Category: India

A man allegedly shot his wife and teenage son following a domestic dispute in northeast Delhi. Police have registered a case and are searching for the absconding accused amid forensic investigations.

A man allegedly shot his wife and teenage son in Northeast Delhi’s Dayalpur area on Sunday following a domestic dispute. Both victims were admitted to a local hospital.

Police said the incident was reported around 1:43 pm from Moonga Nagar under Dayalpur police station limits. The 40-year-old woman had been living with her parents for the past two to three months due to a matrimonial dispute with her husband, identified as Abdul, a resident of Jahangirpuri.

On Sunday, Abdul went to the house where his wife was staying. An argument ensued, during which he allegedly pulled out a firearm and opened fire on his wife and son. Both sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to the hospital by family members.

A forensic team examined the crime scene and collected evidence. A case has been registered at Dayalpur police station under relevant sections.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/delhi/story/man-shoots-wife-teenage-son-after-domestic-dispute-dayalpur-delhi-2794397-2025-09-28

“If such actions are prompted on complaints of the political class, it could lead to offices being vacant with all the officers at the doorstep of the political class,” the Court pointed out.

The Uttarakhand High Court recently observed that it would not bode well for government departments if transfers of public servants are ordered under political pressure [Hemant Bisht v State of Uttarakhand and ors]

A Bench of Chief Justice G Narendar and Justice Subhash Upadhyay made the observation while hearing a plea filed by a forest officer who claimed that he was transferred under political pressure from an ex-gram pradhan (elected village official) and politically connected persons.

On September 24, the Secretary to the State’s Forest Department claimed that there was a lapse on the part of the forest officer in carrying out certain work, which triggered the action against him. The Secretary added that the complaint made by the Gram Pradhan was incidental.

However, the Court pointed out,

“Be that as it may, we have brought to the attention of the Secretary that if such actions are prompted on complaints of the political class, then it could lead to offices of the Department being vacant, with all the officers at the doorstep of the political class, which development, the Secretary (to the Forest Department) fairly agrees is not desirable and not welcome.”

The Secretary eventually assured the Court that he would examine the entire matter and file a report to the Court. The Court recorded the submission and posted the case for further hearing in October.

The plea before the Court was filed by one Hemant Bisht, an officer working in the Uttarakhand Forest Department, who was posted at Nandaprayag in the Badrinath Forest Division.

Bisht said that he was assigned with the task of preparing proposals on how to carry out certain works to prepare for the upcoming Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra – an event carrying deep religious and social significance which is held once in 12 years.

According to the petition, he was asked to submit his proposal to the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO).

The DFO in July asked Bisht to break the works into small proposals of works estimated to cost ₹5 lakhs each. However, Bisht later highlighted that it was impractical to divide work this way, particularly since the work was to be carried out in far-flung areas at minimal rates.

The DFO accepted this concern, and Bisht’s proposals were eventually forwarded through proper channels for seeking approval, eventually reaching the Principal Secretary of the Forest Department where it remained pending.

However, Bisht claims that soon after he suggested that it was impractical divide work, both he and the DFO were transferred to other areas.

Bisht says that his transfer was ordered on the basis of certain bald allegations made in a letter with a political party’s letter-head, without any accompanying evidence or affidavit.

He claims that certain politically connected persons had stood to profit if forest department had allowed the division of preparatory works for the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, 2026.

Since Bisht obstructed the grant of the grant of such petty contract work to such people, they approached the “high and mighty in the government” to complain against Bisht, his plea said.

An inquiry was also ordered bypassing established protocols, indicating political pressure, the petitioner added.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/uttarakhand-high-court-frowns-upon-transfers-of-government-officials-under-political-pressure

The Court restrained a Hyderabad-based group of educational institutions from starting a new institution using the Princeton mark.

The Delhi High Court on Friday granted relief to Ivy League school Princeton University of United States of America in a lawsuit against a group of educational institutions based in Hyderabad (defendants) over the use of the mark ‘Princeton’ [The Trustees of Princeton University v The Vagadevi Education Society & Ors].

A Division Bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Renu Bhatnagar restrained the Vagdevi Educational Society from using the name Princeton or any other deceptively similar mark for starting a new institution during the pendency of Princeton’s suit.

“The respondents [Vagdevi Educational Society] shall also file on affidavit, every six months during the pendency of the Suit, its receipts from the institutions being run in the name of ‘PRINCETON’. The parties shall endeavour to have the Suit decided expeditiously,” the Court ordered.

However, the Court did not restrain Vagdevi from using the mark for its existing institutions, given that it had been using the mark for a very long time and its operations were limited to Telangana and consequently, no irreparable harm would be caused to Princeton.

The Division Bench passed the order on an appeal filed by the trustees of Princeton against a September 6, 2023, order of a single-judge rejecting the University’s interim relief application to stop the use of its trademark.

The single-judge had found that the Vagdevi Society has been using the name Princeton for its institutions since 1991, and that Princeton University had failed to show any material proving that it is providing its services in India prior to that date.

The Court had explained that the references to Princeton University in Indian newspapers or the fact that many Indians have studied there would not amount to the use of the Princeton mark in India by the University for providing its services here.

However, the Division Bench said that Princeton University was prima facie able to show that it has been the user of its mark in India since 1911.

“In the present case, prima facie we find that the word “PRINCETON” is a vital and important part of the mark of the appellant. It is being used by the respondents for providing similar service. Moreover, merely because there is a difference in the fee structure of the appellant and the respondents, confusion cannot be ruled out,” the Court said.

However, the Court also noted that the respondents have also been using the mark for a long time and are limited to Telangana and Princeton University could not establish the case for irreparable harm.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/delhi-high-court-grants-limited-relief-to-princeton-university-of-us-in-trademark-suit-against-hyderabad-institution

Chaitanyananda Saraswati faces complaints ranging from using abusive language, sending lewd text messages to women, and forced physical contact.

The self-styled ‘godman’ accused of sexually harassing 17 women at an ashram in Delhi, has been arrested in Agra. Ostensibly the ‘director’ of a privately-run management institute, the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management in Delhi’s posh Vasant Kunj area, Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, faces complaints ranging from using abusive language, sending lewd text messages to women, and forced physical contact.

Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati alias Partha Sarathy was arrested late night, at around 3:30 am, from Hotel First in Agra’s Taj Ganj after being on the run for 50 days. He ran away on August 4, soon after the institute received a complaint from the Air Force headquarters.

According to a First Information Report (FIR), the management of the private institute received a letter from an alumnus accusing Chaitanyananda of sexually harassing students. The next day, the institute received an email from a Group Captain rank officer in the Directorate of Education in the Air Force. This email raised complaints by several students, accusing Baba of threatening them and sending offensive messages. The Air Force directorate intervened because many of the students at the institute came from families of Air Force personnel.

In the current case, 17 women jointly lodged complaints at Defence Colony Police Station in early August, accusing Delhi Baba of harassing post-graduate management diploma students with scholarship in the economically weaker sections (EWS) category.

The complainants, students, have claimed that some wardens working at the management institute had introduced them to the Baba. He used to call the students to his room, and lure them with free foreign trips, revealed sleazy chats with the victims.

Delhi Baba had secretly installed cameras in the women’s hostel.

After the accusations surfaced earlier this week, the ashram administration expelled Chaitanyananda from his post. The ashram unit that the accused headed in Delhi is a branch of a prominent ashram in South India, the Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetha in Sringeri. The religious body called Chaitanyananda’s actions “inappropriate”

Author Of 28 Books, 143 Research Papers, MBA, PhD

Odisha-born Chaitanyananda has allegedly authored 28 books featuring a foreword by Apple founder Steve Jobs and appreciation message from Ban Ki-Moon, former Secretary General of the United Nations.

Th text on the author profile on one of his books states that former US President Barack Obama referred to Chaitanyananda’s book, Transforming Personality, during his election campaign “number of times” and the book was one of the best sellers in the European and North American markets in 2007.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/delhi-baba-swami-chaitanyananda-accused-of-molesting-17-women-at-vasant-kunj-ashram-arrested-from-agra-9357850?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

Actor-politician Vijay’s supporters had been waiting for him for at least six hours. However, he arrived late at the rally venue

A massive tragedy unfolded at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay’s rally in Tamil Nadu’s Karur district, where 39 people, including nine children and 17 women were killed in a stampede. Officials said 46 people were injured.

Police sources told NDTV some people had fainted at a point where large numbers had surged forward, triggering the stampede. A senior police officer estimated that “at least 30,000 people had gathered” at the venue, where Vijay was scheduled to speak after his earlier rally in Namakkal.

His arrival, however, was delayed by more than seven hours, by which time the crowds had swelled uncontrollably.

As the crowd swelled and people started getting suffocated because of the heat and overcrowding, Vijay stopped his speech and started throwing bottles of water at the crowd to help, videos showed.

DMK leader V Senthil Balaji shared helpline numbers for the public to seek details about the affected people. The emergency assistance numbers are from the Karur district collector’s office.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sought a report from the Tamil Nadu government on the incident, sources said.

At a press conference at 1 am, Tamil Nadu DGP in charge G Venkatraman said Vijay’s party first asked for permission to hold the rally at Karur lighthouse roundana. “However, considering huge crowds from the last two rallies, we didn’t give permission in that area which was narrower than this. They said 10,000 people will come, but more than 27,000 came,” the senior police officer told reporters.

“The permission was asked for between 10 am and 3 pm, and it was announced Vijay would reach there by 12.30 pm. Crowds started gathering from 11 am, but he reached the venue only at 7.40 pm. The crowd did not get water or food. We are not blaming anyone, but stating the facts,” the DGP said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, who is coming to Karur tonight, in a post on X expressed shock over the tragedy. He has ordered an investigation into the stampede by a one-member panel, headed by retired high court judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan.

“I have ordered an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident and Rs 1 lakh for those undergoing intensive treatment in hospitals,” Mr Stalin said in a statement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the unfortunate incident during the political rally in Karur is deeply saddening.

“My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Wishing strength to them in this difficult time. Praying for a swift recovery to all those injured,” he said.

After the incident, Vijay went to the airport in Trichy and took a flight to Chennai. He declined to give a comment to the media and hid his face from cameras at the airport. He spoke on the incident for the first time only after he landed in the state capital.

“My heart is shattered, writhing in pain,” he said.

The police have filed a case against Muthiyazhagan, the Karur district secretary of the TVK. He was one of the party members responsible for organising Vijay’s rally.

This is not the first time Vijay’s rallies have come under scrutiny. His debut rally in Trichy earlier this month saw massive crowds escorting his convoy from the airport to the venue, turning a 20-minute ride into a six-hour traffic jam that brought the city to a halt.

Citing safety concerns, the police had imposed 23 conditions for TVK rallies, including a ban on joining convoys, public receptions, and advisories for pregnant women, the elderly and the differently abled to follow events online.

Courts, too, had made strong observations about public safety and the actor-politician’s responsibility even as TVK alleged bias against the party. Despite Vijay’s repeated appeals, most of these conditions were openly defied by his supporters. Many had brought in children and infants.

The Madras High Court, while hearing TVK’s petition against “tough and unfulfillable conditions” imposed by the police for its rallies earlier this month, had questioned whether such restrictions were being applied to all parties.

Justice N Sathish Kumar referred to the chaos at Vijay’s Tiruchi rally on September 13, and said, “If something untoward had happened, who would take responsibility? As party president, Vijay ought to control the crowds.”

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/10-faint-after-overcrowding-during-tvk-chief-vijays-rally-in-tamil-nadu-9356086?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

Sergey Lavrov said that in his exchanges with Jaishankar, he never brings up oil trade, asserting India was “perfectly capable” of making its own decisions.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Saturday backed India’s stand on its oil trade policies in the face of steep 50% tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. Lavrov said India can very well make these decisions as he hailed his counterpart S Jaishankar.

Lavrov said that in his regular exchanges with Jaishankar, he never brings up the issue of oil and trade, asserting that India was “perfectly capable” of making its own decisions on the matter.

“I’m not even asking what is going to happen to our trade relations, our oil. I don’t ask our Indian colleagues this. They are perfectly capable of making these decisions on their own,” Lavrov said.

He also heaped praise on India’s “self-respect” as he backed New Delhi’s stand on its oil trade policies. “And publicly, my friend, whom I referenced earlier when he was asked a similar question, said, if the US wants to sell their oil to us, we are prepared to discuss the terms for this. But what we buy from other countries, not the United States, but from Russia or other countries, that’s our own business. And that has nothing to do with the Indian-US agenda. And I believe that that is a very worthy response that shows that India, like Turkey, has self-respect,” Lavrov said.

Lavrov also confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin was planning to visit India in December this year. He highlighted the strength of India-Russia relations, noting their “very extensive” bilateral agenda that includes trade, defense, and technical cooperation, among other areas. “…and of course close coordination at the international level within the SCO, BRICS and bilaterally…,” he added.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-has-self-respect-russian-foreign-minister-turkey-oil-trade-trump-tariffs-vladimir-putin-delhi-visit-101759019178315.html

US prosecutors allege Nikhil Gupta and Vikash Yadav plotted to kill Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and discussed other murders.

US prosecutors have alleged that Indian national Nikhil Gupta and former intelligence operative Vikash Yadav, accused of involvement in a plot to kill Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, had discussed the murder of another individual in Nepal or Pakistan.

The allegation was made in a document filed this week in the US district court in the Southern District of New York, which is set to begin the trial of Gupta on November 3. The 61-page motion mostly lists the evidence gathered against the two men by US prosecutors, including Yadav’s email exchanges and hundreds of WhatsApp messages.

Czech authorities arrested Gupta at the request of American law enforcement in June 2023, and he was extradited to the US in June 2024. The external affairs ministry confirmed last October that the Indian government had sacked Yadav. A former officer of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Yadav was deputed to the external intelligence agency. He was removed from his position after an indictment filed by US prosecutors in November 2023 pointed to his role in the alleged plot.

The new court filing alleged that Gupta and Yadav began working together in early May 2023, when “Yadav asked Gupta to arrange the murder of the Victim [and] the murder of another individual in Nepal or Pakistan”. Though the document doesn’t name the “victim”, it is apparently referring to Pannun.

The US prosecutors also alleged the two men were linked to the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot dead in the Canadian town of Surrey in 2023.

There was no response to the development from Indian officials.

After information emerged about the alleged plot against Pannun, the Indian government set up an inquiry committee to look into the matter. The committee, headed by a senior official of the National Security Council, said in a report sent to the government early this year that legal action should be taken against an individual whose “criminal links and antecedents” had come to light. The committee also recommended “functional improvements” in procedures to strengthen India’s response and ensure systematic controls in dealing with such matters.

The Indian government has dismissed allegations by Canadian authorities about government agents being allegedly linked to Nijjar’s killing as “absurd”. New Delhi has also said Ottawa never provided any evidence to back up its allegations.

The document filed in the Manhattan court stated that US prosecutors will offer evidence that Gupta and Yadav allegedly “targeted the Victim as a part of a larger plot to carry out murders, including killings of members of the Sikh separatist movement, such as the Victim and Hardeep Singh Nijjar, and engaged in the planning of additional murders in Canada and in Nepal or Pakistan”.

This evidence will include testimony by an undercover officer (UC) and a confidential source (CS) – both of whom weren’t identified in the document – and “text messages and recorded audio and video conversations between Gupta” and the CS and the UC. The US prosecutors will also present communications from Gupta’s cellphones “between Gupta and Yadav that capture their discussions about targeting Nijjar [and] their efforts to kill another individual in Nepal or Pakistan”, the filing said.

The document cites WhatsApp messages to allege that Gupta messaged Yadav in mid-May 2023 and said “the hitmen had ‘already arrived [in Nepal] and looking for’ the intended victim”.

The document suggests that Yadav was using two Gmail accounts for both contacting Gupta and official work. The evidence from these email accounts was obtained by US authorities through a judicial search warrant, and was “certified as true and correct Google records by a Google records custodian”, the document stated. It further states that the phone number allegedly used by Yadav to communicate with Gupta on WhatsApp was the recovery phone number for one of the Gmail accounts.

The new allegations suggest US prosecutors believe the alleged murder-for-hire plot was wider in scope than previously revealed and spread across multiple countries.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/us-pannun-plotters-discussed-another-kill-101758998474959.html

Sergey Lavrov said that in his exchanges with Jaishankar, he never brings up oil trade, asserting India was “perfectly capable” of making its own decisions.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Saturday backed India’s stand on its oil trade policies in the face of steep 50% tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. Lavrov said India can very well make these decisions as he hailed his counterpart S Jaishankar.

Lavrov said that in his regular exchanges with Jaishankar, he never brings up the issue of oil and trade, asserting that India was “perfectly capable” of making its own decisions on the matter.

“I’m not even asking what is going to happen to our trade relations, our oil. I don’t ask our Indian colleagues this. They are perfectly capable of making these decisions on their own,” Lavrov said.

He also heaped praise on India’s “self-respect” as he backed New Delhi’s stand on its oil trade policies. “And publicly, my friend, whom I referenced earlier when he was asked a similar question, said, if the US wants to sell their oil to us, we are prepared to discuss the terms for this. But what we buy from other countries, not the United States, but from Russia or other countries, that’s our own business. And that has nothing to do with the Indian-US agenda. And I believe that that is a very worthy response that shows that India, like Turkey, has self-respect,” Lavrov said.

Lavrov also confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin was planning to visit India in December this year. He highlighted the strength of India-Russia relations, noting their “very extensive” bilateral agenda that includes trade, defense, and technical cooperation, among other areas. “…and of course close coordination at the international level within the SCO, BRICS and bilaterally…,” he added.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-has-self-respect-russian-foreign-minister-turkey-oil-trade-trump-tariffs-vladimir-putin-delhi-visit-101759019178315.html

The Court directed that no paper books or applications with saliva spots be accepted by the registry.

In a notable turn in the Punjab National Bank fraud case, the Mumbai CBI court has pardoned Maiank Mehta, the brother-in-law of fugitive Nirav Modi, allowing him to become an approver.

Mehta, a British national and Hong Kong resident for 35 years, was earlier arraigned as an accused in the CBI case under sections of criminal conspiracy, cheating, breach of trust, and the Prevention of Corruption Act.
In his application, Mehta said he was ready to make a “full and true disclosure” of circumstances within his knowledge. He noted that he had already been granted a pardon in related money laundering cases filed by the Enforcement Directorate, where his wife Poorvi Mehta — Nirav Modi’s sister — had also received similar relief.
“Mainak Mehta came to India in the month of September-2021 voluntarily to participate in the proceedings. He has assisted the prosecution and the Government of India in multiple aspects. The applicant and his wife have assisted the prosecution agencies to facilitate attachment and confiscation of assets in favour of Government of India. During the course of investigation the present applicant/accused is arraigned as an accused. He has co-operated with the investigation. He is ready to make full and true disclosure of the circumstances within his knowledge relating to the matter and is ready to abide by the conditions imposed by the Court in pursuance of the pardon. Therefore, he prayed to allow the application,” the order said.

In a significant development in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, a special CBI court in Mumbai has granted a full pardon to Maiank Mehta, the brother-in-law of fugitive businessman Nirav Modi, paving the way for him to become an approver.
Special CBI Judge A V Gujarathi passed the order on September 22 which was made public on Friday.
“Application of the applicant No. 33 Maiank Mehta in C.B.I. Spl.Case Nos.37/2018 and 49/2019 (supplementary chargesheet) for grant of tender of pardon under Sections 343 and 344 of BNSS is allowed, on condition of making full and true disclosure of the whole of the circumstances within knowledge relative to offence and every other person concerned, and accused shall be marked as approver in this case,” the court said.

The court directed Mehta, currently living abroad, to appear before it during proceedings. “The accused is at present staying abroad, who shall be directed to present himself before the Court, for which purpose the prosecution shall take necessary steps to facilitate the approach of accused to India to take part in the proceeding as soon as may be, in the facts and circumstances prevailing currently,” the order added.

The prosecution, represented by public prosecutor Arvind Aghav, did not oppose the plea, acknowledging that Mehta had already been pardoned in Enforcement Directorate cases involving the same predicate offences.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/pnb-fraud-nirav-modi-brother-in-law-maiank-mehta-granted-pardon-by-cbi-court-to-become-approver-article-152900859

India has strongly rejected Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s remarks on Jammu and Kashmir at the UNGA, calling them “objectionable”.

India on Friday hit back strongly at Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s remarks on Jammu and Kashmir, describing them as “objectionable” and saying that the matter is a bilateral issue with no role for outside mediation.
“Our stand on the Kashmir issue is very clear, there has been no change in it. As far as mediation is concerned, there too, there is no need for any third party to mediate on the bilateral issues between India and Pakistan,” foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters.
The response came after Erdogan once again raised the Kashmir issue at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, saying Turkey was “pleased” with the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. He further urged the dispute be resolved “on the basis of UN resolutions” through dialogue – echoing Ankara’s past support for Pakistan, which New Delhi has consistently criticised.

India lodged a formal protest with the Turkish envoy in New Delhi. “Such unwarranted statements on India’s territorial integrity and sovereignty are unacceptable,” Jaiswal said, reiterating India’s strong objection to Erdogan’s comments.

“It would have been better if Pakistan’s policy of using cross-border terrorism against India, which remains the biggest threat to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, had been called out,” he added.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/india-rejects-erdogan-kashmir-remarks-unga-article-152899820

The Chhattisgarh High Court upheld a divorce, ruling that a wife calling her husband “pet rat” for obeying his parents amounted to cruelty, also citing her desertion and disrespect towards family.

The Chhattisgarh High Court has upheld a family court’s decision to grant a divorce to a couple on the basis of repeated insults by the wife, according to a media report. The court observed that the wife calling her husband “Paatlu Chuha (Pet Rat)” for obeying his parents could be considered a form of cruelty. A division bench of Justices Rajani Dubey and Amitendra Kishore Prasad was hearing the matter, which dismissed the woman’s plea against a family court order issued in 2019. It noted that the evidence substantiated the husband’s claims of cruelty and desertion.
Not only did the woman insult the husband by calling names, but she also pressured him to abandon his parents to live with her separately. In a ruling on September 3, the court said that the wife’s behaviour — including calling her husband a “paaltu chuha” (pet rat) for listening to his parents — amounted to mental cruelty, reported The Times of India.

The husband had told the court that his wife tried to turn him against his parents, refused to live with his family, and became aggressive when he did not agree to separate. He also claimed that she tried to harm herself during pregnancy and often disrespected his parents.

The court noted that the husband backed up his claims with text messages and testimony from family members. One of her messages said: “Leave your parents and stay with me.” The judges said that in Indian society, asking a spouse to abandon their parents causes mental cruelty.

They also pointed out that the wife stayed away from her husband’s home for most of their marriage, which met the legal definition of desertion. She had only briefly returned in 2011.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/chhattisgarh-high-court-woman-calls-husband-paaltu-chuha-pet-rat-court-grants-divorce-compensation-of-rs-5-lakh-article-152896852

Despite limited direct impact, Indian pharmaceutical stocks fell sharply on Friday

US President Donald Trump announced that America will impose a 100% tariff on branded pharmaceutical products entering the country starting October 1, though India’s fast-growing pharma exports to the United States are likely to be spared much of the financial impact given that most Indian exports are generic drugs rather than patented products.

“Starting October 1st, 2025, we will be imposing a 100% Tariff on any branded or patented Pharmaceutical Product, unless a Company IS BUILDING their Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plant in America,” Trump declared in a Truth Social post on Friday.

The president clarified that “IS BUILDING” would be defined as “breaking ground” and/or “under construction,” with no tariffs applying to pharmaceutical products if construction has started.

Later, a White House official told Reuters that the tariffs do not apply to countries that already have negotiated trade deals.

Despite the limited direct impact, Indian pharmaceutical stocks fell sharply on Friday as investors grappled with both relief over exemptions and uncertainty about future policy shifts. Analysts described the decline as “sentimental,” noting that India’s exports to the US are primarily generic medicines which remain exempt from the tariffs.

Wockhardt Ltd tumbled 9.40%, Laurus Labs declined about 6%, Indoco Remedies fell 5.35%, and Zydus Lifesciences dropped 4.21%. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, India’s largest drugmaker by revenue, fell about 3% despite having limited exposure to the tariffs.

Biocon, which makes complex biosimilars for cancer treatment and has significant US exposure, declined about 4.6%.

The BSE Healthcare index dropped 2.14% to 43,046.69. The benchmark Sensex index dipped nearly 1%.

“While the announcement stirred sharp falls in pharma stocks, the actual impact for now is focused on branded, patent-protected medicines — most Indian exports are generics, which remain exempt. Still, the uncertainty around future policy shifts keeps nerves on edge,” Ajit Mishra, SVP-Research at Religare Broking, told PTI.

Sun Pharma, which markets patented drugs including Ilumya, a psoriasis treatment approved by the US FDA, faces limited impact, according to one analyst.

“The impact on Sun is not very meaningful,” Vishal Manchanda, equity analyst at Systematix Group told Reuters. “It may be between 1% to 3% of EBITDA.”

He noted the company also has a contract manufacturing unit through EU partners for specialty drugs, where a 15% tariff applies to EU exports to the US.

Generic drugs are copies of branded medications produced after original patents expire, typically sold at significantly lower prices and comprising the bulk of India’s pharmaceutical exports – a trend that has earned India the informal title of “pharmacy of the world”.

India is currently the third-largest producer of drugs by volume globally and accounts for 20% of global generic drug exports

Patented or branded drugs are original formulations under patent protection, often developed by multinational companies and sold at premium prices — these are specifically targeted by Trump’s 100% tariff.

Biosimilars are copies of complex biological drugs and occupy a middle ground, with industry experts expressing concern about their potential inclusion under the tariff regime despite their role in providing affordable access to expensive cancer and autoimmune treatments.

However, broader concerns emerged about contract drug manufacturing organisations (CDMOs). “There is a general worry that CDMO might be impacted as the US moves manufacturing in-house,” Manchanda told Reuters.

India’s pharmaceutical sector has grown rapidly to cross $30 billion in FY2025, with the US accounting for 34.5% of all exports according to the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (PHARMEXCIL).

The tariff announcement follows months of escalating threats aimed at bringing pharmaceutical manufacturing back to the United States. Earlier this year, the Trump administration launched a Section 232 investigation into pharmaceutical imports to determine if they posed a national security threat, giving the president authority to impose tariffs or restrict imports.

In July, Trump had threatened a 200% tariff on pharma imports if companies did not relocate manufacturing to America, making Friday’s announcement a continuation of sustained pressure on the sector.

US experts have highlighted America’s growing dependence on foreign imports, with the Center for a Prosperous America noting that “the bulk of US pharmaceutical imports come from just two countries: China and India. Together, they supply the majority of US generics and essential medicines.”

“Accounting for both finished drugs and essential base Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), China and India supply the US with about 70-80% of the US’s total generic drug supply,” the centre wrote.

A 2023 shutdown of an Indian plant by the US Food and Drug Administration for violating safety standards led to cancer drug shortages across America, underlining supply chain vulnerabilities that the administration seeks to address.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/trump-slaps-100-pharma-tariff-india-spared-for-now-101758912287435.html

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that training officials on the ground is critical for the success of pollution control initiatives

As Delhi gears up for the winter pollution season, over 170 officials from 15 government agencies were trained on dust control and sustainable road design during a one-day workshop organised by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) in coordination with the RaahGiri Foundation.

The “Breath of Change – Clean Air Dialogue” workshop brought together officials from MCD, DDA, NDMC, Delhi Police, NHAI, CPWD, PWD, DMRC, DJB, BSES, TPDDL, IGL, and other agencies. The focus of the training was on Complete Streets design, aimed at reducing dust, vehicular emissions, and waste burning while supporting sustainable transport, officials said.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that training officials on the ground is critical for the success of pollution control initiatives. “The success of any plan lies in its execution. Tackling pollution requires coordination across government bodies, institutions, NGOs, experts, and citizens,” he said.

Officials said the workshop included practical sessions on topographical and contour surveys, utility audits, vegetation mapping, surface audits, and preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) in line with CAQM guidelines. The CAQM Resource Lab demonstrated standard design practices and templates to help engineers and officials replicate models across the NCR region.

Sirsa added that the Complete Streets framework also addresses waste burning and vehicular emissions while promoting sustainable transport. “Implement well, measure honestly, and maintain consistently; that is how Delhi can tackle dust pollution,” he said.

Officials said the day concluded with a half-day Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activity, allowing participants to conduct mock audits and prepare city-specific action plans.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/delhi-trains-over-170-officials-to-tackle-dust-pollution-ahead-of-winter-9351881

Suryakumar Yadav has been fined a part of his match fee due to his ‘Pahalgam tribute’ comments made during the Asia Cup 2025 group stage match against Pakistan on September 14, according to a report by PTI

Indian cricket team skipper Suryakumar Yadav has been fined 30 per cent of his match fee for his ‘Pahalgam tribute’ comments made during the Asia Cup 2025 group stage match against Pakistan on September 14, according to a report by news agency PTI. Following India’s seven-wicket win against Pakistan, Yadav dedicated the victory to the Indian Armed Forces and showed solidarity with the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan lodged an official complaint against the India skipper, and the final decision was reportedly taken following an official hearing presided over by ICC match referee Richie Richardson. The PTI report added that India have appealed against ICC’s verdict.

However, ICC sources told NDTV that there will be an official press release, where the ‘correct’ quantum of punishment will be announced. The sources also claimed that the official statement may be out only after the Asia Cup 2025 final, which will take place on Sunday.

Suryakumar pleaded not guilty to the charge and was apparently told not to make any statements that could be construed as political for the remainder of the tournament.

Tensions between the two sides have been running high, starting with India’s refusal to do the traditional handshake with Pakistani players at the time of the toss and after the games, as a gesture of solidarity with the Pahalgam victims.

Meanwhile, Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf was on Friday fined 30 percent of his match fees for rude and aggressive behaviour during the Asia Cup Super 4s match against India last Sunday. His teammate Sahibzada Farhan, however, escaped with a warning and no financial penalty for his open-air gunshot celebration after completing his half-century in the same match.

“Match referee Richie Richardson completed his hearing on Friday afternoon at the team hotel. Haris Rauf has been fined 30 percent of his match fees for aggressive behaviour, and Farhan has been let off with a warning,” a tournament source told PTI on condition of anonymity.

Earlier, Rauf and Farhan had pleaded not guilty during their ICC hearing for allegedly provocative actions in the match against India, according to tournament sources.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/asia-cup-2025/suryakumar-yadav-fined-by-icc-over-pahalgam-comments-at-asia-cup-2025-report-9350448

The government blamed Wangchuk for the unrest, alleging his “provocative statements” and the actions of “politically motivated” groups unhappy with ongoing negotiations between officials and Ladakhi representatives had incited protesters.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been protesting for statehood of Ladakh, is arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) on Friday, days after the young protestors who gathered in support turned violent, claiming four lives.

According to the sources, Wangchuk has been shifted to Rajasthan’s Jodhpur Central Jail, sources confirmed. After completing necessary formalities at Leh airport, Wangchuk was flown on a special flight to Jodhpur and taken in a high-security cavalcade to the jail. His medical examination has been completed, and he is being kept in a high-security ward under 24-hour surveillance with CCTV monitoring.

Days after four people were killed and over 70 injured in Leh during a peaceful shutdown that turned violent, authorities accused Wangchuk of inciting the unrest while demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule.

Following the clashes on Wednesday, Authorities imposed a curfew in Leh while Wangchuk also called off his two-week hunger strike, calling for statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh into the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

A day later, the government blamed Wangchuk for the unrest, alleging his “provocative statements” and the actions of “politically motivated” groups unhappy with ongoing negotiations between officials and Ladakhi representatives had incited protesters.

The Ministry of Home Affairs alleged that Wangchuk’s references to the Arab Spring and Nepal Gen Z protests stirred mob fury that resulted in the local BJP office in Leh and a few government vehicles being torched.

The home ministry statement detailed the chronology of the flare-up. “On 24th September, at around 11.30 am, a mob instigated by his provocative speeches left the venue of the hunger strike and attacked a political party office as well as the government office of the CEC Leh,” it read.

Wangchuk, known for his activism in Ladakh, began an indefinite hunger strike on September 10 seeking constitutional guarantees, greater autonomy, statehood, and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh.

The government noted that parallel channels of dialogue had been ongoing with regional groups such as the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, through a High-Powered Committee (HPC), subcommittees, and informal meetings.

It further said the talks have already borne fruit: reservation for Scheduled Tribes in Ladakh was raised from 45 per cent to 84 per cent, one-third representation for women was introduced in local councils, and Bhoti and Purgi were recognised as official languages. Recruitment for about 1,800 posts has also been initiated.

On Thursday, the government cancelled the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act licence of the Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), an institute founded by Wangchuk, citing multiple violations of the Act in light of the violence.

However, in a sharp reaction to the government action against him, Wangchuk dismissed the allegation that he instigated the violent protests, calling it a “scapegoat tactic” to avoid addressing the region’s core issues.

“To say it was instigated by me, or sometimes by Congress, is to find a scapegoat, rather than addressing the core of the problem, and this will lead us nowhere. They may be clever in making somebody else a scapegoat, but they are not wise. At this time, we all need wisdom rather than ‘cleverness’ because people are already frustrated,” news agency PTI quoted Wangchuk as saying.

Wangchuk’s NGO was registered under the FCRA with a Registration Certificate to receive foreign contributions for cultural and educational programmes.

ARREST CONDEMNED AS ‘WITCHHUNT’

Meanwhile, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation condemned Sonam Wangchuk’s arrest, saying it exposed the government’s witchhunting agenda.

“In an outrageous move, the Ladakh Union Territory administration, under the control of the Modi regime, has arrested prominent climate activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk on September 26. CPI(ML) Liberation strongly condemns this arrest, which clearly exposes the government’s witch-hunting agenda and its attempt to shift blame for a crisis born of the government’s own betrayal of people’s democratic aspirations and trampling of the Constitution,” a statement said.

It further claimed that the arbitrary abrogation of Article 370 by the Modi-BJP government was a “nefarious ploy” to subjugate the people, tighten authoritarian control, and hand over Ladakh’s resources to corporates.

“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Sonam Wangchuk. The government must immediately stop all repressive acts in Ladakh and ensure that the legitimate demands of the people are met,” the statement added.

LADAKH STATEHOOD PROTEST

The agitation, called by the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), was part of the ongoing campaign seeking statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Ladakh was part of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state and became a Union Territory, coming directly under the Centre’s control, after Article 370 was abrogated on August 5, 2019. Ladakh, who welcomed the move that carved it out of the state and made it a UT, is now demanding statehood.

The call for a shutdown came after two of 15 people on a hunger strike, led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, since September 10 were shifted to a hospital due to deteriorating health.

After the unrest, Wangchuk ended his 15-day fast on Tuesday while urging supporters to avoid violence. He said the “Gen Z’s frenzy” disrupted the peace process.

Tension escalated when a group of youngsters allegedly pelted stones at security forces deployed to ensure calm in the area, prompting police action.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ladakh-activist-sonam-wangchuk-arrested-under-national-security-act-days-after-violent-statehood-protests-2793906-2025-09-26

India slammed Nato chief Mark Rutte for claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the matter.

India on Friday rejected outright the claims made by Mark Rutte, secretary-general of the western military alliance Nato, that tariffs imposed by the US led to India asking Russia to explain its Ukraine war strategy as “factually incorrect and entirely baseless”. In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs said no such talks took place, and asked the Nato chief to exercise caution in the future.

“We have seen the statement by Nato Secretary-General Mr Mark Rutte regarding a purported phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin. The statement is factually incorrect and entirely baseless. At no point has Prime Minister Modi spoken with President Putin in the manner suggested. No such conversation has taken place,” the official statement released by MEA said.

Speaking to CNN on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday, Rutte had said that US President Donald Trump’s tariffs on India were having a big impact on Russia. He said Delhi was on the phone with Putin, and Narendra Modi was asking him to explain his strategy on Ukraine because India was being hit with tariffs.

Urging Rutte to exercise caution, India said it hoped that the Nato chief would be more responsible with his public statements.

“We expect the leadership of an important institution like Nato to exercise greater responsibility and accuracy in public statements. Speculative or careless remarks that misrepresent the Prime Minister’s engagements or suggest conversations that never occurred are unacceptable,” the MEA stressed.

“As previously stated, India’s energy imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. India will continue taking all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,” the government added.

THE INDIA-US TARIFF TUSSLE

Last month, US President Donald Trump announced a 25% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods and an additional 25% penalty targeting India’s imports of Russian oil. Washington said the move was aimed at discouraging India from buying Russian energy, arguing that such purchases indirectly help finance Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Trump has also urged Nato members to align on reducing Russian oil imports and to impose similar tariffs on China.

India, however, has criticised the measures as unjustified. The Ministry of External Affairs has maintained that Russian oil is crucial to ensuring affordable energy for India’s 1.4 billion citizens at a time of global supply disruptions. Officials have also pointed out that the European Union and many Nato members continue significant trade with Russia without the same compulsions India faces.

Trump has hinted at “major sanctions” against Russia if Nato members coordinate a full stop on Russian oil purchases, saying partial compliance only weakens the alliance’s position.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/careless-india-rejects-nato-chiefs-pm-called-putin-for-ukraine-plan-claim-says-no-such-talk-took-place-2793921-2025-09-26

Additional Sessions Judge Vipin Kharb granted him bail on a personal and surety bond of Rs 5 lakh each and other conditions, including not leaving the country, attending the trial, not indulging in any criminal activity and not tampering with evidence.

A Delhi court on Thursday granted bail to Samir Modi, a cousin of fugitive businessman Lalit Modi, who was arrested in a rape case.

Additional Sessions Judge Vipin Kharb granted him bail on a personal and surety bond of Rs 5 lakh each and other conditions, including not leaving the country, attending the trial, not indulging in any criminal activity and not tampering with evidence.

“The case of the prosecutrix that consent of the complainant for a sexual relationship was obtained as the accused was in a position of control or was having dominance over the complainant or on a false promise of marriage would be established once the prosecutrix steps into the witness box and leads evidence. However, no custodial interrogation is required for the said purpose,” the judge said.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/delhi/delhi-court-grants-bail-to-lalit-modis-cousin-samir-in-rape-case-3743368

Gandhi also said India needs a new approach to boost productivity — policies that create jobs for youngsters, provide equal opportunities to all and respect the skills of the people of the country.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said even after reducing the GST rates, the BJP-led Centre has no vision to revive the MSME sector, while asserting that “PR and headline management” will no longer work.

Gandhi also said India needs a new approach to boost productivity — policies that create jobs for youngsters, provide equal opportunities to all and respect the skills of the people of the country.

“If anything has truly been made under ‘Make in India’ in the last 11 years, it is the ‘crony capitalists’. The truth is that (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi’s policies are only benefitting billionaires like Adani and Ambani,” the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha alleged in a post in Hindi on his WhatsApp channel.

The biggest loser has been India’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which are the backbone of the country’s economy and generate the most employment, he said.

The promise was to increase the share of manufacturing in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 25 per cent but today, it has fallen to around 13 per cent, Gandhi said.

India, which once produced world-class products, now mostly assembles Chinese goods, he claimed.

A series of wrong policies like demonetisation and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) have destroyed MSMEs and the country’s manufacturing capabilities, the Congress leader said.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/even-after-reducing-gst-rates-govt-has-no-vision-to-revive-msmes-rahul-gandhi-3743319

CID (Intelligence) unit of Rajasthan Police arrested Hanif Khan, a resident of Basanpeer Jooni in Jaisalmer.

A man was arrested on Thursday in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district on charges of espionage for Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI, a senior police official said.

CID (Intelligence) unit of Rajasthan Police arrested Hanif Khan, a resident of Basanpeer Jooni in Jaisalmer. He is accused of sending confidential information about the Army to the Pakistani agency in exchange for money.

Dr Vishnukant, IG CID, said that the Intelligence team has been continuously monitoring espionage activities in the state. During their surveillance, they identified suspicious activities of 47-year-old Khan.

Investigations revealed that Khan had allegedly been in regular contact with Pakistani intelligence through social media.

Khan had easy access to the border areas. During interrogation, it was found that he allegedly shared information about important military installations and Army movements.

“He was in touch with a Pakistani handler during Operation Sindoor and was sharing details about the Army’s movements,” the officer said.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/rajasthan/man-arrested-on-charges-of-espionage-in-rajasthans-jaisalmer-3743430

Shimla witnessed protests after the Himachal Pradesh High Court acquitted one accused and commuted two death sentences to life imprisonment in the 2014 Yug Gupta murder case.

Shimla witnessed protests on Thursday after the Himachal Pradesh High Court acquitted one accused and converted the death sentences of two others into life imprisonment in the 2014 Yug Gupta murder case. The decision has left the family of the dead child and local residents deeply dissatisfied.

On Tuesday, the High Court acquitted Tejinder Pal Singh while reducing the death penalty of Chander Sharma and Vikrant Bakshi to life imprisonment. A sessions court had awarded the death penalty to all three in September 2018.

Four-year-old Yug was kidnapped from the Ram Bazar area near Shimla on June 14, 2014. The abductors had demanded a ransom of Rs 3.6 crore, but later murdered the child. In August 2016, municipal employees found his skeletal remains inside a Municipal Corporation water tank in Keleston. The brutal crime had triggered widespread protests at that time.

Protesting against the latest verdict, Yug’s father Vinod Gupta said, “It’s been 11 years, and we are still to get justice. We will file an appeal in the Supreme Court and challenge the decision of the High Court.”

The family, joined by hundreds of residents, held a protest march through the Lower Bazar. Wearing black blindfolds and carrying Yug’s photograph, they expressed their anger at the court ruling. “We are wearing blindfolds to show our resentment. We are denied justice even after strong evidence. I will continue to fight till my last breath,” added Vinod Gupta.

Protesters carried banners reading “Yug Ko Insaaf Dilane ke liye pardarshan. (Protest to get justice for Yug)”

Another local resident reacted sharply, saying, “We don’t understand how this has happened. There were strong evidence and still a person has been acquitted. We are out on the streets for the rights. What faith will we have in the law now?”

Meanwhile, questions resurfaced about whether the discovery of Yug’s remains in a water tank had triggered a jaundice outbreak in Shimla. Tekinder Panwar, former Deputy Mayor of Shimla, dismissed the claims. “It is wrong to interconnect these two things. The spread of jaundice had nothing to do with the skeletal remains of the child in the water tank,” he said.

Panwar explained that the Barhari area, where the water tank was located, recorded no jaundice cases. “Jaundice outbreak was happening in areas of Shimla many years ahead of this incident. In 2015 also the jaundice hit parts of Shimla but the Barhari area where this water tank was had no cases,” he added.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/shimla-high-court-protests-yug-gupta-murder-case-verdict-himachal-pradesh-2793559-2025-09-26

A grief-stricken fan jumped into the Brahmaputra after singer Zubeen Garg’s death, while the SIT probing the case arrested musician Shekhar Jyoti Goswami.

On Wednesday, at Guwahati’s Saraighat Bridge, a young fan, overcome with grief, tore his clothes and cried out: “When Zubeen Da is not here, what will we do? Joi Zubeen Da!” In a moment of despair, he jumped into the Brahmaputra flowing below.

Witnesses stood in stunned silence as the dramatic scene unfolded. Police teams from Pandu, with the help of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), launched an extensive rescue operation that stretched up to the hills of Sualkuchi. The Assam Police confirmed that they were able to rescue him, and he was now under medical care.

On Thursday, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing Garg’s death arrested musician Shekhar Jyoti Goswami. Officials confirmed that Goswami, who was present during the controversial yacht trip linked to the incident, has been taken into custody for questioning. The nature of allegations against him has not yet been disclosed, and no formal charges have been announced.

Sources confirmed that the investigation is progressing with multiple leads as investigators attempt to reconstruct the chain of events that led to Garg’s sudden demise.

The Assam government has constituted a 10-member SIT headed by Special DGP MP Gupta to investigate the circumstances of Garg’s death.

Born in Meghalaya, Garg rose to fame in Assam’s music scene in the early 1990s and became a household name nationwide after his hit song “Ya Ali” in the Emraan Hashmi-starrer Gangster (2006).

In addition to Hindi, he recorded songs in his native languages, Assamese, Bangla, Nepali, and several other regional languages, building a loyal fanbase with diverse audiences.

Often hailed as the “voice of Assam,” Garg died at 52 in Singapore following a scuba diving accident. Despite being rescued from the sea and rushed to intensive care, doctors could not save him.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/assam-man-jumps-brahmaputra-river-grief-singer-zubeen-garg-death-2793547-2025-09-25

In a major development, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has filed a 10,526-page chargesheet in the alleged ₹58 crore embezzlement case involving the National Sports Club of India (NSCI). The chargesheet names NSCI President Jayantilal Shah, Shailesh Parab of Sateri Consultants and SP Consultants, and Chartered Accountant Manoj Saraf as accused. Statements of over 100 witnesses have been recorded.

In a major development, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has filed a 10,526-page chargesheet in the alleged ₹58 crore embezzlement case involving the National Sports Club of India (NSCI). The chargesheet names NSCI President Jayantilal Shah, Shailesh Parab of Sateri Consultants and SP Consultants, and Chartered Accountant Manoj Saraf as accused. Statements of over 100 witnesses have been recorded.

FIR and Investigation

According to EOW officials, the FIR was originally registered at Tardeo Police Station in December 2020 for cheating and forgery, pegging the fraud at ₹58 crore. However, the EOW investigation has revealed misappropriation worth ₹6.90 crore.

Modus Operandi

The probe found that invoices were raised in the name of obtaining licenses and NOCs from BMC and the police for NSCI’s bar and other establishments, siphoning off ₹6.90 crore. Shockingly, the actual expenses for these works were only about ₹13 lakh.

Investigators discovered that orders for 108 licenses were placed without tenders or quotations. Companies linked to Shailesh Parab raised invoices amounting to ₹2.56 crore, while CA Manoj Saraf allegedly helped fabricate bogus invoices to facilitate the fraud.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-eow-files-10526-page-chargesheet-in-58-crore-nsci-embezzlement-case-president-consultants-named-as-accused

A man’s claim about advice given to his friend by an officer at the US Embassy had sparked a chatter on social media.

Social media is increasingly becoming a platform for Indian professionals and families to share their frustrations over the rejection of US tourist visas, despite having strong financial records and stable jobs. Many have claimed that they have found their applications denied, often with little explanation. An Indian man, while in a conversation with an American YouTuber, shared one such incident involving his friend. The man claimed that his friend was asked to explore India first before visiting the US.

“Told to See His Own Country First,” Instagram user and vlogger Jay wrote. In the video, he is seen talking with a man who says he has visited 29 states in India.

The man recalls that once his friend’s US tourist visa was rejected after he said that he was born in Delhi and had never visited any other place in India. The man claimed that the embassy officer advised his friend to explore his own country first and then apply for a visa to visit the US.

How did social media react?

An individual posted, “Tbh there are so many beautiful places in India, travel to Uttrakhand, Himachal, the mountains, Kerala, Leh Ladakh, Udaipur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and many more.” Another remarked, “I agree with restricting immigration to those who show they have the skills required to fill the void. I don’t agree with the (see your country before you see mine) ideal. You’re restricting the overall position of progress in these countries. It’s cringey to a degree.”

A third expressed, “That would be a crazy thing for a visa officer to say.” A fourth wrote, “Bro just directed revenue to Indian tourism.  Traveling costs money, the money from foreign soil when spent is just pure revenue. Appreciate the officer’s effort to make India great again.”

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/us/delhi-man-applying-for-us-tourist-visa-advised-to-see-his-own-country-first-101758848611772.html

The Ministry of Home Affairs cancelled SECMOL’s FCRA registration over violations, marking a major setback for activist Sonam Wangchuk.

In a big setback for activist Sonam Wangchuk, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday cancelled the FCRA registration of Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), citing multiple violations under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010.

The decision came after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) started probing alleged violation of the FCRA against the Wangchuk-led institute, a day after 4 people were killed in violent protests in Ladakh.

The Ladakh-based educational institute was issued a show-cause notice on August 20 over the allegations of financial misreporting, misuse of foreign contributions, and activities deemed contrary to national interest, followed by a reminder on September 10, asking Sonam’s NGO to explain why its licence should not be cancelled.

The association responded on September 19. The Home Ministry examined the reply and listed several violations.

What MHA Found?

As per the findings accessed by CNN-News18, the MHA flagged instances of non-compliance of the FCRA between 2020 and 2022. In 2021-22, a deposit of Rs 3.5 lakh made by Wangchuk into SECMOL’s FCRA account was found to be in violation of Section 17 of the FCRA, which mandates proper disclosure and reporting of foreign funds.

Similarly, in 2020-21, three individuals deposited Rs54,600 — domestic funds — into the FCRA account, again breaching Section 17 norms. Later, SECMOL admitted this was a procedural error.

Further, SECMOL received Rs 4.93 lakh from the Sweden-based Framtidsjorden Foundation for educational programmes, including content related to national sovereignty. The MHA deemed this against national interest, citing a violation of Section 124f(i) of the FCRA.

Additionally, SECMOL accepted Rs 19,600 from a donor, Megha Sanghavi, meant for volunteer expenses. Though the amount was later returned, authorities noted that such handling of foreign funds is impermissible under FCRA rules.

The organisation also reported Rs 79,200 as foreign contribution collected directly from staff salaries as food fees, rather than crediting it into the designated FCRA account. This was flagged as a violation of Sections 18 and 19 of the FCRA.

The Home Ministry held SECMOL for a series of breaches under Sections 17, 18, 19, 81a, and 124f(i), calling it a pattern of “systemic non-compliance” with the Act and conditions of registration, and thus revoked SECMOL’s FCRA Certificate No. 152710012R with immediate effect.

CBI Probes Into FCRA Violations

Meanwhile, the central probe agency has started its inquiry into the funding of Wangchuk’s other institute– Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL)– two months ago.

The climate activist, who has been vocal for statehood and extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh, confirmed the development with the news agency, saying that about ten days ago, a CBI team came with an order citing a complaint from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) alleging FCRA violations by the HIAL.

“The order said we have not taken clearance under FCRA to receive foreign funds. We don’t want to be dependent on foreign funds, but we export our knowledge and raise revenue. In three such instances, they thought it was foreign contribution,” he said.

HIAL and SECMOL give free education to young students who need it and cannot afford on their own. In HIAL, the students are also paid a stipend for various projects that they undertake and work upon.

Ladakh Unrest

The latest developments came amid accusations against the activist that he incited a mob that turned violent on Wednesday over the demand for statehood for Ladakh.

At least four people were killed and over 80 were injured after protests demanding statehood turned violent.

The BJP office was vandalised and set on fire, as were several vehicles. Flames and clouds of smoke could be seen from afar, with police resorting to firing and teargas shelling to bring the situation under control.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/centre-cancels-fcra-registration-of-sonam-wangchucks-secmol-after-violent-ladakh-protests-9596593.html

The first MiG-21 planes were inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963 and, since then, over 1,200 of the fighter jets have protected the country.

This is the end of an era for the Indian Air Force, one that has lasted over six decades. Today the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 – that most redoubtable of fighter jets, the hero of four armed conflicts with Pakistan – made its last flight, tipping its wings in a sombre yet joyful salute to the generations of pilots it trained and with whom it flew into deadly dogfights.

The legacy of the MiG-21, of a Soviet-era fighter that should have been rendered obsolete years ago by newer and flashier rivals, will be that of a warhorse that became synonymous with the country’s Air Force, executing attack, defence, and reconnaissance missions for decades.

The legacy will also be this… that virtually every fighter pilot in the Air Force will have flown either the original MiG-21 or a variant. But now, this Friday, she will fly off into the sunset.

Retirement, finally

At 12.05 pm six Bison variants, led by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh (call sign ‘Badal 3′) soared above Chandigarh one last time. And a water cannon salute honoured the jets on landing.

Why Chandigarh? Because poetry demands it. This was where the first MiG-21 was inducted into the Air Force in 1963. A batch of 13 was flown down to meet the Indian Air Force’s demand for a high-altitude interceptor designed to counter spy planes, like the United States’ U-2.

Among the pilots accompanying ‘Badal 3’ was Squadron Leader Priya Sharma, India’s seventh woman fighter pilot. Squadron Leader Sharma also flew the MiG-21 in formation with the Air Chief from Rajasthan’s Bikaner, because this plane deserves more than one farewell.

Her presence also symbolises the MiG-21’s role in empowering generations, for she is part of a new generation transitioning to modern jets like the Russian Sukhoi Su-37 and France’s Rafale.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and several high-ranking officers were in attendance.

The MiG-21 story

Since April 1963, when the first MiG-21s arrived, over 1,200 of these Mach 2 marvels have served as the Air Force’s backbone. In fact, till 2006 the IAF was jocularly called the ‘MiG Air Force’, with five variants – the MiG-21, 23, 25, 27, and 29 – in service simultaneously.

That underlines not only the plane’s longevity, but also the IAF’s remarkable ability to adapt the platform to new and various challenges, some even the Russians could not have seen.

And there seemed to be nothing the plane could not do; its original role extended to air combat and defence, ground attack, reconnaissance, and even training of fighter pilots.

The MiG-21 was, therefore, upgraded with advanced weaponry and avionics over the years, thus becoming something more than just a ‘fighter jet’. It came to symbolise Indo-Russian military ties, a relationship that, like the plane, endured decades and still stands strong.

The ‘Flying Coffin’?

Yet, in the final years of service, it acquired the more morbid ‘flying coffin’ tag.

The phasing out of the MiG-21 today comes after numerous crashes involving the aging plane, including an incident in Rajasthan in May 2023 in which three villagers were killed.

The MiG-21 in question took off from the Suratgarh Air Force base for a routine exercise when it crashed near Bahlol Nagar in Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh after a ‘technical snag’.

The Air Force grounded the entire MiG-21 fleet after that accident.

But ‘the flying coffin’ moniker is only a small part of an extraordinary legacy.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mig-21-retirement-mig21-indian-air-force-final-flight-chandigarh-9343327?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

Corporations have a long list of pending stretches to repair in the coming month

Under pressure to meet Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s October 31 deadline, Bengaluru’s five new corporations have stepped up pothole-filling across the city.

Officials aim to ensure “motorable roads” within a month.

On Wednesday, pothole-filling was carried out on Gear School Road, Balagere, Veerannapalya, Nagaenahalli Dinne Main Road, Chamarajpet, Vasanth Nagar, Mathikere, Mysuru Road, Begur, and Uttarahalli Main Road. Critics said that the temporary fixes may not last long.

In the Bengaluru City Central Corporation, engineers resurfaced stretches such as St John’s Church Road, KR Circle, Race Course Road, Chalukya Circle, Mission Road, Marigowda Road, and JC Road. The works were possible as the now-dissolved BBMP had already completed tendering formalities under the Rs 694-crore action plan.

Corporations have a long list of pending stretches to repair in the coming month, including Hosa Road, Borewell Road, Holiday Village Road in Kanakapura, Varthur–Panathur Road, Somsundarpalya Road, stretches around Cubbon Park, Harlur–Kudlu Road, Sarjapur Road, Babusapalya Road, and service roads of the Outer Ring Road.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/gbas-five-corporations-intensify-pothole-filling-efforts-in-bengaluru-ahead-of-october-31-deadline-3742122

PM Modi also hailed the economic package approved by the Union Cabinet to rejuvenate India’s shipbuilding and maritime sector considering it a push for maritime self-reliance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday praised major decisions taken by the Union Cabinet in a meeting chaired by him in the national capital.

After the Union Cabinet gave its nod to the addition of Post Graduate and Under Graduate medical seats under the Phase-III stage of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme, the Prime Minister mentioned that it will improve India’s “healthcare system and enhance medical education infrastructure.” “Approval of Phase-III of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme will add significant PG and UG medical seats. This will improve our healthcare system and enhance medical education infrastructure. It will ensure that every part of India has availability of skilled doctors,” the Prime Minister wrote on ‘X’.

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the Phase-Ill of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for strengthening and upgradation of existing State Government/ Central Government Medical Colleges/ Standalone PG Institutes/ Government Hospitals for increasing 5,000 PG seats and extension of the CSS for upgradation of existing government medical colleges for increasing 5,023 MBBS seats with an enhanced cost ceiling of Rs. 1.50 crore per seat, an official release said.

This initiative will significantly augment the undergraduate medical capacity; increase the availability of specialist doctors by creating additional postgraduate seats; and enable the introduction of new specialities across Government medical institutions. This will strengthen the overall availability of doctors in the country.

PM Modi also hailed the economic package approved by the Union Cabinet to rejuvenate India’s shipbuilding and maritime sector considering it a push for maritime self-reliance.

“In a transformative push for maritime self-reliance, the Cabinet approved a package to rejuvenate India’s shipbuilding and maritime sector. This historic move will unlock 4.5 million Gross Tonnage capacity, generate jobs, and attract investments,” the ‘X’ post said.

Recognising the strategic and economic importance of the maritime sector, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a comprehensive package of Rs . 69,725 crore to revitalise India’s shipbuilding and maritime ecosystem. The package introduces a four-pillar approach designed to strengthen domestic capacity, improve long-term financing, promote greenfield and brownfield shipyard development, enhance technical capabilities and skilling, and implement legal, taxation, and policy reforms to create a robust maritime infrastructure, an official press release said.

Under this package, the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS) will be extended until 31 March 2036 with a total corpus of Rs 24,736 crore. The scheme aims to incentivise shipbuilding in India and includes a Shipbreaking Credit Note with an allocation of Rs 4,001 crore. A National Shipbuilding Mission will also be established to oversee the implementation of all initiatives.

The cabinet also gave a green light to enhance the rail connectivity in Bihar by approving the doubling of the Bakhtiyarpur-Rajgir-Tilaiya railway line section. PM Modi said that the move will benefit the local people and pilgrims travelling on the route.

“We are committed to enhancing rail connectivity in Bihar. In this direction, today our government has approved the doubling of the Bakhtiyarpur-Rajgir-Tilaiya railway line section. This will benefit the people of the entire region as well as pilgrims and tourists,” the ‘X’ post said.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday approved the doubling of the Bakhtiyarpur – Rajgir – Tilaiya single railway line section (104 km) in Bihar with a total approximate cost of Rs. 2,192 crore, according to the Ministry of Railways.

The project, covering four districts in the state of Bihar, will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by approximately 104 km. The project section also provides rail connectivity to prominent destinations, such as Rajgir (Shanti Stupa), Nalanda, and Pawapuri, attracting pilgrims and tourists from across the country.

The Union Cabinet also gave approval to 4-lane Sahibganj-Areraj-Bettiah for the all-round development of Bihar and rapid expansion of road connectivity. The Prime Minister stresse that the step create new opportunities for employment and business in the state, but will also provide new strength to the agriculture sector.

“For the all-round development of Bihar, we are also engaged here in rapidly expanding road connectivity. In the same vein, today approval has been given for the 4-lane Sahibganj-Areraj-Bettiah. This will not only create new opportunities for employment and business in the state, but will also provide new strength to the agriculture sector,” tjhe ‘X’ post said.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved the Construction of the 4-lane Sahebganj-Areraj-Bettiah section of the NH-139W in Bihar on Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) with a total project length of 78.942 km and a total capital cost of Rs 3,822.31 crore, a press release from Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said.

The proposed four-lane greenfield project aims to improve connectivity between Bihar’s capital, Patna, and Bettiah, connecting the northern districts of the state, including Vaishali, Saran, Siwan, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, East Champaran, and West Champaran, up to the areas along the Indo-Nepal border.

He also praised the Union Cabinet’s approval of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) scheme on ‘Capacity Building and Human Resource Development’.

In an ‘X’ post, the Prime Minister mentioned that the step will add “vigour” to India’s Research and Development ecosystem, with a focus on a culture of innovation as well as excellence.

“The Union Cabinet’s approval for the DSIR Scheme “Capacity Building and Human Resource Development” will add vigour to India’s R&D ecosystem, with a focus on a culture of innovation as well as excellence,” Prime Minister Modi wrote on ‘X’.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/pm-modi-hails-cabinet-nod-to-phase-iii-scheme-thousands-of-new-medical-seats-approved

The CM detailed that GST has been scrapped on notebooks, pencils, and other educational materials. Most essential household items now fall under the 0% or 5% tax slab. Further, 33 life-saving medicines are fully exempt. “The move has boosted market consumption, encouraging higher production and new jobs for youth,” he noted. The changes, he added, bring timely relief during the festive season.

The ‘Next Gen GST Reform’, rolled out on the first day of Sharadiya Navratri, has injected fresh energy into Uttar Pradesh’s markets. Addressing a press conference at Universal Booksellers in Hazratganj, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the reforms were delivering “direct relief to the public while strengthening the market and creating new avenues of employment.” He stressed that as India’s largest consumer state, Uttar Pradesh stands to gain the most from the tax cuts.

The CM detailed that GST has been scrapped on notebooks, pencils, and other educational materials. Most essential household items now fall under the 0% or 5% tax slab. Further, 33 life-saving medicines are fully exempt. “The move has boosted market consumption, encouraging higher production and new jobs for youth,” he noted. The changes, he added, bring timely relief during the festive season.

Adityanath underlined the fiscal impact, pointing to nationwide GST collections rising from ₹7 lakh crore to ₹22 lakh crore since launch. In UP, collections more than doubled—from ₹49,000 crore to over ₹1.15 lakh crore. “This demonstrates both stronger compliance and stronger consumption,” he said.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/uttar-pradesh-to-gain-most-from-tax-cuts-under-new-gst-reform-cm-yogi-adityanath

The Court said that no social media platform can treat the Indian marketplace as a mere playground.

ED has recorded the statements of celebrities including Robin Uthapa, Yuvraj Singh and Tollywood actors in the PMLA case it had registered to probe menace of menace of illegal betting apps.

Enforcement Directorate, Wednesday, recorded the statement of Bollywood actor Sonu Sood in the money laundering case involving endorsement and promotion of illegal betting app 1xbet.
Earlier in the week ED had recorded the statements of celebrities including Robin Uthapa, Yuvraj Singh and Anveshi Jain in the PMLA case.
In January the MHA granted FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) license to Bollywood actor Sonu Sood’s NGO – Sood Charity Foundation.

As per FCRA guidelines the NGO is working in the field of economics education and social. Organisations that get FCRA licenses can receive and utilise foreign funds for five years.

Bollywood actor Sonu Sood is known for his charity work during COVID pandemic 2020. However, In September 2021, the Income Tax department searched multiple premises linked to Sonu Sood and in a statement without naming the actor has then said, ” .. the premises of an actor and his associates were searched.
The modus operandi of the actor was to route his income into unsecured loans from bogus entities. The total amount of tax evaded was around Rs 20 crore.” IT department had also accused him of raising donations by violating FCRA guidelines. Sonu Sood had then denied all allegations.
Since June this year the federal probe agency has stepped up its probe and questioned several top actors and former cricketers for brand endorsements of illegal betting apps “Our investigation showed that apps like 1xBet, FairPlay, Parimatch, Lotus365 were heavily promoted by celebrities. 1xbet is promoted by Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, Sonu Sood, Suresh Raina, Urvashi Rautela and several social media influencers despite bans,” said officials.
On Monday the probe agency also provisionally attached assets to the tune of Rs 307.16 crore in the ongoing probe against Fairplay “Fairplay is involved in illegal broadcast and online betting. Attached assets include bank balances, land, villas and flats located in Dubai,” said ED in a statement.
ED case stems from an FIR filed by Mumbai Police alleging Viacom suffered a revenue loss of Rs 100 crore.
ED probe revealed that Krish Laxmichand Shah had registered several companies including M/s Play Ventures M/s Dutch Antilles in Dubai Curacao and Malta to run Fairplay. Total attachment against Fairplay stands at Rs 651 crores.
Federal probe agency has carried out extensive investigations to highlight the menace of illegal betting.”

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/in-illegal-betting-latest-to-be-quizzed-by-ed-sonu-sood-article-152884445

The arrested individual has been identified as Mohammad Yousuf Katari, 26, from Kulgam district. He is believed to have provided logistical support to the terrorists killed during Operation Mahadev, a counter-terrorism operation in the region.

Srinagar Police on Wednesday arrested a Lashkar-e-Taiba (TRF) operative from South Kashmir for helping Pahalgam terror attackers. The arrested individual has been identified as Mohammad Yousuf Katari, 26, from Kulgam district. He is believed to have provided logistical support to the terrorists killed during Operation Mahadev, a counter-terrorism operation in the region.
“Terrorists killed in Operation Mahadev were involved in the Pahalgam terror attack. The arrested individual had provided them logistical support,” officials said, confirming the arrest.
Katari’s arrest was prompted by the analysis of weapons and other material recovered during Operation Mahadev, officials added.

Earlier, Indian Army para commandos killed three terrorists on the outskirts of Srinagar during an encounter on July 29.

The group included Sulieman, also known as Asif, who is believed to have masterminded the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists.
The other two, Jibran and Hamza Afghani, were involved in previous attacks. Jibran took part in the Sonamarg Tunnel attack in October 2024.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/big-arrest-in-pahalgam-attack-probe-terror-logistics-handler-caught-article-152886671

The call for a shutdown came after two of 15 people on a hunger strike, led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, since September 10 were shifted to a hospital due to deteriorating health.

At least four people were killed and more than 60 others were injured on Wednesday as protests held by demonstrators demanding statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule turned violent. Authorities imposed a curfew in the city, banning a gathering of more than five people.

During the arson, the local BJP office was set on fire and a vehicle was also torched, as protesters resorted to arson. Police used teargas and baton charged the protesters to contain the violence.

Following the unrest, the Union administration in Leh imposed a curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, immediately banning protests and gatherings in Leh.

An assembly of five or more people was banned, with no procession, rally or march to be carried out without prior written approval in Leh, an official order said.

The agitation, called by the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), was part of the ongoing campaign seeking statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

“We have been running a movement here for a long time on four issues of Ladakh. There were some incidents that led to acts of violence. During this violence, 2-3 young men have been martyred for our cause. I want to assure the people of Ladakh that we will not let the sacrifices made by these young people today go to waste,” Thupstan Tswang, Chairmain of Apex body of Ladakh, said while speaking to ANI.

Ladakh was part of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state and became a Union Territory, coming directly under the Centre’s control, after Article 370 was abrogated on August 5, 2019. Ladakh, who welcomed the move that carved it out of the state and made it a UT, is now demanding statehood.

The call for a shutdown came after two of 15 people on a hunger strike, led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, since September 10 were shifted to a hospital due to deteriorating health.

Wangchuk ended his 15-day fast on Tuesday while urging supporters to avoid violence. He said the “Gen Z’s frenzy” disrupted the peace process.

“This incident has disrupted our peaceful protest, which has been going on for the last 5 years. This protest by the youth was only due to larger issues of unemployment and others. We saw Gen-Z’s frenzy today. I understand their frustration over the last five years, but I condemn their way of protest,” he said.

Tension escalated when a group of youngsters allegedly pelted stones, prompting police action.

Protesters later set ablaze a security vehicle outside the BJP office in Leh. Authorities said additional forces have been deployed to restore order and prevent further unrest.

A fresh round of talks between the Centre and representatives of Ladakh, including members of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), is scheduled for October 6.

Protesters, however, have been pushing for the date to be advanced in view of the prolonged hunger strike and growing public concern over Ladakh’s political future.

Addressing his supporters, Wangchuk appealed for calm. “I request the youth to stop arson and clashes. We are ending our fast, and I urge the administration to stop using tear gas. No hunger strike succeeds if lives are lost in violence,” the climate activist said.

Showing concerns over the latest turn of events in Ladakh, Wangchuk said that his message of peaceful path had failed.

Sesh Paul Vaid, former Jammu and Kashmir top cop, appealed to the people for peace, saying violence is not going to help anyone.

“Violence in Leh, Ladakh is deeply concerning. But who is responsible? Jammu has been demanding statehood for decades, yet it has never resorted to violence. My heartfelt appeal to my Ladakhi brothers and sisters: violence is not the answer,” he wrote on X along with a video message.

Notably, supporters of Ladakh’s statehood argue that such safeguards are essential to preserve the region’s fragile environment, unique cultural heritage, and the rights of its tribal population.

The Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, representing diverse political and social groups, have been united in pressing these demands before the Centre.

The day-long unrest also led to the cancellation of the closing ceremony of the four-day annual Ladakh Festival, which had begun on Sunday.

The Union Territory administration announced the decision citing “unavoidable circumstances,” expressing regret over the inconvenience to local artists, cultural groups, tourists, and the public.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/protests-demanding-statehood-for-ladakh-turn-violent-bjp-office-vehicle-torched-2792622-2025-09-24

Dilip Surana pointed out that avoiding treatment during pregnancy altogether could carry its own dangers

As the debate around paracetamol and pregnancy intensifies following claims by US President Donald Trump, the maker of India’s top-selling paracetamol brand Dolo has stepped in to calm concerns.

Dilip Surana, chairman and managing director of Micro Labs — the company behind the brand Dolo – told News18 in an exclusive interaction that the global scientific consensus does not support the alleged link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism.

‘Most rigorous studies found no link’

Surana said recent claims must be weighed against established research. “While recent claims linking paracetamol use during pregnancy to autism have emerged, it’s crucial to recognise that the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the evidence remains inconsistent and lacks replicability.” He stressed that the most rigorous studies have not found a link.

“Scientists say that the most robust research does not link autism and acetaminophen use in pregnancy,” he explained.

At the same time, Surana pointed out that avoiding treatment altogether could carry its own dangers. “Untreated fever during pregnancy can pose risks to both the mother and the foetus, making it essential to manage such symptoms appropriately.”

Dolo-650, the flagship brand of Micro Labs, is the top-selling paracetamol in India with sales of over Rs 300 crore in the moving annual total (MAT) for July 2025, as per IQVIA data. The brand is also the most prescribed, accounting for 0.66% of total prescriptions in the country between November 2024 and February 2025.

Indian pregnant women known for vigilance: Surana

Surana also highlighted the Indian context, describing how expectant mothers in this country are especially cautious. “In India, expectant mothers are known for their vigilance and care during pregnancy. Our medical professionals are well-equipped to provide guidance on safe medication use,” he said.

Reinforcing his company’s stance, he emphasised responsible use under professional guidance. “At Micro Labs, we emphasise that any medication, including paracetamol, should be used under medical supervision, and we support evidence-based practices to ensure the health and safety of both mother and child.”

His remarks echo the findings of large-scale studies, including Swedish registry data covering 2.4 million children, which found no association between paracetamol use in pregnancy and autism. A global review published earlier this year reached the same conclusion.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/who-has-found-no-clear-paracetamol-autism-link-dolo-maker-dilip-surana-counters-trumps-claim-9592585.html

A retired banker from Delhi lost Rs 23 crore to cyber fraudsters posing as law enforcement. Delhi Police IFSO is investigating and has frozen Rs 2.67 crore so far.

A 78-year-old retired banker from Delhi lost his entire life savings, a staggering Rs 23 crore, after being trapped in a cyber fraud that lasted over a month. The scammers posed as officers from central law enforcement agencies, and kept the victim, Naresh Malhotra, under digital arrest, only allowing him to step out to visit banks and transfer money.

The ordeal began on August 1, when Malhotra received a phone call from a man claiming to represent a mobile service provider. The caller said Malhotra’s Aadhaar card had been used in Mumbai to obtain a mobile connection that was allegedly linked to terror funding.

“They told me that I needed to talk to the Mumbai Police regarding the same matter and if they approved, the connection would continue, or else it would be disconnected and the matter reported,” Malhotra told news agency PTI.

The call was then transferred to others who posed as Mumbai Police officers and insisted on continuing the conversation via WhatsApp.

“The moment I was connected with the police, they started pressuring me by saying that my Aadhaar had been used for terror funding, terror activities and many other serious offences,” he said.

He was warned not to disclose any details to family or friends, being told that doing so would implicate them as co-accused in terror-related charges. The fraudsters began by inquiring about his bank balance, PTI reported.

“They wanted to know how much money I had in my bank account. I told them I had almost Rs 14 lakh. They asked me to transfer the amount to their account, assuring me that it was only for verification,” he recounted.

Malhotra said each transfer was followed by fake RBI certificates sent to him via WhatsApp. He was told that a nodal officer from the RBI would contact him and the money would be returned.

Soon, the scammers started probing into his mutual funds, SIPs, and other investments. He was informed that these needed to be verified under Bombay High Court guidelines.

“They said they would first verify 25 per cent of my assets and then continue with the rest according to their system. They threatened me that if I didn’t comply, they would make my family members co-accused in terror cases,” the ex-banker told the outlet.

Fearing consequences, Malhotra visited three banks and liquidated investments, transferring the proceeds into various accounts as instructed. Each time, he received forged documents bearing RBI’s name and seal.

From August 1 to September 4, he was told not to leave home or speak to anyone, except when making bank visits.

On September 14, the scammers made another demand. They claimed the investigating officer of the Mumbai Police had been compromised by terrorists and asked Malhotra to deposit Rs 5 crore in the name of the Supreme Court Registrar into a private bank account in West Bengal.

“They told me this was the final step and that the Supreme Court was now monitoring the case. I refused to send the money and told them I would deposit the amount directly with the Supreme Court. I also said I would go to Hauz Khas Police Station and surrender,” Malhotra said.

The calls stopped abruptly after that. On September 19, realising the scam, Malhotra approached the police.

“I spent my life savings building security for my old age. In one month, it all disappeared because I trusted the wrong people. I hope my story serves as a warning,” he said, holding back tears.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/digitally-arrested-for-over-a-month-fake-calls-how-ex-banker-lost-rs-23-cr-to-scammers-ws-l-9592622.html

The stone was allegedly stuffed in his mouth to make sure he couldn’t cry or make any sounds that would invite attention.

A 15-day-old baby was found abandoned in a forest in Rajasthan’s Bhilwara district. The baby’s lips were sealed shut with glue, and when the person who found him managed to open the mouth, he found a stone inside it.

The stone was allegedly stuffed in his mouth to make sure he couldn’t cry or make any sounds that would invite attention.

However, despite all the attempts to allegedly kill him, the child survived. A cattle herder spotted the child in the forest and removed the stone from his mouth. He was immediately rushed to a government hospital for treatment, where he is currently undergoing treatment.

The incident was reported from the Bijolia police station area of Bhilwara’s Mandalgarh assembly constituency. Police reported that the child was found in the forest adjacent to the road in front of Sita Kund Temple.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bhilwara-lips-sealed-with-glue-stone-inside-mouth-newborn-found-abandoned-in-rajasthan-forest-9331126

“Our objective is to spread the message of Lord Ram and harmony in society. We do not want any controversy to overshadow the event,” the committee president said.

The Luv Kush Ramleela Committee in Delhi has decided to drop actor Poonam Pandey from playing the role of Mandodari, wife of Ravana, in this year’s Ramleela following opposition from several groups.

Speaking at a press conference here at the Constitutional Club of India, committee president Arjun Kumar said, “An artist should be judged by their work and not their past; the decision was reviewed in light of public sentiment.” “Every woman has a role to play in society and should not be humiliated. Initially, we believed Poonam Pandey could positively portray Mandodari. But considering the uproar among certain sections, we had to reconsider,” he said.

The committee respects Pandey as an artist but has decided that another actor will play the role, Kumar said.

“Our objective is to spread the message of Lord Ram and harmony in society. We do not want any controversy to overshadow the event,” he said.

In a letter addressed to Pandey, the committee said the decision should not be seen as disrespect towards her but as a step to uphold the ideals of Lord Ram.

The Luv Kush Ramleela, one of the most prominent Ramleelas in the capital, draws thousands of visitors each year and has previously featured many film and television actors.

The Delhi BJP welcomed the move of Luv Kush committee to remove Pandey from the role of Mandodari.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/delhis-ramleela-committee-drops-actor-poonam-pandey-from-playing-mandodaris-role-9331579

Shefali Jariwala Death: Parag Tyagi SLAMS Rumours Claiming Actress Died Due To Anti-Ageing Medicines: ‘Adhi-Adhoori Information Hai!’

Parag Tyagi has strongly rejected claims that his wife, Shefali Jariwala, died because of anti-ageing medicines. According to him, the circulating reports are misleading and contain “adhi-adhoori information.”

He clarified that Shefali never used strong anti-ageing drugs. Instead, she took multivitamins such as Vitamin C, collagen, and glutathione through a monthly IV drip. The rumours had alleged that she had taken one of these treatments on an empty stomach while fasting, which purportedly caused a sudden drop in blood pressure leading to cardiac arrest.

Parag said it’s false that she had taken these supplements without eating. He described the day of her death: after performing the Satyanarayan Pooja, she had eaten, rested, eaten again, and then taken her monthly drip. He emphasized that both he and she routinely took the same multivitamins.

He also pushed back on claims that fasting was involved, or that anti-ageing treatments caused her death. Parag said Shefali’s youthful appearance was the result of discipline, hard work, and a controlled diet—not medications. He urged people to verify the truth before spreading rumours.

Source : https://www.spotboye.com/trending/trending-news/shefali-jariwala-death-parag-tyagi-slams-rumours-claiming-actress-died-due-to-anti-ageing-medicines-adhi-adhoori-information-hai/68d283c3c95eb142d32894f7

The Court said that Patanjali may use “why settle for ordinary Chyawanprash” in its ads, but cannot use “with 40 herbs”, as the latter phrase directly targeted its rival, Dabur’s product.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday modified an interim injunction against Patanjali Ayurved over the use of the phrase “Why settle for ordinary Chyawanprash made with 40 herbs?” in its advertisements by allowing it to continue using only the first part of the phrase [Patanjali Ayurved Vs Dabur Limited].

A Bench of Justices Hari Shankar and Om Prakash Shukla has permitted Patanjali to use the part of the phrase referring to “ordinary Chyawanprash” in its advertisements, but restrained the company from making any references that could directly target rival Dabur’s 40-herb formulation.

The Court observed that comparative puffery was permissible in advertising.

However, Patanjali’s specific reference to “40 herbs” directly identified Dabur’s product and therefore could not be allowed.

“If the reference to 40 herbs is removed, what remains is only a statement saying ‘why settle for ordinary Chyawanprash?’ At the highest, that is puffery,” the Court noted.

The judges also clarified that not every use of the word “ordinary” in comparative advertising amounts to disparagement.

“Today, comparative advertising has travelled far beyond what it may have been 30 years ago. To say ‘I am the best and others are not as good’ is permissible as puffery,” the Bench remarked.

It added that enlightened consumers are not likely to abandon Dabur’s product merely because of Patanjali’s use of the word “ordinary.”

Following these observations, the Court closed an appeal filed by Patanjali in the matter. It also recorded Dabur’s agreement to the proposal that the earlier injunction order against Patanjali would be confined to restraining Patanjali from linking its “ordinary” claim with Dabur’s “40-herb” products.

Accordingly, Patanjali is now allowed to continue using the expression “ordinary Chyawanprash”, but without connecting it to any reference that would suggest a direct comparison with Dabur’s products.

The Court has left the other issues open to be decided by the trial court.

In July 2025, a single judge, Justice Mini Pushkarna had found that parts of Patanjali’s advertising campaign for its “Special Chyawanprash” went beyond permissible puffery and crossed into disparagement of rival products.

Dabur, which controls over 60% of the Chyawanprash market, alleged that Patanjali’s campaign misrepresented Ayurvedic formulations and cast Dabur’s product as “ordinary” and lacking fidelity to tradition.

Justice Pushkarna directed Patanjali to delete such claims—including the line “Why settle for ordinary Chyawanprash made with 40 herbs?” and scenes in its television commercials suggesting that only those with Ayurvedic knowledge could prepare “original Chyawanprash.” The Court clarified that the advertisements could continue once these edits were made.

Patanjali challenged this ruling before the Commercial Appellate Division of the High Court, arguing that the single judge order curtailed commercial speech and wrongly restricted the use of exaggeration in advertising, a practice protected under the doctrine of puffery.

It contended that the word “ordinary” was neutral and not a direct reference to Dabur, that its “special” formulation of Chyawanprash had regulatory approval, and that the interim order effectively prejudged issues relating to the number of herbs—40 or 51—required in the formulation.

When the matter came up before a Division Bench, the Court noted that the single judge’s order did not strike down the entire advertisement but only required minor modifications. The Bench had earlier warned Patanjali that pursuing the appeal could attract costs, and advised it to consider withdrawing the challenge.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/delhi-high-court-allows-patanjali-to-use-why-settle-for-ordinary-chyawanprash-in-ads-but

German Ambassador to India Dr. Philipp Ackermann has invited skilled Indian workers to work in Germany saying their stable migration policies don’t change fundamentally overnight.

German Ambassador to India Dr Philipp Ackermann has said that highly skilled Indian workers are welcomed in Germany amid Donald Trump’s H1B visa move. In a video message on X, formerly Twitter, German Ambassador Ackermann took a dig at the United States, saying their policies don’t change fundamentally overnight, as Germany stands out with its stable migration policies and great job opportunities for Indians.
German Envoy’s message to Indian skilled workers has come as Donald Trump at a stroke of his signature on Friday hiked H1B visa fee from $2000-$3000 to $1,00,000 (Rs 88 lakh approx), which means that US companies who are willing to hire foreign employees will have to pay this amount to the US government, making it almost impossible for them to take foreign employees onboard.
Indians are the highest holders of H1B visa and such a move is definitely going to hit the aspirations of thousands of youth, especially techies, who dream of working in tech giants in the United States.

Amid this situation, German Ambassador Ackermann’s message is surely a breather for skilled Indian job seekers.

In his video message, Dr Ackerman said, “This is a good moment to talk about Indians working in Germany. Indians are among the top earners in Germany. Average Indian working in Germany earns more than average German worker in the country. And that’s pretty good news because a high salary means that Indians are contributing big times to our society and welfare. We believe in hard work and also in giving best jobs to the best people.”

India has received the ICAO Council President Certificate at the 42nd ICAO Assembly in Montreal, recognising its progress in aviation safety oversight and effective implementation of international aviation standards.

India has been awarded the prestigious ICAO Council President Certificate for its progress in establishing an effective aviation safety oversight system. The recognition was presented at the 42nd Session of the ICAO Assembly in Montreal, Canada, on Tuesday.
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai received the certificate on behalf of India, an official statement confirmed.
“In recognition of your State’s progress in establishing an effective safety oversight system and improving the effective implementation (EI) of applicable International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), your State has been selected to receive an ICAO Council President Certificate,” the statement said.

The award was presented by ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano.

The ICAO Council President Certificate was introduced under the ‘No Country Left Behind’ initiative and is granted to nations that demonstrate significant improvement in aviation safety oversight. Eligibility is determined based on results from the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme’s Continuous Monitoring Approach activities.
The DGCA achieved its highest-ever Effective Implementation (EI) score of 85.65% in an ICAO audit conducted in November 2022, a sharp jump from 69.95% in 2018. This improvement catapulted India into the list of the world’s top 50 countries in aviation safety oversight for the first time.
Back in 2018, India ranked 102nd, below countries such as Nepal (101st), Pakistan (100th), Bangladesh (94th), and Sudan (89th). After the 2022 audit, India now stands at the 48th spot, ahead of major aviation markets like China (49), Israel (50), Turkey (54), Denmark (55), and Poland (60).

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/india-honoured-with-icao-council-president-certificate-for-aviation-safety-progress-article-152883260

Cybercriminals posed as officials and kept the retired banker under ‘digital arrest’ for over a month, warning him not to speak to anyone and claiming he was under 24/7 surveillance.

A retired banker from Delhi was allegedly defrauded of nearly 23 crore over more than a month by cybercriminals who posed as government officials and claimed that his landline number and Aadhaar details had been compromised and used for terror funding. The callers insisted that he liquidate his assets and transfer funds as part of an ongoing “verification” process.

Naresh Malhotra, a former bank official residing alone in South Delhi’s Gulmohar Park, was targeted by callers who claimed to represent telecom operators and law enforcement agencies.

The incident began on August 1, when a woman identifying herself as an Airtel representative informed him that his landline number had been compromised and used to open multiple bank accounts in Mumbai. She claimed these accounts were linked to a Rs 1,300 crore terror funding case related to Pulwama.

Malhotra was told that he was under investigation and would be arrested under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act. He was connected to other individuals posing as Mumbai Police officers, who instructed him to join a video call and comply with ongoing verification.

During this time, they displayed a photograph of a man allegedly involved in bank fraud and asked if Malhotra had any connection with him, which he denied.

The callers then asked him to share personal and financial details, including information about his home, bank accounts, fixed deposits, stocks and lockers. Fake documents resembling a chargesheet and arrest warrant were also sent to him.

“They prepared a charge sheet against me and sent it, telling me to read it before they called again. They also shared an arrest warrant. I was forbidden from talking to anyone. They warned me I would be detained for six months and if I spoke to anyone, they would arrest me on anti-money laundering charges,” Malhotra told India Today.

Later, the former banker was told his bail was arranged if he cooperated and that all his bank accounts would be investigated. The retired banker was warned not to disclose any information to others and was told he was under 24-hour surveillance.

Over the following weeks, Malhotra continued to comply with the instructions issued by the callers, believing he was under investigation and surveillance. On August 4, he began liquidating his stock investments and the proceeds, amounting to Rs 12.84 crore, were transferred to multiple bank accounts as directed by the fraudsters.

Prior to this, he had already transferred Rs 14 lakh from his personal account. Another round of transactions took place later, during which an additional Rs 9.90 crore was moved to accounts provided by the callers.

By September, the total amount transferred had reached Rs 22.92 crore.

On September 4, a new caller claiming to be from the Enforcement Directorate informed Malhotra that the case had been transferred to the ED. He was shown what appeared to be a Supreme Court order and told that to recover his money, he would have to deposit an additional Rs 5 crore with the Reserve Bank of India.

The callers instructed him to transfer this amount to the account of a private company based in Kolkata, but he refused to comply. “At 3 pm, they said they would send the Supreme Court’s order. An order signed by the Chief Justice of India was sent, instructing to transfer this company,” Malhotra told India Today.

However, he declared his intention to approach the Supreme Court with a Rs 5 crore rupee draft and expressed his willingness to surrender. Following this, Malhotra reported the incident to the authorities.

Malhotra has two sons and four grandchildren and remained in contact with his family during the ordeal, however, he did not share details of the situation with them, fearing that he was being monitored.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/cities/delhi/story/retired-delhi-banker-defrauded-23-crore-digital-arrest-scam-2791522-2025-09-22

The boy was apprehended by the airline personnel and handed over to the Central Industrial Security Force personnel, who brought him to Terminal 3 of the airport for questioning.

A 13-year-old Afghan boy reached Delhi after secretly hiding in the landing gear compartment of a flight departing from Kabul, driven by what officials described as “curiosity.” The incident occurred on Sunday morning and came to light upon the aircraft’s arrival at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi.

According to official sources, the boy managed to enter the restricted area at Kabul airport and hide inside the rear central landing gear compartment of KAM Air flight RQ-4401. The flight, which departed from Kabul, landed in Delhi around 11.00 am after a two-hour journey.

Airport security was alerted when airline personnel spotted the teenager roaming near the aircraft after it landed.

The boy, a resident of Kunduz city in northern Afghanistan, was apprehended by airline staff and handed over to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). He was taken to Terminal 3 for questioning.

During the initial inquiry, the boy claimed he had entered the aircraft out of curiosity, without fully understanding the risks involved, according to a PTI report. The boy was repatriated to Afghanistan on the same aircraft, which departed Delhi around 12:30 pm on Sunday, officials confirmed.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/afghan-boy-hides-in-landing-gear-kabul-delhi-flight-caught-at-igi-airport-2791628-2025-09-22

PM Modi also extended greetings over the introduction of the Goods and Service Tax (GST) 2.0 reforms. He also highlighted the benefits of the new reforms in GST and how it will benefit the people from different sections of the society.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a letter addressing the nation, extending festival greetings on the beginning of Navratri. PM Modi also extended greetings over the introduction of the Goods and Service Tax (GST) 2.0 reforms. He also highlighted the benefits of the new reforms in GST and how it will benefit the people from different sections of the society.

The new GST reforms kicks in from today on the first day of Navratri 2025. The major highlight of the newly introduced reform is that there will be mainly two tax slabs of 5% and 18%.

The letter was shared on the official social media account of Prime Minister Narendra Modi which mentioned as follows:

As the nation celebrates the beginning of Navratri, I extend heartfelt wishes to you and your families. May this festival bring good health, happiness and prosperity for everyone.

This year, the festive season brings an added reason to rejoice. From September 22nd, the Next Generation GST reforms have begun to make their presence felt, marking the start of a ‘GST Bachat Utsav’ or ‘GST Savings Festival’ across the country.

These reforms will boost savings and directly benefit every section of society, be it farmers, women, youth, poor, middle class, traders or MSMEs. They will encourage greater growth and investments and accelerate the progress of every state and region.

An important feature of the Next Generation GST reforms is that there will mainly be two slabs of 5% and 18%.

Daily essentials such as food, medicines, soap, toothpaste, insurance and many more items will now either be tax-free or fall in the lowest 5% tax slab. Goods that were earlier taxed at 12% have almost entirely shifted to 5%.

It is greatly heartening to see various shopkeepers and traders putting up ‘then and now’ boards which indicate taxes pre-reforms and post-reforms.

In the last few years, 25 crore people have risen above poverty and formed an aspirational neo-middle class.

Further, we have also strengthened the hands of our middle class with the massive income tax cuts, which ensure zero tax up to the annual income of Rs 12 lakh.

If we combine the income tax cuts and the Next Generation GST reforms, they add up to savings of nearly Rs 2.5 lakh crore for the people.

Your household expenses will reduce and it will be easier to fulfill aspirations such as building a home, purchasing a vehicle, purchasing appliances, eating out or planning a family vacation.

Our nation’s GST journey, which began inS 2017, was a turning point in freeing our citizens and businesses from the web of multiple taxes. GST united the nation economically. ‘One Nation, One Tax’ brought uniformity and relief. The GST Council, with the active participation of both Centre and States, took many pro-people decisions.

Now, these new reforms take us further, simplifying the system, reducing rates and putting more savings in the hands of the people.

Our small industries, shopkeepers, traders, entrepreneurs and MSMEs will also see greater Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Compliance. Lower taxes, lower prices and simpler rules will mean better sales, less compliance burden and growth of opportunities, especially in the MSME sector.

Our collective goal is Viksit Bharat by 2047. To achieve it, walking on the path of self-reliance is imperative. These reforms strengthen our local manufacturing base, paving the way towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

On a related note, this festive season, let us also resolve to support products that are Made in India. This means buying Swadeshi products that have the sweat and toil of an Indian involved in their making, irrespective of the brand or the company that makes them.

Every time you buy a product made by our own artisans, workers and industries, you are helping many families earn their living and creating job opportunities for our youth.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/pm-narendra-modi-extends-navratri-greetings-highlights-benefits-of-next-generation-gst-20-reforms-in-letter-to-fellow-indians

This is the first in-person meeting between Jaishankar and Rubio since the US imposed a steep 50% tariff on Indian goods over its purchase of Russian oil.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday held bilateral talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly (UNGA) session.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said that both leaders discussed a range of bilateral and international issues of current concern. He said that both sides agreed on the importance of sustained engagement to progress on priority areas.

“Good to meet @SecRubio this morning in New York. Our conversation covered a range of bilateral and international issues of current concern. Agreed on the importance of sustained engagement to progress on priority areas. We will remain in touch,” EAM Jaishankar said.

Ahead of the meeting, Jaishankar and Rubio were seen shaking hands and posing for a photograph.

First Meeting After Tariff Move

The meeting at Lotte New York Palace is the first in-person meeting between Jaishankar and Rubio since the US imposed an additional 25% tariff on India for New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil, taking the total levies imposed on India to 50%.

However, both leaders met twice earlier this year. The two first met in January during the QUAD Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Washington, just days after Rubio took office, and again in July at a second QUAD gathering.

Trade Deal Negotiations

The bilateral talks also coincide with ongoing India–US trade negotiations in Washington, where Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is leading the Indian side. The trade negotiations resumed after US President Donald Trump marked a shift in tone and announced that his team was continuing negotiations to address trade barriers with New Delhi.

Amid the tariff row, India and the US have virtually engaged on a weekly basis on trade, ministerial, and diplomatic levels. Five rounds of negotiations for the India-US bilateral trade agreement (BTA) have been held, and the sixth round of talks – scheduled from August 25 to 29 – was rescheduled following the imposition of 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods by the US.

According to a release from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, “positive discussions were held” during the September 16 visit of officials from the Office of the United States Trade Representative to India.

Earlier this month, Trump expressed confidence that the two sides would have “no difficulty” in reaching a deal. In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Modi’s leadership and thanked him for supporting peace efforts in Ukraine. Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded that the discussions would help “unlock the limitless potential of the India–US partnership.”

The US President further praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a birthday message, calling him a “friend” and lauding his leadership as “tremendous.”

Trump also thanked PM Modi for backing his efforts to end the Russia–Ukraine war, adding, “Narendra: Thank you for your support on ending the War between Russia and Ukraine!”

Though the agenda of the Jaishankar–Rubio talks was not in public, the discussion also assumed importance as it comes just days after Trump signed a proclamation imposing a new annual USD 100,000 application fee for H-1B visas — a move expected to hit Indian workers hardest, as they make up the majority of recipients.

Jaishankar arrived in New York on Sunday for the UN General Assembly session this week, commencing his engagements with a bilateral meeting with the Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Theresa P Lazaro.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/eam-jaishankar-meets-us-secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-on-sidelines-of-unga-9589802.html

When the relatives tried to enter the home on Sunday, the son allegedly refused to open the door despite responding to their calls.

A 65-year-old woman was found dead in a decomposed state and her 70-year-old husband, a retired music teacher at a school, was lying critically ill beside her in their Jamia Nagar flat late Sunday night, after police broke into the locked home following frantic calls from relatives who had been unable to reach the couple for days.

Their 50-year-old son, described by police as “mentally challenged” and with a history of psychiatric illness, was found sitting outside the bedroom and later taken to the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS).

According to police, the incident came to light when a PCR call was received around 11.30pm on Sunday, from the woman’s brother and sister-in-law, who said they had been alerted by the couple’s daughter in Hong Kong after she failed to contact her parents for nearly a week.

When these relatives tried to enter the home on Sunday, the son allegedly refused to open the door despite responding to their calls.

“Seeing the sensitivity of the case, the SHO and ACP rushed to the spot where the family members were present. The door was found locked from inside. We broke open the door to get inside. In one of the bedrooms, we found a dead body on the bed and her husband was found lying to her. He was in a critical and fragile condition. The staff immediately rushed him to AIIMS as he needed medical care. Their son was sitting outside the bedroom,” said Hemant Tiwari, deputy commissioner of police (southeast).

According to police, the couple lived in Queen Apartments in southeast Delhi’s Jamia Nagar. The man, a retired music teacher at a school nearby, remains hospitalised in fragile condition, said the DCP.

His wife’s body was sent for autopsy, with police noting that it bore no external injuries but was “highly decomposed,” indicating that she may have died several days earlier.

Doctors told police that the death appeared to be natural, though the exact cause will be determined after post-mortem. “However, the exact cause of death can only be revealed after the post mortem examination,” said an officer privy to the investigation in the case, who asked not to be identified.

During questioning, police said the son gave them inconsistent responses. “He has a history of psychiatric illness. He first said his mother and father were sleeping. He later admitted that he confined himself with his parents inside the home for four to five days without food. We suspect he did not feed them either,” said a senior officer.

Investigators added that the daughter had made repeated calls to her father and brother over four days, but neither answered. Alarmed, she contacted her maternal uncle, who lives in the same neighbourhood, prompting the family to approach the police.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/son-locks-parents-in-room-motherdies-father-critical-101758566042402.html

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has worked towards adding a spine to India’s foreign policy, said Union Home Minister Amit Shah. In a conversation with NDTV CEO and Editor-In-Chief Rahul Kanwal, Mr Shah gave his take on how PM Modi’s tenure stands out in comparison to his predecessors, including Jawaharlal Nehru – the first Prime Minister of India.

“When historians would compare the era of Modi with other Prime Ministers, the result will be in PM Modi’s favour,” Mr Shah said when asked how history will remember the eras of PM Modi and Nehru.

Nehru holds the record for the longest tenure as the Prime Minister, with more than 16 years in office. PM Modi, with more than 11 years in office, is the second-longest serving prime minister of India in terms of an uninterrupted tenure. PM Modi also has the distinction of being the longest-serving Chief Minister of Gujarat, with a term spanning from October 2001 to May 2014.

Citing revocation of Article 370, Triple Talaq, among other things, he spotlighted the work done by the Narendra Modi government in just a decade.

“25 crore people have come out of poverty in a decade… the country’s economy has climbed from 11th to 4th position. Article 370, Ram Mandir, Triple Talaq, clarifying the definition of citizenship of the country, increasing the respect of the Indian passport throughout the country, all this has been done in just a decade.”

He then said PM Modi has done the work of adding spine to India’s foreign policy, which, he claimed, it lacked earlier.

“In the foreign policy of India, after studying it extensively, I have reached a decision that there was a lack of spine in the foreign policy of India. Narendra Modi has done the work of adding the spine to the foreign policy of India,” said Mr Shah, who has known PM Modi for more than four decades now.

The 60-year-old also put a spotlight on PM Modi’s journey from a worker at the district level to Chief Minister of Gujarat and then the Prime Minister of India.

“I have seen him very closely. His biggest quality has been that he can mould himself successfully in every role. He has been successful in carrying out all his responsibilities. This is a great quality,” he said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/amit-shah-ndtv-exclusive-foreign-policy-has-a-spine-now-amit-shah-compares-eras-of-pm-modi-nehru-9324606?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

A massive crowd had gathered at the Guwahati stadium Monday to catch a last glimpse of Zubeen Garg, whose mortal remains were kept in a glass casket.

Lakhs of people paid their last respects to the late singer Zubeen Garg at the Sarusajai stadium in Guwahati for the second day on Monday.

Zubeen Garg, 52, lost his life on September 19 in a swimming incident in Singapore. He had travelled to the city to attend the North East India Festival, where he was scheduled to perform the next day.

It was suspected that an epileptic seizure could have been a possible cause of death. Garg had, over the past five years, had instances of such seizures.

A massive crowd of fans queued to catch a last glimpse of the singer, whose mortal remains were kept in a glass casket, which was draped with a traditional Assamese ‘gamosa’.

Meanwhile, the Assam government will conduct a second autopsy on Garg’s body on Tuesday in order to rule out any foul play in his death, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

Zubeen Garg’s cremation today, ashes to be immersed in Jorhat city

• Zubeen Garg’s cremation will take place on Tuesday, September 23, and his last rites will be performed at Kamarkuchi in Sonapur on the outskirts of Guwahati around 10am. Around 85 members of Garg’s family, relatives and close associates will be present at the last rites, which will be performed with full state honours

• Prominent personalities, including Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, singer Papon, and a representative of the King of Bhutan, paid their respects to Garg at the Guwahati stadium on Monday.

• Emotions ran high at the stadium on Monday, with mourning fans travelling from different parts of the state to pay their last respects to the singer. Garg’s family was also present at the venue, with his four canine companions also bidding him adieu, PTI news agency reported.

The reforms represent the most significant overhaul of India’s consumption tax since GST’s 2017 launch.

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms that came into effect on Monday will boost savings and directly benefit every section of society, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a letter to citizens, pointing out that the new taxation slabs will encourage greater growth and investments and help in meeting the goal of developed India by 2047.

The reforms represent the most significant overhaul of India’s consumption tax since GST’s 2017 launch, streamlining the structure from four slabs to essentially two rates of 5% and 18%. The government has said 99% of the goods that earlier attracted 12% GST have now been shifted to 5%.

“Our collective goal is Viksit Bharat by 2047. To achieve it, walking on the path of self-reliance is imperative. These reforms strengthen our local manufacturing base, paving the way towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” he said in the letter.

“This year, the festive season brings an added reason to rejoice. These reforms will boost savings and directly benefit every section of society, be it farmers, women, youth, poor, middle class, traders or MSMEs. They will encourage greater growth and investments and accelerate the progress of every state and region,” the PM added.

Modi also travelled to Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura on Monday. In the former, he interacted with local entrepreneurs and members of self-help groups, and urged them to buy and sell only “swadeshi” products.

Modi said that despite facing major challenges over the years, his government consistently reduced income tax rates. “GST has now been simplified to just two slabs. Many items have become tax-free. Building a home, purchasing a scooter or bike, dining out, and travelling have all become more affordable. GST Savings Festival is a milestone,” he said.

In his address to the nation on Sunday, the PM had said Indians will save ₹2.5 lakh crore on account of the GST reform and the income tax changes announced earlier this year.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/gst-reforms-will-benefit-all-pm-in-letter-to-nation-101758567248441.html

The victim was illegally trafficked into India on the pretext of employment, and was forced into exploitation, an NIA statement said.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) searched five locations in Kolkata and Bangaon in West Bengal and arrested two men for their alleged involvement in the trafficking of a minor Bangladeshi girl, officials said Sunday.

The arrested duo — Amir Ali Shekh and Amal Krishna Mondal — hails from the North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal, they said.

The victim was illegally trafficked into India on the pretext of employment, and was forced into exploitation, an NIA statement said.

The search operation on Saturday resulted in the seizure of a huge amount of Indian, Bangladeshi and other foreign currencies besides several incriminating documents, it said.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/west-bengal/nia-arrests-2-men-in-west-bengal-for-involvement-in-minor-bangladeshi-girls-trafficking-3738238

In a 19-minute televised address yesterday, PM Modi described the new tax regime, effective from September 22, as “next generation GST reforms” that would mark a decisive step towards “aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India).

The Government’s second major overhaul of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), referred to as “GST 2.0”, comes into effect today, with a wide range of rate cuts.

Here are some points on this big story:

1. 1. GST exemption on life insurance policies: All individual life insurance policies are now exempt from GST. This includes term insurance plans, endowment policies, and unit-linked insurance plans (ULIPs). Reinsurance of these individual life policies has also been brought under the exemption.
   2. GST exemption on health insurance: Individual health insurance policies, including family plans and senior citizen-specific health policies, are exempt from GST under GST 2.0.
   3. Tax rates on transportation services: Passenger transport by road will continue to be taxed at 5 per cent without input tax credit (ITC). However, transport operators can choose to pay 18 per cent with ITC if they prefer. For air travel, economy class tickets remain taxed at 5 per cent, while business and other premium classes will continue to attract 18 per cent.
   4. GST on local delivery services: If local delivery services are provided through an e-commerce operator (ECO) by an unregistered service provider, the GST liability shifts to the e-commerce operator. If the delivery provider is registered under GST, then that provider will be responsible for paying the tax.
   5. GST rate on local delivery services: Local delivery services have been set at a standard rate of 18 per cent.
   6. Why medicines are not fully exempt from GST: The Finance Ministry clarified why medicines remain taxed at 5 per cent rather than being made fully exempt. If medicines were completely exempted, manufacturers would lose the ability to claim ITC on inputs such as raw materials and packaging. This would raise their production costs.
   7. GST on leasing and renting: Leasing or renting of goods without an operator is taxed at the same rate as the goods themselves. For example, if the sale of a car attracts 18 per cent GST, then leasing that car without a driver will also be taxed at 18 per cent. The same principle applies to other goods.
   8. GST rates on imports: The revised rates under GST 2.0 will also apply to imports. Integrated GST (IGST) will be levied at the new rates starting from September 22, unless a specific exemption has been notified.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/gst-2-0-tax-cuts-kick-in-what-you-need-to-know-10-points-9318932?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

The flight, initially set to arrive in Delhi at 4:10 pm, finally departed Kanpur at 6:03 pm and landed in Delhi at 7:16 pm.

An IndiGo Airlines flight was delayed for about three hours at Kanpur Airport today after a rat was spotted inside the aircraft, causing inconvenience to 140 passengers and airport officials.

The flight, which was scheduled to depart for Delhi at 2:55 pm, had already boarded all passengers when someone noticed a rat jumping around inside the cabin. The airline staff were immediately informed about the rodent’s presence.

Following this, all passengers were safely evacuated, and a search operation was launched to locate the rat. The search continued for approximately one and a half hours.

The flight, initially set to arrive in Delhi at 4:10 pm, finally departed Kanpur at 6:03 pm and landed in Delhi at 7:16 pm.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rat-on-board-indigo-flight-delayed-by-3-hours-at-kanpur-airport-9318550

The new $100,000 H-1B visa fee creates anxiety among Indian IT professionals, affecting job opportunities and study plans in the US.

Reshma Elizabath has waited over two years for her career-defining opportunity: a three-year stint at her company’s US headquarters. Now the IT professional from Pandalur in the Nilgiris sits in her Velachery office, uncertain whether her firm will shoulder Trump’s new $100,000 H-1B visa fee.

“I’m confused. Will my company still send me or ask me to contribute? I honestly don’t know,” she said, reflecting the unease gripping thousands of IT workers caught in the policy crossfire.

While the White House clarified Monday that existing visa holders need not rush back to America – or stay put — and the fee applies only to future applications, the long-term implications for India’s technology sector and the families banking on American dreams remain profound. The policy threatens to dismantle a decades-old business model that built Tamil Nadu and Karnataka into global IT powerhouses.

The fee hike strikes at the heart of India’s $245 billion information technology sector, where an estimated 40-50 per cent of mid-level engineers in large firms have either worked on H-1B visas or aspire to. For Tamil Nadu, often dubbed the “back office of the world,” and Karnataka, India’s technology capital, the stakes extend beyond individual careers to entire regional economies built on US-bound talent pipelines.

Anivar Aravind, an IT professional in Porur, and originally from Kerala, described the changes as transformational: “This isn’t just a cost increase for onsite employment, it’s a fundamental change that marks the death of the traditional onsite business model. This primarily shows the H-1B visa dream is over for Indian professionals. In addition, this will also end study-in-the-US plans as well.”

The concerns expressed across India’s tech hubs represent a markedly different anxiety from the panic on Saturday, when thousands of existing H-1B workers in America feared immediate disruption to their lives and confronted the possibility of travel restrictions or forced returns.

In the Indian tech hubs, many say the real impact will be opportunity loss — affecting even those still to step out of their higher education. In Coimbatore’s Kinnathukadavu, farmer Satheesh Kumar said he struggled to understand what the fee hike means for his son Aravind, who recently secured Optional Practical Training in the US.

“We were just relieved when he got his break. Now the family has to figure out how to raise extra money. It is not easy for people like us,” he said, expressing the anxiety of middle-class households suddenly confronted with additional financial burdens.

KV Mariyam, a government primary school teacher in Bitherkad, Nilgiris, felt the announcement like “a sudden storm cloud” over her son Alen’s postgraduate study plans. “Families like ours make sacrifices for years to support a child’s dream. Now, just when he was ready to take the next step, this comes. We don’t know how much more we’ll have to stretch.”

The impact extends to IT entrepreneurs in these regions as well, with the changes threatening to create a two-tiered system where large multinational corporations may absorb the costs, while smaller firms are left to with impossible calculations.

Mahesh Kapoor, CEO of a Whitefield-based startup in Bengaluru, warned the move would dent IT revenue: “Smaller firms like ours, which cannot absorb such massive costs, will be forced to rethink US operations. It hits the heart of India’s IT growth story.”

An HR manager of one multinational tech company based in Chennai’s OMR office district added: “The new fees create two classes of professionals — those backed by large companies that can pay, and those left stranded by smaller firms or consultancies. This will also affect retention and morale. Many may now explore Canada or Europe instead of the US.”

Yet some industry veterans see potential benefits in forcing talent to remain in India. Infosys veteran and investor Mohandas Pai called the fee hike prohibitive for new applicants, predicting it would “accelerate offshore delivery and expand India’s Global Capability Centers.”

Kunal Bahl, co-founder of Snapdeal, anticipated reverse migration: “Because of the new H-1B rules, a tremendous number of talented individuals are going to be headed back to India. The talent density in India is going up.”

Bahl recalled his own H-1B rejection at Microsoft in 2007: “It was crushing and numbing at that moment, but life-changing eventually when I moved back to India. To those impacted today, be positive. There is something much bigger & better in store for you.”

In Kochi, IT infrastructure manager Anish Panthalani predicted the policy would backfire on American firms: “More than Indians, the US firms are likely to be affected in the long-run. The US IT sector heavily depends on Indians for various projects. With this fee coming in, overnight, the US firms cannot build up resources.”

Students represent perhaps the most vulnerable group. M. Shruthi, 26, an IT professional from Hosur in Krishnagiri district, had planned pursuing higher studies in America followed by Optional Practical Training. “The new costs make everything uncertain. It feels like the rules are being changed halfway through the game.”

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indias-245-billion-it-sector-faces-jolt-as-us-h-1b-visa-fees-kicks-in-101758501461150.html

The hackers live-streamed images with photographs of the two Islamic countries, on a day when India and Pakistan are set to play their second game in the Asia Cup

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s ‘X’ handle was found to be hacked on Sunday, with hackers posting images of flags of Pakistan and Turkey, reported PTI citing officials.
The hackers live-streamed images with photographs of the two Islamic countries, on a day when India and Pakistan are set to play their second game in the Asia Cup, they said, adding that the account was later retrieved.
“We immediately alerted the cyber crime police. Our team that is in-charge of the Dy CM’s X handle later retrieved the account,” the official told news agency PTI. It took 30 to 45 minutes to set the account in order, the official added.

Earlier in July this year, the X account of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) was hacked. The hackers had reportedly posted a crypto payment address, along with an image of chipmunk, a rodent.

“JMM’s official X handle @JMM Jharkhand has been hacked by anti-social elements. @JharkhandPolice Take congnisance, investigate the matter and take immediate action. @XCorpIndia please take cognisance @GlobalAffairs,” Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren had then wrote on the social media platform.
Last year, the X account of Congress’ Assam unit was hacked and the hackers had changed the profile name to ‘Tesla Event’ and the profile picture was changed to electric carmaker Tesla’s logo.
The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee lodged a police complaint and demanded the arrest of the culprit. The account was later restored.

The verdict emerged during a hearing on a criminal case involving Praveen Chhetri from Etawah, who had sought the quashing of proceedings against him in an alcohol smuggling case. While refusing to quash the case, the court delivered a sharp rebuke to the police for their continued practice of maintaining caste entries in official documents.

The Allahabad High Court has issued a landmark directive ordering the central government to remove all caste-glorifying symbols, such as stickers and flags, from vehicles and social media platforms. In a significant move to promote social equality, the court also mandated that schools incorporate anti-casteism lessons and conduct regular awareness campaigns to combat deep-seated caste-based discrimination.

The verdict emerged during a hearing on a criminal case involving Praveen Chhetri from Etawah, who had sought the quashing of proceedings against him in an alcohol smuggling case. While refusing to quash the case, the court delivered a sharp rebuke to the police for their continued practice of maintaining caste entries in official documents.

The bench had previously summoned the Director General of Police (DGP) in March, challenging the legality of recording an individual’s caste. The DGP defended the practice as necessary for identification, but the court firmly rejected this argument, pointing to the availability of modern identification technologies such as fingerprints, Aadhaar, mobile numbers, and parental details.

Consequently, the court instructed the state government to immediately remove columns for caste and religion from all police forms, making an exception only for cases pertaining to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to protect benefits under affirmative action policies. Additionally, all signboards at police stations that glorify any particular caste are to be taken down.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/allahabad-high-court-orders-removal-of-caste-symbols-from-vehicles-social-media

The Chief Minister also inspected a proposed cremation site in Sonapur and took stock of the preparation ahead of the singer’s final rites.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said that popular singer Zubeen Garg who passed away in Singapore earlier this week “will be accorded a befitting farewell” that justifies his “legacy”.

The Chief Minister also inspected a proposed cremation site in Sonapur and took stock of the preparation ahead of the singer’s final rites.

Posting on social media platform X, the Assam CM wrote, “Our #BelovedZubeen will be accorded a befitting farewell, one that justifies his legacy as one of Assam’s biggest cultural icons. I inspected the proposed cremation site in Sonapur a while back to oversee the preparations where Zubeen will be laid to the final rest.”

The singer’s mortal remains were brought from New Delhi to Guwahati, where thousands of emotional fans gathered to pay their respects.

In Guwahati, people lit candles in his memory, mourning the loss of the beloved artist.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita received the singer’s body at the Indira Gandhi International Airport and paid their tributes.

The singer’s body arrived at the IGI Airport in the national capital from Singapore and was taken to Guwahati, on a special flight.

Earlier, CM Sarma stated that the ‘Ya Ali’ singer’s remains would be kept at the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex in Sarusajai in Guwahati today for fans and well-wishers to offer their last respects.

“The Government of Assam, with deep sorrow, informs that the mortal remains of Shri Zubeen Garg–an artist larger than life, a cultural icon, filmmaker, and the eternal heartthrob of millions–will be kept at the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex (Sarusajai Stadium) tomorrow, September 21, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, for friends, followers, and admirers to pay their last respects. All are requested to extend their cooperation in ensuring that the final journey of Assam’s beloved son is conducted with dignity and becomes a farewell to be remembered for all time,” the tweet read.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/zubeen-gargs-farewell-will-reflect-his-legacy-assam-cm-himanta-biswa-sarma-inspects-cremation-site-video

Ahemdabad Civil Hospital doctors successfully removed a hairball, grass, and shoelace thread – medically termed as trichobezoar – from the stomach and small intestine of a 7-year-old boy.

In a rare and complex medical case, doctors in Ahmedabad successfully removed a clump of hair, grass, and a shoelace thread from the stomach and small intestine of a 7-year-old boy.

Shubham Nimana, a resident of Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam, had been suffering from severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and noticeable weight loss for the past two months. Despite undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Madhya Pradesh and incurring expenses of around Rs 2 lakh, his condition did not improve. He was then brought to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where a CT scan and endoscopy revealed an unusual mass in his gastrointestinal tract.

Medically termed a trichobezoar, the 7-year-old boy had accumulated hairball, grass, and a shoelace thread in his stomach.

Led by Professor Dr Jayshree Ramji, a team of surgeons performed an intricate exploratory laparotomy to remove the trichobezoar. The anesthesia team, headed by Professor Dr Shakuntala Goswami and Associate Professor Dr Bharat Maheshwari, ensured the child’s stability during the procedure.

Post-operation, Shubham was kept off oral intake for six days, followed by a dye test on the seventh day to confirm the complete removal of the mass. A psychiatrist also provided counseling to the child to address the behavioral aspects that contributed to the condition.

Dr Rakesh Joshi, Superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, said, “Trichobezoars are extremely rare in children, with a prevalence of only 0.3–0.5%. Parents should closely monitor and address any unusual ingestion behaviors in children to prevent such life-threatening conditions.”

WHAT IS TRICHOBEZOAR?

A trichobezoar is a type of bezoar—a mass found trapped in the gastrointestinal system—primarily composed of ingested hair. It is often associated with conditions like trichotillomania (compulsive hair-pulling) and trichophagia (hair-eating). Trichobezoars may also include other non-digestible materials such as thread or grass.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ahmedabad-doctors-remove-hairball-grass-shoelace-thread-from-7-year-olds-stomach-2791094-2025-09-22

A woman in Kanpur was reportedly confined to a room by her in-laws and bitten by a snake allegedly released due to unmet dowry demands. Police have registered a case against seven people, and an investigation is ongoing.

Enraged over the non-payment of dowry, a newlywed woman in Kanpur was allegedly locked inside a room, where they also released a snake. The woman’s condition deteriorated after being bitten, but the family did not help her. She was finally rushed to hospital after her sister intervened.

The incident took place on September 18 in the city’s Colonelganj.

The woman’s sister, Rizwana, said Reshma was locked in the room and the snake was released through the drain. Late at night, the snake bit Reshma on her leg.

She screamed in pain, but the family members did not open the door and stood outside laughing.

Somehow, Reshma managed to contact Rizwana by phone. Upon arrival, Rizwana found her in a critical condition and took her to a hospital, where she was admitted for urgent medical treatment.

Rizwana said that the problems began shortly after Reshma’s marriage to Shahnawaz on March 19, 2021.

Since the marriage, the in-laws had started taunting and harassing her over dowry. A while ago, the woman’s family had given Rs 1.5 lakh, but as the demand for an additional Rs 5 lakh was not met, the dispute intensified.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/kanpur-dowry-dispute-snake-bite-attack-woman-seven-family-members-charged-2791105-2025-09-22

Tamil Nadu on Saturday announced a major breakthrough in its push to emerge as a global shipbuilding hub, with two ultra-mega projects worth Rs 30,000 crore set to come up in the state.

Tamil Nadu on Saturday announced a major breakthrough in its push to emerge as a global shipbuilding hub, with two ultra-mega projects worth Rs 30,000 crore set to come up in the state. The investments, formalised through MoUs signed at the Transforming Maritime Sector event in Thoothukudi, are expected to generate over 55,000 jobs.

Cochin Shipyard Limited will establish a world-class commercial shipyard with an investment of Rs 15,000 crore, creating 10,000 jobs in the first phase (4,000 direct and 6,000 indirect). Similarly, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited will set up another global-scale shipyard with an equal investment of Rs 15,000 crore, generating more than 45,000 jobs (5,000 direct and 40,000 indirect).

These projects follow the state government’s announcement of a dedicated company to promote shipbuilding, along with the upcoming Tamil Nadu Maritime Transport Manufacturing Policy 2025. Earlier this month, SIPCOT and V.O.C. Port signed an MoU to form a special purpose vehicle to support the development of shipbuilding.

Speaking on the development, Tamil Nadu Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa said, “We are really happy that the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Union Government have worked together to get Cochin Shipyard Limited to come into Tamil Nadu. I am hoping we will get to work with more such shipyards and get more shipbuilding activities going in the state. With Cochin Shipyard and Mazagon Dock together, we are now looking at about 55,000 jobs for Tamil Nadu.”

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-announces-rs-30-000-crore-shipbuilding-investments-will-generate-over-55-000-jobs-9315515

Two people were detained from Manipur on Saturday in connection with the ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy earlier this week that killed two soldiers and injured five others.

Two people were detained from Manipur on Saturday in connection with the ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy earlier this week that killed two soldiers and injured five others. A van, suspected to have been used in the incident, was also recovered from Mutum Yangbi in Imphal – nearly 12 km from the incident site, officials said.

According to the police, the recovered vehicle has multiple owners, all of whom are identified.

“During the last 24 hours, the overall law-and-order situation in the state was tense but under control. In the follow-up to the incident at Nambol Sabal Leikai in which two personnel of the Assam Rifles were martyred, security forces carried out a massive operation in Shantipur and Ishok areas,” the statement read.

Two soldiers of the Assam Rifles, identified as Naib Subedar Shyam Gurung and Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap, were killed in action on Friday after their truck was ambushed by a group of terrorists on the outskirts of Manipur’s Imphal. Officials said that the terrorists fired at the paramilitary forces’ 407 Tata vehicle while it was travelling from its Patsoi company operating base to Nambol base at 5.50 pm. This is on the same road that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken during his recent visit to Manipur.

“In the general area, Nambol Sabal Leikai, the column was ambushed by unidentified terrorists on the Highway in the denotified area of Manipur. In the ensuing action, two personnel of the Assam Rifles were martyred and five were injured,” an official statement read.

The injured soldiers were taken to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal for treatment.

A day after the incident, a high-level meeting was held, chaired by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, to discuss boosting security arrangements in vulnerable and sensitive areas of Manipur. Top state government officials and senior police personnel were present in the meeting.

“The discussion stressed the need for coordinated action among all security agencies to ensure swift identification of the perpetrators. It was also resolved that security arrangements must be further strengthened in vulnerable and sensitive areas, including highways, transit routes, and border zones,” the Raj Bhavan said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/assam-rifles-convoy-ambush-2-detained-van-seized-after-attack-on-assam-rifles-convoy-in-manipur-9315238?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

The later singer’s body will remain at his residence for around one-and-a-half hours for the family members to pay their last respects.

A massive crowd of fans of late singer Zubeen Garg – who lost his life while swimming in Singapore without a life jacket – gathered outside his residence and on roads in Assam’s Guwahati on Sunday, ahead of his funeral.

Security personnel were also deployed outside Zubeen Garg’s residence. The late singer’s casket arrived in Guwahati early on Sunday, and was received by his wife Garima Saikia. Later, the mortal remains of singer Zubeen Garg were taken to his residence, with hundreds of people surrounding the vehicle on its way. Zubeen passed away after a scuba diving accident in Singapore on 19th September.

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who went to Delhi to receive Zubeen Garg’s body, had said that the casket carrying the singer’s remains could not be accommodated in any chartered flight and was flown to Guwahati from Delhi on a regular flight.

Hundreds of people had gathered outside the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport since Saturday to receive Zubeen Garg’s mortal remains. A scuffle broke out amid the crowd on Saturday, with the police resorting to mild lathi charge to disperse the gathering, PTI news agency reported.

The later singer’s body was to be kept at his residence for around one-and-a-half hours for the family members to pay their last respects, PTI reported. The body will be later shifted to Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex for people to pay their homage between 9 am and 7 pm.

While the details of the last rites of the singer are yet to be finalised, the Assam government will consult Garg’s family and different organisations on the same. The state’s Cabinet will meet on Sunday evening to decide the cremation venue.

Garg’s body arrived at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi a little before midnight, on Saturday. The casket was received by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who paid his tribute to Garg. Sarma was accompanied by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and senior Assam government officials who are posted in Delhi.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/crowd-swells-outside-zubeen-gargs-guwahati-residence-ahead-of-funeral-scuffle-breaks-out-at-airport-101758418071159.html

The directive follows a landmark ruling by the Punjab and Haryana HC, declaring that legible medical prescriptions are an integral part of a patient’s Fundamental Right to Health

In a significant move aimed at improving patient safety and reducing medication errors, the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) of Haryana has issued a directive mandating that all diagnoses and prescriptions be written in capital or bold letters. This order, effective immediately, applies to all registered medical practitioners in government and private hospitals, clinics, and health centres across the state.

The directive follows a landmark ruling by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which declared that legible medical prescriptions are an integral part of a patient’s Fundamental Right to Health under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The court’s decision was prompted by a case where a medico-legal report was found to be completely illegible, highlighting a long-standing issue within the medical community. The court observed that unclear or illegible handwriting can endanger patients’ lives, leading to medication errors, incorrect dosages, and even death. The Haryana Health Department’s new order is a direct response to this judicial mandate.

This policy change aims to eliminate the ambiguity caused by poor handwriting, which has been a leading cause of preventable harm to patients globally. The directive aligns with a growing push for greater transparency and accuracy in medical documentation and is a crucial step toward modernising healthcare practices in the state.

To ensure compliance, the Health Department has instructed pharmacies to reject prescriptions that do not adhere to the new guidelines. The government also plans to conduct workshops for doctors and pharmacists to standardise prescription practices and is exploring the adoption of e-prescriptions with a pilot project already underway in select districts. This initiative, while simple in its execution, is expected to have a far-reaching positive impact on the quality of healthcare and patient well-being in Haryana.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/read-alert-write-prescriptions-in-bold-or-capital-letters-haryana-tells-doctors-9586322.html

PM Modi, earlier this month, said that he was deeply pained by the hurling of abuses at his mother during Congress’ recently concluded ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ in Bihar, and asserted that although he may forgive RJD and the grand old party but people of the eastern state would never pardon them.

A major controversy erupted in poll-bound Bihar as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) slammed the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s late mother was allegedly insulted at a rally in Mahua assembly constituency.

The BJP on Sunday alleged that abuses were again hurled at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s late mother, this time by some RJD workers during Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav’s ‘Bihar Adhikar Yatra’. BJP IT Department chief Amit Malviya alleged that “extremely derogatory words” were used against PM Modi’s mother at a RJD rally. He accused Tejashwi Yadav of complicity, stating that the opposition leader was present on stage but made “no effort to stop his supporters” from using the offensive language.

He referred to the pattern as “uncivil” and “uncultured” politics by the opposition. Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary and BJP spokesperson Shahzad Poonawalla also condemned the incident. However, Times Now Digital could not independently verify the authenticity of the video, which has gone viral on social media.

RJD MLA Mukesh Roushan said that Tejashwi Yadav’s full speech can be heard on a Facebook video he shared. He accused the BJP of sharing doctored video. “No RJD worker or anyone else used any abusive word for the Prime Minister. In the video that the BJP has shared, Tejashwi Yadav can’t be heard speaking. They have doctored the video to defame (RJD) as part of a conspiracy,” the RJD MLA posted on Facebook.

The leaders also referenced a previous incident where Congress had released an AI-generated video to imagine a conversation between PM Modi and his late mother, calling it “disgusting,” and how PM’s late mother was insulted at a Congress-RJD event.

A major controversy had erupted after abuses were allegedly hurled at the PM’s late mother by a man from a stage set for Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ in Darbhanga district last month. A man was also arrested in Bihar’s Darbhanga for making objectionable remarks against PM’s mother.

Speaking on the issue, PM Modi, earlier this month, said that he was deeply pained by the hurling of abuses at his mother during Congress’ recently concluded ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ in Bihar, and asserted that although he may forgive RJD and the grand old party but people of the eastern state would never pardon them.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/uncivil-uncultured-bjp-hits-out-at-rjd-after-pm-modis-mother-insulted-in-bihar-rally-again-article-152863850

Siddaramaiah is said to have taken the officials to task for failing to finish the road repair works before monsoons. Questioning the inefficiency of the engineers, Siddaramaiah said that action will be taken against officials who fail to take measures to improve the roads.

After drawing criticism for the poor state of roads in the city, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on Saturday, set a one month deadline to ensure that all the potholes are fixed and the roads are in a good condition.

Siddaramaiah is said to have taken the officials to task for failing to finish the road repair works before monsoons. Questioning the inefficiency of the engineers, Siddaramaiah said that action will be taken against officials who fail to take measures to improve the roads.

According to the data presented to the Chief Minister, 14,795 potholes have been identified across the city and of this, only 6,749 have been fixed and another 8,046 potholes continue to bother the commuters.

The Chief Minister has also instructed the Commissioners of the five city corporations to review the progress on ground and the Greatest Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Chief Commissioner to hold a weekly meeting with all the five corporation heads. A technical coordinator will also be appointed to coordinate between the five corporations.

Siddaramaiah also noted that there was hardly any coordination between the five corporations and the civic agencies such as BMRCL, Bescom, and BWSSB and urged the agencies to work in coordination with each other to meet the set deadline.

Pointing out that every constituency was sanctioned a grant of Rs 25 crore to fix the roads, he asked the officials to expedite the process and raise a request with the finance department if more funds are required. He also asked the officials to utilise Jetpatchers to fill the potholes during the rainy season.

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, on Saturday, also said that the government was committed to fixing the pothole problem in the city and work was going on a war footing.

Earlier this week, the government had to face the heat from the citizens and IT industry leaders after DKS said that the companies cannot blackmail the government over infrastructure issues. DKS’s comment came after a tech company CEO posted on X that the company was mulling on moving out of the city owing to the poor state of roads and infrastructure.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/karnataka-cm-siddaramaiah-sets-one-month-deadline-to-fix-potholes-in-bengaluru-3737453

The diyas from Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state, will illuminate Varanasi, his parliamentary constituency. Organisers see this as a symbolic connection between Gujarat and Kashi, further strengthening the cultural and political bond nurtured under the Prime Minister’s leadership.

The sacred ghats of Varanasi will glow with three lakh earthen lamps from Gujarat during Dev Deepawali this year, adding grandeur to the festival that draws lakhs of devotees and tourists from across the world.

This year’s initiative carries a political undertone as well. The diyas from Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state, will illuminate Varanasi, his parliamentary constituency. Organisers see this as a symbolic connection between Gujarat and Kashi, further strengthening the cultural and political bond nurtured under the Prime Minister’s leadership.

The responsibility of arranging these lamps has been entrusted to Gujarat’s Rewa Foundation by the Banaras Feri Patri Thela Vyavasayi Sangathan. The foundation engaged around 200 women artisans in Gujarat to make the diyas, providing them with employment opportunities in the process.

Rewa Foundation president Akshita Solanki said the initiative was not just about preparing lamps but also about empowering women. “By involving women in diya-making, we are ensuring both cultural preservation and livelihood support. It is an honour to see Gujarat’s craftsmanship adding beauty to Kashi’s Dev Deepawali,” she said.

National Feri Patri Thela Vyavasayi Sangathan general secretary Abhishek Nigam added that street vendors and their families would come together to celebrate the festival with great enthusiasm. “Dev Deepawali is the most magnificent festival of Kashi. Rows of lamps on every ghat and the spectacular fireworks in the sky create a divine atmosphere that mesmerises visitors from around the globe,” he said.

Authorities expect a record turnout this year, with more than ten lakh visitors likely to converge on the ghats. To ensure smooth conduct of the festival, the district administration has plans to deploy additional police forces, instal CCTV cameras across major ghats, and arrange special traffic diversions. River police teams will also be on constant patrol to maintain safety.

Dev Deepawali, celebrated on Kartik Purnima, falls fifteen days after Diwali. According to tradition, it marks the day when the gods themselves descend to Varanasi to bathe in the Ganga and witness the grand spectacle of light. The festival began in the 1980s as a local celebration but has since grown into a global attraction, with its scale and splendour surpassing even Diwali in Kashi. The sight of millions of lamps flickering on the riverbanks is regarded as a once-in-a-lifetime experience by pilgrims and tourists alike.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/dev-deepawali-2025-three-lakh-diyas-from-gujarat-to-illuminate-kashis-ghats

Air India has issued a statement regarding a third-party passenger system disruption at London’s Heathrow Airport, warning passengers of potential delays in the check-in process.

New Delhi: The Delhi Airport on Saturday issued an advisory for international passengers after a cyberattack on a third-party service provider affecting check-in and boarding systems at major European airports.

The advisory asked passengers to contact their airlines for updates.

“Due to cyberattacks impacting European airports, including London Heathrow, Europe-bound flights to and from Delhi Airport may experience some disruptions. Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight updates,” the advisory read.

Delhi Airport issues advisory, “Due to cyberattacks impacting European airports, including London Heathrow, Europe-bound flights to and from Delhi Airport may experience some disruptions. Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight updates” pic.twitter.com/UgXwmMIQSf

— ANI (@ANI) September 20, 2025
Air India on Saturday also issued a travel advisory due to the cyberattack.

Air India has issued a statement regarding a third-party passenger system disruption at London’s Heathrow Airport, warning passengers of potential delays in the check-in process.

According to the airline’s tweet, ground teams in London are working to minimise inconvenience.

In an update posted on X, Air India said, “A third-party passenger system disruption at Heathrow may cause delays in the check-in process. Our ground teams in London are working to minimise inconvenience. Passengers flying with us from London today are advised to complete their web check-in before arriving at the airport to help ensure a smooth experience.”

The advisory came as flights at major European airports, including Brussels, London Heathrow and Berlin, faced delays and cancellations after a cyberattack targeted a single service provider responsible for check-in and boarding systems.

Brussels Airport confirmed that the attack late Friday night had forced automated systems offline, leaving only manual check-in and boarding possible.

“There was a cyberattack on Friday night, 19 September, against the service provider for the check-in and boarding systems affecting several European airports, including Brussels Airport,” the airport said in a statement.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/delhi-airport-issues-advisory-as-cyberattack-on-european-service-provider-disrupts-check-in-boarding

The arrested have been identified as Mohammad Ayan Mohammad Hussain, 22, resident of Sahara Apartment near Tahera Marriage Hall; Abu Sufiyan Tajammul Ansari, 22, of Gulzar Nagar; and Zaid Notiyar Abdul Qadir, 22, from Vetal Pada.

Mumbai: The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP ATS) on Saturday arrested three youths from Bhiwandi for allegedly collecting and transferring funds to Palestine.

The arrested have been identified as Mohammad Ayan Mohammad Hussain, 22, resident of Sahara Apartment near Tahera Marriage Hall; Abu Sufiyan Tajammul Ansari, 22, of Gulzar Nagar; and Zaid Notiyar Abdul Qadir, 22, from Vetal Pada.

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According to police sources, the three accused had reportedly collected around Rs 3 lakh intended for Palestinians and routed the money through their accomplices in Uttar Pradesh, who later transferred it abroad without authorisation.

The accused were interrogated at Shanti Nagar police station before being handed over to Uttar Pradesh for further questioning. Senior officials at Nizampura police station supervised the operation.

The case came to light after the UP ATS registered an investigation on August 27, invoking relevant sections of anti-terror and foreign funding laws. Investigators said the operation underscores the increasing vigilance by security agencies in monitoring illegal financial networks used to support causes abroad, which can sometimes be linked to terror financing.

According to sources, the UP ATS had been tracking the three accused since Friday. The operation culminated on Saturday afternoon when Abu Sufiyan was apprehended from a flat in Gulzar Nagar. During questioning, he revealed the identities of his two accomplices. Following this, the ATS, in coordination with Bhiwandi police, arrested Zaid Abdul Qadir and Mohammad Ayan Mohammad Hussain. The trio was then produced before the Shanti Nagar police station for entry and transit remand and subsequently sent to Lucknow.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/up-ats-arrests-3-bhiwandi-youths-for-allegedly-raising-funds-for-palestine

Objective news report on the repeated shooting incident in Portugal involving the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, targeting Romi and Prince and allegedly linked to cross-border drug operations.

About a month after a previous shooting in Portugal, the residences and store of Romi King and Prince in Almeirim were targeted again, with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang claiming responsibility.

Claiming responsibility for the attack via a social media post, gangster Randeep Malik, linked with the Lawrence gang, further alleged that the store is involved in drug trade with Pakistani mafias.

“Today, at King Cash and Carry Almeirim (Portugal), the store of Romi King and Prince was targeted for the second time. This was carried out by me (Randeep Malik) and the Lawrence Bishnoi gang,” read the post on Facebook.

“Jai Shri Ram, Sat Sri Akal The firing that occurred today in Odivelas, Lisbon, Portugal, was done by me, Randeep Malik, and the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Romi and Prince, who are involved in illegal work in Portugal, should stop such activities,” Randeep Malik further stated in the post, adding if the warning is ignored, those individuals will be targeted, no matter where they are in the world.

Malik also shared a two-second video in which several gunshots could be heard. This marks the first reported incident involving firing by two Indian gangs in Portugal.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/lawrence-bishnoi-gang-attacks-romi-king-prince-store-portugal-drug-trade-claims-2789901-2025-09-19

Meanwhile, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said in an X post that he has been in constant contact with Singaporean authorities to ensure the repatriation of Zubeen’s mortal remains.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed condolences following the death of Assam’s beloved singer Zubeen Garg, who passed away in Singapore after a scuba diving accident. Garg, best known for his popular song ‘Ya Ali’, died at the age of 52 and is survived by his wife.

“Shocked by the sudden demise of popular singer Zubeen Garg. He will be remembered for his rich contribution to music,” the PM posted on ‘X’. “His renditions were very popular among people across all walks of life. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” he added.

Following news of the singer’s death, Garg’s family, friends and fans began gathering outside his residence in Guwahati.

Trump administration has ended sanctions waiver for Chabahar Port and this threatens India’s trade, strategic & humanitarian corridors to Afghanistan and Central Asia.

The United States has officially revoked the sanctions waiver that had allowed India to participate in operating Iran’s Chabahar Port, including the Shahid Beheshti terminal. This move directly strikes at India’s strategic ambitions: the port serves as a vital corridor to Afghanistan and Central Asia—bypassing Pakistan—and has been central to India’s vision of regional connectivity and influence.

The impact will begin as early as September 29, 2025, when the removal of the waiver takes effect. Firms, financial institutions, insurers or individuals involved with Chabahar may now be subject to US sanctions. This move potentially jeopardizes trade routes, humanitarian deliveries, and India’s infrastructure investment in the region. It also shifts the competitive balance with Pakistan’s Gwadar Port (operated by China), giving Beijing an opportunity to strengthen its influence in the Indian Ocean–Central Asian nexus.

Strategic Implications

Connectivity & Trade Disruption: Chabahar has been India’s primary alternative route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, enabling transport of goods, aid, and investment, independent of transit through Pakistan. With the waiver gone, that corridor faces legal and financial obstacles.

Geopolitical Shift: India’s counter to China-backed infrastructure projects (like Gwadar) hinges on Chabahar. Weakening India’s role risks ceding strategic initiative in the region to rivals.

Diplomatic & Humanitarian Fallout

Balance between Washington and Tehran: During the waiver period, India managed a delicate act—aligning with the US on sanctions policy while pursuing its ties with Iran. With the carve-out revoked, maintaining that balance becomes far more challenging.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/topnews/understanding-why-us-action-on-chabahar-is-a-blow-to-india

The bank said GST payments through its digital platform will allow enterprises to consolidate statutory and commercial payments on one system, improving compliance efficiency.

Mumbai: DBS Bank India has been authorised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as an Agency Bank to collect Goods and Services Tax (GST) payments, becoming the only wholly-owned subsidiary in India to receive such approval.

With this, customers can make GST payments instantly using the bank’s enterprise digital banking platform, DBS IDEAL. The platform allows users to download GST payment advice, track transactions in real time, and resolve queries through dedicated client service support.

Apart from IDEAL-based payments, GST payments can also be made via NEFT/RTGS or over the counter at DBS branches. The bank said this facility will help businesses consolidate statutory and commercial payments while streamlining GST compliance through a digital platform.

“GST compliance is a key priority for enterprises, and at DBS Bank India we are focused on making the process seamless and efficient. By integrating GST payments within DBS IDEAL, we now provide businesses with a secure, intuitive platform that delivers real-time visibility, seamless integration, and greater operational efficiency. This reflects our commitment to providing contextual solutions that help enterprises manage their statutory obligations effectively,” said Divyesh Dalal, Managing Director and Country Head – Global Transaction Services, Corporate Banking – Financial Institutions and SMEs at DBS Bank India.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/dbs-bank-india-gets-rbi-nod-to-collect-gst-payments-3736553

Confirming that an exchange of fire took place, the Army said, “The operations is currently underway.”

Jammu: An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Friday night, Army officials said.

“In an intelligence-based operation in the general area of Kishtwar, alert troops of the White Knight Corps established contact with terrorists at around 8 pm,” the White Knight Corps said in a post on X.

Confirming that an exchange of fire took place, the Army said, “The operations is currently underway.”

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir/encounter-breaks-out-between-security-forces-and-terrorists-in-j-ks-kishtwar-3736573

A single-judge of the High Court had earlier restrained Patanjali from running ads with comments such as “Why settle for ordinary Chyawanprash?”

The Delhi High Court on Friday pulled up Patanjali Ayurved for filing an appeal challenging a single-judge order directing them to delete parts of its advertisements that allegedly disparaged Chyawanprash products sold by rival companies including Dabur. [Patanjali Ayurved Vs Dabur Limited]

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/delhi-high-court-warns-patanjali-of-costs-for-appealing-against-dabur-over-chyawanprash-ad

40 Students Beaten and Forced Out of School Gate in Odisha for Not Wearing Shoes – VIDEO

At least 40 students were beaten and forced to stand for two hours outside the Rajsunakhala Government High School in the Ranpur block of Nayagarh district for not wearing shoes.
According to sources, after the 7 a.m. prayer, students who were not wearing shoes were lined up and prevented from taking their monthly exams. Some of them were allegedly beaten and later sent out of the school premises, where they stood outside the gate from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Upon receiving information, a group of local journalists arrived at the scene and found 40 students waiting outside. When questioned, the students alleged that the headmaster beat them and prevented them from entering the school.

Aditya Sahu, a class 9th student, said, “me and my classmates were forced to stand outside the school today because I didn’t wear shoes. When we protested, we were told to go back home.”

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/40-students-beaten-and-forced-out-of-school-gate-in-odisha-for-not-wearing-shoes-video-article-152855200

The defence agreement signed by Islamabad and Riyadh says that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both”.

India expects Saudi Arabia to take into consideration “mutual interests and sensitivities” in the bilateral strategic partnership, the external affairs ministry said on Friday in the context of the mutual defence agreement signed by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia that has significant ramifications for regional security.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed the “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement” on Wednesday, close on the heels of Israel’s military strikes on Hamas leaders in Qatar, and the treaty states that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both”.

India, which perceives West Asia as part of its extended neighbourhood, said in its initial response to the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia agreement that it will take all steps to protect the country’s national interests and ensure comprehensive national security.

Asked about the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia pact at a weekly media briefing, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “India and Saudi Arabia have a wide-ranging strategic partnership which has deepened in the last several years considerably. We expect that this strategic partnership will keep in mind mutual interests and sensitivities.”

The mutual defence pact came against the backdrop of Arab states questioning the reliability of the US as a security partner, especially in the face of Israeli aggression in recent months, including military strikes on Iran and Qatar. The pact also has ramifications for New Delhi, especially if Pakistan chooses to invoke it during any hostilities with India.

Saudi Arabia has had long-standing defence and security relations with Pakistan, though Riyadh has played a greater role in recent years in helping Islamabad cope with its economic problems through financial bailouts. At the same time, Saudi Arabia’s strategic cooperation with India has deepened over the past decade and the two sides recently began conducting joint army and navy exercises.

The external affairs ministry also said on Thursday that India was aware Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had been considering such a pact to formalise a long-standing arrangement between the two countries. Indian officials have also said they are studying the implications of the pact for national security and regional stability.

The new agreement formalises existing understandings between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia though the timeline could have been accelerated by Israel’s attacks in Qatar, people familiar with the matter said.

The text of the agreement has not been made public and the reference to collective defence has been made only in a joint statement, the people pointed out. Thus, the legal obligation regarding collective defence will need to be assessed, the people said.

Jaiswal responded to a separate question about the possibility of other countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar becoming party to the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia pact by saying that India has wide-ranging ties with these two West Asian countries. Jaiswal noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently spoken to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, and that UAE’s minister of state for foreign affairs, Reem Al Hashimy, visited New Delhi for talks with foreign secretary Vikram Misri.

Describing India’s relations with the UAE and Qatar as “expansive”, Jaiswal said: “These conversations continue to happen.”

Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif said on Thursday that the “doors are not closed” for other Arab states to join the mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia. He said there was no clause in the agreement that ruled out the entry of any other country.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-urges-saudi-arabia-to-mind-sensitivities-after-pak-deal-101758307176834.html

The terrorists fired at the paramilitary forces’ 407 Tata vehicle while it was travelling from its Patsoi company operating base to Nambol base at 5.50 pm.

Two jawans of the Assam Rifles were killed in action, and five others have been injured after their truck was ambushed by a group of terrorists on the outskirts of Manipur’s Imphal this evening. Those injured have been taken to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal.

The terrorists fired at the paramilitary forces’ 407 Tata vehicle while it was travelling from its Patsoi company operating base to Nambol base at 5.50 pm. This is on the same road that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken during his recent visit to Manipur a week ago.

The ambush site is around 8 km from the Imphal Airport on the road to Churachandpur.

“In the general area, Nambol Sabal Leikai, the column was ambushed by unidentified terrorists on the Highway in the denotified area of Manipur. In the ensuing action, two personnel of the Assam Rifles were martyred and five were injured,” said the official statement.

The Assam Rifles unit was moving on NH-2, “during hours of darkness”, when it was ambushed, it added.

As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Search operations are underway to catch the armed men involved in the incident.

The soldiers killed in action are Naib Subedar Shyam Gurung and Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap. “All ranks of the Assam Rifles pay solemn tribute to those who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in Manipur today and offer deep condolences to the families of our Brave soldiers,” the Assam Rifles said in a post on X.

The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is applicable in the entire state of Manipur, except in 13 police station areas of five districts in the valley region. Nambol comes under the Bishnupur district, which is not under AFSPA coverage. AFSPA was last extended in March 2025 for six months. It will be up for review again this month-end.

There are nine banned Meitei terrorist groups in Manipur, as per the Ministry of Home Affairs’ list of banned organisations. They have been responsible for attacks on the Assam Rifles in the past, including the killing of Colonel Viplav Tripathi, his wife and son in an ambush in Churachandpur district in November 2021.

The incident took place near Sehken village as the heavily armed terrorists fired upon the convoy of the Assam Rifles Colonel, killing him, his wife, their son and three Quick Reaction Team jawans on the spot.

Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh visited the injured soldiers at RIMS.

Manipur governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla condemned Friday’s attack and expressed profound grief and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the soldiers who were killed in the line of duty. He also conveyed prayers for the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries in the incident.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/assam-rifles-truck-ambushed-on-outskirts-of-imphal-confirms-army-9308221?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

Reports about the likely development of a vaccine for cancer have raised hope in the fight against a dreadful affliction that has remained a threat to mankind for centuries. Scientists in Russia have announced that a vaccine they have developed has shown 100% efficacy in clinical trials.

There have been reports on three vaccines, including one using the mRNA (messenger RNA) technology, which involves prompting the immune system to recognise and destroy cancer cells by producing tumour-specific antigens. Pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Moderna had used the technology to develop Covid-19 vaccines.

The early-stage clinical trials of the vaccine which is in the news involved 48 patients who were diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The vaccine – developed by Russia’s National Medical Research Radiology Centre and the Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology – was seen as shrinking the tumours and slowing their growth. No severe side-effects have been reported in the trials. Work on versions of the vaccine that target other types of cancer is progressing. Those in the pre-clinical trial stage are also reported to have shown positive results.

These are, still, early days – the vaccine has to undergo clinical trials on a large scale. Vaccines take years, sometimes decades, to develop and to be declared fully effective and market-ready. For a comprehensive assessment of the vaccine’s efficacy, trials will have to be conducted on genetically diverse cohorts of people in different geographies. Side-effects may appear after years – this means the stamp of efficiency may be further deferred.

Source:https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/editorial/cancer-vaccine-from-russia-with-hope-3735099

The operation was jointly executed by 39 teams of the Outer North district with 500 personnel and 19 teams of Rohini district with 320 personnel.

The Delhi Police conducted massive raids at criminal hideouts across the national capital and Haryana in the early hours on Thursday, and arrested three people, including the father of jailed gangster Neeraj Bawana.

They also detained 36 habitual offenders.

The raids led to the recovery of Rs 49.6 lakh in cash, 1.36 kilograms of gold, 14.6 kilograms of silver, a bulletproof Scorpio SUV, a motorcycle, 27 mobile phones, a laptop, seven country-made and sophisticated pistols, a revolver, 40 live cartridges, three bore brushes, two cleaning rods and a button-actuated knife.

The operation was jointly executed by 39 teams of the Outer North district with 500 personnel and 19 teams of Rohini district with 320 personnel. They searched a total of 58 locations in Delhi, Sonipat, Sampla, Jhajjar, Rohtak and Bahadurgarh, police said.

The raids were conducted under the leadership of Joint Commissioner of Police Vijay Singh and under the supervision of Deputy Commissioners Hareshwar Swami (Outer North) and Rajeev Ranjan (Rohini).

Police said the crackdown targeted members and associates of gangs led by Kala Jathedi, Jitender alias Gogi, Neeraj Bawana, Rajesh Bawana, Tillu Tajpuriya, Kapil Sangwan alias Nandu and Nettu Dabodha.

Three accused – Shaktiman (34), Vedpal (55) and Prem Singh Sehrawat (67) – were arrested from Outer North district, while three others – Vishal alias Behda alias Ankit, Hari Om alias Ankit and Naveen – were held in Rohini district.

Sehrawat is the father of Neeraj Bawana, who is currently lodged in Tihar jail.

The 35-year-old gangster is involved in over 30 cases of murder and extortion and runs a gang from inside the jail. Bawana, who was one of the most wanted criminals, was arrested in 2015 by the Special Cell. According to police, he had links with Fazal Ur Rehman, a close associate of gangster Dawood, and others who had ties with Canada-based fugitive Arsh Dalla and Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist who was killed in Canada in 2023.

Source; https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/3-arrested-36-detained-as-delhi-police-raids-gangster-hideouts-across-ncr-9303716

Known as Melioidosis, the bacterial illness was once confined to coastal states such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Odisha. But doctors at AIIMS Bhopal now warn it has become endemic in Madhya Pradesh, with cases rising sharply in recent years

A deadly infectious disease that mimics tuberculosis is spreading rapidly across Madhya Pradesh, raising serious public health concerns. Known as Melioidosis, the bacterial illness was once confined to coastal states such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Odisha. But doctors at AIIMS Bhopal now warn it has become endemic in Madhya Pradesh, with cases rising sharply in recent years.

According to AIIMS Bhopal’s Department of Microbiology, the disease is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia Pseudomallei, commonly found in soil and contaminated water, especially in rice fields. Experts say the state’s increasing paddy cultivation and abundance of water sources have created fertile ground for its spread.

A report by AIIMS Bhopal has raised serious concerns, noting that this bacterial disease, which mimics symptoms of tuberculosis, is extremely fatal. “If not treated in time, four out of 10 patients lose their lives,” the report highlights.

What makes melioidosis particularly dangerous is its resemblance to tuberculosis. Patients often present with persistent fever, cough, chest pain, or abscesses, leading to misdiagnosis and months of incorrect treatment. By the time it is properly identified, the infection has usually spread to multiple organs.

Data from Bhopal AIIMS (the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences) shows that 40 per cent of untreated patients die due to late detection and lack of timely treatment.

In the last six years, more than 130 patients from nearly 20 districts of Madhya Pradesh have been diagnosed at AIIMS Bhopal alone. “The trend clearly proves that melioidosis is no longer an imported disease, it has become a local public health threat,” said senior microbiologists at the institute.

One such case involved a 45-year-old farmer near Bhopal, who suffered for months from recurring fever, cough and chest pain.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/from-rice-fields-deadly-disease-melioidosis-creeping-across-madhya-pradesh-9303746

If there is one place in India that almost everyone has on their bucket list, it is the Taj Mahal. And honestly, once you see it in person, you understand why. Built in the 1600s by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj is essentially a grand “I’ll love you forever” gift. The Taj sits on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, glowing differently throughout the day.

A vlogger went viral on Instagram while exploring the Taj, and the internet had one reaction: Mika Singh. People couldn’t stop pointing out how much he resembled the singer. In the video, he turned attention to the back of the Taj, near the Yamuna River, where a sign clearly reads: “Please do not throw coins here.” Yet, tourists can’t seem to resist. Coins glitter across a rectangular opening that leads down a staircase deep below the monument. The vlogger, clearly frustrated, points out how people keep tossing coins, which can be seen through the mesh covering the stairs.

“The history teacher we needed,” the caption read. The video caught the attention of the internet.

A user commented, “Mika Singh hai kya ye? (Is he Mika Singh?)”

Another wrote, “ I love this video.”

“Best guide,” a comment read.

In truth, no one really knows why coins are thrown there. Probably herd behaviour. People see others doing it and follow along, the same way folks throw coins into rivers from trains for good luck.

Source: https://www.news18.com/viral/taj-mahal-secret-road-to-red-fort-video-guide-discloses-maharaja-route-to-yamuna-boat-video-9580143.html

The Court said that it is the duty of NHAI to provide public toilets along national highways.

The Kerala High Court on Thursday pulled up the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for failing to provide and maintain public toilets on National Highways (NH) [Petroleum Traders Welfare and Legal Service Society & ors v State of Kerala & ors].

Source: https://www.barandbench.com/news/we-get-challans-but-no-public-toilets-on-national-highways-kerala-high-court-pulls-up-nhai

The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) is set for a revamp by the end of the year to facilitate easier access to weapon systems for India’s armed forces.

The defence ministry’s new, streamlined DAP or Defence Acquisition Procedure to ensure that the armed forces get weapon systems more easily is expected to be ready by the end of the year.
After the draft is ready, it will be circulated among all stakeholders and be in the public domain. This will to all parties involved and also, look at minor tweaks in case there are any good ideas.
Speaking at a Public Affairs Forum of India function today, senior defence ministry official Apurva Chandra, said that the earlier DAP, which he worked on is due for a revamp,” keeping in mind the need for “jointness,” the national aspiration of aatmanirbharta or self reliance and recent technological innovations.

India, a heavy importer, is moving towards purchase of weapons from local manufacturers and for every import, there should be a Made in India element, is the general guideline. With the armed forces working more closely, purchases can be modified accordingly.

Recent wars, like the one between Russia and Ukraine, have shown the importance of new technologies and drones, for instance, have been used to telling effect for the first time apart from the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict. These issues will be kept in mind.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/next-gen-defence-acquisition-procedure-to-factor-in-drones-new-tech-article-152850903

The incident occurred at Kelve Road station around 7.56 pm, the official said, citing the preliminary information.

The engine of the Mumbai Central-Valsad passenger train caught fire during the journey at Kelve Road station in Palghar district of Maharashtra on Wednesday evening, a Western Railway (WR) official said.

All passengers are safe, he added.

The incident occurred at Kelve Road station around 7.56 pm, the official said, citing the preliminary information.

A Western Railway spokesperson said an incident of “flash and flames in the electric loco” of train no. 59023 Mumbai Central-Valsad fast passenger train was reported.

“All passengers are safe. Nobody was injured,” he said.

The OHE power supply was temporarily switched off for safety reasons.

Senior railway officials and technical staff have rushed to the site to assess the situation and carry out necessary checks.

The train departed on schedule from Mumbai Central Station at 6.10 pm. It reached Kelve Road station at 7.56 PM after a 17-minute delay, when the crew of the engine noticed a flash and flames and immediately stopped the train, which had just started pulling out of the platform.

The crew, including the loco pilot, assistant pilot, and train manager, rushed to douse the fire using onboard extinguishers.

A senior railway official stated that staff at the station showed exceptional courage in bringing the blaze under control.

Stationmaster Aditya Kumar and two pointsmen, Som Prakash and Radheshyam, also joined the firefighting operation.

“They used eight fire extinguishers,” the railway official said, adding that even passengers on the platform helped the railway staff.

Local Fire Brigade personnel rushed to the station and doused the blaze.

“Due to the incident, trains heading towards Surat may experience delays. Some trains will be halted at all stations till Dahanu or Valsad to ensure passengers of 59023 can leave,” Vineet Abhishek, chief spokesperson of Western Railway, told PTI.

“At least seven Gujarat-bound trains were regulated en route various stations,” the Western Railway stated on X.

Services of local trains on the Virar-Dahanu section were also affected due to the engine fire incident.

The Mumbai Central-Valsad fast passenger train is one of the popular trains that connects southern Gujarat with Mumbai.

Hundreds of commuters, including office-goers, businessmen, traders, students, and others, commute daily on the Mumbai-Valsad route on this train.

Due to its convenient timing, the train allows passengers to travel to and from Mumbai without disrupting their daily schedules.

Meanwhile, six ST buses were arranged for stranded passengers, while other commuters were shifted to the Golden Temple Express, which will halt at all stations till Valsad. The train, otherwise, halts only at Surat station.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/train-engine-catches-fire-in-palghar-district-passengers-safe-9297066

Graduates aged 20-25 years, who are neither studying, employed, nor self-employed, will receive an allowance of Rs 1,000 per month for up to two years

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday announced a Rs 1,000 monthly allowance for each unemployed youth, in a move seen as a major outreach to young and first-time voters ahead of the Assembly elections.

In a post on X, CM Kumar reiterated his government’s commitment to youth empowerment, noting that since 2005, job creation and employment have been a top priority.

He stated that the state has set a target of providing government jobs and employment to one crore youth in the next five years, with large-scale opportunities to be created in both government and private sectors.

The Chief Minister said that under the Chief Minister’s Self-Help Allowance Scheme, part of the state’s flagship 7 Nischay programme, benefits will now be extended to unemployed graduates.

Previously, the scheme was available only to intermediate pass candidates.

Now, graduates aged 20-25 years, who are neither studying, employed, nor self-employed, will receive an allowance of Rs 1,000 per month for up to two years.

Kumar expressed hope that the assistance would help young people pursue skill training and prepare for competitive examinations.

“This visionary initiative of the state government aims to provide maximum employment opportunities to the state’s youth. Educated youth here will become self-reliant, skilled, and employable, enabling them to contribute significantly to the development of the state and the nation,” the Chief Minister said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Nitish Kumar transferred Rs 5,000 each to 16.04 lakh construction workers as a direct financial assistance to construction workers across the state, a move being described in political circles as a major step ahead of the upcoming elections.

The financial assistance was given on the occasion of Vishwakarma Puja and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ahead-of-bihar-polls-chief-minister-nitish-kumar-announces-rs-1-000-monthly-allowance-for-unemployed-graduates-aged-20-25-9298567

The EU has proposed better strategic ties with India to pull New Delhi closer to Europe and away from Russia. While a trade deal is currently in focus, the EU also looks to boost defense cooperation.

The European Union (EU) proposed a new strategic agenda with India that raises bilateral relations to a higher level amid calls from the United States to hit India with massive tariffs.

In July, the EU sanctioned an Indian refinery that refined Russian crude, ensuring it can’t sell to Europe. Since then, US President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on India, half of it as punishment for buying Russian fuel.

But as the EU and the US align their policies against Russia on secondary sanctions for its war in Ukraine, the Trump reportedly called on the bloc to impose up to 100% tariffs on India.

However, the EU seems to have adopted a different approach in its new strategic agenda: lure India away from Russia’s orbit of influence through a trade deal and enhanced strategic ties.

“Now is the time to focus on reliable partners and double down on partnerships rooted in shared interests and guided by common values,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

“With our new EU-India strategy, we are taking our relationship to the next level.”

How EU, India are strengthening ties
Kaja Kallas, EU’s top diplomat, acknowledged the bloc has “clear areas of disagreement” in reference to India’s purchase of Russian oil and India’s participation in Russia-led Zapad military exercises in Belarus.

But she added in “turbulent times,” perhaps alluding to the stress in the EU’s own relations with the US, the bloc needs partnerships.

“Deepening ties with India, not really pushing them to Russia’s corner,” she said, was agreed upon in conversations among senior EU officials.

An EU official said there might be advantages to a better relationship with India.

India is a “moderating voice,” the offical said, that does not subscribe to the anti-Western agenda in forums, such as BRICS and the China-led Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), where New Delhi has a seat but the EU is missing.

“India has been trying to be useful, talking to [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskyy, inviting Zelenskyy to [New] Delhi. So there’s scope for a conversation,” he added.

Garima Mohan, a Brussels-based senior fellow with the German Marshall Fund (GMF), said the new strategic agenda is much more ambitious and one that “singles out India as an important partner, a counterweight to China.”

The document lists closer cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and emphasizes India’s role in diversifying supply chains — a veiled reference to the EU’s desire to move away from dependencies on China.

EU, India defense cooperation gaining steam
A key part of the strategic agenda is to foster defense industrial cooperation.

The EU sees India, the world’s biggest arms importer, as a huge market for European defense manufacturers and a country that is looking to reduce dependence on Russia and diversify its imports. India hopes to modernize its navy and air force and has earmarked more than €70 billion ($83 billion) for defense for 2025-2026.

“I think if you are in India and looking at how Russian weaponry is performing in Ukraine, you would quite naturally want to diversify,” said Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, a senior fellow at Bruegel, a Brussels-based think tank.

“As Europe rearms, Europe and Ukraine will become formidable arms producers and will be a natural option for India” to buy weapons, he said.

Mohan, the GMF researcher, argued that Europe can also buy more from India, which aims to sell at least €5 billion in defense exports by 2029.

“While Europe is investing in its defense industrial complex and enhancing its capabilities, it would still need to procure equipment from trusted partners,” she told DW. “There is simply not enough to buy off the shelves in Europe.”

Mohan was relieved that despite India’s decision to dispatch a team of soldiers to participate in Russia-led Zapad military exercises in Belarus, the momentum in ties had not been disrupted.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/eus-new-approach-to-lure-india-away-from-russias-orbit/a-74030565

Kerala has reported over 60 confirmed cases of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) this year, including 19 deaths, with patients from infants to the elderly

Kerala is facing one of its most alarming health challenges in recent years: a sudden spike in cases of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare but deadly brain infection caused by the so-called “brain-eating amoeba.” In 2025 alone, the state has reported 69 confirmed cases and 19 deaths. The rise is striking, considering fewer than 10 cases were reported in the six years leading up to 2023.

State Health Minister Veena George has called it a “serious public health concern,” pointing out that infections are no longer confined to clusters in Kozhikode and Malappuram but are now surfacing sporadically across the state. Patients range from a three-month-old infant to a 91-year-old, complicating efforts to trace and contain the cases.

What Exactly Is The ‘Brain-Eating Amoeba’ Infection?

Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis is a rare infection of the brain caused by Naegleria fowleri, a microscopic organism found in warm freshwater and soil. Popularly dubbed the “brain-eating amoeba,” it invades brain tissue and causes rapid inflammation, often leading to death within days.

According to a Kerala government document, PAM affects the central nervous system. It is most often seen in otherwise healthy children, teenagers and young adults. The infection destroys brain tissue, causing severe swelling and making survival rates extremely low.

How Does The Infection Happen?

People cannot get PAM by drinking contaminated water, and the disease does not spread from person to person. Infection occurs when water containing the amoeba enters the nose, usually while swimming, diving or bathing in untreated freshwater. From there, the amoeba travels along the olfactory nerves, crosses the cribriform plate at the base of the skull and reaches the brain.

The organism thrives in stagnant freshwater such as ponds, lakes and rivers. It has also been detected in poorly maintained swimming pools and inadequately chlorinated household tanks. According to the Indian Express, many of Kerala’s water sources, including wells and ponds, have high levels of coliform bacteria from sewage and waste. This provides abundant food for the amoeba, allowing it to thrive in warm waters.

Other free-living amoebae, Acanthamoeba and Balamuthia, can also cause brain infections, though these develop slowly over weeks or months in the form of Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis. Unlike PAM, which progresses rapidly, these cases often go undiagnosed until it is too late.

What Are The Symptoms?

The symptoms of PAM resemble those of bacterial meningitis, which makes diagnosis difficult. They typically appear between one and nine days after exposure and may develop acutely within hours.

The first signs include headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. As the infection advances, patients may experience a stiff neck, confusion, seizures, hallucinations, loss of balance and eventually slip into a coma.

The CDC warns that most patients die within one to 18 days after symptoms begin, often due to severe brain swelling. Kerala’s health department has echoed this, noting that by the time other more common causes of meningitis are ruled out, PAM is usually too advanced for treatment to work.

Why Is Kerala Seeing More Cases Now?

Kerala reported its first PAM case in 2016, but infections were rare until last year, when 36 cases and nine deaths were confirmed. This year’s surge has doubled that figure, with 69 cases and 19 deaths already on record.

Two factors are driving the increase. First, climate change and rising temperatures have made stagnant freshwater bodies more hospitable for amoebae, while heatwaves are driving more people to use them for bathing and swimming. As the state health department warned, climate change is increasing the likelihood of encounters with this pathogen.

Second, poor water sanitation is compounding the risk. Many of Kerala’s ponds and wells are rich in bacteria from sewage and waste, creating the perfect environment for the amoeba to thrive.

How Deadly Is The Infection?

Globally, the fatality rate of PAM is about 97 per cent. In Kerala, however, the mortality rate this year stands at roughly 24 per cent, far lower than the global average. This is largely due to quicker diagnosis and more aggressive treatment.

The Indian Express reported that two children, siblings of an eight-year-old who died of the disease in August, recently recovered. Their survival offers rare hope in a disease that has claimed nearly every patient it has infected.

What Are Doctors Using For Treatment?

There is no standard cure for PAM. Almost all known survivors worldwide were diagnosed before the infection reached the brain, highlighting the importance of early detection.

Doctors in Kerala are using a combination of drugs, including amphotericin B, rifampin, miltefosine, azithromycin, fluconazole and dexamethasone. Miltefosine, an anti-parasitic drug, has been linked to rare survivor cases worldwide, and its early use has contributed to Kerala’s recent recoveries. The state government has acknowledged, however, that the rarity of the disease, its fulminant clinical course, and the difficulty of making a rapid diagnosis have hampered the evaluation of drug regimens.

After the 2023 Nipah outbreak, doctors in Kerala were instructed to check all cases of meningoencephalitis for amoebic infection. “If they find amoeba, they will start the treatment for amoebic meningoencephalitis. Early detection can save lives,” Minister Veena George said.

What Precautions Are Being Advised?

Given the lack of a reliable cure, prevention is critical. Health authorities have issued detailed guidance:

• Avoid swimming or bathing in untreated or stagnant freshwater bodies such as ponds and lakes.
• Use nose clips or keep the head above water while swimming in freshwater.
• For nasal rinsing or religious rituals like jal neti, use only boiled and cooled, distilled or sterile water.
• Ensure that swimming pools, wells and household tanks are regularly cleaned and properly chlorinated.
• Avoid exposing open wounds to untreated water or soil, and use waterproof bandages if necessary.
• Contact lens users are advised to use sterile, commercially prepared solutions to prevent Acanthamoeba-related eye infections.

The state health department, in collaboration with the National Centre for Disease Control, is carrying out environmental sampling and testing of water sources. Hospitals have been put on alert, and awareness drives are underway to warn the public of the risks.

What Kerala’s Cases Signal

In August alone, a three-month-old infant, a 52-year-old woman and a nine-year-old girl in Kozhikode died of PAM, illustrating how the infection spares no age group. State authorities have launched a “Water is Life” chlorination drive to disinfect wells, tanks and public bathing areas, alongside awareness campaigns during the monsoon.

Doctors across Maharashtra have announced a statewide strike on 18 September, protesting the government’s decision to allow homeopaths with CCMP certificates to register with the state medical council. The Indian Medical Association has warned that the move endangers patient safety and dilutes modern medical practice.

Healthcare services across Maharashtra are set to be disrupted tomorrow, 18 September, as doctors stage a complete shutdown in protest against the state government’s decision to permit homeopaths with CCMP (Certificate Course in Modern Medicine and Surgery) qualifications to register with the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC).
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Maharashtra is spearheading the strike, joined by the Association of Medical Consultants (AMC) Mumbai and other medical bodies. The protest, beginning at 8 am on Wednesday, will mark the second major strike threat in just two months. The previous one was called off after assurances from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s government, but doctors now say their concerns have not been addressed.
“This drastic but necessary step underscores our united opposition to the dilution of modern scientific medicine, a move that threatens patient safety, violates the statutory framework of the NMC and MMC, and disregards the pending judgment of the Hon’ble Bombay High Court,” the AMC Mumbai wrote in a letter backing the strike.

Medical professionals argue that registering homeopathic practitioners under the MMC blurs the boundaries of scientific medicine and risks compromising healthcare delivery. “By standing together with IMA Maharashtra, we send a clear and powerful message to the Government: revoke the regressive decision immediately and uphold the integrity of modern medical practice,” the letter further stated.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/mumbai/maharashtra-doctors-call-for-strike-tomorrow-mumbai-to-see-disruption-in-medical-services-heres-why-article-152842876

Bangladesh has approved the export of 1,200 tons of hilsa fish to India for Durga Puja 2025. The commerce ministry said 37 firms will ship the fish till October 5. The Hilsa diplomacy is expected to delight millions in West Bengal and revive cultural ties amid strained India-Bangladesh relations.

It began with a resounding “NO,” but wiser counsel seems to have prevailed. After the initial aggression on an issue the people of Bengal on both sides of the international boundary agree upon, there has been a clear, unequivocal decision that, if nothing else, has positive intent. The issue is simply, the export of fish (and the much loved hilsa, at that) to India.
The government of Bangladesh’s commerce ministry, in a notification today said that 1,200 tons of hilsa would be exported to India (principally, West Bengal) during the Durga Puja celebrations beginning next weekend. This could be a big moment for the 90 million people of the state and also, for the 170 million people of Bangladesh. For, every kilogramme of this much loved fish will be sold at $US 12.5, a handsome amount overall.
Mr SHM Magfurul Hasan Abbasi of Bangladesh’s commerce ministry has mentioned today that 37 firms have received permission to export the hilsa and they are in different parts of the country including Dhaka, the capital, Pabna, Barisal, Jessore, Chittagong and Khulna. The exports can go on from today till October 5. Each firm will be allowed to export between 30 to 50 metric tons.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/bangladesh-hilsa-exports-india-durga-puja-article-152841301

A bank robbery occurred at a State Bank of India branch in Chadchan town, where masked men stole over Rs 3 crore in gold and cash late Tuesday. The gang, armed and numbering more than three, attacked after hours, restraining staff.

In a dramatic bank robbery, masked men looted gold and cash worth over Rs three crore from a State Bank of India branch in Chadchan town of Vijayapura district late Tuesday.
Police said more than three men stormed the bank after transaction hours, held staff at gunpoint, and tied them up before escaping with the valuables.
The gang used a Suzuki EVA vehicle with a fake number plate, investigators said. After the heist, they moved towards Pandharpur in Maharashtra. The vehicle later entered Hulajanti village in Solapur district, where it collided with a two-wheeler. Villagers told police the driver fled with the stolen material after an argument.

Preliminary reports suggest that 398 of the 425 gold bags in the branch, weighing about 20 kg and valued at Rs 2 crore, were taken. The robbers also fled with Rs 1.04 crore in cash.

CCTV footage is being examined, and a detailed investigation is under way, police said.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/karnataka-state-bank-of-india-vijayapura-branch-rs-3-crore-heist-masked-men-loot-gold-and-cash-cctv-video-article-152842411

The UN report last week said that persecution of Baha’is is a longstanding and systematic policy of religious repression that demands urgent international attention.

India’s Baha’is have drawn attention to the persecution of the community in Iran, the birthplace of the faith. The community said that the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has placed the persecution of the Baha’is in Iran among the world’s gravest human rights concerns, in his latest global report on intolerance and violence based on religion or belief.

The UN report last week said that persecution of Baha’is is a longstanding and systematic policy of religious repression that demands urgent international attention. “Baha’is in the Islamic Republic of Iran continue to face arbitrary arrests, imprisonment, and restrictions on access to education and livelihoods, targeted solely for their religious beliefs”, the report states. “Authorities routinely invoke vague charges such as ‘spreading propaganda against the regime’ to criminalise peaceful community activities. The rights of Baha’is, including to manifest their religion or belief, remain severely curtailed.”

The community in Mumbai said that the report carries special weight as it is issued on behalf of the entire UN system and reflects a consensus view at the highest level of the international community. The report undercuts the Iranian government’s repeated denials of human rights violations, the community said.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/un-flags-persecution-of-bahais-in-iran-as-a-major-global-human-rights-concern