Category: India

The Indian financial system has become more resilient and diverse, driven by rapid economic growth and withstood the pandemic well, according to an IMF report.

The Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP), a joint programme of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB), undertakes a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of a country’s financial sector.

IMF has released the latest India-FSSA report, based on the assessment carried out during 2024, while WB’s Financial Sector Assessment (FSA) report is due for publication.

“India welcomes assessment of the Indian financial system undertaken by the joint IMF-World Bank team conforming to the highest international standards,” the Reserve Bank said in a release on Monday.

The IMF report said that since the last FSAP in 2017, India’s financial system has become more resilient and diverse, driven by rapid economic growth.

“The system recovered from the distress episodes of the 2010s and withstood the pandemic well. NBFIs and market financing have grown, making the financial system more diverse and interconnected. State-owned financial institutions’ share remains significant,” it said.

It further said that stress tests show that the main lending sectors are broadly resilient to macrofinancial shocks, despite some weak tails. Banks and NBFCs have sufficient aggregate capital to support moderate lending even in severe macro-financial scenarios.

“But several banks, particularly PSBs, may need to strengthen their capital base to support lending in such situations. Weak tails comprise a few non-systemic NBFCs and urban cooperative banks (UCBs) that report below minimum or negative capital even in the baseline. Vulnerability to short-term liquidity stress is generally contained,” the report said.

On regulation and supervision of NBFCs, the IMF acknowledged India’s systematic approach to prudential requirements of NBFCs with the scale-based regulatory framework. IMF appreciated India’s approach to the introduction of a bank-like Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) for large NBFCs.

IMF also acknowledged that the regulatory framework in securities markets has been enhanced in line with international practice to manage and prevent emerging risks. Notable improvements include establishing the Corporate Debt Market Development Fund (CDMDF).

The report observed that India’s insurance sector is strong and growing, with a significant presence in both life and general insurance. The sector has remained stable, supported by better regulations and digital innovations.

IMF also analysed cyber security frameworks in the banking sector, financial market infrastructure (FMI), critical information systems, and other relevant players in the securities market.

It found that Indian authorities have advanced cybersecurity risk oversight, especially for banks.

However, it stated that extensive cybersecurity crisis simulations and stress tests for banks could be expanded for cross-sectoral and market-wide events to further strengthen cybersecurity resilience.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indias-financial-system-diverse-driven-by-rapid-economic-growth-imf-report-8003635

Amid a heated legal dispute, a 2021 photo featuring Rippling’s Prasanna Sankar, his estranged wife Dhivya Sashidhar, and Sam Altman has resurfaced on X. The image, originally from November 2021, is now circulating as Sankar publicly accuses Sashidhar of infidelity and filing false police complaints.

The resurfaced post was captioned: “Super inspiring to meet @sama for dinner tonight at our place. @dhivsash and I loved the conversation.”

In a series of posts on X, Prasanna Sankar accused his wife, Dhivya, of having an affair with a married man named Anoop for over six months. He claimed he discovered the relationship after receiving screenshots of their conversations from Anoop’s wife.

Beyond the infidelity allegations, Sankar stated that after they began negotiating their divorce, Dhivya filed multiple false complaints against him, including accusations of domestic violence and rape. He asserted that Singaporean authorities investigated the claims and cleared him of all charges.

Sankar further accused Dhivya of abducting their 9-year-old son despite a court ruling in his favor. He alleged that she took the child to the U.S., prompting him to file an international child abduction case. “The judge ruled in my favor, ordering the return of the child,” he wrote.

Who is Prasanna Sankar?

Prasanna Sankar is the co-founder of Rippling, a San Francisco-based HR tech company valued at $10 billion. Originally from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, he is an Indian-origin entrepreneur now based in Singapore. However, according to his LinkedIn profile, he left Rippling in 2020.

Sankar pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli (NIT Trichy), where he met his wife.

Before founding Rippling, he worked at leading tech firms, including an internship at Google in 2006 and a role at Microsoft Canada.

Since January 2023, he has been leading 0xPPL, a decentralized social network focused on crypto communities, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/old-pic-of-ripplings-prasanna-sankar-estranged-wife-and-sam-altman-resurfaces-amid-legal-battle-8003862

Former Attorney General of India and senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi has called for a forensic investigation into the cash-at-home scam and said there is a need to streamline the system of disciplinary action against judges instead of the current rule of impeachment. The only constitutional action against judges, impeachment, is so complicated that in the last 75 years, no judge has been impeached, despite three or four attempts, he told NDTV in an exclusive interview.

Calling the incident a “huge dent in the heart of judicial dispensation system,” he said if the people see “this kind of thing and if the judge is guilty, action should be taken at the earliest”.

“There must be a better system for disciplinary action,” Mr Rohatgi said. “Today, the only action under constitution is impeachment. Impeachment is so laborious, complex and difficult that no impeachment has taken place in 75 years,” he said, while discussing the case of Justice Yashwant Varma, the sitting judge of the Delhi High Court, from whose house a stack of partially burnt currency notes were recovered on March 14, the night of Holi.

The alleged recovery was after the fire department was called in to douse a fire at the Delhi bungalow of the judge.

Along with it, Mr Rohatgi also questioned the Supreme Court’s decision to order an internal investigation into the matter.

There is a need for a police investigation, forensic investigation. large number of VCDs, CCTV footage. This evidence should be collated to get at the bottom of the issue, he added.

The senior advocate also questioned the current system of selection of judges through a collegium.

“The old debate on the manner of appointment of judges and the manner of disciplinary proceedings against judges has to be relooked at,” he said.

Calling the collegium is “absolutely unsatisfactory and opaque”, he said the Supreme Court has interpreted the constitution “somewhat selectively”.

“The attempt to bring in sunlight 10 years ago was turned down by the court. If the NJC (National Judicial Commission) was bad, we can have some via media, some sunlight, some outsiders, who have a committee which should recommend judges and there should not be only “judges selecting judges,” he added.

Justice Varma was moved to the Delhi High Court from the Allahabad High Court in 2021. Today, the Supreme Court said it has recommended his transfer back to the parent court – a decision that has also been taken apart by critics. The top court’s statement that the transfer has nothing to do with the discovery of the burnt currency has also been questioned.

“I never understood this statement (of the Supreme Court) that this transfer has nothing to do with the cash scam. According to me, it is because of the cash scam that he is proposed to be transferred,” Mr Rohatgi said. “We should come to the bottom of the issue — whether the judge is delinquent, is he guilty of moral turpitude or he is not and his reputation is being blackened,” he added.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/canada-elections-2025-ottawa-alleges-india-china-pakistan-russia-intent-capability-to-interfere-in-its-polls-8004085

A month after several workers got trapped inside theSLBC tunnelafter it collapsed in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool, the rescue teams have found another body early Tuesday morning. This is the second body that the teams have found, however, they are yet to retrieve it.
A total of eight people including engineers and labourers were trapped in the SLBC project tunnel when a portion of it collapsed on February 22. After a heavy reasue operation, the the body of Gurpreet Singh, a TBM operator, was recovered on March 9 and handed over to his family in Punjab.
Around 700 personnel of 25 state, central and private agencies are engaged in the search operation. All the workers are feared to be dead by now.

This comes after Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Monday asked the officials to expedite the operation to locate the seven people trapped inside the partially collapsed tunnel. He asked them to consult experts to plan the mission effectively.

During a meeting with officials overseeing the search, he suggested appointing IAS officer Shivashankar Lotheti to closely monitor the operation. The teams told the CM that the rescue work is underway to remove soil, stones, and debris, including parts of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) that was damaged during the collapse.
They also added that dewatering is also being carried out at the site.

Officials said that 30 metres of the area at the accident site has been identified as particularly dangerous. And this is why they have recommended that the search be carried out according to the scientific studies conducted by the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) and the Geological Survey of India (GSI), reported PTI.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/another-body-found-inside-telangana-slbc-tunnel-a-month-after-it-collapsed-prompting-rescue-ops-article-119454979

Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Nilin Prabhat was seen leading from the front during a search operation in Kathua, holding an AK-47 rifle as security forces combed the area to track down a group of terrorists who they engaged on Saturday late evening.
Several images of the 1992-batch IPS officer, actively participating in the search and combing operation, have now surfaced.
Pictures show J&K DGP Nilin Prabhat along with cops of Special Operation Group (SOG) walking down the densely vegetated fields in the Hiranagar area of Kathua near the International Border.

Prior to his posting as DGP of J&K Police, IPS officer Nilin Prabhat has served in Kashmir for about twelve years during which he deeply remained involved in anti-terror operations.

Nalin Prabhat has been awarded the Police Medal for Gallantry three times, a rare accolade that recognises his bravery and devotion to duty.
In addition to the bravery medals, he received the Parakram Padak, Police Medal for Distinguished Service, and Police Medal for Meritorious Service. His contributions to Jammu and Kashmir have also been recognised, with the Antrik Suraksha Padak (awarded twice) and the Police (Special Duty) Medal with Bar.

On Saturday, an exchange of gunfire between terrorists and security forces was reported in Saynal village of Kathua near IB.
Terrorists had attempted to take a couple into hostage but failed as the lady ran away forcing terrorists to release her husband. The couple informed the villagers about the movement of terrorists and later same was reported to security forces who moved quickly and engaged the terrorists.
Officials said that the operation was suspended late in the evening due to low visibility but terrorists seem to have managed to change their location.
During the search and combing operation, security forces recovered ammunition, clothes and eatables left behind by terrorists.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/kathua-encounte-jammu-kashmir-dgp-leads-from-the-front-wields-ak-47-during-search-operation-article-119453645

Saurabh Rajput was brutally murdered allegedly by his wife and her lover in Meerut, after which the duo were arrested.

A new video has surfaced in connection with the Meerut murder case, showing Saurabh Rajput travelling on a bike with his friend in the city, shortly before he was murdered allegedly by his wife Muskan Rastogi, and her lover Sahil Shukla on March 4.

The CCTV footage, that came to the fore days after his brutal murder, showed Saurabh and his friend on the bike entering a street at 11.49 pm on March 3.

Hours later, he was killed allegedly by his wife and her lover, and his body was chopped into pieces and sealed inside a drum, and cement was filled up.

The couple then went on a 10-day trip to the mountains in Himachal Pradesh. As they returned from the trip, they were arrested by the police and sent to judicial custody.

Saurabh had recently returned from London where he worked. He was married to Muskan since 2016 and had a six-year-old daughter.

Muskan and Sahil had plotted to eliminate Saurabh from their way in November last year so that they could be together.

Saurabh was allegedly drugged before murder. As he went unconscious, Muskan stabbed a knife into her husband’s chest – an action which was confirmed in the autopsy report, which said that the man was stabbed with extreme force thrice.

The report further said that Saurabh’s head was severed, hands cut off and legs bent. After the murder, they booked a cab and set off to Himachal Pradesh on a vacation.

During this period, Muskan misled Saurabh’s family by sending messages from his phone. They were seen attending a Holi party in a viral video.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/saurabh-rajputs-last-moments-before-brutal-murder-by-wife-captured-on-cctv-watch-meerut-case-9273335.html

The Supreme Court on Monday slammed the Uttar Pradesh government over its “high handed” demolition in Prayagraj saying it had shocked its conscience.

A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan also frowned upon the manner which the houses were bulldozed within 24 hours of serving notices without the time to appeal.

“It shocks our conscience how the residential premises were demolished in a high handed manner. The manner in which the whole process has been conducted is shocking. Courts cannot tolerate such process. If we tolerate in one case, it will continue,” the bench said.

The top court said it would allow the reconstruction of the demolished homes at the cost of the petitioners given their undertakings of filing the appeals before the appellate authority within the specified time and not claiming equities over the plot or creating third-party interests.

If their appeals get dismissed, the court said, the petitioners must demolish the houses at their own cost. The matter was adjourned to enable the petitioners to file the undertaking.

Defending state action, attorney general R Venkataramani assured of following the adequate “due process” in serving the notices.

He pointed out large-scale illegal occupations saying it was difficult for the state government to control unauthorised possession.

The apex court had previously slammed the Uttar Pradesh government over the demolition of houses in Prayagraj without following due legal procedure and said the action sends a “shocking and wrong signal”.

The counsel for the petitioners had said the state government wrongly demolished the houses thinking the land belonged to gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed, who was killed in 2023 in a police encounter.

The top court was hearing a plea by advocate Zulfiqar Haider, professor Ali Ahmed and others whose houses were demolished.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/shocked-our-conscience-supreme-court-raps-up-govt-for-demolition-of-houses-in-prayagraj-9273516.html

A team from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), along with Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) officials, apprehended two accused in possession of 65 Indian Roofed Turtles and Spotted Pond Turtles based on specific information.

A case was registered by the CBI against the two accused under Section 51 read with Sections 39, 44, 48A, 49, and 49B of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, for the possession, transport, and trade of these species, which are covered under Schedule I of the Act.

A total of 50 Indian Roofed Turtles (Pangshura tecta) and 15 Spotted Pond Turtles (Geoclemys hamiltonii) were found in their possession. Since the seizure involved live animals, they were handed over to the Delhi Zoo for safe upkeep.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/cbi-wccb-seize-65-rare-turtles-in-wildlife-trafficking-case-accused-apprehended

A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against Kunal Kamra, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray and Sanjay Raut for the comedian’s joke on Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. Kamra during a stand-up comedy show at ‘The Habitat Comedy’ club in Mumbai’s Khar area used ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’ song and called Shinde ‘traitor’ while referring to the politician’s 2022 rebellion.
He did not name Eknath Shinde but his song talked about changing party, taking leaders with them – everything that happened in 2022 that led to the division in Shiv Sena.

Rahool Kanal, Shiv Sena Yuva Sena General Secretary accused Kunal Kamra a “self-proclaimed” comedian, adding that he along with “Mr. Aaditya Thackeray, Mr. Rahul Gandhi, and Mr. Sanjay Raut”were allegedly involved in “pre-planned criminal conspiracy and a systematic paid campaign” to malign the reputation, image, and goodwill of the Eknath Shinde.

“The acts committed by Mr. Kunal Kamra, including making statements that hurt public sentiments, utter obscene words, and make defamatory insinuations and innuendos targeting Shri Eknath Shinde, are not only offensive but also unlawful under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). 2023,” he said in the complaint.

“While constructive criticism of public figures is always welcomed, such close, demeaning, and defamatory statements go beyond reasonable limits and constitute cognizable criminal offences. I seek your immediate intervention to investigate and take appropriate legal action against the accused,” Kanal added.
Meanwhile, a case has also been filed against several Shiv Sena leaders for vandalising the set of the comedy club where the show took place. The party workers were seen throwing chairs and breaking articles inside the club. A Shiv Sena MP also threatened the comedian saying that Kamra would not be able to go anywhere in the country.
“Kunal Kamra is a hired comedian, and he is making comments on our leader for some money. Let alone Maharashtra, Kunal Kamra cannot freely go anywhere in India, Shiv Sainiks will show him his place. We feel sorry for Sanjay Raut and Shiv Sena (UBT) that they have no party workers or leaders left to make comments on our leader, which is why they are hiring people like him (Kunal Kamra) for the job…” MP Naresh Mhaske said.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/fir-against-rahul-gandhi-aaditya-thackeray-kunal-kamra-habitat-club-comedian-joke-on-eknath-shinde-article-119403513

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) announced these duties in March 2025, following thorough investigations by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR). The DGTR’s findings indicated that these products were being imported at unfairly low prices, causing material injury to Indian manufacturers.

Meerut Murder Case: In a shocking revelation, the officials said that Muskaan Rastogi, the woman who brutally killed her Merchant Navy officer husband, fraudulently acquired the sleeping pills used in the murder by tampering the latter’s prescription to purchase the drugs, reported NDTV.

A Merchant Navy officer- Saurabh Rajput- from Meerut was murdered, chopped up and the 15-odd pieces of his body were put into a drum and sealed with cement, the police said. The investigation into the case brought to fore an extramarital affair between Saurabh Rajput’s wife Muskaan Rastogi and her lover Sahil Shukla.

The officials said that Muskaan had purchased the pills from Usha Medical Store, which was raided on Sunday as part of the probe.

Meerut drug inspector Piyush Sharma told the news outlet that they were investigating how she got the medicine. He said they are verifying the records of all sales over the past two years. He said antidepressants are sold based on prescriptions, and medical stores have to maintain a record of such sales.

The owner of the store told the news outlet that Muskan had shown the prescription to them on her mobile phone. He said the medicine was sold to her after following rules and regulations.

What Post-Mortem Revealed?

The post-mortem report of former merchant navy officer Saurabh Rajput has revealed gory details of how brutally he was killed and how his body was chopped into pieces.

Both accused had allegedly repeatedly stabbed Saurabh until life was drained from him on March 4, the police said

The 29-year-old officer’s head was severed from his body, both hands were cut off from the wrist. His legs also bent backwards, suggesting that the duo had made an attempt to compress the body in the drum, according to the autopsy report.

Shock and excessive bleeding have been said as the cause of the death in the report.

The doctors who carried out the post-mortem said that the officer was stabbed in the heart with extreme force thrice.

“The blows from the sharp long knife pierced deep inside the heart,” one of the doctors said.

Saurabh Rajput’s Brutal Murder

Saurabh Rajput and Muskaan Rastogi married in 2016 for love after which the Merchant Navy officer left his job to spend more time with his wife. He also distanced his family for her. In In 2019, Saurabh found out that Muskaan was having an affair with his friend Sahil which led to tension between the couple. Eventually, Saurabh decided to rejoin the Merchant Navy.

Saurabh’s daughter turned six on February 28 for which her father returned home from London. Muskaan and Sahil had decided to murder Saurabh, as per their statement to the police. Muskaan mixed sleeping pills in Saurabh’s food on March 4 and once he was asleep, she and Sahil murdered him with a knife. Following this, Muskaan and Sahil chopped up the body, put the pieces in a drum and sealed it with wet cement in order to dispose of the body.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/meerut-murder-case-muskaan-changed-husbands-medical-prescription-to-drug-him-before-murder-say-officials-9272243.html

Two STF jawans suffered injuries in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur as Maoists triggered an improvised explosive device (IED) to blow up a vehicle they were travelling in on Sunday, officials said.

The incident took place around 5.45 pm near the Gorla rivulet in the limits of Madded police station while the Special Task Force (STF), a unit of state police, was returning from an anti-Naxalite operation. The injured ones were evacuated for medical attention.

According to an official, the Naxalites triggered the blast in an attempt to target the vehicle, however, the explosion took place some distance away, sending shockwaves to the personnel.

“There was no serious damage to any vehicle or personnel due to the explosion. Two STF personnel suffered minor injuries due to the shockwaves from the IED blast,” the official said.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/security-personnel-injured-as-naxals-target-vehicles-of-stf-jawans-in-chhattisgarhs-bijapur-9272154.html

After weeks of scorching temperatures, Bengaluru residents finally got relief as heavy rains and thunderstorms lashed the city on Saturday. Strong winds and intense downpours swept through several areas, cooling down the atmosphere. However, alongside this much-needed respite, an unusual phenomenon puzzled citizens—white foam mysteriously covered some city roads.

Viral video sparks curiosity

A video capturing this bizarre sight has now gone viral on Instagram. Shared by a user named Milan, the clip shows thick white foam spread across a street. The text overlay on the video reads, “Mysterious white foam covers Bengaluru roads after unexpected rainfall. What’s happening?” Milan captioned the video, “Does anyone know what’s happening? Bengaluru’s streets turned into a foam party after an unexpected summer rain!”

In response to curious viewers, Milan later clarified the location, commenting, “If you’re wondering which area—this is at NIMHANS Dairy Circle.”

Internet reacts with theories and humour

The video has already amassed 4.5 million views, sparking curiosity and amusement among social media users. While some speculated about the cause, others resorted to humour.

After weeks of scorching temperatures, Bengaluru residents finally got relief as heavy rains and thunderstorms lashed the city on Saturday. Strong winds and intense downpours swept through several areas, cooling down the atmosphere. However, alongside this much-needed respite, an unusual phenomenon puzzled citizens—white foam mysteriously covered some city roads.

Viral video sparks curiosity

A video capturing this bizarre sight has now gone viral on Instagram. Shared by a user named Milan, the clip shows thick white foam spread across a street. The text overlay on the video reads, “Mysterious white foam covers Bengaluru roads after unexpected rainfall. What’s happening?” Milan captioned the video, “Does anyone know what’s happening? Bengaluru’s streets turned into a foam party after an unexpected summer rain!”

In response to curious viewers, Milan later clarified the location, commenting, “If you’re wondering which area—this is at NIMHANS Dairy Circle.”

Internet reacts with theories and humour

The video has already amassed 4.5 million views, sparking curiosity and amusement among social media users. While some speculated about the cause, others resorted to humour.

Former Bihar DGP Gupteshwar Pandey criticised the Mumbai Police for its handling of Sushant Singh Rajput death case and said that their actions “caused suspicion” in the minds of the people. Pandey’s statements come as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a closure report in the case.
Pandey accused the Mumbai Police of not cooperating with Bihar Police during the initial investigation. He clarified that he never claimed that the Bollywood actor was murdered but only found the death suspicious and wanted to conduct a detailed investigation. Sushant Singh Rajput was found hanging from the ceiling of his apartment in suburban Bandra in Mumbai on June 14, 2020. He was 34.
“…When news of Sushant Singh Rajput’s death came, the matter died down within 20 days. After 20 days, his father lodged a case in Patna for the investigation of which a team was sent. But Maharashtra Police did not cooperate. I sent an IPS officer for better coordination. But quarantined him,” Pandey told ANI.

“I don’t need to be biased against anyone but during that time, the kind of conduct that was displayed by Mumbai Police caused suspicions in the minds of people in the country… I did not get the chance to investigate. My team was turned away after 5 days and another officer was quarantined for 10 days. So, Bihar Police team did not even get the chance to investigate,” he said.

“There could still be a suspicion that CBI did not get all evidence or maybe some evidence was even destroyed. But I never said that Sushant Singh Rajput was murdered…I just said that it was a suspicious death and should be murdered. Had Mumbai Police handled the case well and held a press conference and answered all questions, Mumbai Police would not have been defamed…” he added.
On CBI filing the closure report, Pandey said, “I don’t want to say anything on CBI’s closure report because it is a professional agency. What else can it do if it can’t find evidence?…”
Around five years after Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in his Mumbai apartment, the Central Investigation Bureau (CBI) has filed a closure report in the case. The CBI has filed two separate closure reports related to Rajput’s death, one in the abetment to suicide case filed by his father, and another by the actor’s girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty against his sisters.
The CBI submitted its findings on Rajput’s father K K Singh’s complaint in a closure report before a special court in Patna, while the closure report in the second case was submitted before a special court in Mumbai.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/mumbai-polices-actions-in-sushant-singh-rajput-death-case-raised-suspicion-says-ex-bihar-dgp-article-119403867

New Delhi: A student from Ambedkar University Delhi has been suspended for allegedly using “derogative and disrespectful language” against the Vice Chancellor, triggering a call for protest from the All India Students’ Association (AISA).

The student organisation has termed the suspension an act of “political targeting” and “suppression of dissent,” calling for a protest outside the Vice Chancellor’s office on Monday afternoon.

There was no immediate response from the university over the allegations.

According to the university’s proctorial board, the student, affiliated with AISA, violated AUD’s code of discipline by circulating critical remarks about Vice Chancellor Anu Singh Lather through the official university email system on January 28.

The disciplinary committee found the student guilty and issued a suspension order on March 21, barring them from campus for the 2025 winter semester.

However, AISA has strongly condemned the decision, arguing that the student was punished for criticizing the Vice Chancellor’s “ahistorical, communal, and casteist remarks” in a public pamphlet.

“This is a clear case of political targeting. The administration is using disciplinary action as a tool to silence dissent,” AISA said in a statement.

The students’ body has also raised concerns over alleged procedural lapses in the disciplinary proceedings claiming that the student was given less than 12 hours’ notice before their hearing, was not informed about the complainant’s identity, and faced an all-male committee, with only one female member participating online.

Further controversy arose during the hearing when, according to AISA, a disciplinary committee member questioned the student’s religious identity while discussing the demolition of the Babri Masjid.

AISA alleges this amounted to communal targeting.

The timing of the suspension has also drawn criticism. The incident in question took place in late January, but the show-cause notice was issued weeks later, and the suspension order was delayed until March 21, the students organisation claimed.

AISA argues that this delay indicates the action was politically motivated rather than a routine disciplinary measure.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/delhi/ambedkar-university-delhi-suspends-student-for-criticising-vcs-speech-aisa-calls-for-protest-3459304

Sahil Shukla showed extreme restless without marijuana, while Muskan Rastogi demanded morphine injections in prison.

Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla, the two accused in the Meerut murder case of merchant navy employee Saurabh Rajput, are suffering with severe drug addiction issues in jail, going into withdrawal and refusing to take any food in pursuit of acquiring some narcotics.

Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla are being kept under strict monitoring by the Meerut prison’s medical team. (PTI)
Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla are being kept under strict monitoring by the Meerut prison’s medical team. (PTI)
Both the 27-year-old accused are lodged inside the Meerut District Jail, in separate barracks for men and women.

‘Severe dependency on drugs’
A jail official, on condition of anonymity, described their dependency as severe, adding that additional precautions have been taken to prevent any harm to themselves or others.

Muskan, along with her lover Sahil, stabbed her husband Saurabh to death on March 4 and then chopped his body into pieces, concealing it in a drum which, the duo filled with cement. After this, the lovers tried to cover their tracks and travelled to Himachal Pradesh, before returning to Meerut on March 17.

During their trip to Himachal, the lovers allegedly went into ‘celebration’ mode, playing Holi, cutting a cake, and posing for pictures in snow-covered landscapes.

Accused demand marijuana, morphine
After their arrest, Muskan and Sahil were remanded to judicial custody. And on the very first night of being lodged in jail, Muskan’s health started to worsen. The doctors diagnosed her with severe drug addiction and started urgent treatment for her.

Meanwhile, Sahil created a ruckus in the facility and demanded that he be given drugs. He showed extreme restlessness without marijuana and Muskan demanded morphine injections, official sources said on Saturday.

Officials also confirmed that the two had been regular user of injectable drugs, which has now led to them facing severe withdrawal.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/meerut-murder-accused-suffer-severe-drug-addiction-refusing-food-demanding-marijuana-morphine-shots-in-jail-101742694734996.html

On March 5, the Indian Army said, a young man and woman from the villages of Basgran and Kamalkote tragically “drowned” in the Jhelum River.

The Kaman Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir, which divides India and Pakistan was reopened on Saturday for the first time in six years but under unusual and tragic circumstances.

Indian Army officials facilitate the return of the mortal remains of two missing youths from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POJK), at Uri in Baramulla on Saturday.

Indian Army officials facilitate the return of the mortal remains of two missing youths from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POJK), at Uri in Baramulla on Saturday.

According to news agency ANI, the bridge, located in the Uri sector of Kashmir’s Baramulla, was used to facilitate the return of the bodies of a couple who are believed to have drowned in the Jhelum River two weeks ago.

On March 5, the Indian Army said, a young man and woman from the villages of Basgran and Kamalkote tragically “drowned” in the Jhelum River.

In response, the Indian Army immediately launched an extensive search operation to recover their bodies.

The bodies of a 22-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman had floated across the river, drifting from one side of the Line of Control (LoC) to the other.

The young man’s body was first spotted on the Indian side near the Kaman Bridge but could not be retrieved due to the river’s strong currents and was carried to the Pakistani side, the officials said.

The body was eventually recovered near Chinari in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir while the woman’s body was found just a day earlier, also from the Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir side of the river, an Indian Express report said.

India-Pak militaries collaborate to transport bodies

After the recovery of the bodies, the Indian and Pakistani military authorities collaborated to ensure the smooth return of the corps which led to the reopening of the Kaman Bridge, after six years of its closure as both sides agreed to open it on the humanitarian grounds.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kashmirs-kaman-bridge-dividing-india-and-pakistan-opens-after-6-years-for-a-tragic-exchange-101742699369404.html

The union had organised a ‘no AC campaign’ in April 2024 as well, as drivers would spend more on fuel costs per km, than the earnings they made through apps

In the aftermath of a boycott of rides to the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Telangana’s Hyderabad, cab drivers in the city have decided to launch a ‘no AC campaign’ from March 24, to protest the unfair rates charged by Ola, Uber, Rapido and other cab aggregators.

In a post on X, the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU) said, “Cab drivers in Hyderabad to begin ‘No AC Campaign’ from March 24.

‘No AC’ campaign

Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union wants cab-aggregators to implement a uniform fare structure similar to the government-mandated prepaid taxi fares, which reflect fuel costs, maintenance and fair compensation for the driver’s services.”

The union had organised a ‘no AC campaign’ in April 2024 as well, arguing that drivers would earn ₹10-12 per km, while the cost of running a cab with the air conditioner on was ₹16-18 per km.

The TGPWU president Shaik Salahuddin said that the union would demonstrate against the unfair pricing offered by cab aggregators in various ways, including the ‘no AC campaign,’ as quoted by Telangana Today.

He added that there was a difference of close to ₹300– 400 between the fares charged by aggregators and pre-paid taxis. Since, cab drivers often have to wait three to four hours at the airport for a return trip, and pay a 30 per cent commission from the fare to the application they are operating with, they are often left with low earnings.

Summer heat rising

As summer heat rises, customers will have to deal with cab drivers refusing to turn on the air conditioner, as it increases the amount of fuel used, and translates to losses for the drivers.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/why-are-ola-uber-rapido-cab-drivers-in-hyderabad-starting-a-no-ac-campaign-from-march-24-101742692274655.html

The spine-chilling incident was caught on camera and the video of the incident is doing rounds on social media. The horrific video shows that the massive chariot which was being pulled by oxen and JCBs overturned, reportedly resulting in the death of one devotee.

In a shocking incident, a towering 150-foot-tall chariot collapsed during the centuries-old Huskur Madduramma Fair. The spine-chilling incident was caught on camera and the video of the incident is doing rounds on social media. The horrific video shows that the massive chariot which was being pulled by oxen and JCBs overturned, reportedly resulting in the death of one devotee.

As per reports, the incident occurred in the Anekal Taluk which falls under the jurisdiction of Bengaluru Rural. The chariots from Doddanagamangala and Rayasandra villages in Anekal Taluk were being pulled using the oxen, JCBs, villagers and tractors when the incident occurred. The tragic incident occurred when the sky-high chariot reached Huskur Madduramma Fai today.

The video of the incident is being widely shared on social media. The video shows a massive crowd pulling the chariot. They are seen running for their lives when the chariot overturned and is seen slowly falling to the ground.

The fair is famous for towering chariots which is being attended by lakhs of devotees. These chariots are pulled during the fair as a mark of prestige. There are also reports that during the festival which is celebrated in March every year, various chariots from different villages travel for many kilometers through narrow lanes to reach the fair.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/bengaluru-150-foot-tall-chariot-falls-during-huskur-madduramma-fair-due-to-strong-winds-heavy-rains-video

Badar Khan Suri and Ranjini Srinivasan did not reach out to Indian embassies in the US for help, said the Indian foreign ministry.

Karnataka Bandh today: The 12-hour bandh, from 6 am to 6 pm, has been organized by Kannada Okkoota, a coalition of various pro-Kannada groups.

Several pro-Kannada groups have called a shutdown in Karnataka on Saturday, March 22, for a period of 12 hours from 6 am to 6 pm, protesting the alleged assault on a bus conductor in Belagavi.

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) conductor was allegedly attacked for not speaking Marathi, fanning the flames of an existing dispute over linguistic communities in the region.

Karnataka’s deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday announced that the Siddaramaiah-led state government would not support the bandh.

He said, “We will make them (the organisations) understand that it is not the right course of action, as it will impact students whose exams have already begun.”

Additional security forces are expected to be deployed in Belgavi, and other sensitive regions in the state. Commuters, business owners and students have been warned that the bandh could affect their usual routine.

Here is everything you need to know about the Karnataka Bandh:

What led to the Karnataka Bandh?

Last month, the KSRTC conductor of a bus plying from Belagavi to Balekundri was allegedly assaulted by individuals associated with pro-Marathi organisations for not speaking their language.

Following the incident, inter-state bus services between Maharashtra and Karnataka were suspended. The attack on the conductor sparked a debate on the long history of language disputes between the two states.

After independence, Maharashtra had claimed Belagavi, which is now a part of Karnataka, citing its significant Marathi-speaking population. Linguistic struggles have been an issue on the border of the two states ever since.

A coalition of various pro-Kannada organisations called Kannada Okkuta, has organised the bandh, demanding strict action against pro-Marathi activists for inciting violence and disturbing communal harmony in the region. They have also called for a ban on pro-Marathi organisations.

Karnataka bandh: What’s open, what’s closed?

Bus services: KSRTC and the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) unions have offered support towards the bandh, which might affect bus services across the state.

Ola, Uber: Third-party transport vendors such as Ola, Uber and a few rickshaw unions have also backed the bandh, which would disrupt transport. However, metro, railway and airport services will continue uninterrupted.

Banks: Banks will remain closed since it is a Saturday. Some schools and colleges might have holidays today, but there have been no official statements yet.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/karnataka-bandh-march-22-why-is-it-happening-whats-open-whats-closed-bangalore-bandh-on-saturday-101742601611035.html

12 engines are expected in 2025, with 20 engines each expected to be delivered by GE every year to fulfill the 2021 99-engine contract worth USD 716 million.

Amidst anxiety over India-US trade tariffs, there is forward movement on the security front, with US aircraft engine major GE expected to deliver the first of the 99 GE-404 engines to HAL this month after a contractual delay of two years. The much awaited GE-404 engines powers Tejas Mark 1-A fighters, delays in deliveries of which has caused much concern in the Indian Air Force (IAF).

According to at least two officials in knowledge of the matter, the first of the contracted engines is already on the test-bed and is expected to be delivered by end of this month. A total of 12 engines are expected in 2025 with 20 engines each expected to be delivered by GE every year to fulfill the 2021 99-engine contract worth USD 716 million.

Parallelly, the HAL, despite its Indian PSU mindset, is working with GE for manufacturing the more powerful GE-414 engine in India under transfer of technology regime worked out by iCET (initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies) between India and US National Security Advisors. The GE-414 engine will power the advanced multi-role combat aircraft (AMCA) being developed by the DRDO.

Faced with delays in the supply of 83 LCA MK 1 A aircraft by HAL and frustration voiced by none other than the IAF Chief over the same, the Defence Ministry under the Chairmanship of Defence Secretary R. K. Singh has set up a committee to work out a business model for the proposed fifth generation fighter. This committee will not go into any technical aspects of the proposed AMCA but will work out a model which involves private sector participation in the fifth-generation program. The whole idea is that India should have other options than HAL to manufacture fighter jets to fulfill the country’s national security requirements for the future.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ge-to-deliver-first-of-99-f-404-engines-for-tejas-mk-1a-by-marchend-101742615337284.html

Justice Verma is at the centre of a controversy after reports that a large sum of cash was discovered at his official residence last week

The Supreme Court on Friday clarified that Justice Yashwant Varma, a senior judge of the Delhi High Court, had not been transferred and that a proposal for the same was under consideration. It added that the proposal was not related to any “incident” at Justice Varma’s house.

Justice Verma is at the centre of a controversy after reports that a large sum of cash was discovered at his official residence last week.

Amid reports that Justice Verma was transferred to the Allahabad High Court, the top court’s press note suggested that the proposal for the judges’ transfer had yet to be examined and was unrelated to the alleged cash discovery.

“There is misinformation and rumours being spread with regard to the incident at the residence of Mr. Justice Yashwant Varma,” the Supreme Court stated in a press release.

“The proposal for the transfer of Mr. Justice Yashwant Varma, who is the second senior most judge in the Delhi High Court and a member of the Collegium, to his parent High Court, i.e. the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad, where he will be ninth in seniority, is independent and separate from the In-house enquiry procedure,” the release added, referring to a Supreme Court-ordered probe into the cash controversy.

The press note came a day after the Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, reportedly initiated the process to transfer Justice Varma.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/misinformation-supreme-court-clarifies-delhi-hc-judges-transfer-not-linked-to-cash-row-9270062.html

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised Rahul Gandhi in the Rajya Sabha, accusing him of ignoring development in Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the Modi government’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, citing the 2016 surgical strike and 2019 Balakot airstrike, contrasting it with the previous government’s alleged inaction on terror threats.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday trained guns on the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, while addressing the Rajya Sabha on counter-terrorism operations and development in Jammu and Kashmir. “If someone is sitting with kaala chashma (black glasses) on, how is it possible to show them the development?” Shah asked, taking a swipe at the Congress leader, according to ANI.
The Union Minister also spoke about Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra in Kashmir, saying that the latter had claimed to see terrorists from afar.”Arre bhai, nazar mein hi aatankwadi hai toh sapne mein bhi aayega aur Kashmir mein bhi” (If someone has terrorists in their mind, they will appear in their dreams as well as in Kashmir), Shah said.
Further launching his attack on the opposition, Shah slammed the previous dispensation for failing to take action against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Terrorists used to enter Kashmir from the neighbouring country, they used to execute bomb blasts and murders here. There was not a single festival that could be celebrated without worry. Central governments had a flexible attitude. They remained quiet and were scared to speak. They were worried about their vote bank,” Shah said.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/nazar-mein-hi-aatankwadi-hai-amit-shahs-kaala-chashma-dig-at-rahul-gandhi-article-119311926

Saurabh Rajput was allegedly drugged and then stabbed to death by his wife, Muskan Rastogi, and her lover on March 4, his body dismembered and sealed inside a drum with cement.

The murder of former merchant navy officer Saurabh Rajput, 29, has taken a disturbing turn after police uncovered chilling details about the accused, Sahil Shukla, 27. Visuals from Sahil’s room revealed unsettling imagery, including tantric symbols and eerie graffiti, suggesting a relation to black magic.
Saurabh Rajput was allegedly drugged and then stabbed to death by his wife, Muskan Rastogi, and her lover on March 4, his body dismembered and sealed inside a drum with cement. The duo then went on a vacation to Himachal Pradesh, all the while misleading Rajput’s family by sending them messages from his phone. They were arrested after the matter was brought before police on March 18.

During their investigation, authorities discovered disturbing occult symbols and cryptic messages written in English throughout Shukla’s room. Additionally, images of Lord Shiva were found on the walls. The room also contained beer cans, bidi stubs, and other scattered items, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

Saurabh Rajput’s kin claimed that occult practices were central to the chilling murder.
Rajput’s mother Renu Devi said, “Both Muskaan and Sahil were into occult practices. They killed my son by performing tantric rituals,” as quoted by PTI.
Rajput’s in-laws, Kavita and Pramod Rastogi, alleged it was Sahil who held their daughter Muskan “captive” by making her believe in tantric rituals. He also kept Muskan isolated from her six-year-old daughter, they claimed.
“Sahil’s occult practices dominated Muskaan’s mind in such a way that she started keeping her six-year-old daughter away. Sahil had made Muskaan an addict and completely superstitious,” the deceased’s mother said.
Neighbours claimed Sahil frequently dressed in yellow and black kurtas with “Mahakal” inscriptions on them while sporting numerous tattoos of religious and mystical symbols.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/occult-practices-behind-saurabh-rajputs-murder-graffiti-tantric-symbols-found-drawn-on-sahil-shuklas-room-watch-article-119302196

The 1918 Battle of Haifa was a pivotal moment that shattered British myths about Indian soldiers, influenced the Indian Army’s evolution, and played a role in India’s defense of Kashmir post-independence.

If there’s a battle Indian soldiers fought that has had a lasting impact on the Army, particularly just after independence, it’s the one in faraway Haifa, in 1918. Haifa? Yes, said lieutenant general Raja Subramani, vice chief of the army. “It shattered the myth”, perpetrated by the imperial British that Indian soldiers lacked initiative and needed supervision. Gradually, the British began allowing Indians to join Sandhurst and become officers of the British Indian Army. These Indian officers, battle hardened during the Second World War, including in Myanmar as part of General Bill Slim’s “Forgotten Army” helped India “to hold onto Kashmir” despite the “treachery” of British officers who sided with Pakistan during the war of 1947-48. And for the Indian army, the performance of the cavalrymen of Jodhpur and Mysore in Haifa, said the vice-chief, was the turning point.
Even today, the performance of the Indian cavalrymen, part of the British Indian army, against Ottoman Turk soldiers, dug in and well armed, can motivate Indian soldiers today, the vice chief, speaking at a discussion on the Haifa battle, added. Besides, the defeat was the beginning of the end of the Ottoman Empire and it helped to free Abdul Baha, the Baha’i religious leader, who was the voice of tolerance, the vice chief said.
Beginning the discussions, chaired by KN Srivastava, Director, India International Centre, Colonel DPK Pillai (Retd.) said the attack was one of the last cavalry charges in history, overwhelmed the Ottoman Turks, supported by some of the Kaiser’s troops, inflicting heavy casualties and taking 1,350 prisoners. Importantly, the success helped in breaking racial barriers.

Brigadier MS Jodha, descendant of an officer who fought at Haifa — Captain (later Colonel) Aman Singh, spoke of how impressed the British commander, General Edmund Allenby, was, adding that it was the first time in history that cavalry units captured a fortified town. He also called for Haifa, Jodhpur and Mysore to be sister cities.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/how-the-1918-haifa-battle-shattered-british-myths-about-indian-soldiers-article-119326100

A senior official said that acting on a tip-off, a police team raided a hotel on Friday night and seized 1.10 lakh Yaba tablets, also called ‘crazy drug’.

Acting on a tip-off, a police team raided a hotel on Friday night and seized 1.10 lakh Yaba tablets, also called ‘crazy drug’, a senior officer said.

Yaba tablets contain a mixture of methamphetamine and caffeine and have been banned in India.

“During the search operations, 1.10 lakh Yaba tablets were recovered from a trolley bag which was in possession of the three people. The market value of the seized narcotics substance is Rs 5.50 crore,” West Tripura Superintendent of Police Kiran Kumar told reporters.

The accused drug peddlers hail from Tripura’s Kamalpur subdivision and have been taken into the police custody for interrogation, he said.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/tripura/banned-yaba-tablets-worth-rs-55-crore-seized-in-tripura-three-held-3457868

Cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal and dancer Dhanashree Verma finalised their divorce proceedings today.

The 34-year-old bowler is set to pay his ex-wife Rs 4.75 crore in alimony.

Chahal showed up to court wearing a hoodie, and a tee-shirt underneath.

He also had a mask on while entering the courtroom. However, Chahal was also videoed leaving the court, and at this time, his tee-shirt was visible with the caption ‘Be your own sugar daddy’.

Cambridge describes ‘sugar daddy’ as “a rich and usually older man who buys presents for or gives money to a younger person, especially a woman, usually so that the younger person will spend time with him and have a sexual relationship with him”.

The cheeky tee-shirt caption implies monetarily treating oneself.

Notably, Verma, 28, and Chahal got separated after five years of marriage.

There were earlier speculations that Chahal was set to pay Verma a whopping Rs 60 crore as part of the divorce settlement, but the couple shot down the rumours.

Chahal’s tee-shirt has, however, set tongues wagging online with one user asking “What kind of Cold War is this?”

Another wondered what the judge might have to say about the sartorial choice in court.

One user remarked, “This disease which pays alimony is more dangerous than corona.”

Others chipped in saying ‘Chahal got no chill’ and ‘nice tee-shirt’.

When exiting court too, Chahal was asked about the proceedings and about the alimony, as videos on social media showed, but the cricketer had no comment for the press.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/be-your-own-sugar-daddy-yuzvendra-chahal-flaunts-cheeky-tee-shirt-after-divorce-with-dhanashree-3455023 

“Where’s the empathy,” asked actor-model Lisa Ray after Air India “denied” her a waiver when she had to change her travel plans due to her 92-year-old father’s ill health.

In its response, Air India said Ray’s claim that the airline didn’t display empathy for her unwell father is “unfounded”.

Ray, known for starring in movies such as Kasoor, Water and Bollywood/Hollywood, tagged the air carrier in a post on X on Wednesday. Her travel destination was not known.

“Here we go again @airindia My father is 92, unwell and I have to cancel travel due to his ailing condition. Submitted doctors letter and the waiver was denied? How is that possible? Where is the empathy from an airline that is claiming to care about passengers???” she wrote.

On Thursday, an Air India spokesperson issued a statement saying: “The claim that Air India did not display empathy for her unwell father is unfounded, as the passenger herself mentioned that she is booked to fly Air India along with two other co-passengers that does not include her father, whose medical documents she has submitted.” According to the airline, Ray had purchased the ticket from “a travel agent and had first reached out to the travel agent, and not to Air India”.

“After the passenger raised the matter to Air India, the Air India team reached out to her and, as an exception, offered solutions that included a free date change or a one-year period to utilise the tickets for future travel. She declined the offer and requested for a full refund of her ticket, instead,” the spokesperson said.

“We urge the media to restrain itself from maligning the reputation of the airline without corroborating facts. Air India flies millions of passengers and such misleading news reports belie the airline’s resolve to customer centricity and empathy,” they added.

On Wednesday, the official X handle of Air India responded to Ray’s post, saying: “Dear Ms. Ray, we empathize with your concern and wish your father a speedy recovery. Please help us with the email address from which you’ve written to us or the case ID (if any) via DM. We’ll look into it.” The 52-year-old actor then shared a screenshot of the mail she received from her travel agent, saying there was “no medical waiver” available.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/lisa-ray-says-ai-denied-medical-waiver-for-her-ailing-father-airline-says-actors-claims-unfounded-3455382

The Allahabad High Court on Thursday directed the home secretary and director general of police to ensure compliance of the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters Act with regards to filling up details of the “gang charts”.

Taking a serious note of non-compliance of provisions, a division bench of Justice Siddharth and Justice P K Giri said the details of the “gang chart” should contain the required details in the prescribed format.

Besides, a separate list of the criminal history of the person who is being included in the list of gangsters should be presented, the bench said, while staying the arrest of the petitioner, Jai Prakash Bind alias Neta from Bhadohi, against whom a case was registered under the Gangsters Act.

The court also sought a reply from the state government on the petition.

The court directed the registrar of the court to provide a copy of the order to the UP home secretary and DGP so that district magistrates, police commissioners, SSPs, SPs and SHOs of the state can be instructed to comply.

A case was registered against the petitioner under the Gangster Act in Gyanpur police station of Bhadohi. The petitioner had filed a petition demanding cancellation of the FIR. The court found that only one criminal case was registered in column six of the petitioner’s “gang chart”.

While the state counsel said that four cases are registered in column five of the gang chart, he said their details were not mentioned.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/uttar-pradesh/allahabad-high-court-takes-serious-note-of-non-compliance-of-provisions-while-preparing-gang-charts-3455744

The Delhi High Court recently dismissed a petition filed by Adani Global Air Cargo Solutions Private Limited challenging the bidding process for the development of a new cargo terminal at Kolkata Airport [Adani Global Air Cargo Solutions Private Limited v. Union of India].

The Court held that Adani failed to substantiate its claim that technical glitches on the e-procurement portal prevented the timely submission of its bid.

This was after the Central government and other respondents opposed Adani’s petition and submitted material which showed that the portal was functioning without any technical issues on the relevant day.

The judgment was passed by a Division Bench of Justices Vibhu Bakru and Girish Kathpalia.

“Whilst this court finds no ground to interfere with the bidding process, given the limited scope of judicial review, it is necessary to clarify that ACLASCL (the company inviting bids) is not precluded, from considering that despite the petitioner’s bonafide attempts, it had failed to upload its bid, and from taking an appropriate decision in its commercial interest,” the Court said.

The petition filed by Adani Global Air Cargo Solutions and its director sought the cancellation of the e-tender issued by ACLASCL, a subsidiary of the Airports Authority of India, for the development of the cargo terminal on a design, build, finance, operate, and transfer (DBFOT) basis.

The petitioners claimed that they were unable to submit their bid due to technical issues on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal, which allegedly prevented them from uploading their financial bid before the deadline of 5:00 PM on November 7, 2024.

Adani argued that despite multiple attempts, they faced repeated errors while uploading documents, including issues with duplicate file names and an unresponsive “sign and submit” button.

They claimed that these technical glitches were beyond their control and sought an extension of 30 minutes to complete the submission process.

However, the respondents, including the Union of India, ACLASCL and the National Informatics Centre (NIC) contested these claims. They submitted that the e-procurement portal functioned without any technical issues on the day in question.

NIC, which manages the portal, provided detailed logs showing that the petitioner had successfully uploaded 18 documents at 4:57 PM, just three minutes before the deadline, but failed to complete the submission of the financial bid.

The Court noted that the petitioner had initiated the submission process well in advance but encountered errors due to improper inputs, such as duplicate file names, which led to repeated logouts.

The Court found no evidence of systemic errors on the e-procurement portal as NIC’s logs indicated that 243 bidders were active on the portal that day, with 18 bids successfully submitted between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

“In the present case, we are unable to accept that the bidding process falls foul of the Article 14 of the Constitution of India or is vitiated on the ground of bias. The petitioner’s challenge to the bidding process also fails the Wednesbury test of unreasonableness,” the Court said.

The Court referred to the Supreme Court’s decision in Maharashtra Housing Development Authority v. Shapoorji Pallonji and Company Private Limited (2018), which held that bidders must ensure timely submission of bids and cannot seek a second opportunity due to their own errors.

The Bench also cited the 2023 judgment in Deep Blue Xpress Limited v. Municipal Corporation of Delhi wherein the Delhi High Court had dismissed similar claims of technical glitches, emphasizing that bidders must bear the responsibility for timely submissions.

While the Court acknowledged the petitioner’s bonafide efforts to participate in the bidding process, it ruled that there was no ground to interfere with the bidding process.

“Having stated the above, we consider it apposite to also note that there is no cavil that the petitioner is a bonafide bidder and was intending to participate in the bidding process. Its efforts to upload its bid had failed due to problems encountered by it,” the judgment said.

The Court attributed the failure to complete the submission to Adani’s repeated login attempts and subsequent logouts due to incorrect inputs.

The Bench inferred that the pressure to upload documents quickly may have led to these errors.

“We get a distinct impression that there would have been feverish attempts to ensure that all documents are properly uploaded and the process may have resulted in certain erroneous inputs that had resulted the petitioner being repeatedly logged out. Finally, the petitioner had run out of time and could not complete the process notwithstanding that it had commenced the exercise of uploading its bid much in advance of the deadline,” the judgment said.

However, the Bench opined that Adani’s inability to submit a complete bid not only disadvantaged the company but also deprived ACLASCL of a competitive bid.

“It is also relevant to note that ACLASCL has received bids from only three bidders and exclusion of the petitioner from the bidding process has significantly reduced the pool of the competitors,” the judgment said.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/delhi-high-court-dismisses-adanis-challenge-kolkata-airport-cargo-terminal-bidding

Stand-up comedian Samay Raina has found himself embroiled in controversy due to his show, India’s Got Latent
. The backlash stemmed from an inappropriate remark made by a panellist, which led to widespread criticism from the public and fellow content creators. The comment sparked outrage, prompting multiple legal complaints and summoning several individuals associated with the show for investigation.

In response to the growing scrutiny, Raina took swift action by removing all India’s Got Latent episodes from his YouTube channel. He expressed that the situation had become overwhelming and clarified that his intention was only to entertain. Acknowledging the severity of the issue, he assured full cooperation with the authorities handling the case.

The controversy has had significant professional consequences for Raina. He was set to tour multiple cities across India, including Delhi, Ahmedabad, Surat, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. However, amid increasing pressure and threats from certain groups, he decided to reschedule his tour. He informed his audience through social media that all shows were postponed and assured that refunds would be processed for ticket holders.

Before this situation escalated, Raina had been performing in Canada, where he briefly addressed the controversy in a lighthearted manner. Despite the ongoing challenges, his primary focus remained on bringing humor to his audience.

Source : https://www.spotboye.com/just-binge/binge-news/india-s-got-latent-controversy-samay-raina-cancels-india-tour-after-third-summon-from-maharashtra-cyber-cell-issues-refunds/67dcdb49e4cc4f51c1986c30

A surprise raid was carried out at multiple warehouse locations of leading e-commerce platforms, including Amazon and Flipkart, in Tamil Nadu led to the seizure of products worth Rs 36 lakh, officials said. These included 3,600 products, including 215 toys and 24 hand blenders, all lacking mandatory certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
The carried out search and seizure operations was carried out by BIS officials at the Amazon and Flipkart warehouses as part of an ongoing crackdown on uncertified products.

The searches at Amazon warehouse located at Ponneri in Thiruvallur district and Flipkart warehouse located at Koduvelli in Thiruvallur district led to recovery of 36 lakhs rupees worth non-certified products. These included children toys,ceiling fans and mineral water bottles.

Earlier, in February 2025, a similar operation at an Amazon warehouse in Gurugram led to the seizure of 58 aluminium foils, 34 metallic water bottles, 25 toys, 20 hand blenders, 7 PVC cables, 2 food mixers and 1 speaker.

Similarly, in a raid at a Flipkart warehouse in Gurugram, BIS seized 534 stainless steel bottles (vacuum insulated), 134 toys and 41 speakers, that were not certified.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/raids-conducted-at-amazon-and-flipkart-warehouses-in-tamil-nadu-3600-fake-products-seized-article-119254984

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday claimed that efforts were made to “malign his image” his reputation in connection with the June 2020 death of Disha Salian, the former manager of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput.
“Attempts are being made for the last five years to malign my image. We will put forth our side in the court. We will give our replies (to the allegations) in the court,” PTI quoted the former Maharashtra minister as saying
This comes after Satish Salian, father of Disha Salian, moved the Bombay High Court seeking a fresh probe into the mysterious circumstances under which she was found dead in June 2020.

The petition demanded registration of a First Information Report against Aaditya Thackeray and transfer of the probe to the CBI, he said.

The petition also claimed that his daughter was raped and murdered, and subsequently there was a politically-orchestrated cover-up to protect certain influential persons, Satish Salian told PTI.
Disha Salian died on June 8, 2020, after falling off the 14th floor of a residential building in suburban Malad. The city police had then registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) case. Six days later, Bollywood star Rajput allegedly committed suicide in his apartment in Bandra.
Targeting Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday, BJP minister Nitesh Rane said as per the Supreme Court’s past decisions, if a person is facing allegations of rape, he must be arrested.
He also demanded Thackeray’s resignation as an MLA. “We have demanded this in the House (assembly),” Rane said.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve, who is the leader of opposition in the legislative council, alleged that the BJP was behind the attempts to target Thackeray.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/shiv-senas-aaditya-thackeray-on-disha-salian-death-allegation-attempts-to-malign-my-image-article-119256782

Twenty-five Indian nationals are currently awaiting the implementation of death sentences in the UAE, the government informed Parliament on Thursday. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh shared this information in a written response to a query in the Rajya Sabha.
The Ministry of External Affairs was asked about the number of Indians languishing in foreign prisons, as well as those facing capital punishment abroad, and what efforts the Indian government is making to save their lives.

“As per the information available with the Ministry, the number of Indian prisoners, including undertrials, in foreign prisons at present is 10,152,” Singh said.

The highest is in Saudi Arabia at 2,633 and in UAE it stands at 2,518. In Nepal, the number is 1,317, while 266 Indians are in the prisons of Pakistan.

The government prioritises the safety, security, and well-being of Indian nationals abroad, including those in foreign jails, he added.
Singh provided data on Indian nationals facing death sentences in eight countries. The numbers are as follows: 25 in the UAE, 11 in Saudi Arabia, six in Malaysia, three in Kuwait, and one each in Indonesia, Qatar, the US, and Yemen.
“Indian Missions/Posts abroad provide all possible assistance to Indian nationals who have been sentenced, including with death sentences by the foreign courts. Indian Missions/Posts also provide consular access by visiting the jails and follow up their cases with Courts, Jails, Public Prosecutors and other concerned agencies. The jailed Indian nationals are also assisted in exploring various legal remedies including filing of appeal, mercy petition etc,” Singh said.
The MEA was also asked whether any Indians have been executed or given capital punishment in foreign countries over the last five years.
Singh confirmed that executions have taken place in Malaysia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

The number of Indians executed or given capital punishment in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in 2024 was three each, while one Indian was executed in Zimbabwe.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/union-government-reveals-number-of-indians-jailed-in-foreign-land-25-face-death-sentence-in-uae-article-119263553

Delimitation Meeting: MK Stalin said in a video message, “It is the beginning of a movement that will shape the future of our country.”

The first Joint Action Committee meeting on delimitation is more than a meeting, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said in a video message.

“It is the beginning of a movement that will shape the future of our country,” he asserted ahead of a meeting which will be attended by various political parties in Chennai on March 22.

MK Stalin wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter), “I extend my warmest welcome to the leaders from Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, West Bengal & Punjab who are joining us for the Joint Action Committee meeting on Fair Delimitation.”

An all-party meeting was earlier held on March 5 on delimitation which MK Stalin called “a landmark moment, where 58 registered political parties of Tamil Nadu set aside their differences and came together for a singular cause—Fair Delimitation. This overwhelming consensus reflected Tamil Nadu’s unwavering commitment to democracy and justice.”

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/defining-moment-mk-stalins-video-message-ahead-of-first-joint-action-committee-meet-on-delimitation-9269240.html

According to the police, the driver used benzene solution and a matchbox to ignite the flames. As the fire spread, he jumped off the moving vehicle

Pune police on Thursday revealed that the minibus fire, which killed four employees of a private firm, was not an accident but a pre-planned murder carried out by the driver.

The driver confessed to the crime after persistent questioning during the investigation, admitting that he deliberately set the company minibus on fire.

According to the police, the driver used benzene solution and a matchbox to ignite the flames. As the fire spread, he jumped off the moving vehicle, which continued for around 200 metres before crashing into a tree. The driver also stated that he planned the act after enduring repeated mistreatment from the daily office-goers who used the minibus.

Initially, authorities suspected a short-circuit might have caused the fire, however, this theory was debunked following the driver’s confession.

The incident took place around 7:45 am on Wednesday in the Hinjewadi area of Pune, within the Pimpri Chinchwad municipal limits.

The tempo travellerwas ferrying employees of a local graphics design startup when it caught fire on its way to the office. At first, it appeared to be an accident, but police grew suspicious due to the driver’s contradictory statements.

Four employees of Vyoma Graphics, a graphic design firm, lost their lives in the blaze. The victims were identified as Shankar Shinde (63), Rajan Chavan (42), Gurudas Lokare (45), and Subhash Bhosale (44), all residents of different Pune areas. They held various roles within the company, such as supervisor, printing machine operator, courier, and paper cutting operator.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/angered-by-mistreatment-pune-bus-driver-pre-planned-murder-of-firm-employees-staged-it-as-fire-9268630.html

Gruesome details continue to emerge in the case of Saurabh Rajput, a former merchant navy officer killed, chopped into pieces and sealed inside a drum with cement allegedly by his wife Muskan Rastogi and her lover Sahil Shukla in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut.

SP (City) Ayush Vikram Singh revealed more details on the murder for which the accused duo has pleaded guilty.

Sedative laced ‘lauki ke kofte’

The 29-year-old Saurabh returned home on March 3 to meet Muskan and his daughter with a dish of ‘lauki ke kofte’ prepared by his mother, Renu, the officer revealed.

Muskan (27), who had been hatching plans to kill her husband since November 2024, seized the opportunity, reheating the dish and lacing it with the sedatives. As Saurabh slipped into unconsciousness, she invited her lover Sahil Shukla (27) to their rented home in Indira Nagar to kill Saurabh, who was perceived as a ‘hindrance’ to their relationship.

Seizing the opportunity, the couple unleashed a frenzy of knife attacks on the sleeping Saurabh and stabbed him repeatedly until life drained from his body, the officer said.

Searched Google for drug names

Police said Muskan had been looking to purchase sleeping pills and narcotics in ways that would not invite any suspicion.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the acquisition of the India-made Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) worth nearly Rs 7,000 crore, marking a major step towards the country’s self-reliance in the defence sector, according to official sources.

The ATAGS, the first indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured 155 mm artillery gun, is set to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces with its cutting-edge technology and superior firepower.

The ATAGS, an advanced towed artillery gun system featuring a long 52-calibre barrel, allowing for extended firing ranges of up to 40 km, is seen as a game-changer. With its larger calibre, the system ensures higher lethality, delivering increased explosive payloads while enabling automated deployment, target engagement, and reduced crew fatigue. This approval underscores India’s growing prowess in indigenous defence manufacturing and technological advancements.

The induction of ATAGS will play a crucial role in modernising the Indian Army’s artillery by replacing outdated 105 mm and 130 mm guns. Its deployment along the country’s western and northern borders will provide the armed forces with a significant strategic edge, ensuring enhanced operational readiness and firepower.

A testament to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, ATAGS has been developed through collaboration between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian private industry partners. Over 65 per cent of its components are sourced domestically, including key subsystems such as the barrel, muzzle brake, breech mechanism, firing and recoil system, and ammunition handling mechanism. This development not only strengthens India’s defence industry but also reduces dependence on foreign imports.

Being an entirely indigenous system, ATAGS will benefit from a robust supply chain of spares and seamless life cycle maintenance. The domestically developed system ensures long-term product support, strengthening India’s self-sufficiency in defence technology.

One of the key advantages of ATAGS is its minimal reliance on foreign components. Critical subsystems such as the Navigation System, Muzzle Velocity Radar, and sensors are designed and sourced indigenously, significantly reducing India’s dependence on foreign technology and imports.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/centre-clears-rs-7-000-crore-acquisition-of-india-made-artillery-gun-system-atags-7968599

The police have arrested 27 more people and rescued 10 babies, in connection with the interstate infant trafficking racket busted in February.

Earlier, 18 people including those who illegally bought the infants and sold them through mediators to childless couples in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana were arrested in connection with the racket and four infants from Gujarat were rescued.

The interrogation of three accused, who purchased and sold infants, led to the arrest of 27 more accused including a 29-year-old woman, (prime accused), a resident of Hyderabad, police said.

Further investigation has revealed that a total of 25 infants were illegally bought and sold, Rachakonda Police Commissioner G Sudheer Babu told reporters here.

“While four infants were rescued earlier, 10 infants—six girls and four boys have been rescued now, and 11 remain to be rescued,” he said. Special teams were formed and deployed for further rescue of the infants.

The infants boys and girls, aged one month and above were bought in Mumbai, Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, Raipur (Chhattisgarh), Amravati (Maharashtra) and Hyderabad, police said.

They were sold in Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Guntur in Andhra Pradesh.

The infants were bought for amounts ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh and resold for Rs 3 lakh to Rs 6 lakh, they said.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/27-more-held-in-inter-state-infant-trafficking-case-10-babies-rescued-3453773

There were also reports of minor clashes between the farmers and the Punjab police as the former tried to march towards the said protesting sites where the farmers had been camping since February 13 last year to press for their demands including minimum support price (MSP) and debt waiver.

Tempers ran high among Punjab farmers and tension mounted at their protesting sites – Shambhu and Khanauri borders of Punjab and Haryana – after Punjab police detained several of farm leaders including Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher, as they entered Punjab’s Mohali district, after attending the meeting with the Central ministers over their demands, here Wednesday evening.

There were also reports of minor clashes between the farmers and the Punjab police as the former tried to march towards the said protesting sites where the farmers had been camping since February 13 last year to press for their demands including minimum support price (MSP) and debt waiver. The farmers had begun to move towards the said barriers, apprehending that it was a strategy of the Punjab government to get the two borders vacated and after detaining their leaders and the police trying to stop them.

Pertinently, a large number of farmers apprehended the same even much before the meeting ended, noticing that the Punjab government had beefed up the police deployment there since Tuesday evening at farmers’ protest sites and even suspended the internet services in the villages located around Shambhu barrier.

However, when asked about the same, Punjab minister Cheema had – immediately after the meeting – held there were no plans to remove the protesting farmers from the two barriers.

Condemning the detentions of Dallewal and Pandher, the farm unions alleged that the Punjab government had committed to enforcing corporate and MNC framework in agriculture and it is for this that it is collaborating and cooperating with the RSS, BJP government at the Centre. It is rather sinister that this move has come after top AAP leaders had a meeting with industrialists yesterday, farm leaders’ statement said.

Meanwhile, the opposition parties, Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders assailed the chief minister Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for the detention of the farm leaders.

Congress state president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring condemned the detentions dubbing it as a cheating with the farmers and that they were betrayed and backstabbed. He alleged that the farmer leaders were arrested apparently to divert the public attention from the outrage over the brutal manhandling of a serving army colonel by 12 Punjab police cops in Patiala recently.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/punjab-tension-rises-at-shambhu-khanauri-borders-as-police-detain-farmer-leaders-after-delhi-talks-video

A massive fire broke out in furniture shops in Maharashtra’s Sambhaji Nagar on Thursday. The shops are located in the Azad Chowk area of the district.

A massive fire broke out in furniture shops in Maharashtra’s Sambhaji Nagar on Thursday. The shops are located in the Azad Chowk area of the district. After receiving the information, fire tenders reached the spot.

A firefighting operation is currently underway. Senior officials also rushed to the spot. The reason of the blaze is yet to be known.

In the visuals which surfaced online, massive flames could be seen billowing out of the shops. An envelope of smoke also engulfed the area.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/massive-fire-breaks-out-in-furniture-shops-in-maharashtras-sambhaji-nagar-video

A high-voltage drama unfolded in Lucknow on Wednesday night after a woman started acting weird in the middle of the road. The incident took place outside Lohia Hospital in the Vibhuti Khand area of the city outside at around 11 pm.

A high-voltage drama unfolded in Lucknow on Wednesday night after a woman started acting weird in the middle of the road. The incident took place outside Lohia Hospital in the Vibhuti Khand area of the city outside at around 11 pm. The entire incident was caught on camera and its video is doing rounds on social media.

The video shows the woman sitting in the middle of the road and twirling her head. She also kept swinging her arms and sometimes even folded her hands. Soon people gathered at the spot. One of them recorded the entire incident on a mobile phone.

A black-coloured bag next to the woman was also seen in the video. The clip also shows vehicles passing from the side of the road.

People then called the police. Cops tried to pacify the woman, reported Dainik Bhaskar. The incident caused long traffic jams in the area. The drama went on for 20 minutes. The police then reportedly took the woman aside.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/viral/high-voltage-drama-on-lucknow-road-woman-sits-in-middle-of-road-starts-twirling-body-weirdly-for-20-minutes-dramatic-visuals-surface

The deal for the Brahmos (named after rivers Brahmaputra and Moscow) for both services is for about 250 supersonic cruise missiles valued at approximately Rs 20,000 crore.

The purchase of a huge consignment of Brahmos missiles by the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force is before the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by defence minister Rajnath Singh and including the chief of defence staff General Anil Chauhan, the three chiefs and senior bureaucrats and scientists. The meeting is likely at noon tomorrow.
The deal for the Brahmos (named after rivers Brahmaputra and Moscow) for both services is for about 250 supersonic cruise missiles valued at approximately Rs 20,000 crore. The Army is likely to get a slightly larger number of the missiles, which have a range of 300 km. They were developed jointly by India and Russia about 30 years ago. The Navy also has the Brahmos missile: a similar consignment was cleared a few years ago. In recent years, India has sold three batteries of Brahmos missiles to The Philippines for its Marines and there is some discussion regarding additional purchases.
Also on the agenda is the refit of a submarine. Refits are not capital acquisitions but come out of the revenue budget of the defence ministry, but they often involve huge sums of money, which is probably why it has been included.

The DAC is also expected to discuss the acquisition of a ship-launched torpedo and anti-aircraft missiles, besides several other major projects.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/indian-army-air-force-eye-rs-20000-crore-brahmos-missile-deal-in-key-dac-meet-tomorrow-article-119211775

As Williams’ landing neared in the early hours of Wednesday, all eyes were on her, with Jhulasan residents gathering at one place to view the event live on a television screen

The ancestral village of Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams in Gujarat’s Mehsana district was illuminated as residents of Jhulasan celebrated her safe return on Wednesday. The celebrations included bursting firecrackers, distributing sweets, dancing, and offering prayers to the local deity.

Jhulasan, the ancestral home of Williams’ father Deepak Pandya, has been buzzing with excitement since news of her delayed return from the ISS emerged.

As soon as a SpaceX capsule carrying Williams and astronaut Butch Wilmore splashed down near the Florida coast in the US, following their nine-month stay at the International Space Station (ISS), the villagers erupted in joy. They burst firecrackers, danced, and chanted “Har Har Mahadev”.

With Williams’ landing approaching in the early hours of Wednesday, all eyes were on her, as residents of Jhulasan gathered in one place to watch the event live on television.

Videos showing firecrackers lighting up the sky in the early hours have been circulating on X. The villagers were seen dancing as news of Williams’ landing spread.

Students from the local government school joined the celebrations by performing garba, a traditional Gujarati folk dance, and took out a procession carrying Williams’ photo to the nearby temple of Goddess Dola Mata. As the procession made its way from the school to the temple, the students danced, sang, and distributed sweets along the way.

Teachers and locals said their prayers to the goddess had been answered, as Williams had returned safely. The procession and the prayers at the temple were a way to give thanks for her safe return.

Vishal Panchal, the principal of the local primary school, expressed the village’s pride and excitement. “The daughter of our village is the pride of the world. She stayed in space for such a long time and came back safe. We performed garba, burst firecrackers and distributed sweets. Our happiness knows no end,” he said.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also congratulated Williams via a post on X, saying, “We, in India, take immense pride in Sunita’s connection to our land, celebrating her as a shining example of our shared heritage and aspirations.”

In his post, CM Patel extended heartfelt congratulations to “our very own Sunita Williams and the Crew9 astronauts on their safe return to Earth after an extraordinary nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station”.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/garba-dhol-firecrackers-sunita-williams-ancestral-village-in-gujarat-celebrates-her-safe-return-9267256.html

Powered exclusively by wave and solar energy, the Wave Glider stays on mission 247 for several months at a time, providing real-time data and communications for a variety of applications, Boeing said.

An Indian startup and a US company are looking to work together to co-develop and co-produce autonomous surface vessels (ASV) in a first such project by a startup in the country, American aerospace firm Boeing said in a statement.

Liquid Robotics, a Boeing company, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt Ltd, an Indian unmanned systems startup, for the project that builds on the joint US-India roadmap for defence industrial cooperation, Boeing said.

The MoU supports the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) aimed at expanding industry partnerships, Boeing said.

As the first such project by a US company in partnership with an Indian startup, this collaboration marks a milestone in US-India defence industrial cooperation, with undersea domain awareness as a key focus.

It reinforces India’s potential to be developed as a hub for MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) and sustainment of such platforms, with export potential across the region, Boeing said. Additionally, advancing autonomous underwater capabilities will accelerate ecosystem growth and drive innovation in next-generation defence technologies, it said.

Boeing said the partnership aims to enhance undersea domain awareness through manufacturing, system interoperability, ocean testing, and the establishment of an MRO capacity for the Wave Glider ASV platform.

“The US-India relationship continues to strengthen, and we see immense potential in deepening our collaboration,” said Salil Gupte, president, Boeing India and South Asia. “This partnership with Sagar Defence Engineering underscores our commitment to co-developing and co-producing critical systems in India, fully aligning with the collaborative vision of both the U.S. and Indian governments outlined in the US- India Joint Leaders Statement last month.”

Shane Goodenough, CEO of Liquid Robotics, said the Wave Glider is a key platform for US-India collaboration, strengthening tactical readiness in the Indo-Pacific.

Captain Nikunj Parashar, Founder, Sagar Defence Engineering, said this strategic partnership brings together the best of US and Indian defence capabilities by co-developing advanced technologies like the Wave Glider, strengthening our aim to contribute towards fostering innovation within India’s defence ecosystem.

“This collaboration reinforces our shared vision of providing solutions for complex maritime challenges to enhance global maritime security,” he said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indian-startup-boeings-liquid-robotics-look-to-co-produce-autonomous-surface-vessels-7962504

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has charged Sachin alias Praveen alias Dholia, Yogesh alias Monu, and Vijay alias Kale with conspiring with other accused to carry out the attack on Hotel Highway King in Neemrana, in December 2024.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday chargesheeted three persons, linked to a Canada-based wanted Khalistani terrorist, for their alleged involvement in a firing incident outside a hotel in Rajasthan last year.

In its chargesheet filed before the NIA special court in Jaipur, the agency has charged Sachin alias Praveen alias Dholia, Yogesh alias Monu, and Vijay alias Kale with conspiring with other accused to carry out the attack on Hotel Highway King in Neemrana, in December 2024.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/3-men-linked-to-khalistani-terrorist-charged-in-neemrana-hotel-firing-case-7962488

The Information and Technology Ministry is in touch with social media platform X over the recent incident of AI chatbot Grok using Hindi slang and abuses and will be examining the issue, according to sources.

The ministry will look into the matter and the factors that led to the use of abusive language, they said.

“We are in touch, we are talking to them (X) to find out why it is happening and what are the issues. They are engaging with us,” sources said.

The IT Ministry is examining the matter, they added.

Grok, the powerful AI chatbot on Elon Musk’s X, shocked netizens recently with its wild side when its response in Hindi came loaded with abuses and slang after provocation by users.

The banter started when an X user requested that Grok provide a list of the “10 best mutuals”. After a silence, the user responded with some harsh comments. This prompted Grok to retaliate with an equally casual tone and slur-loaded response.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/it-ministry-in-talks-with-x-over-ai-chatbot-grok-using-abusive-hindi-slangs-7963103

An IndiGo passenger deployed an emergency slide of a Leh-bound aircraft before takeoff at the Delhi airport on Wednesday.

In a statement, IndiGo said a slide was deployed inadvertently on flight 6E 5161 from Delhi to Leh before takeoff.

“Following Standard Operating Procedures, the crew reported the incident and the customer was offloaded and handed over to concerned authorities,” the airline said and regretted the inconvenience caused to other passengers.

Specific details about the incident could not be immediately ascertained.

As per information available on flight tracking website flightradar24.com, it was an A320 aircraft.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indigo-passenger-deploys-emergency-slide-before-takeoff-at-delhi-airport-7963663

An Indian researcher, studying at Georgetown University in the US, has been arrested by immigration officers and faces deportation, according to his lawyer. Badar Khan Suri, a post-doctoral fellow, was arrested by “masked agents” outside his home in Virginia, on Monday night, Politico reported.

The agents identified themselves as being with the Department of Homeland Security and told him the government had revoked his visa, the lawsuit says, reportedly.

Mr Suri has been accused of “spreading Hamas propaganda”. He is said to have “close connections to a known or suspected terrorist”.

“Suri was a foreign exchange student at Georgetown University actively spreading Hamas propaganda and promoting antisemitism on social media,” Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary Department of Homeland Security, wrote on X.

“Suri has close connections to a known or suspected terrorist, who is a senior advisor to Hamas. The Secretary of State issued a determination on March 15, 2025 that Suri’s activities and presence in the United States rendered him deportable under INA section 237(a)(4)(C)(i).”

Mr Suri’s lawyer, Hassan Ahmad, argued in his petition that Mr Suri is being punished because of the Palestinian heritage of his wife, a US citizen, according to Politico. Mapheze Saleh from Gaza is a first-year student at the Center for Contemporary Arab Studies, Georgetown University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism and information at the Islamic University of Gaza, Palestine and a master’s degree in conflict analysis and peacebuilding from the Nelson Mandela Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution at Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi, India.

“Dr. Khan Suri is an Indian national who was duly granted a visa to enter the United States to continue his doctoral research on peacebuilding in Iraq and Afghanistan,” a Georgetown spokesperson said in a statement. “We are not aware of him engaging in any illegal activity, and we have not received a reason for his detention. We support our community members’ rights to free and open inquiry, deliberation and debate, even if the underlying ideas may be difficult, controversial or objectionable. We expect the legal system to adjudicate this case fairly.”

Who Is Badar Khan Suri

Dr Badar Khan Suri is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, Washington, DC. He has been teaching a class this semester on “Majoritarianism and Minority Rights in South Asia”

He completed his PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies from Nelson Mandela Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi in 2020.

He is an interdisciplinary scholar whose areas of interest are religion, violence and peace; ethnic conflicts and peace processes in the Middle East and South Asia, according to the information available on Georgetown University’s website.

Indians In US Face Deportation

Ranjani Srinivasan, a 37-year-old Indian student, pursuing a doctoral degree in urban planning at Columbia University, self-deported last week, days after their student visa was revoked for participating in pro-Palestine protests. The US Department of State cancelled their visa on March 5, citing security concerns related to their involvement in alleged activities “supporting Hamas”.

“Ranjani Srinivasan was involved in activities supporting Hamas, a terrorist organisation. On March 5, 2025, the Department of State revoked her visa. The Department of Homeland Security has obtained video footage of her using the Customs and Border Protection (CPB) agency app to self-deport on March 11,” it said in a statement.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/badar-khan-suri-georgetown-university-us-indian-deported-indian-researcher-in-us-faces-deportation-for-spreading-hamas-propaganda-7964970#pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

Doctors of a private hospital in Kolkata successfully implanted a pacemaker in a 102-year-old woman and discharged her from the facility within two days, one of the physicians said.

Implanting a pacemaker may be a common procedure but performing the surgery in the heart of a 102-year-old woman is rare, he said.

Dr Smriti Kana Roy, a gynaecologist who used to treat Saint Teresa and other nuns of the Missionaries of Charity, underwent the operation on March 15.

Roy, a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, had complained of dizziness when doctors found an irregular heartbeat and prescribed the implant, her younger daughter Julie Basu told PTI from the US on Tuesday.

“It was an amazing experience. She has no comorbidities. But her heart rate had decreased, and her halter rate recorded a pause of six seconds. We suggested the need for a pacemaker implant.

“She was admitted on Saturday morning and the surgery was done that very day. She was discharged on Monday,” Dr Sunil Baran Roy, senior consultant of interventional cardiology at Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital, said.

The centenarian told PTI from her residence in south Kolkata’s Ballygunge area that she was confident about the success of the surgery.

“I feel better. I do not know whether this is a miracle or not because I am not the one to decide that. I followed whatever was suggested by the doctors,” she said.

Asked about the secret of her agility at this age, Roy, who was born in 1922, said she works, reads newspapers and books and keeps herself busy.

“I believe in helping others and working for them has given me satisfaction,” Roy said.

“My mother has been a very disciplined woman, and she follows a strict routine even today. She is very strong mentally and I have never seen her cry. Even Covid could not touch her,” said 66-year-old Julie, who is scheduled to come to the city soon.

Roy had to leave behind her two daughters, then aged seven and three years, when she went to the UK in 1964 for her Membership of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Later, she was rewarded with the Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FRCOG).

Roy recounted that Mother Teresa admitted her elder daughter June to the Loreto Convent, where she used to teach before forming Missionaries of Charity.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/west-bengal/mother-teresas-former-doctor-now-102-gets-pacemaker-in-kolkata-smriti-kana-roy-operation-3452073

More than half of Indian families (59%) surveyed found their banks to be ‘bureaucratic and inefficient’ when it comes to re-enabling online access to their bank accounts, while 63% stated that they have lost online access to their accounts because of issues either with KYC, login credentials or because their accounts have been made dormant by the banks.

This is part of a survey conducted by LocalCircles, released on Tuesday. The survey received over 54,000 responses from customers from over 334 districts in India. LocalCircles said that 42% respondents were from tier 1 cities, 27% from tier 2 cities and 31% respondents were from tier 3 and 4 districts.

“Even as banks continue to invest in digital solutions to meet customer expectations like easy-to-use interfaces and personalized experiences, the problems faced by consumers are arising due to sudden changes in rules,” the survey stated, adding that different banks appear to have different rules and safeguards for accessing online banking.

The complaints received by the Reserve Bank of India’s Ombudsman reached a record-high of 9,34,000 in the previous financial year (2023-24) showcasing the declining customer service from banks. In fact, complaints to the ombudsman grew at a compound average rate of almost 50% per year over the past two years.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra recently brought attention to this alarming trend, and issued a diktat to banks to improve their customer service. “In this age of competition, we would not survive long if we do not provide quality service to our customers,” he said at an event.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/more-than-half-of-indian-families-find-their-banks-inefficient-3452053

Hungary’s parliament passed a law on Tuesday banning LGBTQ+ pride events, including the famous Budapest Pride march that attracts thousands of people every year.

The new legislation was put forward only a day earlier and the measure was pushed through parliament in an accelerated procedure thanks to the ruling coalition’s supermajority that allows it to amend the constitution.

The legislation, passed in 136-27 vote, is supported by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s party Fidesz and their minority coalition partner, the Christian Democrats.

Hungary’s crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights

The step represents the latest rollback of rights and protections for LGBTQ+ people in the country by the Viktor Orban government.

Orban’s government has passed other similar laws, including the contentious “child protection law” in 2021 that bans gay people from featuring in school education materials or TV shows aimed at people under the age of 18.

Tuesday’s law keeps with the government’s view that annual Pride march could be considered an event harming children, and that this outweighs the right to assemble.

Attending a prohibited event will carry fines up to 200,000 Hungarian forints ($550, €500), which the state must forward to “child protection,” according to the text of the law.

Authorities may also use facial recognition tools to identify individuals attending a prohibited event.

Budapest Pride organizers slam new law bill, launch funding drive

Budapest Pride organizers slammed the bill after it was first submitted Monday.

“It’s nothing more than political theater — the ruling party is using the LGBTQ community for its own gain. But we refuse to be anyone’s scapegoat,” the organizers said in a statement.

“While more and more people are starving in Hungary, the Prime Minister’s priority is to ban human rights protests,” the statement added.

Source : https://www.dw.com/en/hungarys-parliament-passes-law-banning-lgbtq-pride-events/a-71964198

Kannada actor Ranya Rao, who has been arrested in connection with a gold scam case, took at least 26 round trips to Dubai with actor friend Tarun Raju during which they smuggled gold, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials told the court on Tuesday.

The DRI, during a court proceeding, revealed fresh details about the case stating that their travel pattern raised many questions, India Today reported.

During their trips, Rao and Raju would leave in the morning and return by the evening and this pattern raised suspicion, the agency told the court as per the publication.

The remarks came as the DRI opposed a bail plea filed by Tarun Raju. He was arrested soon after Ranya Rao’s arrest from the Bengaluru airport where the agency caught the actor smuggling gold red-handed.

Both Rao and Raju have been charged under the Customs Act and the Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act.

The India Today report further stated that the investigators found more financial links between Raju and Rao and they flew from Dubai to Hyderabad on a ticket booked by Rao, using money she sent to his account.

Officials say they have proof of this, backing claims that he was part of the smuggling network.

Ranya Rao took 52 trips to Dubai in 2 years

As per the officials, Ranya Rao made 52 trips to Dubai between 2023 and March 2025, with Raju accompanying her on at least 26 of them and they suspect that these same-day return journeys were used to smuggle gold into India.

A viral video from Rajasthan circulating online shows a woman dancing atop the animal, which was placed on a raised platform under the scorching sun. The camel’s legs appeared to be tied, restricting its movement while a crowd watched in silence.

A disturbing case of animal cruelty has surfaced in Hanumangarh, where a camel was subjected to severe mistreatment for the sake of entertainment. A viral video circulating online shows a woman dancing atop the animal, which was placed on a raised platform under the scorching sun. The camel’s legs appeared to be tied, restricting its movement while a crowd watched in silence.

The footage, shared by the animal welfare organization Street Dogs of Mumbai, sparked significant outrage on social media. The NGO, in an Instagram post, condemned the act, stating, “This is NOT tradition. This is NOT culture. This is pure cruelty!”

The incident has raised serious concerns about the treatment of animals under the guise of entertainment, with activists urging authorities to take immediate action.

Animal rights activists argue that such acts of cruelty should not be normalised, calling for stricter enforcement of animal protection laws. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and other advocacy groups have also demanded legal consequences for those responsible.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/viral/this-isnt-tradition-its-cruelty-video-of-woman-dancing-atop-tied-camel-in-rajasthan-sparks-online-fury

News agency Asian News International (ANI) told the Delhi High Court on Tuesday that AI chatbot ChatGPT has been infringing on ANI’s copyright not only by taking content directly from its website but also by scraping content that is shared with ANI’s subscribers [ANI Media Pvt Ltd v. Open AI Inc & Anr].

The submission was made before Justice Amit Bansal by ANI’s counsel advocate Sidhant Kumar during a hearing of the news agency’s copyright infringement suit against OpenAI, which developed and owns ChatGPT.

To cite an example, Kumar referred to a news article from the Economic Times (ET) which has subscribed to use ANI’s content for a fee.

Taking content shared with ET by ANI would also amount to an infringement of ANI’s content, Kumar argued.

“While they crawl from my (ANI’s) website, they also crawl material from my subscribers. While they say that they don’t take content from me, they are taking from my subscribers. I do not cease to have control over copyright. I don’t divest control … Merely because I have licensed contact content for public viewing by a person who has paid subscription or a license fee, I do not cease to have control over that content,” he said.

Kumar added that while copyright may not lie in common facts, the manner in which such facts are narrated – as is the case with news articles – carries a copyright.

“They (OpenAI) state that facts cannot be copyrighted, the narration can be. I cannot have a monopoly over reporting that particular fact, but I certainly do have a monopoly over reporting that fact in that manner. Expression is capable of copyright protection. When I publish an article which is authored by my journalists, weighted by my editors, there is a particular way in which I will narrate,” he said.

In response, Senior Advocate Amit Sibal, appearing for OpenAI, argued that when the same facts are narrated by different persons, similarities are bound to rise.

In such a scenario, a copyright infringement claim will not lie, he said. To cite an example, he pointed out that a quote given by a celebrity and published across media portals would not carry copyright.

“When the facts are narrated by someone else, there will always be a similarity, which comes from the fact that the facts are common between the two narrations,” he said.

He added that ChatGPT also only provides a summary of what is available online in its own words, and also redirects users to the websites from which the information is sourced from.

Meanwhile, Advocate Kumar also accused OpenAI/ ChatGPT of violating ANI’s copyright by ripping off content from interviews published by ANI.

He pointed out that an interview on ANI’s website was translated by it, which was then made available on ChatGPT. This too violates ANI’s copyright, Kumar argued.

“I have independent intellectual property on translations. Our interviews are carried out by other subscribers, but we hold rights in it,” he said.

Sibal countered by arguing that ANI is not a newspaper itself and that OpenAI has licensing agreements with the newspapers from which it may source information that is summarised on ChatGPT. To cite an example, Sibal said,

“We have license with Financial Times, where they wish for us to promote their content, they give us a license to reproduce their content. Plaintiff (ANI) is not a newspaper. It only collects information. Financial Times is a newspaper with which I have a license in place.”

A video of a man feeding a crocodile much like a common domesticated pet was shared on social media, which immediately went viral as it left people reacting in all kinds of ways. Take a look…

If the state of ‘Florida’ was a video, this clip of a man and his possibly ‘pet crocodile’ would have surely been it! For those confused, Florida is known for some of the most bizarre incidents that are popular all over the social media, where a majority involves getting ‘too friendly’ with animals that were never meant to be friends with humans! Coming back to the viral clip, the video showed a man casually feeding a crocodile- much like a common pet. What further left many surprised and confused at the same time, was how the reptile even allowed the man to pet and rub its head- the way people usually do with cats, dogs and other such domestic animals. The clip began to circulate on social media, mostly over its bizarreness. A few also found it completely hilarious. Times Now could not confirm the location and the authenticity of the viral video.
“Dude recording could not believe his eyes,” the post read.
The video was shared on X (formerly Twitter), by the handle ‘AMAZlNGNATURE’. The post was shared yesterday and pulled more than 400K views from people.

“Just another Tuesday in Florida,” a user joked. “Not okay. This stuff signs that amazing animal’s death warrant. Now that it associates humans with food, it will be labelled a ‘nuisance gator’ in short order – and destroyed by Fish and Game Wardens. It’s only a matter of time. Please – don’t feed the gators. Let them live,” added another.
“He’s petting the crocodile-like a dog,” wrote another. “Bro out here treating a prehistoric murder lizard like it’s a golden retriever,” added the next.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/viral/watch-man-feeds-crocodile-like-common-pet-says-it-identifies-as-a-domestic-animal-viral-video-article-119187593

During the podcast on Sunday, PM Modi said that “every attempt to foster peace with Pakistan was met with hostility and betrayal” and that he hoped that “wisdom would prevail on the leadership in Islamabad to improve bilateral ties.”

India on Tuesday responded to Pakistan’s remarks on Jammu and Kashmir following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s comments in a recent podcast with American podcaster Lex Fridman.
During the podcast on Sunday, PM Modi said that “every attempt to foster peace with Pakistan was met with hostility and betrayal” and that he hoped that “wisdom would prevail on the leadership in Islamabad to improve bilateral ties.”

PM Modi also called out Pakistan’s long-standing role in fostering terrorism, stressing that the world was no longer in doubt about where the roots of terror lie and added that time and again, Pakistan has emerged as the epicentre of terror, causing immense suffering not just to India but to the entire world.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a media briefing, “We note that Pakistan has once again made some comments about the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The world knows that the real issue is Pakistan’s active promotion and sponsorship of cross-border terrorism.”

“In fact, this is the biggest roadblock to peace and security in the region. Instead of spreading lies, Pakistan should vacate Indian territory under its illegal and forcible occupation,” Jaiswal added.
Meanwhile, rejecting PM Modi’s assertions, Pakistan Foreign Office issued a statement saying that the prime minister’s remarks were “misleading and one-sided”.

“The remarks are misleading and one-sided. They conveniently omit the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, which remains unresolved for the last seven decades despite India’s solemn assurances to the United Nations, Pakistan and the Kashmiri people,” according to the statement.
It alleged that India was involved in fomenting trouble on Pakistani soil and carrying out “state-sanctioned oppression” in Jammu and Kashmir. It also accused India of “orchestrating targeted assassinations, subversion and terrorism in foreign territories.”
The statement further added that Pakistan has always advocated constructive engagement and result-oriented dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir, and added that peace and stability in South Asia have remained hostage to “India’s rigid approach and hegemonic ambitions”.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/vacate-indian-territory-india-mea-message-for-pakistan-after-remarks-over-pm-modi-podcast-article-119167337

He also noted that inquiries into disasters like stampedes and providing assistance to victims’ families are handled by the state government, and no such data is maintained at the national level.

Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday that inquiry into the Maha Kumbh stampede was conducted by the Uttar Pradesh government and no data on casualties and injured victims is maintained with the Centre.
Rai’s comments came in response to questions from Congress MPs KC Venugopal and Kirsan Namdeo regarding the number of casualties and injuries in the stampede, as well as the actions taken to investigate the incident.

He explained that, according to the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, “public order” and “police” fall under state jurisdiction. Managing religious gatherings, ensuring crowd safety, and preventing disasters are state responsibilities, Rai said.

He also noted that inquiries into disasters like stampedes and providing assistance to victims’ families are handled by the state government, and no such data is maintained at the national level.

The minister added that the National Disaster Management Authority has issued guidelines for crowd management at large events.

The Bureau of Police Research and Development has also provided crowd control protocols. In addition, the Union Home Ministry has advised all states and Union territories to create their own crowd management plans based on these guidelines.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/no-data-on-casualties-in-maha-kumbh-stampede-with-centre-union-ministers-response-to-congress-query-article-119170211

Tharoor had initially condemned India’s neutral stance after Russia invaded Ukraine, calling for the country to condemn the aggression.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor admitted on Tuesday that he was wrong to criticise India’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war when it began, acknowledging that the country’s position has put it in a unique position to help achieve lasting peace.
Tharoor had initially condemned India’s neutral stance after Russia invaded Ukraine, calling for the country to condemn the aggression. He cited violations of the UN charter and Ukraine’s sovereignty as key reasons for his criticism.

However, during a session at the Raisina Dialogue, Tharoor said, “I am still wiping the egg off my face,” reflecting on his earlier position. He explained that India’s approach had allowed the country to engage with both Ukraine and Russia, making it a potential mediator in the conflict, as quoted by PTI.

The Thiruvananthapuram MP noted that the Indian government’s stance had positioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a leader who could engage with both the Ukrainian president and the Russian president, creating opportunities for peace efforts.
Tharoor also said India could play a critical role in facilitating peace, given its unique standing in the world.
He added that if an agreement was reached between Russia and Ukraine, India might be open to sending peacekeepers, especially as Russia has rejected European peacekeepers from NATO countries.
However, he clarified that as a member of the opposition, he could not speak on behalf of the government.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/wiping-egg-off-my-face-shashi-tharoor-admits-error-in-opposing-indias-stance-on-russia-ukraine-war-article-119170663

In the advertisement for an electric cycle company, EMotorad, Dhoni could be seen in long hair, just like Kapoor in the movie ‘Animal’.

Ace cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni channeled his inner ‘Animal’ as the former Indian captain mimicked Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor’s aggressive role Ranvijay Singh in a hilarious advertisement with filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga.

In the advertisement for an electric cycle company, EMotorad, Dhoni could be seen in long hair, just like Kapoor in the movie ‘Animal’.

The ad shows Dhoni getting down from his swanky car (recreating one of the scenes of the movie) and crossing the road with an e-cycle in hand instead of a gun. Further, an epic conversation unfolds as Vanga praises the former Indian captain’s acting and claimed people would love it.

“Mind-blowing, fantastic, maza aa gaya sir. Log seetiyan marenge bilkul,” Vanga thrills.

To this, Dhoni, in his Animal character, replies, “Sunayi de raha hai mujhe, behra nahi hoon mai. (I can hear you, I’m not deaf)”.

Vanga excitedly says, “Ab hua na mera hero ready. (Now my hero is ready)”.

At a point in the ad, Dhoni even asks Vanga, “Ye thoda zyada nahi hogaya? (Isn’t this too much?)”

The final shot was the closing scene from the Animal movie where Dhoni once again mimicked Ranbir.

The campaign has ignited a frenzy online, with viewers praising the execution. One social media user quipped, “EMotorad got Thala and Vanga together before GTA 6!” while another noted, “This is the first ad I’ve Googled myself and watched five times!” The crossover of sports and cinema, two of India’s biggest entertainment industries, has struck a chord with audiences.

Source : https://www.news18.com/viral/ms-dhoni-turns-into-animal-in-hilarious-ad-with-sandeep-vanga-watch-9265876.html

Frustrated as she could not give birth to a son, a woman in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu killed her 17-day-old daughter by throwing her into a water tank, police said Monday.

According to the police, the woman said that she wanted a son but ended up delivering a daughter, due which she threw her into the water tank and closed the lid.

Kotwali Station House Officer (SHO) Narayan Singh said Aachki Devi (22), from Shri Ram Colony, threw her 17-day-old daughter into a water tank on Sunday when she could not give birth to a son.

She then closed the tank’s lid resulting in her daughter’s death, he said.

The officer said the woman informed one of her acquaintances about the incident, following which the woman’s husband lodged a complaint.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/woman-kills-17-day-old-daughter-for-not-giving-birth-to-son-in-rajasthan-jhunjhunu-7947770

The ministry stated that it has requested for the details from the US admin regarding expenditures incurred on USAID-funded projects in India over past decade.

The Union government has taken note of recent developments concerning the activities and funding of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the ministry of external affairs (MEA) informed Rajya Sabha on Monday.

In a written response, the ministry stated that it has formally requested for the details from the US administration regarding expenditures incurred on USAID-funded projects in India over the past decade.

The response came in reply to questions raised by Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas, who referred to reports, which alleged that the USAID funds were used to influence voter turnout in Indian elections. The controversy gained momentum after the Elon Musk-led US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced budget cuts for USAID on February 16, including a contentious $21 million allegedly allocated for voter mobilisation efforts in India. The issue further escalated with repeated claims by US President Donald Trump that his predecessor, Joe Biden, sanctioned funds to interfere in India’s electoral process.

“In view of the recent reports regards USAID funding in India, the ministry of external affairs has formally asked the US Embassy to urgently furnish details of expenditure incurred on all USAID assisted/funded projects in India over the last 10 years,” the ministry said in its response to Brittas.

The government has also sought information on the NGOs involved in implementing USAID-backed initiatives. However, it noted that no official response has been provided by the US side so far. “While there is some open-source information available on this matter, the Government of India understandably expects an official response from the US Government on this matter,” the statement added.

The MEA further highlighted that certain details about USAID beneficiaries have been withheld by the US administration, citing legal provisions under American law that allow “exceptional redactions.” “As per that legislation, the exceptional redactions include information that would jeopardise the health or security of an implementing partner or programme beneficiary. Another justification is a determination that the information online would be detrimental to the national interests of the United States,” the ministry noted.

Amid the controversy, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated on February 21 that President Trump’s claim regarding the $21 million was “very deeply troubling.” He added that it has “raised concerns about foreign interference in India’s internal affairs.” The following day, on February 22, external affairs minister S Jaishankar mentioned that the government was investigating the matter and assured that “the facts will come out soon.”

“The USAID was allowed to operate here in good faith to undertake positive activities. However, suggestions are emerging from America that there are actions being taken in bad faith,” the EAM remarked at a public event.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/give-details-of-usaid-funded-projects-mea-to-us-embassy-101742238790977.html

The 39-member panel is examining the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill and is scheduled to complete its report by the first day of the last week of the 2025 budget session.

Senior advocate Harish Salve on Monday backed the Union government’s proposal to hold simultaneous state and national elections but warned against the unrestricted power of the Election Commission as proposed in the Constitution amendment bill, people aware of developments said.

Salve interacted with the joint parliamentary committee looking into the two bills that aim to usher in simultaneous elections. Former Delhi high court chief justice, justice AP Shah, however, opposed the idea of simultaneous elections and called it an attack on India’s federal structure, the people cited above added.

Salve argued that things change with time and cited the example of how eminent jurist Nani Palkhiwala was opposed to the idea of the anti-defection law, but over time, it was proved that the law was required.

But the eminent lawyer expressed serious concern over the power given in the proposed law to ECI, under the new, proposed Article 82A that allows the poll body to decide whether elections can be conducted or not, and also suggest President’s Rule.

Salve, according to functionaries aware of the details, questioned how ECI could be given power to decide against conducting an election. On March 11, former CJI Ranjan Gogoi had voiced similar concerns, and said ECI was given “excessive power” through the contentious new article.

In the Constitutional amendment bill, a new Article 82A was added, and clause (5) of that article said, “If the Election Commission is of the opinion that the elections to any legislative assembly cannot be conducted along with the general election to the House of the People, it may make a recommendation to the President, to declare by an order, that the election to that legislative assembly may be conducted at a later date.”

The 39-member panel is examining the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill – which aim to usher in simultaneous polls in India – and is scheduled to complete its report by the first day of the last week of the 2025 budget session.

According to functionaries present in the meeting, justice Shah was a vocal critic of the proposal – colloquially called one nation, one election – and said it would be difficult to pin accountability for a government that gets elected for the remainder of the term. As per the proposal, if a government does not complete a full five years and elections have to be held again, then the term of the new government will be for the remainder of the five years and not for the full five years. Justice Shah was opposed to this provision and said there was no precedent in any country in the world where the government gets elected only for the remainder of the term.

Justice Shah maintained that the proposed amendment was a violation of the basic structure of the Constitution and that the bill will not stand the scrutiny of law, said the functionaries cited above. Shah also argued that cutting short the tenure of an assembly went against the spirit of the Kesavananda Bharati verdict that outlined the basic structure of the Constitution.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/eminent-jurists-remain-split-on-onop-proposal-101742239210612.html

A shocking video of a man from Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar consuming poison after alleged torture and blackmail from his wife and in-laws has gone viral on social media.

The man identified as Rahul is seen teary-eyed in the video. In the video the man is heard saying, “My in-laws are harassing me. My father is 80-85 year-old and mother is 60-65 year-old.”

In the start of the video the man says, “Aaj mera akhri time hai, main nahi jeena chahta.” Which roughly translates to “This is my last time and i do not want to live.”

He further says, “I have no connections with my brother but still my in-laws are troubling him.”

“My wife Jyoti along with my in-laws are implicating me in a false case and demanding 12 Lakh rupees.”

He further says in the video, “I do not have money to fight a case. I do not know where to go and cannot see a way out.”

Rahul in the video repeatedly says that his in-laws are torturing him. He further claims, “If i am only not alive then what will be the point of the case.”

Rahul then allegedly brings a packet of poison and mixes it in a glass of water and consumes it in front of the camera.

Rahul in the video also claims that there has been physical assaults on him as well.

Police Action

There has been no reports of any police action in the matter.

Atul Subash Case

In December 2024, Benguluru based techie Atul Subhash left a detailed 24-page suicide note and an 81-minute video in which he blamed the trouble in his marriage and divorce proceedings as the reason for his death.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/main-nahi-jeena-chahta-man-consumes-poison-on-camera-claims-torture-from-wife-in-laws-in-ups-muzaffarnagar-video

Ministry of Railways allocated Rs 8.34 crore to IIT Madras in May 2022 to drive indigenous Hyperloop development. Vaishnaw expressed confidence in India’s readiness for the technology, citing promising test results.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw paid a visit to the Hyperloop testing facility at IIT Madras and announced that the Hyperloop tube that is being developed will be the world’s longest, having a length of 410 meters.

At present, the test tube at IIT Madras is Asia’s longest Hyperloop test facility.

The Hyperloop, first conceptualised by Elon Musk in 2013, is a cutting-edge high-speed transportation system designed to propel pods through vacuum-sealed tubes at speeds exceeding 1,000 km/h. This revolutionary technology promises to transform travel by significantly reducing transit times, enhancing efficiency, and offering a more sustainable alternative to conventional transport methods.

During his visit, the Minister also announced plans to develop electronic components for Hyperloop at Integral Coach Factory in Chennai.

“Longest Hyperloop tube in Asia (410 m)… soon to be the world’s longest,” Vaishnaw wrote on X.

The Ministry of Railways allocated Rs 8.34 crore to IIT Madras in May 2022 to drive indigenous Hyperloop development. Vaishnaw expressed confidence in India’s readiness for the technology, citing promising test results.

He praised IIT Madras for its innovations, highlighting the use of indigenous technology in the testing system. “This place is brimming with energy. Young engineers are pushing boundaries, and this initiative will lead to groundbreaking solutions for India and beyond,” he said.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/soon-to-be-worlds-longest-ashwini-vaishnaw-shares-video-of-hyperloop-tube-at-iit-madras-9264873.html

“We have filed a case in the HC and submitted 54 questions. It is with the court to bring us those answers so that my daughter gets justice. Many men are involved in my daughter’s rape and murder,” said the father of Kolkata RG Kar Rape And Murder victim.

The father of the Kolkata RG Kar rape and murder victim questioned the handling of his daughter’s case and claimed that multiple men were involved in the crime. The victim’s father revealed that his family has filed a petition in the High Court, submitting 54 questions in hopes of obtaining justice for his daughter.
The father also accused West Bengal’s Chief Minister of orchestrating the evidence tampering and noted that, despite the police involving dog squads in the investigation, they have not received any report yet.
“We have filed a case in the HC and submitted 54 questions. It is with the court to bring us those answers so that my daughter gets justice. Many men are involved in my daughter’s rape and murder. And there are many hands involved in evidence tampering. West Bengal CM is leading the process of evidence tampering. Police had brought dog squads for investigation, but we have received no report of that so far. We have faith in the courts and the courts are working fairly, as per our wishes,” the victim’s father told ANI.

RG Kar victim’s lawyer, Karuna Nundy said, “Today was extremely urgent and the reason is that it has been 180 days since the accused Abhijit Mondol, the in charge of Tala Police Station, and Sandeep Ghosh, the Principal of RG Kar Medical College, they were arrested, and 90 days after that, Abhijit Mondol, who was accused of tampering evidence was given default bail with a Rs 2000 sureity and without any strict bail conditions.”

She added that they filed a petition before the High Court, requesting the Calcutta High Court to oversee the CBI’s investigation.
“Because it is a combination of our courts and the CBI that will result in the robust chargesheet. We made an application before the Supreme Court and the CJI has now allowed our application. We can now proceed with the petition in the Calcutta High Court. There were false reports that we had asked for a fresh investigation and that our plea was rejected,” Karuna Nundy said.
The Supreme Court on Monday granted the parents of the victim in the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case the liberty to approach the Calcutta High Court, where their plea is already filed.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/many-hands-were-involved-father-of-rg-kar-rape-murder-victim-appeals-to-calcutta-high-court-article-119126190

On March 15, 2025, an FIR was lodged by the Katra police against eight individuals, including socialite and influencer Orhan Awatramani, popularly known as Orry, for allegedly consuming alcohol within a hotel in Katra, near the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. The accused also include Darshan Singh, Parth Raina, Ritick Singh, Rashi Dutta, Rakshita Bhogal, Shagun Kohli, and Russian national Anastasila Arzamaskina. This incident has sparked significant reactions from local authorities and community leaders.

The consumption of alcohol and non-vegetarian food is strictly prohibited in Katra to uphold the sanctity of the pilgrimage site. Despite being informed of these restrictions, the accused allegedly violated them within the hotel premises. In response, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have emphasized their commitment to enforcing these regulations rigorously. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Reasi, Paramvir Singh, underscored a zero-tolerance policy towards such infractions, stating that those who disrespect the law and disrupt peace, especially through activities like alcohol consumption at religious sites, will face stringent action.

Rakesh Wazir, President of the Hotel and Restaurant Association in Katra, also addressed the incident, highlighting the community’s dedication to preserving the area’s sanctity. He noted that even ingredients like garlic and onion are avoided in local cuisine to maintain religious purity. Wazir emphasized that visitors should respect these traditions, regardless of their private actions, to honor the sentiments associated with Mata Vaishno Devi.

The police have formed a special team, supervised by senior officers, to investigate the matter thoroughly. Notices will be issued to all accused individuals, including Orry, instructing them to participate in the investigation. This incident serves as a stern reminder that violations of established norms, particularly in sacred areas, will not be tolerated, and authorities are prepared to take decisive measures to uphold the community’s values and legal standards.

Source : https://www.spotboye.com/trending/trending-news/orry-and-7-others-booked-for-allegedly-consuming-alcohol-near-vaishno-devi-shrine-in-katra-jammu-and-kashmir-reports/67d8e5e9e4cc4f51c19867ea

The Vatican released the first photo of Pope Francis since his admission to hospital last month with pneumonia in both his lungs. The pope cast a somber figure; seated in a wheelchair and taken from his right side, only a portion of the 88-year-old’s face is visible as he celebrates Holy Mass in the chapel on the tenth floor of the Gemelli hospital, in Rome, where he is continuing his treatment. “This morning, Pope Francis concelebrated the Holy Mass in the chapel of the apartment on the tenth floor of the Gemelli polyclinic,” the Vatican wrote. Concelebration is the gathering of multiple priests to celebrate mass. It added the image is the first since his hospitalization on February 14. Vatican News added his condition remained stable after weeks of concerns about the Pope’s health. Francis was reportedly struggling to breathe when admitted, and was diagnosed with a respiratory tract infection, pneumonia in both lungs and mild kidney failure. The Vatican confirmed Saturday that while his condition was improving, “the Holy Father still requires hospital medical care, as well as physiotherapy and respiratory physiotherapy.” In an Angelus message on Sunday, the Pope described himself as “fragile” and “weak.” “I am sharing these thoughts with you while I am facing a period of trial, and I join with so many brothers and sisters who are sick: fragile, at this time, like me,” Francis wrote. “Our bodies are weak but, even like this, nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving ourselves, being for each other, in faith, shining signs of hope.”

Source: https://www.thedailybeast.com/vatican-releases-first-photo-of-pope-francis-since-his-hospitalization/

PM Narendra Modi discussed the 2002 Godhra train burning and subsequent Gujarat riots with Lex Fridman, detailing the tense atmosphere due to prior terrorist attacks and the 2001 Gujarat earthquake

Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened up about the tragic 2002 Godhra train burning incident and the subsequent riots in Gujarat during an interview with US-based AI researcher and podcast host Lex Fridman. He listed the events leading up to the riots and talked about the atmosphere in the country at that time.

“I’d like to paint you a clearer picture of the 12 to 15 months leading up to that, so you can fully understand the atmosphere of that time. For instance, take December 24, 1999, roughly three years earlier, an Indian flight from Kathmandu to Delhi was hijacked, redirected to Afghanistan, and landed in Kandahar. Hundreds of Indian passengers were held hostage. It caused massive turmoil across India as people faced life and death uncertainty,” PM Modi said.

“Then, in the year 2000, the Red Fort in Delhi was attacked by terrorists. Yet another crisis struck the nation, intensifying fear and turmoil. On September 11th, 2001, the Twin Towers in America faced a devastating terror attack, once again shocking the entire world. Because ultimately, the people behind these attacks are driven by a similar mindset. Then in October 2001, terrorists attacked the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. Soon after, on December 13th, 2001, India’s parliament was targeted,” he said.

PM Modi explained that within just eight to 10 months, major global terrorist attacks took place that led to bloodshed and the loss of innocent lives.

“In such a tense environment, even the smallest spark can ignite unrest. The situation had already become extremely volatile. In such times, suddenly, on October 7th, 2001, I was given the responsibility of becoming chief minister of Gujarat. This was an enormous challenge,” he said.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/pm-modi-narrates-events-leading-up-to-gujarat-riots-major-terrorist-attacks-within-8-10-months-9263699.html

The accident occurred around 12:30 am on Friday when a car, driven by Chaurasia, crashed into multiple two-wheelers. Police arrested Chaurasia following the crash.

Three days after the Vadodara accident that killed one woman and injured others, CCTV footage has emerged showing the moments leading up to the accident. The footage reveals that accused Rakshit Chaurasiya and his friend visited another friend’s residence before the accident and also captured the car involved in the crash.

Chaurasiya, a 20-year-old law student rammed his car into five people, killing a woman and seriously injuring others in Gujarat’s Vadodara.

The CCTV video captures Rakshit Chaurasiya and a friend arriving at a residence on a scooter, where they pause to converse before entering. Notably, Rakshit is seen drinking from a bottle, although the contents remain unidentified.

In another clip, a black sedan can be seen crossing the road in front of the house before parking nearby from the same location. Rakshit’s friend Pranshu, who was in the car during the accident, is seen walking into the house.

Both the friends, Rakshit and Pranshu reportedly spent around 45 minutes there before leaving in the car.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/vadodara-car-crash-accused-friend-seen-in-new-cctv-footage-moments-before-fatal-accident-9263927.html

PM Modi urged people not to waste time worrying but to channel their energy into enriching their lives and contributing positively to the world. The prime minister stressed that since life is uncertain, every moment should be spent with purpose, learning and making a difference.

Death is inevitable and what truly matters is how life is lived, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said in a podcast with Lex Fridman released on Sunday. PM Modi said one must embrace life instead of fretting over death.
Asked about whether he fears death, PM Modi said, “We know for a fact that life itself is a whispered promise of death and yet life is also destined to flourish.” “So again, in the dance of life and death, only death is certain, so why fear what is certain? That is why you must embrace life instead of fretting over death. That is how life will evolve and flourish, for it is uncertain,” he said.
PM Modi urged people not to waste time worrying but to channel their energy into enriching their lives and contributing positively to the world. The prime minister stressed that since life is uncertain, every moment should be spent with purpose, learning and making a difference.

“You must commit to enriching, refining and elevating your life so you can live fully and with a purpose before death comes knocking… you must let go of the fear of death.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/pm-was-modi-asked-if-he-fears-deathheres-how-he-responded-article-119082474

This milestone not only marks a new chapter for the villagers but also opens the door to improved communication and access to vital services in an area.

In a groundbreaking development, a remote village in the Naxal-affected Sukma district of Chhattisgarh received its very first mobile phone tower. Installed on the festive occasion of Holi inside a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in Tekulagudem village, this tower promises to bring much-needed cellular connectivity to several villages in the region. This milestone not only marks a new chapter for the villagers but also opens the door to improved communication and access to vital services in an area. Tekulagudem had been a hotbed of Naxal violence.
“A BSNL mobile tower was erected on March 13 inside the Tekulagudem forward operating base of the CRPF, which is operated by its 150th battalion. This is the first such facility in this area,” a senior CRPF official told PTI.
“The village is located in the interiors of the Naxal violence-hit Sukma district, and shares a border with Bijapur, another LWE-affected village in the Bastar region,” he added.

Mobile tower installed on Holi
BSNL officials travelled around 600 kilometres from Sukma district headquarters to the state capital Raipur to operationalise the mobile tower where villagers were also invited to the event, which came on the eve of Holi. A special camp was also held to distribute SIM cards to the locals and activate them.

According to another official, the mobile tower will provide the much-needed cellular connectivity to villagers and security personnel in Tekulagudem and the adjoining hamlets of Timmapuram, Jonaguda and Puvarti. Puvarti is the village of Hidma, the wanted Maoist commander of the first battalion of People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/naxal-hit-village-in-chhattisgarhs-sukma-gets-its-first-mobile-tower-article-119071943

Located about 100 km from Keeladi, the Sangam-era site which is at least 2,600 years old, Vembakottai in Virudhunagar district is emerging as a one of the prime archaeological sites in Tamil Nadu.

Vembakottai: When archaeologists from the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) began digging at Vembakottai on the north banks of Vaippar River in 2022, they were expecting to unearth raw materials, tools, and artefacts from the Microlithic Age onwards.

But what they chanced upon in the last three years is overwhelming evidence of the existence of an industrial unit that manufactured shell bangles and glass beads, at least 2,000 years ago.

Not just that, antiquities unearthed in the three phases of excavation so far reveal the workmanship of the ancient Tamil who excelled in the art of engraving and decorating shell bangles and ornaments with unique designs.

Located about 100 km from Keeladi, the Sangam-era site which is at least 2,600 years old, Vembakottai in Virudhunagar district is emerging as a one of the prime archaeological sites in Tamil Nadu. It has been scientifically proven iron started being used as early as 3345 BCE (5,300 years ago).

Located about 100 km from Keeladi, the Sangam-era site which is at least 2,600 years old, Vembakottai in Virudhunagar district is emerging as a one of the prime archaeological sites in Tamil Nadu. It has been scientifically proven iron started being used as early as 3345 BCE (5,300 years ago).

Though the site hasn’t been dated yet, archaeologists believed it could be at least 2,000 years old and have sent samples for scientific analyses.

Glass and shell manufacturing

“Vembakottai continues to bewilder us. We did find core Microlithic materials like chert as expected but what is clear now is the presence of a thriving unit that made glass beads and shell bangles,” excavation director Pon Baskar said as he took the DH correspondent around the trenches to explain the meticulous nature of the craftsmanship of the inhabitants.

Believed to be part of the famed Pandya Kingdom, Vembakottai has yielded a rich collection of antiquities with the total number reaching about 12,000. While 3,254 antiquities were unearthed in the first phase, the number rose to 4,660 in the second phase, and the figure is 4,056 so far in the third phase, which will end in a few weeks. In total, 56 trenches were dug.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/tamil-nadu/shell-bangles-beads-vembakottai-reveals-ancient-tamil-expertise-3449124

Delivering the Gen Bipin Rawat memorial lecture in Delhi, he also said that in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s clarion call for ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, lies an ‘opportunity for us to seek our rightful place in the emerging global security scenario’.

New Delhi: The rise of China as a dominant economic and strategic force adds complexity, creates competition, and “hampers” India’s efforts to be a natural leader for the Global South, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said on Sunday.

Delivering the Gen Bipin Rawat memorial lecture in Delhi, he also said that in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s clarion call for ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, lies an “opportunity for us to seek our rightful place in the emerging global security scenario”.

In his address, the Army chief also made a veiled reference to the proximity between China and Pakistan, and said that today the “near absolute collusivity” has “further compounded the threat”.

On March 8, Gen Dwivedi, in a veiled reference to China and Pakistan, had said there is a “high degree of collusivity,” which must be accepted.

“What it means, as far as I am concerned, is that the two-front threat is a reality,” he had said in response to a question on the proximity between China and Pakistan.

“Can we as a nation with compelling requirements in the social sector afford to be drawn into this trap? At the same time, can we overlook the fact that we live in an extremely volatile neighbourhood? “As Gen Rawat said when you have unsettled borders to your north and west, you don’t know which side the battle will commence and where it will end. So, you should be prepared for both fronts. Today, the near absolute collusivity has further compounded the threat,” he said.

General Dwivedi said that while looking for strategic guidance for solutions in the military field, “my thoughts gravitate towards his (Gen Rawat’s) thoughts”.

The Army chief described India’s first CDS, who died in a chopper crash in 2021, as a scholar soldier and a military reformer who had an exceptional ability to envision the future.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/chinas-rise-adds-complexity-hampers-indias-efforts-to-be-natural-lead-for-global-south-coas-3448919

State Director General of Police Kailash Makwana flew to neighbouring Rewa district to assess the situation on directions of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav who ordered strict action against perpetrators.

Bhopal/Mauganj: A day after an Assistant Sub-Inspector was killed and other officials were injured in a violent attack on a police team by tribals in Madhya Pradesh’s Mauganj district, police on Sunday arrested six persons and extended efforts to identify other attackers.

State Director General of Police Kailash Makwana flew to neighbouring Rewa district to assess the situation on directions of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav who ordered strict action against perpetrators.

Police launched a combing operation in Gadra village, located about 25 km from Mauganj where the violent clash unfolded on Saturday, leading to the arrest of six persons.

A group of tribals allegedly abducted and killed a man, and then attacked a police team that attempted to rescue him, resulting in the death of assistant sub-inspector (AS) Ramcharan Gautam.

The chief minister on Sunday announced a financial assistance of Rs 1 crore for the family of Gautam.

He said Gautam would be accorded the status of a martyr as he was killed in the line of duty. One of his family members will get a government job.

The situation in Gadra is under control amid heavy deployment of police personnel. Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, relating to maintaining public order and preventing disturbances, was already imposed in the area.

The violence unfolded when members of the Kol tribe abducted Sunny Dwivedi, accusing him of being responsible for the death of a tribal man, Ashok Kumar, several months ago. Police records indicate that Kumar had died in a road accident, but the Kol tribe believed Dwivedi was involved.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/madhya-pradesh/madhya-pradesh-govt-announces-rs-1-crore-aid-to-kin-of-cop-killed-in-clash-with-tribals-six-held-3448898

Luxon will be the chief guest and keynote speaker in the Raisina Dialogue, which will take place in New Delhi from March 17-19.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon in New Delhi on Sunday. PM Luxon is on an official visit to India from March 16-20.

In a post on X, the EAM expressed appreciation towards PM Luxon for further deepening the longstanding ties between India and New Zealand. He also shared that he is looking forward towards PM Luxon’s participation as the Chief Guest for Raisina Dialogue 2025.

The medical education department has issued a show cause notice to a doctor from Victoria Hospital for allegedly assaulting her elderly in-laws and harassing them along with her children, officials said on Sunday.

The medical education department has issued a show cause notice to a doctor from Victoria Hospital for allegedly assaulting her elderly in-laws and harassing them along with her children, officials said on Sunday.

About The Case

According to an official statement, a video of Dr Priyadarshini, an emergency medical officer at Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI), allegedly assaulting her elderly in-laws along with her children recently went viral.

“Reports indicate that she has been harassing them for the past ten years. She had already filed for divorce but allegedly went to her in-laws’ residence and physically attacked them. A case has been registered at a Bengaluru police station in connection with this incident,” it stated.

A fashion show held last week in a picturesque, snow-clad town in Indian-administered Kashmir has sparked a major controversy that is still simmering.

The show, by the well-known fashion brand Shivan & Narresh, was held last Friday at a ski resort in Gulmarg to display their skiwear collection. The label is the first big, non-local brand to hold a fashion show in Kashmir, a scenic Himalayan region which has seen decades of violence.

But it soon sparked outrage among locals, politicians and religious leaders in Muslim-majority Kashmir after fashion publisher Elle India posted a video on social media which showed some models wearing underwear or bikinis. Locals were also angry over another video – shared by online magazine Lifestyle Asia – of a party held after the show, which showed people drinking alcohol outdoors.

Many took offence with the show being held in the holy month of Ramadan – a time of fasting and prayer for Muslims – and accused the designers of “mocking their faith” and “disregarding local culture and sentiments”. Some clerics called the show “obscene” and said it was like “soft porn”.

Some others explained that the outrage had arisen not only from religious conservatism, but also from a fear of cultural imposition from “outsiders”. Kashmir has witnessed decades of armed separatist insurgency against Indian rule since the late 1980s.

The backlash prompted Elle India and Lifestyle Asia to delete their videos. Shivan Bhatiya and Narresh Kukreja, the designers behind the label, also apologised, saying that their “sole intention was to celebrate creativity” and that they didn’t intend to offend religious sentiments.

Kashmir – known as the land of saints and Sufism (Islamic mysticism) – has a rich tradition of spirituality which influences many aspects of peoples’ lives. The traditional attire is modest, with locals – both men and women – often wearing the pheran, a long, loose cloak.

The row also moved off social media and a discussion about the show and the after-party caused a ruckus in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly.

The opposition criticised the government, accusing it of giving permission for the event despite being aware of local sensitivities. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah distanced his government from the event, saying it had been organised by private entities, and asking local authorities to investigate the matter and submit a report.

Source : https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clynd24rnngo

A Bengaluru man’s X post went viral on social media, which was about some bizarre rules that were displayed at a public park. As per the viral post, the park visitors were being asked to not jog, and to only walk ‘clockwise’. Here’s how the internet reacted…

Forget beginners- based on how most of the netizens react to some of the most bizarre incidents- it seems like Bengaluru is not even for the experts! Social media is full of incidents that can be considered rather ‘normal’ for the IT Hub of India, but can turn out to be truly shocking for the rest of the country. With that in mind, it makes sense that phrases like ‘Only in Bangalore’, ‘peak Bangalore moments’, and ‘just Bengaluru things’ are popular on the internet. Exemplifying something similar, a post was recently shared online, which was basically about some park rules that left a Bengaluru man confused. As per a picture shared on the post, the rules asked the park visitors to NOT jog, only walk in a clockwise direction, and not engage in gaming activities. Expressing his frustration, the man raised questions against the rules and their needs.
The post went viral in an instant, whereas, Times Now could not confirm the exact date and location of the incident. Most people called the rules bizarre and impractical, while some sided with the idea and shared multiple explanations for the rules.
“You have got to be joking right? No jogging in Indiranagar Park?What’s next, no Western clothes in parks? What have joggers ever done to parks?” the post read.

“The lack of public spaces is one problem in Bangalore but another one no one speaks about is the policing of the existing public spaces against certain kinds of users. And it’s either done by the govt or the groups that claim artificial ownership of these spaces via ‘maintenance’ work,” the post further read.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/viral/bangalore-park-no-jogging-walk-clockwise-rules-spark-confusion-only-in-bengaluru-viral-x-post-article-119064743

Rakshit Ravish Chaurasia, the prime accused in the Vadodara car crash, was taken to the accident site for crime scene recreation, where he was seen limping and holding his ears. The March 14 crash killed a woman and injured eight others. Vadodara Police revealed that multiple vehicles were involved, and forensic teams are gathering evidence.

The prime accused, Rakshit Ravish Chaurasia, in the Vadodara car crash, was brought to the accident site on Saturday to recreate the crime scene. However, the accused was seen limping and holding his ears during the recreations.
In a video shared by ANI, Rakshit was limping uncomfortably and holding his ears as he was being escorted by police. The accident that occurred on March 14 led to the death of one woman and injured eight as Rakshit, driving a four-wheeler at full speed, rammed into a two-wheeler.

While Rakshit remains in police custody, Vadodara Police Commissioner Narasimha Komar revealed that the incident involved more than three vehicles, including two active vehicles and an electric vehicle (EV).

Efforts are being made to collect forensic evidence to determine the sequence of events that led to the accident.

Gujarat police have registered a case against Chaurasia under the Motor Vehicle Act, in addition to charging him with culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
Police and forensic teams are actively compiling both physical and material evidence to build the case.
“We have collected forensic samples and compiled substantial evidence,” an official statement from the police read. “At the time of the accident, another individual, Pranshu Chauhan, was present in the car with the accused. To determine if they were under the influence of alcohol or any intoxicants, blood samples have been collected. The police are conducting a thorough investigation, ensuring that the accused will be prosecuted with all available physical, scientific, and forensic proof.”

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/vadodara-car-crash-accused-rakshit-ravish-chaurasia-limps-holds-his-ears-during-crime-scene-recreation-watch-article-119044376

PM Modi mentioned that he had shared a “fascinating conversation” with AI researcher and US-based podcaster Lex Fridman. The podcast is expected to be out today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s podcast with AI researcher and US-based podcaster Lex Fridman will be out on Sunday. The official announcement had been made by Fridman in January when he had taken to social media platform X to share that he would be hosting the Indian Prime Minister. On Saturday, Fridman confirmed the release of the three-hour long podcast, stating that it would be available on March 16 at 5:30 PM IST.
Taking to X, PM Modi mentioned that the two had shared a “fascinating conversation” in which he covered diverse topics, including reminiscing about his childhood. Fridman on the other hand called it “one of the most powerful conversations” of his life.

Who is Lex Fridman?
Lex Fridman is a computer scientist and artificial intelligence (AI) researcher associated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge. He is the host of the Lex Fridman Podcast, where he interviews notable figures from various fields such as science, technology, sports, and politics. He has a significant social media presence, with over 4.5 million subscribers on YouTube, 1.4 million followers on Instagram, and 4.2 million followers on X.

Born in 1983 in what is now Tajikistan, Fridman was raised in Moscow during the final years of the Soviet Union. His family immigrated to the United States when he was a child. Fridman pursued his undergraduate studies at Drexel University in Philadelphia, earning a BSc in Computer Science where his passion for AI and machine learning began to take shape.

He later completed his Master’s and PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Drexel, focusing on human-centered AI and machine learning applications and joined MIT, where he became deeply involved in exploring how AI can understand and predict human behavior. He has worked on cutting-edge projects at the intersection of AI, robotics, and human behaviour and his research focuses on developing systems capable of understanding and predicting human actions, particularly in the context of self-driving cars.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/who-is-lex-fridman-ai-researcher-to-drop-epic-podcast-with-pm-modi-today-article-119062016

A police team had gone to rescue a hostage in a village in Madhya Pradesh’s Mauganj. However, the team was attacked by a mob of tribals which also locked a few in a room and then beat the officials leading to a cop’s death.

A police officer died after a mob of tribals attacked a police team he was part of, that had gone to rescue a man in Madhya Pradesh’s Mauganj district, some 600 km from capital Bhopal. The group of tribals allegedly kidnapped and killed a man, then attacked the police team which were trying to rescue the deceased in Gadra village. The cops have taken five persons into custody in connection with the case.
“Two persons including an ASI (assistant sub-inspector) have been killed and other policemen have sustained minor injuries,” Rewa Range Deputy Inspector General of Police Saket Pandey told PTI. The news agency cited sources and added that the cops had to fire in the air when the mob surrounded them.

SDPO Ankita Sulya, who led the rescue operation, recounted how the tribals trapped her inside a room with the dead hostage. As per TOI, she said that an enraged crowd rioted outside and she came to know about ASI Ramcharan Gautam’s death after her rescue.

The incident comes day after an ASI rank officer was killed by a mob of villagers in Bihar where he had gone to investigate a case. Before this, the villagers in Araria beat a cop to death and freed a criminal.

What Happened – The Incident
A group of Kol tribe members kidnapped a man named Sunny Dwivedi on Saturday suspecting he had killed another tribal, Ashok Kumar, a few months ago. Police records stated Kumar died in a road accident. The cops got input about Dwivedi’s abduction, and a team headed by Shahpur police station house officer Sandeep Bhartiya rushed to Gadra village to rescue him, the PTI report added.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/mauganj-cop-and-hostage-lynched-asi-ramcharan-gautam-police-team-gone-rescue-man-tribals-ambushed-in-mp-article-119063767

Kannada actor Ranya Rao’s stepfather, DGP Ramachandra Rao, was sent on “compulsory leave”, officials said on Saturday.

Rao is being investigated in the gold smuggling case in which his stepdaughter, Ranya, was arrested at Bengaluru Airport earlier this month.

“Sri KV Sharath Chandra, IPS (KN-1997)) Additional Director General of Police, Recruitment is placed in Concurrent Charge of the post of Chairman & Managing Director, Karnataka State Police Housing & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd, Bengaluru with immediate effect and until further orders, vice Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao, IPS sent on compulsory leave,” an official order read.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/ranya-raos-father-dgp-ramachandra-rao-sent-on-compulsory-leave-amid-gold-smuggling-probe-9262834.html

Internet and voice-over-internet telephony services were suspended in at least five Gram Panchayat areas of Sainthia town in West Bengal’s Birbhum.

Tensions escalated in West Bengal’s Birbhum on Saturday after violent clashes between two groups led to the suspension of the internet in parts of town. The state government also deployed a huge contingent of security forces to maintain law and order.

According to officials, internet and voice-over-internet telephony services were suspended in at least five Gram Panchayat areas of Sainthia town in West Bengal’s Birbhum district to prevent the spread of rumours and unlawful activities.

The shutdown is in effect from March 14 to March 17.

The order further states that no restriction is being placed on voice calls or SMS. Similarly, no restrictions on newspapers have been placed, adding “Hence communication and dissemination of knowledge and information is not stopped in any way.”

Slamming the state government for the internet suspension, the leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari termed it as “evidence of deterioration” in the law and order situation.

Taking to social media platform X, Adhikari alleged that the move was an “acceptance of incapability” on the part of the administration to control the situation.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, he argued that the suspension was a clear indication of the administration’s failure to manage the crisis.

“The West Bengal Government are trying their best to hide the events of communal flare-ups to save their face. I urge @HMOIndia and His Excellency, the Hon’ble @BengalGovernor, to seek a report from the Chief Secretary (@chief_west) of WB regarding the deterioration of the law and order situation in the state,” he posted.

What exactly happened in Birbhum?
As per media reports, a verbal altercation allegedly occurred between a group and some intoxicated individuals broke out in West Bengal’s Sainthia town on Friday, on the occasion of Holi.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/violence-in-west-bengals-birbhum-after-holi-clash-internet-suspended-bjp-slams-tmc-101742030092277.html

The man was arrested from Nalasopara East, on the outskirts of Mumbai, after police launched a probe following the discovery of a skull in a travel bag in Virar on Friday.

Police in Maharashtra’s Palghar district have arrested a 49-year-old man for allegedly killing his wife two months ago and disposing of the body, an official said on Saturday.

Harish Hippargi was arrested from Nalasopara East, on the outskirts of Mumbai, after police launched a probe following the discovery of a skull in a travel bag in Virar on Friday.

Police said Hippargi, who worked in the imitation jewellery industry, used to live with his wife Utpala (51) and their 22-year-old son. Utpala also had a son from her previous marriage which often led to disputes between the couple.

During one such fight on January 8, Hippargi strangled the woman. He took the body to Virar East, detached the head with a machete and dumped the torso in a drain. He put Utpala’s severed head in a travel bag and abandoned it in a secluded spot near Pirkunda Dargah, said police.

The accused told his son that Utpala had left her hometown in West Bengal, the official said.

After the discovery of a woman’s skull in a travel bag in Virar on Friday, police found a pouch with the name of a jewellery store in Bengal’s 24 Parganas district. Utpala figured in the shop’s list of customers but police found her number had been switched off for the past two months, the official said.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/skull-in-travel-bag-jewellery-pouch-how-maharashtra-police-caught-man-who-killed-wife-7930904

The affected wards are located in Buxar, Bhojpur, Patna, Saran, Vaishali, Lakhisarai, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagara, Munger, Katihar, Bhagalpur, Sitamarhi, Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Gaya, Nalanda, Nawada, Sheikhpura, Jamui, Banka, Supaul, Madhepura, Saharsa, Araria and Kishanganj districts.

Patna: Bihar is grappling with severe groundwater contamination, with 30,207 rural wards exposed to “unsafe” drinking water that poses serious health risks, according to a new report.

The report, which was recently tabled in the assembly as part of the Bihar Economic Survey (2024-25), highlighted the presence of arsenic in groundwater in 4,709 such wards, fluoride in 3,789 wards and iron in 21,709 wards.

“Around 26 per cent of the rural wards in 31 districts, out of a total of 38, have groundwater sources affected by arsenic, fluoride and iron contamination beyond permissible limits,” the state’s Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) said in the study.

The affected wards are located in Buxar, Bhojpur, Patna, Saran, Vaishali, Lakhisarai, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagara, Munger, Katihar, Bhagalpur, Sitamarhi, Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Gaya, Nalanda, Nawada, Sheikhpura, Jamui, Banka, Supaul, Madhepura, Saharsa, Araria and Kishanganj districts.

“We are aware of the fact… sensing the gravity of the situation, the state government has decided to make rural Bihar ‘hand pump-free’ and provide safe drinking water to people in the rural areas under the ‘Har Ghar Nal ka Jal’ scheme,” PHED Minister Niraj Kumar Singh told

The government is also implementing multi-village schemes (MVS) to improve water quality in the state, he said.

Under the ‘Har Ghar Nal ka Jal’ scheme, PHED is providing safe drinking water to 83.76 lakh families in rural areas, he said, adding, potable water is also being made available to families in the 30,207 rural wards where the contamination is high.

“The state government is already working on a plan to use river water for drinking purposes. In September 2024, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar laid the foundation stone of a Rs 1,347-crore project for the supply of water from Sone river for drinking purposes in Aurangabad, Dehri and Sasaram cities after necessary treatment,” the minister said.

The scheme will use the water of Son river, ending the dependence of these cities on groundwater, he said. The project is likely to be completed in two years.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/bihar/severe-groundwater-contamination-detected-in-over-30000-rural-wards-in-bihar-report-3447634

The incident occurred when the truck was crossing a closed railway crossing.

A truck collided with the Mumbai-Amravati Express at Bodwad Railway station between Bhusawal and Badnera sections of the Bhusawal division on Friday.
The incident occurred when the truck was crossing a closed railway crossing.
There is no injury to the truck driver or any other passenger, as reported by ANI.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/truck-collides-with-mumbai-amravati-express-in-maharashtras-bodwad-railway-station-tragic-visuals-emerge-article-119004451

In December last year the national Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), a unit within the Union Home Ministry, identified and blocked nearly 60,000 WhatsApp accounts used for fraud.

Send Rs 1.95 crore to this account’, the accounts officer of a Hyderabad firm was told via WhatsApp. It seemed from a perfectly legitimate source – the company’s Chairman and Managing Director – for a perfectly legitimate reason, as advance payment for a new project.

And so Rs 1.95 crore was duly transferred.

Only, it was not a perfectly legitimate message.

The message seemed to come from the MD’s WhatsApp account. His photo was in the display section, but it was actually a fraudster who conned the officer into transferring nearly Rs 2 crore.

Fortunately for the MD and his company (and the accounts officer), the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau stopped this ‘high-value cyber fraud’ and recovered the entire amount.

Received earlier today, the transfer was completed at 1.02 pm.

Shortly after that the real Managing Director received a bank notification and, understandably worried, immediately contacted his accounts officer.

On being told about the ‘WhatsApp message’, the MD confirmed he made no such request, and the company promptly filed a complaint on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, or NCRP.

The NCRP then swung into action, first to confirm the transaction had occurred and then to track down the money. It was difficult, initially, because certain details were missing.

However, working with the company and the MD, and the bank’s nodal officers, the money was eventually located and, miraculously, the entire Rs 1.95 crore was recovered.

Fortunately the criminals had not yet withdrawn any of the cash.

This is far from the first such instance of cybercrime. A large number of men and women, including private individuals and companies, have been duped out of hard-earned money by fake messages and calls, prompting repeated warnings from the government to be careful.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/hyderabad-company-cyber-fraud-rs-1-95-crore-boss-message-whatsapp-whatsapp-message-from-boss-how-hyderabad-firm-nearly-lost-rs-1-95-crore-7923420

The YouTube channel run by Manipur’s Paotinmang Chongloi is not alone in brandishing firearms and dog-whistling on social media to keep tensions alive, sources who contacted the cyber cell in the Centre said

A YouTuber from Manipur who challenged the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to arrest him last year appeared in a fresh video, shouting at the security forces during recent protests in the border state.

Sources said details of the YouTuber who identifies himself as Pt Marvin Kuki and runs a YouTube channel of the same name under the handle @PaotinmangChongloi have been flagged to the cyber cell.

On March 8, the Kuki tribes in Manipur tried to stop public transport and clashed with the security forces who were trying to enforce the Centre’s order to ensure free movement of people in the violence-hit state that is under the President’s rule.

A protester was killed and many others including security force personnel were injured.

Paotinmang uploaded a video of the March 8 protest in which he was seen shouting at the security forces to “go back”.

“If the central forces can’t keep neutral in both communities, please leave us alone. We will fight them,” he said.

The central forces escorting trucks carrying oil and cooking gas faced no problem while going towards southern Manipur’s Churachandpur on March 8. However, they ran into a wall of protests on the highway towards Kangpokpi.

Last year, Paotinmang uploaded a video on his YouTube channel wearing a camouflage battledress and holding an AK series assault rifle.

“… Catch me if you can, I don’t care. L**** NIA,” he said in the video using a swear word in Hindi before cocking the assault rifle. He deleted the video later.

In another video, which he addressed to the valley-dominant Meitei community after the violence in Jiribam in November 2024, Paotinmang said, “Whether it is your child or your dog, they will die. You have no choice. We can do anything we want. If CRPF doesn’t behave, they won’t even get food. You killed our volunteers in Jiribam with central forces’ help. We will do what we have to do; we don’t care whether they are central forces or not.”

The “volunteers” Paotinmang referred to were shot dead by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in an encounter in Jiribam district in November 2024. While Kuki groups say they were “volunteers”, the then Manipur government in a cabinet statement called them “militants”. The same day, an infant, two children, and three women from the Meitei community were kidnapped by suspected “Kuki militants” and killed in Jiribam, the government said.

Over two months ago, the journalist of a local news channel was hit by a bullet in his leg while covering a skirmish in the foothills. Paotinmang posted a video on this too.

“… That Impact TV reporter was lucky that he survived. Don’t come back. Next time it’s your head. Pray to your god, sprinkle some water on your tulsi plant…” he said in the video.

Paotinmang claimed to a news agency that Kuki militants never took part in the Manipur violence and would return to studies “if this war ends”.

The Manipur Police, however, in a statement said they identified the bodies of three militants of the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) who were killed in a gunfight in Jiribam on September 6, 2024. A member of the Meitei insurgent group United National Liberation Front (Pambei), or UNLF(P), was also killed in the gunfight, the police said.

The KLA has two factions, one each with the two umbrella Kuki-Zo groups that have signed the controversial tripatriate Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the state government and the Centre.

Firearms Show On Social Media

Paotinmang is not alone in brandishing firearms and dog-whistling on social media to keep tensions alive, sources who contacted the cyber cell in the Centre said.

Many members of the Arambai Tenggol and Meitei militant groups that returned from neighbouring Myanmar had been regularly seen holding firearms and roaming around Imphal valley since May 2023 until recently, when Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla ordered the handover of looted and illegally held firearms after the Centre imposed President’s rule.

Any civilian found keeping looted or illegal firearms under the name of “volunteers” won’t be tolerated, sources said on March 6, the day the firearms handover deadline set by the Governor ended.

In 2023 and early 2024, Arambai Tenggol (AT) men were seen with grenade-launchers and assault rifles, standing on SUVs and cruising across towns in the valley areas. Recently, the Arambai Tenggol said it handed over all weapons as instructed by the Governor and placed full trust on the security forces that they would demolish bunkers on the hilltops and stop suspected Kuki militants from firing towards Meitei villages in the foothills.

The AT gave statements supporting Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Governor Bhalla’s decisions on bringing peace in Manipur, after the President’s rule came. AT chief Korounganba Khuman faces a case being probed by the NIA.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/manipur-kuki-youtuber-paotinmang-chongloi-who-challenged-nia-tells-central-forces-to-go-back-7923964

Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy said several “normal, ordinary programmes” are touted as AI.

Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has said it has “become a fashion” in India to talk about artificial intelligence (AI) for everything, emphasising that most “so-called AI things are silly, odd programmes”.

Speaking at a TiEcon Mumbai 2025 event on Wednesday, Mr Murthy said, “I think somehow it has become a fashion in India to talk of AI for everything. I have seen several normal, ordinary programmes being touted as AI.”

Mr Murthy shared two fundamental principles of AI – machine learning and deep learning. Explaining machine learning, he said, it is “nothing but a large-scale correlation. Based on a large amount of data, it helps you predict.”

Deep learning, he said, imitates human brain functioning.

While machine learning handles supervised algorithms, deep learning takes care of unsupervised algorithms.

“Deep learning, using the data it has, creates new branches of programmes or new conditions and then it will be able to take decisions. Unsupervised algorithms, which use deep learning and neural networks are the ones that have much greater potential to do things that will mimic human beings better and better,” Mr Murthy said.

“However, I find, that most of the so-called AI things available are silly, old programmes,” he said.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/fashion-in-india-to-talk-about-ai-for-everything-narayana-murthy-7923690