Category: India

Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov on Wednesday said discussions between India and Moscow on the procurement of more S-400 air defence systems are “ongoing” as both countries continue to solidify the special and privileged strategic partnership.

In an exclusive chat with IANS, Mr Alipov, while citing various reports on Operation Sindoor, termed the performance of the S-400 system and jointly-manufactured BrahMos missiles as “exemplary”.

“From what we know, India has clearly stated the goals and undertaken actions after having identified the targets and the terrorists. As far as we know, during the operation, the S-400 system was used and the BrahMos missiles were engaged. Judging by the reports available, the performance of these weapons was exemplary,” Mr Alipov told IANS.

India has a longstanding and wide-ranging cooperation with Russia in the field of defence. The cooperation is guided by the IRIGC-M&MTC mechanism, headed by the Defence Ministers of both countries.

Time-tested partners, both countries have been involved in several bilateral projects, including the supply of S-400, licensed production of T-90 tanks and Su-30 MKI, supply of MiG-29 and Kamov helicopters, INS Vikramaditya (formerly Admiral Gorshkov), production of Ak-203 rifles in India and BrahMos missiles.

New Delhi and Moscow acknowledge that the military technical cooperation has evolved from a buyer-seller framework to one involving joint research and development, co-development and joint production of advanced defence technology and systems.

As the Indian Armed Forces successfully retaliated and also inflicted significant losses on Pakistan earlier this month, the S-400 air defence system has been credited with shooting down several incoming missiles from across the border.

Sources had indicated earlier that, considering the strategic planning and military preparedness, New Delhi may procure more S-400 air defence systems soon.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-india-pakistan-talks-on-russian-envoy-on-india-buying-more-s-400-air-defence-systems-8532356

Sarma also claimed that he had documents to back his allegations but would only make them public on September 10.

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday stepped up his attack on Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, claiming that he had documents to establish that Gogoi and his wife were “deeply into anti-India activities”.

Sarma also claimed that he had documents to back his allegations against Gogoi, who was appointed Assam Congress president on Monday, and his British wife, Elizabeth but would only make them public on September 10 after an ongoing probe by a special investigation team (SIT) of the state police into the allegations is completed.

“I have documents to prove that his wife is involved in collecting various intelligence inputs of Government of India on behalf of a climate lobby. On September 10, I am going to reveal their relationship with the Pakistan army, the interior department of Pakistan and how they are doing all these things for a climate lobby,” said the chief minister, who has been targeting Gogoi since February this year.

Sarma’s statement came after Gogoi rebutted his allegations, and told reporters in New Delhi that he had visited Pakistan in 2013 when his wife was employed there as part of a climate change project. On X, Gogoi also questioned if Sarma would resign if he could not prove his allegations.

Sarma said he would be able to prove the allegations.

“He and his wife (Gogoi) are deeply into anti-India activities, and I will prove it. Gogoi’s visit to Pakistan had nothing to do with his wife’s employment there, it was his personal visit. At that time, his wife was not in Pakistan. She was in India,” Sarma said.

He said Gogoi and his family were not nationalists because the MP’s wife and the couple’s two children hold British passports. “If in a family, three out of four members aren’t Indian citizens, can they be called nationalists?… Only someone who has no shame will admit that his wife and children aren’t Indian citizens,” Sarma said.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/gaurav-gogois-wife-collected-ib-reports-for-pak-agency-himanta-biswa-sarma-101748437667449.html

‘Pagis’ (meaning scouts) are local residents who often walk barefoot in the white desert in Kutch, their eyes focused on patterns in the vast landscape, noticing even a slight disturbance.

They can identify the enemy just by seeing footprints in the white desert sand in Kutch, and technical advancements may have been made, but security forces continue to depend on them for their expertise, including during Operation Sindoor.

The unique skill has been perfected by the ‘Pagis’ (meaning scouts), local residents who walk barefoot in the white desert, their eyes focused on patterns in the vast landscape, noticing even a slight disturbance.

After the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India launched Operation Sindoor with precision strikes on terror infrastructure inside Pakistan on May 7. Pakistan then targeted civilian and military sites in India on three successive days, prompting India to strike back and attack military installations, including key air bases.

Along with other border states like Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan, Gujarat was also targeted by Pakistan, and the services of Pagis were mobilised by the authorities.

Gujarat shares a 508-km border with Pakistan. The land border between the two countries is mostly the Rann of Kutch, a massive salt marsh in the Thar Desert that is difficult for security forces to patrol. Additionally, over half a dozen districts in the state share a sea border with the neighbouring country.

Officials from the Border Security Force and Gujarat Police said the skills of the Pagis have been utilised during peacetime – when they help thwart the smuggling of drugs and other contraband – and during phases of tensions with Pakistan, including 1965, 1971 and the Kargil war – and the escalation after Operation Sindoor was no different.

Pagis use their extraordinary skill and instinct to locate not only places in the desert without any maps but people and animals in a group – guessing their weight, height and even gender – by merely seeing the footprints of both camels and humans. “Naturally, they make the most coveted and unparalleled ‘soldiers’ on the line of defence,” an official said.

“We used all our resources, including the Pagis, during Operation Sindoor. We have a sufficient number of Pagis in the border areas, who work for us during peacetime as well. Pagis are experienced, and though some may have retired from our services, we still depend on them for their expertise. They help track the intruders in the border areas,” said Vikas Kunda, Superintendent of Police, Kutch West.

The Pagis, the officials said, helped them be sure that there were no enemies – terrorists or otherwise – entering Gujarat from the Pakistani side.

The Gujarat Police have a post called Pagi and 25 Pagis were recruited by the force in a single year in 2014. Their numbers have only increased since then. The Pagis also serve as guides to the Border Security Force.

The BSF conducts extensive patrolling on 168 km of the Pakistani border, where fencing is not feasible. This is where the skills of the Pagi prove especially useful – many Pakistani drug smugglers have been arrested or killed in these areas and drugs worth crores have been seized because of the information provided by them.

History

Ranchhor Das Rabari, a scout and tracker who helped the Army on the India-Pakistan border at Kutch in 1971, was immortalised by Sanjay Dutt in the Hindi movie ‘Bhuj: The Pride of India’, which also starred Ajay Devgn.

General Sam Manekshaw bestowed the title of Pagi on Ranchhor Rabari for being a scout for the Army since 1965. The title was a mark of respect and authority, recognising his knowledge and unique skills.

The Gujarat State School Textbook Board introduced a chapter on Ranchhor Pagi in its Gujarati subject textbook for Class 7 for the 2023-24 academic year. There is also a Ranchhor Das checkpost at the Kutch border named after him.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-pakistan-kutch-rann-of-kutch-scouts-footprints-in-the-sand-how-pagis-unique-skill-helped-gujarat-during-op-sindoor-8532292

Having met tour operators, the Chief Minister said that they want to promote Jammu and Kashmir and especially Kashmir.

Omar Abdullah was cycling on Tuesday in Pahalgam. On Wednesday, he was on a Gondola (cable car) ride in Gulmarg. The aim, he says, is to revive the tourist season, which suffered a body blow due to the deadly terror attack in the picturesque Pahalgam.

The visits by Mr Abdullah were also a counter to the “don’t go to Kashmir” narrative and the “boycott Kashmir” campaign being run by some.

“Terrorists also want this, that you don’t go to Kashmir. Those people are enemies of this country. They are not only enemies of Kashmir, they are enemies of the country. Of India. They are enemies of India who are running such a campaign. Because they are doing the same work as the terrorists did on April 22,” the Chief Minister told NDTV.

“This Boycott Kashmir campaign is to strengthen the hands of those people. And if these people want to do this, then let them do it. But I would like the central government to use its agencies and identify which people and which forces are running the boycott Kashmir campaign and take the strictest action against them,” Mr Abdullah said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Abdullah, 55, took his council of ministers and the whole administrative set up to a picturesque resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district for a meeting aimed at negating the perception of fear in the Valley. This came a day after a meeting of the council of ministers at a resort in south Kashmir’s Pahalgam.

Having met tour operators, the Chief Minister said that they want to promote Jammu and Kashmir and especially Kashmir.

“Tourism should gradually get a revival and this is our hope and this is our effort,” he said after meeting tour operators from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi.

The Chief Minister said he was hoping that there would only be 20 tour operators in the meeting, but that number rose to 70.

“We have come to thank the tourists who are associated with our tourism industry, to boost their morale and to send a message that the April 22 attack will not derail us from our mission,” the Chief Minister underlined.

On April 22, terrorists attacked holidaymakers enjoying picturesque Pahalgam, in a lush valley beneath snowcapped Himalayan peaks. Survivors said the attackers separated the men, asked several about their religion, and shot them at close range. All 26 killed were Indian nationals, except one from Nepal. Most were Hindus. One was a Kashmiri Muslim who gave horse rides for tourists.

“The terrorists want that there should be no progress here; they want that the environment should remain spoiled. They don’t want the tourists to come here. But God willing, we will succeed,” he said.

Asked if he was satisfied with the efforts and the tourist revival has begun, Mr Abdullah said,”There is still a lot to do. We have taken the first two steps. This is just the beginning. We will continue to do more.”

Mr Adbullah met the tourists with warm handshakes and smile, sought feedback about their Kashmir visit and happily posed for photographs and selfies with them.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pahalgam-terror-attack-on-boycott-kashmir-trend-omar-abdullahs-big-appeal-to-centre-8531990

Panda and Azad are part of one of the seven multi-party delegations India has tasked to visit 33 global capitals to reach out to the international community on Pakistan’s designs and India’s response to terror, especially in view of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.

Former Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is part of an all-party delegation to the Gulf region, has been admitted to a hospital and is now under medical supervision, BJP MP Baijayant Jay Panda said on Tuesday.

“Halfway into our delegation’s tour, Shri @ghulamnazad has had to be admitted to hospital. He is stable, under medical supervision, and will be undergoing some tests and procedures,” Panda, who is leading the delegation, said in a post on X.

It was not immediately known where and in which hospital the 76-year-old former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister had been admitted.

Taking to X, he said, “Blessed to share that despite the extreme heat in Kuwait affecting my health, by God’s grace I’m doing fine and recovering well. All test results are normal. Thank you all for your concern and prayers — it truly means a lot!”

Panda and Azad are part of one of the seven multi-party delegations India has tasked to visit 33 global capitals to reach out to the international community on Pakistan’s designs and India’s response to terror, especially in view of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.

The delegation visited Bahrain from May 23 and Kuwait from May 25, with Azad taking part in meetings with leaders in both nations.

Azad’s contributions to the meetings in the two countries were highly impactful, and he is disappointed at being bedridden, Panda said.

“We will deeply miss his presence in Saudi Arabia and Algeria,” said Panda, who arrived in the Saudi capital on Tuesday along with the delegation.

Apart from Azad and Panda, the group includes Nishikant Dubey, Phangnon Konyak, Rekha Sharma (all BJP), Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM), Satnam Sandhu (nominated), and former foreign secretary Harsh Shringla.

During the visit to Saudi Arabia, the delegation will interact with a cross-section of political dignitaries, government officials, thought leaders and members of the Indian community.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/ghulam-nabi-azad-admitted-to-hospital-amid-all-party-delegation-to-kuwait-3559852 

The Patna-based teacher, who has been alleged to be the man behind the protests against the Agniveer scheme a couple of years ago and the more recent stir by BPSC candidates, made the claim in a video he posted on Monday.

Internet sensation ‘Khan Sir’, whose “classes” on YouTube are raved about, claimed that he kept his marriage, solemnised earlier this month, a hush-hush affair because of the military conflict between India and Pakistan.

The Patna-based teacher, who has been alleged to be the man behind the protests against the Agniveer scheme a couple of years ago and the more recent stir by BPSC candidates, made the claim in a video he posted on Monday.

In the video clip, he was seen telling students of his class, “I did not tell you guys one thing: when the war was on, I got married.” The students can be heard erupting into cheers at the news as Khan Sir had a tough time making them hold their horses.

He said, “Initially I wanted to put off the wedding and go and help the soldiers fighting the enemy at the borders. But things had been planned by my parents and they were distraught.” “Finally, I relented. I cursed the Pakistanis for their sudden attack and agreed to tie the knot, but on the condition that nobody will be invited,” the famed YouTuber said.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/bihar/i-got-married-quietly-because-of-indo-pak-clash-khan-sir-3559625

The Murid air base is 150 kilometres from the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated in Pakistan’s Chakwal, supporting the Sargodha air base and the Nur Khan air base in Rawalpindi.

New high-resolution satellite images, accessed by NDTV, show extensive damage to the Murid air base of Pakistan, showing a three-metre-wide crater just 30 metres from an underground facility of the Pakistan Air Force and damage to the rooftop of a structure adjacent to unmanned aerial vehicle hangars.

The first image shows a massive crater at the air base after strikes.

“The Strike is visible at the most guarded complex within Murid Airbase. The approximately three-meter-wide munition impact crater is just 30 meters north of one of the two entrances to a likely underground facility,” says Damien Symon, a geospatial intelligence researcher associated with the Intel Lab, known for his work analysing satellite imagery to monitor military and infrastructure developments.

“This complex is heavily protected with double fencing, its own watchtowers and access control indicating its high-value nature as a target. The earth-protected entrances suggest this site might serve as storage for special equipment or as a hardened operational shelter for personnel, capable of withstanding heavy bombardment,” he added.

NDTV accessed an image from April 16 (Image 1), showing the undamaged building at Murid, a Forward Operating Base of Pakistan. The post-strike (image 2) from May 10 shows damage to the building. Mr Symon said, “Structural damage is evident at this facility, believed to serve as a command-and-control node near the UAV complex of the airbase. A portion of the roof has collapsed inward, and the outer walls also exhibit visible deterioration, likely from impact-related stress. A strike like this could’ve also caused damage within the upper floors of the building as well.”

The Murid air base is 150 kilometres from the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated in Pakistan’s Chakwal, supporting the Sargodha air base and the Nur Khan air base in Rawalpindi.

Both were struck by India on May 10, along with eight other bases. India struck deep inside Pakistan, its response was “measured and calibrated.”

New Images Of Nur Khan Air Base

Nur Khan is a strategic air base situated between Rawalpindi and Islamabad – the two nerve centres of Pakistan. The former is the headquarters of the Pakistan military, and the latter is the political power centre of the country. Satellite imagery from April 25, taken almost two weeks before the strikes, shows the facility and the undamaged trucks, says Mr Symon.

Satellite imagery from May 10 shows two trailer trucks, believed to be command and control facilities, having been destroyed by a pinpoint-accurate Indian strike. Post-strike image from May 17 indicates that Pakistani authorities cleared the area around the site of the attack, he added.

The image from May 17, taken a week after the strikes when a ceasefire was declared, shows Pakistan’s clean-up operation at the air base. Mr Symon, explaining the extent of damage, said, “Previously, only two special-purpose trucks were assessed as damaged here, but the demolition of the adjoining 7,000 sq ft facility indicates India’s strike had deeper consequences. The structures part of this demolished complex likely suffered extensive internal and structural damage, making repairs unviable for the Pakistan Air Force.

The Maxar high-resolution images, earlier accessed by NDTV, showed extensive damage to Pakistan’s Sargodha, Nur Khan (Chaklala), Bholari, Jacobabad, Sukkur and Rahim Yar Khan.

At the Jacobabad air base, a hangar was damaged after Indian strikes, and debris was visible in the satellite images. Hangars are structures built at an air base to protect aircraft, primarily for maintenance and repair.

During India’s precision strikes, Bholari air base was chosen as a target, and India struck the hangar, causing severe damage to its roof, as shown in an image from May 11.

Sukkur air base, located in the Sindh province, is a strategic air base for Pakistan, which lies west of the International border with Rajasthan.

A satellite image from May 10 shows severe structural damage at the base and massive debris on the side. There was vegetation burn that may have been caused by fire after the strike, with a possible burn/strike scar next to the damaged structure.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/satellite-pics-india-targeted-underground-facility-at-paks-murid-air-base-operation-sindoor-8523571

King Charles III was given a heartfelt standing ovation in Canada’s parliament in Ottawa after a historic speech in support of the country staying “strong and free”.

Outside the Senate building later, another voice from the crowd shouted: “Thanks for coming King Charles” in a voice full of emotion – as the King himself had sounded at the end of his speech.

But what was never mentioned was what the speech was really about: US President Donald Trump.

There was a promise to “protect Canadians and their sovereign rights”, but with diplomatic discretion, there was no mention of who might be threatening the country’s independence.

Claims by Trump that Canada would be the 51st US state hung over this speech, but his name was never uttered.

Not when the speech talked of the virtues of “open trade” (ie, not tariffs) or when it talked of a “critical moment” in which “democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination and freedom” must be protected.

And there was no one named as making it necessary to guard the country’s “fundamental rights and freedoms”.

There might even have been an olive branch, with a promise by the Canadian government to do more to stop fentanyl crossing the border, a drug that was the subject of accusations by the US administration. But there was no mention of Trump by name.

The opening of parliament followed a general election in which Mark Carney had been brought to power on a wave of anti-Trump sentiment.

The speech was written on the advice of the Canadian government, but there was a great deal of symbolism in the King reading it out. The King of Canada was in town.

Inviting King Charles seemed to have paid off for Carney, who afterwards said how well the speech had been delivered. “Our sovereignty is strong,” said Carney.

From the parliamentarians inside the packed chamber to the crowds pressed up against the railings outside, the King’s visit was seen as sticking up for Canada when it was under pressure from its bigger neighbour.

Compared with openings of Parliament in Westminster, this was a more dressed-down affair. No crowns or robes, with the King looking businesslike in a suit.

Showing this really is a relaxed country, the former PM, Justin Trudeau, was wearing a pair of green trainers.

A theme of this brief royal visit has been paying respects to the First Nations people and the King noted that parliament was meeting on the territory of the Algonquin people.

Among the parliamentarians were many representatives of First Nations communities, dressed in traditional outfits and spectacular headdresses. The speech, delivered in French and English, made a virtue of the country’s diverse roots.

Before the King’s arrival, there was an unmistakable sense of anticipation with the sober lawmakers taking a few quick selfies before the big royal moment. There was that nervous buzz ahead of something important.

There would be a long list of government plans and policies, but there was a bigger historic feel to events, with a huge media encampment outside and crowds lining the streets.

The opening of parliament took place in Canada’s Senate, which is currently using temporary accommodation while its own building is renovated.

The building being used by the Senate used to be Ottawa’s main railway station. You could still see how the floor of the chamber had once been the station concourse.

A different type of king, Elvis Presley, had come through here on a train journey in 1957. If there were suspicious minds here about whether King Charles would stand up for Canada, he was able to put that to rest.

In the warm Ottawa sunshine, there were crowds sending their own message by turning out to see the King. Even a fleeting visit here soon shows how deeply people have been upset by their near neighbours and allies in the US.

Source : https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y84pn0erxo

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday approved the “execution model” for implementing a major indigenous project to develop India’s fifth-generation, deep-penetration advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) for the Indian Air Force, potentially making India the fourth country to possess such stealth fighter jets.

At present, only three countries — the United States (F-22 and F-35), China (J-20), and Russia (Su-57) — operate fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft.

With China speculated to have developed a sixth-generation jet, India has recently accelerated the development of the AMCA, with advanced stealth capabilities, aimed at significantly enhancing the country’s air power.

“In a significant push towards enhancing India’s indigenous defence capabilities and fostering a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has approved the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme Execution Model,” the Defence Ministry announced on Tuesday.

Rajnath Singh called it an “important step towards harnessing the indigenous expertise, capability and capacity to develop the AMCA prototype, which will be a major milestone towards Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in the aerospace sector”.

The initial development cost of the project is estimated to be approximately Rs 15,000 crore, with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) spearheading the programme through strategic industry partnerships.

With the latest approval, eligible Indian companies can now bid either independently or as part of consortia for various aspects of the aircraft’s development. ADA is expected to issue an Expression of Interest (EoI) for industry participation in the coming months.

India’s confidence in the AMCA’s development received a major boost following the successful creation of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. Last year, the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, granted in-principle approval for the fighter jet programme.

The urgency around the project has grown in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor and rising tensions with China, which already operates a fifth-generation platform — J-20. Reports suggest China is also set to export 40 J-35 fighters to Pakistan.

A recent US Congressional report underlined China’s growing air dominance in the Indo-Pacific, noting its fleet of over 1,300 fourth-generation fighters and expanding deployment of J-20s, including near the Indian border in Tibet.

WHY IS AMCA A GAME CHANGER?

The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is an ambitious next-generation project aimed at developing a fifth-generation stealth, multi-role combat aircraft for both the Indian Air Force and Navy.

Designed to execute a wide array of missions, including air superiority, ground strikes, Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD), and electronic warfare (EW). The AMCA will significantly enhance India’s aerial combat capabilities.

The single-seat, twin-engine aircraft is designed for all-weather operations and is expected to have a maximum takeoff weight of around 25 tonnes. It will be capable of flying at altitudes of up to 55,000 feet. The aircraft will feature an internal weapons bay with a 1,500 kg capacity, support an external payload of up to 5,500 kg, and carry 6,500 kg of fuel.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rajnath-singh-new-fighter-jet-programme-amca-project-tejas-fight-2731149-2025-05-27

Terrorism as an instrument of state policy is a part of the military state of Pakistan, BJP’s Ravi Shankar Prasad had told media in France.

France on Tuesday reiterated its solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism emanating from Pakistan and agreed that the democratic world needs to speak in one voice on this issue, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said at the conclusion of the Paris leg of his all-party delegation’s visit to European capitals.

The nine-member delegation was joined by representatives of the India-France Friendship Group in the French Senate led by its Vice-President, Jacqueline Eustache-Brinio, as well as members of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee at the grand Luxembourg Palace for their final engagement in the French capital before departing for Rome, Italy.

“All the colleagues in the Senate in this majestic building have only one word to say: we are together with India in the fight against terrorism,” Prasad told reporters.

“They totally agreed that France and India, indeed the whole democratic world, need to speak in one voice in the fight against terrorism emanating from Pakistan and supported by the Pakistani state,” he said, adding that the delegation was “really touched” by this support and expressed gratitude to the French Senators.

“We saw it all here: energy, compassion, love for France and India and the people, that is the takeaway (of the visit),” he added.

The dialogue with the Senators followed a meeting with members of the India-France Friendship Group in the Assemblee Nationale (National Assembly) earlier on Tuesday.

“This meeting was very interesting for us to note how India sees France. We have a partnership that is very strong, very old and very good for both nations. It’s promising for the future,” said Thierry Tesson, President of the group which is planning a visit to India soon.

“We are fighting against terrorism in France also. Like the president of the delegation (Prasad), I agree it (terrorism) is like a cancer that has to be fought against. We are stronger when we are together against this cancer,” he said.

Earlier, the multi-party delegation including MPs Daggubati Purandeswari, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Ghulam Ali Khatana, Dr Amar Singh, Samik Bhattacharya and M Thambidurai, and former Union minister MJ Akbar and former Deputy National Security Advisor Ambassador Pankaj Saran addressed the local French media to highlight the global aspect of terrorism rooted in Pakistan.

“The distinction between the state of Pakistan and terrorism has now withered away. Terrorism as an instrument of state policy is a part of the military state of Pakistan,” Prasad told reporters.

The European delegation, one of 33 similar all-party teams travelling across the globe to express India’s zero-tolerance stance against terror, is now scheduled for dialogues and meetings in Italy. This will be followed by visits to Denmark, the UK, Belgium and Germany.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/manipur-bus-row-central-officials-locked-up-by-protesters-101748372781583.html

President Droupadi Murmu conferred Padma Awards to 69 individuals who have made contributions in diverse fields.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday attended the ‘Civil Investiture Ceremony-II’ at Rashtrapati Bhavan in which 69 individuals were conferred Padma Awards.

“Attended the Civil Investiture Ceremony-II, where the Padma Awards were presented. The Padma awardees have made notable contributions to our society. The life journeys of those who were conferred the Padma are deeply motivating,” the Prime Minister wrote on X.

Earlier, President Droupadi Murmu conferred Padma Awards to 69 individuals who have made exceptional contributions in diverse fields such as art, literature, education, public affairs, medicine, social work, science, sports, and industry.

The event was also attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and other dignitaries.

The event marked the second phase of the Padma Awards ceremony for the year 2025.

The Padma Awards, among the highest civilian honours of India, are conferred in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. This year, the government announced a total of 139 Padma awardees on the eve of Republic Day.

Among those honoured in this phase were three Padma Vibhushan, nine Padma Bhushan, and 57 Padma Shri awardees. The ceremony held special significance with 13 posthumous recognitions, honouring legends who left a lasting legacy in their fields.

One of the most emotional moments of the event was the posthumous conferral of the Padma Vibhushan to late Bhojpuri and folk singer Dr Sharda Sinha, whose music resonated deeply with the Indian heartland.

Other recipients of the Padma Vibhushan included former Chief Justice of India Jagdish Singh Khehar and classical dancer Kumudini Lakhia (posthumous).

The Padma Bhushan awardees included social activist Sadhvi Ritambhara, known for her role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, actor-politician Nandamuri Balakrishna, and celebrated journalist and author A. Surya Prakash.

Among the posthumous Padma Bhushan recipients were legendary singer Pankaj Udhas, veteran politician Manohar Joshi, and economist Bibek Debroy. enowned Malayalam writer M.T. Vasudevan Nair, and Osamu Suzuki, the Japanese industrialist known for his pivotal role in Suzuki’s partnership with India.

The largest share of honours came under the Padma Shri category, with 57 individuals recognised for their grassroots and innovative contributions across the country.

Notably, 23 of the awardees are women, showcasing the growing recognition of female excellence in various sectors.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/deeply-motivating-pm-modi-hails-life-journeys-of-padma-awardees-9355391.html

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is reportedly finalising an order worth Rs 2,000–3,000 crore for INVAR anti-tank guided missiles for the Indian Army, official sources said. While Defence Minister Rajnath Singh clears orders up to Rs 2,000 crore, any deal exceeding Rs 3,000 crore would require approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).
The INVAR missiles, known for their precision and compatibility with T-90 tanks, are expected to enhance the Indian Army’s firepower, particularly in the context of modern battlefield requirements.
Meanwhile, in a major boost to indigenous defence capabilities, the government has approved the execution model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme—India’s ambitious fifth-generation fighter jet project. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will lead the project, in collaboration with industry partners.

The cabinet committee on security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had given in-principle approval to the AMCA project last year. The initial development cost is estimated at around Rs 15,000 crore.

“In a significant push towards enhancing India’s indigenous defence capabilities and fostering a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme Execution Model,” the Defence Minister’s Office said in a statement on Tuesday.
The AMCA will be a medium-weight, deep-penetration fighter jet with stealth features designed to strengthen the Indian Air Force’s long-term capabilities. The ministry added that the execution model ensures equal opportunities for public and private sector entities, allowing them to bid individually, as joint ventures, or as consortia—provided they are Indian companies in compliance with domestic laws.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/india-defence-boost-rs-3000-crore-invar-missile-deal-awaits-cabinet-nod-article-151730801

India’s journey toward self-reliance began with INS Kalvari, the first of the Scorpene-class submarines built under Project-75. These submarines, constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai, have advanced stealth, sonar, and weapon systems, making them a formidable underwater force.

The Pahalgam terrorist attack, which killed 26 tourists, triggered a swift and robust Indian Navy response in the Arabian Sea, with carrier groups, destroyers, and submarines deployed at full combat readiness within 96 hours. This show of maritime strength forced the Pakistan Navy into a defensive posture near its harbours, demonstrating India’s resolve and deterrence following the attack.
It was not just a test of India’s resolve but a demonstration of how decades of indigenous naval development have transformed the nation’s ability to deter and respond to threats. As Indian naval assets surged into the Arabian Sea within 96 hours of the attack, it became clear that the backbone of India’s crisis response was not imported hardware but homegrown innovation and self-reliance—a vision encapsulated by the Navy’s Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) doctrine. The Indian Navy has truly led the way in self-reliance over the decades.

Some of the residents of the sector, who had noticed the parked car in a secluded area of the sector till late night, informed police as well as the ambulance, said that even though the police team came in about 15 minutes, the ambulance came after more than half an hour.

Seven members of a family from Dehradun, Uttarakhand, were found dead in a car in Sector 27, Panchkula, near here, late on Monday night.

Suspecting it to be a case of suicide due to huge debt and psychological issues, police said that the deceased family members, included one Praveen Mittal, 42, his father Deshraj, mother Vimla, Praveen’s wife Reena, twin teenage daughters Dhruvika and Dalisha and son Hardik.

Some of the residents of the sector, who had noticed the parked car in a secluded area of the sector till late night, informed police as well as the ambulance, said that even though the police team came in about 15 minutes, the ambulance came after more than half an hour.

Police said all the family members were presumed to have consumed poison inside their car which had its rear window panes covered with a towel and its doors locked from inside. When a police team reached the spot after being informed about the vehicle, Praveen was alive, who told the police personnel that he and his family members had consumed poison. Praveen also died after a few minutes.

A handwritten suicide note was also found from Praveen which read that he had gone bankrupt and he was responsible for the suicide by all. Stating that his father-in-law should not be harassed, the note further read that the last rites of his family should be done by his cousin brother.

Meanwhile, some of the relatives told police that the family had also lived in Panchkula and financially stable but they had moved to Dehradum about nine years ago after facing huge losses in business.

The family members also said that Praveen had taken a loan of about Rs 1 crore which he failed to repay and that he earlier ran a business of scrap material but had moved to Dehradun where he attempted to run a tours and travels business but failed and fell under huge debts.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/haryana-news-debt-mental-stress-suspected-in-deaths-of-7-family-members-in-panchkula-video

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), India’s premier defence research agency, is carrying out trials of the indigenously developed Kaveri jet engine in Russia and is planning to use it for powering the Made in India long-range Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV).

The Kaveri engine is undergoing detailed trials in Russia and there are around 25 hours of testing left to be done on it. The slots have to be given by the authorities, defence officials informed India Today TV.

The engine is planned to be used for powering the indigenous UCAV project, they said. Interest in the Kaveri engine has been revived as there is an ongoing trend in the Evian media, asking the government to #FundKaveri engine project.

The Kaveri engine was planned to be developed by the DRDO for the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), but due to delays in the programme, the combat aircraft had to be powered by the American GE-404 engines.

The GE-404 has been used to power the 32 LCA Mark 1s and the twin-seater-trainer versions. The 83 LCA Mark 1As are also set to be powered by the GE-404s, but the plan has been delayed due to issues in supplies by the American firm. Asked if the Kaveri engine could still be used for powering the LCA, the officials said there were plans to put the Kaveri on one of the LCA aircraft and showcase its capabilities.

The DRDO is also working towards working with a foreign firm for the development and manufacturing of a more powerful engine for the futuristic aircraft, including the Mark 2 versions of the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). India has been in talks with multiple firms, including those from France, the UK and the US. The decision in this regard is expected to be taken soon.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/kaveri-jet-engine-trials-underway-in-russia-to-power-unmanned-combat-aerial-vehicle-2731605-2025-05-28

A curious situation unfolded in the Supreme Court on Tuesday during the hearing of a plea questioning an earlier order permitting the Uttar Pradesh government to utilise funds for the Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan. The order, which was authored by Justice SC Sharma, was also a part of the present bench on Tuesday.

The case took an interesting turn as Justice BV Nagarathna, sitting alongside Justice Sharma, raised strong questions about the state’s involvement in what she described as a private dispute. Justice Nagarathna, who was heading the bench, questioned why the state decided to “hijack” a litigation between two private parties.

Justice SC Sharma, the author of the order and now a part of the bench examining it, clearly questioned how the applicant was seeking a review of the earlier judgment through an application, adding that the same cannot be permitted.

“The application was filed by a sevak (priest) of the temple, seeking modification of the Supreme Court’s earlier direction. I’m pleaded in the case as the party will question how a temple’s money could be handed over to the state without even making them a party,” the bench said.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the applicant, pointed out that the order regarding Banke Bihari Temple was passed in a case which was filed regarding Giriraj temple.

“How can you, by an order in another petition, direct that a private temple’s earnings be handed over to the government?” Sibal asked.

Justice Nagarathna appeared visibly concerned at the UP government’s interference.

“In what capacity has the state entered into this dispute? If states start interfering in private disputes between parties, it will be a breakdown of the rule of law,” Justice Nagarathna said.

While the state government claimed it was not a private dispute and a newly-issued ordinance now placed the temple funds under a trust’s control, Justice Nagarathna remained firm. “We’re not coming in the way of development. But hijacking private litigation by the state is not permissible,” she said.

Justice Sharma, whose prior judgment was being questioned, told the applicant during the hearing, “By filing this application, you want that judgment to be reviewed.” In response, Sibal said he was only seeking to be impleaded in the matter, not to reopen the judgment.

As Justice Sharma said the applicant should file a review first, Sibal responded by saying, he had to be impleaded first and the court cannot pass an order taking away the property of a private temple without pleading with them.

Justice Nagarathna observed that the only concern was the state government filing an impleadment in a private litigant, adding that it can do development work without being party to litigation.

The bench directed the UP government to place on record the latest ordinance issued on May 26 and asked the Principal Secretary of the concerned department to submit details. The matter will next be heard on July 29.

On May 15, the Supreme Court granted the UP government the go-ahead to implement its Rs 500-crore development plan for the Shri Banke Bihari Temple Corridor in Vrindavan, aimed at improving infrastructure and ensuring a safer pilgrimage experience.

A bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and SC Sharma had permitted the state government to utilise temple funds for acquiring approximately five acres of land surrounding the temple.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/law-news/story/supreme-court-raps-up-government-banke-bihari-temple-fund-case-vrindavan-litigation-parties-2731601-2025-05-28

A simple yet powerful symbol has become the face of India’s decisive military response to terror. The iconic logo of Operation Sindoor, now etched in the national consciousness, was designed not by advertising professionals or branding firms, but by two men in uniform — Lt Col Harsh Gupta and Havildar Surinder Singh.

The logo, unveiled shortly after India’s precision strikes on May 7 against nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir, uses symbolism that has deeply resonated with millions. The second “O” in Sindoor is designed with a traditional vermilion bowl — a sacred symbol of married Hindu women — its bold red hue speaks volumes about sacrifice, justice and national pride.

According to the Indian Army’s special edition of Baatcheet magazine, this now-iconic image was created in-house by the Social Media Section of the Additional Directorate General of Strategic Communication.

“Operation Sindoor was not just a military mission, but the face of a changing India,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during his Mann Ki Baat radio address. “It reflects the country’s resolve, courage, and growing strength on the global stage.”

The logo was first posted at 1.51 am on X on May 7, just minutes after the conclusion of the 25-minute air operation. It was accompanied by a crisp, thunderous message: “#PahalgamTerrorAttack Justice is Served. Jai Hind!”

The page-turning opening of Baatcheet carries the poster in full glory, underscored by the Indian Army emblem. The second page recounts the trigger — the April 22 Pahalgam massacre, where five terrorists slaughtered 26 civilians in the Baisaran Valley.

“This incident fortified the resolve of our country to fight terror with punitive action,” reads a caption titled Pahalgam.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/operation-sindoor-indian-army-reveals-designers-behind-viral-logo-glbs-2731607-2025-05-28

Hari put his hand inside her body after the sexual assault following which her intestines came out. He tried to put back the intestines, but could not do so.

One of the accused arrested for the gangrape of a tribal woman allegedly put his hand inside her body after the assault following which her intestines came out and she died of excessive bleeding in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh, police said on Monday.

“No iron or wooden rod has been recovered from the crime scene so far. She died of excessive bleeding,” Khargone range Deputy Inspector General of Police Siddharth Bahuguna and Kalwa police station in-charge inspector Jagdeesh Sindya told PTI over phone.

Sindya is the investigation officer of the case, in which two accused — identified only as Hari (40) and Sunil (35) — have been arrested by police.

Hari put his hand inside her body after the sexual assault following which her intestines came out. He tried to put back the intestines, but could not do so, said the in-charge inspector, citing the accused person’s statement to police.

Her intestines had come out, while the uterus remained unharmed, he added.

“We are piecing together evidences and video recording them. We are trying to get remand of the two accused to recover a blood-soaked bed roll from the cot from the scene,” Sindya said.

The initial post-mortem report is awaited, the police officer said.

The accused have been charged under sections 66 (causing death), 70 (1) (gangrape) and 103 (1) (murder punishment) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/madhya-pradesh/mp-gangrape-victims-intestines-had-come-out-after-assault-police-3558203

Justice Gavai, who has been part of several benches that delivered landmark rulings, including the one upholding the Centre’s decision to abrogate provisions of Article 370 that bestowed special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India on May 14.

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday hosted a dinner at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre to welcome the newly sworn-in Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai.

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Minister of State for Law and Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal, former CJI Justice Sanjiv Khanna and other dignitaries, including Supreme Court judges and Chief Justices of the High Courts also attended the dinner, the President’s office said in a post on X.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/delhi/president-murmu-hosts-dinner-for-newly-sworn-in-chief-justice-of-india-3558358

The Indian Army has unveiled images from the night ‘Operation Sindoor’ was launched, showcasing top military officials, including Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and Navy Chief Admiral DK Tripathi, monitoring real-time updates.

The Indian Army has released rare images from its war room, offering a behind-the-scenes look at ‘Operation Sindoor’ which was launched on May 7 to dismantle terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The pictures show Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral DK Tripathi, and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh monitoring real-time updates of the operation in a high-security command centre. Another senior officer of the Army is also visible along with them. These images have been released in a booklet on Operation Sindoor for the personnel and discuss the operation’s scope, coordination, and execution, highlighting the scale and significance of the strikes.
In the photos shared by ANI, one image, timestamped 1:05 AM, captures the exact moment Operation Sindoor was launched. The top brass of the Indian armed forces, including General Dwivedi and the senior officer, are seen watching live feeds from drone footage and satellite imagery, as the strikes were launched on nine terror targets. The officials can be seen monitoring the coordinated and multi-branch offensive on the feeds.

S Jaishankar acknowledged the US’s influence but underlined India’s independent approach to strategic decisions.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently offered a pointed response when asked about China’s role in the recent India-Pakistan military conflict following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly Hindu tourists.

In an interview with the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Jaishankar, without naming the specifics, noted that “many of the weapons systems that Pakistan has are of Chinese origin and the two countries are very close.”

“You know, many of the weapons systems that Pakistan has are of Chinese origin, and the two countries are very close. You can draw your conclusions from that,” the minister told the reporter about China’s role in the India-Pakistan conflict.

On a question about whether or not the military confrontation between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor reached a point of nuclear escalation, the EAM said, “he was astonished by the question.”

In a sharp retort, the minister said that anything that happens in South Asia is promptly linked to a nuclear crisis by the West.

Asked “how far away was the world from a nuclear conflict”, Dr Jaishankar said, “far, far away.”

“Very, very far away. I’m frankly astonished by your question. We have terrorist targets. Those were very measured, carefully considered and non-escalating steps. After that, the Pakistani military opened fire on us. We were able to show them that we could disable their air defence systems. Then the firing stopped at their request,” he said.

Jaishankar was also asked if the world should thank the US for the ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

He replied, “The cessation of firing was agreed upon between the military commanders of both sides through direct contact. The morning before, we effectively hit and incapacitated Pakistan’s main airbases and air defence system. So, who should I thank for the cessation of hostilities? I thank the Indian military because it was the Indian military action that made Pakistan say: We are ready to stop.”

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/what-eam-s-jaishankar-said-about-chinas-role-in-the-india-pakistan-conflict-operation-sindoor-draw-your-conclusions-101748284444229.html

Sri Jagannath Temple Administration would apply for patents of terms such as ‘Srimandir’, ‘Jagannath Dham’, ‘Mahaprasad’, ‘logo of Srimandir’ and more.

Amid the tussle between Odisha and West Bengal over naming of the Jagannath temple in Digha as Jagannath dham, the Jagannath temple management committee of Puri on Monday said it would apply for patent for expressions such as ‘Srimandir’, ‘Jagannath Dham’, and ‘Mahaprasad’.

The temple management committee which met in Puri on Monday said the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration would apply for patents of terms such as ‘Srimandir’, ‘Jagannath Dham’, ‘Mahaprasad’, ‘logo of Srimandir’, ‘Shrikshetra’, and ‘Purushottam Dham’. It has been approved in a high-level meeting today,” said SJTA chief administrator Arabinda Padhee.

“Patenting these temple-related terms is a legal measure aimed at preserving the sanctity, heritage, and unique identity of the Jagannath Temple. This step is crucial to prevent the indiscriminate use of sacred terminology linked to Lord Jagannath,” said Arabinda Padhee, chief administrator of the temple.

Last month, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the Jagannath Temple in Digha referring to it as “Jagannath Dham” sparking widespread criticism, as “Dham” is a sacred designation traditionally linked to Puri, per Hindu scriptures and Adi Shankaracharya’s designation of four Dhams (Puri, Badrinath, Dwarka, Rameswaram).

The Puri Shankaracharya and several others have argued that using “Dham” for Digha undermines Puri’s unique spiritual and cultural significance.

The Digha temple allows non-Hindus and foreigners, unlike Puri’s Hindu-only tradition, further fuelling objections.

BJP leaders Sambit Patra and Suvendu Adhikari accused the West Bengal government of using the temple for political leverage ahead of the 2026 assembly polls.

Though Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi this month wrote to Banerjee requesting the removal of the term ‘Jagannath Dham’ from the Digha temple’s official name, the Bengal CM remains unmoved.

Puri’s king Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb on Monday urged the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and the state government to take immediate action against the naming of the newly inaugurated Jagannath temple in Digha of West Bengal as ‘Jagannath Dham’.

“The nomenclature used for the Digha temple has deeply hurt the sentiments of devotees. Terms like Nilachal Dham, Shreekhetra, Srimandir, and Jagannath Dham have always been exclusively associated with the sacred temple in Puri,” he said.

The inauguration of the temple in Digha has already stirred a controversy after Ramakrishna Dasmohapatra, secretary of the Daitapati Nijog, the group of servitors that is responsible for some rituals during the annual Rath Yatra such as carrying the deities to their respective chariots, claimed that leftover wood not used in Nabakalabera was used for idols of Jagannath temple in Digha.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/jagannath-temple-body-to-apply-for-patents-on-names-101748304739735.html

A truck ran over six people who were removing a crashed vehicle from the road in Beed district of Maharashtra on Monday, officials said.

At around 8.30 pm, a car driven by Deepak Atkare of Gevrai climbed over the divider on a stretch of National Highway-52 near Gadhi village, about 100 km from here.

While some people were busy removing the car, a truck ran over them at around 11.30 pm, they said. Six of them died while one was injured, they added.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/6-killed-as-truck-runs-over-them-in-maharashtras-beed-cops-8515398

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, issued a stern warning to Pakistan from Gujarat’s Bhuj. “The people of Pakistan need to come forward to get their country rid of terrorism. Their youth will have to come forward,” he said. He further said, “Sukh chain ki zindagi jiyo, roti khao, warna meri goi toh hai hi.” Which roughly translates to, “Live peacefully, eat bread, or else my bullet is there.”

Earlier in the day, PM Modi held a roadshow in Gujarat’s Bhuj and later inaugurated multiple development projects. PM Modi received a warm welcome in his home state. People in large numbers had gathered to catch a glimpse of him. They waved at him and greeted him enthusiastically.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/roti-khao-warna-meri-goli-toh-pm-modis-stern-warning-to-pakistan-in-gujarats-bhuj-video

A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan was transferred out of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir just six days before the deadly terrorist attack struck the high-security area, sources told India Today TV.

The accused, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Moti Ram Jat, was posted to the 116th battalion of the CRPF in Pahalgam before his transfer.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which arrested Jat from Delhi earlier today, said he was involved in passing classified intelligence to Pakistan Intelligence Officers (PIOs) in exchange for money since 2023. According to officials, the information shared included operational details of Indian security forces, movement patterns, and locations of key military installations.

The soldier has been dismissed from the Army post his arrest. He is currently being interrogated by NIA officials, who are probing the depth of the espionage network and his possible links to the Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians, mostly Hindu tourists.

Jat landed in trouble after central agencies, working with the Army, flagged his social media activity, which allegedly “acted in violation of established norms and protocols,” according to a statement issued by the CRPF.

“Concurrently, the individual has been dismissed from service with effect from 21.05.2025, under the relevant provisions of the Constitution of India read with the CRPF Rules,” the statement said.

Jat was presented before a special court, which remanded him to NIA custody till June 6.

In the past two weeks, authorities have arrested at least 13 people from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh on espionage charges, uncovering what appears to be a Pakistan-linked spy network active across northern India.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/crpf-jawan-arrested-for-spying-for-pak-moti-ram-jat-pahalgam-posting-terror-attack-2730963-2025-05-26

The issue assumed a political colour in Telangana on Sunday with BRS Working President K T Rama Rao demanding an impartial and thorough investigation into the “allegations of harassment” made by Magee”.

A senior IAS officer in Telangana, who conducted an enquiry into Miss England Milla Magee’s reported allegations concerning ethical issues during the ongoing Miss World 2025 pageant, said that he found no evidence for the charges.

Jayesh Ranjan, a Special Chief Secretary of the state government, told PTI on Sunday that he has completed the inquiry and “no evidence was found” over Magee’s reported allegations.

Magee withdrew from the contest, citing family issues.

In a statement to a British tabloid, Magee reportedly expressed disappointment with the pageant’s environment, which she said did not align with her expectations of ‘beauty with a purpose’.

Contestants were allegedly expected to wear make-up at all times and remain dressed in ball gowns throughout the day, media reports said, quoting her.

Miss World CEO Julia Morley has denied the allegations.

The issue assumed a political colour in Telangana on Sunday with BRS Working President K T Rama Rao demanding an impartial and thorough investigation into the “allegations of harassment” made by Magee”.

Noting that Telangana has a rich culture of respecting and venerating women, Rama Rao said “such an incident” is profoundly distressing.

Magee withdrew midway, citing a family emergency involving her mother’s health, the organisers said on Saturday.

Following her departure, Charlotte Grant, the first runner-up of Miss England, has stepped in to represent her country.

“Earlier this month, Milla Magee requested to leave the competition due to a reported family emergency involving her mother’s health.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/telangana/no-evidence-found-in-miss-englands-allegations-telangana-govt-official-3556880

Stalin also wondered why his party, the DMK, should make compromises for the ED’s action, which is based on FIRs for the alleged irregularities in TASMAC during the AIADMK regime.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Sunday said his participation in the NITI Aayog meeting was considering deliberations over India’s growth plans.

He rejected accusations from opposition parties in this regard.

Writing to party cadres, Stalin said, as soon as the news of his participation in the NITI Aayog meeting on May 24 spread, political rivals were rattled and they began showing malice as usual.

Such opponents derived happiness by posing questions on his non-participation in the NITI meeting held in previous years, he said.

Also, they levelled allegations that he was meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in order to escape from the Enforcement Directorate’s “action” following the central agency’s searches in the state-run liquor corporation (TASMAC, Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation) premises in connection with an alleged scam, he said.

No other party has been targeted by central agencies, including the CBI and ED, like the DMK. Still, the party is only legally fighting against it in courts and has not surrendered like the main opposition party, AIADMK.

Stalin also wondered why his party, the DMK, should make compromises for the ED’s action, which is based on FIRs for the alleged irregularities in TASMAC during the AIADMK regime.

However, the Dravidian model regime has also proven that ED’s action in this regard violated the law, and the Supreme Court’s stay directive confirms this, the chief minister said.

He said, notwithstanding such explanations, the opposition parties will only reiterate the same allegations without reforming themselves.

Stalin alleged AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami was the one who mortgaged his party with Union Home Minister Amit Shah following raids by central agencies on premises linked to relatives and business associates in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Dismissing opposition allegations, Stalin asserted that, be it support or opposition, DMK’s stand had always been and would continue to be firm and resolute, and this was stated by none other than Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Seasoned national leaders, including Prime Ministers A B Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh, were aware of such a feature of his party.

The chief minister said he decided to take part in the NITI meeting as it was intended to discuss India’s future growth with chief ministers, and also considering that Tamil Nadu’s share in the national growth was very significant during the past 4 years of Dravidian model regime.

PM Modi’s interactions with CMs were quite natural in that meeting, and while the deliberations were about the journey towards a 30 trillion dollar economy by 2045, “I conveyed to the PM that Tamil Nadu’s share will be 4.5 trillion dollars.” Currently, Tamil Nadu’s share in India’s growth is about 10 per cent and it would go up to about 15 per cent, thanks to the Dravidian model government’s initiatives, and this was conveyed with confidence in the meeting.

The DMK, similar to its vigorous pursual of the state’s development goals (alongside national objectives, while in power) is also a truly patriotic organisation when it comes to national security, and this is the party’s characteristic since the days of party founder CN Annadurai.

He recalled the tricolour rally led by him recently in Chennai to show solidarity with the Armed Forces against the background of Operation Sindoor. Also, he pointed to DMK MP Kanimozhi leading the Indian delegation to Russia.

Hence, “political standpoint is different and extending cooperation to the government (union government) considering welfare of the nation is different.” In the same manner, the chief minister said he took part in the NITI Aayog meeting chaired by PM Modi to deliberate on growth goals. Stalin said he spoke on Tamil Nadu and batted for schemes and pending projects directly.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/tamil-nadu/cm-stalin-says-no-compromise-on-tns-rights-defends-participation-in-niti-aayog-meet-3556890

Pakistan, on the other hand, sees India as an “existential threat” and will continue the development of tactical nuclear weapons

India perceives China as its “primary adversary” and Pakistan as “an ancillary security problem to be managed” despite the military clashes this month triggered by New Delhi’s military strikes on terrorist facilities, according to a new assessment by the US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).

Pakistan, on the other hand, sees India as an “existential threat” and will continue the development of tactical nuclear weapons to counter India’s conventional military advantage, while tensions between India and China on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) are “capable of escalating quickly”, DIA director Lt Gen Jeffrey Kruse said in his worldwide threat assessment to the US House armed services subcommittee on intelligence.

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 to target terrorist infrastructure in territories controlled by Pakistan in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians last month. The strikes triggered four days of intense clashes using drones, missiles and long-range weapons that ended with an understanding between the two countries on halting military actions on May 10.

The DIA assessment, presented on May 11, said the Indian and Pakistani militaries had “agreed to a full ceasefire” after multiple rounds of missile, drone and loitering munition attacks and heavy artillery fire during May 7-10.

Kruse concluded: “India views China as its primary adversary and Pakistan more an ancillary security problem to be managed, despite cross-border attacks in mid-May by both India’s and Pakistan’s militaries.”

On the other hand, the DIA said, Pakistan regards India as “an existential threat and will continue to pursue its military modernisation effort, including the development of battlefield nuclear weapons, to offset India’s conventional military advantage”.

Pakistan is modernising its nuclear arsenal and “almost certainly procures WMD-applicable goods from foreign suppliers and intermediaries”, the assessment said. “Pakistan primarily is a recipient of China’s economic and military largesse, and Pakistani forces conduct multiple combined military exercises every year with China’s PLA”, it said.

Chinese-origin combat jets such as the JF-17 and J-10C and the PL-15 missile were extensively used by Pakistan during the recent clashes.

The DIA said foreign materials and technology supporting Pakistan’s weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programmes are “very likely acquired primarily from suppliers in China, and sometimes are transshipped through Hong Kong, Singapore, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates”.

The assessment further said tensions between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) are “capable of escalating quickly”, and the Indian government’s defence priorities will “probably focus on demonstrating global leadership, countering China, and enhancing New Dehli’s military power”.

“To counter Chinese influence and boost its global leadership role, India is giving priority to advancing its bilateral defence partnerships in the Indian Ocean region through exercises, training, arms sales, and information sharing,” the assessment said.

Last October, India and China reached an agreement on disengagement of forces two remaining “friction points” on the LAC and the leadership of the two countries agreed to revive several mechanisms to resolve the long-standing border dispute and to normalise relations.

The DIA said the “disengagement did not resolve the longstanding dispute about border demarcation but reduced some tension still lingering from a 2020 incident when troops on both sides were killed in a clash” along the LAC.

The DIA further assessed that India will continue promoting its “Make in India” initiative to build its domestic defence industry, mitigate supply chain concerns, and modernise its military. India also continued military modernisation efforts in 2024 by conducting a test of the nuclear-capable Agni-I Prime MRBM and the Agni-V multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle and by commissioning its second nuclear-powered submarine to “strengthen its nuclear triad and bolster its ability to deter adversaries”.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/china-adversary-pakistan-ancillary-problem-for-new-delhi-us-report-101748197965439.html

Employees are also no longer required to submit clearances from and attestation by their HR department for withdrawals and settlement of claims.

In a relief for employees who are locked out of their savings because of an overlap in service periods, the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), the state-backed retirement fund manager, has issued instructions that claims of such subscribers can’t be rejected.

An overlap in service period occurs when an employee is shown to be working in two different companies on the same date and this can happen when the exit date from one company and the joining date in another firm overlap due to various technical reasons or errors.

“It has been observed that transfer claim requests are being rejected due to the issue of overlap in service periods by the regional offices. However, overlapping in services can occur due to genuine reasons and therefore the same should not be considered to be a disqualification per se in effecting transfers,” a circular issued by the EPFO to all its offices on May 20 states.

Provident funds provide retirement income and a financial safety net for nearly 70-million salaried Indians. It is often the key corpus of lifetime savings for working people.

The EPFO said transfer claims, where a previous PF account is sought to be transferred to a current one to consolidate the savings, which can then be withdrawn, should be processed even if there are overlapping services. Such transfer claim requests should be paused only in cases where a genuine need for clarification is felt, the circular said.

“Only in cases where a genuine need is felt to clarify the overlapping of service, would the claims be processed after obtaining the requisite clarification,” the order said.

“This is great relief because let’s say, an employee worked for 20 years and there’s an overlap of even a single day between any of the employee’s two companies, then the money used to get blocked,” said personal finance expert Kunal Kabra of Kustodian.Life.

In such cases, in the event of an employee’s death, it was impossible for survivors of the PF subscriber to get funds released, according to Kabra.

The latest circular is part of a series of reforms at the retirement funds body by the Union labour ministry. Among key steps taken recently, employees are no longer required to submit clearances from and attestation by their HR department for withdrawals and settlement of claims. Both these processes have been moved completely online.

Employees also won’t need to submit cheque leaves and bank-attested updated passbooks while filing claims, especially for partial withdrawals due to financial emergencies, such as sudden health expenses, educational financing needs and marriages.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/overlap-in-service-no-ground-to-reject-claims-epfo-circular-101748198865915.html

A Reddit post has sparked widespread debate by highlighting the absurdity of modern job requirements. The post revealed that the user was rejected from a job for not having five years of experience with a software tool that was only launched in 2023. The irony of requiring expertise that couldn’t possibly exist has left many scratching their heads, prompting discussions about the disconnect between hiring practices and reality.

“Applied for a job I was genuinely excited about. One reason I got rejected? “Lack of experience in X.” I Googled it — the tool was released in 2023. The job post also said: Must have 5+ years of experience”. “We value adaptability. “Thrives in fast-paced environments.

“So let me get this straight — you want someone with future experience in a brand new tool… but also someone who’s adaptable? At this point, job hunting feels like: Company: “Must walk on water.” Me: “I can swim.” Company: “Sorry, not good enough.” This isn’t job search fatigue anymore. It’s corporate fantasy disguised as hiring. Anyone else run into this nonsense lately?” the user added.

The post went viral, with many professionals chiming in to share their own tales of absurd job requirements or simply expressing their incredulity at the situation.

One user wrote, “Peak corporate logic: ‘You’re too early for your own tool.”

Another commented, “This. Ghost recruitment or fake post to satisfy internal hiring requirements without actually allowing for other candidates. I would forward the post to someone higher up in the company and say “i was rejected as a candidate because of a requirement that is impossible as this software has not existed for 5 years. I wanted to bring this to your attention as this could negatively impact your ability to fill the roll. If you wanted to be really evil, you could watch the position for if/when they hire. If it’s an internal candidate you could raise issue.”

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/feature/job-applicant-rejected-for-not-having-5-years-experience-in-2023-launched-software-8503614#pfrom=home-ndtv_lateststories

A Dubai-bound Air India flight from Delhi faced drama due to a technical delay, leaving passengers without electricity for over 90 minutes. Further delays led to deplaning.

A Dubai-bound Air India flight from Delhi became a scene of intense drama on Sunday as travellers clashed with the crew over a technical delay. Flight 2205, scheduled to depart at 5 pm, was delayed by several hours due to technical issues.

Passengers on the flight were without electricity for over 90 minutes due to a power failure, which was attributed to a technical issue. As the delay dragged on, passengers grew restless, with some even choosing to deboard. After the issue was resolved, the crew had to re-conduct a hand baggage check before proceeding.

The cabin crew worked to keep passengers calm despite the technical issues, offering water and snacks. However, the pilot later announced another delay due to a failure in the external electrical source, dashing hopes of an imminent departure.

After some passengers complained of feeling claustrophobic and some said they don’t feel safe anymore, all passengers were deplaned, probably for reboarding later.

Earlier, passengers on an Air India flight from Delhi to Patna were allegedly made to sit inside the aircraft for hours despite a non-functional air conditioning system.

A video of passengers creatively using in-flight magazines as hand fans to cope with the heat is going viral on social media.

One of the passengers, Rashtriya Janata Dal MLA Rishi Mishra, made a self-recorded video from the flight. In the video, passengers were seen complaining about the non-functional air conditioning.

Source : https://www.news18.com/viral/passengers-argue-with-crew-on-delayed-dubai-bound-air-india-flight-deplaned-after-feeling-unsafe-ws-l-9352256.html

Security forces fired several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the protesters in front of Kangla Gate, some 150 metres from Raj Bhavan gate.

Several people were injured after a scuffle broke out between protesters and security forces who were on their way to gherao the Raj Bhavan against the removal of the state’s name from a government bus.

The security forces fired tear gas shells and used mock bombs to disperse protesters in front of Kangla Gate, some 150 metres from Raj Bhavan gate, news agency PTI reported.

The protesters responding to a call by COCOMI (Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity) to stage mass agitation against the alleged removal of “Manipur” from Manipur State Transport bus with journalists on board on May 20 en route to the Shirui Festival in Ukhrul district.

The protestors marched for some 500 metres before they were stopped by security forces. They were demanding an apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla over an alleged insult to Manipur’s identity.

Five protesters have been admitted to hospital with injuries, a hospital official said.

The governor continues to disregard the sentiments of the people by his silence. He and his administration has completely humiliated the state’s historical and cultural legacy all the while administering the state. The inquiry commission set up by the government to probe the incident is not enough and does not mention anything about penalising those who were involved,” a protestor told the news agency.

A row erupted after a media team, en route to cover the opening ceremony of the five-day-long Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district on May 20, was forced to return to Imphal, allegedly after some security personnel blocked their bus at Gwaltabi in Imphal East district.

It was alleged that security forces had stopped the state-run bus, on which journalists were being taken by the government to cover the tourism festival in the district on Tuesday, and forced the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) staffers to cover the state’s name written on the windshield with a white paper.

COCOMI had announced the statewide agitation and demanded the resignation of the Chief Secretary, DGP, and Security Advisor over the incident. The group had also announced a civil disobedience movement across the state in protest against the Governor’s alleged refusal to apologise for the removal of the state’s name from the government bus.

Meanwhile, the Manipur government earlier this week ordered a probe into the allegations.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/protesters-scuffle-with-security-forces-near-manipur-raj-bhavan-several-injured-ws-kl-9352212.html

Canada’s new Prime Minister Mark Carney is pushing for deepening economic cooperation with India

In the first official conversation since a major diplomatic dispute between India and Canada, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his counterpart Anita Anand.

Canada’s new Prime Minister Mark Carney is pushing for deepening economic cooperation with India. The country will be hosting the G7 Summit from June 15 to 17.

Anand made the announcement on her social media handle on X, thanking Jaishankar for the “productive discussion” on Indo-Canadian ties.

“Thank you Minister @DrSJaishankar for the productive discussion today on strengthening Canada-India ties, deepening our economic cooperation, and advancing shared priorities. I look forward to continuing our work together,” she wrote on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had congratulated Carney on being elected as the Prime Minister after his predecessor Justin Trudeau stepped down from the role. In his message, he had stressed strong people-to-people ties between the two countries while saying he was looking forward to “unlocking greater opportunities”.

With Carney, it looks like India wants to turn a new leaf in bilateral ties that had nosedived under Trudeau amid unsubstantiated allegations against New Delhi related to the killing of pro-Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023.

Even during his campaign, the Canadian Prime Minister said rebuilding ties with India was a priority for his government, describing it as an “incredibly important relationship”. He had said Canadians have deep personal, economic and strategic ties with India.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/in-first-conversation-after-major-diplomatic-meltdown-jaishankar-speaks-to-canadian-counterpart-ws-l-9352286.html

A Liberian container ship, MSC ELSA 3, sank off the Kochi coast, carrying 640 containers, including hazardous materials. All 24 crew members were rescued after the vessel developed a critical tilt and capsized.

Liberian vessel carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous cargo, sank off the Kochi coast on Sunday, sparking fears of a possible oil spill. All 24 crew members were rescued after the ship developed a critical tilt on Saturday, according to officials.
So far, no oil spill has been reported, the Ministry of Defence said on Sunday as full pollution response preparedness was activated by the Indian Coast Guard which was monitoring the situation along with the Indian Navy.
“Liberian container vessel MSC ELSA 3 (IMO NO. 9123221) sank off the Kochi coast at around 0750 hrs today on May 25, 2025, due to flooding…

“The vessel went down with 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous cargo and 12 containing calcium carbide. It was also loaded with 84.44 MT of diesel and 367.1 MT of furnace oil,” the ministry said in a statement.

Of the 24 crew members, 21 had been rescued by the Indian Coast Guard on Saturday, and the remaining three were later rescued by INS Sujata, which joined the rescue operation launched by the ICG.
Given the sensitive marine ecosystem along Kerala’s coast, the ICG has activated “full pollution response preparedness” and ICG aircraft equipped with advanced oil spill detection systems are conducting aerial surveillance, officials said.
“ICG ship Saksham, carrying pollution response equipment, remains deployed at the site. So far, no oil spill has been reported,” the defence ministry said.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has cautioned the general public against touching any cargo containers or oil spills that may wash ashore.
The coast guard has confirmed that the vessel was carrying Marine Gas Oil (MGO) and Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO).
Deploying its ships and aircraft, the Indian Coast Guard had launched a rescue operation on Saturday following a distress call from the Liberian container vessel that developed a critical 26-degree list nearly 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi.
The emergency began on May 24, when MSC ELSA 3, en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi, developed a 26-degree “starboard list” approximately 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi, the officials said.
The vessel lost stability, prompting a distress call. ICG’s Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC) in Kochi immediately launched a coordinated response, they said.
“An ICG Dornier aircraft was deployed for aerial surveillance, spotting two life rafts with survivors. ICG patrol ships and merchant vessels MV Han Yi and MSC Silver 2 were also diverted to assist, in line with global search and rescue protocols,” the defence ministry said.
By late evening of Saturday, 21 of the 24 crew, including nationals from Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, and the Philippines, had been rescued. Three senior crew members remained onboard to assist with salvage arrangements, it said.
“However, the vessel’s condition deteriorated overnight and it capsized on May 25. The three crew members were forced to abandon the ship and were rescued by INS Sujata,” the statement by the ministry said.
The Coast Guard on Sunday also shared the rescue operation update and some pictures on X.
Noting that the sensitive coast of Kerala is home to both vivid biodiversity and is a major tourist attraction, the Coast Guard in a statement issued earlier in the day, said, the ICG has geared up pollution response preparedness and coordination with the state administration for all possible scenarios.
“ICG aircraft with advanced oil spill mapping technology are undertaking an assessment of the situation. Presently, no oil spill has been reported,” it said.
A Defence PRO said another vessel from the parent company had reached the area as part of the assistance efforts.
He added that the Coast Guard, which spearheaded the rescue operation, and Indian Navy ships are maintaining their positions in the area and monitoring the situation.
The KSDMA has cautioned the general public against touching any cargo containers or oil spills that may wash ashore.
They have also urged people to immediately inform the police if they spot any containers or oil on the shore.
The 184-metre-long vessel, MSC ELSA 3, departed for Kochi from Vizhinjam port on Friday.
At around 1.25 pm on May 24, the company owning the ship informed Indian authorities that it was listing by 26 degrees and sought urgent assistance.
The Coast Guard was coordinating rescue operations by maintaining ships and aircraft near the distressed vessel.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/no-oil-spill-so-far-indian-navy-on-high-alert-after-liberian-ship-sinks-off-kerala-coast-article-151717094

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is considering a new toll policy that includes a FASTag Annual Pass for Rs 3,000, allowing unlimited travel on national highways for a year. Users can choose between this pass or a distance-based pricing model at Rs 50 per 100 km.

A new toll policy could allow vehicle owners to opt for a FASTag Annual Pass, allowing them to have unlimited travel on national highways and expressways with a one-time payment of Rs 3,000 per year.
According to a report in Times Of India, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is considering a dual-payment system under the new toll regime, offering users the choice between an Annual Pass and distance-based pricing. Changes are also being considered in regards to physical toll booths to make travel seamless.

YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra was arrested for allegedly leaking sensitive information to Pakistani intelligence. Following her arrest, a photo of her with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi circulated online, prompting public outrage. But here’s the truth.

Days after Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra was arrested for espionage and allegedly leaking sensitive information to Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs), a picture of her with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has gone viral on social media.
The photograph linking Jyoti Malhotra and Rahul Gandhi was shared by several users on social media platform X, who wrote, “Rahul Gandhi with notorious YouTuber, Jyoti Malhotra!” Jumping on the bandwagon, others expressed outrage over Gandhi meeting Malhotra and questioned the ties between the Leader of the Opposition and the YouTuber, who has been booked under the Official Secrets Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

According to a report, 47 people were declared dead a total of 280 times over three years from 2019-2022. Every time a person was declared dead due to a snake bite, Rs 4 lakh was issued as the government’s financial aid.

In a shocking case of fraud involving government aid for those who died of snake bites or drowning, 47 people were declared dead a total of 280 times due to ‘snake bites’ in Madhya Pradesh’s Seoni district. The startling case has unravelled a crime that was committed over three years to the tune of Rs 11.26 crore. A report said that each time a person was declared dead, an amount of Rs 4 lakh was issued as a natural disaster relief aid.

The scam finally came to notice when the Revenue and Accounts Department conducted an audit in November 2022. According to a report in India Today, the officials of the department found that 47 people were declared dead about 280 times from 2019 to 2022.
“The relief amount is given to the kin of people who died of snake bite or drowning. After investigation, we found that Rs 11 crore 26 lakh has been misappropriated and sent to the accounts of 47 people,” Investigation Officer, Rohit Singh Kaushal, was quoted as saying by India Today.

Citing an example, he said a woman named Dwarka Bai, who had died of a snake bite, was declared dead 29 times. As per the report, a relief amount of Rs 1.16 crore was released in her name. A man, Shri Ram, apparently died 28 times, and Rs 4 lakh was sanctioned each time, totalling to Rs 1.12 crore.

Gangaram co-existed peacefully with people of Bawa Mohtara for 130 years.

Stories of human-wildlife coexistence in India are often headlined by elephants, leopards and tigers, but a village in Chhattisgarh has an unlikely protagonist in its tale: a crocodile.
Gangaram was a beloved and docile Mugger, whom residents of Bawa Mohtara considered a friend. In 2019, when he died aged 130, the village had a funeral and later built him a memorial.
And why, should you wonder, was a village so attached to a crocodile? Peaceful co-existence. They trusted Gangaram not to attack their children at play or women when they washed clothes at the edge of his pond.

Crocodiles are highly-successful apex predators that have been around for millions of years, without having to evolve significantly. They are incredibly strong, stealthy and almost invincible.

Humans may not be their natural prey, but, being opportunistic predators, the reptilian behemoths are not above hunting us, especially when they feel threatened.
It was clear that Gangaram was extraordinarily special. And so, for 130 years, Bawa Mohtara lived in harmony with their friendly water neighbour, even coming to be known as ‘Magarmachha-vala gaon’ or the crocodile village at one point.
In January 2019, he died of natural causes. About 500 people gathered for his funeral, to which Gangaram was taken on a tractor, garlanded.
“After getting information about its death, the forest personnel went there and a post mortem was conducted by veterinarians,” the sarpanch said.
“After the autopsy, the carcass was handed over to the villagers as they wanted to perform its final rites.”
In fact, many mourning homes didn’t even cook that day.
A few years later, the village built a memorial to the crocodile by the pond in which he lived.
Then-sub-divisional forest officer R K Sinha said Bawa Mohtara had set a rare example of coexistence, considering predators who enter human settlements aren’t usually given the same treatment.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/viral/why-a-chhattisgarh-village-gave-a-crocodile-a-funeral-and-a-memorial-article-151715893

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) patron Lalu Prasad Yadav on Sunday expelled his elder son Tej Pratap Yadav from the party for six years, citing his “irresponsible conduct” and deviation from the family’s values and public decorum.

This came a day after a purported post by the 37-year-old on Facebook spoke of his long-standing relationship with Anushka Yadav, saying that they have been in love and in a relationship for the past 12 years. However, he later claimed that his Facebook account was hacked and the photos edited to defame him and his family.

Announcing the move in a social media post, the former Bihar Chief Minister said that ignoring moral values in personal life weakens the party’s collective struggle for social justice, adding that the conduct of Tej Pratap was not in line with family values or traditions.

“Ignoring moral values in personal life weakens our collective struggle for social justice. The activities, public conduct and irresponsible behaviour of the eldest son are not in accordance with our family values and traditions. Therefore, due to the above circumstances, I am removing him from the party and family. From now on, he will not have any kind of role in the party, and the family. He is expelled from the party for 6 years,” Lalu Yadav said in a post written in Hindi.

“He is capable of differentiating between the good and bad and the merits and demerits of his personal life. Whoever will have relations with him should take a decision as per their own discretion. I have always been an advocate of public shame in public life. The obedient members of the family have adopted and followed this idea in public life. Thank you,” he added.

Lalu Yadav’s younger son and Tej Pratap’s younger brother, Tejashwi Yadav, shared his thoughts on the development while speaking to the media in Patna on Sunday, and said that, according to him, one should keep their political and personal life separate.

“As far as I am concerned, I neither like nor tolerate all this. Personal life should be separate. He is the elder one, and has the right to take his own decisions. But Lalu ji has also made his thoughts clear through a tweet. He did what he thought was right. I came to know about this only through the media,” Tejashwi Yadav said.

Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) hit out at Lalu Prasady Yadav, calling his move an eyewash by the RJD patron in the wake of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.

“Lalu ji is misleading. Why did his conscience not awake when the Lalu family committed a heinous sin against Aishwarya (Tej Pratap Yadav’s former wife). This is pure immorality. He is misleading the people at the time of the elections and after the polls, Tej Pratap will be taken back into the party,” JDU national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan said.

Notably, Tej Pratap’s divorce case with Aishwarya Rai remains stuck in court. His marriage to Rai, granddaughter of ex-Bihar CM Daroga Rai, collapsed within months, with Aishwarya accusing her husband and in-laws of throwing her out.

Aishwarya’s father, Chandrika Roy — himself a former minister, quit the RJD in protest, pledging to fight the battle “politically and legally”.

THE POST THAT STIRRED ROW

On Saturday, the purported post garnered a lot of attention on the social media platform. While many people praised Tej ‘Pratap’s courage, some netizens were curious to know whether this relationship will now lead to marriage.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/tej-pratap-expelled-lalu-yadav-rjd-bihar-assembly-elections-tejashwi-yadav-2730278-2025-05-25

Ahead of PM Modi’s Gujarat visit, the roads and streets in his home state have been adorned with gigantic billboards, posters and hoardings, hailing the Prime Minister as well as the Armed Forces for the successful Operation Sindoor.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to reach Gujarat, his home state, for a two-day visit beginning Monday, where he will launch many big-ticket projects amounting to thousands of crores. This marks his first visit to his home state, after Operation Sindoor — Indian Armed Forces’ targeted strikes that turned terror bases into ashes, across the border.

Ahead of PM Modi’s Gujarat visit, the roads and streets in his home state have been adorned with gigantic billboards, posters and hoardings, hailing the Prime Minister as well as the Armed Forces for the successful Operation Sindoor.

Huge posters have been put up at key intersections of the cities, including Ahmedabad and Bhuj, billboards erected at multiple locations to celebrate the armed forces’ targeted strikes across the border under PM Modi’s stewardship.

Big advertisement boards displaying the success of Operation Sindoor have been put near Metro stations, roundabouts and other locations.

The elaborate arrangements for the Prime Minister’s visit to his home state seek to showcase the idea and resolve of ‘New India’ that doesn’t fear but deters its enemies with stern action, under the strong leadership of PM Modi.

During his two-day visit to Gujarat, PM Modi is set to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple projects, including Rs 53,400 crore in Bhuj and Rs 24,000 crore in Dahod.

The PM will begin his Gujarat tour with Dahod visit on May 26, where he is scheduled to arrive around 11:15 a.m. He will dedicate to the nation Indian Railways’ Locomotive Manufacturing Plant, which will produce 9,000 HP electric locomotives for both domestic use and export. He will also flag off the first electric locomotive manufactured at the plant.

Thereafter, he will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate multiple development projects worth around Rs 24,000 crore in Dahod and will also address a public function.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/gujarat-gears-up-for-pm-modis-visit-with-operation-sindoor-posters-on-may-26

Abdullah also raised the issue of recent shelling from Pakistan that claimed 23 lives in Poonch, Rajouri and north Kashmir and underlined that the construction of individual bunkers for residents is necessary.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday proposed a dual approach to resuscitate Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism sector, severely impacted by the Pahalgam terror attack, urging the Centre to mandate PSUs to hold meetings in Kashmir and to convene parliamentary committee meetings there.

Speaking at the Governing Council meeting of the NITI Aayog under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Abdullah also raised the issue of recent shelling from Pakistan that claimed 23 lives in Poonch, Rajouri and north Kashmir and underlined that the construction of individual bunkers for residents is necessary.

Acknowledging the severe impact of the recent events on the vital tourism sector, Abdullah proposed that as an immediate step, the government should direct its public sector undertakings (PSUs) to hold their meetings in Kashmir.

He also strongly pitched for holding of parliamentary consultative committee and parliamentary standing committee meetings in Jammu and Kashmir.

These concerted efforts by the government will significantly alleviate public fears, foster a renewed sense of security and trust, and ultimately pave the way for the revival of tourism in the Kashmir valley, bringing much-needed economic relief and a return to normalcy, he added.

During his extempore speech, the chief minister hailed the public’s defiance against the April 22 Pahalgam attack while simultaneously seeking the Centre’s attention for the region’s security, tourism and economic revival.

The security challenges post-Pahalgam have severely impacted Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, particularly its crucial tourism sector — a significant source of livelihood for many in the region.

Abdullah emphasised that while the nation mourns the loss of lives in the Pahalgam massacre, the memory of the 23 people who died due to shelling from across the border must not be forgotten.

The speech began with the chief minister commending the widespread condemnation from the people of Jammu and Kashmir following the Pahalgam massacre, which claimed 26 lives.

He also extended his gratitude to the central leadership, including the prime minister, for its crucial assistance in protecting Kashmiris targeted by anti-social elements in the rest of the country in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack.

“When the victims of the Pahalgam massacre are remembered, the nation should also not forget 23 people who lost their lives in shelling from across the border as they were also killed by shells that emanated from Pakistan,” he said, drawing a direct link between the violence and its source.

India launched Operation Sindoor and targeted nine terror camps, including the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba outfits, on May 7. This was followed by heightened tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB).

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/delhi/hold-psu-parl-panel-meetings-in-kashmir-to-allay-public-fears-revive-tourism-omar-abdullah-at-niti-aayog-meeting-3556062

Shashi Tharoor stressed global solidarity against terrorism during a visit to New York. He asserted that India, like the US, will not remain silent in the face of such attacks.

Shashi Tharoor, who arrived in the United States as the leader of the all-party delegation, on Sunday said India will not be sitting quietly against the forces of evil.

Delivering his remarks while speaking to the media outside the 9/11 Memorial in New York City, the Congress MP also called on the global community to stand together with mutual solidarity and strength against the menace of terrorism.

Referring to the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Centre in the US, Tharoor said that the visit to the memorial is a solemn reminder of how, just like the US, India has been subjected to terrorism.

“We in India have been subject to the same wounds that you are seeing the scars of today in this very moving memorial. We have come in a spirit of solidarity, we have come at the same time on a mission,” Tharoor said.

The delegation, which is presently in the United States, will also visit Guyana, Panama, Brazil, and Colombia.

“In these countries, we are hoping to be able to explain to the world how important it is for all of us to stand together against the scourge of terrorism. Just as the US showed such resolution and determination in the wake of 9/11, so too our country has stood up against the forces of evil who attacked us on April 22,” he said.

“We hope that a lesson has been learned by those who perpetrated this attack and by those who finance, train, equip, and direct them, but we want to communicate to the world that we will not be sitting quietly if this is repeated.”

“We want the world to understand that this is not a time for indifference, but for mutual strength and mutual solidarity, so that we can all unitedly stand up for the values that the United States has always cherished – the values of democracy, of human freedom, of diversity, of coexistence of people of different communities, none of which sadly is on the agenda of those who conducted such attacks,” he added.

WHAT SHASHI THAROOR TOLD THE CONSULATE

After paying tribute at the 9/11 memorial, Tharoor, during an interaction at the Consulate, Congress in New York, said, “We came both as a reminder that this is a shared problem, but also out of a spirit of solidarity with the victims, who included Indians. It is a global problem, we must fight it unitedly.”

Speaking about how India has been subjected to terror acts time and again, Tharoor underlined that “Perpetrators of terror should indeed be brought to justice, and we are not going to stop our hunt for those who did this latest atrocity”.

He said, “We need to think about where these people are based, where they have safe havens, where they are trained, equipped, financed, guided, armed, and often directly directed. To perpetrate these horrors, and they too should be accountable for what they have been doing.”

“We are determined now that there’s got to be a new bottom line to this. We have tried everything, an international dossier, complaints… everything has been tried. Pakistan has remained in denial, there has been absolutely no conviction, no serious criminal prosecution, no attempt to dismantle the terror infrastructure in that country, and the persistence of safe havens,” Tharoor said.

“You (Pakistan) do this, you are going to get this back, and we have demonstrated with this Operation (Operation Sindoor) that we can do it with a degree of precision,” Tharoor mentioned.

Speaking further, the Congress MP said, “Some people decided that they would want to attack that process of normalisation (in Jammu and Kashmir), second to undermine the narrative, as well as the prosperity of the people of Kashmir. Third, by doing so in an atrocious manner, that is, it was not just a terrorist attack of somebody incriminating going on people with a bomb. It was a bunch of people going around identifying the religions of the people before them and killing them on that basis, which was clearly intended to provoke a backlash in the rest of India, since the victims were overwhelmingly Hindu.”

“The message was very clear that there was a malign intent, India, sadly, had no reason to doubt where it came from,” he said.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/shashi-tharoor-delegation-us-new-york-message-against-terrorism-india-pakistan-conflict-pahalgam-terror-attack-operation-sindoor-9351399.html

The directive comes amid growing concerns over a rising trend of law enforcement officers engaging in online content creation

In a bid to uphold professional discipline, the Kolkata police department has issued strict directives, barring all personnel under its jurisdiction from creating or sharing social media reels while in uniform or within police premises.

Senior officials have conveyed the instructions to all police stations (thanas) across the city, warning that any violation of the order will be met with disciplinary action.

The directive comes amid growing concerns over a rising trend of law enforcement officers engaging in online content creation, which authorities believe undermines the dignity and decorum expected of a disciplined force.

A senior officer told News18, “It’s a clear violation of discipline and unbecoming of a member of a disciplined force. Such actions are not in line with the standards we are expected to maintain and cannot be tolerated.”

Recently, several videos of uniformed police personnel from various states have gone viral, drawing criticism and sparking debate. Members of the police fraternity believe these incidents, along with similar occurrences within other forces, have prompted this decisive move.

Sources indicate that personnel have been instructed to adhere strictly to the directive, and any failure to comply will lead to action. Over the past month, three police officers have already been suspended over issues related to behaviour and discipline, signalling the force’s firm stance on such matters.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/no-reels-in-uniform-kolkata-cops-under-the-lens-as-police-dept-enforces-new-disciplinary-rule-9351283.html

On Feb 28, the EPFO had kept the widely watched metric of middle-class savings unchanged at 8.25% despite global financial uncertainties, following which the decision had been sent to the finance ministry for concurrence.

New Delhi The Centre has ratified the decision of the trustees’ board of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), the state-run retirement fund manager, to maintain the interest rate on provident-fund deposits for 2024-25 at 8.25%, a move that will benefit nearly 70 salaried Indians.

On Feb 28, the EPFO had kept the widely watched metric of middle-class savings unchanged at 8.25% despite global financial uncertainties, following which the decision had been sent to the finance ministry for concurrence.

“The finance ministry has given its concurrence to the 8.25% PF interest. The labour ministry has sent a communication to the EPFO in this regard,” an official said. With this, the interests accrued will be credited to the accounts EPFO subscribers.

Provident funds provide retirement income and a financial safety net for nearly 70-million salaried Indians. It is often the key corpus of lifetime savings for the working people.

The present EPF deposit interest rate is significantly lower than the EPF deposits rate for the year 2015-16, when it used to be 8.8%.

The EPFO is mandated to invest its corpus in stock markets, equities and exchange-traded funds. In November last year, the board in its 236th meeting chaired by labour minister Mandaviya, approved reinvesting 50% of its redemption proceeds from exchange traded funds (ETFs) back into equities.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/imd-issues-red-alert-in-delhi-for-next-2-3-hours-warns-of-severe-thunderstorm-rain-101748107204883.html

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) swiftly initiated rescue efforts, deploying ships and aircraft in the vicinity to provide aerial support.Out of the 24 crew members on board, nine have already abandoned the vessel and are currently safe in liferafts.

A large-scale rescue operation is underway after the Liberia-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3 developed a severe 26-degree tilt approximately 38 nautical miles southwest (Nm SW) of Kochi on Saturday, prompting emergency response from Indian maritime authorities.
Nine of the 24 crew members have already evacuated, while the Indian Coast Guard is working to save the remaining 15.
The 184-metre-long ship had departed from Vizhinjam Port on May 23 and was expected to reach Kochi on May 24.Around 1.25 pm on Saturday, the vessel’s operator, MSC Ship Management, informed Indian authorities about the incident and sought immediate assistance.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) swiftly initiated rescue efforts, deploying ships and aircraft in the vicinity to provide aerial support.Out of the 24 crew members on board, nine have already abandoned the vessel and are currently safe in liferafts.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/liberian-container-ship-tilts-sharply-off-kochi-coast-9-crew-rescued-rescue-op-on-for-others-onboard-article-151711998

The MEA said changes in the ground situation, such as advancements in engineering, the effects of climate change, and the melting of glaciers, make it necessary to renegotiate the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty.

India’s decision to put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance follows Pakistan’s disregard for the guiding principles of the agreement, including friendship and goodwill, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has told a parliamentary committee.
The MEA said changes in the ground situation, such as advancements in engineering, the effects of climate change, and the melting of glaciers, make it necessary to renegotiate the 1960 treaty. The ministry noted that these issues would also be highlighted by Indian delegations visiting world capitals to explain the country’s stance following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, according to PTI sources.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, in a briefing to the committee, pointed out that the treaty’s preamble mentions it was concluded in a “spirit of goodwill, and friendship.” He said, “All these principles have in effect been held in abeyance by Pakistan.”

Misri also updated the committee on Indian actions taken in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, including Operation Sindoor, and spoke to all seven multi-party delegations currently visiting 33 countries and the European Union to present India’s position on its ongoing tensions with Pakistan.

The MEA said that Pakistan had consistently refused India’s requests to hold government-to-government negotiations over the treaty, despite significant changes in conditions since it was signed.
There is a compelling case for the treaty to be renegotiated to make it fit for the 21st century, the ministry said, citing that the agreement is based on engineering practices from the 1950s and 1960s.
Additional concerns include climate change, melting glaciers, fluctuating water availability, population growth, and the need for clean energy—all of which, the MEA said, justify a revision of the treaty’s terms and obligations.
“The treaty in its preamble says that it is concluded in a spirit of goodwill, and friendship. All these principles have in effect been held in abeyance by Pakistan. The unrelenting cross-border terrorism from Pakistan interferes with our ability to exploit the treaty as per its provisions,” the MEA stated.

The ministry emphasised that it is “only natural and well within India’s right to hold the treaty in abeyance when the fundamental ground situations have changed completely.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, drawing a firm line, recently said, “Blood and water cannot flow together.”
Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had said that the Indus Waters Treaty will continue to be in abeyance, adding that dealings with Pakistan will be “strictly bilateral”.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/india-decision-to-put-indus-waters-treaty-in-abeyance-follows-pakistan-disregard-for-guiding-principles-mea-article-151710479

Cyclone ‘Shakti’ Name: A low-pressure system over the Arabian Sea is likely to intensify into a depression and may soon be named Cyclone ‘Shakti’, as per IMD. The storm is expected to bring heavy rains to coastal Maharashtra and Goa, with red alerts already issued.

As monsoon clouds gather over India’s west coast, a brewing system in the Arabian Sea is drawing the nation’s attention and it may soon earn the name Cyclone ‘Shakti’. But what does this name mean, and how close are we to seeing it declared a full-blown storm?
A low-pressure area hovering over the east-central Arabian Sea has shown signs of strengthening, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirming on Thursday that it may intensify into a depression within the next 36 hours, as per ANI. Currently positioned near the south Konkan-Goa coastline, the system is drawing energy from an upper-air cyclonic circulation, stirring up intense convection, a meteorological sign of brewing trouble.
IMD stated, “A low-pressure area lies over east-central Arabian Sea off south Konkan-Goa. It is likely to move nearly northwards and intensify further into a depression during next 36 hours. There is also possibility of its further intensification thereafter.”

While no cyclone warning has been issued just yet, the signs are being closely monitored.

Heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms battered Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) early Sunday.

Although the rainfall provided a much-needed respite from the sweltering summer heat, it caused significant disruptions by causing waterlogging and flight delays. Several roads and underpasses were waterlogged, leading to traffic.

More than 100 flights were affected due to a strong storm and heavy downpour at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Around 49 flights were diverted between 11:30 pm on Saturday to 4:00 am on Sunday, the airport authority said on Sunday..

As per the latest data from IMD, the highest wind speed was reported at Safdarjung (Airport) at 82 km/h last night at around 2 am, followed by 76 km/h at Pragati Maidan. The lowest wind speed was reported at 37 km/h at Delhi University (North Delhi).

The latest advisory by the Delhi Airport said that flight operations are still affected due to disruptions last night. The airport urged passengers to keep checking their flight’s status and stay in touch with their respective airlines for the latest updates.

As per the latest data, rainfall measurements recorded across various parts of Delhi until early morning include:
Safdarjung: 81 mm
Palam: 68 mm
Pusa: 71 mm
Mayur Vihar: 48 mm

A case has been registered against BJP leader Manohar Lal Dhakad, after his alleged obscene video with a woman has gone viral. The police has taken cognisance of the matter and registered an FIR. The objectionable video allegedly of Manohar Lal Dhakad, from Madhya Pradesh’s Mandsaur, in a compromising position with a woman on the Delhi-Mumbai 8 lane expressway has sparked controversy.

The footage, reportedly is of May 13 and was captured by a CCTV camera. Dhakad is seen in an objectionable position after getting down from a white car with a woman. Dhakad’s wife is an elected District Panchayat member from Ward No. 8 in Mandsaur’s Bani village.

Meanwhile, the Dhakad Mahasabha Youth Association has removed him from the post of National General Secretary. The BJP has also distanced itself from Dhakad. The party has said, he is not a primary member of the party and had joined through online registration.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/viral/mp-bjp-leader-booked-after-video-of-him-making-out-with-nude-woman-on-delhi-mumbai-expressway-goes-viral

South Indian Bank donated the kiosk machine to TTD at Sri Kodandarama Swamy temple in Tirupati.

Tirupati: A private bank on Friday donated a kiosk machine to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which can enable devotees to donate up to Rs 1 lakh through QR code transactions.

TTD is the official custodian of Lord Venkateswara temple here.

South Indian Bank donated the kiosk machine to TTD at Sri Kodandarama Swamy temple in Tirupati.

“South Indian Bank has donated a kiosk machine to TTD at Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple in Tirupati. Devotees can donate up to Rs 1 lakh in UPI mode using the QR code machine,” said a press release from the temple body.

The bank had already donated a similar machine which is being used at Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba Annaprasadam complex in Tirumala while today’s donation will be used at the Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/andhra-pradesh/private-bank-donates-kiosk-machine-to-ttd-for-facilitating-qr-code-based-donations-3555111

Inspector Dinesh Kumar of Utawad police station said that on the information of the intelligence department, a raid was conducted and 59 alleged Bangladeshis were taken into custody from the brick kiln.

Palwal police arrested 59 Bangladeshi nationals, including women and children, allegedly staying without any legal documents during a raid at a brick kiln in the Palwal district on Friday, officials said police.

They were working as labourers at a brick kiln. Fake identity documents have also allegedly been found with them, police said. The police are examining their documents and it is being ascertained when and how these people entered India illegally, they added.

Inspector Dinesh Kumar of Utawad police station said that on the information of the intelligence department, a raid was conducted and 59 alleged Bangladeshis were taken into custody from the brick kiln.

During questioning, they allegedly revealed that they had come to India from Bangladesh about 10 years ago by crossing the border illegally. Their names, addresses and identity details will be prepared and they will be sent back to Bangladesh, he added.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/haryana/59-bangladeshi-nationals-arrested-in-haryanas-palwal-3555159

The IndiGo flight crew initially sought permission to divert to Pakistan’s airspace but were denied. They subsequently navigated toward Srinagar while managing significant technical alerts and manual flying due to challenging conditions with the help of the IAF.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has shared details of how the IndiGo flight from the national capital to Srinagar on Wednesday was made to land safely after it was denied permission to enter Pakistan airspace with the assistance of the Indian Air Force (IAF). In a detailed statement about the incident, which occurred on May 21, the DGCA said that IndiGo’s A321 neo aircraft operating flight 6E 2142 encountered a hailstorm and severe turbulence near Pathankot after taking off from Delhi.
The IndiGo aircraft was immediately assisted in co-ordinating their route diversion by contacting Delhi Area and passing requisite contact frequencies of Lahore control for overflight weather diversion request. “As per crew statement, they requested Northern control (IAF) for deviation towards left (International Border) due to weather on the route, however, it was not approved,” the DGCA said.
“It later the crew contacted Lahore to enter into their airspace to avoid the weather but the same was refused too,” DGCA added.

When Lahore refused overflight clearance, and the aircraft proceeded towards Srinagar, Indian Air Force sources told PTI that the Northern Area Control stepped in and advised the IndiGo crew within the frame of the NOTAM, ensuring the safety of the aircraft and passengers. The flight was subsequently professionally assisted till a safe-landing at Srinagar airfield by giving control vectors and groundspeed readouts, the sources said.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Berlin alongside his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, Jaishankar said, “India has zero-tolerance for terrorism. India will never give in to nuclear blackmail.”

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday reaffirmed India’s firm stance against terrorism, declaring that the country will “never give in to nuclear blackmail” while addressing cross-border links to the deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Berlin alongside his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, Jaishankar said, “India has zero-tolerance for terrorism. India will never give in to nuclear blackmail.”
He added, “India will deal with Pakistan purely bilaterally. There should be no confusion in any quarter in that regard.”

Jaishankar’s comments come during a visit to Germany, part of a three-nation tour of Europe. His remarks followed discussions with Wadephul, during which both leaders addressed regional security, counterterrorism, and bilateral cooperation.

Wadephul, speaking in German, condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people and expressed support for India’s right to defend itself, according to official sources.
Jaishankar praised Germany’s understanding of India’s security concerns, stating, “India values Germany’s understanding that every nation has a right to defend itself against terrorism.”
In response to the Pahalgam attack, India carried out precision strikes on May 7 targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor. Pakistan retaliated with attempted strikes on Indian military installations on May 8, 9, and 10. Hostilities between the two countries ceased after four days of conflict, with an understanding reached on May 10.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has since declared a “new normal,” stating that any act of cross-border terrorism will be treated as an act of war by India.
During the press conference, both ministers marked 25 years of strategic partnership between India and Germany. Wadephul noted the growing diversity of bilateral ties, saying Germany wants to “deepen our ties,” while Jaishankar highlighted that the relationship has “gained much stronger momentum.”
Jaishankar also met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and acknowledged his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
“Our talks addressed different dimensions of our bilateral cooperation, they ranged from trade to technology and investment, to defence, security, energy, sustainability, mobility of talent and societal exchanges,” Jaishankar said.
He noted that discussions also covered a wide range of regional and global issues, describing Germany as “a really important partner.”
“We cooperate in forums like the G4… to the G20,” he said, referring to multilateral groupings where both countries are active participants.
Jaishankar pointed to a shifting global landscape, saying, “The world order is under considerable churn, the political uncertainty is as evident as economic volatility,” and highlighted the challenges posed by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
He also praised Germany’s support for the India-EU free trade agreement, which leaders have aimed to conclude by the end of this year.
“Germany has been one of the most consistent and powerful supporters of rapidly doing a free trade agreement,” he said. “I am confident that if the two countries can meet the goal of FTA this year, there will be many more doors that will be opened to businesses on both sides.”
Prime Minister Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have both expressed a desire to finalize the agreement this year to boost cooperation in areas such as defense, security, and critical technologies.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/india-will-never-give-in-to-nuclear-blackmail-jaishankar-in-germany-article-151705931

In the advisory, hospitals have been directed to ensure the availability of beds, oxygen, vaccines, and essential medicines, along with proper functioning of equipment

The Delhi government on Friday issued an advisory to hospitals and health centres, asking them to step up preparedness for Covid-19. The advisory from the health department comes amid a small but noticeable rise in Covid cases being reported in several Indian states.

In the advisory, hospitals have been directed to ensure the availability of beds, oxygen, vaccines, and essential medicines, along with proper functioning of equipment such as ventilators, oxygen concentrators, Bi-PAP machines, and PSA plants.

“The hospitals must ensure preparedness in terms of availability of beds, oxygen, antibiotics, other drugs and vaccine. All equipment such as ventilators, Bi-PAP, oxygen concentrators and PSA must be in functional condition,” the health department’s advisory stated.

The advisory also directed that all positive samples are to be sent to Lok Nayak Hospital for genome sequencing to help track any emerging variants. Health facilities have also been asked to provide daily updates through the Delhi State Health Data Management Portal.

Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, speaking to the media, said as of Thursday (May 22), around 23 active Covid cases had been reported in the national capital. “The Delhi government is currently verifying whether these patients of Delhi or have come from outside the city,” he said.

Singh added that the BJP-led Delhi government has already coordinated with medical superintendents, doctors, and hospital staff to ensure readiness.

“The Delhi government is fully prepared to deal with any situation, and there is no need for the public to panic,” he stated.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/delhi-govt-issues-covid-advisory-as-cases-rise-hospitals-told-to-step-up-preparedness-ws-kl-9349992.html

In a narrow street made narrower by rows of parked motorbikes, businessmen sitting cross-legged on the sidewalks or perched on the motorbikes, are conducting business with their clients. The tools of their trade are basic — trays lined in velvet, tweezers, and magnifying glasses. Their wares are anything but.

These men in Surat, a city in the western Indian state of Gujarat, are trading in diamonds, carrying the precious stones wrapped in small squares of colored paper in their shirt pockets. The casualness of the whole operation belies its complexity. Both the sellers and the buyers are seasoned businessmen who can quickly appraise the smallest of diamonds. Deals worth thousands of dollars are sealed over cups of tea ordered from street vendors.

There is an unwritten code of honor among these traders and a slip of paper noting the transaction suffices for credit. No one is a complete stranger here and reputations are built or broken over time. The most trustworthy buyers have access to generous lines of credit.

The increasing popularity of lab-grown, cheaper diamonds, and the banning of diamonds originating from Russia by the European Union and G7 countries have adversely affected the industry. But the biggest recent threat is from U.S. President Donald Trump’s 10% tariffs on imports, including diamonds. An even bigger 27% tariff on Indian exports to the United States has been delayed for 90 days as the Trump administration negotiates trade deals. But even the 10% cut in profits is hurting.

Four out of five of the world’s diamonds are cut and polished in Surat, where generations have known no other skill or trade. Behind the grimy facades of several buildings in the market lie swanky workshops equipped with sophisticated technology to design and cut the raw diamonds arriving from Australia, Canada, Russia and parts of Africa.

Only a small percentage of Surat’s output is absorbed by Indian consumers. The rest is exported to the U.S., the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Belgium and other countries. The U.S. has no diamond mines. But two of the three main institutes for grading the gems are in the United States, and diamonds cross multiple borders before they are finally sold in their finished form.

The United States accounted for about 30% of gem and jewelry exports from India in 2023-24. About half of that was in the form of cut and polished diamonds. The future of this trade is now uncertain, depending on what Trump does about his tariffs.

“If the proposed tariffs are implemented, we may lose about half of our export revenue. We won’t be price-competitive anymore,” said Jigar Patel, treasurer of the Jewellers Association Ahmedabad, based in Gujarat’s main city.

Source : https://apnews.com/article/india-diamond-traders-surat-photos-3939be164713b5a7aec5d12a9123b4c3

Top defence sources said more than 170 terrorists were killed in the May 7 strike on the nine terrorist headquarters in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK)

Operation Sindoor led to over 200 casualties on the Pakistani side, including nearly 42 of their military personnel, top defence sources have told CNN-News18. Several Indian women pilots were part of Operation Sindoor that inflicted serious damage on Pakistan, defence sources added.

Sources said more than 170 terrorists were killed in the May 7 strike on the nine terrorist headquarters in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), with the maximum damage being inflicted on the Bahawalpur headquarters of the Jaish-e-Mohammad. This is where India’s most wanted terrorist Maulana Masood Azhar’s family suffered heavy casualties.

On May 9-10, India used the Brahmos missile to inflict serious damage to multiple Pakistan air bases, including Sargodha, Rahim Yar Khan and the Nur Khan airbase, sources told CNN-News18. At least 42 Pakistani Military personnel were killed in Indian strikes. Sources added that India had hit all the targets it had planned with spectacular precision. India’s women pilots were also a part of Operation Sindoor, defence sources revealed to CNN-News18.

India remains on alert with Operation Sindoor not over, but only paused. Sources said Pakistan was “badly humiliated” and so it will try to do something. “We are on alert for any action by them. Forces have been told to be prepared. Operation Sindoor has not ended, it is only paused,” defence sources added.

“Making Army Chief Asim Munir as the Field Marshall is a face-saving gesture by Pakistan,” top defence sources told CNN-News18.

Defence sources also said that India’s military success was a consequence of several decisions taken after the Doklam stand-off in 2017.

In a powerful and emotionally charged address in Bikaner on May 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on India’s decisive counterterror operations in response to the April 22 attack in Jammu & Kashmir, asserting that “every drop of Indian blood will be avenged”.

“The bullets flew in Pahalgam, but all 140 crore Indians were hurt,” Modi declared, describing the nation’s collective pain and unity after the deadly terrorist strike.

Modi confirmed that in just 22 minutes, India launched a precise retaliation, destroying nine top terrorist headquarters inside Pakistan in Operation Sindoor. “Jab sindoor barood ban jata hai, then what is the result – the world saw it.”

Framing the strike as a fulfilment of the nation’s vow post-Pahalgam, Modi said: “Those who tried to erase our sindoor, we have turned them to dust. Those who spilled Indian blood—today, we’ve settled every drop.”

‘PAKISTAN BROUGHT TO ITS KNEES’

Crediting India’s armed forces, Modi said: “Our government gave full freedom to all three armed forces. They created a chakravyuh that brought Pakistan to its knees.”

Referring to Pakistan’s attempted strike on the Nal Air Base, he said the base stood untouched—while India’s response targeted Pakistan’s Rahim Khar air base, rendering it inoperable:

“Rahim Khar air base is now in the ICU. No one knows when it will reopen.”

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/op-sindoor-indias-women-pilots-played-key-role-over-200-killed-in-pak-exclusive-ws-l-9349892.html

Calling out Pakistan’s double standards, India says a nation that shelters terrorists and kills civilians cannot preach about protecting human rights at the global stage.

India on Friday launched a sharp attack on Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), accusing its neighbour of deliberately targeting civilians and supporting terrorism, including by using civilian spaces as cover for terror operations.

Speaking at a UNSC session on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, said that the Pakistani army recently shelled Indian border villages, killing over 20 civilians and injuring more than 80. He alleged that the attacks intentionally targeted religious places and medical facilities.

Pakistan attacked border villages with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), constant firing and shelling as its forces intervened on behalf of terrorists after India targeted terror hideouts of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as part of Operation Sindoor earlier this month.

Indian Army dispelled the aerial attacks but the Pakistan Army attacked civilian and residential areas forcing Indian armed forces to carry out strikes on Pakistani military installations. The Pakistan Army attacked hospitals and places of worship in Poonch and other border districts.

“There was intentional targeting of places of worship, including gurudwaras and temples, as well as medical facilities,” Harish said, adding that the assault was a blatant violation of international humanitarian norms.

He further said that India has endured decades of Pakistan-sponsored terrorist attacks, pointing to past incidents such as the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the recent massacre of tourists in Pahalgam in April 2025.

Harish criticised Islamabad’s consistent glorification of terrorists, saying, “We just recently saw senior government, police and military officials pay respects at the funeral of noted terrorists.”

“A nation that makes no distinction between terrorists and civilians has no credentials to speak about protecting civilians,” the envoy added.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/india-calls-out-pakistans-hypocrisy-at-unsc-cites-shelling-of-villages-support-for-terror-ws-l-9350156.html

The crackdown continues on candidates who secured appointments in the 69,000 teacher recruitment process using forged documents. District-level dismissals are ongoing, with authorities verifying credentials post-appointment. Protesting candidates, particularly from reserved categories, have now demanded action against departmental officials accused of facilitating these irregularities.

Amrendra Patel, leading the protest, stated that the number of ineligible candidates is significant and accused the education department of shielding them.

He urged the government to not only dismiss fraudulent candidates but also hold complicit officers accountable.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/up-news-protests-erupt-over-69000-teacher-scam-aspirants-demand-action-against-complicit-officials

The Delhi High Court on Friday reserved its verdict on the plea challenging the Central government’s decision to revoke the security clearance to Turkish ground handling and cargo operator Çelebi Airport Services India which led to the termination of its services by Delhi and Mumbai airports.

The government’s decision followed the recent four-day Indo-Pak military conflict during which the Turkish government openly backed Pakistan.

This prompted the firm to approach the High Court citing violation of natural justice and other grounds.

Justice Sachin Datta reserved his verdict today after hearing rejoinder submissions by Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who appeared for Çelebi.

Rohatgi contended today that Çelebi has been condemned without any proper disclosure on why it was being subjected to such harsh measures, in violation of procedural safeguards including in Rule 12 of Aircraft Rules, 2023.

He argued that the firm should have been given proper notice before being subjected to such measures.

“The notice has to say what is the proposed punishment based on the gravamen of facts. It is not a Carte Blanche. Record reasons in writing, not in your mind,” he said.

He added that Çelebi’s rights to conduct a business in India cannot be taken away casually.

“You are dealing with a party that has worked for 17 years. I have a constitutional right. It cannot be taken away in this flippant manner. All the ten thousand people I employ each has security clearance. Why have you damned me, is it asking for too much? We are struggling,” Rohatgi added.

Such ‘complete violation of natural justice principles’ renders the revocation of the firm’s security clearance void, Rohatgi said. He added that the government should at least share a gist of its accusations with the company, not just the Court.

“So, the court cannot look at material in sealed cover unless some gist is given to you?” asked Justice Datta.

In his reply, Rohatgi pointed out that even the Supreme Court has criticised the practice of relying on information in sealed covers.

Rohatgi added that revocation of security clearance took the firm by surprise and has had harsh consequences.

“The impact of this decision is that all my contracts – 9 of them across the nation – are being cancelled one by one. They are saying, ‘sorry sir, Delhi is the boss.’ … If this clearance is gone, then all (my contracts) are in the process of going. This is the harshness of this decision. It came like a bolt from the blue. I am arguing from what I read in the newspapers,” he said.

Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta represented the Indian government.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation, acting through the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), had withdrawn Çelebi’s security clearance on May 15, 2025, invoking national security grounds.

Çelebi, a wholly-owned Indian subsidiary of Turkish parent company Çelebi Aviation Holding, challenged the move before the High Court shortly after.

The company termed the Indian government’s justification for its decision as “vague” and “unsubstantiated,” asserting that such actions jeopardise foreign investor confidence and threaten the livelihoods of over 3,800 Indian employees.

The company also clarified that while it has Turkish ownership, operational and managerial control of its Indian entity is handled by an India-based team, and that it has maintained a clean track record for over a decade at major airports.

Following the May 15 revocation, the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) had terminated its contracts with Çelebi. In Mumbai, domestic operator Indothai has been brought in to take over the firm’s ground handling services. Çelebi has filed a plea challenging such measures before the Bombay High Court as well.

Yesterday, Solicitor General Mehta told the Delhi High Court that it could not have given notice of the security clearance revocation to Çelebi, owing to national security concerns in the wake of the conflict between India and Pakistan.

“Country is faced with unprecedented situations. Giving opportunity is not possible. It might defeat the object. Giving reasons of action would also defeat purpose of action,” he said.

During an earlier hearing on May 19, the Central government had also said that it would be hazardous to engage the services of the company.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/turkish-firm-elebi-says-struggling-after-security-clearance-revocation-delhi-high-court-reserves-verdict

The release of Kantara in 2022 created a success phenomenon of its own, setting a new benchmark in the entertainment industry. Emerging as the biggest blockbuster, the film changed the landscape of storytelling with its compelling narrative rooted in the heartlands of India. This has laid the perfect foundation for Kantara: Chapter 1, which is the most Awaited biggest film of the year. The film is one of the most ambitious Indian projects currently in the making.

With the release of the film’s posters, audiences were given a brief glimpse into its enthralling world, featuring Rishab Shetty’s striking transformation. As excitement continues to build, the makers have urged fans to avoid speculation and refrain from believing unverified updates about the film.

Amidst growing anticipation for more updates on Kantara: Chapter 1, several unverified reports have been circulating. Addressing this, the makers have reiterated their request for audiences to rely only on official sources and not fall for any unofficial information. They have assured fans that the film is progressing smoothly as planned, and the wait will undoubtedly be worthwhile.

Taking to social media, the makers wrote,

“We’re right on track, and everything is progressing as planned.
#KantaraChapter1 will release in theatres worldwide on October 2, 2025.

Trust us, it’ll be worth the wait.

We kindly urge everyone to avoid speculation and refrain from sharing unverified updates.

Moreover, Kantara: Chapter 1 has finally entered its final leg of shooting. Hombale Films left no stone unturned in taking the legacy of this 2022 masterpiece forward. They have been shooting the film as one of the biggest films ever made. Kantara makers curated an extensive war sequence for Kantara: Chapter-1 which was crafted by national and international specialists. They hired over 500 skilled fighters for the sequence curating a never seen before fight sequence with action choreography that is at par if not better than the best of the best. This power-packed sequence featured 3000 people, making it one of the biggest sequences in the history of Indian Cinema.

A sequence of this size required extreme prep. and so actor-director Rishab Shetty underwent a 3- month long and extensive training where he mastered the art of horse riding, Kalaripayattu and sword fighting. Rishab poured in his entire blood, sweat and efforts in doing justice to the magnanimous war sequence.

To shoot this massive sequence the makers identified a very unusual real location in the mountains of Karnataka. Hombale films had shot this sequence in an entire town spanning 25 acres situated on the terrains of the state for around 45 – 50 days.

Source : https://www.spotboye.com/south/kannada/-trust-us-it-ll-be-worth-the-wait-says-the-makers-of-kantara-chapter-1-while-urging-the-audience-to-avoid-speculation-and-unverified-updates/683027de98e7b5da75cc8bfd

A recent survey has revealed that 22 per cent of households in Maharashtra currently have one or more individuals with symptoms of Covid/flu/viral fever.

Amid India seeing a renewed flurry of Covid-19 cases, sights of people resorting to face masks and sanitisers is also making a comeback. Amidst all this, a video has emerged of Mumbai Indians owner Nita Ambani sanitising the hands of the IPL team players’ before shaking hands with them.

After the Mumbai Indians’ IPL match against Delhi Capitals, Nita Ambani was seen asking her team players including Jasprit Bumrah to sanitise their hands before indulging in handshakes.

Bumrah smiled and obliged his franchise owner’s instructions and spread out his palm.

After Bumrah, Ambani moved on to do the same to other players including Karn Sharma and others.

Meanwhile, a recent survey has revealed that 22 per cent of households in Maharashtra currently have one or more individuals with symptoms of Covid/flu/viral fever, a community social media platform said on Thursday. Maharashtra recorded 26 Covid-19 positive cases on Wednesday, taking the total number of positive cases registered since January 2025 to 132, according to state health authorities.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/maharashtra/watch-nita-ambani-sanitises-jasprit-bumrahs-palms-before-shaking-hands-amid-covid-surge-3553167

Members of the Indian community in Abu Dhabi asked multiple questions to the delegates, including on why Pakistan continues to support cross-border terrorism

The Operation Sindoor delegation visiting Abu Dhabi told the Indian diaspora that besides the strikes on Pakistan and all-party teams, every citizen is an ambassador for the country and their effort to set narrative equally powerful and much needed.

“Together we are ‘Team India’,” the visiting team led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde told the Indian diaspora in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

The diaspora event was held at the Indian consulate in Abu Dhabi and, apart from listening to the message by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the aim of Operation Sindoor and India’s global mission, the visiting delegation were asked multiple questions.

Indians asked multiple questions to the delegates, including on why Pakistan continues to support cross-border terrorism.

The delegation conveyed to Indian citizens in UAE that it has been a month since the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. “Nothing is the same anymore because this is an India which has hit back at Pakistan in the language that they understand. This is the new India, the new normal that Prime Minister Modi has spoken about that can get inside Pakistan territory and destroy the terror hubs. This is the new normal – an act of terror is considered act of war. This is what has been conveyed,” a source told News18.

Indian citizens further asked the delegates about UAE’s feedback on the mission. According to the sources, UAE wants to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with India and told New Delhi it is not alone in its fight against terrorism. The response was positive and nobody questioned India’s action against Pakistan, they said.

Earlier in the day, the delegation met with Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, minister for tolerance and coexistence. “Islam is a peaceful religion. Nobody can use religion as a tool to kill innocent people. The UAE expressed that they stand strongly in India’s fight against terror,” a source told News18.

The delegation left from India on a two-day visit to the UAE on Wednesday (May 22). From UAE, they will visit Africa and return June 3.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/together-we-are-team-india-op-sindoor-delegation-in-uae-says-every-indian-is-an-envoy-ws-l-9348677.html

A CoBRA commando of the CRPF and a Naxalite were killed during an anti-Maoist operation in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district on Thursday, officials said.

According to the officials, the operation is ongoing in the Tumrel village area of the district. The operation is being led by the 210th battalion of CRPF’s CoBRA and has troops from Chhattisgarh Police DRG and STF.

A CoBRA commando has also been injured, they said.

An IAF helicopter has been pressed into service to evacuate the injured, officials said.

The Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) is an elite jungle warfare unit within the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). It plays a key role in leading operations in states affected by Left Wing Extremism.

The security forces are undertaking continuous operations in the LWE-affected states as part of the Union government’s declaration to end the menace in the country by March next year.

The Bastar region in Chhattisgarh remains their core area of operation.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/cobra-commando-naxal-killed-during-anti-maoist-operation-in-chhattisgarh-ws-kl-9348454.html

The External Affairs Minister earlier spoke to Dutch broadcaster NOS, and said hostilities with Pak had been triggered by the “barbaric attack” in Pahalgam.

‘Stop pretending Pakistan is not involved in terrorist attacks on India’ – External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s point-blank response Wednesday to Dutch daily De Volkskrant’s question about Islamabad insisting it has no knowledge of any terror groups operating from within its territory.

In the Netherlands this week to strengthen ties with Amsterdam, India’s second-largest trading partner in the European Union, Mr Jaishankar was asked about his December 2022 remark labelling Pakistan the ‘epicentre of terrorism’. “I’m not suggesting it… I’m stating it,” he responded.

“Suppose there were military centres in the middle of Amsterdam, in which tens of thousands gather for military training. Would you say your government knows nothing about that?”

‘We should not go along with the narrative ‘Pakistan does not know what is going on’. The most notorious terrorists on the United Nations’ list are in Pak. They operate in the big cities…in broad daylight. Their addresses are known… their activities are known… their mutual contacts are known.”

“So let’s not pretend Pakistan is not involved. The state is involved. The army is up to its neck in it.”

‘Pak Army Chief’s Extreme Religious…’

The External Affairs Minister earlier spoke to Dutch broadcaster NOS, and said hostilities with Pak had been triggered by the “barbaric attack” in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22.

And the terrorists behind Pahalgam were driven by Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir’s “extreme religious outlook”, Mr Jaishankar had said.

He underlined that sentiment to De Volkskrant, saying the Pahalgam terrorists “deliberately gave the attack a religious tint’. “The world should not accept such practices,” he said.

‘Terrorism, Kashmir Are Separate’

Mr Jaishankar also refused links between terrorism and the Kashmir border issue, calling the former a “completely unacceptable international crime that should not be condoned”.

‘As for Jammu and Kashmir, it is a historical fact that it joined India when India and Pakistan separated in 1947. Our position is that the illegal occupiers should return their illegally occupied parts to the rightful owner… and that is us,” the minister said.

The comments follow stern declarations by Prime Minister Narendra Modi – that there can be no talk of long-term peace with Pakistan unless that government disables terrorist infrastructure operating in its territory and vacate illegally occupied territories in Jammu and Kashmir.

Mr Modi has also warned Pak that India’s doctrine on terror had changed after the Pahalgam attack, and that Delhi will no longer hesitate before striking terrorist camps across the border.

Operation Sindoor – the military response to the Pahalgam attack – remains an active mission, the PM has said repeatedly, “India will strike at the heart of terror decisively if attacked.”

India has said terrorism is a danger for all countries and must be fought together.

‘This Is A Bilateral Issue’

Meanwhile, Mr Jaishankar also shot down any talk of US President Donald Trump having played any role in the May 12 ceasfire that stopped the 100 hours of India-Pak military conflict.

Mr Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for brokering the ceasefire, declaring he “sure as hell helped” India and Pak lay down arms. Delhi has equally repeatedly said the US played no role.

Mr Jaishankar stressed Kashmir remains a bilateral issue, and one that can only be resolved by the countries involved. “This is something we will do together with Pakistan,” he said.

On the ceasefire itself, the minister said India wants a ‘definitive end’ to terrorism.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/s-jaishankar-in-netherlands-jaishankar-interview-pakistan-involved-in-terrorist-attacks-on-india-pahalgam-terror-operation-sindoor-8479196

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a public address in Rajasthan’s Bikaner, addressed the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. He emphasised India’s swift response, claiming that nine major terror hideouts were destroyed in just 22 minutes as part of Operation Sindoor.

In a resolute address from Rajasthan’s Bikaner, a month after the barbaric April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that “in response to the attack on April 22, we destroyed nine biggest terror hideouts in 22 minutes.” The attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, prompted immediate action under Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
“Rajasthan teaches us that nothing is more important than the nation. On 22nd April, terrorists targeted our people, asking their religion and wiped the sindoor of our sisters. The bullets fired in Pahalgam wounded the hearts of 140 crore Indians. In response, the entire nation vowed to punish the terrorists in a way they could never imagine,” the Prime Minister said.
“With the valour of our armed forces, Pakistan was forced to bow. In reply to the 22nd April attack, within just 22 minutes, terrorist camps were destroyed. The country witnessed that when the sindoor of our sisters is targeted, the response can shake the enemy to its core,” he added.

The Prime Minister further stated that those out to wipe out ‘sindoor’ were reduced to dust. “On April 22, terrorists wiped off the Sindoor of our sisters after identifying their religion. The attack took place in Pahalgam, but the bullets pierced the hearts of 1.4 billion Indians. United in one voice, every Indian resolved to eliminate terrorism and ensure punishment beyond imagination. It is due to the courage of the Indian Armed Forces that we stand strong today. Our government gave a free hand to all three services, and together, the tri-services devised a strategy so impactful that it compelled Pakistan to bow down,” he added.

Notably, the Prime Minister is scheduled to launch a number of development projects across railways, roadways, power, water and new and renewable energy sectors during his visit to Bikaner in Rajasthan today.
An official statement said PM Modi will also inaugurate 103 redeveloped ‘Amrit Stations’ in 86 districts across 18 states and Union Territories, which have been built at a cost of Rs 1,100 crore, besides launching other development projects costing over Rs 26,000 crore.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/22-tareek-ka-badla-22-minute-mein-pm-modis-powerful-salvo-on-op-sindoor-payback-for-pahalgam-article-151694748

“We told Pakistan through DGMO (Director General of Military Operations) that we had exercised our right to respond under Operation Sindoor. We told them after the operation,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing.

New Delhi, May 22 (PTI) India informed Pakistan about its strike on terror infrastructure early on May 7 after the operation was concluded, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.
“We told Pakistan through DGMO (Director General of Military Operations) that we had exercised our right to respond under Operation Sindoor. We told them after the operation,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing.
He was responding to a question on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of the government suggesting that the Indian side informed Pakistan ahead of the military strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Gandhi has been particularly targeting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for his comments where he talked about some aspects of the Operation Sindoor and India’s strike on the terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK.

Under Operation Sindoor, India, on early May 7, destroyed nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and PoK in retaliation against the Pahalgam terror attack.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/india-informed-pakistan-about-operation-sindoor-after-attacks-on-terror-infrastructure-mea-article-151699214

Amid the ongoing tensions with India, Pakistan refused to help an Indian airline in difficult times as one of its flights sought help to avoid turbulence on Wednesday, news agency PTI reported.

The incident happened when an IndiGo Airlines pilot on a Delhi-Srinagar flight, which was faced with a sudden hailstorm on Wednesday evening, urged Lahore Air Traffic Control to allow it to briefly use the Pakistani airspace so that it could avoid the turbulence, but the request was rejected, the news agency reported while quoting sources.

When the plane was flying over Amritsar, the pilot raised an alarm after noticing turbulence due to adverse weather. He then contacted the Lahore ATC, seeking permission to use the airspace. Denied that, the pilot continued onto the original path as scheduled, braving severe turbulence.

On Wednesday, an IndiGo flight carrying 227 passengers from Delhi to Srinagar was caught in terrifying midair turbulence, sending those onboard into a panic and causing visible damage to the aircraft’s nose.

Flight 6E2142 was nearing its destination when it was battered by a hailstorm. The pilot declared an emergency with Air Traffic Control before managing to safely land the aircraft at Srinagar Airport at 6.30 pm. However, the dramatic ordeal left passengers shaken.

Reports from the scene confirmed that all passengers and crew members were evacuated safely from the aircraft after landing. However, the aircraft sustained damage significant enough for the airline to declare it “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG), grounding it for urgent repairs.

Five Trinamool Congress leaders-Derek O’Brien, Nadimul Haque, Sagarika Ghose, Manas Bhunia, and Mamata Thakur-were on board the IndiGo flight that suffered turbulence. They expressed gratitude to the pilot after the flight safely landed at the Srinagar airport.

A sudden hailstorm with heavy rain struck Delhi-NCR late Wednesday evening, triggering an abrupt shift in the weather.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pak-rejected-indigo-pilots-request-to-use-airspace-amid-massive-turbulence-2729049-2025-05-22

The Kapil Sharma Show is mourning the loss of its longtime photographer, Krishna Das, affectionately known as “Das Dada.” A cherished presence behind the scenes, Das Dada passed away recently, leaving the entire cast and crew in deep sorrow.

Krishna Das had been an integral part of the show since its inception, capturing countless memorable moments. His contributions were recognized in 2018 when he received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Beyond his professional achievements, Das Dada was celebrated for his warmth and ever-present smile, endearing him to everyone on set.

The show’s team shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, stating, “We have lost Das Dada, the soul behind the lens, who captured countless beautiful moments with us since the beginning of The Kapil Sharma Show. More than just an associate photographer, he was family—always smiling, always kind, and always there. His presence brought warmth and light, not just through his camera, but in every moment he shared with us. You will be missed beyond words, Dada. Rest in peace. Your memories will live on in every frame and every heart.”

Comedian Kiku Sharda also expressed his grief by sharing the tribute on his Instagram story, writing, “We will miss you, Das Dada.” Former cast member Sugandha Mishra conveyed her condolences in the comments section with folded hands and a broken heart emoji.

Source : https://www.spotboye.com/trending/trending-news/kapil-sharma-show-photographer-krishna-das-passes-away-kiku-sharda-remembers-him-as-family-in-emotional-tribute/682ef42198e7b5da75cc8ba3

NEW DELHI: The Rouse Avenue court on Wednesday began hearing the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) prosecution complaint against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others in the National Herald money laundering case.

The matter is linked to alleged financial irregularities in the transfer of a Rs 90.25 crore loan from the Indian National Congress (INC) to Associated Journals Ltd (AJL), the publisher of the National Herald, and its subsequent assignment to Young Indian for a mere Rs 50 lakh.

‘Congress party donors were cheated’

During the hearing on Wednesday, the ED alleged that the transaction was a criminal conspiracy aimed at misappropriating assets worth over Rs 2,000 crore.

In the opening submissions, additional solicitor general (ASG) SV Raju argued that the offence of money laundering was clearly made out in the case.

“There was a proceeds of crime,” he submitted, asserting that criminal activity continued for the purpose of generating such proceeds, thereby constituting the offence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), reported news agency ANI.

The court, presided by special judge Vishal Gogne, asked pointed queries to the ED during the hearing. It sought clarity on the ownership of AJL’s assets, specifically whether the company’s shareholders could be considered its owners.

Are assets owned by company or shareholders? Who owns the property as of today? the court asked ED’s special counsel, Zoheb Hossain.

In simple words, if the property of A is usurped by B, does it become proceeds of crime when it was clean in the hands of A, the court asked.

“Are wrongful acts ascribed to individuals but not parties (Congress)? Or is the party a victim?” the judge asked. In response, Hosain said, “The donors of the party are victims”.

Hossain further said that donations and membership fees were collected from the public for party purposes, but were instead diverted as a loan to a company engaged in commercial activities.

He argued this as part of the predicate offence, stressing that “the donors of the Congress party were cheated.”

‘Young Indian company a sham’

Reading from ED’s complaint, ASG Raju highlighted that Young Indian was formed as a sham entity, “a cloak to convert public money to personal use”, and used as a special purpose vehicle to gain control over assets of AJL worth Rs 2,000 crore.

Raju alleged that the accused acted in “consortium with each other to achieve the said nefarious purpose”.

The court was also informed that the alleged proceeds of crime included rental income worth Rs 142 crore received by the accused.

“Proceeds of crime not only include those properties obtained from the scheduled offence, but also any other criminal activity related to the proceeds of crime,” Hossain submitted.

‘Accused enjoyed proceeds of crime’

Submitting that the alleged offence in the complaint is money laundering, ASG Raju argued that he will show that the offence of money laundering is made out.

During the hearing, Raju also confirmed that the complaint was filed under Sections 44 and 45 of the PMLA, involving seven accused individuals, including ex-Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, her son Rahul Gandhi, Gandhi family loyalist Sam Pitroda, and two firms.

When the judge asked whether Pitroda was represented in court, ASG responded that if not, proceedings would continue without him.

Raju said that there is a proceed of crime. Money laundering is a continuing activity. He said that if an offence is committed of generating proceeds of crime and involves a continuing activity, it is money laundering.He said that the attachment of properties took place in November 2023. Till then, the accused were enjoying the proceeds of crime.

Matter listed for day-to-day hearing

The special judge listed the matter for day-to-day hearings on the point of cognisance of the ED’s prosecution complaint from July 2 to July 8. The scheduling followed requests from the defence counsel, including senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who sought a July hearing, citing voluminous documents running over 5,000 pages.

“This is an MP/MLA court, and matters are to be heard on a weekly basis,” the judge said, noting that the court would first complete the ED’s arguments, followed by submissions from the defence.

Hossain further submitted that Gandhis, Sonia and Rahul, held 76 per cent of Young Indian’s shares, and by paying just Rs 50 lakh, the entity acquired control over Rs 90.25 crore, thus demonstrating the alleged offence of cheating.

Source : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rs-142-crore-in-proceeds-of-crime-eds-big-charge-against-rahul-sonia-gandhi-in-national-herald-case-daily-hearing-from-july-2/articleshow/121315081.cms

According to him, the KVIC has distributed over 2,29,409 bee boxes and bee colonies across the country, resulting in the production of approximately 20,000 metric tonnes of honey, generating an income of Rs 325 crore for beekeepers.

In what is becoming a big success story, beekeepers earn Rs. 325 crore by generating over 20,000 metric tonnes of honey under the Honey Mission undertaken by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).

“Bees are the backbone of our ecosystem. They not only produce honey but also enrich agriculture through pollination and contribute to environmental conservation,” said KVIC Chairman Manoj Kumar.

According to him, the KVIC has distributed over 2,29,409 bee boxes and bee colonies across the country, resulting in the production of approximately 20,000 metric tonnes of honey, generating an income of Rs 325 crore for beekeepers.

“In financial year 2024-25, beekeepers associated with KVIC exported honey worth Rs 25 crore,” he said.

The KVIC Chairman also stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s clarion call for a ‘Sweet Revolution’ paved a new path where honey production became a source of both economic and health prosperity. KVIC’s work in this direction is a significant step toward building an Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

“The Honey Mission is not just a scheme; it is a holistic livelihood model. Today, thousands of youth, women, and farmers in rural areas are gaining employment through this mission. The honey processing plants, training centres, and marketing networks developed by KVIC have made beekeeping a viable path to self-reliance,” KVIC CEO Roop Rashi said.

The programme spotlighted the historic contribution of the Central Bee Research & Training Institute (CBRTI), Pune, which was established in 1962. The institute has trained over 50,000 beekeepers in modern apiculture techniques.

CBRTI’s role extends beyond honey production to enhancing agricultural and horticultural productivity through pollination, fostering bee-related research, and nurturing rural entrepreneurship.

During the event, scientists underscored the ecological importance of bees, revealing that they contribute to the pollination of approximately 75% of food crops. Without bees, nearly 30% of food crops and 90% of wild plant species would face serious threats.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/maharashtra/beekeepers-earn-rs-325-crore-by-generating-over-20000-metric-tonnes-of-honey-under-kvics-honey-mission-3551963

Nearly 100 contestants from across the globe showcased their unique talents with passion and creativity, making this year’s edition one of the most memorable to date, a release from the organisers said.

The Miss World 2025 pageant marked an exciting milestone on Wednesday with the announcement of 24 finalists for the much-awaited Talent Competition—one of the most celebrated segments of the global event.

Chosen through compelling auditions and a fiercely competitive second round, these remarkable young women will take centre stage once again on May 23 to dazzle audiences with their originality and poise.

Nearly 100 contestants from across the globe showcased their unique talents with passion and creativity, making this year’s edition one of the most memorable to date, a release from the organisers said.

From classical music renditions and contemporary dance routines to soulful vocal performances and deeply rooted cultural art forms, the competition offered a vibrant display of the artistic brilliance and diverse heritage of Miss World’s international participants.

Following a rigorous evaluation process, contestants from the United States, Poland, Nigeria, Philippines, Malta, Italy, Indonesia, Trinidad and Tobago, Estonia, Germany, Brazil, Cayman Islands, Netherlands, Wales, Czech Republic, Jamaica, Argentina, Ireland, Australia, India, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Cameroon, and Kenya have secured their spots in the Talent Challenge Final.

These 24 exceptional women will once again captivate audiences with their breathtaking performances on May 23, in what promises to be a highlight of the pageant.

The winner of the Talent Competition will earn a direct entry into the Top 10 of her continental region—a prized advantage in the journey to the Miss World crown, it said.

“The talent showcased by these young women is not only a testament to their individuality and dedication, but also a powerful reminder of the creativity and cultural richness they represent,” said Julia Morley CBE, Chairman and CEO of the Miss World Organisation.

The 2025 edition of the Miss World contest officially commenced with a glittering ceremony in Hyderabad on May 10 and will continue through May 31, drawing attention from across the globe.

Seizing this opportunity to shine on the world stage, the Telangana government has rolled out a comprehensive action plan to project the state as a premier global destination for tourism and investment.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/telangana/grace-grit-and-glamour-24-finalists-set-for-miss-world-2025-talent-showdown-3551448

Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton on Wednesday said that India was fully entitled to act in self-defence against terrorist locations in Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 people.

While speaking to ANI on Wednesday, Bolton emphasised the need for Pakistan to control such activities within its borders, warning of severe consequences if it fails.

He also highlighted the growing Chinese influence in Pakistan as a significant threat to India, noting China’s military planes supplied to Pakistan.

“India was certainly entitled to act in self-defence against locations inside Pakistan where the terrorist attack was planned and carried out from. It is a significant issue when a country cannot control that kind of terrorist activity going on in its territory or, indeed, maybe contributing to it. India’s action was entirely justifiable, but it does raise questions about whether there is any possibility of persuading the Pakistani government that this is ultimately not in their interest and can lead to much worse consequences for them if they don’t get it under control,” Bolton stated.

“The fact that Chinese military planes supplied to Pakistan were prominent in Pakistan’s response signifies the growing Chinese influence inside Pakistan, which increases the threat to India, certainly in its western flank,” he added.

He further stated that the response following the Pahalgam attack was a “cut above” what had happened in 2019, referring to the Pulwama attack.

“This is a long-standing issue, but the escalation, the military response, and the back and forth between India and Pakistan before the ceasefire was agreed to were a cut above what happened in 2019, when there was a similar terrorist attack in Kashmir,” the former NSA stated.

India’s Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the death of over 100 terrorists affiliated with terror outfits like the Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indias-action-was-entirely-justifiable-ex-us-nsa-hails-operation-sindoor-8475569

Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the chief of Paytm left his followers in splits today, sharing screenshots of his conversation with someone impersonating him. The imposter, a scammer, was out to extract sensitive information about the company’s funds and asked him multiple questions about the funds and contact details of the finance head of the company. He said his phone was being formatted so he did not have anyone’s number.

Titling the post “Impersonating myself to me”, Mr Sharma provided multiple screenshots of the long conversation, where the scammer introduced himself as Vijay Shekhar Sharma and asked the real Sharma to save his “new” phone number and questioned whether he was in the office.

The Paytm chief played along.

In course of the conversation, the scammer asked Mr Sharma to check and report back on the company’s available funds. He also demanded a screenshot of the account books.

In another message, he asked Mr Sharma to forward a suspicious .exe file-disguised as a GST document-to the finance executive.

The last message from the screenshots was from Mr Sharma, where he asked for a salary hike.

The encounter spotlighted the darker side of the digital world, where unsuspecting individuals are targeted by scamsters using sophisticated manoeuvres, advanced techniques, fake profiles, malicious links and impersonation.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/impersonating-myself-to-me-paytm-ceo-vijay-shekhar-sharma-shares-exchange-with-scamster-8473750

3,000 Agniveers played a crucial role in India’s air defence during Operation Sindoor, effectively countering Pakistani missile and drone attacks.

At least 3,000 Agniveers – barely 20 years old and recruited during the last two years – manned critical weapons and systems integral to the army’s hardy air defence (AD) shield activated during Operation Sindoor, which Pakistan couldn’t punch through despite launching wave after wave of missile and drone attacks on multiple Indian military installations, airbases and cities during the May 7-10 clash between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, people aware of the matter said on Wednesday.

The young and gritty soldiers, recruited under the Agnipath model, made their training count at a pivotal moment and acquitted themselves honourably in different roles during the four-day military confrontation that sparked fears of a full-blown shooting war with Pakistan, said one of the persons cited above, asking not to be named.

“The Agniveers faced a baptism by fire and helped ward off the enemy’s attempts to target our bases and cities. Feedback from the army’s frontline AD units shows they have earned their spurs, and their performance was on par with regular soldiers. This should settle the debate around the Agnipath scheme,” he added.

Several of the AD units that fended off the Pakistani missile and drone attacks had 150-200 Agniveers each in their ranks, HT learns.

Operation Sindoor, which began in the early hours of May 7, was New Delhi’s muscular response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. It triggered four days of strikes and counterstrikes with fighter jets, missiles, drones, long-range weapons and heavy artillery before the two sides reached an understanding on stopping all military action on May 10.

The Agnipath scheme for recruiting personnel below officer rank (PBOR) in the three services, for long a political hot button, was introduced around three years ago with the stated objective of keeping the armed forces young and battle-ready. Agnipath was a major departure from the military’s decades-old recruitment system that was scrapped when the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government announced the new scheme in June 2022. It recruits soldiers for only four years, with a provision to retain 25% of them in regular service for another 15 years.

The Agniveers helped operationalise the locally developed air defence control and reporting system, called Akashteer, which emerged as the centrepiece of India’s AD grid during the clash, said a second person, who also asked not to be named.

The Agniveers posted in AD units deployed along the western front specialised in four main trades: gunners, operator fire control, operator radio and drivers of heavy-duty vehicles mounted with guns and missiles, the people said.

They excelled in each of these roles.

The Agniveers, alongside the regular soldiers, took down targets with shoulder-fired missiles; manned and fired guns including the upgraded L-70s and Zu-23-2Bs; operated the Pechora, Schilka, OSA-AK, Strela and Tunguska weapons, and the medium-range surface-to-air missile system; manned a variety of radars and Akashteer nodes; were an integral part of the communication network; and drove vehicles used for transporting and launching missiles, including Akash, the people said.

The drivers also doubled as sentries after the weapon systems were deployed in the combat zone.

Only young men and women aged between 17 and a half and 21 are eligible under the Agnipath scheme. Agniveers draw an annual salary of ₹4.76 lakh in the first year of service and ₹6.92 lakh in the fourth, get a non-contributory insurance cover of ₹48 lakh, and an additional ex-gratia payment of ₹44 lakh for death attributable to service.

Those released after four years will get ₹11.71 lakh as Seva Nidhi severance package, including ₹5.02 lakh contributed by them during their service.

Soldiers recruited under the legacy system serve for about 20 years before they retire in their late 30s with pension and other benefits including health care and canteen facilities, which Agniveers released from service after four years are not entitled to.

The government has reserved 10% vacancies in the Central Armed Police Forces, and several defence public sector undertakings are making similar amendments to their recruitment rules along with age relaxation to hire Agniveers. Some states, including Haryana and Rajasthan, have already announced reservations for Agniveers in their police forces.

Last September, the Indo-Russian joint venture BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd, which manufactures the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, became the first major company to officially announce reservations for Agniveers across various functions. It said at least 15% of technical and general administration vacancies will be reserved for Agniveers for whom at least 50% positions have also been earmarked in security and other administrative functions at various centres where such tasks were earlier outsourced.

The scheme, which the Opposition Congress repeatedly called for scrapping, came under fire from aspirants across the country, especially the northern states, and is believed to have cost the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a chunk of votes across the region in the 2024 national elections. It was opposed as it cuts tenure of PBOR and offers them fewer service benefits.

The confrontation also marked a baptism by fire for the Akashteer system inducted only a year ago; it punctured multiple waves of Pakistani aerial attacks by guaranteeing prompt detection and targeting of the incoming threats. The army bought the automated system from Bharat Electronics Limited for ₹1,982 crore.

The agile system, an integral part of the Indian military’s multi-layered AD grid, played a pivotal role in detecting, identifying, tracking and engaging Pakistani missiles and drones. The system essentially integrates a raft of AD sensors and weapons, expedites decision-making and tightens the sensor-to-shooter loop for swift detection and destruction of hostile targets.

It is integrated with the Indian Air Force’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), the beating heart of the military’s four-tiered AD shield that Pakistan couldn’t penetrate.

“Akashteer is a combination of hardware and software systems in mobile command posts with fully integrated high-tech communication systems. It sharpened the army’s posture and allowed it to control the AD battle by providing ground units (which had Agniveers, among others) with the complete battle picture to respond in a swift and integrated way to neutralise the threats,” a senior official earlier said.

Pakistan launched missiles and drones in its attempt to target several locations in India’s north and west including Awantipora, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bathinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj.

The locally produced military hardware that packed a formidable punch during the military confrontation with Pakistan included Akash surface-to-air missiles, the Samar (surface-to-air missile for assured retaliation) system and several counter-drone weapons.

The threats countered by the Indian forces included Chinese-origin PL-15 air-to-air missiles, long-range rockets, loitering munitions, and Turkish-origin drones.

India’s AD grid operated with multiple weapons across four levels, depending on the distance of the incoming target. The weapons that formed part of the grid included the S-400 system.

The Pakistan Army attempted to target Golden Temple in Amritsar with long-range missiles and drones on the night of May 7-8, but India’s AD shield fended off the attacks.

India launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7 when the army and IAF hit nine terror camps inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, killing more than 100 terrorists. And between the strikes on the terror sites and the calling of the ceasefire on May 10, the IAF struck multiple military targets in Pakistan.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/midair-scare-after-indigo-delhi-srinagar-flight-faced-hailstorm-101747842409868.html

A demarche was issued to the Charge d’Affaires of the Pakistan High Commission in this regard, a press release by the MEA said.

The Government of India on Wednesday declared another official at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi “Persona Non Grata” for activities “not in keeping with their official status.”

The High Commission staffer has been ordered to leave the country within 24 hours

A demarche was issued to the Charge d’Affaires of the Pakistan High Commission in this regard, a press release by the MEA said.

“Charge d’Affaires, Pakistan High Commission, was issued a demarche to this effect today. He was asked to strictly ensure that none of the Pakistani diplomats or officials in India misuse their privileges and status in any manner,” the MEA statement said.

The individual, according to sources, was allegedly indulged in espionage activities in the garb of visa services.

Earlier on May 13, the government had declared a Pakistani official at the High Commission “Persona Non Grata” for similar activities.

Following the expulsion, Pakistan engaged in a tit-for-tat move and declared a staff member of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad as persona non grata, claiming that the member “engaged in activities incompatible with his privileged status”.

According to the reports, the individual was allegedly identified as Ahsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, who name came up in the ongoing probe in alleged spy Jyoti Malhotra’s case. Danish has been allegedly accused of committing espionage and leaking sensitive information regarding the movements of the Indian Army.

Haryanvi Youtuber Jyoti Malhotra was arrested in Hisar along with several others in Haryana for allegedly spying for Pakistan amid heightening India-Pakistan tensions.

The FIR against Jyoti mentioned that she met Ahsan-ur-Rahim in 2023 at the High Commission in Delhi and has been in touch since then. The man allegedly played the role of her handler and facilitated her introduction to Pakistani Intelligence Operatives.

She was also allegedly in touch with Danish during the four-day military conflict between India and Pakistan that followed the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, police said.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/another-pakistan-high-commission-official-declared-persona-non-grata-asked-to-leave-india-9346780.html

Jyoti Malhotra said that she met Danish, the expelled Pakistani diplomat, and he introduced her to Ali Hasan. After this, she met Shakir and Rana Shahbaz, and intelligence officials.

Arrested on the charges of spying for Pakistan, YouTuberJyoti Malhotra has reportedly confessed to having met Pakistan intelligence officials during her trips to the neighbouring country. Times Now has accessed the exclusive details of her confession, which reveals she was in constant contact with Danish, an official at the Pakistan High Commission. He was earlier expelled by India for engaging in activities against diplomatic rules.
In her confession, she accepted meeting Danish at the Pakistan High Commission in India, and they have remained in touch since then. Jyoti has also admitted to meeting Ali Hasan, who was introduced to her by Danish.
“I run a YouTube channel called ‘Travel With-Jo’. I have a passport, number 5******2. In 2023, I visited the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi to apply for a visa to Pakistan,” she said.

“I took Danish’s mobile number, 9********9, and started communicating with him. Later, I traveled to Pakistan twice. On Danish’s instructions, I met Ali Hasan there, who arranged my stay and travel,” she added.

The chain didn’t stop there. She later came in contact with one Shakir, who, sources say, remained in touch with Jyoti through encrypted messaging platforms like Snapchat and Telegram.
“Ali Hasan introduced me to Pakistani security and intelligence officials. It was during this time that I also met Shakir and Rana Shahbaz,” Jyoti said, adding that she took Shakir’s number and saved it as ‘Jatt Randhawa’ to avoid suspicion. I then returned to India.”
“After returning, I remained in constant touch with all of them through platforms like WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Telegram, and began exchanging anti-national information. I frequently met Danish at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi,” Jyoti reportedly confessed.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/isi-spy-ring-youtuber-jyoti-malhotra-confesses-deep-contacts-pakistan-intelligence-danish-article-151686411

Turkish ground handling and cargo operator Çelebi Airport Services India told the Delhi High Court on Wednesday that by revoking its security clearance, the Central government has put a guillotine on a company which has worked in India for 17 years and employs over 10,000 people.

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi appeared for the company and said Çelebi cannot be equated with Turkish government and does not have any axe to grind with India.

“People working with us are Indians… I have more than 10,000 employees in several airports. Without blemish, I have worked to satisfaction,” he said.

Rohatgi stressed that the Indian government’s action was contrary to law, since there exists a statutory obligation to give a hearing before taking a drastic step like revocation of security clearance.

“The central government is aware of how things are done. The maker of the rule is not allowed to create an exception to the rule,” he said.

The submissions were made before Justice Sachin Datta

Çelebi moved the High Court challenging the Indian government’s decision to revoke its security clearance.

The decision was taken following the four-day Indo-Pak military conflict in which the Turkish government openly backed Pakistan.

While making his case, Rohatgi also objected to the Central government’s decision to provide the reasons only to the Court in a sealed cover.

“One feature I wanted to point out is what they showed in the sealed envelope, we do not know. I can only speculate what the reasons are. There is only one that the shareholding one my company is Turkish. I protest this sealed envelope procedure. It is frowned upon by the Supreme Court. My hands are tied,” he argued.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared for the Central government and said that certain things cannot be shared with the company but only with the Court.

Justice Datta asked Rohatgi whether he is entitled to the material as a matter of law.

“Is the court obliged to supply to you,” the judge queried.

Rohatgi replied that he is not asking for a copy of the reasons but a reasonable opportunity to make his case and a notice of hearing.

The hearing will continue tomorrow (May 22).

During the previous hearing on May 19, the Central government had opposed the plea, arguing that it would be hazardous to engage the services of the company.

“There are two categories of contracts—airport handling and cargo handling. These are extremely sensitive operations where personnel know every nook and cranny of the airport,” the Mehta had said.

He added that the revocation was rooted in concerns over national security under the Aircraft Security Rules, particularly Rule 12, which permits cancellation of licence where there is a potential threat.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation, acting through the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), withdrew Çelebi’s clearance on May 15 invoking national security grounds. The move was a result of diplomatic tensions between India and Turkey following the latter’s support for Pakistan during recent hostilities involving Operation Sindoor.

This prompted Celebi to move the Court contending that the Indian government’s decision was “arbitrary and devoid of specific reasons”.

Çelebi, a wholly-owned Indian subsidiary of Turkish parent company Çelebi Aviation Holding, argued that the government’s order lacked any prior notice or opportunity to respond. The company described the justification as “vague” and “unsubstantiated,” asserting that such actions jeopardise foreign investor confidence and threaten the livelihoods of over 3,800 Indian employees.

The company also clarified that while it has Turkish ownership, operational and managerial control of its Indian entity is handled by an India-based team,and that it has maintained a clean track record for over a decade at major airports.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/elebi-tells-delhi-high-court-it-is-not-turkish-govt-security-clearance-revocation-affected-10000-indian-jobs

A powerful dust storm swept across Delhi-NCR on Wednesday evening, leading to heavy rains and hailstorms. The sudden change in weather led to widespread disruption, including power outages, traffic jams and tree felling.

The storm hit suddenly around 8 pm, reducing visibility drastically as strong winds carrying loose dust blanketed the skies.

Several parts of Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, and Ghaziabad witnessed intense hailstorms and torrential rain following the dust storm. In Noida, hail battered rooftops and roads shortly after the storm passed.

Many areas experienced power outages across Delhi-NCR due to the sudden weather change. Traffic snarls were reported on major stretches, including the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, Kalindi Kunj border, and DND Flyway.

NOIDA WELCOME BOARD COLLAPSED, TREES UPROOTED

The intense wind and rain led to infrastructure damage, including fallen trees and overhead electric (OHE) line disturbances.

The Noida Welcome Board also collapsed under the force of the wind, while trees and banners fell at multiple spots, leading to severe traffic jams.

Meanwhile, a large tree crashed onto a car at Copernicus Marg, near India Gate. The driver is safe.

METRO DELAYED, SERVICES HALTED

Delhi Metro services were significantly affected, particularly on the Red, Yellow, and Pink Lines. Service was halted temporarily at several stations including Shaheed Nagar, Jahangirpuri, and Nizamuddin.

At Mayur Vihar Phase 1, over 30 minutes delay was reported as commuters crowded the station.

While Pink Line services resumed by 9:18 PM, disruptions on the Red and Yellow Lines persisted late into the evening.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/power-out-trees-uprooted-banners-toppled-how-massive-storm-hit-delhi-2728454-2025-05-22

An IndiGo flight carrying 227 passengers from Delhi to Srinagar was caught in terrifying mid-air turbulence on Wednesday evening, sending those onboard into a panic and causing visible damage to the aircraft’s nose.

Flight 6E2142 was nearing its destination when it was battered by a hailstorm. The pilot declared an emergency with Air Traffic Control before managing to safely land the aircraft at Srinagar Airport at 6.30 pm. However, the dramatic ordeal left passengers shaken.

A viral video, shot by a passenger inside the aircraft, showed hailstones relentlessly striking the fuselage, causing the cabin to shake violently. The footage captured passengers in visible distress, with cries and panic spreading through the cabin as the plane navigated the severe weather patch.

Reports from the scene confirm that all passengers and crew members were evacuated safely from the aircraft after landing. However, the aircraft sustained damage significant enough for the airline to declare it “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG), grounding it for urgent repairs.

“Indigo flight 6E2142 enroute Delhi to Srinagar experienced bad weather (hail storm), emergency reported by Pilot to ATC SXR (Srinagar),” an official of the Airport Authority of India said.

“All Aircrew and 227 passengers are safe and flight is declared AOG by Airline,” he added.

IndiGo also issued an official statement concerning the incident and said that the plane landed safely at Srinagar Airport.

“IndiGo flight 6E 2142 operating from Delhi to Srinagar encountered sudden hailstorm en route. The flight and cabin crew followed established protocol and the aircraft landed safely in Srinagar. The airport team attended to the customers after arrival of the aircraft, prioritising their wellbeing and comfort. The aircraft will be released post necessary inspection and maintenance,” the statement read.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indigo-flight-srinagar-hailstorm-rain-damaged-nose-delhi-weather-emergency-landing-2728347-2025-05-21

Mushtaq described her win as a victory for diversity as she collected the prize at a ceremony at Tate Modern along with her translator Deepa Bhasthi, who translated the title from Kannada to English.

Writer, activist and lawyer Banu Mushtaq’s short story collection ‘Heart Lamp’ on Tuesday night became the first Kannada title to win the coveted £50,000 International Booker Prize in London.

Mushtaq described her win as a victory for diversity as she collected the prize at a ceremony at Tate Modern along with her translator Deepa Bhasthi, who translated the title from Kannada to English. Shortlisted among six worldwide titles, Mushtaq’s work appealed to the judges for its “witty, vivid, colloquial, moving and excoriating” style of capturing portraits of family and community tensions.

“This book was born from the belief that no story is ever small, that in the tapestry of human experience every thread holds the weight of the whole,” said Mushtaq.

“In a world that often tries to divide us, literature remains one of the lost sacred spaces where we can live inside each other’s minds, if only for a few pages,” she said.

Translator Bhashti added: “What a beautiful win this is for my beautiful language.”

The annual prize celebrates the best works of long-form fiction or collections of short stories translated into English and published in the UK and/or Ireland between May 2024 and April 2025. The other five books on the shortlisted included: ‘On the Calculation of Volume I’ by Solvej Balle, translated from Danish by Barbara J. Haveland; ‘Small Boat’ by Vincent Delecroix, translated from French by Helen Stevenson; ‘Under the Eye of the Big Bird’ by Hiromi Kawakami, translated from Japanese by Asa Yoneda; ‘Perfection’ by Vincenzo Latronico, translated from Italian by Sophie Hughes; and ‘A Leopard-Skin Hat’ by Anne Serre, translated from French by Mark Hutchinson.

Max Porter, International Booker Prize 2025 Chair of judges, said: “This list is our celebration of fiction in translation as a vehicle for pressing and surprising conversations about humanity. These mind-expanding books ask what might be in store for us, or how we might mourn, worship or survive. They offer knotty, sometimes pessimistic, sometimes radically hopeful answers to these questions.

“Taken together they build a miraculous lens through which to view human experience, both the truly disturbing and the achingly beautiful. They are each highly specific windows onto a world, but they are all gorgeously universal.”

Each shortlisted title is awarded a prize of £5,000 – shared between author and translator and the winning prize money is split between Mushtaq and Bhashti, who receive GBP 25,000 each.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/kannada-writer-banu-mushtaq-wins-international-booker-prize-for-heartlamp-selected-stories-3549955

Mizoram was on Tuesday declared as the first fully literate state under the Centre’s Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society (ULLAS) initiative.

The announcement was made by Chief Minister Lalduhoma at a celebratory event held at the Mizoram University at Aizawl in the presence of Union Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhary, Mizoram education minister Vanlalthlana.

The ULLAS initiative mandates minimum literacy rate of 95 percent and according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS 2023–2024), Mizoram reached a literacy rate of 98.2%, thus leading it to become the first fully literate state, an official statement issued by Mizoram government said.

“Today marks a historic moment in the journey of our state — one that will be remembered by generations to come,” Lalduhoma said at the event. “A total of 1,692 persons who, despite having missed earlier educational opportunities, demonstrated extraordinary determination and a will to learn, even in later stages of life.”

Chaudhary praised Mizoram’s commitment to inclusive growth through education. “This is a proud day not just for Mizoram, but for the entire nation,” he said.

The Mission:  

The CM said the landmark achievement was the result of sustained efforts by the School Education Department, particularly through Samagra Shiksha and the New India Literacy Programme (Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram). The state government established a Governing Council and Executive Committee under the State Literacy Mission Authority, with the State Project Office under Samagra Shiksha Mizoram spearheading the initiative.

To support the mission, the State Centre for Literacy was set up under SCERT. It developed Mizo language learning materials titled Vartian, along with an English version for learners in the Lawngtlai district. Additional resources such as Romei for learners and Margdarshika for Volunteer Teachers were created. Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators acted as surveyors for the New India Literacy Programme, identifying 3,026 illiterate individuals aged 15 and above — of whom 1,692 expressed a willingness to learn, said the CM.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/mizoram/mizoram-declared-indias-first-fully-literate-state-3549395

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday reiterated his claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had intelligence inputs about “trouble” in Kashmir and held the Centre responsible for the death of 26 civilians in Pahalgam on April 22.

“Why did those 26 people die in Pahalgam?? It’s because the Modi government didn’t provide security there. I have told that Modi put off his April 17th visit to Kashmir after getting intelligence reports of disturbances in Kashmir. I still haven’t got an answer to this. You (Modi) knew this. If you had told these tourists to not go there, those 26 lives would have been saved. These chut-put wars with Pakistan wouldn’t have happened,” Kharge.

The AIl India Congress Committee President was speaking at the Samarpane Sankalpa in Hospet to celebrate two years of the Congress in power.

Kharge accused the Modi government of not consulting the opposition while sending delegations to different countries to articulate India’s positions about the clashes with Pakistan.

“Though they didn’t ask, we didn’t speak anything keeping the national interest in mind and are sending our representatives to different countries. Saving the country and its people is of paramount importance to us.”

Accusing Pakistan of always Blaming India, the AICC president accused Pakistan of taking Chinese help to attack India. Our country will never tolerate this. We are united,” he added.

Slamming Modi for his absence at two all-party meetings to discuss the national situation, Kharge said, “If you are patriotic, why didn’t you come to those meetings? In case we don’t go to such meetings once, we will be considered anti-nationals. But even if he doesn’t come, he is a patriot.”

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/26-people-died-in-pahalgam-as-modi-govt-did-not-provide-security-kharge-3549472

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert regarding possible rough weather conditions in the Arabian Sea near the coasts of Maharashtra and Goa from May 21 to May 24. A low-pressure area is expected to develop over the sea starting from Wednesday (May 21), which could gradually intensify and move northwards by Saturday (May 24). The information was shared by Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Maharashtra on their official social media account.

No Direct Threat, But the Sea May Be Rough

Although there is no direct threat to the coastal regions of Maharashtra, the IMD has stated that the sea is likely to remain disturbed and rough due to the weather system. The effects of this development will be felt particularly between May 22 and May 24, during which the sea near coastal areas like Raigad, Ratnagiri, Mumbai and Palghar could become turbulent.

YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra was arrested under espionage charges on May 16. She was booked under sections of the Official Secrets Act and Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita.

YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra was recently arrested under espionage charges for her alleged links with Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs) and is being probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB). Her trips to Pakistan, including the one before the Pahalgam terror attack, and China, are all under the scanner.

While intelligence agencies are interrogating Jyoti Malhotra, the recovery of her diary by the Haryana Police provides more insight into her visit to Pakistan.

Jyoti Malhotra’s diary entries

In an undated diary entry, she mentioned her return to “my country” India from a 10-day Pakistan trip, NDTV reported. “During this time, I received a lot of love from the people of Pakistan. Our subscribers and friends also came to meet us. The two days we got to visit Lahore were not enough,” it said.

She also described Pakistan as “crazy”, “colourful”, and said that her experience in the neighbor nation couldn’t be put into words.

In one of her entries, Jyoti Malhotra also penned down a request she made to the Pakistani authorities. “Protect the temples there and let Indians meet their families from whom they were separated in 1947,” it was quoted by the NDTV report.

Jyoti Malhotra’s arrest

The 33-year-old YouTuber with a channel called ‘Travel with Jo’ and more than 3.77 lakh subscribers was arrested from her residence in Hisar on May 16.

Jyoti Malhotra was booked under Sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The Haryana police and the probing agencies have also found that Malhotra was in regular touch with a Pakistani staffer from the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, from November 2023 to March 2025.

Hisar police spokesman Vikas Kumar said that Malhotra confessed of being in touch with Danish, HT reported. Danish was allegedly “developing her as an asset”.

Danish, now declared a persona non grata by India, introduced the YouTuber to Ali Ahwan, who then arranged for her accommodation and further meetings with Pakistani security officials Shakir and Rana Shahbaz.

As per the FIR registered against her, she had saved Shakir’s contact as “Jatt Randhawa” to avoid any suspicion. Following her return to India, Malhotra reportedly kept communicating with the operatives via WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat. She also met Danish several times at the Pakistani High Commission in the national capital.

The FIR states that Malhotra was part of a larger espionage network spread across Haryana and Punjab, and involved agents, informants, and financial handlers, HT’s report said.

The YouTuber also reportedly had multiple bank accounts with several transactions, all of which are now being analysed by the central probing agencies along with her travel history.

Hisar superintendent of police (SP) Shashank Kumar Sawan had said at a press conference earlier, “Her known income sources do not justify her foreign travel. We suspect external funding. On the surface, she was just a travel blogger.”

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/what-youtuber-jyoti-malhotras-diary-revealed-about-her-pakistan-trip-crazy-101747786838907.html

Asked if the ceasefire is holding and if it is the ‘end of the matter’ for India, JP Singh responded by saying that “the ceasefire is still holding on but we have made it very clear that Operation Sindoor is paused, it’s not yet over”.

Calling upon to form an international coalition against terrorism, India’s Ambassador to Israel JP Singh, has stressed that India’s Operation Sindoor against Pakistan is “paused” and “not over”, demanding that Islamabad should handover key terrorists Hafiz Saeed, Sajid Mir and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi just like US did with one of the masterminds of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, Tahawwur Hussain Rana.

Narrating the incidents leading up to India’s offensive, Mr Singh in an interview with Israeli TV channel i24 on Monday said that the operation was initially against terror groups in Pakistan.

“The terrorists killed people based on their religion. They asked people their religion before killing them and 26 innocent lives were lost”, the Indian ambassador said citing the Pahalgam attack of April 22.

“India’s operation was against terror groups and their infrastructure to which Pakistan responded by attacking India’s military installations”, he emphasised.

Asked if the ceasefire is holding and if it is the ‘end of the matter’ for India, Mr Singh responded by saying that “the ceasefire is still holding on but we have made it very clear that Operation Sindoor is paused, it’s not yet over”.

“The fight against terrorism will continue. We have set a new normal and the new normal is that we will follow an offensive strategy. Wherever terrorists are, we have to kill those terrorists and we have to destroy their infrastructure. So it is still not over but as we speak the ceasefire is still intact”, he asserted.

Describing India’s attack on Nur Khan base in the early morning of May 10 as a game changer, Mr Singh said that it created panic in Pakistan and their DGMO reached out to their Indian counterpart seeking a ceasefire.

On the question of suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) that Pakistan has described as “an act of war”, the Indian envoy said that the two key words that guided the treaty were never honoured and India on the contrary was always battling against terror attacks emanating from Pakistan.

“IWT was signed in 1960 and the preamble of the treaty includes two key words – goodwill and friendship….Over the past so many years what we have seen (is that) we were allowing water to flow and what was Pakistan doing – they were allowing terror (attacks) to come on the Indian side”, Mr Singh noted.

“There was a lot of frustration among people that this cannot go on like this. Our Prime Minister said that blood and water cannot flow together and that is the reason that we decided to put this IWT in abeyance”, he added.

“Terror must stop”, the Indian ambassador asserted for a treaty like this to be operational and Pakistan must stop cross-border terrorism.

“While IWT is in abeyance, another IWT is operational – Operation Sindoor is India’s War Against Terrorism”, he said.

Citing a long list of terror attacks in India that originated from Pakistan, JP Singh said that the “root cause are these two groups — Jaish-e-Muhammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba”.

The leaders of Lashkar-e-Taiba which was behind the Mumbai attacks in which several Jews were also killed, continue to roam free, he noted.

“They need to do a very simple thing – when the preamble includes goodwill and friendship, they just need to hand over these terrorists to us”, the envoy stressed.

Pointing out that the United States recently extradited Tahawwur Hussain Rana, who was involved in the Mumbai attack, the diplomat who has also served in Pakistan in the past said that Islamabad could also do the same.

“When the US can hand over these culprits, why can’t Pakistan hand over? They have to simply hand over Hafeez Saeed, Lakhvi, Sajid Mir and things will be over”, he emphasised.

With reference to Pakistan’s offer to investigate the Pahalgam attack, Mr Singh dismissed it, describing it as a deflection strategy.

“What has happened to the Mumbai attack? What has happened to the Pathankot air base attack? What has happened to the Pulwama attack,” he questioned.

“We have given them dossiers after dossiers — we have given them technical inputs. America has shared with them evidence. Everything is there but what have they done”, he asked.

“Lakhvi, who was the main planner of the Mumbai attack, is still roaming freely. Hafiz Saeed, the head of Lashkar-e-Taiba, planner and executioner of the Mumbai attack is roaming freely. So we can’t believe them,” Mr Singh said.

Contending that terrorism is a global menace, the Indian envoy called for greater cooperation among the countries faced with the challenge.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-is-not-over-pakistan-must-hand-over-terrorist-hafiz-saeed-indian-envoy-jp-singh-8457808

Officials said the arrests were made in wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s Operation Sindoor.

At least 12 people, including a Haryana-based YouTuber and a local quack, are among those arrested by Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh police over the last two weeks for allegedly being a part of Pakistan’s spy operations.

Apart from YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, the accused also include a factory worker and a post-graduate student.

What we know so far

• Two women ‘spies’ and one Pakistani official: YouTuber from Haryana Jyoti Malhotra and 31-year-old Guzala from Punjab were allegedly in touch with Pakistani officer Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.

• Jyoti Malhotra – She came in contact with Danish, a Pakistani official, during a visit to the Pakistan High Commission seeking a visa to visit the neighbouring nation. She was in touch with PIOs, and visited Pakistan “multiple times” and China once. Danish is the same official who was declared persona non grata by India.

Jyoti Malhotra was allegedly in touch with Pakistani officials during the recent military conflict. Currently under police custody, her financial transactions and travel details are under scanner. Officials suspect that Malhotra was being cultivated as an “asset” for future spy operations.

Overnight heavy rain on Sunday claimed the lives of three people in Bengaluru. The downpour sparked civic chaos and a political blame game over the city’s poor infrastructure.

Three people, including a nine-year-old boy, were killed in rain-related incidents on Monday as extremely heavy overnight rain brought Bengaluru to its knees on Monday.

Shashikala, an employee of a private company, succumbed to injuries after a wet compound wall suddenly collapsed on her in Whitefield on Monday morning. She was walking towards Channasandra when the wall gave way and fell on her, resulting in her death.

Later, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh from the government for Shashikala’s family.

In another incident, two persons, including a young boy, were electrocuted at BTM Layout in the city on Monday evening.

The deceased were identified as 55-year-old Manohar Kamat and nine-year-old Dinesh, a native of Nepal. According to police, both were electrocuted while attempting to pump rainwater out of the apartment’s basement using a motor.

With the heavy downpour, locals were seen through water, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel, who launched evacuation efforts, also faced challenges due to a shortage of boats.

A video from the Silk Board Metro Station showed heavy waterlogging after hours of downpour in the city.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, Bengaluru city received 105.5 mm of rainfall during the 24 hours ending 8.30 am on May 19. The last time it rained this heavily during this month was on May 18, 2022.

Incidentally, the all-time record for May stands at 153.9 mm, which was set on May 6, 1909.

RAIN ALERT IN KARNATAKA

The weather department issued a red alert for Coastal Karnataka, North Interior Karnataka and South Interior Karnataka for May 20 and 21.

A yellow alert for heavy rain was sounded in Bengaluru and other districts, including Bagalkot, Belagavi, Koppal, and others, until 10 am.

BENGALURU RAIN TRIGGERS POLITICAL BLAME GAME

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) mounted an offensive against the ruling Congress, alleging that the crores of rupees spent over the last two years on the city’s infrastructure have yielded no results.

India’s interception of a Chinese-origin PL-15E missile fired by Pakistan has shocked global defence communities, with countries like France and Japan keen to examine the debris

Days after the Indian Air Force (IAF) publicly displayed the wreckage of a Chinese-origin PL-15E air-to-air missile fired by Pakistan, several global powers including the Five Eyes nations, along with France and Japan, have reportedly expressed interest in accessing parts of the missile for detailed examination.

The PL-15E fragments were recovered from a field in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district on May 9. During a press briefing on May 12, IAF Air Marshal AK Bharti confirmed that Pakistan had employed advanced Chinese weaponry, including the PL-15E missile, in its strike against India.

According to Bharti, the missile was launched from a Pakistani JF-17 fighter jet during the four-day aerial skirmish between the two countries after India launched Operation Sindoor, but was neutralised mid-air by India’s electronic warfare units. The successful interception marks the first recorded instance of a PL-15E being defeated in combat.

India’s robust integrated air defence system, including the Russian-made S-400 and the indigenous Akash Teer, successfully intercepted the incoming threats before they could strike.

The defeat of a PL-15E missile by India sent shockwaves through global defence communities. The Five Eyes alliance, comprising the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, is an intelligence-sharing network that collaborates on surveillance and electronic threat assessments. Their interest in the PL-15E debris underscores the global significance of understanding China’s rapidly advancing missile technologies.

The IAF showcased visuals of the intercepted missile debris during their press briefing earlier this month, along with wreckage from long-range rockets, loitering munitions, and various unmanned aerial systems. These included Turkish-origin YIHA and Songar drones, all of which were neutralised by the Indian Air Force.

Countries like France and Japan, both heavily invested in advanced air-to-air missile systems, also reportedly expressed urgent interest in examining the wreckage. What they seek is not just metal debris, but secrets: the missile’s radar signature, motor composition, guidance technology, and possibly even the elusive architecture of its AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar.

What is China’s PL-15E Missile?

First revealed nearly a decade ago, the PL-15E was China’s answer to the increasingly outdated American AIM-120 AMRAAM. Designed for long-range engagement, it boasts a dual-pulse solid rocket motor and can reportedly reach speeds exceeding Mach 5, with a strike range stretching between 200 and 300 kilometres. Its AESA-guided seeker allows for autonomous tracking and targeting, even in electronically contested environments; making it, at least on paper, a nightmare for rival air forces. The PL-15E has been integrated into Chinese fighter jets including the J-10C, J-16, and stealthy J-20.

Until now, the missile was shrouded in secrecy. It has never before been recovered from a live conflict, let alone largely undamaged. “Didn’t think I’d ever see a PL-15E’s AESA without going to a vault lol,” tweeted US defence analyst John Ridge, referencing the sudden availability of sensitive Chinese technology for reverse engineering.

For India, this recovery is more than a tactical victory; it’s a strategic windfall. The debris, according to sources, may allow researchers from India and allied nations to decode the inner workings of the missile’s propulsion and targeting systems, which have been closely guarded by China.

Why France and Japan Want a Piece of PL-15E

France’s eagerness stems from the fact that its Meteor missile, deployed on India’s Rafale jets, is considered the PL-15E’s main competitor. With a ramjet propulsion system and a significant “no-escape zone”, the Meteor has long been the benchmark for air dominance. However, the PL-15E’s longer range and AESA guidance have positioned it as a formidable rival.

Japan, similarly, has been modernising its air force in the face of growing Chinese assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific. Understanding the PL-15E’s capabilities would allow Japan to upgrade its own missile defence systems and develop countermeasures against future threats.

Defence sources indicate that while the wreckage remains under India’s control, data sharing with select allies is being considered under stringent bilateral protocols.

PL-15E vs Other Missiles

China’s PL-15E’s advent forced the United States to accelerate development of the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), which is currently undergoing trials and is expected to surpass the PL-15E in range and electronic resilience.

In response, China is reportedly developing the PL-17, a next-generation missile featuring greater range, network-enabled targeting, and AI-guided navigation; signalling that the race for aerial supremacy is entering a new era driven not just by speed and range, but by information warfare.

What This Means for India

Operation Sindoor was a trial by fire, and India passed with flying colours. The Indian Air Force not only detected and tracked the PL-15E but successfully diverted it before it could strike a forward air base. The fact that a missile once deemed “unbeatable” was foiled by Indian systems suggests that the nation’s electronic warfare and surveillance capabilities are more robust than previously assumed.

Yet defence analysts caution against complacency. “The PL-15E is just the beginning,” said retired Air Vice Marshal DS Dutta. China’s defence collaboration with Pakistan is deepening, and more advanced systems are on the horizon. India must accelerate the development of indigenous missile systems and cutting-edge radar technology to maintain the edge, he explained.

Source : https://www.news18.com/explainers/india-turned-chinas-fearsome-pl-15-missile-into-scrap-heres-why-france-and-japan-want-the-pieces-ws-dkl-9343119.html

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast predicting a wet week for various regions across India, featuring widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds until Saturday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a wet week for India with widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds until Saturday.
While no significant change in maximum temperatures across the country has been predicted by the IMD, they might fall gradually by 2-3 degrees Celsius over the next 3 days, especially in northeastern states such as Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim, which are expected to receive consistent rainfall throughout the week.
The wet weather conditions may also be accompanied by thundersquall and hailstorm in some parts of the country. Southern India is also in for an intense wet spell.

Indian health authorities are monitoring rising COVID-19 cases in Singapore and Hong Kong while asserting that the situation in India is stable.

Health authorities in India are keeping an eye on reports of a rise in COVID cases in Singapore and Hong Kong even as official sources on Monday asserted the current coronavirus situation in the country was under control. A review meeting of experts from the National Centre for Disease Control, Emergency Medical Relief division, Disaster Management Cell, Indian Council of Medical Research and Central government hospitals was held on Monday under the chairpersonship of the director general of health services.
“The meeting concluded that the current COVID-19 situation in India remains under control. As of May 19, 2025, the number of active COVID-19 cases in India stands at 257, a very low figure considering the country’s large population.
“Almost all of these cases are mild, with no hospitalization required,” an official source said.

The country has a robust system for surveillance of viral respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR.

Hospitals have been asked to monitor influenza-like illnesses and severe acute respiratory infection cases.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/covid-19-situation-in-india-under-control-say-official-sources-amid-scare-in-singapore-hong-kong-article-151675580

India is not a dharamshala (a public shelter) to accommodate refugees from across the world, observed the Supreme Court on Monday while declining to extend relief to a Sri Lankan national who was facing deportation.

A bench Justices Dipankar Datta and K Vinod Chandran was dealing with a plea challenging a Madras High Court order directing a Sri Lankan Tamil national to leave India immediately after completing a seven-year prison sentence under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA).

“Is India to host refugees from all over the world? … This is not a Dharmshala that we can entertain foreign nationals from all over,” the Court orally remarked, before dismissing the plea.

The plea before the Court was filed by Subaskaran, a Sri Lankan Tamil national, who was arrested in 2015 on allegations that he was part of a conspiracy to revive the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a militant organisation that had worked to set up an independent Tamil State in Sri Lanka.

He was convicted by a trial court in Ramanathapuram in 2018 under various provisions of the UAPA, the Passport Act, the Foreigners Act, the Poisons Act, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment.

In 2022, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court reduced his sentence to seven years on appeal. The High Court further ordered him to leave India without delay after he was released from prison, adding that he could remain in a refugee camp until then.

Following the High Court’s order, the Subaskaran’s wife submitted a representation to the Tamil Nadu Government requesting his release from the Trichy Special Camp to live peacefully with his family without forcing him to leave from India.

When the government did not respond to her representation, she approached the Madras High Court to prevent his husband’s deportation, but her plea was rejected. This ultimately prompted the filing of a petition before the Supreme Court, where Subaskaran contended that he was falsely and arbitrarily implicated in the UAPA case.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/india-is-not-a-dharmshala-supreme-court-on-deportation-of-sri-lankan-national

The Delhi High Court on Monday heard plea filed by Turkish ground handling and cargo operator Çelebi Airport Services India challenging the Indian government’s decision to revoke its security clearance.

Justice Sachin Datta will continue hearing the case on Wednesday.

Appearing for the Central government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta expressed national security concerns over the firm, stating,

“The enemy can try 10 times and succeed once, country has to succeed all the time.”

The Court said in reply,

“The rule is better safe than sorry.”

During the course of the hearing, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who appeared for Çelebi’ said,

“Public perception cannot be used to take away employment. We are not a rogue company.”

Rohatgi highlighted that the company has been operating in India for 17 years without incident, and that no notice was given before the revocation of its security clearance.

Justice Datta, however, noted the sensitivity of the issue.

“Notice could be counterproductive. That you may do something inimical to national security the moment notice is given to you,” he observed.

“There are two categories of contracts—airport handling and cargo handling. These are extremely sensitive operations where personnel know every nook and cranny of the airport,” the SG argued.

He maintained that the government has received inputs on which the government finds that it would be hazardous to leave this activity in the hands of this company.

The revocation was rooted in concerns over national security under the Aircraft Security Rules, particularly Rule 12, which permits cancellation of licence where there is a potential threat.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation, acting through the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), withdrew Çelebi’s clearance on May 15, 2025, invoking national security grounds.

The move comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions, following Turkey’s support for Pakistan during recent hostilities involving Operation Sindoor.

This prompted Celebi to move the Court contending that the Indian government’s decision is “arbitrary and devoid of specific reasons”.

Çelebi, a wholly-owned Indian subsidiary of Turkish parent company Çelebi Aviation Holding, argued that the government’s order lacked any prior notice or opportunity to respond. The company described the justification as “vague” and “unsubstantiated,” asserting that such actions jeopardise foreign investor confidence and threaten the livelihoods of over 3,800 Indian employees.

The company also clarified that while it has Turkish ownership, operational and managerial control of its Indian entity is handled by an India-based team, and that it has maintained a clean track record for over a decade at major airports.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/better-safe-than-sorry-delhi-high-court-in-turkish-firm-elebis-security-clearance-case

The interim deal will likely cover areas including market access for industrial goods, some farm products and addressing some non-tariff barriers, such as quality control requirements, the people said, asking not to be identified because the discussions are private.

India is discussing a US trade deal structured in three tranches and expects to reach an interim agreement before July, when President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs are set to kick in, according to officials in New Delhi familiar with the matter.

The interim deal will likely cover areas including market access for industrial goods, some farm products and addressing some non-tariff barriers, such as quality control requirements, the people said, asking not to be identified because the discussions are private.

The talks are still ongoing and there’s no clarity if the Trump administration has agreed to a three-stage process for a trade deal. India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is currently in Washington on a four-day trip that ends Tuesday, where he’s expected to meet US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to advance the negotiations.

India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Ministry of External Affairs didn’t immediately respond to requests for further information. The USTR and Commerce Department also didn’t immediately respond to questions.

The second stage of an India-US deal may be a broader and more detailed agreement timed for around September to November, Indian officials familiar with the matter said, likely covering the 19 areas outlined in the terms of reference agreed by the two sides in April. The timing for this part of the deal may be aligned with an expected visit by Trump to India for the Quad leaders’ summit, one of the people said.

The final leg of the deal will likely be a comprehensive agreement that would follow once there’s approval from the US Congress, possibly concluded only next year, Indian officials familiar with the matter said.

India was one of the first countries to begin trade negotiations with the US following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the White House in February shortly after Trump took office. Both leaders agreed to boost trade and work toward concluding the first tranche of the bilateral deal by fall of this year. Since then, New Delhi has signaled the possibility of “early mutual wins” before the fall deadline.

While Indian officials say talks remain on track, there have been signs of tension in recent days. New Delhi appears to be adopting a tougher stance in negotiations, threatening retaliatory tariffs on US goods last week. Trump has also claimed that India offered to slash tariffs on US goods to zero, while downplaying any sense of urgency to reach a trade deal.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/india-sees-multi-phase-trade-deal-with-us-as-talks-proceed-3548355