Category: India

Days after facing criticism for showcasing Kolhapuri-style leather slippers without proper credit, a team from Italian fashion house Prada arrived in Kolhapur on Tuesday to learn about the history and craftsmanship behind the iconic Kolhapuri chappals.

Lalit Gandhi, Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture, told India Today TV, “A few days ago, Prada held a fashion show in Milan, Italy, where Kolhapuri slippers were featured. However, Prada described them merely as leather garments, without acknowledging their origin.”

Following the backlash, six senior representatives from Prada, including Paolo Tiveron, the director of the men’s technical and production department (footwear division), Daniele Contu, pattern-making manager of the footwear division, Andrea Pollastrelli and Roberto Pollastrelli, visited Kolhapur to gain a better understanding of the traditional craft.

“They assured that such a mistake would not be repeated in the future. Furthermore, the Prada representatives promised to help give Kolhapuri slippers rightful recognition on a global scale,” Gandhi added.

The team visited the Jawahar Nagar area, known for producing traditional Kolhapuri footwear, and interacted with local artisans including Shubham Satpute, Balu Gawli, Arun Satpute, Sunil Lokre and Balasaheb Gawli.

At the recent Milan Fashion Week, at least seven of Prada’s Spring/Summer 2026 looks featured models wearing Kolhapuri-style slippers. These were priced at around Rs 1.2 lakh each but were not referred to by their original name or cultural roots, causing outrage in India.

Trade experts called the lack of credit a serious oversight. Kolhapuri chappals have held Geographical Indication (GI) status in India since 2019, recognising their unique heritage and regional identity.

Gandhi also said, “The state government is being urged to take steps to protect the reputation and popularity of Kolhapuri slippers.”

Earlier, the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture had written to Prada, raising concerns about cultural appropriation and the lack of acknowledgement.

In response, Prada said it would work towards “responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities.”

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/prada-team-visits-kolhapur-meet-local-artisans-after-kolhapuri-sandals-row-2756336-2025-07-16

Tesla Inc. opened its first showroom in India on Tuesday, marking the electric vehicle maker’s long-anticipated debut in the world’s third-biggest automotive market.

Located in the Bandra-Kurla Complex, an upscale business center in the financial capital Mumbai, the showroom will serve as Tesla’s flagship retail and experience outlet as the company introduces its EV lineup to Indian customers.

Tesla’s entry to India comes after years of delays and policy friction, marking a pivotal expansion in a fast-growing consumer base while global sales are plunging and the company faces challenges in its two core markets, China and the U.S.

Sales of Tesla electric cars fell sharply from April to June as boycotts over Elon Musk’s political views continued keeping buyers away.

For India, Tesla’s entry signals rising investor confidence and strengthens its move towards clean mobility, although Tesla’s higher pricing is likely to make its cars unaffordable for most Indians.

The country’s nascent electric vehicle market made up a little more than 2% of total car sales last year. But the government wants to change that and increase the electric vehicle share to 30% by 2030.

Tesla will begin by importing and selling its popular Y model cars in India. The base price would be 6.78 million rupees ($79,089) for the long-range, rear-wheel drive vehicle, according to a presentation by the company during the showroom launch Tuesday. Delivery is expected to start from the third quarter, Tesla officials said.

By comparison, the price tag is around $44,990 in the U.S without a federal tax credit.

Tesla will compete mostly with German luxury carmakers such as BMW and Mercedes Benz Group AG, and not budget Indian players like Tata Motors Ltd. and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. The luxury car market makes up just about 1% of total vehicle sales

The debut by American EV giant, however, would bring in world class technology to the country, auto analyst Gaurav Vangaal said.

“With deeper local investments, Tesla can accelerate India’s EV ecosystem, drive innovation and support the government’s goal of higher EV penetration,” said Vangaal, an associate director with S&P Global Mobility.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has wooed Tesla for years for its global brand value and to boost the country’s clean energy endeavors.

CEO Elon Musk invited Indians in April 2016 to preorder the upcoming Tesla Model 3. Several customers placed an order but the cars never arrived and the booking amount had to be refunded.

Despite his earlier enthusiasm, in 2019 Musk expressed concern in a post on his social media platform X that import taxes could double prices of Tesla cars, making them “unaffordable.”

Tesla pressed Indian authorities to cut import taxes on EVs, which were up to 100%, to be able to test the local market. New Delhi, however, wanted Tesla to set up manufacturing facilities so a comprehensive policy could benefit all the players in the sector.

The dynamics changed after Modi and Musk met in the U.S. in February during a state visit by Modi.

Barely a month later, India rolled out a new policy to woo the likes of Tesla, reducing import taxes to 15% from 70% to 100% for EVs priced cheaper than $35,000 as long the automaker committed to building a factory in the country within three years.

Soon after, Musk announced he would visit India in April to meet Modi. It was widely expected he would unveil Tesla’s plans to set up manufacturing facilities and commit billions of dollars in investments. But Musk cancelled the visit, citing “very heavy Tesla obligations,” and travelled to China instead.

Source : https://apnews.com/article/tesla-india-mumbai-ev-cars-5699547c6b70fefa9cc19b3f90c85217

Sources close to the negotiation table have confirmed to Times Now that the deal was finalised after months of intense deliberation between top officials from both sides, with direct oversight from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the incident was caused by “mischievous elements” and went against the spirit of the celebration.

India on Monday condemned the disruption of a Rath Yatra procession in Toronto, calling the incident “despicable” and said the matter has been strongly raised with Canadian authorities. The annual festival, featuring the grand chariot of Lord Jagannath, was disrupted over the weekend by individuals who allegedly hurled eggs at the procession, according to media reports.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the incident was caused by “mischievous elements” and went against the spirit of the celebration.
“Such despicable acts are regrettable and are against the spirit of the festival, which seeks to promote unity, inclusivity, and social harmony,” Jaiswal said.

Amid growing global scrutiny after the Air India crash probe, the FAA and Boeing have maintained that there is no flaw in the design of Boeing’s fuel switch locks.

As global scrutiny intensifies following the preliminary report on last month’s fatal Air India crash, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Boeing have reaffirmed the safety of fuel switch locks on Boeing aircraft. On June 12, the airline’s Boeing 787-8 plane operating flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed soon after take off and 270 people died in the accident.
In a Continued Airworthiness Notification issued on July 11—just days after India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released its initial findings—the FAA stated: “Although the fuel control switch design, including the locking feature, is similar on various Boeing airplane models, the FAA does not consider this issue to be an unsafe condition that would warrant an Airworthiness Directive on any Boeing airplane models, including the Model 787.”
‘Not Recommending Any Action’: Boeing
Boeing, echoing the FAA’s stance, cited the notification in a Multi-Operator Message sent to airlines, according to two sources with direct knowledge, Reuters reported. The planemaker said it was not recommending any action in response to the crash. When asked for comment, Boeing referred Reuters to the FAA, which itself said it had nothing further to add beyond the contents of the notification.

AI Crash Probe Report Questioned Boeing Fuel Cutoff Switches
The FAA and Boeing’s posture comes despite key findings in the AAIB’s preliminary report, which raised questions about the engine fuel cutoff switches aboard the Boeing 787-8 that crashed and killed 260 people. The report referenced a 2018 FAA advisory that recommended—but did not mandate—inspection of the locking feature of fuel cutoff switches to ensure they could not be moved accidentally.

According to the report, Air India stated it had not carried out the suggested inspections since the FAA’s advisory was non-binding. Still, maintenance records indicated that the aircraft’s throttle control module—which houses the fuel switches—had been replaced in both 2019 and 2023. The report also noted: “All applicable airworthiness directives and alert service bulletins were complied on the aircraft as well as engines.”
In a striking detail from the crash investigation, cockpit voice recordings revealed that in the flight’s final moments, one pilot asked the other, “Why did you cut off the fuel?” The second pilot responded, “I did not do so.” The report found that both fuel switches had flipped from “run” to “cutoff” shortly after takeoff but did not explain how the switches had changed position mid-flight.
Pilot Body ALPA Reacts
The report’s implications have drawn sharp reactions from pilot representatives. ALPA India, which represents Indian pilots at the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations, pushed back strongly against any premature conclusion of pilot error and demanded a role in the investigation. “The pilots body must now be made part of the probe, at least as observers,” said ALPA India President Sam Thomas.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/as-questions-mount-after-ai-plane-crash-probe-faa-and-boeing-say-fuel-switches-safe-article-152276224

The Golden Temple, also known as Darbar Sahib and Shri Harminder Sahib, is the holiest of shrines in Sikhism and is situated in Punjab’s bordering district of Amritsar.

Authorities at Amritsar’s Golden Temple, the holiest shrine for the followers of Sikhism, have received a bomb threat, officials said on Monday. A bomb disposal squad has been rushed to the site.

The Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), the highest religious governing body of Sikhs, said that it has lodged a complaint after receiving an e-mail threatening to blow up the langar hall (community kitchen hall) of the Golden Temple, which is also known as Darbar Sahib.

SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami said that the police are investigating the matter, with senior police officers keeping a tab on it. “Cannot say much about this at this point,” Dhami said.

Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar confirmed that a case has been registered into the matter based on the complaint filed by the SGPC, and an investigation has been launched.

Also, the cyber crime wing of the Punjab Police is actively trying to reach the origin of the threat mail.

Meanwhile, Amritsar MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla took stock of the situation and has urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to take immediate action in the matter.

“An email has been received threatening to blow up Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) with RDX. This is not just a threat to a religious site – it’s an attack on peace, faith & humanity,” the Parliamentarian wrote on X.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/threat-email-warns-of-bomb-attack-on-golden-temple-langar-hall-probe-underway-2755749-2025-07-14

A social media influencer was assaulted in Delhi’s Tilak Nagar after a dispute over an online post. Police have identified the attackers as Pradeep Dhaka and his friends.

A social media influencer was beaten up by a group of people in Delhi over an internet post. The incident happened in West Delhi’s Tilak Nagar area, the video of which was widely shared on social media.

One of the videos showed a man, later identified as Deepak Sharma, lying on the road and being thrashed, an officer told news agency PTI.

According to Deepak Sharma, there had been some disagreements between him and the other party for quite a few days.

In a statement to the Delhi Police, Sharma also claimed that the attacker, Pradeep Dhaka, and his friends wanted to kill him.

A First Information Report (FIR) was registered in the case and investigations were underway.

Later, commenting on the incident, Deputy Commissioner of Police (West), Vichitra Veer, said the attackers were identified as Pradeep Dhaka and friends.

“A case under appropriate sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was registered, and a team has been formed to trace and apprehend the assailants,” Vichitra Veer added.

Both Sharma and Dhaka claim to be social media influencers and had come to attend a common gathering at Mall Road, Tilak Nagar, he said.

“A dispute reportedly arose between them over certain social media posts,” the officer said.

On Monday, Haryanvi music sensation Fazilpuria, known for his infectious beats and flamboyant style, escaped unhurt after unidentified assailants opened fire at his vehicle.

The incident happened on the Southern Peripheral Road near Badshahpur, on the outskirts of Gurugram.

Media reports suggested that Fazilpuria, whose real name is Rahul Yadav, was in his car when several rounds were fired in what appears to be a planned and targeted attack.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/delhi-social-media-influencer-deepak-sharma-thrashed-tilak-nagar-viral-video-internet-post-clash-9440719.html

The project in focus was the North Koel Reservoir Project, split across Bihar and Jharkhand. It began in 1972 under the government of the undivided state and is not yet complete

How long can a vital project be delayed? Going by the case of a reservoir project in undivided Bihar that recently came up before Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a review, the delay can be as long as 53 years.

The project in focus was the North Koel Reservoir Project, now split across Bihar and Jharkhand. It was started in 1972 by the state government and is not yet complete. Modi took up the project for a review along with some others and had a telling observation to make.

“It was underscored that delays in project execution come at the dual cost of escalating financial outlays and denying citizens timely access to essential services and infrastructure. It was urged to officials, both at the central and state levels, to adopt a results-driven approach to translate opportunity into improving lives,” the minutes of the meeting noted.

This project, once complete, will provide additional annual irrigation to 42,301 hectares in four drought-prone districts of Jharkhand and Bihar.

WHAT IS THE NORTH KOEL RESERVOIR PROJECT?
The North Koel Reservoir project is a major interstate irrigation project with a command area lying in Bihar and Jharkhand.

It comprises a dam on North Koel river near Kutku village (Latehar district in Jharkhand), a barrage 96-km downstream of the dam (at Mohammadganj in Palamu district of Jharkhand), right main canal (RMC) and left main canal (LMC) taking off from the barrage.

The construction of the dam and ancillary activities began in 1972, undertaken by the then Bihar government from its own resources. But the work was stopped in 1993 by the forest department.

Due to apprehension that water accumulated in the dam would threaten the Betla National Park and Palamu Tiger Reserve, the work on the dam came to a standstill.

The project, after the work stopped, was providing annual irrigation to 71,720 hectares. After bifurcation of Bihar in November 2000, the head works – dam and barrage – lie in Jharkhand. Also, the entire 11.89-km LMC from Mohammadganj barrage lies in Jharkhand. Out of 110.44 km of the RMC, the first 31.4 km lie in Jharkhand and the rest 79.04 km lie in Bihar.

MODI GOVERNMENT INTERVENED IN 2016
In 2016, the Modi government at the Centre decided to help with completion of balance works of the North Koel Reservoir project to realise its envisaged benefits.

It was decided that the reservoir level will be reduced to save the core area of Palamu Tiger Reserve. The proposal to complete the balance works of the project at an estimated expenditure of Rs 1,622.27 crore was approved by the Union cabinet in August 2017.

The department of water resources, river development and Ganga rejuvenation, ministry of jal shakti was given the approval to complete the balance works of the North Koel Reservoir project at a revised cost of Rs 2,430.76 crore.

Subsequently, at the request of both state governments, certain other components were found necessary to be included in the project.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/what-happened-after-a-project-delayed-by-53-years-came-up-for-review-before-pm-modi-exclusive-ws-l-9440688.html#google_vignette

To be sure, the FAA at the time recommended, but did not mandate, an inspection of the locking feature of the fuel cutoff switches

India’s civil aviation regulator on Monday ordered airlines to inspect the locking mechanism of fuel switches on all Boeing 787 and 737 jets by July 21, two days after a preliminary report into the Air India flight 171 crash identified fuel being cut off to both engines shortly after takeoff as the cause of the disaster that killed 260 people.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s (AAIB) preliminary report, released in the early hours of Saturday, said the fuel control switches were found in the “cutoff” position, triggering a global debate over whether pilot action or mechanical failure caused India’s worst single-aircraft aviation disaster.

“All air operators of the affected aircraft are hereby advised to complete the inspection required under SAIB Number NM-18-33, dated 17th December 2018, no later than 21st July 2025,” said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) advisory.

“Strict adherence to the timeline is essential to ensure continued airworthiness and safety of operations,” added the body.

Indian airlines operate around 150 Boeing 737 and 787 craft. Air India has 33 787s.

Monday’s order comes amid swelling global scrutiny of the Honeywell 4TL837-3D model fuel switches that the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is equipped with, after AAIB’s report cited a 2018 US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) bulletin warning of potential problems with fuel control switch locking mechanisms on Boeing aircraft, including the 787.

To be sure, the FAA at the time recommended, but did not mandate, an inspection of the locking feature of the fuel cutoff switches to ensure they could not be moved accidentally.

On Monday, Etihad, the second-largest airline in the United Arab Emirates, urged all its pilots to check the fuel switches on 787 aircraft in its fleet.

Fuel switches are crucial components in the heart of an aircraft’s cockpit that control the flow of fuel to the engines. The twin-engine Boeing 787, which crashed in Ahmedabad, has one switch for each engine.

The switches sit underneath the throttle handles in the cockpit’s centre console, positioned where pilots’ hands naturally rest during critical flight phases. Physical brackets guard each switch on both sides, making it impossible to accidentally brush against them. A spring-loaded mechanism requires pilots to pull each switch upward against resistance before it can be moved.

In its safety circular — a “standard work package” for engineers, a copy of which was posted on X, Etihad instructed its team to fully inspect the locking feature for “proper engagement.”

“Attempt to gently move (without applying excessive force) the Left (L) fuel control switch on the P10 Control Stand from ‘CUTOFF’ to ‘RUN’ without lifting the switch,” the circular said. “If the switch cannot be moved without lifting, the locking feature is functional. No further action is required. Proceed to the next step.”

“Etihad always ensures its maintenance is fully compliant,” an Etihad spokesperson said, without mentioning the circular.

Aviation experts were split on the reasoning for the advisory. Some attributed it to caution, and others said the airline may have underlying concerns over the safety of the locking system.

Captain Sharath Panicker, a former Dreamliner pilot with Air India, said, “DGCA has issued the order mandating the fuel control switch checks as a matter of abundant caution.”

Mark Martin, CEO of Martin Consulting, said, “DGCA has full discretion at any time to issue a mandatory modification if it senses that safety or airworthiness is being compromised. So clearly somebody has said that this likely is the issue and it is because of this that some things have gone wrong or it’s a likely cause of that accident and therefore an airworthiness information bulletin has been elevated to a mandatory modification.”

Officials aware of the matter said checks on the fuel locks on more than half of Air India’s 787s and most 737s were already complete.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/dgca-orders-checks-on-boeing-fuel-switch-locks-101752518229780.html

Marking attendance has not been easy for MPs under the current system, since many reach parliament together at 11 am, and have to rush in without signing so they do not miss the session.

Members of the Lok Sabha will now be able to mark attendance at their seats in the House, addressing a very old complaint, sources have said.

Marking attendance has not been easy for MPs under the current system, since many reach parliament together at 11 am, and have to rush in without signing so they do not miss the session.

The MPs are considered present only after sign the register and they receive the daily allowance. There are some who just sign the register and leave without attending the day’s session.

New System To Mark Attendance

According to sources in the Lok Sabha Secretariat, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has taken the new initiative in the Monsoon Session of Parliament starting from July 21 and continue till August 21. MPs will now be able to mark their attendance through a few processes – all hi-tech.

Under this, a Multi Model Device (MMD) has been installed on the seats allotted to MPs. Through it, MPs will now be able to mark their attendance during the session.

The Three Options

All MPs have been given three options to mark their attendance through the MMD.

The first is Multi Media Card (MMC), through which attendance can be recorded.

Besides, every MP will be given a pin number which will be entered in MMD and attendance will be recorded.

The third option is biometric — MPs will be able to register their attendance by placing their fingers in MMD.

Both Systems Available In Monsoon Session

Sources said the current system will also be maintained along with the new system in the monsoon session.

Under the current system, all MPs have to reach the Parliament House and sign the register kept outside the Lok Sabha.

Under this process, many MPs reach Parliament together, due to which there is a crowd and many are unable to sign in the hurry.

A new system has been implemented to solve this problem. After the feedback of the MPs regarding the new system, it will be fully implemented from the winter session.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/from-monsoon-session-a-hi-tech-attendance-system-for-lok-sabha-mps-8875539

Kutina, according to police, entered India on a business visa in October 2016 and remained long after it expired, spending years in hiding, mostly in Goa and later in Gokarna.

The Russian woman who was rescued from a remote cave near Karnataka’s Gokarna, along with her two young daughters, has reportedly spoken out against her removal, describing their jungle life as peaceful, safe, and more harmonious than anything human society could offer.

In a message sent via WhatsApp to a friend and a police officer, Nina Kutina, 40, expressed deep sorrow over being forced out of what she called a “cosy, comfortable life” in nature. “Once again, evil has won,” she wrote, mourning the end of her forest life, as has been learnt from an Indian Express report.

“We were placed in a prison without sky, without grass, without a waterfall… with an icy hard floor.”

Kutina and her daughters, both born in India, were discovered by police last week, living in a natural cave near Ramatirtha on Gokarna Hill. This area is prone to landslides and inhabited by venomous snakes.

Authorities, alarmed by the safety risks, immediately persuaded the family to return to town and have since moved them to a women’s care centre in Karwar.

Kutina, in her message, has, however, lashed out at what she called society’s “baseless fears” about nature. “Not once in our entire life there did a snake ever harm us. Not a single animal attacked us. For many years, the only thing we feared was people,” she has written.

“Rain is the best thing that nature gives us,” she further writes. “In their fancy houses, it is the same as in the cave, only worse. Because besides the same issues, there is a pile of negatives instead of positives. And both piles are massive.”

“They are convinced they have the right to act like this. And they carry out these horrifying vigilante ‘justices’ based purely on their fears, on childish fairytales, not on real experience,” she further noted.

Kutina, according to police, entered India on a business visa in October 2016 and remained long after it expired, spending years in hiding, mostly in Goa and later in Gokarna. She briefly left the country for Nepal in 2018 but returned and continued living undocumented.

The cave where she had been staying for about two months was previously known to her from past visits to the area.

Source: https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/not-a-single-animal-attacked-us-russian-woman-who-lived-in-gokarna-cave-defends-life-in-jungle-13275469.html

Attorney-General R Venkataramani says the Centre got informal communication that the execution of Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya in Yemen would be put in abeyance, ‘but we don’t know if it will work out’.

The Centre on Monday informed the Supreme Court that it has done all it could to save Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, who is set to be executed on July 16 in Yemen on murder charges.

“There’s nothing much the government can do… looking at the sensitivity of Yemen… It’s not diplomatically recognised… There’s a point till which the government of India can go. We have reached that. Yemen is not like any other part of the world. We didn’t want to complicate the situation by going public, we are trying at a private level,” Attorney-General R Venkataramani, appearing for the Centre, said.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta was hearing a plea by the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council seeking the court’s intervention to direct the Centre to assist in the negotiations through diplomatic channels. The counsel for the petitioner submitted that Priya’s family and supporters were negotiating a “blood money” deal with the murder victim’s family, so that she could be pardoned under Sharia law.

The counsel said Priya’s mother is in Yemen and that the action council is only requesting the Centre’s intervention for negotiating with the family while the “blood money” is arranged.

The attorney-general pointed out that “blood money is a private negotiation…” He added, “There’s no way we can get to know what is really happening. We have been trying…”

He said the government had even reached out to an influential sheikh in Yemen and requested the public prosecutor to suspend the execution. “We got informal communication that the execution would be put in abeyance, but we don’t know if it will work out,” he pointed out.

Terming it a sensitive matter, Justice Mehta said the manner in which the incident took place is a matter of concern and that “it’s very sad” if she loses her life.

The counsel said that “good Samaritans are unable to help because it is Yemen. We are even willing to pay higher blood money to save her”.

The attorney-general submitted that it’s not a matter where the government can be asked to do something beyond what it has already done. “It’s very unfortunate,” he said.

The court adjourned the matter till July 18 with the direction that it be apprised of the status.

Meanwhile in Yemen

Sources familiar with the developments told The Indian Express that discussions are underway at various levels in Yemen to save her life.

“Discussions to save her life are at a crucial stage. We are hopeful about a positive outcome. Community leaders, two Yemeni citizens associated with the Indian mission, and a negotiator, Samuel Jerome Bhaskaran, are involved in the discussions,” said a source.

Nimisha Priya’s mother, Prema Kumari, who has been camping in Yemen since last year, told The Indian Express, “I met my daughter in jail last month. She is suffering in silence.”

Back in Kerala, prominent Muslim leader and general secretary of the All India Sunni Jamiyyathul Ulama, Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar, has also made interventions to try and secure Nimisha’s release. Musaliyar has urged a prominent Sufi scholar in Yemen to hold discussions with Talal’s family and local leadership to see that the family pardons the woman.

The case

Priya, who hails from Palakkad, Kerala, was found guilty of murdering Talal Abdo Mahdi in 2017. She was arrested while trying to flee Yemen and sentenced to death in 2018.

After becoming a qualified nurse, Priya moved to Yemen in 2008. In 2011, she married Tomy Thomas in Kerala. Both wanted to start their own clinic, but under Yemeni law, this required them to partner with a local.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sc-nimisha-priya-yemen-india-kerala-10125287/

The Supreme Court, while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) recently, set a three-month timeframe for the Centre to implement food safety norms in the country. The PIL, filed by the Pune-based non-profit 3S and Our Health, had raised concerns about food safety and the need for package labelling norms, especially around nutrients of concern—salt, sugar and fat—so that consumers could make informed decisions.

The government, in its reply, informed that the country’s highest food safety regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), had received over 14,000 public comments from various stakeholders on the proposed labelling norms, and had started the amendment process.

In September 2022, FSSAI introduced draft Front-of-Package Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL) guidelines and proposed an Indian Nutrition Rating or Health Star Rating model. This is supposed to be an FOPNL system that rates the overall nutritional profile of food, from half a star to 5 stars. The more the stars, the healthier the product.

Will this model work? George Cheriyan, working president of the Consumers Protection Association, thinks otherwise. He argues that companies can add protein or some vitamins to offset the negative impact of sugar or salt content in their food products and still manage a decent rating. For instance, if a bar of chocolate contains some nuts, it may get a healthy score without accounting for the presence of excessive fat and sugar. “The entire purpose of warning about the presence of harmful ingredients gets ignored in this,” says Cheriyan.

Cheriyan suggests India needs warning labels such as those used in Chile, where excess calories, sugar and fat are displayed in large black octagons on food packages, since literacy levels are low in the country and language barriers abound. Thus, warning labels should be in the form of symbols or emojis—just like the red dot currently indicating non-vegetarian food and a green dot indicates a vegetarian one.

There are enough studies to underscore the positive impact of food warning labels on public health. Data suggests that 18 months after Chile implemented FOPNL norms, including restricting advertisements for unhealthy products between 6 am and 10 pm, warning labels on packaged food, and a ban on selling junk food in schools, the consumption of sweet beverages reduced by 25 per cent. The study, published in medical journal PLOS Medicine, had tracked 2,000 households.

Dr Arun Gupta, convenor of the National Advocacy in Public Interest, a think-tank on nutrition, says interpretative labels don’t work. “Consumers take 6-8 seconds to choose the brand, and the star rating system doesn’t empower them to make decisions according to their personal choices and health and lifestyle preferences,” he says.

Gupta states it is time consumers be made king in the real sense. “It is time to go back to that ethos,” he says. That mission can only be accomplished through a food labelling system that empowers consumers to make choices and take health into their own hands, he adds.

Ashim Sanyal, chief operating officer and secretary at VOICE (Voluntary Organisation in Interest of Consumer Education), describes FOPNL as one of the most critical ways to curtail the rising consumption of ultra-processed foods in India. He says there is enough data to show how ultra-processed foods are impacting health and becoming addictive.

Cheriyan was part of the FSSAI discussions on draft FOPL guidelines. He highlights that a more democratic dialogue is required to determine the right norms for the country. During the last discussion on the draft in 2021, he said, the participation in the meeting was heavily skewed in favour of the industry, with 25 representatives from industry associations such as the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), but only five from the other side—three from consumer organisations and one each from civil society and farmer producer groups.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/packaged-food-alert-why-india-needs-warning-labels-not-health-star-ratings-2754431-2025-07-12

The woman, a second-year Integrated B.Ed student, reportedly set herself on fire on the college campus on Saturday after meeting the principal. A male student who tried to save her also suffered injuries.

The suspended principal of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Odisha’s Balasore district, Dilip Kumar Ghosh, was arrested on Saturday in connection with the self-immolation attempt of a woman student who had accused a senior teacher of sexual harassment, reports Kalinga TV.
Ghosh was taken into custody by Sahadevkhunta police based on interim findings of a high-level probe ordered by the Odisha Higher Education Department. The 20-year-old student is battling for life with 90% burns at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
Police said Ghosh failed to act on the student’s repeated complaints against Assistant Professor Samir Kumar Sahu, who headed the college’s Education Department. Prime suspect Sahu, accused of demanding sexual favours, was arrested on Satruday.

The woman, a second-year Integrated B.Ed student, reportedly set herself on fire on the college campus on Saturday after meeting the principal. A male student who tried to save her also suffered injuries.

Officials said the principal was suspended earlier for dereliction of duty and for allegedly ignoring the student’s written complaint submitted on June 30. A departmental inquiry was underway when the student attempted self-immolation.
A 12-member medical team is treating the student, whose condition remains critical. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and political backlash, with opposition parties demanding accountability from the state’s BJP government.
Congress leaders called for the resignation of the chief minister and higher education minister, demanding a judicial inquiry. They also urged President Droupadi Murmu, currently on a two-day visit to Odisha, to meet the victim.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh called the incident deeply disturbing.
“In a college in Balasore, a female student, fed up with prolonged sexual harassment by the head of the department, set herself on fire on the campus itself. She has been severely injured and is currently battling for her life at AIIMS Bhubaneswar,” Ramesh said in a post in Hindi on X.
Under the BJP’s rule, daughters are not safe anywhere—neither on campuses, nor on the streets, he alleged.
Earlier, addressing a press conference along with Odisha MLA Sofia Firdous, Mahila Congress president Alka Lamba said, “This student is an office-bearer of ABVP, the student affiliate of the BJP-RSS.
“The President of India, Droupadi Murmu ji, herself hails from Odisha. Today, she is attending an event at the same AIIMS Bhubaneswar where this female student is admitted in critical condition. We just want to say that President ji should meet this female student,” Lamba said.
Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, who visited the victim at AIIMS, said the government is committed to taking stringent action and is covering her medical expenses.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/balasore-horror-suspended-college-principal-arrested-days-after-b-ed-student-sets-herself-on-fire-article-152279128

Stuntman death case: The postmortem of SM Raju revealed that he had suffered severe internal injuries, including bleeding inside the head, despite no visible external wounds at the time of the incident.

A day after the tragic death of renowned stuntman SM Raju during a car-toppling stunt sequence on a Tamil film set, a negligence case has been filed against director Pa Ranjith and three others. The development follows the post-mortem report, which revealed that Raju had suffered severe internal injuries, including bleeding inside the head, despite no visible external wounds at the time of the incident.

A senior police officer confirmed to NDTV that a case has been registered against director Pa Ranjith, assistant director Raj Kamal, vehicle owner Prakash, and shoot manager Vinodh.”The post-mortem clearly points to internal trauma and bleeding in the head. Based on preliminary investigation, we’ve filed a case of negligence,” the Nagapattinam police officer told NDTV.

Raju was performing a high-risk stunt in the Nagapattinam district for a film directed by Mr Ranjith. Videos accessed by NDTV show Raju’s vehicle accelerating on a ramp and flipping in mid-air, while another vehicle speeds past on the ground, a sequence meant to create a dramatic near-miss, but one that proved fatal.

Though Raju initially showed no external injuries, he collapsed shortly after and was declared dead on arrival at a local hospital. His death has sent shockwaves through the film industry, once again raising questions over the safety of stunt performers.

In an emotional interview with NDTV, actor K Vishal, who is also the general secretary of the South Indian Artistes Association, said Raju was like family to him.

“I’ve known Raju for 20 years. This is a deep personal loss. He has two young kids. It’s my duty to stand by his family now,” Mr Vishal said.

Mr Vishal revealed that stunt choreographer Dhilip Subbarayan had explicitly advised Raju not to do the stunt, but Raju insisted on performing it himself, highlighting the dedication and risk stunt artists take on.

“Stunt artists often don’t reveal their injuries. They fear not being called back to work the next day,” he added. “I have 116 stitches from stunts across my career. That’s the reality we live with,” he added.

He defended the industry’s commitment to safety, saying all standard protocols were followed. “Ambulance, doctor, nurse, and physio are present on set. The stunt car was modified with rock-solid pipes to avoid the collapse of the shell. Mandatory use of helmets, padded suits, and seat belts is required. ”

“We never compromise on safety. But till a stunt is completed, my heart is in my mouth,” he said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/stuntman-sm-raju-death-suffered-internal-bleeding-in-car-crash-negligence-case-against-film-director-pa-ranjith-8875527

Rajasthan’s Breaking Bad: The total market value of 5 kg of Mephedrone or MD produced at the lab in the flat is estimated at Rs 15 crore

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) recently busted a drugs manufacturing laboratory set up in a residential society in Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar district.

The two science teachers allegedly operating it were inspired by popular Netflix show Breaking Bad, the NCB said.

The federal agency, in a statement, said the laboratory was manufacturing Mephedrone (4-Methylmethcathinone), also known as MD. Searches at a flat in Dream Homes Apartments, Ridhi Sindhi Enclave, in the district led to the seizure of 780 gm of the drug, it said.

According to narcotics experts, MD is a synthetic stimulant drug in the cathinone family, which gives a feeling of euphoria immediately after consumption, but is addictive and continuous use causes severe psychological and health conditions.

The arrested duo

The NCB arrested the two — Indrajeet Vishnoi, 35, physics teacher at a private school and coaching centre till last year and a Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS) aspirant, and Manoj Bhargav, 25, a science teacher at the Government Senior Secondary School in Muklawa, Sri Ganganagar.

NCB officials said the duo had taken the flat on rent around two months ago, and had sourced the chemicals and equipment from Delhi.

What was found in the flat?
Apart from MD, precursor chemicals such as acetone, benzene, sodium hydrogen carbonate, bromine, methylamine, isopropyl alcohol, 4-methyl propiophenone, n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, and lab equipment used in the manufacturing of synthetic drugs were also seized, the agency said.

Drugs worth Rs 15 crore made in over 2 months
Of the 5 kg made, 4.22 kg had already been sold. The NCB recovered 780 gram during the raid. This batch alone has a market value of Rs 2.34 crore. The total market value of all 5 kg produced is estimated at Rs 15 crore.

How harmful is mephedrone?
Mephedrone, also known as 4-methylmethcathinone (4-MMC), is a synthetic stimulant drug that is chemically similar to cathinone, a substance found in the khat plant. It’s often classified as a ‘designer drug’ and was once part of the group known as ‘bath salts’. It’s typically found in the form of a white powder or crystals, and it can be swallowed, snorted, injected, or even bummed (rectal use).

It stimulates the central nervous system and produces effects similar to MDMA (ecstasy), amphetamines, and cocaine.

Short-term side effects include nausea and vomiting, anxiety, paranoia, or panic attacks, insomnia, agitation or aggression, headaches, loss of appetite. More serious/long-term risks include heart problems, seizures, risk of addiction and tolerance, mental health issues, damage to the nose or veins, hyperthermia, risky behaviour. Overdose is possible and can be life-threatening.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/rajasthans-breaking-bad-inspired-by-netflix-show-2-science-teachers-run-md-lab-in-flat-ws-kl-9437893.html

Manik Ali from Assam celebrated his divorce by bathing in 40 liters of milk, declaring freedom. He claimed his wife had an affair and eloped multiple times.

In a bizarre yet symbolic gesture, a man in Assam celebrated his divorce by bathing in 40 litres of milk, declaring to the camera, “From today, I am free!”

The man, identified as Manik Ali, a resident of Nalbari district, chose to celebrate his “freedom” in an unconventional way. A video of the incident has been doing rounds the corner on social media platforms.

In the video, Ali can be seen standing outside his house, over a plastic sheet with four buckets of milk. He used one bucket after another to bathe and celebrated his divorce.

He also captured the entire celebration on camera and was heard screaming, “I am free from today. She kept eloping with her lover. I stayed silent for the sake of our family’s peace.”

As per the local reports, Ali claimed that his wife was having an extra-marital affair and had eloped with her lover quite a few times. Going against the wife’s decision, Ali was trying to ‘save’ the marriage for the ‘sake of their daughter’. However, when nothing changed, the two finally got divorced.

After the legal proceedings were over, he decided to make the occasion memorable by pouring four buckets (approximately 40 litres) of milk on himself in front of the cameras.

Source: https://www.news18.com/viral/im-free-assam-man-celebrates-divorce-by-bathing-in-40-litres-of-milk-video-ws-l-9437764.html

Police said there’s no direct connection between her social media presence and the motive behind the crime, and that Radhika’s father confessed to the murder.

The Gurugram police on Sunday said that they were not seeking statements from friends or those who posted tributes and allegations on social media over the murder of tennis player Radhika Yadav, calling it an “open and shut” case and saying that a charge sheet was being filed based on strong forensic and testimonial evidence.

Meanwhile, Yadav’s reported friend Himaanshika Singh Rajput, on Sunday, said in an Instagram post that the murder was premeditated and triggered by social pressure. “She was not okay for the past 10 days. Her father had planned the murder three days before it happened,” Himaanshika said in her video.

She said that Yadav gave in to her father’s demands, and blamed the father’s friends for allegedly provoking him with comments about her clothing, makeup and growing online popularity.

Twenty-five-year-old Radhika Yadav’s Instagram account was private, with only 69 followers, suggesting she was not a social media influencer by conventional standards. Police said there’s no direct connection between her social media presence and the motive behind the crime. “The accused has confessed to the crime. These video statements are not part of the investigation and won’t be included in the charge sheet,” said Sandeep Kumar, public relations officer, Gurugram Police.

“During questioning, we specifically asked Deepak Yadav to name the people who instigated him against his daughter, but he could not name even a single person. We have questioned more than 20 individuals from Wazirabad village, including those close to the family, and no one admitted to having any such conversation,” he said.

While the motive behind the murder remains somewhat unclear, the police said that the evidence collected—including the recovery of the murder weapon, forensic inputs, and Deepak Yadav’s confession—was sufficient to move ahead with the charge sheet.

Yadav, a state-level tennis player and the founder of a tennis academy in Sector 56, was shot dead at her residence in Sushant Lok Phase-3 on the morning of July 11. According to investigators, the crime was premeditated, as they cited that Deepak allegedly sent his son out to buy milk—a task he usually did himself—before allegedly firing four rounds into his daughter’s back while she was in the kitchen preparing breakfast for her mother on her birthday.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/gurugram-news/open-and-shut-case-cops-on-gurugram-tennis-player-murder-101752430298610.html

Elon Musk’s Tesla and Starlink are on the cusp of entering India. Tesla’s first showroom opens in Mumbai while Starlink promises high-speed internet

Elon Musk may now be on the warpath with US President Donald Trump, but his two major companies – Tesla and Starlink – are on the cusp of entering India. This means cutting-edge electric vehicle technology coming to India, along with the fastest satellite connectivity.
This week, on Tuesday (July 15), Tesla’s first showroom will open in India at Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex. Tesla announced its entry into India with a new X handle. The company is calling its showroom as an “experience centre” and five Model Y vehicles are said to have landed in the city ahead of the launch.

Delhi’s Aerocity could have the second showroom by the end of this month. And, when can you book and get a Tesla? August or September. But be prepared to cough up a bomb – almost Rs 65 lakh to Rs 70 lakh, which is double of what the Model Y costs in the United States.

Well, the reason is that Tesla cars are being directly imported so far and, hence, cannot escape the 70 percent import duty that India charges. Then there are other surcharges and registration costs. The import duty would have been 110 percent, but India reduced it to 70 percent earlier this year to enable Tesla’s entry.

Tesla, so far, has no plans to manufacture its EV in India – something that the Narendra Modi-led government wants Musk to do so that the cars can become affordable for Indians and also create jobs here.

Tesla for now will be importing the cars. India could be the biggest EV maker in the years to come – and Tesla no longer wants to miss out on the early mover advantage.

But at a price tag of Rs 65 lakh to Rs 70 lakh, Tesla is not challenging the big players in India’s EV market – from Mahindra to Tata, which have far more affordable offerings. Even BYD is competitively priced.

Tesla is clearly going to test the waters first. It has a challenging task to set up charging infrastructure and ensure its imported cars adjust to vastly different Indian road conditions.

STARLINK COULD REVOLUTIONISE INTERNET
Musk’s other big offering – Starlink – is also set for an Indian debut in the next few days. India officially opened its doors to Starlink last week to launch internet services.

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre granted a nod to Starlink Satellite Communications, signalling the country’s growing embrace of private space and communication technology.

This will enable provisioning of the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, namely Starlink Gen1, and the private company can provide satellite communication services in India for the next five years.

The Starlink Gen1 Constellation is a global constellation with 4,408 satellites orbiting Earth at altitudes varying between 540 km and 570 km, capable of providing ~600 Gbps throughput over India. Again, the Starlink service will come at a higher cost than your regular broadband or WiFi service but will be much faster.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/elon-musk-on-warpath-with-trump-but-tesla-and-starlink-to-make-big-bang-indian-debut-ws-l-9438348.html#google_vignette

The decision was taken after a ‘positive response’ to a trial conducted in loco engines and coaches of the Northern Railway.

The Union Ministry of Railways on Sunday said all passenger train coaches and locomotives would have CCTV cameras for better passengers safety.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has given the go-ahead to instal CCTV cameras in all 74,000 coaches and 15,000 locos, said a Railways statement.

The decision was taken after a “positive response” to a trial conducted in loco engines and coaches of the Northern Railway.

“Miscreants and organised gangs take advantage of gullible passengers. With cameras, such incidents will significantly reduce, ” said the statement.

The plan involves covering each railway coach with four dome-type CCTV cameras: two in each entrance way, and six cameras in every locomotive. The plan for locomotives involves one camera each at the front, in the rear, and on both sides.

Vaishnaw, who chaired a meeting with top railway officials, asked them to ensure that high-quality footage should be available even for trains running at 100+ kmph and also under low-light conditions.

The Union minister also suggested that officials explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) on the data captured by the CCTV cameras, in collaboration with the IndiaAI mission.

Privacy concerns

Indian Railways also clarified that in efforts to preserve the privacy of passengers, the CCTV cameras would be installed in the common movement areas and near the doors.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/railways-to-instal-cctv-cameras-in-all-coaches-locos-3628396

PM Modi personally informed Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam of his nomination to the Rajya Sabha in a candid call.

Moments after Ujjwal Nikam, the Special Public Prosecutor in 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case, was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu, he revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally informed him about his nomination.

Nikam said PM Modi candidly called him to inform about his nomination to the upper house of the parliament and had started speaking in Marathi.

“Yesterday, PM Narendra Modi called me to inform about my nomination. He asked me if he should talk in Hindi or in Marathi. Both of us started laughing,” he said as quoted by news agency ANI.

Nikam further said that the Prime Minister informed him about the president’s decision to which he immediately acknowledged and agreed.

“He then spoke to me in Marathi and told me that the President wants to give me responsibility, after which he informed me about the President’s decision. I immediately said yes. I thank the party leadership…” he added.

Language Row In Maharashtra

The interaction between the two came at a time when the Thackeray brothers– Shiv Sena (UBT’s) Uddhav Thackeray and MNS’ Raj Thackeray– have targeted the BJP-led state government for trying to ‘impose’ Hindi in Maharashtra and migrants for not speaking Marathi.

Earlier today, an auto-rickshaw driver in Maharashtra’s Palghar was thrashed in public, allegedly by the supporters of Uddhav Sena and Raj Thackeray’s MNS over his refusal to speak Marathi.

A video of the auto-rickshaw driver, a migrant, went viral, showing him arguing with another migrant from Uttar Pradesh, Bhavesh Padolia, at Virar station. He said in the video that he would only speak Hindi when he was asked why he was not speaking in Marathi.

Last week, MNS workers threw stones and vandalised the office of a businessman named Sushil Kedia, who had earlier issued an open dare to Raj Thackeray, stating that he would not be intimidated by MNS workers or be forced to learn Marathi under pressure.

Earlier this month, a shopkeeper in Mumbai’s Mira Road was assaulted after he allegedly refused to speak in Marathi.

Nikam Nominated To Rajya Sabha

In a Gazette notification put out by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday, four members were nominated to the Upper House of the Parliament, which comprised people from varied backgrounds, including diplomacy, the legal fraternity, historian, and social worker.

Among the nominees is Ujjwal Nikam, one of India’s most distinguished public prosecutors, best known for serving as the Special Public Prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks trial and several other high-profile criminal cases.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/shall-i-speak-in-marathi-pm-modis-banter-with-ujjwal-nikam-amid-language-debate-ws-l-9437814.html

Olympic bronze medalist Saina Nehwal announced her separation from husband Parupalli Kashyap on Sunday. Nehwal, who won bronze at the London Olympics 2012, took to social media to announce the news. “Life takes us in different directions sometimes. After much thought and consideration, Kashyap Parupalli and I have decided to part ways. We’re choosing peace, growth, and healing – for ourselves and each other. I’m grateful for the memories and wish nothing but the best moving forward. Thank you for understanding and respecting our privacy during this time,” Saina wrote on her Instagram story.

Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap got married in 2018.

Saina and Parupalli both trained at the Pullela Gopichand academy in Hyderabad. While Saina grabbed the headlines with her brilliant performances and bronze at the Olympics, Parupalli also made a name for himself with a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2014.

She was the second Indian woman to win an Olympic medal after Karnam Malleshwari.

In 2015, Saina became the first Indian woman to achieve the World No.1 ranking in women’s singles.

Parupalli has not announced anything about the separation from his side.

Back in 2024, Saina revealed that she is battling arthritis and will have to decide on her badminton future.

“The knee is not very good. I have arthritis. My cartilage has gone to a bad state. It is very difficult to push for eight-nine hours,” Nehwal said on the ‘House of Glory’ podcast hosted by shooting great Gagan Narang, who was India’s chef-de-mission in the recent Paris Olympics.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/badminton/saina-nehwal-announces-separation-from-husband-parupalli-kashyap-says-were-choosing-8870038

Apart from orchestrating the religious conversion of economically weak Hindu families, Chhangur was allegedly planning to establish direct links with the ISI.

In a fresh and explosive revelation, sources have revealed that Jalaluddin alias Chhangur Baba – the self-styled godman at the centre of a multi-state religious conversion racket – had travelled to Kathmandu in a bid to strengthen ties with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). This alleged move goes beyond the ongoing illegal religious conversion case in which Baba is already facing serious charges.

Apart from orchestrating the religious conversion of economically weak Hindu families, Chhangur was allegedly planning to establish direct links with the ISI. According to sources, he wanted Hindu women – who had been converted to Islam – to be married off to ISI agents and sleeper cell operatives in Nepal.

Security agencies arrested Chhangur Baba and his two close associates – Neetu and Naveen – just in time, thereby averting what officials described as a potential national security disaster.

A recent meeting of ISI agents was reportedly held at the Pakistani Embassy in Kathmandu. A delegation from Pakistan’s National Defence University also participated in the event, which was attended by ISI officials. The Pakistani delegation even visited the India-Nepal border region.

Sources said Chhangur was seeking to establish contact with the Pakistani Embassy through a religious leader based in Nepal, but due to security restrictions, he was unable to enter the premises.

Investigators further revealed that Chhangur was trying to establish a base in Barhni, located in Uttar Pradesh. His next plan reportedly involved bringing in batches of Rohingya refugees, falsely presenting them as Hindus, and then converting them to Islam.

The religious conversion network allegedly spread across multiple Indian states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, West Bengal, and various districts of Uttar Pradesh. Balrampur’s Utraula region was reportedly chosen as the central hub for these operations due to its proximity to the Nepal border.

Chhangur is also said to have had connections with international Islamic organisations, including the Islamic Development Bank (Saudi Arabia), the Muslim World League, Dawat-e-Islami, and the Islamic Union of Nepal.

AIDE TURNS WHISTLEBLOWER?

In what is being described as the biggest revelation in the case so far, Mohammad Ahmed Khan, believed to be Chhangur Baba’s close aide and financial associate, has come forward with startling claims.

Speaking to Aaj Tak, India Today’s sister website, Khan said, “I myself was troubled by Chhangur Baba He forcibly grabbed land worth crores that was in my name. I was his partner in financial dealings worth hundreds of crores.”

Khan further alleged that Chhangur Baba operated a syndicate involving land grabbing, illegal funding, and threats, run through a group known as the Rabbani Gang.

“The Rabbani gang worked directly under Baba’s instructions. They occupied land, prepared fake documents, and threatened people. The gang also had links with the late gangster Mukhtar Ansari’s henchmen,” Khan claimed, adding that he possesses photographic evidence of these connections.

He also revealed that just before Baba’s arrest, a member of the Rabbani gang managed to join the Uttar Pradesh Raksha Parishad (UP Defence Council), fuelling concerns about the gang’s influence within administrative circles.

Khan said he met Changur Baba in 2023 and had no association with him before that.

“He tried to frame me in a property case, and I had to take him to court. Even after his arrest, his gang members are still active and capable of executing large-scale plans,” he said.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ups-chhangur-baba-travelled-to-nepal-to-secure-ties-with-paks-isi-say-sources-2755147-2025-07-13

A 57-year-old man from Palakkad district in Kerala, who died on July 12, is suspected to have been infected with the Nipah virus, prompting the government to ramp up contact tracing and field-level surveillance in the area.

The man had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in this northern district.

His samples were tested at Manjeri Medical College, where the results came back positive for Nipah, Health Minister Veena George said in a statement.

She added that the government is awaiting confirmation from the National Institute of Virology in Pune.

This is the second Nipah-related death reported in Kerala in recent days.

A native of Malappuram had recently died from the infection, while another patient from Palakkad district remains hospitalised.

In response to the fresh suspected case, the government has ramped up contact tracing and field-level surveillance in the area.

A list of 46 people who came into contact with the patient has been drawn up.

CCTV footage and mobile tower location data have been used to help identify those on the contact list.

A detailed route map of the patient’s recent movements has been prepared, along with a family tree to trace close contacts.

Health teams are now carrying out fever surveillance in the region to detect any possible symptoms in others.

“Field teams have been strengthened, and all available data is being used to monitor the situation,” George said.

Further steps will be taken once confirmation is received from the National Institute of Virology in Pune.

The minister has also instructed officials to step up the response team, considering the seriousness of the case.

Authorities have urged people in Palakkad and Malappuram districts to avoid unnecessary visits to hospitals, especially under the current circumstances.

Visits to friends or relatives receiving treatment should be strictly limited, officials said. Only one person is allowed to accompany a patient as a bystander.

Both healthcare workers and those coming to the hospital, including patients and their companions, are required to wear masks at all times, an official release said.

Meanwhile, the health minister also issued a Nipah alert to hospitals across six districts.

The advisory has been sent to medical facilities in Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad, and Thrissur. Hospitals have been directed to report any patients presenting with fever and symptoms resembling Nipah, including encephalitis and high-grade fever, the minister’s office said.

According to the WHO, Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease that spreads from animals to humans and can also be transmitted through contaminated food or via direct human-to-human contact.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/kerala-reports-2nd-nipah-virus-case-57-year-old-man-died-on-july-12-2755249-2025-07-13

A 58-year-old man identified as Jitendra Kumar Mahto was shot dead on Thursday in the Sultanpur police station area of Patna, making it the fourth reported shooting incident in Bihar within the last 24 hours.

According to Patna East SP Parichay Kumar, unidentified assailants opened fire on Mahto while he was returning after having tea. “Criminals shot a person named Jitendra Mahato. He was taken to the hospital for treatment, where he died,” Kumar said. He added that three bullet shells were recovered from the scene and the matter is under investigation from all possible angles.

Mahto, said to be a lawyer by profession, had not been actively practising law for the past two years, police officials confirmed. His family told the police that he used to come to the same spot every day for tea. “Today, he came here to drink tea and was shot while returning,” SP Kumar said.

Patna City ASP Atulesh Jha also visited the scene, and the Sultanpur police station team is currently probing the case. The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has been informed, and police have begun examining CCTV footage from nearby areas in an attempt to identify the attackers.

The incident follows three other fatal shootings reported across Bihar within a 24-hour period, raising concerns over the law and order situation in the poll-bound state.

In the first incident on Saturday, businessman Putu Khan was shot in the head at point-blank range by unidentified assailants at Mehsaul Chowk, the busiest market area in Bihar’s Sitamarhi district.

CCTV footage of the attack has surfaced, showing Khan being targeted in broad daylight. He succumbed to his injuries during treatment at a private hospital. Police arrived at the scene and began collecting CCTV footage from nearby shops to identify the attackers.

Khan’s killing led to tensions in the area. Family members, refusing to allow a post-mortem, staged a protest on the road with the body, demanding justice and alleging that the murder was linked to a land dispute involving his business. Media personnel were prevented from filming the scene as tempers flared among locals.

Hours later, in Patna district’s Sheikhpura village, veterinary doctor Surendra Kumar (50) was shot while irrigating his field. According to officials, bike-borne gunmen opened fire at him. He was found unconscious with bullet wounds and rushed to AIIMS Patna by villagers but died during treatment.

Police are questioning locals and have sent the body for post-mortem. “No eyewitnesses have come forward so far. We are investigating all angles,” a police official said. Kumar was known in the area as a former block president of the BJP’s Kisan Morcha. Political motives have not been ruled out.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/lawyer-shot-dead-in-patna-as-4-killed-in-24-hours-amid-shooting-spree-2755162-2025-07-13

The decision was delivered by a division bench comprising Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta and Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra, in response to a petition filed on behalf of the survivor.

The Allahabad High Court has permitted a minor rape survivor from Prayagraj to undergo an abortion, directing that all medical and procedural expenses be borne by the Uttar Pradesh government.

The court further instructed that fetal tissue samples be preserved as evidence for the ongoing legal proceedings.

The decision was delivered by a division bench comprising Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta and Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra, in response to a petition filed on behalf of the survivor.

The minor had been abducted and subjected to sexual assault and rape, following which a First Information Report (FIR) was registered on June 8, 2025. Upon discovering that she was pregnant, her family approached the High Court seeking permission for a medical termination of pregnancy.

Acting on the petition, the court had earlier directed the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Prayagraj to constitute a medical board to examine the survivor. The examination was conducted on July 9, 2025, and based on the report, the court granted permission for the abortion.

In its order, the court also instructed that the District Magistrate of Prayagraj be involved in the procedure to ensure proper oversight. The court emphasized that the state has a responsibility to support the survivor, not just medically but also legally, by ensuring that the fetus is preserved as forensic evidence for the prosecution.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/allahabad-high-court-allows-abortion-for-minor-rape-survivor-orders-state-to-bear-all-medical-expenses

The airport wall collapse has raised serious questions about construction quality and flood preparedness of one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the state.

A section of the boundary wall of the newly-constructed Rewa Airport in Madhya Pradesh, built at a cost of Rs 500 crore, has collapsed barely months after completion, raising serious questions about construction quality and flood preparedness of one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the state.

According to locals, the ground beneath the wall gave way due to heavy rainfall, causing a portion of the airport’s outer boundary to crumble during the night. This is not the first time the boundary wall has failed – a similar breach was reported during the rains last year, even before the airport became operational.

Rewa Airport was envisioned as a game-changer for the Vindhya region. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the project virtually from Varanasi, the airport was completed in a record 18 months on 323 acres of land acquired from five villages.

The facility boasts a 2,300-meter-long runway and is currently operating two flights connecting Rewa to Bhopal via Khajuraho and Jabalpur. While it now handles only 19-seater aircraft, the plan is to scale up to 72-seaters in the coming months. The airport has been licensed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and was designed to serve the region for the next 50 years.

But even before it could take off in full swing, its foundation had begun to sink, literally.

In the past 24 hours, Rewa has received 8 inches of relentless rainfall. The Bichhiya and Bihar rivers, lifelines of the district, have overflowed, submerging large parts of the city. At least four localities along the riverbanks are now inundated, with three to four feet of water inside homes and shops.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/cracks-in-rs-500-crore-project-airport-wall-collapses-after-rain-in-madhya-pradeshs-rewa-8866487

Deepak, 51, was arrested from the family’s residence soon after the murder of his daughter, a tennis player who ran an academy, took place on Thursday morning.

A city court on Saturday sent to 14-day judicial custody Deepak Yadav, who is accused of shooting his daughter Radhika Yadav dead at their Sector 57 home.

Meanwhile, investigators part of the case gave a clean chit to 25-year-old Radhika’s mother, Manju Yadav, saying that she neither knew about Deepak’s alleged plan to murder their daughter nor had she witnessed the shooting.

Deepak, 51, a builder, was arrested from the family’s residence soon after the murder of his daughter, a tennis player who ran an academy, took place on Thursday morning.

His licensed revolver that he had allegedly used to shoot Radhika dead was also seized from his possession. Four bullet wounds were found on Radhika’s back and the pellets were extracted during the autopsy.

Police had sought his two-day remand for interrogation. However, the court had granted only one-day remand on Friday.

Sandeep Kumar, public relations officer of Gurugram police, said on Saturday that any evidence proving involvement of Radhika’s mother in her killing has not surfaced as of now. “She had no inkling that Deepak was going to kill their daughter,” he said. “There was initial suspicion that she might have also been involved in the killing but nothing adverse was found against her. Investigation indicated that Deepak had acted alone in Radhika’s murder,” he said.

Meanwhile, investigators said that after meeting his relatives in police custody, Deepak had broken down for the first time on Friday, and urged them to ensure that he is executed for killing his daughter.

Police officers interrogating Deepak, meanwhile, said his replies to their questions were few. “He has offered limited information. Probably, he is in a state of shock or remorse…,” said an investigator, who did not wish to be named.

He also told police that he suspected that “people were talking about him living on his daughter’s earnings”, which made him feel “humiliated”, police said.

According to the police, Deepak claimed he was battling depression for the past 15 days due to this social criticism.

In his confession, he said he could no longer bear the humiliation which had hurt his “pride”, as mentioned in the FIR accessed by HT.

Deepak had also allegedly started pressuring Radhika to close her tennis academy, which had also led to tension and arguments at their house, and the subsequent killing, said police.

Deepak allegedly shot Radhika, a state-level tennis player, four times in the back while she was cooking breakfast in the kitchen of their three-storey home in Block-G of Sushant Lok-2 Thursday, police said.

“He admitted during questioning that he planned the murder,” said PRO Kumar. “He typically bought himself milk in the mornings, but on Thursday, he asked his son to go instead. Once alone with Radhika, he pumped four bullets into her while she was cooking breakfast,” he added.

Police said they will again interrogate the family members and other acquaintances. A gunpowder residue swab analysis and other forensic reports will also be collected based on police will file a charge sheet against Deepak, officers said.

Radhika was a state-level athlete who had reached a career-high ITF doubles ranking of 113 in November 2024, and was ranked fifth in Haryana in women’s doubles. She opened a popular tennis academy in March this year and was also popular on social media.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/gurugram-news/radhika-yadav-s-father-sent-to-judicial-custody-101752346629444.html

During a lively Q&A on social media, Ananya Birla humorously addressed a question about her family’s cement business.

Ananya Birla recently interacted with fans through a question and answer session on social media. The eldest daughter of billionaire Kumar Mangalam Birla replied to several questions on X during her ‘Ask Me Anything’ session. Some of the queries she received were funny, some were thoughtful, some curious and some were downright strange – but the 30-year-old answered each with wit and honesty.

One of her replies, however, has been receiving more attention than others – perhaps due to the “weird” nature of the question itself.

Ananya Birla, cement wali?

An X user alluded to Ananya Birla’s business legacy in a question that left many laughing.

“Aap wahi birla ki beti ho ?? Cement wale Mm (Are you the daughter of the Birlas associated with cement?)” the user asked Ananya on X.

Ananya Birla, a sixth-generation scion of the billionaire Birla family, and also an artiste in her own right, did not deny the charge. “Haan Ji. Ultra tech was the name, last time I checked,” she replied.

Her response has received over 1 lakh views and dozens of amused replies. “The weirdest question I have ever seen here lol,” wrote one person in the comments section. Another called it “Gracefully balancing humor and generosity.”

UltraTech Cement Limited, a flagship of the Aditya Birla Group based in Mumbai, is India’s largest manufacturer of grey cement, ready-mix concrete (RMC), and white cement. It ranks as the fifth largest cement producer globally and the third-largest outside China

More about Ananya Birla

Ananya Birla is the eldest daughter of Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman of Aditya Birla Group, and his wife Neerja Birla. She gained popularity in the public space for her music career.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/aap-birla-ki-beti-ho-cement-wale-ananya-birla-s-hilarious-reply-to-question-goes-viral-101752368679778.html

Amaal Mallik reacts to Anu Malik’s MeToo allegations, says he felt embarrassed and distanced himself from his uncle during the controversy.

Music composer Amaal Mallik has made it clear that he shares no personal bond with his uncle, Anu Malik, especially in light of the sexual harassment allegations made against him during the MeToo movement. In a recent interview with Siddharth Kannan, Amaal revealed his thoughts on the controversy and why he chose to stay silent at the time.

“I didn’t talk or support Anu Malik when he was accused during the MeToo movement. It was not my concern because I don’t consider him my family. I was very embarrassed when he was accused of these things. We never had a relationship. But I think if so many people raised their voice against him, I believe there must be some truth to it. Why would people come and say it otherwise? There is no smoke without fire. Five people can’t talk against the same person.”

The allegations against Anu Malik surfaced during the height of the MeToo movement in India, with multiple women accusing him of inappropriate behaviour. Amaal, who has worked with several female artists, said his father once expressed concern over the possibility of similar accusations being made against him.

“Once my dad asked me if I too will be dragged in this movement. I said, there is no chance. I can never be the person who will ask for physical favours in return of songs. All the girls worked with me have felt safe.”

Talking about where he currently stands with his uncle, Amaal said he maintains a respectful distance but doesn’t share any personal bond with Anu Malik. “I am respectful towards him when I see him in public. But after knowing his wrongdoings, I am not in good terms with him. I don’t have any relationship with his family. I haven’t met them in years. I don’t attend parties. They were invited for Armaan’s wedding. They had come too. It is more like professional rivalry.”

Source : https://www.news18.com/movies/bollywood/amaal-mallik-on-uncle-anu-maliks-sexual-harassment-allegations-there-must-be-truth-to-it-9437155.html

The Andhra Pradesh High Court recently held that the Director of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) illegally nominated the investigating officer (IO) in the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Tirupati laddu case [Kaduru Chinnappanna v The State of Andhra Pradesh & Ors].

Justice Harinath N said that the SIT constituted by the Supreme Court did not include J Venkat Rao, but the CBI Director later nominated him as the IO.

The CBI Director could not have directed Rao to conduct the investigation and it was contrary to the directions of the Supreme Court, Justice Harinath said.

“Inclusion of 10th respondent as investigating officer over and above the number of reconstituted SIT is not permissible and would certainly over reach the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India,” the Court said.

Therefore, it ordered the CBI Director to conduct free and fair probe in the case and oversee the whole thing.

“For the aforementioned reasons, the writ petition is allowed directing the respondent No.2 to conduct a free and fair investigation by supervising the investigation which is to be conducted by the SIT reconstituted as per the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court.”

The Bench passed the direction after an accused named Kaduru Chinnappanna moved the High Court seeking directions for a fair probe in the case.

The laddu controversy erupted in November 2024 when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu alleged that animal fat was being used to make Tirupati laddus under the previous Congress government.

Initially, the State government constituted an SIT to probe the matter. The Supreme Court substituted it with an SIT to be composed of two officers of the CBI, two officers of the State Government, and one officer of the FSSAI. The new SIT was to function under the supervision of the CBI Director.

However, Chinnappanna stated that the Director CBI delegated the investigation to an officer, the Additional Superintendent of Police, Tirupati, who was also a member of the previous SIT constituted by the State government.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/andhra-pradesh-high-court-says-cbi-director-delegated-tirupati-laddu-probe-in-violation-of-sc-order

As per recent reports, Bigg Boss fame Abdu Rozik has been detained by authorities at Dubai International Airport over alleged theft. While there has been no official statement from the authorities yet, his team has confirmed the arrest.

Bigg Boss fame Abdu Rozik was arrested at Dubai International Airport early Saturday morning on charges of theft, according to a representative from his team. The social media sensation was taken into custody around 5 a.m., shortly after arriving in Dubai from Montenegro.

The statement said the ministers will exchange views on SCO cooperation in various fields and major international and regional issues.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be travelling to China’s Tianjin city for the foreign ministers’ meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The Meeting of the Council of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the SCO will be held in Tianjin on July 15, read a statement by a spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry here said on Saturday.
Jaishankar will also be visiting China, the spokesperson said, without specifying it. According to the statement, at the invitation of the member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, foreign ministers of other SCO member states and heads of the bloc’s permanent bodies will attend the meeting, reported PTI.
The statement said the ministers will exchange views on SCO cooperation in various fields and major international and regional issues.

The SCO grouping comprises 10 member states – China, Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus.

Several reports of women being transported in makeshift palanquins due to inaccessible roads have surfaced recently.

A recent remark by Sidhi BJP MP Dr Rakesh Mishra has sparked controversy over the demands of a pregnant woman has sparked concerns.
The issue of lack of roads was brought to light by local influencer Leela Sahu, who is also currently pregnant. Sahu highlighted on social media that the lack of road connectivity in the village severely hampers access to medical facilities, especially during the monsoon season.
It was highlighted that ambulances and other vehicles often fail to reach the area, forcing expectant mothers to travel in tractors or face dangerous delays in reaching hospitals.

Sahu had flagged the road problem in 2023 as well, however, no progress has been made since then.

When asked about the concerns of pregnant woman in Khaddi Khurd village, MP Rakesh Mishra said that several facilities from the state government are available and the women could get admitted in the hospital before their due date, according to TOI. “Delivery ke ek hafte pehle uthwa lenge” (We’ll get them picked up a week before delivery), he was quoted as saying.
“We have ambulances, we have other facilities, we have ASHA workers there. Come and get admitted at the hospital.” He added, “Every delivery has an estimated date, we’ll get them picked up a week in advance.”
There have been several instances of pregnant women being transported in make-shift palanquin as the vehicle could not reach the desired spot. A pregnant woman had to be carried in a makeshift palanquin, called ‘doli’ in local parlance, last month due to lack of an approach road to her hamlet in Shahapur in Maharashtra’s Thane district.
A video of 21-year-old Sangita Ravindra Mukane being carried in a doli over a distance of more than one kilometre from her native Chafewadi village to an ambulance parked at Gaidand Road at around 1:30pm went viral on social media.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/pick-them-up-a-week-before-delivery-mps-remark-on-pregnant-womens-road-woes-sparks-outrage-article-152268820

One month after Vijay Rupani’s tragic death in the Ahmedabad plane crash, his children recall their last conversations and the overwhelming support they received from PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah.

One month after the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad that claimed the life of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, his family spoke exclusively to Aaj Tak from their home in Rajkot, sharing emotional memories and their final moments with him.

Rupani’s daughter, Radhika Rupani, who lives in London, recalled, “My father was coming to visit me. At the time of the crash, I was in Vienna. When I first heard the news, I thought he might have just been injured.”

She said that her father had planned to attend a religious ceremony at her home in London and then travel to Scotland and Ireland with three other family friend couples. “I remember how he took me along during the Akshardham terror attack visit. That moment is etched in my memory,” she said.

Radhika mentioned that she had spoken to her father over a video call just a day before the crash. “I had told him, ‘Papa, why didn’t you come on the 5th? Come soon.’ His ticket was originally booked for June 5, but it was later changed to June 12,” she said.

Speaking about the support they received from national leaders, she added, “When we met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he was extremely emotional. He couldn’t speak for two minutes. Then he told my mother, ‘Anju, I knew you even before I knew Vijaybhai. Now you must stay strong and take charge. Trust the government; there will be a thorough and fair investigation.’”

She also recalled how Union Home Minister Amit Shah stayed with the family for four to five hours on the day of the funeral, until all rituals were completed.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/come-soon-vijay-rupani-daughter-radhika-recalls-last-call-before-plane-crash-2754974-2025-07-13

According to fellow students, the woman had been mentally distressed for weeks, allegedly due to persistent harassment by her teacher in Odisha’s Balasore.

A woman undergraduate student of a college in Odisha’s Balasore is battling for life after she attempted self-immolation in front of the college principal’s chamber in protest against months-long sexual harassment by her teacher and the institute’s alleged inaction in the matter. She sustained over 90 per cent burn injuries.

The student, pursuing a B Ed course from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, sustained over 90 per cent burn injuries and is currently undergoing critical care at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. Another student who tried to rescue her also sustained serious burn injuries.

According to fellow students, the woman had been mentally distressed for weeks, allegedly due to persistent harassment by the Head of the Integrated B Ed Department, Sameer Kumar Sahoo. Batchmates claimed Sahoo made repeated inappropriate demands and threatened her with academic consequences if she refused to comply.

Despite reportedly submitting formal complaints to both the college principal and the local police, no substantial action was taken. Students said that although an internal committee was formed, it made little progress.

The woman set herself on fire shortly after she met with the college principal.

In the wake of the incident, the Odisha Higher Education Department has taken swift disciplinary action. Head of Department Sameer Sahoo has been arrested, and Principal Dillip Kumar Ghosh has been suspended.

Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj confirmed the developments, stating, “The state government has taken the matter seriously. A high-level inquiry has been initiated under the chairmanship of the Director of the department, with a committee comprising a Joint Secretary-level woman officer and a senior woman principal from another college.”

The minister added that strict action would follow upon completion of the inquiry. “I have spoken with AIIMS Bhubaneswar officials for her immediate and advanced treatment and also discussed the matter with the Chief Minister,” he said.

Balasore SP Raj Prasad said that HOD Sameer Sahoo was arrested after initial questioning and has been forwarded to court.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/odisha-student-sets-herself-on-fire-over-harassment-by-teacher-accused-arrested-2754935-2025-07-13

Having known her since 2012, Himanshika claimed that Radhika was often targeted for wearing shorts, talking to boys, and living life on her own terms. In a video released by Himanshika, she revealed that Radhika’s movements were tightly controlled, with fixed times for going out and returning home.

Days after Radhika Yadav was shot dead by her father, her best friend, Himanshika Singh, has broken her silence, saying that the tennis player felt suffocated at home as her family “had issues with almost everything.”

Having known her since 2012, Himanshika claimed that Radhika was often targeted for wearing shorts, talking to boys, and living life on her own terms.

In a video released by Himanshika, she revealed that Radhika’s movements were tightly controlled, with fixed times for going out and returning home.

“When she used to be on a video call with me, she had to show her parents who she was talking to. Even though the tennis academy was just 15 minutes away from her home, she was given strict deadlines for when she had to return,” claimed Himanshika.

“Radhika’s family was quite orthodox and had issues with almost everything,” she added.

In another hard-hitting post, Himanshika criticised Radhika’s father for making her life “miserable” with his “controlling, constant criticism.”

“He made her life miserable for years with his controlling behaviour and constant criticism… They shamed her for wearing shorts, for talking to boys, for living life on her own terms,” she wrote.

Himanshika remembered her best friend as a “kind soul, sweet and innocent.” She also said that Radhika liked shooting videos and taking photos.

“Gradually, all her hobbies, like shooting videos, disappeared. She faced extreme pressure at home. There was societal pressure on the family. The parents were always worried about what people would say. They were very orthodox,” she said.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/radhika-yadav-targeted-for-wearing-shorts-talking-to-boys-best-friend-slams-controlling-dad-2754990-2025-07-13

The society filed an affidavit in the HC in response to a petition filed by Chinagate Restaurants Pvt Ltd, seeking removal of debris from the premises and directing the society to undertake a structural audit of the building.

Link Square Premises Cooperative Society Ltd in Bandra, where a fire broke out in the basement Croma showroom in April, has informed the Bombay High Court that a structural audit of the building has been conducted and that they are awaiting the report.

The society filed an affidavit in the HC in response to a petition filed by Chinagate Restaurants Pvt Ltd, seeking removal of debris from the premises and directing the society to undertake a structural audit of the building.

On April 29, a Level 4 fire broke out in the basement Croma showroom of Link Square Mall, which is owned by former MLA Zeeshan Siddique. While no casualties were reported, the fire gutted two terrace restaurants and over 200 shops. The Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) took 22 hours to control the blaze, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of its response. China Gate Group’s restaurants, TAP Resto Bar and Global Fusion, were located in the building.

Chinagate, represented by advocates Ankul Seth and Yashraj Tongia, sought directions to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to remove the debris left on the premises after the fire and to conduct a structural audit of the building.

An affidavit was filed by the society’s secretary, Tabassum Shaikh, emphasising that there was never any “obstacle whatsoever for conducting the structural audit of the building, more particularly due to the fire which had taken place on 29th April 2025”. The society appointed Mahimtura Consultants Private Limited on June 20 to undertake a structural audit of the building. The audit has been completed and the report is awaited.

It also stated that the society has no objection to the structural audit being undertaken by the petitioner by appointing Sardar Patel College of Engineering. The petitioner had sought, on July 3, and was granted permission the very next day, to get the structural audit conducted by the college. “I state that after the decision of Respondent No. 3 society, the audit by Sardar Patel College of Engineering is in progress,” the affidavit said.

The debris lying on the first and second floors of the building has been substantially removed. The insurance company informed the society that the “debris having any salvageable value should be segregated and made available to them for inspection on site”. This process, though time-consuming, is mandatory. Accordingly, the debris removal agency has requested a time period of one and a half months, the society added.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/malls-structural-audit-done-report-awaited-link-square-premises-society-tells-bombay-hc

After viral photos from a Milan fashion show drew criticism from Indian artisans who make the sandals – named after the historic city of Kolhapur in Maharashtra state – Prada was forced late last month to acknowledge that its new open-toe footwear was inspired by ancient Indian designs.

Prada is looking to collaborate with “artisanal footwear” makers in India in a partnership, it said on Friday, two weeks after the Italian luxury group triggered a controversy by debuting ethnic sandals resembling 12th-century Indian ones.

After viral photos from a Milan fashion show drew criticism from Indian artisans who make the sandals – named after the historic city of Kolhapur in Maharashtra state – Prada was forced late last month to acknowledge that its new open-toe footwear was inspired by ancient Indian designs.

The furore even saw sales of Indian sandals boom, with sellers and artisans seeing the controversy as a way to promote the heritage craft by tapping into nationalist pride.

Prada said in a statement to Reuters that it held talks remotely on Friday with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, which represents 3,000 Kolhapuri sandal artisans, and discussed potential opportunities for future collaboration.

“The next step will be for Prada’s supply chain team to meet a range of artisanal footwear manufacturers,” the company said.

The Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce said that Lorenzo Bertelli, son of Prada’s owners and head of its corporate social responsibility, joined the talks on Friday.

The chamber of commerce said that during the talks Prada said it aimed to launch a limited-edition “Made in India” Kolhapuri-inspired collection of sandals in partnership with Indian artisans.

India’s luxury market is small but growing, with the rich splurging on designer fashion, top end sports cars and pricey watches.

Prada does not have any retail stores in India, and its products are usually reserved for the super rich who shop overseas.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/prada-looks-at-collaboration-with-indian-footwear-artisans-after-sandal-scandal-3626403

In a high-level closed-door interaction with the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the One Nation One Election Bill, former Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud cautioned lawmakers about significant constitutional gaps in the proposed legislation.

Sources present during the meeting told Bar & Bench that the former CJI made it clear that while the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 does not violate the basic structure of the Constitution, it contains serious flaws that need correction before it can move forward.

Radhika had appeared in a romantic music video in 2024 alongside an independent artist, Inam.

Former state-level tennis player Radhika Yadav was cremated after father allegedly shot her dead at point blank range, bringing the curtains down on a life cut short cruelly and leaving behind questions aplenty. Amid the ongoing probe into the killing of Radhika Yadav, a music video of Radhika had surfaced. Now a colleague from her music video, Inam-ul-Haq said that her father liked the song, adding that she wanted to work in the “film line.”
Radhika had appeared in a romantic music video in 2024 alongside an independent artist, Inam. The video-in-question – Karwaan – was released last year and was produced by Zeeshan Ahmad and released under the LLF Records Label.

Inam said that Radhika had come to the set for shooting with her mother.Inam-ul-Haq, a person who was also a part of the music video in which Radhika worked as an actor, said, “…She (Radhika) came to the shooting (of the music video) with her mother. On the set, she also mentioned that her father liked the song, which means she took permission from her father also…”

He claimed that she wanted to work more often in such videos. “When we met her for the first time, she told us that she wants to work in this line (film line)…She desired to work in this line.”

He said that the two were in contact in during the release of the song, adding that Radhika “deactivated and reactivated her Instagram account around 2-3 times…”
On the question of deleting the song, Inam said, “When the song did not get the expected popularity, I thought my song got wasted and I decided to delete it…I anticipated re-releasing it with another face. I was cast in the music video at the last moment as an actor, but I did not like my look. However, I am not deleting the video for now.”

Radhika’s father, Deepak Yadav, has confessed to killing her and told police he was taunted and mocked for living off her income from a tennis academy. He was produced in court on Friday and remanded to one-day police custody.
The police said that the tennis academy Radhika ran was the bone of contention between the father and the daughter.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/radhika-yadavs-music-video-colleague-inam-says-she-wanted-to-work-in-film-line-her-father-liked-the-song-article-152267290

Gurugram Murder Case: In a chat accessed by Times Now, Radhika told her coach that she wanted to relocate to Dubai or Australia to pursue a few courses and enjoy life on her own terms.

Tennis player Radhika Yadav, who was shot dead by her father, had been living under restrictions and was eager to move abroad to live independently. In a chat accessed by Times Now, Radhika told her coach that she wanted to relocate to Dubai or Australia to pursue a few courses and enjoy life on her own terms.
She also mentioned that her father was against the idea of her staying abroad.
” Wanna enjoy life, idhaar kaffi restrictions hai. Merko Nikalna hai idhar se todhe time ke liye,” Radhika wrote in WhatsApp messages.

Meanwhile, Shirsat said, “Had there been money, I would have kept it in the cupboard.” Asked if there were only clothes in the bag, the minister said, “Of course. There were clothes in it.”

A video of Maharashtra minister Sanjay Shirsat has gone viral in which he is seen smoking in a room, and a bag full of cash is purportedly seen in the video. Uddhav Sena leader Sanjay Raut shared the video on X, stating that he felt pity for Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
“I feel pity for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis! How many more times will he just sit and watch his reputation being torn to shreds? Helplessness has another name: Fadnavis!” Raut said in a post in Marathi.

After the video went viral, Shirsat said the bag was not full of money and there was nothing inappropriate in the video. The Social Justice Minister and MLA from Shiv Sena has now been caught in the eye of a storm for allegedly keeping huge cash in a travel bag, a claim he has denied.

Talking to reporters in Mumbai, Shirsat said, “The house seen in the video is my home. It shows I am sitting (clad in a banian) in my bedroom. My pet dog and a bag are also seen. This means that I have just returned from travel and removed my clothes. If I have to keep such a big bag of money, is there a dearth of cupboards? But they see (currency) notes even in a cloth bag.”

Shirsat said, “Had there been money, I would have kept it in the cupboard.” Asked if there were only clothes in the bag, the minister said, “Of course. There were clothes in it.”
“Such claims won’t affect my (political) career,” he added.
Meanwhile, responding to the video, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray says, “… Today, it’s Sanjay Sirsat, sitting in his vest and underwear. We talk about ‘Khokhe’ (boxes of cash), ’50 Khokhe, Ekdum Okay’, one is clearly seen in the video. All these antics happening in just vests and undergarments, bags full of cash beside him, where did all this money come from? Who gave it?”
“Can anyone just roam around carrying such wads of notes? And regarding the Income Tax notice that came the day before, will the IT department take any action? Will any action be taken on the orders of the Chief Minister or not? These are important questions that need answers,” he said.

Shirsat was recently served notice from the Income Tax Department to explain the exponential rise of his wealth from 2019-2024. His declared assets surged from Rs 3.3 crore in 2019 to Rs 35 crore in 2024. The IT department has requested an explanation for this significant increase in his financial worth between the 2019 and 2024 assembly elections. Shirsat told media on Thursday that he has sought more time to reply to the notice.

NCP-SCP leader and MLA Rohit Rajendra Pawar reacted to Minister Sanjay Shirsat receiving an Income Tax notice, saying, “It’s not just him (Sanjay Shirsat) — even Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s family has received notices. It seems that Eknath Shinde is being deliberately targeted through the BJP…”

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/maharashtra-minister-sanjay-shirsat-video-bag-full-of-cash-after-income-tax-notice-khoke-jibe-shiv-sena-mla-article-152264862

Travelling to America will become significantly more Planning a trip to the United States? You might want to get your visa sorted soon, because applying for one is about to get a whole lot more expensive.

The US government has passed a new law that will drastically increase the cost of non-immigrant visas—including tourist visas—for Indian passport holders. Starting April 2026, the cost of applying for a US tourist visa could cross ₹40,000, thanks to two brand-new charges added to the existing fees.

Although the rare earth deposit in Purulia is relatively small, the development is significant as India looks to reduce dependence on imports of critical minerals essential for electric vehicles (EVs), electronics, and renewable energy technologies.

West Bengal is set to join India’s rare earth mining map with the Geological Survey of India (GSI) conducting advanced exploration in Purulia district, a senior official said on Friday.

Although the rare earth deposit in Purulia is relatively small, the development is significant as India looks to reduce dependence on imports of critical minerals essential for electric vehicles (EVs), electronics, and renewable energy technologies.

“G2-level exploration is underway in two blocks – one in Karbi Anglong district of Assam and the other in Purulia, West Bengal,” GSI Director General Asit Saha said on the sidelines of the Assocham-organised 3rd edition of Minerals and Mining conclave.

He added that these blocks are expected to be ready for auction within a year.

The G2 stage represents an advanced level of exploration, providing a fairly high degree of confidence in the resource estimation. Upon completion, the findings will be submitted to the respective state mines departments and the Union Ministry of Mines for further action, Saha said.

While GSI has not identified specific rare earth elements in these locations yet, Saha said the deposits typically consist of a “basket of 14-17 rare earth minerals,” making the extraction and processing technically challenging.

He noted that India has discovered promising vanadium deposits – another critical mineral – in the lower Himalayan belt.

“We have very good vanadium resources in the Himalayan region, which are essential for energy storage and alloy production,” Saha said.

According to him, nearly 50 per cent of ongoing early-stage exploration projects in the country are focused on rare earth elements, reflecting their growing strategic importance.

However, operationalisation of mines faces challenges, including land acquisition issues, environmental clearances, and lack of private sector interest.

Separately, Union Heavy Industries Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Friday announced that the central government will soon launch a Rs 1,345 crore scheme to boost manufacture of rare earth magnets domestically.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/west-bengal-gears-up-for-rare-earth-mining-in-purulia-district-8863311

A past life regression expert Meenu Minocha has gained attention for her striking claims about soul relationships.

“Mera pichle janam mein usse kuch naata toh nahi.” A line often heard in Bollywood films usually in stories about love, fate or mysterious pasts. But what if such lines weren’t just dramatic fiction? In real life, the belief in rebirth, karmic bonds and past-life connections has long been debated and often accepted in spiritual circles.

Now, a podcast featuring a past life regression expert Meenu Minocha has gained attention for her striking claims about soul relationships.

‘Soul Contract’

In her conversation on a podcast Supertalks, Minocha spoke about what she terms a “soul contract,” a spiritual agreement made before birth that dictates who we end up with and why.

“Shaadiyaan pre-decided hoti hain. Jisse honi hoti hai, wo ho kar hi rahegi. Aap jitna marzi zor laga lo kisi aur se karne ki… jisse honi hogi, wohi hogi (Marriages are pre-decided. No matter how much you try to marry someone else, you’ll end up with the one you’re meant to),” she said.

The expert further said that what people often call love at first sight is actually the soul recognising its match. Not all soul connections lead to smooth relationships. In fact, she said the husband-wife bond is often the most “challenging” one. She mentioned that if a couple constantly argues but is spiritually linked, they may return to each other’s lives but not possibly as spouses.

“Agar iss janam mein dono ki nahi bani, aur sirf ek aadmi spiritually aware hua, toh aap agle janam mein bhi aaoge. Lekin iss baar husband-wife banke nahi, siblings banke (If the couple don’t work out in this life and only one becomes spiritually aware, they’ll meet again. Not as husband and wife but as siblings),” she said.

Minocha explained that the soul must finish its lessons, saying, “Jab ek ne seekh liya aur doosre ne nahi, toh woh rishta badal jaata hai. Aapka iss lifetime mein workout ho jaaye toh bonus hai. Nahin hua toh agle janam mein better hoga (If one learns the lesson and the other doesn’t, the bond changes. If it works out this lifetime, it’s a bonus. If not, the next one will be smoother).”

Soul Bond Doesn’t Mean Stay In Abusive Relationship

Despite advocating for “soul contracts,” Minocha was clear that no one should remain in a relationship that involves violence or emotional harm.

“Agar lagta hai ki ab nahi seh sakte, violence ya torture, then walk away. Har soul ki self-respect hoti hai (If you feel you can’t take any more violence or torture, walk away. Every soul has self-respect),” she said.

“Jab aap yeh soch lete ho ki mujhe divorce chahiye, toh do possibilities hoti hain. Ya toh aapka karma poora ho gaya, ya iss janam ke liye aapne bahut seh liya (Once you decide you need divorce, either your karma is complete, or you’ve tolerated enough in this life),” Minocha explained.

A Stillborn That Refused Birth?

The Election Commission, the guardian of fairness, is stooping to their statutory duty. It’s shocking to see a constitutional authority interfering in the democratic process. Next, they’ll tell us elections should be won by clean, spotless politicians without spending beyond the statutory limit.

Why has the Election Commission decided to revise electoral rolls in Bihar, just when the next Assembly election in that state is only a few months away? Why does the Election Commission wake up every time there is an election and interfere in the electoral process? Does that not raise suspicions about its sinister motive to perform its constitutional duty?

An attempt to dust off those electoral rolls in Bihar after a leisurely 22-year slumber is utterly irresponsible at this stage because there is no stage right for this. The EC thinks that it can tackle duplicates spawned by urbanisation and migration that even software can’t catch. How do you spell delulu?

The Opposition’s chorus of concern is spot-on. Why the rush now, mere months before polls, when for decades we’ve sailed through elections on those “unreliable and imperfect” lists without a peep? It’s almost as if the EC is plotting to make voting accurate.

The Election Commission is entrusted with the task of conducting free and fair elections in the country. An election first has to be free before it’s fair. Free for all citizens, not just the privileged lot with documents like Voter ID cards and Aadhaar.

Thousands of voters return from polling booths dejected because their names are missing from the rolls. A truly free election should allow anyone above 18 within a 500-metre perimeter of the booth to vote. Nobody should be turned back with untainted fingers. This will encourage more people to participate and witness democracy in action.

The Opposition has called it an undercover NRC, timed to “benefit” the NDA by scrubbing opposition strongholds like those asymmetric-population districts adjoining Bangladesh, where illegal immigrants blend in seamlessly and ever so beautifully. Putting the burden of proof on the citizens is unfair because their names can’t be matched with the names in a register because there is no National Register of Citizens. Since there is no NRC, how do we know who is a citizen and who is not?

The Supreme Court only gave a nudge to accept Aadhaar, which isn’t proof of citizenship. The card itself declares so. Aadhaar is the aadhaar of your life but it has no aadhaar itself because India’s then agitated liberals ensured it becomes everything and is worth nothing. We must do the same to the Voter ID card.

No card should hold a value greater than human value, as enshrined in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. The entire planet is one family, and the family that votes together, stays together. We need the togetherness of this large family without exclusionary documents that divide us. Inclusion is the essence of democracy. We call elections the festival of democracy. Should we exclude guests from the neighbourhood from entering the pandal of Bharat Mata?

Right now, we have 77,895 BLOs knocking on doors, pre-filling forms, collecting them, and extending deadlines to accommodate claims and objections. If the EC keeps “ensuring inclusivity” like this, Bihar might accidentally end up with a voter list of real, verified Indians, depriving us of the joyful chaos of duplicates deciding fates in Bihar of all places. What a tragedy for democracy!

Bihar is just the beginning. We might see a pan-India cleanup right before polls in every state. Bihar has allegedly been a playground for Bangladeshi immigrants, blending into Seemanchal like sugar in milk. How sweet that is! Anybody aware of the situation in Bangladesh would know that Muhammad Yunus has once again pushed their election to the next year. Where will our neighbours exercise their sacred right?

The Opposition is right in calling out the possible two crore potential disenfranchisements. Nothing spells “democracy” better than letting unchecked rolls balloon with asymmetric population growth in places like Kishanganj, Araria, Katihar, and Purnea. These districts of Kosi-Mithila region are together called Seemanchal. That sounds suspiciously like a border-hopping zone. Panchhi, nadiya, pawan ke jhonke know no boundaries, according to Refugee. We call them illegal immigrants.

As Greta Thunberg would say: How dare you! Voters Sans Borders don’t recognise such man-made lines drawn along riverbanks. That it’s adjacent to the Chicken’s Neck is just a coincidence. The chicken legs aren’t any different. Why focus on suspected immigrants in these four Muslim-majority districts, when illegal immigrants have spread far and wide across the breadth of India? Some say these districts have more Aadhaar cards than residents. What if the Election Commission discovers more Voter ID cards than residents? The EC will have egg on its face. Remember, chickens lay eggs!

The Election Commission spends tonnes of money on enhancing polling percentages. It erects pink booths, yellow booths, and god knows what. The EC advertises heavily in audio-visual media to lure people to booths. Here’s a real opportunity to shatter all past records. We mourn low voting percentages in urban areas. Even in rural spots, it peaks at 60% or so. Imagine 120% polling! It would beat the North Korean and Russian elections. But like all Indian statutory bodies, the EC is squandering the chance.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/opinion/story/why-is-the-election-commission-interfering-in-the-election-process-aadhaar-bihar-roll-forms-2754500-2025-07-11

The Ahmedabad Air India crash killed 260 people, including 241 onboard and 19 on the ground, making it India’s deadliest aviation accident in decades.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has revealed in its preliminary report that cockpit voice recordings from the June 12 Air India crash in Ahmedabad captured a brief but critical exchange between the two pilots during the engine failure sequence.

According to the 15-page report, one pilot was heard asking, “Why did you cut off fuel?” to which the other replied, “I did not do so.” The exchange took place moments after both engine fuel cutoff switches transitioned from ‘Run’ to ‘Cutoff’ at 13:38:42 IST (08:08:42 UTC), just as the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner reached a maximum speed of 180 knots indicated airspeed.

The two pilots at the controls of flight AI171 were Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and first officer Clive Kunder. Captain Sabharwal, 56, was a highly experienced pilot with over 15,600 flying hours, including more than 8,500 on the Boeing 787.

First officer Kunder, 32, had accumulated over 3,400 flying hours and had been with Air India since 2017. Both were licensed and qualified to operate the Boeing 787 aircraft.

The report outlines a chain of technical events that unfolded in the final moments before the aircraft, operating as flight AI 171 to London Gatwick, crashed into the hostel complex of B J Medical College shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport.

The crash killed 260 people, including 241 passengers and crew onboard and 19 on the ground, making it India’s deadliest aviation accident in decades. One passenger survived.

The report said that engine 1’s switch was moved back to ‘Run’ at 13:38:52 IST (08:08:52 UTC), followed by engine 2 at 13:38:56 IST (08:08:56 UTC). The engine and Aircraft Flight Recorder (EAFR) showed a rise in Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) for both engines, suggesting relight activity.

Engine 1’s core deceleration halted and began recovering. However, engine 2 failed to stabilise despite repeated fuel reintroduction attempts. Both engines’ N2 values, a key indicator of core rotor speed, had fallen below the minimum idle level.

Both engines recovered and kept for examination, says AAIB

“Both engines were retrieved from the wreckage site and quarantined at a hangar in the airport,” the AAIB said. “Components of interest for further examinations have been identified and quarantined,” it added.

The AAIB added that wreckage site operations, including drone photography and videography, have been completed, and the wreckage was moved to a secure location.

The aft section of the EAFR was found to be substantially damaged in the crash and could not be downloaded using conventional methods, the agency noted.

No safety recommendations have been issued yet for Boeing 787-8 aircraft or GE GEnx-1B engine operators and manufacturers. “Additional evidence is being sought from stakeholders and will be examined,” the report added.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/why-did-you-cut-off-cockpit-recording-reveals-what-air-india-pilots-said-before-ahmedabad-crash-101752270088752.html

A four-storey building collapsed in Delhi’s Seelampur area around 7 am, trapping several people; rescue ops are ongoing with six feared trapped and four rescued so far.

A four-storey building collapsed around 7:00 am on Friday morning in the Janata Mazdoor Colony of Seelampur, located in northeast Delhi’s Welcome area. The structure came crashing down suddenly, trapping several people under the debris.

According to the Fire Department, eight individuals have been rescued, seven have been shifted to JPC Hospital and one to GTB Hospital for treatment so far, while some are still feared trapped. According to a bystander, eight to ten people used to live in the building, including three children and three women.

The National Disaster Response Force along with Senior Officers along with the Fire Brigade and other agencies are present at the site, and rescue operations are underway. The exact cause of the collapse has not yet been determined.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/cities/delhi/story/four-storey-building-collapses-in-northeast-delhi-several-trapped-under-debris-7-fire-vehicles-on-spot-2754665-2025-07-12

The department has sought a detailed report from all districts (PWD offices) about the actual status as well as design of all existing and proposed bridges.

Amid the escalating row over alleged “faulty” design of bridges, including RoBs (Railway over Bridges) and potholes on roads, the Public Works Department (PWD) of the Madhya Pradesh government, on Thursday, ordered an inspection across the state, officials said.

The department has sought a detailed report from all districts (PWD offices) about the actual status as well as the design of all existing and proposed bridges.

The department has also set up a special committee of senior officials to inspect all under-construction bridges, an official source privy to the development, told IANS.

The action came amid the structure of one bridge after another bridges drew criticism in from the commuters and leaders from political parties, including the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The structure of yet another RoB came under question, which is located in Indore. Following this, the BJP MP from Indore Assembly constituency, Shankar Lalwani, wrote a letter to the state’s PWD Minister Rakesh Singh over the bridge’s design, besides instructing officials to change the sharp turn proposed in the design of the under-construction ROB.

However, the PWD Minister, while responding to the matter, said on Wednesday that the work on ROB in the Polo ground area of Indore was underway in accordance with the “fully approved technical design and standards”.

During an interaction with media persons, the Minister had also said that the under-construction RoB was finalised by the Railways and the PWD after a joint survey and design process.

“Its design has been prepared with an aim of providing a traffic facility in three directions. Three arms going towards Polo ground, Laxmibai Station and Bhagirathpura have been included in the project,” Minister Singh said.

It came days after an under-construction RoB in the Aishbagh area in Bhopal came under question a couple of weeks ago.

After the ROB became a subject of criticism and ridicule on social media as well as among people, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had suspended seven engineers associated with the project.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/madhya-pradesh-public-works-office-orders-probe-into-faulty-design-of-bridges-8856917

Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to visit the ISS and the second Indian astronaut after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who went to space in 1984.

NASA has announced that the return journey for Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and three other crew members will begin on July 14.

“We are working with the station program, watching the Axiom-4 progress carefully. I think we need to undock that mission, and the current target to undock is July 14,” Steve Stitch, Manager, NASA Commercial Crew Program, told a press conference.

Group Captain Shukla is on a 14-day mission to the International Space Station. He became the first Indian to visit the ISS and the second Indian astronaut after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who went to space in 1984.

Group Captain Shukla did seven India-specific experiments, and the Axiom 4 or Mission ‘Akash Ganga’ is the first firm step for India’s Gaganyaan human space flight mission.

A splashdown is expected several hours after the undocking, near the coast of California in the Pacific Ocean.

Group Captain Shukla’s parents have said they are very proud that he is set to return after completing his mission.

“We are very excited. We are delighted that the moment when our child comes back to us is coming, and that we will get to meet him. We pray to God that he is back safe… We will welcome him with open arms, warmth and ‘band-baaja’,” his mother, Asha Shukla, told news agency ANI.

Speaking to Dr Lucie Low, the chief scientist at Axiom Space, Group Captain Shukla had said he was proud of bringing Indian scientists’ experiments to life aboard the ISS.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/astronaut-shubhanshu-shukla-to-begin-return-journey-to-earth-on-july-14-nasa-8857073

In recent years, Assam has seen several cases of human-elephant conflict, many resulting in the deaths of both.

The Assam Cabinet on Thursday approved the ‘Gajah Mitra’ scheme to combat the human-elephant conflict in the state. The scheme will focus on sustainable habitats for elephants in 80 conflict-prone areas, including planting bamboo and Napier grass – key components of an elephant’s diet.

In recent years, Assam has seen several cases of human-elephant conflict, many resulting in the deaths of both. Over 1,400 human deaths and 1,209 elephant fatalities were recorded between 2000 and 2023, a recent Wildlife Institute of India (WII) report stated.

In addition to maintaining food stocks for elephants, the cabinet announced that rapid response teams will be deployed in the contentious zones to help villagers use harmless means to divert elephant herds away from the human settlements.

The dual focus of the cabinet’s decisions-on healthcare ethics and wildlife conservation-marks a significant step toward a more humane and sustainable Assam.

The WII report said that the vast majority of elephant deaths – 626 out of 1,209 – were due to anthropogenic (human-induced) causes. Electrocution, often from illegal or unsafe electric fences, was one of the leading causes of unnatural deaths of elephants in Assam.

“We want to ensure peaceful coexistence and safety for both our people and elephants,” Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

Human-elephant conflict has risen out of control in Assam, Mr Sarma added.

The highest number of elephant fatalities were reported from Nagaon, Sonitpur West, Dhanasiri, and Karbi Anglong East.

Over the years, 527 villages were affected by human-elephant conflict, with Goalpara reporting the maximum number of affected villages with 80 elephant deaths, followed by Sonitpur West with 53 deaths, Sonitpur East with 51 deaths, and Udalguri with 39 deaths, the WII report stated.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/assam-approves-gajah-mitra-scheme-to-tackle-human-elephant-conflict-8857581

In the wake of the Kanwar Yatra, the Gautam Buddha Nagar Traffic Police has announced traffic diversions for heavy, medium, and light goods vehicles. The diversions will be in effect from 10 PM on July 11 until July 25, News18 reported.

DCP Traffic Lakhan Singh Yadav confirmed that the route changes apply to vehicles travelling towards Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr, Hapur, and Moradabad. However, ambulances, essential goods vehicles, and government transport are exempt.

Noida Diversions

• Goods vehicles from Chilla Red Light headed towards Ghaziabad, Hapur, or Moradabad must now use the Eastern Peripheral Expressway via the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway.
• Similar diversions apply to vehicles coming via DND Flyway, Delhi-Badarpur Border, or Okhla Barrage.
• Trucks from areas like NIB, Model Town, Chhijarsi, and Taj Highway will also be redirected to the Eastern Peripheral.
• Vehicles using the MP-01 elevated road will also shift to the same expressway.

Greater Noida Diversions

• From Aligarh, Bulandshahr, Sikandrabad via NH-91, Dadri towards Delhi: Take the Eastern Peripheral Expressway.
• From Pari Chowk to Delhi: Vehicles from Secunderabad and Kasna will be diverted via the  Sirsa roundabout.
• The road from Chilla Red Light to Pakshi Vihar Gate will remain completely closed to vehicles.

Source : https://www.moneycontrol.com/city/kanwar-yatra-2025-noida-police-issues-traffic-advisory-diversions-road-closures-from-july-11-article-13256674.html

Rishi Raj Singh was aboard the Jaguar trainer aircraft with Squadron Leader Lokender Singh Sindhu, who became a father just a month ago.

The tragic crash of a Jaguar trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force during a routine training mission in Rajasthan’s Churu district resulted in the death of both pilots on board.

Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh and Squadron Leader Lokender Singh Sindhu lost their lives in the crash, which took place in an agricultural field near Bhanoda village around 1:25 pm on Wednesday.

The Indian Air Force later said in a statement that no damage to any civil property has been reported. An eyewitness had reportedly said that the pilot “tried his best to protect the village”.

Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh hailed from Rajasthan’s Pali. His cousin Harshraj Singh spoke to news agency PTI and said that Rishi was very young, adding that “his career had just begun”.

Harshraj expressed anguish over the death of his cousin and said that he had never seen Rishi’s father break down before.

The late flight lieutenant’s cousin also revealed that Rishi was “selected in the NDA in his first attempt”. He heaped praises on Rishi and said he was “very bright, had a good nature, and was a great brother”.

Meanwhile, the 32-year-old Squadron Leader Lokender Singh Sindhu hailed from the Kheri Sadh village in Haryana’s Rohtak.

Sindhu’s elder brother, Gyanendra, while speaking to news agency ANI, said that his brother made the “highest sacrifice” a soldier can make for his nation.

“He died while serving his country. He died while saving civilians. My family and I are very proud of him,” he added. The Squadron Leader also became a father just a month ago, in June.

His wife Surbhi Sindhu, a doctor, gave birth to a baby boy on June 10 at her parental home in Hisar. She was still there when she received the news of her husband’s passing.

Sindhu’s brother revealed that he had just joined duty on June 30 after celebrating the birth of his son.

“We talked on text 3 hours before the accident and on a video call the night before. As per the information we got, there was a technical fault with the craft because of which it started crashing over a densely populated area. They managed to fly the craft away from that area, but in the process, their craft got very close to the ground,” Gyanendra added.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/drunken-driver-crashes-into-tejashwi-yadavs-convoy-in-dry-bihar-101752148750072.html

The Delhi High Court on Thursday stayed the release of movie ‘Udaipur Files’ till the Central government takes a decision on its contents [Maulana Arshad Madani Vs Union Of India & Ors]

The order was passed on a batch of three petitions, including one filed by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani seeking a ban on the movie based on tailor Kanhaiya Lal Teli’s murder in Udaipur, for vilifying Muslims.

The movie was slated to be released on July 11, Friday.

The Bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal after a detailed hearing ordered the Central government to exercise its revisional powers under Section 6 of the Cinematograph Act to examine the movie.

The Court ruled the power can be exercised by the Central government suo motu or on an application moved by an aggrieved person against a film certificate. In this case, it noted that the petitioners had not taken recourse to the remedy.

Though the Bench said it was not impermissible for Court to intervene in exercise of its extraordinary jurisdiction under Article 226, it added that the petitioners ought to approach the Central government first.

“Accordingly, we permit the petitioner to approach the Central government within two days and in case the petitioners approach the Central government, he may also make a prayer for interim measures. Once the petitioner approaches the Central government with a revision petition, the same shall be considered and decided within a period of one week after giving opportunity to the producer,” it ordered.

The Court also directed that the prayer for interim relief against the movie shall also be considered.

In the meantime, the release of the movie shall remain stayed, the Bench directed.

“Since we are relegating the petitioner to invoke the remedy of revision under Section 6 of the Act, we provide that … there shall be stay on release of film,” it ordered.

The CBFC on Wednesday had told the Court that certain offending portions in the movie have been removed. The Court had then directed the producer to arrange a screening of the movie and the trailer for the counsel appearing in the matter – Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal for Madani and Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma for CBFC.

As torrential rains trigger floods and landslides across Himachal Pradesh and the North East, the Indian Army has launched massive relief and rescue operations, emerging as the nation’s first responder in the crisis.

As relentless monsoon rains continue to batter parts of Himachal Pradesh and the North Eastern states, the Indian Army has stepped up as the nation’s first responder, launching large-scale relief and rescue operations across multiple disaster-hit zones. From the flood-ravaged villages of Mandi district in Himachal to submerged localities in Nagaland, Assam and Manipur, Army columns are working day and night to deliver critical humanitarian aid and ensure no one is left behind.
In Himachal Pradesh, the Army has mobilised relief teams in the worst-affected areas of Mandi district, where landslides and flash floods have cut off entire villages. Army columns are currently active in Thunag, Bagsiad, and Pandoh, coordinating closely with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local authorities. On July 6, a vital mule track between Bagsiad and Thunag—essential for reaching stranded communities—was successfully cleared by Army personnel. This has enabled the steady delivery of food, medical aid, and relief kits to families in need.
Medical assistance camps have been set up in Thunag, where Army medical teams are providing first aid and essential healthcare services to affected locals. Relief materials are also being distributed to remote villages such as Degi, Rushad, and Chapad, which had remained inaccessible for days following the disaster. Aid reached Degi on July 7, Rushad on July 8, and Chapad on July 9, marking significant milestones in the outreach effort.

Communication remains a challenge in some of these remote pockets, especially in Thunag, where mobile networks are weak or absent. To ensure operational coordination is not disrupted, the Army has deployed high-reliability satellite communication systems, including ISAT phones and HX terminals, enabling real-time updates and rapid coordination with civil authorities.

In a major development today, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh is scheduled to visit Thunag to personally assess the situation and interact with relief workers and affected families. Simultaneously, the Brigade Commander leading Army operations in the region will visit Mandi to review the ground situation, meet with relief teams, and hold strategic discussions with the Chief Minister and Deputy Commissioner to further streamline relief efforts.
Meanwhile, in India’s North East, the Army has activated ‘Operation Jal Rahat 2’ following widespread flooding caused by heavy rains. The operation is being spearheaded by Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles (North), with coordinated deployment in Nagaland, Assam, and Manipur. In Dimapur, Nagaland, the Deputy Commissioner formally requisitioned Army assistance on July 10 after floods inundated Singrijan Colony, one of the worst-hit areas. The Army promptly deployed an Engineer Task Force, which began relief work immediately. Although a verbal de-requisition was later communicated by civil authorities, Army teams remain on high alert, with resources fully mobilised and on standby.
In Assam’s Golaghat district, the Dhansiri River breached its danger mark earlier this week, prompting heightened vigilance. Although water levels are now slowly receding, the Army continues to monitor the situation closely and is prepared to launch rescue operations at short notice. In Manipur, rising water levels in the Nambol River have impacted several parts of Imphal West and Bishnupur districts. Army relief teams have been working in close coordination with local officials to evacuate affected residents and provide medical assistance and food supplies.
As of July 10, the Army has deployed 40 relief columns across the North East—24 primary columns and 16 in reserve. These teams have already rescued over 3,820 individuals, distributed more than 1,361 food packets, delivered medical assistance to over 2,000 people, and supplied nearly 15,500 bottles of drinking water.
In both Himachal and the North East, the Indian Army’s efforts have proven vital in preventing further loss of life and bringing relief to thousands. The swift deployment, logistical coordination, and unwavering commitment shown by the Army reflect its indispensable role not only as the nation’s military force but also as a pillar of humanitarian support during natural disasters.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/operation-jal-rahat-2-indian-army-launches-massive-relief-ops-amid-rains-in-himachal-north-east-article-152256585

Canara Bank withdrew its order declaring Anil Ambani’s loan account as fraudulent, telling the Bombay High Court it may revisit the matter later. The court disposed of Ambani’s plea while allowing the bank liberty to re-examine it.

Canara Bank on Thursday informed the Bombay High Court that it has withdrawn its earlier order classifying industrialist Anil Ambani’s loan account as fraudulent, while seeking liberty to re-examine the issue in the future.

The bank’s move came during the hearing of a petition filed by Ambani challenging the classification.

Represented by advocates Nishit Dhruva and Niyati Merchant of MDP Legal, the bank made the submission before a bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Dr Neela Gokhale. The court then disposed of Ambani’s petition while allowing the bank the liberty it sought.

Ambani had moved court after Canara Bank reportedly marked his account as fraudulent on the grounds that funds sanctioned for capital expenditure and debt repayment had been diverted for intercompany transactions.

The classification was related to a Rs 1,050 crore loan granted in 2017 to Ambani’s now-bankrupt telecom firm, Reliance Communications, and its subsidiary.

In an earlier hearing in February, the bench had noted that, as per the Reserve Bank of India’s master circular, banks must follow principles of natural justice before declaring an account fraudulent. The court observed that Canara Bank had failed to provide Ambani with a hearing.

While the bank maintained that it had issued a show cause notice, Ambani’s legal team argued that no such notice was received, as the company was undergoing insolvency proceedings at the time.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/law-news/story/canara-bank-withdraws-fraud-tag-anil-ambani-loan-account-may-revisit-later-2754052-2025-07-11

A man was critically injured after his car fell into a 300-foot gorge during a stunt at Karad’s Table Point, a popular but unsafe tourist spot lacking safety measures.

A man was critically injured after his car plunged 300 feet into a deep gorge while performing a stunt on Wednesday evening at the popular Table Point on the Patan-Sadavaghapur road in Karad, Maharashtra.

The man, identified as Sahil Anil Jadhav from Gholeshwar, was reportedly attempting car stunts with his friends when he lost control of the vehicle. The car went off the edge and got stuck in the gorge.

Sahil sustained serious injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at Sahyadri Hospital. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media, clearly showing that the accident occurred during a stunt.

Table Point, located about 3 to 4 km from Patan in the Gujarwadi area, is flat terrain flanked by deep valleys and is known for its scenic inverted waterfall view. It attracts numerous tourists daily who stop here for photography and sightseeing.

However, the spot lacks basic safety infrastructure such as protective railings, making it extremely dangerous for visitors. Despite previous accidents, no safety measures have been implemented by the authorities. The absence of a police presence has also led to frequent unruly behaviour at the site.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/watch-car-stunt-tourist-hotspot-ends-300-foot-fall-maharashtra-2754055-2025-07-11

The Bombay High Court quashed Maharashtra’s ban on convenience fees for online movie tickets, calling it unconstitutional and beyond the state’s powers under existing law.

The Bombay High Court on Thursday struck down two Maharashtra government orders issued in 2013 and 2014 that had barred cinema owners from charging convenience fees on online ticket bookings.

The court ruled that the state lacked legislative authority under the Maharashtra Entertainment Duty Act, 1923, to issue such directives and held the orders to be unconstitutional.

A division bench of Justices MS Sonak and Jitendra Jain observed that the prohibition violated Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to carry on any trade or business.

“If business owners are not permitted to determine the various facets of their business (in accordance with law), economic activity would come to a grinding halt,” the bench said. It added that customers are free to choose whether to book tickets online or purchase them at the theatre.

The court was hearing petitions filed by PVR Ltd, the FICCI-Multiplex Association of India, and BookMyShow (Big Tree Entertainment Pvt Ltd), which had challenged the orders banning recovery of any additional charges for online booking services.

Senior advocate Naresh Thacker, appearing for the petitioners, argued that the orders infringed on constitutional freedoms and lacked any specific statutory backing.

BookMyShow’s counsel, advocate Rohan Rajadhyaksha, submitted that the directions constituted an unreasonable interference in private business agreements.

The state, represented by Additional Government Pleader Milind More, defended the orders citing Article 162 of the Constitution and provisions of the Entertainment Duty Act.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/law-news/story/bombay-high-court-strikes-down-maharashtra-orders-banning-online-ticket-convenience-fees-2754063-2025-07-11

Squadron Leader Sindhu was from Haryana’s Rohtak, Lieutenant Singh was from Pali In Rajasthan.

The two Indian Air Force pilots killed in the Jaguar fighter bomber crash in Rajasthan’s Churu district yesterday have been identified as Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh Sindhu, 31, and Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh, 23. While Squadron Leader Sindhu was from Haryana’s Rohtak, Lieutenant Singh was from Pali In Rajasthan.

The twin-seater fighter jet went down yesterday afternoon near Bhanoda village in Churu district while the pilots were on a routine training mission. The Air Force yesterday announced that an inquiry has been ordered to find out what led to the crash.

“An IAF Jaguar Trainer aircraft met with an accident during a routine training mission and crashed near Churu in Rajasthan, today. Both pilots sustained fatal injuries in the accident. No damage to any civil property has been reported. IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families in this time of grief. A court of inquiry has been constituted, to ascertain the cause of the accident,” the IAF said in a statement.

This is the third Jaguar fighter jet to crash this year: the first was in Haryana’s Panchkula on March 7 and the second near Jamnagar in Gujarat on April 2.

The Jaguar fighter used by the IAF is vintage and has been heavily upgraded over the years. India currently has about 120 such fighter jets in operation and these are spread across six squadrons.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/iaf-jaguar-crash-in-churu-pilots-killed-in-jaguar-crash-squadron-leader-44-and-young-lieutenant-8852285

A tragic incident occurred on Wednesday when a section of the Gambhira bridge in Gujarat collapsed, resulting in 13 deaths. The collapse happened during peak morning traffic near Padra town.

A slab of the Gambhira bridge, which connects central Gujarat to the Saurashtra region and is located near Padra town, caved in on Wednesday, killing 13 persons. Initial reports suggested that the incident occurred at Gambhira bridge during peak morning hours when vehicular traffic was significant in the area.
Vadodara Bridge Collapse: Top Developments
1. The rescue operation following the bridge collapse in Mujpur, Padra, has been ongoing for over 12 hours. The District Collector and several other officials have been present at the scene since morning, closely monitoring the ongoing rescue efforts.
2. A truck loaded with soil and ceramic tiles had fallen into the Mahisagar River, and a search operation is underway at the site.

3. The operation is continuing under floodlights late into the night. Wires were brought in to pull the truck, which was straightened using a Hitachi machine. Three bodies have been recovered.

4. The bodies were taken to the Padra Community Health Centre for medical examination and later handed over to the families.
5. District Development Officer Mamta Hirpara and the Chief District Health Officer remained stationed at the community health centre to ensure that the victims’ families faced no inconvenience.
6. Of the bodies recovered in the evening, two have been identified: one as Mahendrabhai Parvatbhai Hatia from Dwarka and the other as Vishnubhai Rawal from Anklav.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/gujarats-gambhira-bridge-collapse-leaves-13-dead-5-vehicles-plunge-into-mahisagar-river-top-developments-article-152254911

The initial report on the Air India flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad reveals that investigators are analysing real-time satellite telemetry for potential instrument failures, particularly focusing on a sudden power loss during the flight.

The preliminary report on the deadly crash of Air India flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad indicates that investigators are reviewing real-time satellite telemetry to detect possible instrument failures during the flight, as per Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) sources.
There is a focus on a sudden mid-flight power loss, which may suggest causes beyond just the fuel control switches. The possibility of multiple system failures has also not been ruled out, as per AAIB sources.
Boeing 787-8 crashed on June 12 shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, leaving 270 dead, including 241 passengers. The AAIB initiated an investigation and constituted a multidisciplinary team on June 12 to probe the crash.

Where does the Air India crash investigation by AAIB stand?
Presently, data from the black boxes of the plane has been successfully downloaded and is being analysed.

“The Crash Protection Module (CPM) from the front black box was safely retrieved, and on June 25, the memory module was successfully accessed and its data downloaded at the AAIB Lab,” the government said in a release.
The black boxes – a flight data recorder, or FDR, and a cockpit voice recorder, or CVR – were damaged in the fatal crash, raising questions on how much data would be usable. But the team led by DG Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) with technical members from AAIB and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have begun the data extraction process.
The analysis of the Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVR) and Flight Data Recorders (FDR), which are underway, aim to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the accident and identify contributing factors to enhance aviation safety and prevent future occurrences, the government said.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/air-india-crash-aaib-probing-sudden-mid-flight-power-loss-what-latest-findings-have-revealed-article-152251175

Leaders of central trade unions say key sectors such as power, mines, minerals, coal, ports and public transport were affected; they claim it was a bandh-like situation in Puducherry, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Kerala, West Bengal, Odisha, Karnataka, Goa, Meghalaya, Manipur

More than 25 crore workers participated in the nationwide general strike on Wednesday (July 9, 2025) against the policies of the Union government, particularly for scrapping the four Labour Codes, the platform of 10 central trade unions (CTUs) said. The leaders of the unions, addressing a workers’ rally in New Delhi, said key sectors such as power, mines, minerals, coal, ports and public transport were affected by the strike.

The CTUs said in a statement that there were very large mobilisations in rural India and also at block-sub-division levels by informal sector workers, agricultural labour and farmers and other sections of common people. “Participation of students and youth was quite visible in many States. The rank and file of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha [SKM] and joint front of agricultural labour unions played a significant role in the mobilisation in rural India,” they added.

Stern warning
Senior trade union leader Amarjeet Kaur said the workers gave a stern warning to the Centre that any move to impose the four Labour Codes would be opposed. She said the strike was the beginning of more joint protests with farmers. “We will soon have a joint meeting with the SKM to chart the future course of the protests,” she said. The CTUs also appreciated Opposition leaders joining their case in election-bound Bihar. “The move to exclude workers from voter list in Bihar will be objected,” said another trade union leader Rajeev Dimri.

Former MP and general secretary of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions Tapan Sen said the strike saw widespread participation of workers across numerous sectors such as coal, non-coal minerals (like iron ore, copper, bauxite, aluminium, manganese, and gold) finance sector, petroleum, oil and gas, telecom, textile and jute mills, defence sector and anganwadi workers. “The markets were closed at many places in response to the strike/bandh call,” the CTUs said.

They added that it was a bandh-like situation in States such as Puducherry, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Kerala, West Bengal, Odisha, Karnataka, Goa, Meghalaya, Manipur etc. “Reports of partial bandhs were also received in many segments of Rajasthan, Haryana, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh etc. There was industrial and sectoral strike held in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Gujarat,” they said.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/over-25-crore-workers-joined-the-strike-claim-trade-unions/article69792979.ece

Fard said most of the fissile material from different facilities were moved out before the U.S. bombed them. Asked about Bushehr, where the bulk of nuclear fissile material was stockpiled in the mountains, he replied that that facility was left untouched by the Americans.

An overwhelming number of Iranians want the country to build a nuclear bomb. However, the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, remains firmly opposed to it, said Mohseni Fard, the 60-year-old Consul-General of Iran, while addressing a select group of journalists at the consulate on Tuesday. He clarified that Iran’s nuclear programme is fundamentally aimed at peaceful applications such as medicine and agriculture. Fard added that, as a sovereign nation, Iran cannot be legitimately prevented from developing nuclear facilities for peaceful purposes.

Fard said most of the fissile material from different facilities were moved out before the U.S. bombed them. Asked about Bushehr, where the bulk of nuclear fissile material was stockpiled in the mountains, he replied that that facility was left untouched by the Americans.

Fard said even though the U.S. B 20 bombers did inflict damage as part of Operation Midnight Hammer at the three nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan they can be rebuilt in a few months. “They tried to destroy the physical nuclear infrastructure, but they cannot take away the knowledge that our scientists had gained over the years,” he added.

Asked how the Mossad was able to eliminate top nuclear scientists of Iran, Fard alleged that officials of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), who had interacted with Iranian nuclear scientists during inspection of the N-sites, had leaked information to Israel. “We got documentary proof from Tel Aviv for this,” he claimed. He said 25 % of the IAEA’s time was focussed on the facilities in Iran.

When pointed out that the October 7 Hamas attack on Israelis was at the root of the current crisis, Fard replied that Tehran only extended moral support to Hamas and Hezbollah since they were fighting for justice. He said a permanent solution to the Middle East situation was to create a state of Palestine where Jews, Muslims and Christians, who were followers of Abrahamic religions, can live in peace.

After spotting drops of blood in the school bathroom, the principal summoned girls from Classes 5 to 10 to the school hall for a strip-check.

Minor girls in a Maharashtra school, between classes 5 and 10, were reportedly forced to strip and examined by teachers to check if they were menstruating after blood stains were found in the institute’s bathroom, sparking anger among parents, said the police.

The incident took place on Tuesday when the principal called several girl students, mostly from classes 5 to 10, to the school hall and showed them pictures of blood stains found on the bathroom floor, reported taken by the housekeeping staff.

The principal then ordered the students to separate into two groups: those who were menstruating and those who were not. A female peon was asked to check some girls, aged between 10 and 12, who said they were not menstruating.

The peon allegedly touched their undergarments during the checks and found one girl, who was using a sanitary napkin, but was found in the group of girls who said they were not menstruating. Following this, the principal humiliated her by scolding her in front of other students and staff.

After learning about the incident from their children, angry parents gathered outside the school to stage a protest. On Wednesday, they filed a complaint against the school management.

A case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act has been registered against six people, including the school principal, a peon, two teachers and two trustees. The school principal and peon have been arrested, while the police are investigating the other four.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/minor-girls-forced-to-strip-after-blood-stains-found-in-washroom-of-maharashtra-school-case-registered-2753481-2025-07-10

Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently revealed his post-retirement plans. The sixty-year-old task-master said he would immerse himself in Vedas, Upanishads, and natural farming. Citing health risks linked to the use of chemical fertilisers, Shah batted for the promotion of organic farming.

It’s often said that politicians never retire. But after a lifetime of steering political tides, even stalwarts seemingly ponder the prospect of a slower life. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, one of India’s busiest and most-active politicians, on Wednesday shared an unusually personal glimpse into his post-retirement plans.

Shah, also the Minister for Cooperation, is a central figure in Indian politics and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Seen as a tireless worker, much like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 60-year-old Shah surprised many with his reflections on what life beyond politics might look like.

While interacting with women and activists from Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, Shah said, “I have decided that after retirement, I will dedicate the rest of my life to the Vedas, Upanishads, and natural farming.”

Though he didn’t elaborate on how he plans to immerse himself in the Hindu scriptures, Shah offered passionate insights into farming, which he would take up too.

He asserted that chemically-grown wheat contributes to serious health issues such as cancer, blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid disorders.

“Wheat grown with chemical fertilisers often leads to cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid issues. We didn’t know much about this earlier. Eating food free from chemical fertilisers means you may not need any medicines,” Shah said during the Sahkar Samvaad, in Ahmedabad.

Natural farming, he said, not only reduces disease but also improves crop productivity.

“I have been practising natural farming on my own farm, and the yields are nearly 1.5 times higher,” said the Home Minister.

Shah emphasised natural farming’s ecological benefits too, saying, “When it rains heavily, water usually flows out of the farm. But with organic farming, not a single drop goes out – it seeps into the soil. That’s because natural farming allows catchways to form. Excessive use of fertilisers has destroyed those catchways”.

Shah rued over the impact of synthetic fertiliser on farming.

“Earthworms produce natural fertilisers. But synthetic fertilisers have killed them off. These creatures are nature’s own factories of urea, DAP (Diammonium Phosphate), and MPK (Monopotassium Phosphate),” Shah said.

During the event, he also spoke about his journey as a minister, emphasising how the Cooperation Ministry holds a special place for him.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/home-minister-amit-shah-shares-post-retirement-plan-will-dedicate-life-to-vedas-upanishads-farming-2753303-2025-07-09

Strong earthquake tremors jolted Delhi and its adjoining regions on Thursday morning. It started at 9.04 am and lasted for a few seconds.

Strong earthquake tremors were felt in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Thursday morning. The tremors hit at 9.04 am and lasted for a few seconds.

According to the National Center for Seismology, a 4.4 magnitude earthquake hit Haryana’s Jhajjar at 9.04 am. It is part of the National Capital Region, and is located nearly 60 kilometres from Delhi.

Tremors jolted Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad in the NCR. The tremors were also felt in Sonipat, Rohtak and Hisar in Haryana.

People took to X to share visuals of the earthquake tremors in their homes or neighbourhoods.

The quake comes after a rain deluge in the Delhi-NCR on Wednesday, which led to waterlogging and stagnation of traffic. The downpour came after several days of sultry weather and humidity in the Delhi-NCR.

Delhi Police informed on X that no damage has been reported across the city because of the quake.

“No reports of any damage have been received so far from the earthquake that struck Delhi-NCR this morning. We pray for the well-being of all Delhi residents,” the post, roughly translated from Hindi, read.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/earthquake-tremors-in-delhi-ncr-2753519-2025-07-10

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Brazil’s highest civilian award, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, from President Lula.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Tuesday conferred with Brazil’s highest civilian award, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross.

The honour was presented by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, in recognition of PM Modi’s notable contributions to strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing India-Brazil cooperation across key global platforms.

“Being honoured with Brazil’s highest national award by the President today is a moment of immense pride and emotion, not only for me, but also for 140 crore Indians,” Modi said during a joint press statement with Lula after their delegation-level talks.

“I express my heartfelt gratitude to him (President Lula), the Brazilian government, and the people of Brazil,” he said.

He later posted on X, “I’m honoured to have been conferred ‘The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross.’ Gratitude to President Lula, the Government and the people of Brazil. This illustrates the strong affection the people of Brazil have for the people of India. May our friendship scale even newer heights of success in the times to come.”

Modi further stated that President Lula was the architect of India-Brazil Strategic Partnership, and the award was as much an honour to his untiring efforts to take the bilateral ties to greater heights, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release.

Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/world/watch-pm-modi-conferred-with-brazils-highest-civilian-award-says-moment-of-immense-pride-and-emotion-11752019955077.html

The fuel restrictions will also be implemented in the five districts of the National Capital Region (NCR) on the same day.

Days after the Delhi government lifted the ban on diesel cars above 10 years and petrol cars above 15 years, an order issued on Monday said that no fuel will be given to vehicles falling in these categories from November 1.

The fuel restrictions will also be implemented in the five districts of the National Capital Region (NCR) on the same day.

A meeting of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was held on Tuesday after the Delhi government wrote to them to review their decision towards “no fuel” for the End of Life vehicles from July 1.

Keeping the request in mind, the commission decided that it would be judicious to implement the fuel ban in all the six cities of the Delhi-NCR simultaneously from November 1.

The “no fuel” scheme for EOL vehicles will also be implemented in Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida, Ghaziabad and Sonipat from November 1.

On July 1, the Delhi government launched a major campaign to combat air pollution by banning fuel supply to end-of-life vehicles. As per the government order, petrol pumps would not provide fuel to diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years.

The initiative, directed by the CAQM, involved automated camera systems at fuelling stations to detect vehicle age. Traffic police were also empowered to impound violating vehicles or issue challans.

However, following a massive backlash against the move, the government lifted the ban with Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa saying that the government will plan to adopt a new system regarding old vehicles.

The relaxation in restrictions came a day after India Today highlighted how the fuel ban on old vehicles clashes with India’s sustainable, repair-not-replace ethos, rendering the ban un-Indian.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/fuel-ban-for-overage-vehicles-in-delhi-from-november-1-scheme-to-be-implemented-in-ncr-same-day-2752753-2025-07-08

The road, which was reportedly built around six months ago to connect the villages of Baghuli and Jahaj to National Highway 52, gave way under the pressure.

Jaipur: A newly-constructed state highway in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu collapsed just days before its official inauguration, after torrential rains triggered the water level to rise in the Katli river. A video of the incident, accessed by NDTV, is now viral on social media.

According to the NDTV report, on Sunday, July 6, heavy rains lashed the Udaipurwati region, with the area recording 86 mm of rainfall. As a result, the Katli river, which is typically seasonal, turned into a forceful stream, swelling rapidly and pushing aggressively against the recently laid highway in Baghuli.

Have a look at the clip here:

The incident raised serious concerns over the quality of construction and prompted an official inspection.

The road, which was reportedly built around six months ago to connect the villages of Baghuli and Jahaj to National Highway 52, gave way under the pressure. A significant portion of the highway also crumbled into the river, along with an electric pole, as seen in the viral video. Residents from nearby villages rushed to witness the dramatic collapse on their phones.

Questions Raised, PWD to Inspect

The collapse raised several questions over the materials and method used in the construction of the road. With the road not even opened for public use yet, the builders are now being held accountable for the mishap.

As per the report, officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) are expected to conduct a detailed inspection of the site and submit a report. The stretch was intended to provide better connectivity between rural areas and the broader NH-52 corridor leading to Jhunjhunu and Sikar.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/watch-newly-built-rajasthan-highway-collapses-into-river-before-inauguration

Priya was found guilty of killing her former business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi, in July 2017. His dismembered body was found in a water tank, and authorities alleged that she had administered a fatal dose of sedatives before disposing of the body.

Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, convicted of murdering a Yemeni national in 2017, is scheduled to be executed on July 16. The date has been fixed by the apex court of Yemen.
Nimisha, who hails from Kerala’s Palakkad district, is currently lodged in a jail in the Yemeni capital of Sana’a, which is under the control of Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Yemen’s Supreme Judicial Council recently upheld her sentence, and the execution was approved by Mahdi al-Mashat, head of the Houthi-led Supreme Political Council.
Priya was found guilty of killing her former business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi, in July 2017. His dismembered body was found in a water tank, and authorities alleged that she had administered a fatal dose of sedatives before disposing of the body. The alleged motive was to retrieve her seized passport and escape alleged abuse.

Priya has denied the murder charges. Her lawyer argued in court that she had intended only to sedate Mahdi temporarily to recover her passport, but the dosage went wrong.

In 2020, a local court sentenced her to death, and the verdict was upheld by Yemen’s Supreme Court in November 2023.
Under Yemen’s Islamic legal system, executions may be halted only if the victim’s family grants a pardon in exchange for diyah – blood money. Efforts have been ongoing to raise the funds and negotiate a settlement with Mahdi’s family.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/indian-nurse-nimisha-priya-execution-date-set-for-july-16-by-yemen-apex-court-article-152246400

The video shared on social media shows a Suzuki Hayabusa crashing into a delivery rider on the road.

A speeding Suzuki Hayabusa superbike crashed head-on into a Zomato delivery rider’s bike in Mysuru on July 6. The accident ended up killing both riders. The incident was recorded on a CCTV camera and has now been shared on social media.

The video shared on social media shows the Suzuki Hayabusa superbike accelerating at high speed. It then hits the delivery rider who was riding along the side of the road. After the crash, the superbike then dragged the delivery rider ahead on the road. Later on, the two-wheeler ended up skidding and crashing. The delivery boy ends up falling on the ground away from his two-wheeler.

The Zomatic delivery rider, Kartik, died on the spot. The Suzuki Hayabusa rider, Syed Saroon from Chamarajanagar in Karnataka, lost control of the bike, skidding several meters. The bike later burst into flames, which is claimed to be because of a petrol leak. Following the incident, Syed was taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries due to burn injuries.

The incident has been reported at the NR Traffic Police Station, and the authorities are continuing their investigation. Both bodies have been taken to the mortuary for their post-mortem examination.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/auto/suzuki-hayabusas-high-speed-crash-into-delivery-rider-ends-in-tragedy-video-8842994?pfrom=movies-topstories

Businessman Gopal Khemka was shot dead outside his residence in Patna by a bike-borne assailant last week, seven years after miscreants had gunned down his son in Hajipur.

Gopal Khemka Murder Case: The Bihar Police on Tuesday, July 8, said that they have achieved a breakthrough in the murder case of businessman Gopal Khemka. Gopal Khemka was shot dead outside his residence in Patna by a bike-borne assailant. The police on Tuesday blamed the killing of the renowned businessman on a land deal that went awry.
At a press conference, DGP Vinay Kumar, among others officials said the firearm used to shoot at Khemka, outside his residence here on Saturday night, has been recovered from a hideout of the alleged shooter.
“As stated earlier, the gunman Umesh Yadav was arrested yesterday, besides Ajay Shaw, by whom he was paid an advance amount of Rs 50,000 for murdering Khemka,” said the DGP. “We have recovered the gun, used to shoot at Khemka, besides a large number of cartridges from Yadav’s place. Saw is said to be involved in property business, and prima facie it was a land deal that led him to hire the contract killer,” added the DGP.

He, however, did not divulge any further details, saying the investigation was still on.

“The motive that has come forward till now is about the land dispute in the business, and there are more reasons also on which we are doing the investigation,” SSP Kartikeya Sharma said. The investigators have also recovered several evidences regarding the land deals.
“We got the papers of the various lands, and an investigation is going on. We have also recovered several audio clips, and the dispute was not only about one land; there were many lands. Vikas, alias Raja, has been sent to jail in other cases also. In 9 cases, FIR has been registered against him… We have not found any criminal record of Umesh Yadav… We are doing the investigation and seeing if there is any outer link,” SSP Sharma said.
Replying to a query, the DGP said, “We are probing as to whether there was any common thread between Khemka’s killing and the murderous assault on his two sons eight years ago.”

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/land-dispute-behind-gopal-khemkas-murder-bihar-police-make-big-revelations-article-152246472

Barbie debuts its first doll with type 1 diabetes, promoting inclusivity, awareness, and representation. The doll features real T1D medical gear and partners with Breakthrough T1D to ensure authenticity.

Mattel has unveiled its first-ever Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes (T1D), marking a significant milestone in its ongoing mission to promote inclusion and representation in children’s toys.

The new doll, part of the 2025 Barbie Fashionistas line, features a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), an insulin pump, and fashion inspired by global diabetes awareness symbols.

“Introducing a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes marks an important step in our commitment to inclusivity and representation,” said Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls. “Barbie helps shape children’s early perceptions of the world… we ensure more kids can see themselves in the stories they imagine and the dolls they love.”

To develop the doll, Barbie collaborated with Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), a leading diabetes research and advocacy group. The design includes real-world T1D tools like a CGM, visible on the doll’s arm with pink heart-shaped tape, and an insulin pump on her waist. Her outfit consists of a blue polka-dot top and skirt that reflects international diabetes awareness symbols.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/health/story/barbie-debuts-first-ever-doll-with-type-1-diabetes-to-boost-representation-glbs-2752893-2025-07-09

One by one, 13 Buddhist monks wearing brightly colored silk costumes and wide-brimmed black hats, stepped onto the rectangular courtyard of the Hemis monastery. They began a ritual dance to a slow rhythm set by drums, cymbals and horns.

As they moved, the white human skull motifs on their costume caught the morning sun. They danced to ward off mythical evil beings and clear the courtyard of negative energy.

That set the stage for the ritual dances to follow at the Hemis Festival — or Hemis Tsechu.

Hemis Gompa belongs to the Drukpa Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism and is one of the most important monasteries in Ladakh. Built in the 17th century, it lies at an elevation of about 3,560 meters (12,000 feet) in the northern Indian desert mountainous territory.

Source: https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/india-ladakh-buddhist-festival-photos-hemis-b2997b6d1a9315ff4f0d02457128d86a

The MSC ELSA III had capsized and sunk off Kerala coast on May 25, allegedly releasing oil and cargo that harmed the marine environment, damaged the coastline and affected the livelihood of thousands of fishermen.

Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Monday ordered the conditional arrest of a cargo ship anchored at Vizhinjam Port in connection with a Rs 9,531 crore compensation case filed by the State of Kerala over a major shipwreck and environmental damage.

The vessel, MSC AKITETA II (IMO 9220847), was ordered to be detained after the state accused the owners and managers of another ship which appears to be of the same company, MSC ELSA III (IMO 9123221), of causing severe pollution off the Kerala coast.

The MSC ELSA III had capsized and sunk off Kerala coast on May 25, allegedly releasing oil and cargo that harmed the marine environment, damaged the coastline and affected the livelihood of thousands of fishermen.

Kerala’s Environment Department, which brought the case, said the sunken vessel had 643 cargo containers and that the damage caused was enormous.

The state is seeking Rs 9,531 crore in total — including compensation for environmental harm, clean-up efforts and economic losses to local fishing communities.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/kerala/kerala-high-court-orders-conditional-arrest-of-cargo-ship-in-rs-9531-crore-damage-case-3619682 

During questioning by the Mumbai Crime Branch in NIA custody, Tahawwur Rana confirmed his presence in Mumbai during the 26/11 attacks and that it was part of the terrorists’ plan, sources told India Today TV.

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, one of the key conspirators of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, has made explosive revelations, saying he was in the city at the time of the carnage and was a trusted agent of the Pakistani army, sources told India Today TV.

Rana, who is in NIA custody in Delhi’s Tihar Jail, told the Mumbai Crime Branch during questioning that he and his friend and aide David Coleman Headley had several training sessions with Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, sources said.

Rana also said that the LeT mainly worked as a spy network, they said.

According to sources, Rana said the idea of opening an immigration centre of his firm in Mumbai was his, and financial transactions in it were also done as business expenses. He also admitted he was in Mumbai during the 26/11 attacks and that was part of the terrorists’ plan, sources said.

Rana said he inspected places like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and believed that the 26/11 attacks were carried out in collaboration with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), sources said.

The 64-year-old also said he was sent by the Pakistani army to Saudi Arabia during the Khaleej War, sources further said.

Following his questioning, the Mumbai Police are preparing to arrest Rana as soon as possible and take him into custody.

Rana, a Pakistani-origin Canadian, was extradited to India earlier this year. His extradition followed the April 4 dismissal of his review petition by the US Supreme Court.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/tahawwur-rana-revelations-nia-custody-mumbai-terror-attacks-26-11-pakistan-connection-2751903-2025-07-07

On Monday, an association of civil society organisations UAID released the hate crime report for the period of June 2024 to June 2025 which marked the first year of Modi government’s third term.

India recorded 602 hate crimes and 345 hate speech incidents in the first year of the Modi government’s third term, revealed the hate crime report released by United Against Injustice and Discrimination (UAID). A similar report by Citizens for Peace and Justice (CJP) revealed that 180 cases of targeted violence against Indian Muslims were reported in two months after the Pahalgam terrorist attack.

On Monday, an association of civil society organisations UAID released the hate crime report for the period of June 2024 to June 2025 which marked the first year of Modi government’s third term. According to the report, 602 hate crime incidents occurred in the country’s 23 states and two union territories. While Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 162 incidents, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra followed with 68 and 60 incidents respectively. These hate crimes also resulted in the death of 29 Muslims including one woman.

The hate crime report claimed that 267, out of the 602 incidents, involved right-wing outfits, whereas offences were registered in only 81 cases, which is 13% of the hate crimes. It said that 398 of these crimes were of harassment or intimidation of religious minorities, out of which 214 incidents involved organisations and political parties. This was followed by 173 cases of physical violence, out of which visible religiosity of religious minorities was the reason in 119 cases (60.1%), non-vegetarian food was the reason in 32 cases (8.5%) and inter-community relationships accounted for 17 incidents (6.7%). Other reasons included religious conversion, religious processions and hurting religious sentiments.

The report highlighted that although the activities of right-wing outfits in May died within a few days, Uttarakhand is emerging as a hotspot for hate crimes after the sexual assault of a minor girl in Nainital involving a Muslim accused and the Sanjauli Mosque being labelled as a disputed place of worship.

At a press conference organised to release the report on Monday, Frazer Mascarenhas, priest and activist, raised concerns against the BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar from Sangli’s Jat constituency, who allegedly remarked that he would give cash prize to those who thrash people visiting villages for conversion. He said, “The chain of hate crimes starts from allegations against certain communities, followed by hate speech and then ultimately results in violence. A government’s basic function is to protect the right to life and if it is not able to do the bare minimum, we really do not need a government.”

Similarly, 345 incidents of hate speech were recorded by the hate crime report, out of which 109 were made by a member of a political party or an affiliated outfit. It claimed that 11 states ruled by the BJP recorded these incidents, including 55 from UP and 41 in both Maharashtra and Jharkhand. It claimed that 212 of these incidents fulfilled all requirements of inciting discrimination, hostility or violence.

This even included five speeches by the prime minister, 63 by BJP chief ministers and 71 other elected representatives. According to the report, 288 of the 345 hate speech incidents were made in public gatherings, seven were made during parliament or assembly sessions, 23 online and 27 in press conferences or interviews. While four Shiv Sena members, one Congress and one Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) members were accused of giving hate speeches, non-political organisations accused of hate speech included Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and other right-wing Hindu outfits.

Irfan Engineer, director of Centre for Study of Society and Secularism, shared the statistics from his organisation’s annual record, which claimed that the hate crimes increased by 270% from 33 cases in 2023 to 122 cases in 2024, 38% from Maharashtra alone. He said that while the reasons can range from parliamentary elections to assembly elections in states like Maharashtra and Haryana, Muslims were the targets in 96% of these cases.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/pm-modis-third-term-602-hate-crimes-345-hate-speeches-logged-180-cases-in-2-months-after-pahalgam-attack

Çelebi’s security clearance was revoked by the Indian government after the four-day Indo-Pak military conflict during which Turkey openly backed Pakistan.

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

Justice Sachin Datta passed the order, a detailed copy of which is awaited.

The government’s decision followed the four-day Indo-Pak military conflict during which the Turkish government had openly backed Pakistan. This prompted the firm to approach the High Court citing violation of natural justice and other grounds.

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who appeared for Çelebi, contended that the company has been condemned without any proper disclosure on why it was being subjected to such harsh measures, in violation of procedural safeguards including in Rule 12 of Aircraft Rules, 2023. He had argued that the firm should have been given proper notice before being subjected to such measures.

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

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

Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta represented the Indian government.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: https://www.barandbench.com/news/delhi-high-court-dismisses-turkish-firm-elebi-plea-against-revocation-of-security-clearance

Along with several top leaders, PM Modi held deliberations on a range of pressing challenges facing the globe at the BRICS’ two-day annual summit in this seaside Brazilian city.

PM Modi at BRICS: Under its presidency, India will work to define BRICS in a new form and it will be ‘Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the summit of the grouping on Monday.
In an address at a session on environment and global health, Modi also said that the health of the earth and the health of people are connected to each other as he underlined the need to remain prepared for any eventualities. The COVID pandemic taught us that viruses do not come taking visas, and solutions, too, are not chosen by looking at passports, the Prime Minister said.
Underlining India’s priorities during its presidency of BRICS grouping next years, PM Modi said, “Under India’s BRICS presidency, we will work to define BRICS in a new form. BRICS will mean — Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability.”

The 193-member UN General Assembly adopted a draft resolution, introduced by Germany on “The situation in Afghanistan’.

India on Monday abstained in the UN General Assembly on a draft resolution on Afghanistan as it noted that a “business as usual” approach is unlikely to deliver outcomes that the global community envisions for the Afghan people.
The 193-member UN General Assembly adopted a draft resolution, introduced by Germany on “The situation in Afghanistan’. The resolution was adopted with 116 votes in favour; two against and 12 abstentions, including by India.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, in the explanation of vote, said that any coherent policy to address a post-conflict situation must combine a mix of policy instruments ” incentivising positive behaviour and disincentivising harmful actions.

“An approach focused only on punitive measures, in our view, is unlikely to succeed. The United Nations and the broader international community have adopted more balanced and nuanced approaches in other post-conflict contexts,” Harish said.

He also said that no new policy instruments have been introduced to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan since August 2021, when the Taliban took over Kabul.
“A ‘business as usual’ approach, without new and targeted initiatives, is unlikely to deliver the outcomes the international community envisions for the Afghan people,” he said.
Harish stressed that India is closely monitoring the security situation in Afghanistan and underscored that the international community must direct its coordinated efforts towards ensuring that entities and individuals designated by the UN Security Council, the Al Qaeda and their affiliates, ISIL and their affiliates, including Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, along with their regional sponsors who facilitate their operations, no longer exploit the Afghan territory for terrorist activities, a reference to Pakistan.
He noted that on the political front, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently spoke with the Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Amir Khan Muttaqi.
India welcomed “the strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack” of April 22 by the Afghan side.
“This conversation followed a meeting between India’s Foreign Secretary and the Acting Foreign Minister, where both sides discussed various bilateral issues and regional developments,” Harish said.
Jaishankar had spoken with Muttaqi in May, his first interaction with the Taliban acting foreign minister.
“Good conversation with Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi this evening. Deeply appreciate his condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Welcomed his firm rejection of recent attempts to create distrust between India and Afghanistan through false and baseless reports.
“Underlined our traditional friendship with the Afghan people and continuing support for their development needs. Discussed ways and means of taking cooperation forward,” Jaishankar had said.
Reiterating India’s historic ties with the people of Afghanistan and its enduring commitment to meeting their humanitarian and developmental needs, Harish said that while New Delhi remains committed to continued engagement with all relevant stakeholders and broadly supports the international community’s efforts towards a stable, peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan, “India has decided to abstain on this resolution.”
The resolution expressed deep concern over the dire economic, humanitarian and social conditions, persistent violence and the presence of terrorist groups, the absence of political inclusivity and representative decision-making, as well as violations and abuses of human rights, including those of women, girls and persons belonging to minorities since the takeover by the Taliban.
It recognised that the health, well-being, prosperity and security of the people of Afghanistan affect the entire region and beyond and maintained that sustainable and lasting peace can be achieved only through long-term social, economic and political stability, which requires full respect for civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights as well as commitment to inclusive and representative governance.
It also called upon the Taliban to fulfil and respect their assurances for the safety and security of diplomatic personnel and premises, humanitarian workers and international organisations in Afghanistan.
The resolution expressed serious concern about the grave, worsening, widespread and systematic oppression of all women and girls in Afghanistan by the Taliban, which, as documented by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, has put in place “an institutionalised system of discrimination, segregation, disrespect for human dignity and the exclusion of women and girls.
It recalled the obligations of Afghanistan under international law, in particular human rights, refugee and international humanitarian law, and stressed the need to ensure respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Harish said that India’s approach to Afghanistan ” as its contiguous neighbour with deep historical and cultural ties ” has always been guided by its longstanding friendship and special relationship with the Afghan people. “As a long-standing partner, India has direct stakes in ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan,” Harish said.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/why-did-india-abstain-from-the-unga-vote-on-the-afghanistan-resolution-article-152240553

A Ram Katha may be organised, and renowned musicians and artists from across the country are expected to perform, further enhancing the grandeur of the ceremony.

Ayodhya: A flag-hoisting ceremony is set to take place at the Ram temple in Ayodhya in November with thousands of special guests expected to attend and Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to be the chief guest.
An official of the temple trust, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told PTI on Monday that the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust has shortlisted two dates in November for this significant event. Preparations for the ceremony are gaining momentum.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi might be present as the chief guest on this auspicious occasion,” the official said.

According to sources within the temple, the Ram flag will be hoisted atop the 161-foot-high spire of the temple. In addition, flags will also be hoisted on the spires of all other temples within the complex, marking a major milestone towards the completion of the temple’s construction.

Anil Mishra, a trustee of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra told PTI, “The final programme is still being prepared. As soon as it is ready, it will be shared.”
Temple sources further told PTI that the flag-hoisting ceremony is expected to be as grand as the consecration of Lord Ram. The trust is preparing an extensive guest list that includes saints, religious leaders, distinguished dignitaries and devotees from across India and abroad. The trust estimates that thousands of guests will witness this second historic occasion following the consecration ceremony of the deity Ram Lalla.
A senior official from the Ayodhya administration confirmed that preparations are in full swing to welcome the guests.
The temple trust and the administrative machinery have started booking rooms in hotels, while arrangements are also being made in major dharamshalas and guest houses across the city, the official added.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/flag-hoisting-at-ram-temple-likely-in-november-pm-modi-likely-to-attend-as-chief-guest-report-article-152239900

PM Narendra Modi gifted a miniature silver Ram temple and an urn to the Trinidadian PM, and a silver lion on a fuchsite base and a Madhubani painting to Argentinian leadership

A silver replica of Ayodhya’s Ram temple was among the unique gifts that Prime Minister Narendra Modi carried with him during his official visit to Argentina as well as Trinidad and Tobago last week.

Modi gifted the temple replica and an urn with sacred water to his Trinidadian counterpart. To the Argentine leadership, he gifted a hand-etched silver lion on a fuchsite base and a Madhubani painting.

The Prime Minister had travelled to Trinidad and Tobago – the second leg of his ongoing five-nation tour – where he gifted a ‘kalash’, or an urn, with water from the Saryu river to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

The urn, filled with what is believed to be sacred water from the Saryu, is a symbol of purity, blessings, and spiritual grace. The Saryu, which flows through Ayodhya – believed to be the birthplace of Hindu deity Ram – is significant in Hinduism.

Crafted in metal, the urn embodies abundance and sanctity making it an auspicious offering. It connects the giver and receiver to Ayodhya’s legacy of dharma, devotion, and liberation.

Modi also gifted the Trinidadian PM a silver replica of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, a finely handcrafted tribute to what is considered one of India’s most sacred and spiritual sites.

Made by skilled artisans from Uttar Pradesh, it captures the grandeur and intricate architecture of the temple – symbolic of dharma, righteousness, and divine blessings. It is entirely cast in pure silver, and is a miniature of the temple embodying purity, devotion, and cultural pride. Ideal for spaces of worship, homes, or as a meaningful keepsake, it reflects UP’s rich heritage of temple art and metalwork.

Before Trinidad and Tobago, the PM was in Argentina for a two-day visit to Buenos Aires, where he interacted with President Javier Milei.

He gifted Milei a silver lion on a fuchsite base, crafted by Rajasthani artisans. The fuchsite stone has been sourced from India’s mineral-rich regions while the piece embodies the country’s rich artistic and geological heritage.

It is a striking example of Rajasthan’s renowned metalwork and gemstone artistry, while the intricately detailed silver lion symbolises courage and leadership. Fuchsite is also known as the ‘stone of healing and resilience’.

Modi also gifted a Madhubani painting to the Argentinian Vice President, Victoria Eugenia Villarruel. It depicts the sun, showcasing one of India’s oldest folk art traditions from the Mithila region of Bihar.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/silver-replica-of-ayodhya-temple-among-pm-modis-gifts-to-trinidadian-argentine-leaders-ws-l-9426598.html

The accused, identified as Vivek Sabharwal, was arrested late Sunday night in Delhi and brought to Mumbai

The Bandra police have arrested a 48-year-old man for allegedly attempting to fraudulently get a mobile number belonging to the late Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique transferred to his name. His elaborate cheating scheme featured procuring data of mobile numbers that were unused for a few months and then using fake email IDs and forged documents to gain control of bank accounts linked to them, according to the police.

The accused, identified as Vivek Sabharwal, was arrested late Sunday night in Delhi and brought to Mumbai. A serial offender with at least six cheating and forgery cases registered against him, Sabharwal used to work at a private bank as a loan agent around a decade ago, before turning to the world of crime.

According to the police, Siddique’s wife, Shehzeen, filed a complaint on June 26 alleging that the family had received an email from a telecom company informing them that someone had initiated a request to transfer a mobile number belonging to the slain NCP leader to their name. This was done using a fake email ID and forged documents, said a police officer. In her complaint, Shehzeen also alleged that the accused intended to become an authorised signatory of a family firm, Zears Business India LLP, which was linked to the mobile number.

With help from the cyber police, the Bandra police identified the sender of the email as Sabharwal, a resident of Delhi. Late Sunday, the police raided his home in Delhi, apprehended him, and brought him to Mumbai.

Following his interrogation, the police uncovered his alleged modus operandi: Sabharwal used to procure data of mobile numbers that had not been used for a few months. After calling the numbers to ensure they were not in use, he would then approach the concerned telecom company, seeking to transfer the mobile number in his name by submitting forged KYC documents.

Sabharwal would then allegedly register the procured number on a payment gateway and get the details of bank accounts linked to it. He would then fraudulently transfer the money in those bank accounts to his own account, said a police officer.

Baba Siddique’s mobile number happened to be in one such lot of numbers that Sabharwal had procured. During his interrogation, he allegedly said he was not aware that the number belonged to Siddique, who was shot dead in October last year by three assailants in Bandra East.

Sabharwal then tried to get the slain leader’s mobile number transferred to his name by sending an email to a telecom company in Delhi using a fake email ID. However, Siddique’s family had already requested the service provider to keep the number active, as it was linked to some of their businesses, and not give it to anyone else.

So, when the service provider received a request to transfer the number to someone else’s name, an alert was sent to the family on their registered email ID, said a police officer from the Bandra police station. Sabharwal’s intention was to transfer the number to his name and use it in fraudulent activities, added the officer.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/man-arrested-for-trying-to-take-control-of-baba-siddique-s-mobile-number-101751916627933.html

Workers from a wide array of sectors – ranging from banking, insurance, postal services to coal mining – are expected to take part in the Bharat Bandh strike

Over 25 crore workers – from sectors ranging from banking, insurance, postal services to coal mining – are expected to participate in a nationwide general strike on Wednesday. The strike, called by a joint forum of 10 central trade unions, has been described as a ‘Bharat Bandh’ to protest against what the unions label as “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and anti-national pro-corporate policies” of the central government.

The trade unions have issued a call to “make the nationwide general strike a grand success,” citing months of intensive preparations across formal and informal sectors. “More than 25 crore workers are expected to take part in the strike. Farmers and rural workers will also join the protest across the country,” Amarjeet Kaur of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) told news agency PTI.

The widespread action is likely to severely impact key public services and industries. “Banking, postal, coal mining, factories, and state transport services will be affected due to the strike,” added Harbhajan Singh Sidhu of the Hind Mazdoor Sabha.

At the heart of the unrest is a charter of 17 demands submitted by the unions to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya last year. The unions claim the government has ignored these demands and failed to convene the annual labour conference for the past decade – a move they say reflects the government’s apathy toward the labour force.

In a joint statement, the forum alleged that the government’s labour reforms, including the introduction of four new labour codes, are designed to erode workers’ rights. These codes, unions argue, aim to dismantle collective bargaining, weaken union activities, increase working hours, and shield employers from accountability under labour laws.

The government has abandoned the welfare state status of the country and is working in the interest of foreign and Indian corporates, and it is so evident from its policies being pursued vigorously, the forum said.

Trade unions have been fighting against “privatisation of public sector enterprises and public services, policies of outsourcing, contractorisation and casualisation of workforce”, it said.

The four labour codes that have been passed by the Parliament are meant to suppress and cripple the trade union movement, increase working hours, snatch workers’ right to collective bargaining, right to strike, and decriminalise violation of labour laws by employers, the statement said.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bharat-bandh-today-over-25-crore-workers-expected-to-participate-public-services-likely-to-be-hit-101751937984846.html

The large pothole in the middle of the road has caused major trouble for parents transporting school children as well as daily commuters. Locals are blaming the Noida Authority for its negligence. The size of the crater has left residents fearful of potential harm to life and property.

This morning’s light rain in Uttar Pradesh’s Noida once again exposed the tall claims made by the Noida Authority. After the rainfall, a road near one of Noida’s posh sectors — Sector-100 — caved in, forming a massive crater in the middle of the road. The incident raises serious questions about the authority’s monsoon preparedness.

While the morning showers brought some relief from the humid heat, they also caused waterlogging and traffic congestion, creating inconvenience for commuters. The most shocking scene came from near Pathways School in Sector-100, where a service road suddenly collapsed, creating a crater approximately 12 feet wide and 15 feet deep.

The large pothole in the middle of the road has caused major trouble for parents transporting school children as well as daily commuters. Locals are blaming the Noida Authority for its negligence. The size of the crater has left residents fearful of potential harm to life and property.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/watch-road-caves-in-near-noida-school-after-rain-15-foot-crater-appears-2752086-2025-07-07

Another youth recorded the incident and made the video viral on social media. The two minor boys involved in the incident have reportedly been detained after the video went viral on social media.

In a shocking incident, a video has surfaced on social media in which it can be seen that young boys are risking their lives for a few likes and shares on social media. The incident came to light from Odisha’s Boudh district where a 12-year-old minor boy is seen risking his life by lying down between railway tracks while a train passed over him. Another youth recorded the incident and made the video viral on social media. The two minor boys involved in the incident have reportedly been detained after the video went viral on social media.

The incident reportedly occurred in Boudh district on June 29 and the video went viral on Saturday (July 05). The two minors were involved in the life-threatening stunt near Jharmunda station. The local police and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) swung into action after the video hit the internet.

The RPF and Baunsuni Police carried out a joint operation and investigation into the matter and with the help of the villagers they were able to locate the two minor boys involved in the dangerous stunt. After identification, both children, along with their parents/guardians, were taken to the RPF post at Balangir. Further action is being taken under the Juvenile Justice Act, with proceedings being carried out in the presence of their guardians.

The video shows that a 12-year-old boy lies in the middle of the woods on the railway tracks and the other minor present with him starts recording the video. A train is seen approaching as the kid lay down low on the railway track. The entire train passes over the boy who is lying on the railway track. After the train passes, the boy gets up in joy and celebrates with his partner with joy. The youth are seen celebrating as if they did a heroic act or achieved something. However, if anything would have gone wrong, he could have lost his life in the stupid act.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/viral/terrifying-stunt-viral-video-minor-lies-on-railway-track-as-train-passes-over-him-for-instagram-reels-in-odisha-2-detained

Sigachi Industries, in a statement on Sunday night, said that it is saddened to share the loss of two more team members since July 4, taking the death toll to 42.

The death toll in the fire and explosion at Sigachi Industries Ltd’s manufacturing unit in Pashamylaram near Hyderabad rose to 42 on Sunday.

Two of the injured workers succumbed while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Patancheru on Sunday.

Sigachi Industries, in a statement on Sunday night, said that it is saddened to share the loss of two more team members since July 4, taking the death toll to 42.

Of the 33 injured team members, 14 have now recovered and been discharged from the hospital, while 18 continue to be under medical attention in various hospitals, it said.

Eight team members are still missing. Of the 143 members present on-site during the time of the accident, 61 are safe, the company statement added.

Setup in 1989, Sigachi Industries’ Pashamylaram plant has been incident-free for 36 years. It is an ISO 45001:2018 certified facility and follows stringent safety and compliance measures.

“Since the time of the accident, we have been coordinating the emergency response, family support, and extending cooperation with the investigation and compliance efforts,” the company said.

A major explosion occurred in the manufacturing plant of Sigachi Industries at Pashamylaram, Patancheru Mandal, Sangareddy district on June 30.

The plant manufactures Microcrystalline Cellulose powder, which is used in tablets and capsules as a binding agent.

Rescue teams found 30 pieces of human remains at the site, and they were sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Hyderabad, for DNA analysis.

According to officials at Patancheru Government Hospital, of the 24 DNA samples collected so far, 22 bodies have been identified and handed over to their families.

The deceased hailed from Bihar, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. Authorities are sending the bodies in ambulances to their native places with police escort. Two police constables are accompanying each body.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/telangana-pharma-unit-blast-death-toll-at-sigachi-industries-rises-to-42

A recent incident at the AIT Circle branch in Chikkamagaluru district has brought the issue back into focus after a woman customer struggled to communicate with bank staff

Canara Bank is once again facing criticism for failing to offer banking services in a language that customers can understand, especially by posting non-Kannada-speaking staff in rural areas of Karnataka. A recent incident at the AIT Circle branch in Chikkamagaluru district has brought the issue back into focus after a woman customer struggled to communicate with bank staff.

In a video recorded by the customer, she can be heard saying that money meant for hospital expenses had been deducted from her account but the staff member was unable to explain the reason behind the deduction. The woman is also heard saying that a similar issue had took place the previous month.

As another person tried to intervene, the woman expressed her frustration, stating that she could not understand what the staff member was saying and questioned how can they make her sit there. “I don’t know English,” she added.

Chikkamagaluru is predominantly rural, with many residents relying on agriculture and plantation work for their livelihood.

The Canara Bank employee, who was initially heard speaking Malayalam to another person, admitted that she was unable to effectively communicate with the customer. “She is unable to follow what I am saying,” the staff member is heard saying in the video.

As the video quickly went viral, members of Kannada Sene, a pro-Kannada group, accused the bank of employing only Malayalam- and Hindi-speaking staff at the branch. They claimed this made it difficult for local customers to carry out basic banking tasks. The group urged the bank manager to assign Kannada-speaking staff to all customer-facing roles to avoid such issues in the future.

In response to the backlash, Canara Bank issued a statement on social media platform X, acknowledging the concerns raised. The bank stated that Karnataka is not just a location for them, but the very birthplace of the bank, where its journey began over a century ago.

“Kannada is our foundation, your support is our strength. For Canara Bank, Karnataka is not just a state — it is our birthplace, the very first foundation of our journey that began over a hundred years ago,” the bank wrote.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/canara-bank-under-fire-for-no-kannada-speaking-staff-in-rural-branches-heres-how-it-responded-ws-kl-9424639.html

Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian on the ISS, observing Earth from the Cupola Module. He docked with the ISS on June 26 as the mission pilot for Axiom-4.

Indian government on Sunday shared a set of images showing Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who scripted history by becoming the first Indian on the International Space Station, observing the Earth from the space station.

Group Captain Shukla participated in the mission as the pilot for Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission, which launched on 25 June 2025 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. He was accompanied by veteran American astronaut Peggy Whitson, Polish scientist Sławosz Uznański, and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu. Following a 28-hour journey, the crew successfully docked with the International Space Station on 26 June.

In the pictures shared on X, Shukla is seen seated on the edge of the ISS’ 7-windowed Cupola Module with the Earth visible in the background. “Gazing Down From The Space! Group Capt Shubhanshu Shukla enjoys the stunning panoramic view of Earth from the 7-windowed Cupola Module aboard the International Space Station. It’s been a remarkable journey as he marks a week in orbit, representing India among the stars,” the X post of MyGovIndia reads.