticism for failing to offer banking services in a language that customers can understand, especially by posting non-Kannada-speaking staff in rural areas of Karnataka. A recent incident at the AIT Circle branch in Chikkamagaluru district has brought the issue back into focus after a woman customer struggled to communicate with bank staff.
In a video recorded by the customer, she can be heard saying that money meant for hospital expenses had been deducted from her account but the staff member was unable to explain the reason behind the deduction. The woman is also heard saying that a similar issue had took place the previous month.
As another person tried to intervene, the woman expressed her frustration, stating that she could not understand what the staff member was saying and questioned how can they make her sit there. “I don’t know English,” she added.
Chikkamagaluru is predominantly rural, with many residents relying on agriculture and plantation work for their livelihood.
The Canara Bank employee, who was initially heard speaking Malayalam to another person, admitted that she was unable to effectively communicate with the customer. “She is unable to follow what I am saying,” the staff member is heard saying in the video.
As the video quickly went viral, members of Kannada Sene, a pro-Kannada group, accused the bank of employing only Malayalam- and Hindi-speaking staff at the branch. They claimed this made it difficult for local customers to carry out basic banking tasks. The group urged the bank manager to assign Kannada-speaking staff to all customer-facing roles to avoid such issues in the future.
In response to the backlash, Canara Bank issued a statement on social media platform X, acknowledging the concerns raised. The bank stated that Karnataka is not just a location for them, but the very birthplace of the bank, where its journey began over a century ago.
“Kannada is our foundation, your support is our strength. For Canara Bank, Karnataka is not just a state — it is our birthplace, the very first foundation of our journey that began over a hundred years ago,” the bank wrote.
Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian on the ISS, observing Earth from the Cupola Module. He docked with the ISS on June 26 as the mission pilot for Axiom-4.
Shubhanshu Shukla
Indian government on Sunday shared a set of images showing Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who scripted history by becoming the first Indian on the International Space Station, observing the Earth from the space station.
Group Captain Shukla participated in the mission as the pilot for Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission, which launched on 25 June 2025 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. He was accompanied by veteran American astronaut Peggy Whitson, Polish scientist Sławosz Uznański, and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu. Following a 28-hour journey, the crew successfully docked with the International Space Station on 26 June.
In the pictures shared on X, Shukla is seen seated on the edge of the ISS’ 7-windowed Cupola Module with the Earth visible in the background. “Gazing Down From The Space! Group Capt Shubhanshu Shukla enjoys the stunning panoramic view of Earth from the 7-windowed Cupola Module aboard the International Space Station. It’s been a remarkable journey as he marks a week in orbit, representing India among the stars,” the X post of MyGovIndia reads.
Gazing Down From The Space!Group Capt Shubhanshu Shukla enjoys the stunning panoramic view of Earth from the 7-windowed Cupola Module aboard the International Space Station. It’s been a remarkable journey as he marks a week in orbit, representing India among the stars.#Axiom4… pic.twitter.com/E9XKZIatng
PM Narendra Modi’s statement can be seen as an indirect swipe at US President Donald Trump for his interaction with Pakistan army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir last month
PM Narendra Modi addresses a session during the 17th annual BRICS Summit, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on July 6. (Image: PMO/PTI)
Without taking names, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called out western hypocrisy and said condemning terrorism should not simply be a “convenience” but a matter of “principle”.
His statement, which came while addressing the 17th BRICS Summit, can be seen as an indirect swipe at US President Donald Trump for his interaction with Pakistan army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir last month.
Trump, who held a closed-door meeting with Munir soon after the military standoff between India and Pakistan, has claimed that he brokered the ceasefire deal between the two neighbouring countries.
“Condemning terrorism should be our principle, not just a convenience. If we first see in which country the attack took place, against whom, then it would be a betrayal against humanity,” Modi said during his speech at the session for ‘Peace and security and reform of global governance’.
“Friends, there should be no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists. Victims and supporters of terrorism cannot be weighed on the same scale. For personal or political gain, giving silent consent to terrorism, supporting terror or terrorists, should not be acceptable under any circumstances. There should be no difference between words and actions regarding terrorism. If we cannot do this, then the question naturally arises whether we are serious about the fight against terrorism or not,” he said.
At the Session on ‘Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance’ during the BRICS Summit, reiterated India’s commitment to the values of peace and brotherhood. Afterall, world peace and security are the foundations of our shared interests and future.
Later, on social media platform X, Modi reiterated India’s message of commitment to the values of peace and brotherhood. “At the Session on ‘Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance’ during the BRICS Summit, reiterated India’s commitment to the values of peace and brotherhood. Afterall, world peace and security are the foundations of our shared interests and future,” he wrote.
BRICS LEADERS CONDEMN PAHALGAM ATTACK
The BRICS grouping, meanwhile, condemned the Pahalgam terror attack in the strongest terms and echoed India’s position for adopting a “zero tolerance” approach towards terrorism and shunning double standards in countering the menace.
Leaders unveiled the “Rio de Janeiro Declaration” that featured the bloc’s position on a number of pressing global challenges, including the threat of terrorism, the situation in West Asia, and issues relating to trade and tariff.
Louis Vuitton’s autorickshaw-shaped handbag, blending Indian street culture with luxury, has divided the internet; several call it quirky genius, others see it as cultural appropriation.
Louis Vuitton’s latest drop has left the internet in splits. The French luxury house, which rolled out its Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection, introduced a handbag shaped like an autorickshaw. And social media users could not keep calm.
The collection, spearheaded by Pharrell Williams, placed Indian culture right at its centre. Drawing inspiration from the country’s indigenous craftsmanship, it gave street culture a luxe makeover.
But what truly caught everyone’s attention was the quirky autorickshaw handbag, which seemed to have blended India’s hustle-filled streets with Louis Vuitton’s signature style.
A video of the bag surfaced on Instagram, posted by creator Diet Paratha.
Along with the clip, they wrote, “Did this bag just colonise me? Jokingggggg… NRI’s bout to go crazy for this one tho.” The post also mentioned how the bag wasn’t on the runway but was spotted on a shelf during the re-see.
Watch the video here:
Designed in the house’s classic monogram canvas, the bag featured mini wheels and camel-hued leather handles, which made it look like a street-style sculpture dressed in luxury. The blend of cultures didn’t go unnoticed.
Social media users had plenty to say. “Middle-class struggle is high-class couture,” a user quipped. Another pointed out, “Why is the West suddenly obsessed with Asia? Yesterday it was Prada’s Kolhapuri chappals, today it’s LV’s autorickshaw bag.”
Jokes flew in fast. “I forgot my rickshaw at home,” said one user, while another added, “So are they going to price it by the meter?” Some wondered if big brands had run out of ideas, while others saw it as a statement piece. “This would be such a flex in my wardrobe,” a user wrote.
On his 90th birthday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Dalai Lama as a symbol of love and moral discipline, extending warm wishes on behalf of India.
PM Narendra Modi, Dalai Lama. (File photo)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday wished the 14th Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday, calling him an “enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline.” In a post on X, PM Modi said on X, also prayed for his”continued good health and long life.”
“I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline,” PM Modi said on X.
He added, “His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life.”
I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline. His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his…
Tibetan Spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, arrived at the Main Tibetan Temple in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh on Sunday, where his 90th birthday celebrations are currently underway. Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju, Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh and Hollywood actor Richard Gere and others were present at the occasion.
As he turned 90, in a birthday message on his website on Sunday, the Dalai Lama said he was “just a simple Buddhist monk” and that he will continue to focus on his commitments of promoting human values and religious harmony.
“So far, I believe I have served Buddha Dharma and the Tibetan people quite well… I hope to live for another 30 or 40 years – even over 130,” the Dalai Lama said during a prayer ceremony held by Central Tibetan Administration at the main Tibetan temple in McLeodganj.
Kangana Ranaut, while addressing the disaster relief efforts in her parliamentary constituency, jokingly said that she does not have any official Cabinet to provide disaster relief.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a flash flood alert in 10 districts today.
Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut is facing criticism for what the Congress described as “insensitive” remarks during her visit to flood-hit areas in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district on Sunday. Ms Ranaut, while addressing the disaster relief efforts in her parliamentary constituency, jokingly said that she does not have any official Cabinet to provide disaster relief.
“Whether it’s disaster relief or the disaster itself – I don’t have any official cabinet. I have my two brothers who are always with me. That’s my cabinet. So, it’s just these two. I do not have any funds for disaster relief or hold any Cabinet post. MPs have work that is limited to Parliament. We are very small in the scheme of things,” the BJP MP said as she laughed.
However, she also assured people of getting help from the Centre for disaster relief funds.
“Our central government, no matter how many army rescue operations it has carried out…you have seen the number of people who are being rescued. Even today, we get food and shelter in all sorts of ways. Along with that, our party leaders have formed a team in the affected area. We also reached here while being part of that team. The main work of MPs is to get funds from the centre and deliver their message. I will do that with full capacity,” she said.
Hitting out Ms Ranaut, the Congress posted a short clip of her statement on X, calling her remarks “insensitive”.
“In Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, a cloudburst has caused massive destruction. People are distressed, their entire world has been ruined. Mandi’s MP Kangana arrived there after several days and, laughing, said – ‘What can I do, I don’t have a cabinet position’. Please show some sensitivity, Kangana ji,” the party wrote.
हिमाचल प्रदेश के मंडी में बादल फटने से भारी तबाही हुई है. लोग परेशान हैं, उनका सब कुछ उजड़ गया है.
मंडी की सांसद कंगना कई दिन बाद वहां पहुंचीं और हंसते हुए कहा- ‘मैं क्या कर सकती हूं, मेरे पास कैबिनेट तो है नहीं’
Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate also slammed the BJP MP.
“Kangana ji’s insensitivity has even left BJP’s Jairam Thakur stunned. In Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi, a cloudburst has caused massive destruction. Kangana ji, the MP from there, visited the place for the first time after this tragedy. People have lost everything, and she finds sarcasm, mockery, and laughter appropriate?” she said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to attend Brics Summit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to attend the 17th Brics Summit. He landed at Galeo International Airport, marking the beginning of a two-leg visit to the country. The visit came at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva.
This is Prime Minister Modi’s fourth visit to Brazil. Apart from participating in the Brics Summit in Rio de Janeiro, he will also undertake a visit to the capital, Brasilia.
PM Modi wrote on X, “Landed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where I will participate in the Brics Summit and then head to its capital, Brasilia, for a State visit at the invitation of President Lula. Looking forward to a productive round of meetings and interactions during this visit.”
PM Modi received a grand welcome from the Indian community upon his arrival in Rio de Janeiro for the Brics Summit. Members of the community greeted him with cultural performances, including a special dance themed on Operation Sindoor, India’s anti-terror mission targeting Pakistan-based terrorists.
The performance struck an emotional chord, with PM Modi appreciating the gesture and interacting warmly with the attendees. The event highlighted the strong patriotic sentiment among the Indian community abroad and set the tone for the Prime Minister’s engagements at the multilateral summit.
On the sidelines of the Brics Summit, the Prime Minister is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with various global leaders.
The Brics grouping, which initially included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, gradually expanded to include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran, making it one of the most influential alliances of emerging economies worldwide.
An 11-month-old baby girl named Nikita survived the Himachal Pradesh flash floods while her parents and grandmother were swept away. The tragedy in Parwara village has led to widespread public interest in adopting the orphaned child.
An 11-month-old baby girl, Nikita, miraculously survived the devastating flash floods that struck Himachal Pradesh.
An 11-month-old baby girl, Nikita, miraculously survived the devastating flash floods that struck Himachal Pradesh on the night of June 30. The incident happened in the Seraj Assembly constituency, where the infant’s parents and grandmother were swept away by the raging waters triggered by heavy rainfall.
Nikita was found alive in their home, completely unaware that the calamity had taken her entire family.
According to officials, Nikita’s father Ramesh, mother Radha, and grandmother Purnu Devi had stepped out in an attempt to divert the overflowing stream behind their house when the water level suddenly surged.
The baby, who had been asleep inside, remained safe as the house withstood the flood. Ramesh’s body has since been recovered, while search operations are still underway for Radha and Purnu Devi.
The incident has moved many across the state and beyond. Several people have reached out to the local administration and taken to social media expressing their willingness to adopt the orphaned child. Currently, Nikita is being cared for by her paternal aunt, Tara Devi.
Smritika Negi, the SDM of Gohar (holding additional charge), confirmed the outpouring of support, stating that she personally receives calls from individuals offering to adopt Nikita. She added that Nikita is a lovely child and that she makes an effort to spend time with her during her visits.
The Supreme Court recently held that in road accident cases, insurance companies are not liable to pay compensation to legal heirs of a deceased person who caused the accident by his rash and negligent driving [G Nagarathna & Ors. vs. G Manjunatha & Anr.]
A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and R Mahadevan dismissed the claim filed by the wife, son, and parents of one NS Ravisha, who died in a car crash in Karnataka in 2014.
The Court found no reason to interfere with the Karnataka High Court’s November 2024 ruling, which had rejected the family’s compensation claim of ₹80 lakh against United India Insurance Company.
The High Court had ruled that since the accident was caused solely due to Ravisha’s own fault, the claim could not be sustained under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act.
The fatal accident occurred on June 18, 2014, when Ravisha was driving a Fiat Linea car from Mallasandra village to Arasikere town, accompanied by his father, sister and her children.
According to the police, Ravisha was speeding, violated traffic rules and lost control of the vehicle near Mylanahalli gate. The car toppled, resulting in his death from head injuries.
A first information report (FIR) was registered under Sections 279 (rash and negligent driving), 337 (causing hurt to any person by doing an act that endangers human life or personal safety through rashness or negligence), and 304-A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code. A chargesheet was consequently filed blaming Ravisha for the incident.
Before the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT), Ravisha’s family alleged that a tyre burst had caused the accident. However, the Tribunal dismissed their claim, holding that the deceased was a self-tortfeasor and that the legal heirs of a person who causes an accident cannot claim compensation for his death.
On appeal, the High Court found that the family’s claim about a tyre burst was an afterthought and contrary to their original pleadings. The Court noted that while the family later tried to amend their petition to include the tyre burst theory, their application had already been dismissed by the MACT and was never challenged.
Raj Thackeray also advised against recording the video of the incident, saying that let the victim tell that he has been beaten up.
MNS Chief Raj Thackeray (ANI image)
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday issued a fierce advice to his party workers amid the ongoing row over alleged assault of a Mumbai shopkeeper for not speaking in Marathi.
While addressing a joint rally of MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) along with his cousin, Uddhav Thackeray, Raj Thackeray advised against violent enforcement of language use and said, “Be it Gujarati or anyone else, they must know Marathi. But there is no need to beat people for not speaking Marathi. [But] if someone creates unnecessary drama, you must hit below their eardrums.”
Mumbai, Maharashtra: MNS chief Raj Thackeray says, “In the Mira-Bhayander incident, some Hindi channels showed that MNS slapped a Gujarati shopkeeper. They did not slap him because he is Gujarati. Non-Marathis need to learn Marathi, okay? They can learn. And I want to tell you… pic.twitter.com/Rx8n0XCp0G
He also advised against recording the video of the incident, saying that let the victim tell that he has been beaten up.
“And I want to tell you all, don’t slap anyone if they don’t understand. If you beat someone, don’t make a video of the incident. Let the person beaten up tell that he has been beaten up; you don’t need to tell everyone,” he said.
During the rally, his now reunited cousin, Uddhav Thackeray defended “Marathi pride” saying, “Yes, we are goons if we have to do hooliganism for justice.”
Referring to Fadnavis’ statement on the assault of a shopkeeper by MNS workers that “hooliganism” in the name of Marathi would not be tolerated, Uddhav Thackeray said they would keep doing “hooliganism” if they don’t get justice.
“Fadnavis said we won’t tolerate hooliganism for language. If a Marathi manus (person) is asking for justice, and if you are calling us goons, Yes, we are goons; if we have to be goons to get justice, we will do goondagiri,” he said.
Slap Row In Maharashtra
The Thackeray brothers’ comments came amid a series of violent incidents involving MNS workers targeting individuals over language disputes.
Earlier today, the MNS workers vandalised a businessman’s office in Worli after he challenged Raj Thackeray, while asserting that he would not learn Marathi.
The party workers and “goons” of MNS assaulted a Mumbai shopkeeper for not speaking Marathi this week. The attackers have yet to be arrested, despite having filmed the assault and posted it online.
The MNS has refused to apologise or even reprimand those involved in either attack.
Sandeep Deshpande, the party’s Mumbai unit boss, claimed the vicious slaps rained on Babulal Khimji Chaudhary were because the 48-year-old, whose shop has been a fixture in the Mira Road suburb for 20 years, had ‘insulted’ Marathi. “If there is an attempt to insult Marathi, we will respond. It will not be tolerated.”
Earlier in March this year, Raj Thackeray had said that his party would not refrain from “slapping” people if they refuse to speak Marathi in the state. He had cited the Tamil Nadu language row and had said that they “dared” to say “no to Hindi”.
Meanwhile, five MNS supporters were arrested in connection with the attack and further probe into the incident is underway, a Worli police station official said.
The Dalai Lama expressed a desire to live beyond 130 years during a prayer ceremony celebrating his 90th birthday. He reassured followers about his succession, stating he would reincarnate after his death and that the Gaden Phodrang Foundation would identify his successor, emphasizing that only Tibetan Buddhist leaders have the authority in this process.
The Dalai Lama has confirmed that he will have a successor chosen in accordance with ‘past tradition’, ending years of speculation about the centuries-old office. (Source: dalailama.com)
The Dalai Lama has said that he hopes to live beyond 130 years, days after he sought to assuage widespread speculation over his succession by saying he would reincarnate upon his death. The Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader made the remark while speaking at a ceremony organised by his followers to offer prayers for his long life, ahead of his 90th birthday on Sunday.
“So far, I believe I have served Buddha Dharma and the Tibetan people quite well… I hope to live for another 30 or 40 years – even over 130,” the Dalai Lama said during a prayer ceremony held by Central Tibetan Administration at main Tibetan temple in McLeodganj.
Known for his scientific temperament, the Dalai Lama has often laughed off in his trademark humour any talk about his years on Earth, each time giving different figures.
In December last year, he had said he might live for 110 years or more.
The Dalai Lama has confirmed that he will have a successor chosen in accordance with “past tradition”, ending years of speculation about the centuries-old office.
In a video message earlier this week, the Dalai Lama said that the Gaden Phodrang Foundation, which he established to preserve the institution, will have the power to recognise his future reincarnation.
Tibetan Buddhist leaders will search for his successor, he added, stressing that “no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter”.
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Dalai Lama is branded as a “separatist” by China, which has claimed the Dalai Lama’s succession must be approved by the central government in Beijing and that it would be carried out “by drawing lots from a golden urn”.
Nehal Modi, brother of fugitive Nirav Modi, has been arrested in the US on India’s extradition request over the Rs 13,000 crore PNB scam.
Nirav Modi’s brother Nihal Modi held in US on Indian extradition request Photo : Twitter
Nirav Modi’s brother, Nehal Modi, was arrested in the US on the CBI, ED’s extradition request, news agency PTI reported. Nehal Modi was taken into custody on Friday, US authorities have informed India, officials said. The move came on an extradition request jointly submitted by the ED and the CBI.
Who Is Nehal Modi and What Was His Role In the PNB Scam Case?
Nehal Deepak Modi, 46, was arrested in the United States on India’s request in connection with the Rs 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud — one of the biggest financial scams in the country’s history. The extradition proceedings initiated by US prosecutors are based on two charges: one count of money laundering under Section 3 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and one count of criminal conspiracy under Sections 120-B and 201 of the Indian Penal Code.
Nehal, brother of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, is accused of playing a key role in laundering illicit proceeds and helping conceal funds through a network of shell companies and foreign transactions. Officials said he is also wanted for destruction of evidence and aiding Nirav Modi “knowingly and intentionally” in his alleged criminal activities.
Titan’s Jalsa blends Indian artistry and engineering in a ₹40.5 lakh limited-edition timepiece featuring a flying tourbillon and a hand-painted marble dial.
Titan’s brand-new luxury watch
All watches tell time, but there are a few timepieces that tell a story. Titan’s new creation, Jalsa, falls squarely in the latter category, and the story is definitely worth narrating. Marking its 40th anniversary with utter flair, Titan has officially ventured into the world of haute horology with what is arguably its most luxurious and technically ambitious timepiece ever. And yes, the price tag attached to it is no joke either!
Apart from being Titan’s entry into luxury watches, Jalsa is a celebration of Indian heritage, art, and craftsmanship, all housed within a meticulously engineered case of 18k rose gold.
To bring this timepiece to life, Titan turned to master artist and Padma Shri awardee Shakir Ali, one of the last grandmasters of miniature Persian-style painting. Shakir Ali hand-painted image of Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh on the dial, the visionary behind Jaipur’s Hawa Mahal, which also happens to be celebrating its 225th year. The symbolism couldn’t be more apt.
The process of painting this masterpiece was as painstaking as it was poetic. After testing a variety of materials — paper, wood, metal — Ali settled on marble. Not the easiest of choices but certainly the most meaningful, given Rajasthan’s rich relationship with the stone.
The gold and artistry aside, Jalsa is Titan’s first timepiece to feature a fully in-house developed flying tourbillon — a feature usually associated with centuries-old Swiss watchmakers. And with only ten pieces ever made, it’s already generating quiet buzz among serious collectors.
Supreme Court has demanded that the designated residence for India’s sitting CJI be vacated immediately.
Justice Chandrachud, who served as the 50th CJI between November 2022 and November 2024, currently occupies the Type VIII bungalow.(ANI File)
The Supreme Court administration has taken the unprecedented step of writing to the Union government seeking the official Chief Justice residence be urgently vacated and returned to the court’s housing pool, noting that its current occupant —former CJI Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud — has stayed beyond the permissible period.
A July 1 communication from the Supreme Court, seen by HT, to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has demanded that Bungalow No. 5 on Krishna Menon Marg in Lutyens’ Delhi — the designated residence for India’s sitting CJI, be vacated immediately.
“I am to request you to take the possession of Bungalow No. 5, Krishna Menon Marg, from Hon’ble Dr. Justice DY Chandrachud without any further delay as not only the permission that was granted for retention… has expired on 31st May, 2025, but also the period of six months provided in Rule 3B of the 2022 Rules has expired on 10th May, 2025,” read the letter from a Supreme Court official to the MoHUA secretary. HT has seen this letter.
Justice Chandrachud, who served as the 50th CJI between November 2022 and November 2024, currently occupies the Type VIII bungalow nearly eight months after demitting office. Two successive CJIs — Justices Sanjiv Khanna and the incumbent Bhushan R Gavai — chose not to move into the premises, opting instead to continue living in their previously allotted bungalows.
When contacted, Justice Chandrachud attributed the delay to compelling personal circumstances of which the Supreme Court administration was fully informed. He clarified that he had already been allotted alternative accommodation by the government on rent for a limited period, and was only waiting for it to be made livable after years of disuse.
As per the July 1 communication, on December 18, 2024 — just over a month after he retired, Justice Chandrachud wrote to then CJI Khanna, seeking permission to continue residing at 5 Krishna Menon Marg until April 30, 2025.
In his letter, Justice Chandrachud said that although he had been allotted Bungalow No. 14 on Tughlak Road in accordance with Rule 3B of the Supreme Court Judges (Amendment) Rules, 2022, renovation work at the new residence had been stalled due to pollution-related construction restrictions under GRAP-IV.
“It would be more convenient if I am permitted to retain the existing accommodation at 5 Krishna Menon Marg till 30 April 2025,” wrote Justice Chandrachud, while offering to forgo the Tughlak Road bungalow so it could be allotted to another judge.
Rule 3B of the 2022 Rules permits a retired Chief Justice to retain Type VII accommodation, which is a notch below the Krishna Menon Marg bungalow (Type VIII), for a maximum of six months post-retirement.
In the wake of the then CJI’s nod, MoHUA approved the retention of the Type VIII bungalow at Krishna Menon Marg by Justice Chandrachud from December 11, 2024, to April 30, 2025 on payment of licence fees of ₹5,430 per month. This was conveyed by MoHUA to the Supreme Court via a letter dated February 13, 2025.
The July 1 letter added that Justice Chandrachud subsequently made an oral request to the CJI to continue residing at the same premises until May 31, 2025, which was granted with a caveat — no further extension would be allowed as other judges, elevated in the interim, were living in guest houses or waiting for a bungalow allotment.
The July 1 letter further underscores the breach of both the permission timeline and the statutory framework. It notes that Rule 3B entitles a retired Chief Justice to only a Type VII residence for six months, a period that ended for Justice Chandrachud on May 10, 2025.
The communication also clarified that while the Krishna Menon Marg residence was permitted due to “special circumstances,” the understanding was that it would be vacated after the agreed-upon extension till May-end. With that deadline having lapsed, the administration has now pressed the ministry to “take possession without any further delay” and confirm to the Supreme Court.
The letter marks a rare instance of formal intervention by the apex court to reclaim its highest official residence from a former occupant, and that too a former CJI. While informal extensions and grace periods post-retirement are not uncommon in the judiciary or bureaucracy, a letter seeking urgent action is unheard of at this level.
Justice Chandrachud said: “I have already been allotted an accommodation by the government on rent and that house is currently under renovation because it was shut for the last at least two years. I informed the Supreme Court about this allotment, making it clear I will shift the very next day that the house is ready,” he added.
Justice Chandrachud also shared that the delay was, in part, due to the needs of his family, particularly his two daughters, both of whom require special care. “I have two daughters with special needs, which is why it has taken me some time to look for a house appropriate for their needs,” he said.
“My daughters have severe comorbidities and genetic problems – particularly nemaline myopathy, for which they are being treated by specialists at AIIMS. I totally understand it is my personal issue. But I should also make it clear why it has taken me so long to look for a house, and this is something I have already discussed with the judges and the officers in the Supreme Court.”
The former CJI maintained that the issue would soon be resolved and that he remained fully aware of the obligations that came with his past office.
“It is a matter of just a few days and I will shift… I have occupied the highest judicial office and I am completely cognisant of my responsibilities. To be sure, former CJIs in the past have been allowed extended time to retain government accommodation post-retirement, often to facilitate transition or address personal exigencies,” Justice Chandrachud emphasised.
In another major twist, the firm that carried out the job created a bill on May 5 of this year, however, the bill was already approved a month before that.
District education officer Phool Singh Marpachi said that action will be taken based on the facts that emerge after probe. (X/@Sainidan1)
In a bizarre incident, a school in Madhya Pradesh’s Shahdol district employed 168 labourers and 65 masons to carry out a simple task of applying four litres of paint on one wall of a government school in the district’s Sakandi village, reported NDTV. For this, an amount of ₹1.07 lakh was allegedly withdrawn, a bill of which is making rounds on social media.
The school where this happened falls under Madhya Pradesh’s Byohari Assembly constituency.
In a similar incident in another school of Nipania village, which also falls under the same assembly seat, ₹2.3 lakh was withdrawn to carry out the task of applying 20 litres of paint, the report added.
According to bills, which are circulating online, 168 labourers and 65 masons were employed to paint the wall of the school in Sakandi village, and for the one in Nipania, manpower of 275 labourers and 150 masons was used, according to the bill.
HT.com could not independently obtain and verify the authenticity of the bills circulating online.
In another major twist, the firm that carried out the painting job in the Nipania village school- Sudhakar Construction – created a bill on May 5 of this year, however, the bill was already approved a month before it was even created by the school principal on April 4.
Additionally, the bills are legally required to be presented with before-and-after pictures of the work, however, they were approved without any such photo, the report added.
According to officials, an investigation has been initiated into the matter and action will be taken based on what the probe reveal.
This is in addition to a sharp decrease in extreme poverty, which has dropped from 16.2 per cent in 2011-12 to 2.3 per cent in 2022-23, an official release said quoting World Bank data.
India’s Gini Index stands at 25.5, making it the fourth most equal country in the world. Credit: iStock Photo
New Delhi: Inequality in India has come down significantly between 2011-12 and 2022-23, making it the fourth-most equal country globally, according to a World Bank report.
This is in addition to a sharp decrease in extreme poverty, which has dropped from 16.2 per cent in 2011-12 to 2.3 per cent in 2022-23, an official release said quoting World Bank data.
The government attributed the reduction in inequality to various initiatives and schemes pursued during the last decade.
The only three countries which have a better Gini Index score, a measure of equality, are the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Belarus.
India is much better placed than countries like China, the USA and the United Kingdom.
“…India’s Gini Index stands at 25.5, making it the fourth most equal country in the world, after the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Belarus,” the statement said.
The Gini Index helps in understanding how equally income, wealth or consumption is distributed across households or individuals in a country. It ranges in value from 0 to 100.
A score of 0 means perfect equality, while a score of 100 means one person has all the income, wealth or consumption and others have none, hence absolute inequality. The higher the Gini Index, the more unequal a country is.
India’s score is much lower than China’s 35.7 and far lower than the United States, which stands at 41.8.
As per the World Bank’s report, which has released the data for 167 countries, India falls into the “moderately low” inequality category, which includes Gini scores between 25 and 30.
India is only a fraction away from joining the “low inequality” group.
The government attributed this achievement to a sharp reduction in the poverty level in the last decade.
According to the World Bank report, 171 million Indians have been lifted out of extreme poverty over the past decade.
The share of people living on less than $2.15 a day, which was the global threshold for extreme poverty till June 2025, fell sharply from 16.2 per cent in 2011-12 to just 2.3 per cent in 2022-23.
Globally, just 30 countries fall into the “moderately low” inequality category, including several European countries with strong welfare systems.
These include Iceland, Norway, Finland, and Belgium. It also features growing economies like Poland and wealthy nations like the United Arab Emirates.
The release said India’s journey towards a more equal society is reflected in its Gini Index over the years.
The index was measured at 28.8 in 2011 and reached 25.5 in 2022.
“This steady shift shows that India has made consistent progress in combining economic growth with social equity,” it said.
It further said India’s progress towards greater income equality is backed by a series of focused government initiatives.
These schemes aim to improve financial access, deliver welfare benefits efficiently, and support vulnerable and underrepresented groups.
“Together, they have helped bridge gaps, boost livelihoods, and ensure that growth reaches all sections of society,” the release said.
It has cited schemes, like PM Jan Dhan Yojana, Direct Benefit Transfer, and Stand-Up India, among others, which have helped India in its progress towards greater income equality.
“India’s path to income equality has been steady and focused. The Gini Index of 25.5 is not just a number. It reflects real change in people’s lives. More families now have access to food, banking, healthcare, and jobs,” the release said.
What sets India apart is its ability to balance economic reform with strong social protection, it said.
Targeted schemes like Jan Dhan, DBT, and Ayushman Bharat have helped close long-standing gaps,” it said.
The Indian Army praised Maj Rohit and said, “Today, an Army doctor, Major Rohit, of Military Hospital, Jhansi, successfully conducted childbirth at the railway station in Jhansi.”
Army doctor helps pregnant woman at Jhansi railway station. Photo : ANI
The Virangana Laxmibai Jhansi railway station in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday witnessed the delivery of a baby after a pregnant woman went into unexpected labour on the platform. With less time on hand, the railway women staff secured the area. 31-year-old Major Rohit Bachwala, who was waiting for his train to Hyderabad, noticed the woman in severe pain.
The woman was travelling from Panvel to Barabanki with her husband and child in Panvel-Gorakhpur Express 15066. Her husband had made an SOS to the railway for medical assistance, and the family was deboarded at the Jhansi station, a report in TOI added.
Without thinking, Rohit quickly went to help the woman with his knowledge and tools at his disposal – a pocket knife and hair clips. A dhoti was brought to cover the delivery area and the staff also provided the doctor with gloves for a safe medical procedure.
Today, an Army doctor, Major Rohit, of Military Hospital, Jhansi, successfully conducted childbirth at the railway station in Jhansi. The doctor present at the station responded swiftly when a pregnant woman went into unexpected labour on the platform. Without any delay and… pic.twitter.com/vX4oYjKf2g
The woman and her newborn were then sent to a nearby hospital after the successful delivery.
“The mother and the newborn were stable post-delivery. An ambulance was arranged to transport them to a nearby hospital for further care,” Major Rohit told TOI over phone.
“A woman TTE was taking the pregnant woman for medical assistance on a wheelchair. As she was brought out of lift on a footover bridge, the pregnant lady screamed in pain. I rushed towards her and with whatever resources I had helped her deliver the baby,” he added.
The Indian Army praised Maj Rohit and said, “Today, an Army doctor, Major Rohit, of Military Hospital, Jhansi, successfully conducted childbirth at the railway station in Jhansi. The doctor present at the station responded swiftly when a pregnant woman went into unexpected labour on the platform. Without any delay and using minimal resources, the Army doctor ensured safe delivery, providing vital medical assistance in a challenging environment. Both the mother and newborn were reported to be in stable condition due to he timely intervention.”
Major Rohit is the son of a former Indian Air Force personnel.
रेल कर्मियों की तत्परता और समर्पण को सलाम🫡🚆
वीरांगना लक्ष्मीबाई झाँसी स्टेशन पर ट्रेन संख्या 15066 (पनवेल-गोरखपुर एक्सप्रेस) में यात्रा कर रही महिला यात्री को प्रसव पीड़ा होने की सूचना मिलते ही रेलवे चिकित्सा टीम ने तत्काल कार्रवाई करते हुए सुरक्षित प्रसव कराया।
Heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh blocked over 260 roads, including 176 in Mandi. A red alert warns of heavy rainfall in Kangra, Sirmaur, and Mandi. Losses are around Rs 541 crore.
Swollen Beas river following heavy rainfall, in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, Tuesday, July 1, 2025. (PTI)
Due to heavy rains over the past few days in Himachal Pradesh, more than 260 roads, including 176 in Mandi district, are blocked, officials said on Saturday.
The Met Office has issued a ‘red’ alert for Sunday, warning of extremely heavy rainfall in isolated areas of Kangra, Sirmaur, and Mandi districts, news agency PTI reported.
An ‘orange’ warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places has been issued for Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Solan, Shimla and Kullu districts.
Very heavy rainfall is defined as 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm in 24 hours, while extremely heavy rainfall exceeds 204.4 mm.
Last year, heavy monsoon rains caused massive destruction in the state, leaving more than 550 people dead.
The weather department warned of potential landslides, flash floods, and waterlogging, which could damage structures, crops, and essential services. People are advised to avoid water bodies and vulnerable areas.
According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), the estimated losses so far are around Rs 541 crore. However, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the losses are close to Rs 700 crore as details are still being compiled.
Around 300 transformers and 281 water supply schemes are also affected, the SEOC said.
Since Friday evening, light to moderate rainfall lashed parts of the state, with Jogindernagar receiving 52 mm, followed by 28.8 mm each in Nahan and Palampur, 21 mm in Paonta Sahib, 18 mm in Una, 17.4 mm in Berthin, 15.6 mm in Kangra and 12.6 mm in Naina Devi.
Since monsoon began on June 20, a total of 72 deaths have been reported in the state, of which 45 are linked to rain-related incidents such as cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides.
Mandi district suffered the worst damage, with 10 incidents of cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides on Tuesday, resulting in 14 fatalities. Officials said search operations are ongoing to locate 31 missing individuals.
The queries were posed by Justice N Nagaresh to the Registrar, K S Anil Kumar, during the hearing of his plea challenging the suspension.
The High Court here on Friday asked the Kerala University Registrar, who was suspended recently, how ‘Bharat Mata’ can be a religious symbol and how putting up a portrait of the same can be a law and order problem.
The queries were posed by Justice N Nagaresh to the Registrar, K S Anil Kumar, during the hearing of his plea challenging the suspension.
Kumar was suspended on July 2 by Kerala University Vice Chancellor Dr Mohanan Kunnummal for allegedly issuing a notice cancelling a private programme, which was attended by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at the Senate Hall, where a portrait of Bharat Mata carrying a saffron flag was displayed.
Declining Kumar’s interim plea to stay his suspension, the court asked the petitioner “how ‘Bharat Mata’ was a religious symbol? What was the provocative photograph and on putting it up on display, what law and order problem was going to occur in Kerala?” The petitioner told the court that there was a clash between the CPI(M) and BJP’s student wings — Students Federation of India (SFI) and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), respectively — over the display of the portrait.
He also said that he was informed by the university’s security officer that a religious symbol was displayed in the university’s senate hall and in that circumstance, the programme can be cancelled.
Kumar also claimed that the VC can suspend the Registrar in only emergency situations.
The court said that the VC can pass orders when the syndicate is not in session and that the senate has to approve the suspension order.
It also asked Kumar whether things should have been handled in that manner when the Governor was coming for an event.
The court said that the exact problem was still not clear and directed the police to file a reply stating whether there was a big law and order problem.
It also sought a detailed reply affidavit from the Registrar.
With the direction, the court listed the matter for hearing on Monday, July 7.
At least 25 children were hospitalised after eating the mid-day meal at a school in Bihar, with some alleging that a lizard was found in the food.
At least 25 children were hospitalised after eating the mid-day meal at a school in Bihar’s Darbhanga district, with some alleging that a lizard was found in the food.
Shortly after the mid-day meal was served, one of the children fainted. Soon, an alarm was also raised about a lizard being found in the meal, following which the food was thrown away.
On learning about one of the children fainting and the others suffering from stomach ache and vomiting, their parents reached the school and demanded action. By this time, around 5-6 children had fainted, while the health of more than 20 others continued to worsen.
29 children were rushed to the sub-divisional hospital for treatment. Among the children who have been identified so far are Arjun Mukhiya (13), Anant Mukhiya (11), Kaushal Kumar (11), Vivek Kumar (12), Preeti Kumari (10), Anshika Kumari (11), Tannu Kumari (10), Vipin Kumar (12), Anil Kumar Mukhiya (9), Ankush Paswan (10), Kalyani Kumari (9), Richa Kumari (13), Ghanshyam Kumar (9), Radha Kumari (8), Chandni Kumari (8), Soni Kumari (10), Lalan Mukhiya (9), Akshat Kumar (8), Lakshmi Kumari (7), Sweety Kumari (7), Komal Kumari (11), Bhavani Kumari (10), Rachna Kumari (11), Meenakshi Kumari (11), Rakesh Kumar (12), Ashish Kumar (6) and Anokha Kumari (12).
At the time of the incident, the school’s headmaster Amit Kumar Mandal was not present in the premises. Away on duty as the Block Level Officer’s supervisor, he rushed to the school on getting information about the children’s health.
The user compares the struggles with the success of Mukhija, who built a Rs 41 crore empire.
Apoorva Makhija is a renowned content creator. (Photo Credit: Instagram)
Apoorva Mukhija, better known online as The Rebel Kid, has carved a unique space for herself among India’s most influential digital creators. Known for her bold, unapologetic content and relatable storytelling, she has recently grabbed headlines for her earnings. According to reports in Business Today, she earns around Rs 2.5 lakh per day, thanks to her funny videos, reality show appearances and brand campaigns. This news went viral, but not without controversy.
A recent social media post by an IIT alumnus has stirred intense debate online, highlighting the contrasting journeys of traditional education versus social media fame. The now-viral post was shared by a user who goes by the username @digitalsangghi on X.
In the post, the user recounts the personal sacrifices made to crack India’s most difficult engineering exam, gain admission to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and endure six years of academic pressure, mental strain and job placement anxiety.
The post reads, “Studied 14 hrs a day to crack India’s toughest engineering exam, gave up home, friends, cousins, sleep, and dreams – got into IIT, then fought for 4+2 years with CGPA nightmares, lab viva trauma, and placement tension. Today? Not even 100 people know me.”
Take a look at the post here:
Studied 14 hrs a day to crack India’s toughest engineering exam, gave up home, friends, cousins, sleep, and dreams -got into IIT, then fought for 4+2 years with CGPA nightmares, lab viva trauma, and placement tension.
Today? Not even 100 people know me. 🤡
The user then compares the struggles with the success of Mukhija, featured in a Business Today article, who built a Rs 41 crore empire making Instagram reels and reportedly earns Rs 2.5 lakh a day. “Meanwhile… reels, red lipstick, semi-nudes, and abusing openly, using BC MC as filler can make Rs 41 crore empire. World’s truly fair,” it added. The post sparked criticism from several users for comparing the two career options.
One user replied, “You studied for 14 hours a day for IIT, got selected, will get a good job – that’s what you chased and achieved. Kudos to you. She chose fame, must have worked hard for it and got what she chased – kudos to her. Comparing apples with oranges is ridiculous. Reason of our misery.”
You studied for 14 hours a day for IIT, got selected,will get a good job – That’s what you chased & achieved. Kuddos to you.
She chose fame, must hv worked hard for it and got what she chased- kuddos to her.
Another user emphasised personal choice, writing, “I don’t even like that girl but you chose to study 14 hrs, cracked the toughest exam, it was all your choice, you liked/wanted it. Same way that girl is doing whatever she likes or wants. This isn’t a competition bro. Take a chill pill.”
I don’t even like that girl but you “choose” to study 14hrs, cracked the toughest exam, it was all your choice, you liked/wanted it same way that girl is doing. She is doing whatever she likes or wants. This isn’t a competition bro. Take a chill 💊 https://t.co/hWm0xG3eLc
During the interaction, Subhanshu addressed a range of questions about life in space, demonstrating zero-gravity effects by playing with a floating ball. When asked about sleep in space, he explained that astronauts have to secure themselves with straps while sleeping to avoid floating around due to the lack of gravity.
Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut on the International Space Station, | X @np_nationpress
Lucknow born astronaut and Indian Air Force Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), interacted with students from Uttar Pradesh and Kerala via video conferencing on Thursday. The session was hosted by the CMS Kanpur Road campus in Lucknow and attended by 150 students from UP and selected participants from Kozhikode district, Kerala.
During the interaction, Subhanshu addressed a range of questions about life in space, demonstrating zero-gravity effects by playing with a floating ball. When asked about sleep in space, he explained that astronauts have to secure themselves with straps while sleeping to avoid floating around due to the lack of gravity. Shukla emphasized the importance of daily physical exercise to counter muscle loss in microgravity. “I exercise daily and use a specially designed cycle without a seat, where we pedal while being strapped in,” he said.
📸 Gp Capt Shubhanshu Shukla performing the science experiments sent by ISRO and the Dept. of Biotechnology on the International Space Station! 🧫 pic.twitter.com/A01tNDXM6j
— ISRO Spaceflight (@ISROSpaceflight) July 4, 2025
On maintaining mental health, he mentioned using technology to stay in touch with family and friends. Responding to a question on food, he said astronauts prefer familiar packaged meals and shared that he brought carrot halwa, moong dal halwa, and mango pulp with him. He also carries a complete medical kit.
This mission marks the first time in 41 years that an Indian has reached space. Shukla is participating in Axiom Mission-4 and is scheduled to return to Earth on July 10. His experience is expected to contribute significantly to India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission, the country’s first manned space program.
A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Bombay High Court seeking action against global fashion house Prada for its alleged unauthorised use of a design deceptively similar to Maharashtra’s Kolhapuri Chappal.
According to the petition, Prada, at its fashion show held in Milan on June 22, had presented ‘toe ring sandals’ as part of its Spring/Summer 2026 Men’s Collection. The sandals bore a striking physical resemblance to the traditional Kolhapuri Chappal, it has been alleged.
Filed by five advocates, the PIL argues that the act amounts to cultural misappropriation and a violation of the rights of artisan communities historically associated with the Kolhapuri Chappal.
“This action of PRADA infringes the fundamental right to life (Article 21), which includes the right to livelihood and cultural identity of the Kolhapuri Chappal artisan communities,” the plea states.
The petitioners have sought directions to restrain Prada from commercialising and using the chappal, which is originally a Geographical Indication (GI) Tagged product. They have also sought a public apology from Prada.
The footwear showcased by Prada was reportedly priced at over ₹1 lakh a pair.
As per the plea, the designers never mentioned the Indian origins of the footwear and failed to acknowledge Indian artisans who have been making them for generations. The use of the brand name on such footwear directly undermines the livelihood and dignity of the traditional artisans and authorised users of the Geographical Indication, the petitioners have contended.
The Kolhapuri Chappal, registered under Application No 169 in Class 25 (Footwear), was officially granted Geographical Indication status on May 4, 2009.
It was renewed in 2019 and is valid until 2029. The petition describes it as a “handcrafted footwear, produced using traditional methods passed down over generations in the region of Maharashtra.”
The petitioners have cited Section 22 of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 to claim that Prada’s actions “undermine the moral and economic rights of the artisans, erodes the cultural identity embedded in the craft and contravenes the objectives of Section 22.”
According to the PIL, the making of a pair of Kolhapuri chappals involves specialised human skills and a time-intensive process, typically requiring around four to five weeks to complete each pair. The footwear reflects countless hours of meticulous labor by artisans who have preserved this traditional art form for nearly 800 years in India, the plea states.
“Traditional knowledge, skills, and craftsmanship involved in the making of Kolhapuri chappals constitute intangible cultural assets of the artisan communities of Maharashtra, which cannot lawfully be used, copied or commercialized by third parties without the consent or authorization of the rightful custodians,” the petitioners have submitted.
The plea also asserts that Prada’s actions infringe Article 29(1) of the Constitution of India, which guarantees the right of any section of citizens having a distinct culture to conserve it.
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama presides over an event celebrating his 90th birthday according to a Tibetan calendar at the Tsuglakhang temple in Dharamshala, India, Monday, June 30, 2025, ahead of his birthday according to the Gregorian calendar on July 6. (AP Photo/Ashwini Bhatia)
The Dalai Lama has often called himself a simple monk, but millions of his Tibetan Buddhist followers have worshipped him for decades as a near deity.
They also see him as the face of Tibet’s aspirations for greater autonomy, but have for years wrestled with the idea that he might be the last person to hold the role.
He put that speculation to rest Wednesday, just days before he turns 90 on Sunday. There will be a successor after his death, he announced, and the Dalai Lama’s office will lead the search and recognize a successor in accordance with past tradition.
The decision is consequential for most Tibetans, who have struggled for decades to keep their identity alive — in Tibet or outside in exile — and rallied behind the Dalai Lama for that cause. It could also irk China, which insists that it alone has the authority to approve the next religious leader, a move seen as Beijing’s efforts to strengthen its control over Tibet’s overwhelmingly Buddhist population.
‘Simple Buddhist monk’ hailed as a god-king
Recognized worldwide in his red robes and wide smile, the Dalai Lama describes himself as a “simple Buddhist monk.” But he is also worshipped as living manifestations of Chenrezig, the Buddhist god of compassion, and is the 14th person to hold the title of the Dalai Lama in a tradition stretching back 500 years.
As a village boy, Tenzin Gyatso was thrust onto the Tibetan throne to become the Dalai Lama — a god-king to his people — in 1937. Soon after, Chinese troops swept into his homeland in the 1950s and crushed a failed uprising. He escaped with thousands of his followers to India and established a government in exile.
Since then, the Dalai Lama has spent more than seven decades in exile, living an austere monastic life in regal isolation in the tiny, Himalayan town of Dharamshala. He has also jetted from capital to capital to try to force the aspirations of his tiny community onto the world agenda, uniting and mobilizing Tibetans inside and outside China.
The face of Tibet’s struggle for autonomy
Tibetans in exile say they were effectively independent for centuries, and accuse China of trying to wipe out Tibet’s Buddhist culture and language, and encouraging Chinese to move there from other parts of the country. Beijing insists Tibet is a part of China.
While many Tibetans seek full independence, the Dalai Lama has long said that he seeks only substantial autonomy and identity for Tibetan people. He has advocated for a nonviolent “Middle Way” for autonomy and religious freedom for Tibetan people through peaceful means.
Beijing, however, accuses him of making efforts to wrest Tibet’s control away from China and inciting rebellion among Tibetans. In the past, Chinese leaders have called him a “wolf in monk’s robes” and the “scum of Buddhism.”
In 1989, the Nobel Peace Prize committee honored him “for his consistent resistance to the use of violence in his people’s struggle.” In 2011, he relinquished his role as head of the self-proclaimed Tibetan government-in-exile and handed over political powers to a democratically elected government.
Raging dispute
With the Dalai Lama in his twilight years, the question looms about what happens after him.
The Dalai Lama has said that his successor will be born in a free country, indicating that the next spiritual leader could come from among Tibetan exiles and not from China.
China, meanwhile, is determined to control the succession of the Dalai Lama and insists that the reincarnation must be found in China’s Tibetan areas, giving the Communist authorities immense power over who is chosen.
Thus, many observers believe there eventually will be rival Dalai Lamas — one appointed by Beijing, and one by senior monks loyal to the current Dalai Lama.
China has also sought to elevate other spiritual figures, particularly Tibetan Buddhism’s No. 2 figure, the Panchen Lama. A boy recognized by the Dalai Lama as the new Panchen disappeared soon after, and Beijing produced its own successor, whose legitimacy is highly contested.
Modi landed in Port of Spain on Thursday in the second leg of his five-nation tour. It is the first bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister to this Caribbean island nation since 1999.
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, dressed in traditional Indian attire, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Credit: PTI Photo
India and Trinidad and Tobago have inked six agreements to shore up their cooperation in several sectors including infrastructure and pharmaceuticals following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
The two leaders also explored on Friday potential collaboration in areas of defence, agriculture, healthcare and digital transformation, unified payments interface (UPI), capacity building and people-to-people exchanges.
“The landmark visit of the prime minister to Trinidad and Tobago has given a boost to the special ties between the countries,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
Modi landed in Port of Spain on Thursday in the second leg of his five-nation tour. It is the first bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister to this Caribbean island nation since 1999.
In her remarks during the delegation-level talks, Bissesar noted that Prime Minister Modi’s “landmark visit” to Trinidad and Tobago will reinvigorate the deep-rooted bilateral ties between the two countries.
On his part, Prime Minister Modi expressed appreciation for Trinidad and Tobago’s strong support and solidarity to the people of India in the wake of Pahalgam terror attack.
“The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” the MEA said.
Prime Minister Modi also met Trinidad and Tobago President Christine Carla Kangaloo.
In a social media post, Modi said a new momentum was added to the friendship between India and Trinidad and Tobago.
“Thank you Trinidad & Tobago. The moments here will never be forgotten. We’ve added new momentum to India-Trinidad & Tobago friendship. My gratitude to President Christine Carla Kangaloo, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the government and people of this wonderful nation,” he said.
The six MoUs will provide for deeper cooperation between India and Trinidad and Tobago in the fields of pharmacopoeia, quick-impact projects, culture, sports and diplomatic training among others.
Several announcements to foster bilateral ties, including the offer of OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) card to the sixth generation of the people of Indian-origin in the Caribbean nation were made.
The MEA said Modi and Bissesar agreed to work together for greater solidarity among the countries of the Global South and to strengthen India-CARICOM partnership.
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is an intergovernmental organisation of 15 member states in the Caribbean region having the primary objective to promote economic integration and cooperation among the members.
“Both leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. They called upon greater cooperation to deal with contemporary challenges such as climate change, disaster management, and cyber security,” the MEA said.
On Prime Minister Modi’s meeting with President Kangaloo, the MEA said it was marked by warmth and a reaffirmation of the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations.
“The prime minister congratulated President Kangaloo on receiving the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award this year and expressed deep appreciation for her distinguished public service,” it said.
“The two leaders reflected on the enduring bonds shared by the two countries, anchored by strong people-to-people ties,” it added.
The MEA said Prime Minister Modi invited Bissessar to pay a visit to India, which she accepted.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi addressed the parliament of the Caribbean nation and spoke about the cricket connection between the two countries.
“There is a natural warmth in the connection between our two countries. I must say, Indians are among the most passionate fans of the West Indies cricket team! We cheer for them with all our heart, except when they are playing against India,” he said.
Modi also lauded the contribution of Indian-origin people to Trinidad and Tobago’s development journey.
“From politics to poetry, cricket to commerce, calypso to chutney, they contribute to every field. They are an integral part of the vibrant diversity that you all respect.”
“Together, you have built a nation that lives its motto: ‘Together we aspire, together we achieve’,” Modi said.
Patna Police received information around 11 PM that businessman Gopal Khemka had been shot dead in the southern part of the Gandhi Maidan area.
Gopal Khemka was gunned down near his residence in Patna, echoing the 2018 murder of his son Gunjan Khemka..(X/@rajeshkrinc)
Gopal Khemka, a prominent Bihar-based businessman and BJP leader, was shot dead outside his home in Patna late Friday night, police said. The incident comes six years after his son, Gunjan Khemka, was murdered in an eerily similar manner.
Gopal Khemka was reportedly returning home when he was attacked around 11 pm near Hotel Panache in the Gandhi Maidan police station area. His residence is located in a society adjacent to the hotel.
Patna Superintendent of Police Diksha confirmed the development, saying, “On the night of July 4, at around 11 pm, we received information that businessman Gopal Khemka has been shot dead in the south area of the Gandhi Maidan… The crime scene has been secured, and further investigation is underway.”
She said, “One bullet and one shell have been recovered,” adding that Khemka died on the spot.
SP Diksha said that CCTV footage from the incident site is being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
The incident bears resemblance to the murder of his son Gunjan Khemka in a daring attack in December 2018, right outside the gate of his factory located in the Hajipur industrial area.
Meanwhile, independent MP from Purnea, Pappu Yadav (Rajesh Ranjan), visited the murder spot and criticised the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government.
“Bihar has become a sanctuary for criminals! Nitish ji, please spare Bihar,” he wrote on X.
He added that if the government had taken strict action when Gunjan was killed, “Gopal Khemka would not have been murdered today.”
The revised notfication issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways reduces the toll rate for stretches such as flyovers,and tunnels up to 50 per cent
The reform is expected to lower the overall travelling cost on key highway stretches.(Representataional image/HT)
The government has announced a significant reduction in toll rates, up to 50 per cent, on sections of National Highways featuring major structures such as tunnels, bridges, flyovers, and elevated corridors.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has amended the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, introducing a revised formula for calculating toll charges. The changes were officially notified on July 2, 2025.
According to the new rules, the toll rate on such structured highway stretches will now be determined based on a lesser of two values:
Ten times the length of the structure(s) added to the rest of the highway section (excluding the structures), or
Five times the total length of the section, including the structure(s).
“‘Structure’ means an independent bridge, tunnel, flyover or elevated highway,” the notification clarified.
To illustrate, the ministry cited an example where a 40-kilometer highway section comprises entirely of structural elements. Under the old system, toll would be charged for 400 kilometers (10 x 40 km). Under the new formula, the toll would instead be calculated on 200 kilometers (5 x 40 km), effectively halving the cost for commuters.
Currently, motorists are charged at a rate ten times higher than normal for every kilometre of structure, due to the elevated construction and maintenance costs associated with these complex infrastructures.
A senior official from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) confirmed the revision, stating, “This move is designed to rationalize toll collection and provide relief to road users while maintaining a balance between infrastructure cost recovery and affordability.”
Fire at chemical factory in Telangana. Credit: PTI photo
Meanwhile, family members of the blast victims staged a mild protest in front of the industry, demanding information about the whereabouts of their loved ones.
Hyderabad: Rescue operations continue at the Sigachi Industries facility in Sangareddy, where State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and other agencies are working to trace the 11 people who remain unaccounted for following Monday’s devastating industrial explosion.
On Thursday, these teams reportedly found body parts in the rubble at the accident site.
The high-level committee appointed by the Telangana government visited the site and officially launched their probe into the circumstances surrounding the explosion.
Meanwhile, family members of the blast victims staged a mild protest in front of the industry, demanding information about the whereabouts of their loved ones. They expressed anguish, saying that four days have passed without any concrete information about their missing family members.
The most heart-wrenching scene unfolded when Ramadasu, father of Justin who worked in the packing department, broke down in tears while demanding details about his son. He revealed that Justin had joined work at the industry just two days before the accident occurred.
Overwhelmed with grief and saying that no information regarding his son had been provided, Ramadasu pleaded with officials present to give details about Justin. In a moment of desperate anguish, the distraught father picked up a stone and hit himself on the head, sustaining severe injuries. Medical personnel immediately provided treatment for his self-inflicted wounds.
Brigadier Shekhawat posted the activity reel on Instagram, proudly sharing that her mother embraced skydiving on her 80th birthday.
80-year-old woman skydives in viral video.Instagram/Brigadier Saurabh Singh Shekhawat
People often think of ticking off adventure stories in their bucket list during their 20s or 30s, but one 80-year-old woman recently soared the skies leaving netizens stunned.
Her skydiving video is now going viral after she took flight from 10,000 feet and dived with remarkable courage. Despite health concerns at her age, she proved that age is just a number.
Identified as Dr Shraddha Chauhan, the elderly woman was assisted by someone special, but who? Her son, none other than Brigadier Saurabh Singh Shekhawat, KC, SC, SM, VSM (Retd).
Brigadier Shekhawat posted the activity reel on Instagram, proudly sharing that her mother embraced skydiving on her 80th birthday. He also pointed out that she is the oldest woman to skydive in India, making the moment even more special.
Take a look at the video
Skydiving from 10,000 ft
“She marked her 80th birthday with a tandem skydive from 10,000 feet… She is now the oldest Indian woman to do a tandem skydive — and the oldest to do so within India,” Shekhawat posted on Instagram.
In his now-viral post, the retired officer mentioned that despite battling vertigo, cervical spondylitis, and prolapsed spinal discs, she took to the skies with immense bravery.
People at a flood-affected village as the swollen Subarnarekha river inundates nearby areas, in Balasore district, Odisha, Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Credit: PTI Photo
Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, after conducting an aerial survey of the affected areas, directed the distribution of rice to flood-hit families for seven days, beginning Thursday.
Balasore (Odisha): Around 35 villages in Odisha’s Balasore district continue to remain marooned and cut off due to flooding of Subarnarekha river, even as water levels in major rivers began receding on Thursday, officials said.
According to official sources, 20 villages under Baliapal block and 15 villages in Bhograi block remain hit by floodwaters, with residents relying on country boats to travel between submerged areas.
The situation has worsened due to incessant rainfall triggered by a low-pressure system over the region.
While two persons have lost their lives in the district due to floods, around 1,894 hectares of agricultural land are submerged, damaging crops and vegetables across northern Balasore, they said.
“An estimated 50,000 people have been affected, as the flood continued to disrupt normal life for the fourth consecutive day,” they added.
Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, after conducting an aerial survey of the affected areas, directed the distribution of rice to flood-hit families for seven days, beginning Thursday.
“I surveyed the flood-affected areas in Bhograi, Baliapal, Jaleswar, Basta, Remuna, and Balasore Sadar. A total of 154 villages across six blocks and eight wards of Jaleswar Municipality have been affected. Steps have been taken to relocate people to safe places and provide them food,” Parida posted on X.
Parida also asked officials to ensure distribution of baby food, drinking water, fodder for cattle, and essential medicines, while stressing the need for disinfection of water bodies once floodwaters recede.
During a visit to some marooned villages using power boats, Parida faced complaints from locals about shortages of essential supplies, including infant food, clean water, and medical assistance.
As road communication has been totally cut off, patients are being transported by country boats, a villager in Baliapal area said, adding that so far two persons were swept away by floodwaters.
The purchase plans involve minesweepers, quick-reaction surface-to-air missiles and electronic warfare systems to armoured recovery vehicles.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh with women defence personnel at the Northern Command HQ in Udhampur. (Photo from X)
The defence acquisition council (DAC) on Thursday gave its initial approval to purchase military hardware worth ₹1.05 lakh crore to sharpen the capabilities of the Indian armed forces.
The purchase plans involve minesweepers, quick-reaction surface-to-air missiles and electronic warfare systems to armoured recovery vehicles, the defence ministry said.
The DAC, headed by Union defence minister Rajnath Singh, accorded its acceptance of necessity (AoN) to 10 capital acquisition proposals through the indigenous route to boost self-reliance in the defence manufacturing sector, it said. Under India’s defence procurement rules, AoN by the council is the first step towards buying military equipment.
The acquisition of mine countermeasure vessels (MCMVs) or minesweepers for the Indian Navy at an estimated cost of around ₹44,000 crore is the most significant proposal cleared by the DAC — India’s apex military procurement body, officials aware of the matter said.
The development is significant as the navy currently does not operate even a single minesweeper, with the last in a fleet of six such vessels (bought from the erstwhile Soviet Union in the late 1970s) being decommissioned six years ago. The navy plans to buy 12 MCMVs from Indian shipyards to strengthen its mine-warfare capabilities.
Apart from the minesweepers, the DAC also accorded AoN for moored mines, super rapid gun mount and submersible autonomous vessels. “These procurements will enable mitigation of potential risks posed to the naval and merchant vessels,” the defence ministry said in a statement.
The latest attempt to buy the MSMVs comes after at least three failed attempts during the last 17-18 years.
Two years ago, the navy indicated that the MSMV order could be split between the lowest and the second-lowest bidding shipyards in the ratio of 8:4. To be sure, the navy will induct the first MSMV at least seven years after a contract is signed, with the remaining to join service over six to seven years thereafter, the officials said, asking not to be named.
The quick-reaction surface-to-air missiles cleared by the DAC are expected to cost around ₹30,000 crore, HT learns.
“AoN were accorded for procurement of armoured recovery vehicles, electronic warfare systems, integrated common inventory management system for the tri-services and surface-to-air missiles. These procurements will provide higher mobility, effective air defence, better supply chain management and augment the operational preparedness of the armed forces,” the ministry added.
The DAC has cleared the proposals under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. It is the most important category of acquisition for indigenisation under the defence procurement policy. IDDM stands for indigenously designed, developed and manufactured.
The council’s approval for the new weapons and systems comes at a critical moment as the defence ministry said on June 19 that it has set up a high-powered committee, headed by the director general (acquisition), to steer a comprehensive review of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 for speedy modernisation of the armed forces and boosting self-reliance in the critical sector.
In 2024, more than 7.9 million Botox procedures were performed worldwide, making it the most popular non-invasive cosmetic treatment on the planet.
On the night of June 27, Shefali Jariwala, best known as the “Kaanta Laga Girl”, collapsed in her Mumbai home and was declared dead just hours later at a hospital. She was only 42. While preliminary reports said a cardiac arrest caused her death, sources close to the investigation suggest a far more troubling reason: a cocktail of anti-ageing injections, allegedly self-administered while she was fasting.
While a final autopsy report is yet to be published, her sudden, unexplained death has put a spotlight on India’s fast-growing and largely unregulated anti-ageing industry, a booming market that promises youth but often comes with a risk.
A billion-dollar obsession
Youth is no longer just a stage of life — it’s increasingly becoming a commodity. Globally, the anti-ageing market was worth nearly $50 billion in 2024 and is expected to touch $80 billion by 2032, growing at a steady pace of six per cent annually. A big chunk of that growth is powered by injectables, particularly botulinum toxin, popularly known as Botox, which alone is expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 8.7 per cent.
In 2024, more than 7.9 million Botox procedures were performed worldwide, making it the most popular non-invasive cosmetic treatment on the planet. Close behind were hyaluronic acid fillers and laser hair removal, part of a growing range of treatments designed to smooth, tighten, and lift skin.
From plasma-rich facials to peptide therapy and ultrasound-based skin tightening, the options for “pausing” age are expanding rapidly.
India’s rapid rise in the cosmetic race
India is no longer on the fringes of this global beauty economy. According to the latest ISAPS Global Survey, India ranked among the top 10 countries globally for aesthetic/cosmetic procedures, trailing only global leaders like the US, Brazil, and Japan.
Speaking to India Today, Dr Somesh Gupta, professor of dermatology and venereology at AIIMS, New Delhi, said that India’s anti-ageing industry remains largely unregulated, and even where rules exist, they are rarely enforced on the ground.
“Many individuals are offering these procedures purely as a source of easy income, often without medical training,” he said. “Beauticians using lasers can cause serious harm, including skin burns.” Dr Gupta noted that patients are increasingly coming from across the country seeking help for hair loss, pigmentation, and early signs of ageing, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors in dermatology.
He flagged the misuse of glutathione (the substance that Shefali Jariwala allegedly used), a compound not approved for skin-lightening or self-medication, warning that such unsupervised treatments could lead to severe adverse reactions. “We’ve even seen fatalities during procedures like hair transplants,” he said.
In just one year, India saw a dramatic 25 per cent surge in total procedures, from 1.02 million in 2023 to 1.29 million in 2024. That’s more than 3.4 per cent of all procedures performed globally. And India’s ascent in cosmetic medicine isn’t just about volume. The country now stands second globally in rhinoplasty and scar revision surgeries, popular with younger age groups, especially Gen-Z and millennials. India is also among the top five globally for procedures like chemical peels, liposuction, and skin tightening.
In non-surgical procedures, hair removal was the top treatment in 2024, with more than 208,000 procedures in India — the highest in the world — followed by hyaluronic acid fillers (97,160 procedures), chemical peels (85,120), and Botox injections (76,720). Surgical procedures are also seeing significant traction. Scar revision topped the list with over 106,000 procedures, followed by liposuction (97,160) and rhinoplasty (67,760).
“In aesthetics and anti-ageing, less is more,” said Dr Neha Taneja, an assistant professor of dermatology at AIIMS Delhi. “Treatments should never be overdone. What’s necessary must be carefully decided in consultation with a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.”
She noted that the most common procedures today include fillers, skin boosters, and microneedling, with patients often starting as early as ages 22–25. However, Dr Taneja warned that injectables and IV-based treatments, if taken in high concentrations or without supervision, could disrupt blood chemistry and, over time, impact vital organs like the liver and kidneys.
Speaking at a community event in Couva, PM Modi highlighted deep cultural ties between India and Trinidad and Tobago, calling Kamla Persad-Bissessar “the daughter of Bihar.”
PM Modi with Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar (Photo: X/PM Narendra Modi)
India is connected with Trinidad and Tobago by belonging, and not just by blood or surname, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, stressing that the ancestors of the country’s Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, were from Bihar’s Buxar.
Bihar, the heritage of which is the pride of India and the world, considers Kamla Persad-Bissessar their daughter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said as he spoke at a community event at the National Cycling Velodrome, Couva.
“We are not just connected by blood or surname, we are connected by belonging. India looks out to you and welcomes you,” PM Modi said.
“The ancestors of PM Kamla were from Bihar’s Buxar. She has also visited the place. People consider her the daughter of Bihar,” he said.
“Bihar’s heritage is the pride of India and the world. The state has shown the way to the world in various fields for centuries. New opportunities will emerge from Bihar in the 21st century,” PM Modi added.
In his address, the Prime Minister stressed that the Indian community members’ contribution has benefited Trinidad and Tobago “culturally, economically and spiritually”.
Citing eminent Indian-origin figures in the country, including Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and President Christine Carla Kangaloo, he said the descendants of Girmitiyas are no longer defined by struggle, but by their “success, service, and values”.
Girmitiyas were indentured labourers from British India transported to work on plantations in Fiji, South Africa, Eastern Africa (namely Mauritius, Seychelles, Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda), Malaysia, Singapore, and the Caribbean as part of the Indian indenture system.
WHAT PM MODI SAID ABOUT INDIA’s SPACE MISSIONS
Also speaking about India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission, PM Modi, while addressing the Indian community, said, “I am sure everyone amongst you feels proud when India grows. For the New India, even the sky is not the limit. All of you must have cheered when India’s Chandrayaan-3 landed on the Moon.”
“We named the place where it landed as ‘Shiv Shakti point’,” he said.
Also mentioning Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, PM Modi said, “An Indian astronaut is onboard the International Space Station as we speak. We are now working on a manned space mission, ‘Gaganyaan’. Soon, an Indian will walk on the moon, and India will have its own space station.”
“We don’t just count the stars, we try to reach them by mission like the ‘Aaditya’ mission. The moon is not far from us. India’s achievements in space are not just ours, we are sharing its fruits with the rest of the world,” PM Modi added.
OCI CARDS FOR INDIANS IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Addressing the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that citizens of Indian origin in Trinidad and Tobago, up to the sixth generation, will now be eligible for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards, allowing them to live and work in India without restrictions.
“Today, I’m happy to announce that the OCI cards will be given to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago,” PM Modi said.
He also encouraged the Indian-origin community to visit their ancestral land and deepen their connection with India.
“I encourage all of you to visit India more in person, and not just virtually via social media. Visit the villages of your ancestors. Walk the soil they walked on. Bring your children and neighbours. Bring anyone who enjoys ‘Chai‘ and a good story. We will welcome all of you with open arms, warm hearts and Jalebi,” he said.
JOURNEY OF INDIAN COMMUNITY IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Speaking further, the Prime Minister said that the journey of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is one of courage, emphasising that the hardships their ancestors endured could have “broken even the strongest spirits”.
PM Modi, whose first engagement in the Caribbean nation was with the Indian community, also said that it felt completely natural, as “we are part of one family” Trinidad and Tobago has a population of approximately 13 lakh, 45 per cent of whom are of Indian origin.
“The journey of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is about courage. The circumstances your ancestors faced could have broken even the strongest of spirits. But they faced hardships with hope. They met problems with persistence,” he said.
“They left the Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried the Ramayana in their hearts,” he said, calling them messengers of a “timeless civilisation”.
“The community programme in Port of Spain was spectacular. The energy and warmth of the people made it truly unforgettable. Evidently, our cultural bonds shine brightly!” he wrote in an X post.
The community programme in Port of Spain was spectacular.
The energy and warmth of the people made it truly unforgettable. Evidently, our cultural bonds shine brightly! pic.twitter.com/kVPR07bMQh
The HC said phone tapping is permitted only under Section 5(2) of Telegraph Act when there is a clear public emergency or threat to public safety, backed by reasons and due process
The bench of Justice N Anand Venkatesh opined that the Centre’s authorisation to intercept the phone conversations of P Kishore—then managing director of Everonn Education Ltd—was issued without sufficient justification and in violation of the constitutional right to privacy under Article 21. File pic
In a significant judgment that reiterates constitutional protections in the digital age, the Madras High Court has quashed a 2011 phone-tapping order issued by the union ministry of home affairs against a private company executive, holding that the interception lacked the mandatory threshold of “public emergency” or “public safety” as required under Section 5(2) of the Telegraph Act.
The bench of Justice N Anand Venkatesh opined that the Centre’s authorisation to intercept the phone conversations of P Kishore—then managing director of Everonn Education Ltd—was issued without sufficient justification and in violation of the constitutional right to privacy under Article 21.
A bribery FIR was registered by the CBI in August 2011 involving an IRS officer (A1), who allegedly demanded Rs 50 lakh to shield the company from tax scrutiny. Kishore (A2) was accused of arranging the bribe, and a friend of the officer (A3) was intercepted carrying the cash. However, the CBI did not apprehend Kishore in possession of the bribe or at the scene.
The Centre had authorised the interception on the grounds of “public safety” and “preventing incitement to the commission of an offence”.
However, the court noted that these terms cannot be used in a vague or routine manner. Citing the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in People’s Union for Civil Liberties and KS Puttaswamy, the judge held that such surveillance must meet the constitutional tests of necessity, proportionality, and legality.
“Neither the occurrence of public emergency nor interest of public safety is a secretive condition… either would be apparent to a reasonable person,” the court observed, referring to the SC precedents and added that no such justification was visible in the interception order, which appeared to be “mechanical” and “cyclostyled”.
Further, the high court held that procedural safeguards under Rule 419-A of the Telegraph Rules, which require review by a committee and periodic oversight, were also not followed, thereby rendering the order illegal.
Importantly, the court rejected the authorities’ argument that even assuming that the order under Section 5(2) of the Act was without jurisdiction, the evidence so collected was admissible since it is a well-settled proposition of law that even illegally collected evidence is admissible provided it is relevant.
The court opined that once the surveillance order was found to be unconstitutional, any material or evidence collected as a result of it would also be tainted. The HC also pointed out that in the case at hand, the petitioner was only accused of an offence; hence, the presumption of innocence still applied in his favour.
A teacher from T A M UP School, was suspended for a social media post criticising Zumba, which the Kerala Education Department introduced in schools for an anti-drug campaign.
Kerala zumba controversy: Children participate in a mega zumba dance event organised by the state government at Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. (PTI)
A teacher from T A M UP School in Edathanattukara, T K Ashraf, has been suspended following a social media post criticising the Zumba dance. He was suspended by the school management pending an inquiry, Mathrubhumi reported.
Following strong intervention by the Department of Education, the school took action and suspended the teacher. A meeting was held at the school on Thursday to decide on the next steps. The school manager confirmed that a copy of the suspension order has been sent to the Education Department.
The controversy started when T K Ashraf shared a post on social media criticising Zumba dance. As the issue sparked public debate, the Department of General Education issued a notice to the school manager through the Deputy Director of Education, Palakkad, seeking action within 24 hours.
According to Mathrubhumi, the management requested three days to respond, but the department did not grant the extension. Subsequently, the suspension order was handed over on Thursday morning.
The Kerala education department introduced Zumba in schools as part of its anti-drug campaign, and some Muslim outfits have objected to the decision. The move is facing backlash as some religious groups objected to girls and boys “intermingling” and “dancing together wearing minimal clothes”.
Many schools in the state have begun offering Zumba training from this academic year. Zumba is a fitness program that involves cardio and Latin-inspired dance.
However, Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty defended the move and also shared a video on Facebook showing the participation of Muslim students in a Zumba session.“Let the children play, laugh, have fun, and grow up healthy,” Sivankutty said.
Soham Parekh, an Indian software engineer, has gone viral after being accused of simultaneously working at multiple US startups.Suhail Doshi and several other founders claim Parekh “scammed” companies by holding 3–4 jobs at once, sparking a massive meme fest online.The controversy has made Parekh a trending topic, with even LinkedIn’s CEO reacting, as his alleged actions raise questions about remote work ethics.
Why Soham Parekh Is Trending On Social Media (Image Source – X)
Soham Parekh has become an overnight sensation on social media after being accused of simultaneously working for multiple American startups. Suhail Doshi, co-founder and former CEO of analytics platform Mixpanel, alleged that the Indian tech professional has been “scamming” companies by holding jobs at three to four startups at the same time.
Once the allegations surfaced, “Soham Parekh” began trending across social media platforms and even appeared as a top search term on Google Trends. Netizens flooded timelines with memes, turning the incident into a viral online spectacle. Even LinkedIn’s CEO joined in on the meme fest.
Not a joke. This is happening real time. This is the 3rd DM today about someone firing him.
— VCs Congratulating Themselves 👏👏👏 (@VCBrags) July 2, 2025
Doshi, based in San Francisco, revealed that while Parekh was on the payroll at one of his companies, he was concurrently working with at least three or four other startups. Since then, five more U.S.-based startups have come forward with similar accusations, and the actual number might be even higher.
Naturally, the revelation that a remote Indian worker managed to deceive several well-funded, high-profile startups became prime material for meme creators. On X (formerly Twitter), the Soham Parekh saga ignited a meme storm like never before.
The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the Delhi government on a plea filed by Delhi Petrol Dealers Association challenging the prosecution of fuel pump owners for refuelling banned End of Life Vehicles (ELVs) [Delhi Petrol Dealers Association & Anr v Government of NCT of Delhi & Anr].
In an order passed on July 2, Justice Mini Pushkarna said that if any pump owner is penalised for the act, the same can be brought to the notice of the Court.
The case will be heard next on September 8.
The Delhi government recently implemented a fuel ban with respect to ELVs. As per the same, fuel stations are not allowed to refuel diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years.
The government has claimed that the move will curb vehicular air pollution in the national capital.
However, the association of petrol dealers moved the Court arguing that the government has now burdened fuel pump owners and their attendants with the responsibility of implementing the government guidelines without them being necessarily equipped or authorised under any law.
They sought quashing of the government order and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that prosecute and penalise pump owners under Section 192(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, in case of non-compliance with the ‘No fuel to End of Life vehicles Rule’.
The association argued that while they are not opposed to the directions restricting fuel supply to ELVs, and are willing to extend cooperation, they object to the “excessive, irrational and disproportionate liability being fastened upon them by way of seeking to prosecute and penalise them”.
Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Bihar sparked outrage after awarding a student 257 marks out of 100 in a post-graduate exam, yet not promoting her. Over 100 students’ results remain pending due to internal marking issues.
Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Bihar sparked outrage after awarding a student 257 marks out of 100.
In a twist that could leave even mathematicians scratching their heads, Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University in Muzaffarpur managed to defy basic arithmetic.
In its recently declared postgraduate third-semester results (2023–25), the university awarded a student 257 marks in a 100-mark theory paper and 225 marks in a 30-mark practical exam. Yet, ironically, the student was not even promoted.
More than 100 students are also staring at pending results. Several of them allege that their college did not submit internal marks
Out of approximately 9,000 students who appeared for the exam, 8,000 were declared passed. However, students from the Hindi, English, and Science streams have raised concerns over repeated errors.
They claim the university has a history of declaring students to fail by 1–2 marks and dismissing objections with vague explanations involving the “head examiner”.
The university exam controller Professor Ram Kumar said, “It came to our notice that some students received marks exceeding the total. Upon investigation, it was found that the error occurred during Excel sheet entries while preparing the results. The discrepancies have been corrected. The computer operator has been strictly warned and instructed to thoroughly verify results before publication in the future,” he said.
The Indian Army has begun a third evaluation of Agniveers recruited in 2023, including those who served in Operation Sindoor, to shortlist candidates for permanent induction.
Agniveers recruited in 2023, including those who served in Operation Sindoor, to shortlist candidates for permanent induction.
The Indian Army is conducting the third evaluation of its first batch of Agniveers, recruited under the Agnipath scheme in January 2023 for their potential permanent induction into the armed forces.
Approximately 3,000 Agniveers who participated in Operation Sindoor are also undergoing evaluation in this phase. Their performance during the operation where they played key roles in India’s military response to cross-border missile and drone attacks will be factored into their assessment.
The evaluation, now underway, marks the third of four critical assessments that every Agniveer must face during their service. According to Army sources, the process is being carried out with complete transparency to ensure only the most capable and deserving candidates secure permanent positions.
Under the Agnipath scheme, Agniveers are assessed at four distinct stages at 31 weeks, 18 months, 30 months, and 42 months of service. The third stage, currently ongoing, evaluates soldiers on multiple parameters including drills, physical fitness, and weapons handling. Notably, to maintain impartiality, the unit where an Agniveer is posted does not conduct his evaluation.
Each Agniveer is given three chances during the first test, with the highest score being counted. In the subsequent assessments, they receive two chances per test.
Agniveers also have access to their mark sheets, reinforcing the transparency of the process. Those deployed in remote and high-altitude areas like Siachen and Ladakh are attached to nearby Corps Battle Schools or rear units to facilitate the testing process.
During Operation Sindoor, Agniveers proved their mettle in frontline air defence roles. These young soldiers operated advanced systems like Pechora, Schilka, OSA-AK, Strela, and Tunguska, alongside medium-range surface-to-air missile systems.
Many served as gunners, fire control operators, and communication specialists, and also drove heavy-duty, missile-mounted vehicles. The Akashteer air defence network, pivotal in the operation, was successfully manned and operated by these Agniveers.
The Indian Army has built provisions to recognise acts of bravery and sporting excellence under the scheme. Agniveers awarded the Sena Medal or higher gallantry honours like the Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, or Shaurya Chakra are guaranteed permanent recruitment. A ‘mention in dispatch’ adds 25 bonus marks to their evaluation.
Sports achievements will be equally acknowledged. Representing India at the international level will ensure direct permanent recruitment, while participation in national or service-level competitions grants 10 and 6 bonus marks, respectively.
All evaluation scores will be finalised by October 2026. The first Agniveer batch will complete their tenure in January 2027. After their final medical test, 25 per cent of the batch based on merit will be selected for permanent induction.
Selected candidates will be notified within seven days of discharge and must report to their regimental centre within 30 days. Failure to report will result in disqualification, and the vacancy will be filled by the next eligible candidate on the merit list.
