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Speaking at the inauguration event of the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show in Greater Noida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pushed for a self-reliant India and said that the country is not ready to depend on anyone. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message comes amid a tariff war with the United States. The Trump administration has targeted the Indian government for purchasing Russian oil and has imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on New Delhi as a penalty for its purchases, taking the total levies imposed on India by the US to 50 per cent, among the highest in the world. PM Modi urged traders and manufacturers to contribute to the goal of ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat.‘&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Gautam Buddha Nagar, UP | &quot;... Bharat jaise desh ko kisi par nirbhar rehna, ab manzoor nahi hai...,&quot; says Prime Minister Narendra Modi He also says, &quot;... Despite the global disruptions and uncertainties, India&#39;s growth is attractive. Disruptions don&#39;t hinder us, but… <a href="https://t.co/N7rEtQmz9U">pic.twitter.com/N7rEtQmz9U</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1971083119810814061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

‘India moving towards growth despite global disruptions’, PM Modi said, hinting at the international uncertainty over Trump's protectionist policies. Modi said that disruption does not distract the country, but it helps the country to find new direction and new opportunities. Stating that the global disruption provides the country to manufacture on its own, PM Modi added that India is strengthening the mantra of Atmanirbhar Bharat. “Every product that can be made in India should be made in India." The Prime Minister also revealed that the defence sector is being developed in the country, creating an ecosystem where every component bears the mark of Made in India.<h2>PM defends GST reforms</h2>PM Modi also hailed the new GST cut and spoke about how the decision taken by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre has reduced the tax burden on the poor and middle class. He also gave an example of how much a shirt used to cost before the BJP cam to power in 2014, when the Congress government was at the helm. He further stated that reforms are an ongoing process and were introduced in the indirect tax regime by implementing GST in 2017, followed by further reforms in September of this year.

At the UP International Trade Show, PM Modi emphasized self-reliance amid global disruptions and US tariffs, urging support for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. He highlighted India’s growth, push for local manufacturing, and development in the defence sector under the ‘Made in India’ initiative.

Speaking at the inauguration event of the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show in Greater Noida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pushed for a self-reliant India and said that the country is not ready to depend on anyone. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message comes amid a tariff war with the United States. The Trump administration has targeted the Indian government for purchasing Russian oil and has imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on New Delhi as a penalty for its purchases, taking the total levies imposed on India by the US to 50 per cent, among the highest in the world. PM Modi urged traders and manufacturers to contribute to the goal of ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat.‘

At the UP International Trade Show, PM Modi emphasized self-reliance amid global disruptions and US tariffs, urging support for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. He highlighted India’s growth, push for local manufacturing, and development in the defence sector under the ‘Made in India’ initiative.

'India is not ready to be dependent on anyone': PM Modi sends BIG message amid tariff war, pushes for 'swadeshi goods'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Thursday (Sep 25) that India will soon start the production of AK-203 rifles in Uttar Pradesh in partnership with Russia. He also highlighted that India is accelerating its march toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing as it is undergoing a transformative shift.&nbsp;"Our defence forces want 'swadeshi', they want to decrease the dependence on other countries. We are developing a vibrant defence sector in India. We are building such ecosystem where every part of our weapons has 'Made in India' inscribed on them. Uttar Pradesh is playing a big role in this," PM Modi said after inaugurating the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show 2025 in Greater Noida on September 25.&nbsp;"Soon, production of AK-203 rifle will begin from a factory set up with Russia's help. A defence corridor is also being set up in Uttar Pradesh. Production of several weapons, including BrahMos missiles, has already started," the Prime Minister added.<h3>What is the AK-203 rifle?</h3>The AK-203 is a made-in-India modern and upgraded version of the famous Kalashnikov rifle, which is designed to replace the INSAS rifle and enhance the Indian armed forces' firepower. It is also known as the 'Sher' in India, which is an Indo-Russian joint project featuring improved ergonomics, accuracy, and the ability to mount modern optics.&nbsp;The rifle is chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge and features the legendary durability of the AK platform with advanced upgrades to dominate modern combat environments. The rifle has versatile firing modes and switches between automatic fire (700 rounds per minute) for sustained engagements and single-shot precision for controlled targeting.&nbsp;It can target up to 800 metres, with a battle sight range of 350 metres and boasts a 30-round high-capacity magazine for sustained firepower and a lightweight design, weighing just 3.6 kg. It is useful in both anti-terror operations and high-altitude warfare.<h3>Specifications:</h3>Fire rate: 700 rounds per minuteRange: Up to 800 meters<h3>Indo-Russian deal in AK-203 rifle</h3>India signed a big assault rifle deal with Russia in July 2021 to produce over six lakh AK-203 rifles for Rs 5,000 crore. The manufacturing unit of this rifle has been sped up due to rising tensions at the China border and continuous security concerns from the Pakistan side. Several countries in Africa and the Middle East have also shown interest in buying the AK-203 rifles.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-to-get-100-indeginised-ak-203-rifle-called-sher-here-s-all-about-it-1752919410555">Indian Army to get 100% indeginised AK-203 rifle called 'Sher'. Here's all about it</a>

AK-203 rifles can target up to 800 metres, with a battle sight range of 350 metres and boast a 30-round high-capacity magazine for sustained firepower and a lightweight design, weighing just 3.6 kg. It is useful in both anti-terror operations and high-altitude warfare.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Thursday (Sep 25) that India will soon start the production of AK-203 rifles in Uttar Pradesh in partnership with Russia. He also highlighted that India is accelerating its march toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing as it is undergoing a transformative shift. "Our defence forces want 'swadeshi', they want to decrease the dependence on other countries. We are developing a vibrant defence sector in India. We are building such ecosystem where every part of our weapons has 'Made in India' inscribed on them. Uttar Pradesh is playing a big role in this," PM Modi said after inaugurating the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show 2025 in Greater Noida on September 25. "Soon, production of AK-203 rifle will begin from a factory set up with Russia's help. A defence corridor is also being set up in Uttar Pradesh. Production of several weapons, including BrahMos missiles, has already started," the Prime Minister added. What is the AK-203 rifle? The AK-203 is a made-in-India modern and upgraded version of the famous Kalashnikov rifle, which is designed to replace the INSAS rifle and enhance the Indian armed forces' firepower. It is also known as the 'Sher' in India, which is an Indo-Russian joint project featuring improved ergonomics, accuracy, and the ability to mount modern optics. The rifle is chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge and features the legendary durability of the AK platform with advanced upgrades to dominate modern combat environments. The rifle has versatile firing modes and switches between automatic fire (700 rounds per minute) for sustained engagements and single-shot precision for controlled targeting. It can target up to 800 metres, with a battle sight range of 350 metres and boasts a 30-round high-capacity magazine for sustained firepower and a lightweight design, weighing just 3.6 kg. It is useful in both anti-terror operations and high-altitude warfare. Specifications: Fire rate: 700 rounds per minute Range: Up to 800 meters Indo-Russian deal in AK-203 rifle India signed a big assault rifle deal with Russia in July 2021 to produce over six lakh AK-203 rifles for Rs 5,000 crore. The manufacturing unit of this rifle has been sped up due to rising tensions at the China border and continuous security concerns from the Pakistan side. Several countries in Africa and the Middle East have also shown interest in buying the AK-203 rifles. Also read: Indian Army to get 100% indeginised AK-203 rifle called 'Sher'. Here's all about it

AK-203 rifles can target up to 800 metres, with a battle sight range of 350 metres and boast a 30-round high-capacity magazine for sustained firepower and a lightweight design, weighing just 3.6 kg. It is useful in both anti-terror operations and high-altitude warfare.

What is the AK-203 rifle? India set to manufacture it with Russian collaboration

National Conference President Farooq Abdulah has hit out at the central government saying that the situation in Leh, Ladakh, has escalated into a grave crisis that demands urgent attention. He said that for over two weeks, the people of Ladakh have been on a hunger strike, passionately advocating for statehood and protections under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.''These demands stem from unfulfilled promises made to the region, leaving its citizens, particularly the youth, feeling betrayed by the central government. Frustrated by years of inaction, the protesters have veered away from the non-violent principles of Mahatma Gandhi, resulting in widespread unrest. The protests have turned violent, with tragic consequences: the burning of the BJP office and other buildings, four lives lost, and 60 to 80 people injured, ''said Farooq Abdullah in a press conference in Srinagar.He also added that this unrest in Ladakh, a strategically vital border region, is a wake-up call for the Government of India. The prolonged delay in addressing these legitimate demands has fueled resentment, as the people of Ladakh have waited five years for meaningful action from Delhi.He said that the government must recognise the sensitivity of this border state and act swiftly to prevent further escalation. ''We mourn the tragic loss of lives in Leh and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured, '' said Farooq Abdullah in a press conference in Srinagar.Farooq Abdulah also said that The situation in Ladakh is distinct from the challenges faced by neighboring countries like Nepal or Bangladesh. India, as a unique nation, cannot afford to let dialogue stagnate. The youth of Ladakh have expressed disillusionment with activist Sonam Wangchuk’s methods of protest, and there is no evidence to suggest his direct involvement in the recent violence.''The initiation of a CBI inquiry against him raises concerns about the use of state agencies to suppress dissent. The government must avoid heavy-handed tactics, as excessive use of force risks further inflaming the situation, '' said Farooq Abdullah.The National Conference President also said that Instead of relying on power, the Government of India must prioritize meaningful dialogue to address Ladakh’s grievances. The time for empty promises has passed. Delhi must act decisively, engaging in constructive talks to deliver a clear resolution—whether it be statehood, Sixth Schedule protections, or other measures that honor the aspirations of the Ladakhi people. The government should learn from this crisis and move swiftly to restore trust and stability in the region. &nbsp;

The National Conference President also said that Instead of relying on power, the Government of India must prioritize meaningful dialogue to address Ladakh’s grievances.

National Conference President Farooq Abdulah has hit out at the central government saying that the situation in Leh, Ladakh, has escalated into a grave crisis that demands urgent attention. He said that for over two weeks, the people of Ladakh have been on a hunger strike, passionately advocating for statehood and protections under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. ''These demands stem from unfulfilled promises made to the region, leaving its citizens, particularly the youth, feeling betrayed by the central government. Frustrated by years of inaction, the protesters have veered away from the non-violent principles of Mahatma Gandhi, resulting in widespread unrest. The protests have turned violent, with tragic consequences: the burning of the BJP office and other buildings, four lives lost, and 60 to 80 people injured, ''said Farooq Abdullah in a press conference in Srinagar. He also added that this unrest in Ladakh, a strategically vital border region, is a wake-up call for the Government of India. The prolonged delay in addressing these legitimate demands has fueled resentment, as the people of Ladakh have waited five years for meaningful action from Delhi. He said that the government must recognise the sensitivity of this border state and act swiftly to prevent further escalation. ''We mourn the tragic loss of lives in Leh and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured, '' said Farooq Abdullah in a press conference in Srinagar. Farooq Abdulah also said that The situation in Ladakh is distinct from the challenges faced by neighboring countries like Nepal or Bangladesh. India, as a unique nation, cannot afford to let dialogue stagnate. The youth of Ladakh have expressed disillusionment with activist Sonam Wangchuk’s methods of protest, and there is no evidence to suggest his direct involvement in the recent violence. ''The initiation of a CBI inquiry against him raises concerns about the use of state agencies to suppress dissent. The government must avoid heavy-handed tactics, as excessive use of force risks further inflaming the situation, '' said Farooq Abdullah. The National Conference President also said that Instead of relying on power, the Government of India must prioritize meaningful dialogue to address Ladakh’s grievances. The time for empty promises has passed. Delhi must act decisively, engaging in constructive talks to deliver a clear resolution—whether it be statehood, Sixth Schedule protections, or other measures that honor the aspirations of the Ladakhi people. The government should learn from this crisis and move swiftly to restore trust and stability in the region.

The National Conference President also said that Instead of relying on power, the Government of India must prioritize meaningful dialogue to address Ladakh’s grievances.

Farooq Abdullah hits out at centre says Leh, Ladakh, has escalated into a grave crisis that demands urgent attention

The Indian ministry of defence has inked a Rs62,370 crore ($7.03bn) deal with government firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to procure 97 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF). According to the government, the delivery of these indigenously designed and developed jets would commence during 2027-28 and be completed over a period of six years. The 97-jet order comprises 68 fighter aircraft and 29 twin seaters that can serve as trainer aircraft.&nbsp;&nbsp;The latest deal is over and above a 2021 deal for 83 Tejas jets, which itself is being fulfilled gradually. While HAL has a massive orderbook for Tejas fighter jets, the Indiann establishment has repeatedly raised concerns over delays in deliveries and their impact on the Air Force's fighting capability. &nbsp;While the Tejas jets are designed and developed by India, they are powered by American General Electric F404 engines. The Indian government says that the Tejas Mk1A, the latest and most advanced variant of the homegrown fighter would have over 64% indigenous content.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was added that the higher level of indigenous content is owing to addition of UTTAM Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar, Swayam Raksha Kavach (self-protection suite), control surface actuators, and more than 60 other components. The Tejas Mk1A programme is being supported by over 100 Indian firms that supply various components, systems and sub-systems. The government estimates suggest that this contract could generate 11,750 direct and indirect jobs annually for the duration of six years, boosting the domestic aerospace ecosystem.&nbsp;&nbsp;The deal for procuring more Tejas aircraft comes just a day prior to the retirement of India's Soviet-era Mig-21 fighter jets. First inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963, the variants of Mig-21 served the IAF for more than six decades, playing a role in almost every conflict involving India in that period.&nbsp; With the retirement of the Mig-21 fleet, the IAF will be down to a fleet of 29 squadrons, with each squadron comprising 16-18 jets. However, even these 29 squadrons include ageing jets like the Jaguar, Mirage-2000 and Mig-29UPG. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the Indian establishment to ramp up fleet strength to meet the growing challenges in the volatile neighbourhood.&nbsp;&nbsp;While the IAF has a sanctioned squadron strength of 42, it is down to 29. Meanwhile, Pakistan has about 25 squadrons of fighter jets and China has about 66 squadrons, with advanced variants being rapidly added and even sixth&nbsp;generation versions being tested. The backbone of the Indian fighter fleet is the Russian-origin Sukhoi-30MKI, of which there are well over 250 jets, and India's latest and most advanced jet variant is the Rafale from France's Dassault Aviation.

Indian government inks $7 Billion deal for 97 Tejas Mk1A jets 

The Indian ministry of defence has inked a Rs62,370 crore ($7.03bn) deal with government firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to procure 97 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF). According to the government, the delivery of these indigenously designed and developed jets would commence during 2027-28 and be completed over a period of six years. The 97-jet order comprises 68 fighter aircraft and 29 twin seaters that can serve as trainer aircraft. The latest deal is over and above a 2021 deal for 83 Tejas jets, which itself is being fulfilled gradually. While HAL has a massive orderbook for Tejas fighter jets, the Indiann establishment has repeatedly raised concerns over delays in deliveries and their impact on the Air Force's fighting capability. While the Tejas jets are designed and developed by India, they are powered by American General Electric F404 engines. The Indian government says that the Tejas Mk1A, the latest and most advanced variant of the homegrown fighter would have over 64% indigenous content. It was added that the higher level of indigenous content is owing to addition of UTTAM Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar, Swayam Raksha Kavach (self-protection suite), control surface actuators, and more than 60 other components. The Tejas Mk1A programme is being supported by over 100 Indian firms that supply various components, systems and sub-systems. The government estimates suggest that this contract could generate 11,750 direct and indirect jobs annually for the duration of six years, boosting the domestic aerospace ecosystem. The deal for procuring more Tejas aircraft comes just a day prior to the retirement of India's Soviet-era Mig-21 fighter jets. First inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963, the variants of Mig-21 served the IAF for more than six decades, playing a role in almost every conflict involving India in that period. With the retirement of the Mig-21 fleet, the IAF will be down to a fleet of 29 squadrons, with each squadron comprising 16-18 jets. However, even these 29 squadrons include ageing jets like the Jaguar, Mirage-2000 and Mig-29UPG. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the Indian establishment to ramp up fleet strength to meet the growing challenges in the volatile neighbourhood. While the IAF has a sanctioned squadron strength of 42, it is down to 29. Meanwhile, Pakistan has about 25 squadrons of fighter jets and China has about 66 squadrons, with advanced variants being rapidly added and even sixth generation versions being tested. The backbone of the Indian fighter fleet is the Russian-origin Sukhoi-30MKI, of which there are well over 250 jets, and India's latest and most advanced jet variant is the Rafale from France's Dassault Aviation.

The delivery of these indigenously designed and developed jets would commence during 2027-28 and be completed over a period of six years. The 97-jet order comprises of 68 fighter aircraft and 29 twin seaters that can serve as trainer aircraft

Indian government inks $7 Billion deal for 97 Tejas Mk1A jets

Current policies by the Trump administration—such as the H-1B visa fee hike and new trade tariffs—are being seen in some quarters as attempts to undermine sectors critical to India's economy, particularly information technology. These moves evoke memories of how another Republican administration tried to stall India's technological progress in the late 1980s. That attempt came not through open confrontation but a quiet act of denial: the refusal to sell India a high-performance supercomputer. What was seen then as a betrayal by a trusted partner ended up becoming one of the most important catalysts in India’s journey towards technological self-reliance. This is the story of how a rejection led to a revolution.<h2>The supercomputer India wanted—and was denied</h2>In 1987, India sought to purchase the Cray X-MP/24 supercomputer from the United States. The stated goal was to use it for advanced meteorological modelling, including monsoon forecasting—critical for Indian agriculture. Accurate predictions could enable timely sowing and help safeguard food security. But despite growing Indo-US cooperation, the United States blocked the sale. Under the Export Administration Act and the COCOM regime, the US classified supercomputers as dual-use technologies, citing the risk that they could aid military or nuclear programmes.As a compromise, the US offered India the less powerful single-processor Cray X-MP/14, under strict conditions: it was to be used only for civilian purposes, with no technology transfer or re-export, and a US-appointed official was to monitor its usage. India reluctantly accepted the downgraded offer.The decision was viewed in India as an unjust and short-sighted restriction—especially since the stated use was purely scientific and non-military.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/h-1b-visa-fee-hike-to-100-000-a-knockout-punch-for-us-tech-sector-to-sue-adapt-lay-off-or-wait-it-out-is-the-question-1758785623726">H-1B visa fee hike to $100,000 a knockout punch for US tech sector? To sue, adapt, lay off, or wait it out is the question. What are their options?</a><h2>A denial that ignited innovation: How India built its own supercomputers</h2>Rather than accept technological dependence, India responded with ambition. In 1988, the government established the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), with the goal of developing an indigenous supercomputer. By 1991, C-DAC launched PARAM 8000, India’s first domestically built supercomputer. Parallel efforts were also underway: the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre developed the ANUPAM series, while the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), through its Advanced Numerical Research and Analysis Group, built the PACE series.These supercomputers became foundational tools across sectors—weather modelling, seismic studies, defence simulation, nuclear research, and space technology. More than technical milestones, they symbolised a growing national confidence in homegrown innovation.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/elon-musk-sundar-pichai-and-satya-nadella-how-h-1b-visa-holders-shaped-the-us-tech-revolution-1758531026454">Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella: How H-1B visa holders shaped the US tech revolution</a><h2>Supercomputers and India’s 1998 nuclear tests</h2>India's capabilities in computational modelling matured by the late 1990s. When India conducted its Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, supercomputers like PARAM and ANUPAM played a supporting role in design simulations and data analysis. These simulations enhanced test precision and reduced the need for multiple detonations. Following the tests, as international sanctions—led by the United States, again—curtailed further physical testing, India's advanced computing infrastructure allowed it to continue improving its arsenal through virtual modelling.While it would be an overstatement to credit supercomputers alone for India’s nuclear capabilities, they significantly strengthened the country’s strategic preparedness and autonomy.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bharat-os-bharat-tube-hindustani-flow-swadeshi-network-you-must-read-this-entrepreneur-s-post-amid-us-h-1b-visa-backstabbing-and-trump-tariffs-1758702845969">Bharat OS, Bharat Tube, Hindustani Flow, Swadeshi network: You MUST READ this entrepreneur's post amid US H-1B visa backstabbing and Trump tariffs</a><h2>Why the US denial of technology to India backfired</h2>The United States denied India access to the Cray X-MP/24 based on Cold War-era non-proliferation policies. But in this case, the denial failed to achieve its intended purpose. Instead of slowing India down, it spurred domestic innovation. Within a few years, India had matched—and in some respects surpassed—the computing power it had originally sought to import.This episode is now frequently cited by historians as a textbook case of how excessive technological controls can accelerate indigenous development. The long-term effect was a strengthening of India's scientific capacity, and a weakening of US influence over India’s technological choices.<h2>Laying the groundwork for India’s IT boom</h2>While the Cray episode did not directly cause India’s software boom, it formed part of a broader shift towards self-reliance in technology. Following economic liberalisation in the early 1990s, India rapidly developed into a global hub for software services and engineering talent.The early supercomputing efforts helped build technical expertise, inspired a generation of engineers, and established institutions that would go on to lead future technological initiatives.PARAM was more than a machine—it was a message that India would not be held back.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/colossal-trump-visa-blunder-likely-to-boomerang-boost-tech-in-india-1758565334027/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/colossal-trump-visa-blunder-likely-to-boomerang-boost-tech-in-india-1758565334027/embed</a><h2>Echoes in 2025: Attempts at stifling India's IT sector&nbsp;</h2>Today, India again finds itself navigating an increasingly complex global tech landscape. Even as it collaborates with the US in fields like defence, space, and telecommunications, friction points remain—particularly around export controls, access to semiconductor technologies, and artificial intelligence systems.The parallels with 1987 are striking. Then, as now, the message from Washington is mixed. Yet history shows that India has consistently responded to such obstacles by doubling down on domestic innovation.<h2>From rejection to resurgence: Time for India to reopen the playbook</h2>The denial of the Cray supercomputer was a pivotal moment in India’s technological history. It exposed the vulnerabilities of dependence, but also revealed the strength of resolve.India’s supercomputing revolution should serve as a reminder: strategic capability cannot be outsourced. It must be built, protected, and owned. What was meant to be a roadblock turned out to be the launchpad. In an era where tech sovereignty is once again in the spotlight, the lessons from 1987 are more relevant now than ever.

The US denial of a supercomputer to India in the 1990s sparked a tech revolution, leading to PARAM 8000 and other supercomputers being developed domestically. India turned rejection and humiliation into a milestone for scientific and strategic rise. The cycle repeats

Current policies by the Trump administration—such as the H-1B visa fee hike and new trade tariffs—are being seen in some quarters as attempts to undermine sectors critical to India's economy, particularly information technology. These moves evoke memories of how another Republican administration tried to stall India's technological progress in the late 1980s. That attempt came not through open confrontation but a quiet act of denial: the refusal to sell India a high-performance supercomputer. What was seen then as a betrayal by a trusted partner ended up becoming one of the most important catalysts in India’s journey towards technological self-reliance. This is the story of how a rejection led to a revolution. The supercomputer India wanted—and was denied In 1987, India sought to purchase the Cray X-MP/24 supercomputer from the United States. The stated goal was to use it for advanced meteorological modelling, including monsoon forecasting—critical for Indian agriculture. Accurate predictions could enable timely sowing and help safeguard food security. But despite growing Indo-US cooperation, the United States blocked the sale. Under the Export Administration Act and the COCOM regime, the US classified supercomputers as dual-use technologies, citing the risk that they could aid military or nuclear programmes. As a compromise, the US offered India the less powerful single-processor Cray X-MP/14, under strict conditions: it was to be used only for civilian purposes, with no technology transfer or re-export, and a US-appointed official was to monitor its usage. India reluctantly accepted the downgraded offer. The decision was viewed in India as an unjust and short-sighted restriction—especially since the stated use was purely scientific and non-military. Also read: H-1B visa fee hike to $100,000 a knockout punch for US tech sector? To sue, adapt, lay off, or wait it out is the question. What are their options? A denial that ignited innovation: How India built its own supercomputers Rather than accept technological dependence, India responded with ambition. In 1988, the government established the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), with the goal of developing an indigenous supercomputer. By 1991, C-DAC launched PARAM 8000, India’s first domestically built supercomputer. Parallel efforts were also underway: the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre developed the ANUPAM series, while the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), through its Advanced Numerical Research and Analysis Group, built the PACE series. These supercomputers became foundational tools across sectors—weather modelling, seismic studies, defence simulation, nuclear research, and space technology. More than technical milestones, they symbolised a growing national confidence in homegrown innovation. Also read: Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella: How H-1B visa holders shaped the US tech revolution Supercomputers and India’s 1998 nuclear tests India's capabilities in computational modelling matured by the late 1990s. When India conducted its Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, supercomputers like PARAM and ANUPAM played a supporting role in design simulations and data analysis. These simulations enhanced test precision and reduced the need for multiple detonations. Following the tests, as international sanctions—led by the United States, again—curtailed further physical testing, India's advanced computing infrastructure allowed it to continue improving its arsenal through virtual modelling. While it would be an overstatement to credit supercomputers alone for India’s nuclear capabilities, they significantly strengthened the country’s strategic preparedness and autonomy. Also read: Bharat OS, Bharat Tube, Hindustani Flow, Swadeshi network: You MUST READ this entrepreneur's post amid US H-1B visa backstabbing and Trump tariffs Why the US denial of technology to India backfired The United States denied India access to the Cray X-MP/24 based on Cold War-era non-proliferation policies. But in this case, the denial failed to achieve its intended purpose. Instead of slowing India down, it spurred domestic innovation. Within a few years, India had matched—and in some respects surpassed—the computing power it had originally sought to import. This episode is now frequently cited by historians as a textbook case of how excessive technological controls can accelerate indigenous development. The long-term effect was a strengthening of India's scientific capacity, and a weakening of US influence over India’s technological choices. Laying the groundwork for India’s IT boom While the Cray episode did not directly cause India’s software boom, it formed part of a broader shift towards self-reliance in technology. Following economic liberalisation in the early 1990s, India rapidly developed into a global hub for software services and engineering talent. The early supercomputing efforts helped build technical expertise, inspired a generation of engineers, and established institutions that would go on to lead future technological initiatives. PARAM was more than a machine—it was a message that India would not be held back. https://www.wionews.com/videos/colossal-trump-visa-blunder-likely-to-boomerang-boost-tech-in-india-1758565334027/embed Echoes in 2025: Attempts at stifling India's IT sector Today, India again finds itself navigating an increasingly complex global tech landscape. Even as it collaborates with the US in fields like defence, space, and telecommunications, friction points remain—particularly around export controls, access to semiconductor technologies, and artificial intelligence systems. The parallels with 1987 are striking. Then, as now, the message from Washington is mixed. Yet history shows that India has consistently responded to such obstacles by doubling down on domestic innovation. From rejection to resurgence: Time for India to reopen the playbook The denial of the Cray supercomputer was a pivotal moment in India’s technological history. It exposed the vulnerabilities of dependence, but also revealed the strength of resolve. India’s supercomputing revolution should serve as a reminder: strategic capability cannot be outsourced. It must be built, protected, and owned. What was meant to be a roadblock turned out to be the launchpad. In an era where tech sovereignty is once again in the spotlight, the lessons from 1987 are more relevant now than ever.

The US denial of a supercomputer to India in the 1990s sparked a tech revolution, leading to PARAM 8000 and other supercomputers being developed domestically. India turned rejection and humiliation into a milestone for scientific and strategic rise. The cycle repeats

The Great American Betrayal: When the US denied India a supercomputer (and why that was a good thing)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again hailed the new GST cut and spoke about how the decision taken by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre has reduced the tax burden on the poor and middle class. Speaking after the inauguration of the UP International Trade Show (UPITS) in Noida, the PM said that the new GST reform is an ongoing process and that it will strengthen the Indian economy further, and lead to greater savings for the people.&nbsp;He also gave an example of how much a shirt used to cost before the BJP cam to power in 2014, when the Congress government was at the helm.&nbsp;“Before 2014, there were so many taxes that neither businesses nor families could balance their budgets. In 2014, a ₹1,000 shirt carried a tax of ₹117. After the implementation of GST in 2017, that tax came down to ₹50. Now, after the NextGen GST reform, only ₹35 will have to be paid on a ₹1,000 shirt".&nbsp;He further stated that reforms are an ongoing process and were introduced in the indirect tax regime by implementing GST in 2017, followed by further reforms in September of this year.&nbsp;Also Read: &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/97-fourth-gen-tejas-fighter-jets-coming-for-indian-air-force-deal-worth-665-billion-rupees-inked-say-reports-1758788165614">97 fourth-gen Tejas fighter jets coming for Indian Air Force: Deal worth 665 billion rupees to be inked, say reports</a>&nbsp;“We are not going to stop here… As the economy strengthens further, the tax burden will keep going down… With countrymen’s blessings, reforms in GST will continue,” the Prime Minister said at the trade show.&nbsp;He also highlighted how his government took the step of removing those earning up to Rs 12 lakh annually from the income tax, under the GST 2.0 reforms.&nbsp;Modi also pointed to the efforts being taken to develop a vibrant defence sector and create an ecosystem where every component is indigenously made.&nbsp;

He further stated that reforms are an ongoing process and were introduced in the indirect tax regime by implementing GST in 2017, followed by the latest reform.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again hailed the new GST cut and spoke about how the decision taken by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre has reduced the tax burden on the poor and middle class. Speaking after the inauguration of the UP International Trade Show (UPITS) in Noida, the PM said that the new GST reform is an ongoing process and that it will strengthen the Indian economy further, and lead to greater savings for the people. He also gave an example of how much a shirt used to cost before the BJP cam to power in 2014, when the Congress government was at the helm. “Before 2014, there were so many taxes that neither businesses nor families could balance their budgets. In 2014, a ₹1,000 shirt carried a tax of ₹117. After the implementation of GST in 2017, that tax came down to ₹50. Now, after the NextGen GST reform, only ₹35 will have to be paid on a ₹1,000 shirt". He further stated that reforms are an ongoing process and were introduced in the indirect tax regime by implementing GST in 2017, followed by further reforms in September of this year. Also Read: 97 fourth-gen Tejas fighter jets coming for Indian Air Force: Deal worth 665 billion rupees to be inked, say reports “We are not going to stop here… As the economy strengthens further, the tax burden will keep going down… With countrymen’s blessings, reforms in GST will continue,” the Prime Minister said at the trade show. He also highlighted how his government took the step of removing those earning up to Rs 12 lakh annually from the income tax, under the GST 2.0 reforms. Modi also pointed to the efforts being taken to develop a vibrant defence sector and create an ecosystem where every component is indigenously made.

He further stated that reforms are an ongoing process and were introduced in the indirect tax regime by implementing GST in 2017, followed by the latest reform.

'Tax burden will keep going down', says Indian PM Modi at trade show

Lt Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, today chaired a high-level security review meeting to assess the emerging situation across Ladakh, emphasising the need for heightened vigilance, seamless inter-agency coordination, &amp; proactive measures to safeguard peace, security, &amp; public order across the Union Territory.&nbsp; All the Political leadership in the Ladakh region have called for calm and peace. &nbsp;Although the KDA leader and former legislator, Asghar Ali Karbalai, has lashed out at the centre, saying everyone in the Kargil division wants to send a message to the Government of India that Ladakhis wouldn’t bow down to you. You need to stop witch-hunting &amp; targeting leadership. Earlier, National Conference President Farooq Abdullah had also hit out at the centre and said that the initiation of a CBI inquiry against Sonam Wangchuk raises concerns about the use of state agencies to suppress dissent. The government must avoid heavy-handed tactics, as excessive use of force risks further inflaming the situation.&nbsp; Asghar Ali Karbalai, KDA leader, stated that for five years, Ladakhis have demanded four key issues, engaging repeatedly with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Despite assurances of sincerity, the MHA has stalled talks, particularly since May. A hunger strike and peaceful protests in Leh followed, during which two women fell ill, yet the MHA remained unresponsive. On the 11th day of the strike, talks were announced with delayed dates, leaving people feeling deceived. This frustration led to protests yesterday, which were met with force by paramilitary forces, resulting in four deaths and numerous injuries, with six in critical condition and 40 still hospitalised.&nbsp; Karbalai condemned the administration’s use of force, selective arrests, and "witch-hunting," urging immediate talks with KDA and APEX. He honoured the deceased as heroes and warned that continued harshness could lead to further unrest, for which the administration would be responsible. The tragic violence in Leh claimed several lives, leaving the region in mourning. Today, the authorities handed over the mortal remains of the deceased to their grieving families. This follows a period of heightened tension and unrest in the Union Territory, where peaceful protests escalated into violent clashes, resulting in loss.

All the Political leadership in the Ladakh region have called for calm and peace. Although the KDA leader and former legislator, Asghar Ali Karbalai, has lashed out at the centre, saying everyone in the Kargil division wants to send a message to the Government of India that Ladakhis wouldn’t bow down to you.

Lt Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, today chaired a high-level security review meeting to assess the emerging situation across Ladakh, emphasising the need for heightened vigilance, seamless inter-agency coordination, & proactive measures to safeguard peace, security, & public order across the Union Territory. All the Political leadership in the Ladakh region have called for calm and peace. Although the KDA leader and former legislator, Asghar Ali Karbalai, has lashed out at the centre, saying everyone in the Kargil division wants to send a message to the Government of India that Ladakhis wouldn’t bow down to you. You need to stop witch-hunting & targeting leadership. Earlier, National Conference President Farooq Abdullah had also hit out at the centre and said that the initiation of a CBI inquiry against Sonam Wangchuk raises concerns about the use of state agencies to suppress dissent. The government must avoid heavy-handed tactics, as excessive use of force risks further inflaming the situation. Asghar Ali Karbalai, KDA leader, stated that for five years, Ladakhis have demanded four key issues, engaging repeatedly with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Despite assurances of sincerity, the MHA has stalled talks, particularly since May. A hunger strike and peaceful protests in Leh followed, during which two women fell ill, yet the MHA remained unresponsive. On the 11th day of the strike, talks were announced with delayed dates, leaving people feeling deceived. This frustration led to protests yesterday, which were met with force by paramilitary forces, resulting in four deaths and numerous injuries, with six in critical condition and 40 still hospitalised. Karbalai condemned the administration’s use of force, selective arrests, and "witch-hunting," urging immediate talks with KDA and APEX. He honoured the deceased as heroes and warned that continued harshness could lead to further unrest, for which the administration would be responsible. The tragic violence in Leh claimed several lives, leaving the region in mourning. Today, the authorities handed over the mortal remains of the deceased to their grieving families. This follows a period of heightened tension and unrest in the Union Territory, where peaceful protests escalated into violent clashes, resulting in loss.

All the Political leadership in the Ladakh region have called for calm and peace. Although the KDA leader and former legislator, Asghar Ali Karbalai, has lashed out at the centre, saying everyone in the Kargil division wants to send a message to the Government of India that Ladakhis wouldn’t bow down to you.

Ladakh LG holds security meet as KDA slams Centre over ‘witch-hunt’ of leaders

In highly regulated industries, navigating change requires more than just adopting new processes, it demands a strategic approach that ensures compliance, efficiency, and workforce alignment. Organisations operating in sectors such as healthcare, life sciences, and financial services must implement transformation initiatives while balancing regulatory requirements and business objectives. Effective change management plays a crucial role in minimising disruption, enhancing operational resilience, and fostering long-term success.&nbsp;Organisational Change Management (OCM) is a critical component in driving meaningful transformation across industries, ensuring that strategic objectives align with actionable execution. With a career spanning multiple industries, Priyanka Taranekar has led large-scale change initiatives that have reshaped business operations and driven measurable success.&nbsp;&nbsp;She was recognised with prestigious awards such as Consulting Magazine’s Top Consultant Award for Leadership in 2025, celebrating her commitment to delivering enterprise-wide transformation, empowering teams, and driving measurable impact in the healthcare and life sciences sector.&nbsp;Priyanka was also honoured to be featured in “Marquis Who’s Who”, a recognition reserved for individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and leadership in their field. This acknowledgment reflects the impact of her work in driving transformation across healthcare and life sciences through strategic innovation and purpose-driven leadership.&nbsp;In the workplace, Priyanka has been consistently recognised for her exceptional contributions—earning the Asia Pacific Region Recognition Award at Towers Watson, multiple Applause Awards at Deloitte, and the prestigious Mogul Award at Slalom for her impact, leadership, and commitment to excellence – over the years.&nbsp;&nbsp;Priyanka has consistently delivered transformational impact through innovative strategies and structured change management methodologies.At the core of her work lies a commitment to aligning business objectives with tailored solutions that foster collaboration and measurable outcomes. Through innovative change management strategies, structured learning programs, and actionable insights, she has empowered organisations to navigate complex challenges and sustain long-term success. By designing frameworks that integrate business strategy with operational execution, she has driven strategic alignment across multiple industries. Her expertise in creating personas, journey maps, and targeted training programs has significantly enhanced workforce engagement, minimised resistance to change, and facilitated the seamless adoption of new systems and processes.&nbsp;Reportedly, one of Priyanka’s most impactful initiatives was leading the learning and development efforts for a regional healthcare provider. The project involved creating an instructional training curriculum, implementing in-app guidance, and rolling out structured training programs to ensure the smooth adoption of a new application. “The initiative resulted in significant adoption rate within the first three months, with impactful increase in task efficiency compared to legacy systems” she stated.&nbsp;&nbsp;Priyanka has also played a vital role in enterprise-wide technology implementations. As a change strategist for a contract research organisation in life sciences, she helped facilitate the implementation of a Workday ERP system. Her approach included readiness assessments, structured change strategies, and customised training programs for HCM that contributed to more efficient workflows and process improvements.&nbsp;Beyond technical implementations, she has helped organisations enhance cross-functional collaboration. Whether redesigning customer loyalty programs for a global pharmaceutical and aesthetics company or developing learning programs for a national title insurance firm, she has supported efforts to align stakeholders and drive program success. These initiatives have helped organisations refine their engagement strategies and significantly optimise program execution.&nbsp;Implementing change in large organisations comes with challenges, including resistance to new systems, fragmented processes, and stakeholder misalignment. She has addressed these challenges by conducting readiness assessments, developing role-specific engagement plans, and implementing structured communication strategies.&nbsp;Her approach has eased team transitions to new systems and boosted adoption rates.&nbsp;As organisations continue to navigate an evolving business landscape, Priyanka highlights the growing role of AI-driven change management tools, digital learning experiences, and agile frameworks that support adaptive transformation. She emphasises the importance of leadership alignment, clear communication, and structured feedback loops to refine change strategies over time.&nbsp;A white paper published by her, "Strategic Change Management in Large-Scale Transformations: Lessons from the Healthcare Industry: Insights into embedding change strategies in complex, multi-stakeholder environments” explores these strategies in depth, providing organisations with guidance on implementing effective change initiatives. Through her experience and expertise, Priyanka remains committed to helping businesses successfully manage change and build a foundation for long-term success.&nbsp;Effective change management is essential for organisations navigating complex and highly regulated industries. By focusing on structured transformation strategies, leadership alignment, and workforce engagement, businesses can overcome challenges and drive meaningful progress. Priyanka’s expertise in designing tailored solutions and implementing impactful change initiatives has helped organisations bridge the gap between strategy and execution. As industries continue to evolve, the role of change management will remain a cornerstone of sustainable growth. Through continued innovation and thought leadership, Priyanka is shaping the future of organisational transformation, equipping businesses with the tools needed to adapt, thrive, and lead in an ever-changing environment.&nbsp;

Priyanka Taranekar has led large-scale change initiatives that have reshaped business operations and driven measurable success. 



In highly regulated industries, navigating change requires more than just adopting new processes, it demands a strategic approach that ensures compliance, efficiency, and workforce alignment. Organisations operating in sectors such as healthcare, life sciences, and financial services must implement transformation initiatives while balancing regulatory requirements and business objectives. Effective change management plays a crucial role in minimising disruption, enhancing operational resilience, and fostering long-term success. Organisational Change Management (OCM) is a critical component in driving meaningful transformation across industries, ensuring that strategic objectives align with actionable execution. With a career spanning multiple industries, Priyanka Taranekar has led large-scale change initiatives that have reshaped business operations and driven measurable success. She was recognised with prestigious awards such as Consulting Magazine’s Top Consultant Award for Leadership in 2025, celebrating her commitment to delivering enterprise-wide transformation, empowering teams, and driving measurable impact in the healthcare and life sciences sector. Priyanka was also honoured to be featured in “Marquis Who’s Who”, a recognition reserved for individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and leadership in their field. This acknowledgment reflects the impact of her work in driving transformation across healthcare and life sciences through strategic innovation and purpose-driven leadership. In the workplace, Priyanka has been consistently recognised for her exceptional contributions—earning the Asia Pacific Region Recognition Award at Towers Watson, multiple Applause Awards at Deloitte, and the prestigious Mogul Award at Slalom for her impact, leadership, and commitment to excellence – over the years. Priyanka has consistently delivered transformational impact through innovative strategies and structured change management methodologies.At the core of her work lies a commitment to aligning business objectives with tailored solutions that foster collaboration and measurable outcomes. Through innovative change management strategies, structured learning programs, and actionable insights, she has empowered organisations to navigate complex challenges and sustain long-term success. By designing frameworks that integrate business strategy with operational execution, she has driven strategic alignment across multiple industries. Her expertise in creating personas, journey maps, and targeted training programs has significantly enhanced workforce engagement, minimised resistance to change, and facilitated the seamless adoption of new systems and processes. Reportedly, one of Priyanka’s most impactful initiatives was leading the learning and development efforts for a regional healthcare provider. The project involved creating an instructional training curriculum, implementing in-app guidance, and rolling out structured training programs to ensure the smooth adoption of a new application. “The initiative resulted in significant adoption rate within the first three months, with impactful increase in task efficiency compared to legacy systems” she stated. Priyanka has also played a vital role in enterprise-wide technology implementations. As a change strategist for a contract research organisation in life sciences, she helped facilitate the implementation of a Workday ERP system. Her approach included readiness assessments, structured change strategies, and customised training programs for HCM that contributed to more efficient workflows and process improvements. Beyond technical implementations, she has helped organisations enhance cross-functional collaboration. Whether redesigning customer loyalty programs for a global pharmaceutical and aesthetics company or developing learning programs for a national title insurance firm, she has supported efforts to align stakeholders and drive program success. These initiatives have helped organisations refine their engagement strategies and significantly optimise program execution. Implementing change in large organisations comes with challenges, including resistance to new systems, fragmented processes, and stakeholder misalignment. She has addressed these challenges by conducting readiness assessments, developing role-specific engagement plans, and implementing structured communication strategies. Her approach has eased team transitions to new systems and boosted adoption rates. As organisations continue to navigate an evolving business landscape, Priyanka highlights the growing role of AI-driven change management tools, digital learning experiences, and agile frameworks that support adaptive transformation. She emphasises the importance of leadership alignment, clear communication, and structured feedback loops to refine change strategies over time. A white paper published by her, "Strategic Change Management in Large-Scale Transformations: Lessons from the Healthcare Industry: Insights into embedding change strategies in complex, multi-stakeholder environments” explores these strategies in depth, providing organisations with guidance on implementing effective change initiatives. Through her experience and expertise, Priyanka remains committed to helping businesses successfully manage change and build a foundation for long-term success. Effective change management is essential for organisations navigating complex and highly regulated industries. By focusing on structured transformation strategies, leadership alignment, and workforce engagement, businesses can overcome challenges and drive meaningful progress. Priyanka’s expertise in designing tailored solutions and implementing impactful change initiatives has helped organisations bridge the gap between strategy and execution. As industries continue to evolve, the role of change management will remain a cornerstone of sustainable growth. Through continued innovation and thought leadership, Priyanka is shaping the future of organisational transformation, equipping businesses with the tools needed to adapt, thrive, and lead in an ever-changing environment.

Priyanka Taranekar has led large-scale change initiatives that have reshaped business operations and driven measurable success.

Priyanka Taranekar leads innovation, redefining organisational change in regulated industries

Just a day before the MiG-21 fighter jets of the Indian Airforce are set to retire on September 26, the Indian Air Force is ready to seal a deal with the Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) for the delivery of 97 Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets, according to reports in the Indian media. The deal, considered largest-ever is said to be worth Rs 66,500 crore.&nbsp;The urgency stems from the fact that the retirement of 36 old MiG-21s will reduce the fighting squadrons of the Indian Air Force to 29 (each has 16-18 jets), its all-time low, according to a Times of India report.&nbsp;After Operation Sindoor, an internal assessment by the Indian Air Force came to the conclusion that that it will need far more than the “authorised” 42.5 fighter squadrons, reported the media house. This need has repeatedly been raised by the IAF. Recently, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh openly acknowledged the shortfall of squadrons stating that the IAF is “very badly off in numbers” and must induct at least 40 fighter jets annually to maintain combat readiness keeping in mind to hostile neighbours, China and Pakistan.&nbsp;MiG-21s Retiring&nbsp;The retirement of the Soviet era Mig-21s raise further concerns. The Indian Air Force combat fleet for over six decades will finally retire on Friday (Sep 26). Belonging to number 23 Squadron, nicknamed "Panthers", the fighter jets will be decommissioned in a ceremony to be held at the Chandigarh Air Force station in Punjab.&nbsp;nducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963 from the Soviet Union (modern day Russia), the jets played a major role in the 1971 war against Pakistan. It was extensively used in the war.&nbsp;According to the Indian Air Force Spokesperson, Wing Commander Jaideep Singh, the notable role it played during the war was the bombing of the Tej Gaon and Kurmitola airfields in East Pakistan. The attack on the governor's residence that finally led to Pakistan surrendering with 93 thousand Prisoners of War, was also carried out by the MiG-21s.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The urgency also stems from the fact that the retirement of 36 old MiG-21s will reduce the fighting squadrons of the Indian Air Force to 29.

Just a day before the MiG-21 fighter jets of the Indian Airforce are set to retire on September 26, the Indian Air Force is ready to seal a deal with the Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) for the delivery of 97 Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets, according to reports in the Indian media. The deal, considered largest-ever is said to be worth Rs 66,500 crore. The urgency stems from the fact that the retirement of 36 old MiG-21s will reduce the fighting squadrons of the Indian Air Force to 29 (each has 16-18 jets), its all-time low, according to a Times of India report. After Operation Sindoor, an internal assessment by the Indian Air Force came to the conclusion that that it will need far more than the “authorised” 42.5 fighter squadrons, reported the media house. This need has repeatedly been raised by the IAF. Recently, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh openly acknowledged the shortfall of squadrons stating that the IAF is “very badly off in numbers” and must induct at least 40 fighter jets annually to maintain combat readiness keeping in mind to hostile neighbours, China and Pakistan. MiG-21s Retiring The retirement of the Soviet era Mig-21s raise further concerns. The Indian Air Force combat fleet for over six decades will finally retire on Friday (Sep 26). Belonging to number 23 Squadron, nicknamed "Panthers", the fighter jets will be decommissioned in a ceremony to be held at the Chandigarh Air Force station in Punjab. nducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963 from the Soviet Union (modern day Russia), the jets played a major role in the 1971 war against Pakistan. It was extensively used in the war. According to the Indian Air Force Spokesperson, Wing Commander Jaideep Singh, the notable role it played during the war was the bombing of the Tej Gaon and Kurmitola airfields in East Pakistan. The attack on the governor's residence that finally led to Pakistan surrendering with 93 thousand Prisoners of War, was also carried out by the MiG-21s.

The urgency also stems from the fact that the retirement of 36 old MiG-21s will reduce the fighting squadrons of the Indian Air Force to 29.

97 fourth-gen Tejas fighter jets coming for Indian Air Force: Deal worth 665 billion rupees to be inked, say reports

The US tech industry, heavily dependent on foreign high-skilled talent on visas, is scrambling to respond to the Trump administration's $100,000 fee hike for new H‑1B visa applications. Firms are urgently plotting their next moves, as the policy hits at the core of their business models. Options include legal challenges, adapting to the new reality by moving more jobs offshore, or simply waiting it out. Despite its longstanding lobbying clout, the US tech sector was caught off guard by the sudden visa fee hike announcement. Here is a situation report.<h2>Silicon Valley's knee-jerk reaction to the H-1B visa fee shockwave</h2>Within hours of the announcement, American tech firms, their legal teams and HR departments—from San Francisco to Boston—scrambled to assess the damage and control the fallout. The White House later clarified that the hiked fee would apply only to new H‑1B petitions, not to renewals or existing visa holders, but by then, the damage had already been done. The writing on the wall was clear: the cost of employing skilled foreign workers in the US is about to skyrocket.<h2>H-1B visa was a pillar of US tech sector</h2>Capped at 85,000 new entrants per year, H‑1B visas have long been a cornerstone of the US technology workforce, with nearly 70 per cent historically going to Indian nationals. American companies have relied on the programme to hire highly specialised engineers, data scientists, AI researchers, and cybersecurity experts—often at lower costs compared to local talent. But with the new policy shift, US firms will now be forced to rethink both their hiring strategies and geographic footprint.<h2>Legal pushback is already underway against US H-1B visa fee hike</h2>California’s Attorney General is actively exploring a lawsuit against the federal government, questioning whether the executive branch has the authority to unilaterally impose such a significant surcharge without congressional approval. Legal scholars cited in US media say the move may be in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act and the Constitution’s separation of powers doctrine.Meanwhile, immigration attorneys across the country are preparing injunctions and test cases, arguing that the policy is not only economically damaging but also legally unsound. Many expect legal filings to begin within weeks, with emergency relief motions likely timed to stop the new fees before the 2026 H‑1B visa filing cycle starts.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-us-flight-fares-soar-after-trump-s-sudden-h-1b-visa-fee-hike-airports-witness-chaos-1758371175372">India-US flight fares soar after Trump’s sudden H-1B visa fee hike; airports witness chaos</a><h2>Tech industry scrambles to mobilise its Washington lobbying muscle</h2>According to multiple reports, several tech majors—including leaders in AI, enterprise software, and cloud computing—are urgently seeking exemptions, especially for roles deemed vital to national interest. Many are requesting a phased rollout or the “grandfathering” of petitions already in progress. Even while some executives offer tepid support for limited reforms aimed at curbing abuse of the visa system, few endorse the sweeping approach taken by the Trump administration.Lobbyists are also pushing for carve-outs for early-stage startups, university-affiliated researchers, and specialists working on federally funded innovation projects. But it remains unclear how much political will exists to soften the measure in an election cycle charged with immigration rhetoric.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-visa-update-work-and-tourist-visas-suspended-for-these-9-countries-from-2026-what-you-should-know-1758622203017">UAE visa update: Work and tourist visas suspended for THESE 9 countries under 2026 ban. What you should know</a><h2>The irony: some companies are already thinking of moving work abroad or dodging the H-1B system entirely</h2>While the policy may bring an end to the practice of co-locating engineering teams in the US, companies are determined not to give up on cost efficiency. Several are already turning to global delivery models—hiring remote teams or expanding satellite offices in Europe and Canada. This is offshoring by other means, a strategy designed to offset the financial impact of the new visa policy.Despite the “hire American” rhetoric, many US tech firms see no financial upside to hiring domestically for high-cost, specialised roles. Instead, they are looking to alternative visa categories such as the L‑1—used for intracompany transfers—which may allow them to bypass the H‑1B system entirely.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-proposes-to-scrap-h-1b-lottery-system-proposes-visa-process-favoring-better-paid-workers-1758651587890">Trump proposes to scrap H-1B lottery system, proposes visa process favouring better-paid workers</a><h2>Smaller firms and startups are scaling back on hiring</h2>Many reports suggest that smaller firms—especially those without deep financial reserves—are quietly scaling back their hiring plans. Strategies include delaying international recruitment, hiring green card holders who may not be US citizens, or restructuring teams to reduce dependency on H‑1B talent. But hiring based on availability rather than skill match comes with long-term risks to competitiveness and product quality.For larger firms, the concern is less about immediate cost and more about innovation bottlenecks. If they’re blocked from hiring global talent, development timelines will slow, product roadmaps could be derailed. The US may eventually lose its edge in high-stakes fields like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and next-generation biotech.<h2>Enormous economic stakes await US tech industry</h2>JPMorgan analysts estimated that the new fee could reduce H‑1B petition filings by up to 5,500 cases per month. This would affect not only software developers, but also researchers, educators, and healthcare professionals who rely on H‑1B visas in critical and often underserved areas. While the Trump administration has hinted at possible exceptions for healthcare, the broader tech industry remains the hardest hit—caught between legal opposition and operational paralysis.Universities and hospitals—particularly those in rural states—have already begun lobbying for relief, arguing that the sudden cost spike will create workforce shortages in essential services. But unlike academia and healthcare, the tech industry must also navigate investor pressure, global competition, and product delivery cycles—all of which magnify the impact of talent disruption.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/global-work-visa-options-top-countries-opening-work-visas-for-indians-1758778533092/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/global-work-visa-options-top-countries-opening-work-visas-for-indians-1758778533092/embed</a><h2>Seeking a way out: will courts or government exemptions save the day for US tech?</h2>Some industry observers are hopeful that courts will intervene to delay, modify, or strike down the surcharge. Others believe the real battle will be fought through behind-the-scenes negotiations, regulatory tweaks, or last-minute compromises introduced during the 2026 budget cycle. However, several firms are already restructuring their operating models to prepare for a future where foreign labour is either too costly—or simply too politically fraught—to rely on.<h2>Will the Trump administration step back from the visa fee hike?</h2>The White House has said the surcharge is a temporary measure, subject to a 12-month review clause, but few in Silicon Valley believe that a quiet reversal is likely. Companies are building contingency plans, reworking budgets, and preparing for a prolonged fight. Even if the fee is softened later, the uncertainty it has already created is affecting recruitment, retention, and planning.One thing is clear: the Trump administration’s unexpected and sweeping H‑1B surcharge has triggered a defining moment for the US tech industry. American firms now face a set of imperfect options: to sue, to seek exemptions, to move operations abroad, or to wait out the storm and hope for policy change.In 2025, in an industry built on agility, the H‑1B visa fee has become a new kind of test—not of code, but of strategy, resilience, and political calculus. &nbsp;

If you think H-1B visa fee hike is going to affect only Indian tech firms and skilled professionals, read this. From Big Tech firms to startups, American IT industry is staring at massive disruptions and weighing their options for a fightback. What can they do to offset the visa fee impact?

The US tech industry, heavily dependent on foreign high-skilled talent on visas, is scrambling to respond to the Trump administration's $100,000 fee hike for new H‑1B visa applications. Firms are urgently plotting their next moves, as the policy hits at the core of their business models. Options include legal challenges, adapting to the new reality by moving more jobs offshore, or simply waiting it out. Despite its longstanding lobbying clout, the US tech sector was caught off guard by the sudden visa fee hike announcement. Here is a situation report. Silicon Valley's knee-jerk reaction to the H-1B visa fee shockwave Within hours of the announcement, American tech firms, their legal teams and HR departments—from San Francisco to Boston—scrambled to assess the damage and control the fallout. The White House later clarified that the hiked fee would apply only to new H‑1B petitions, not to renewals or existing visa holders, but by then, the damage had already been done. The writing on the wall was clear: the cost of employing skilled foreign workers in the US is about to skyrocket. H-1B visa was a pillar of US tech sector Capped at 85,000 new entrants per year, H‑1B visas have long been a cornerstone of the US technology workforce, with nearly 70 per cent historically going to Indian nationals. American companies have relied on the programme to hire highly specialised engineers, data scientists, AI researchers, and cybersecurity experts—often at lower costs compared to local talent. But with the new policy shift, US firms will now be forced to rethink both their hiring strategies and geographic footprint. Legal pushback is already underway against US H-1B visa fee hike California’s Attorney General is actively exploring a lawsuit against the federal government, questioning whether the executive branch has the authority to unilaterally impose such a significant surcharge without congressional approval. Legal scholars cited in US media say the move may be in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act and the Constitution’s separation of powers doctrine. Meanwhile, immigration attorneys across the country are preparing injunctions and test cases, arguing that the policy is not only economically damaging but also legally unsound. Many expect legal filings to begin within weeks, with emergency relief motions likely timed to stop the new fees before the 2026 H‑1B visa filing cycle starts. Also read: India-US flight fares soar after Trump’s sudden H-1B visa fee hike; airports witness chaos Tech industry scrambles to mobilise its Washington lobbying muscle According to multiple reports, several tech majors—including leaders in AI, enterprise software, and cloud computing—are urgently seeking exemptions, especially for roles deemed vital to national interest. Many are requesting a phased rollout or the “grandfathering” of petitions already in progress. Even while some executives offer tepid support for limited reforms aimed at curbing abuse of the visa system, few endorse the sweeping approach taken by the Trump administration. Lobbyists are also pushing for carve-outs for early-stage startups, university-affiliated researchers, and specialists working on federally funded innovation projects. But it remains unclear how much political will exists to soften the measure in an election cycle charged with immigration rhetoric. Also read: UAE visa update: Work and tourist visas suspended for THESE 9 countries under 2026 ban. What you should know The irony: some companies are already thinking of moving work abroad or dodging the H-1B system entirely While the policy may bring an end to the practice of co-locating engineering teams in the US, companies are determined not to give up on cost efficiency. Several are already turning to global delivery models—hiring remote teams or expanding satellite offices in Europe and Canada. This is offshoring by other means, a strategy designed to offset the financial impact of the new visa policy. Despite the “hire American” rhetoric, many US tech firms see no financial upside to hiring domestically for high-cost, specialised roles. Instead, they are looking to alternative visa categories such as the L‑1—used for intracompany transfers—which may allow them to bypass the H‑1B system entirely. Also read: Trump proposes to scrap H-1B lottery system, proposes visa process favouring better-paid workers Smaller firms and startups are scaling back on hiring Many reports suggest that smaller firms—especially those without deep financial reserves—are quietly scaling back their hiring plans. Strategies include delaying international recruitment, hiring green card holders who may not be US citizens, or restructuring teams to reduce dependency on H‑1B talent. But hiring based on availability rather than skill match comes with long-term risks to competitiveness and product quality. For larger firms, the concern is less about immediate cost and more about innovation bottlenecks. If they’re blocked from hiring global talent, development timelines will slow, product roadmaps could be derailed. The US may eventually lose its edge in high-stakes fields like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and next-generation biotech. Enormous economic stakes await US tech industry JPMorgan analysts estimated that the new fee could reduce H‑1B petition filings by up to 5,500 cases per month. This would affect not only software developers, but also researchers, educators, and healthcare professionals who rely on H‑1B visas in critical and often underserved areas. While the Trump administration has hinted at possible exceptions for healthcare, the broader tech industry remains the hardest hit—caught between legal opposition and operational paralysis. Universities and hospitals—particularly those in rural states—have already begun lobbying for relief, arguing that the sudden cost spike will create workforce shortages in essential services. But unlike academia and healthcare, the tech industry must also navigate investor pressure, global competition, and product delivery cycles—all of which magnify the impact of talent disruption. https://www.wionews.com/videos/global-work-visa-options-top-countries-opening-work-visas-for-indians-1758778533092/embed Seeking a way out: will courts or government exemptions save the day for US tech? Some industry observers are hopeful that courts will intervene to delay, modify, or strike down the surcharge. Others believe the real battle will be fought through behind-the-scenes negotiations, regulatory tweaks, or last-minute compromises introduced during the 2026 budget cycle. However, several firms are already restructuring their operating models to prepare for a future where foreign labour is either too costly—or simply too politically fraught—to rely on. Will the Trump administration step back from the visa fee hike? The White House has said the surcharge is a temporary measure, subject to a 12-month review clause, but few in Silicon Valley believe that a quiet reversal is likely. Companies are building contingency plans, reworking budgets, and preparing for a prolonged fight. Even if the fee is softened later, the uncertainty it has already created is affecting recruitment, retention, and planning. One thing is clear: the Trump administration’s unexpected and sweeping H‑1B surcharge has triggered a defining moment for the US tech industry. American firms now face a set of imperfect options: to sue, to seek exemptions, to move operations abroad, or to wait out the storm and hope for policy change. In 2025, in an industry built on agility, the H‑1B visa fee has become a new kind of test—not of code, but of strategy, resilience, and political calculus.

If you think H-1B visa fee hike is going to affect only Indian tech firms and skilled professionals, read this. From Big Tech firms to startups, American IT industry is staring at massive disruptions and weighing their options for a fightback. What can they do to offset the visa fee impact?

H-1B visa fee hike a knockout punch for US tech sector? To sue, adapt, lay off, or wait it out is the question. What are their options?

In a significant development, India has successfully test-fired the Intermediate Range ‘Agni-Prime Missile’ from a rail-based Mobile launcher system on Thursday in a joint collaboration of DRDO and the Strategic Forces Command (SFC). The next-generation missile is equipped with several advanced features and is designed to cover a range of up to 2000 km.<h3>What is the rail-based mobile launcher system?</h3>It is a missile launch platform fitted onto specially modified rail wagons, enabling the weapon to be moved across the railway network for stealthy, flexible deployment under operational conditions. The launch vehicle is self-sustained with its own communication, power, and protection systems, allowing rapid reaction launches with reduced visibility.&nbsp;The launch system also features a canisterised missile setup, advanced communication systems, and rapid deployment capability. This kind of launcher places India among a select few nations developing or possessing rail-based missile deployment capability.<h3>What does this launcher system mean for the Indian military?</h3>According to a report by NDTV, the Indian military can now launch the Agni Prime missile (and other suitable projectiles) from the countryside or remotest areas, even without road support. The only requirement is access to a railway line. With nearly 70,000 kilometres of track as of March last year, India possesses the world’s fourth-largest railway network.&nbsp;The rail-based missile launcher offers more than wider launch points. It also means the military can move these missiles discreetly and hidden from enemy satellites in train tunnels. This system can also offer an increased number of storage facilities amid times of war, when enemies attempt to target military bases where the missiles might normally be stored.&nbsp;The rail-based Mobile launcher system and launch of a missile is part of push for self-reliance in its Defence capabilities of India which has been envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's push for ‘Aatmanirbharta' in every sphere.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-india-test-fire-agni-prime-missile-from-rail-based-launcher-defence-minister-calls-it-first-of-its-kind-1758776763675">WATCH: India test-fire 'Agni-Prime Missile' from rail-based launcher, Defence Minister calls it 'First-of-Its-Kind'</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;

 The launch vehicle is self-sustained with its own communication, power, and protection systems, allowing rapid reaction launches with reduced visibility. It also features a canisterised missile setup, advanced communication systems, and rapid deployment capability. 

In a significant development, India has successfully test-fired the Intermediate Range ‘Agni-Prime Missile’ from a rail-based Mobile launcher system on Thursday in a joint collaboration of DRDO and the Strategic Forces Command (SFC). The next-generation missile is equipped with several advanced features and is designed to cover a range of up to 2000 km. What is the rail-based mobile launcher system? It is a missile launch platform fitted onto specially modified rail wagons, enabling the weapon to be moved across the railway network for stealthy, flexible deployment under operational conditions. The launch vehicle is self-sustained with its own communication, power, and protection systems, allowing rapid reaction launches with reduced visibility. The launch system also features a canisterised missile setup, advanced communication systems, and rapid deployment capability. This kind of launcher places India among a select few nations developing or possessing rail-based missile deployment capability. What does this launcher system mean for the Indian military? According to a report by NDTV, the Indian military can now launch the Agni Prime missile (and other suitable projectiles) from the countryside or remotest areas, even without road support. The only requirement is access to a railway line. With nearly 70,000 kilometres of track as of March last year, India possesses the world’s fourth-largest railway network. The rail-based missile launcher offers more than wider launch points. It also means the military can move these missiles discreetly and hidden from enemy satellites in train tunnels. This system can also offer an increased number of storage facilities amid times of war, when enemies attempt to target military bases where the missiles might normally be stored. The rail-based Mobile launcher system and launch of a missile is part of push for self-reliance in its Defence capabilities of India which has been envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's push for ‘Aatmanirbharta' in every sphere. Also read: WATCH: India test-fire 'Agni-Prime Missile' from rail-based launcher, Defence Minister calls it 'First-of-Its-Kind'

The launch vehicle is self-sustained with its own communication, power, and protection systems, allowing rapid reaction launches with reduced visibility. It also features a canisterised missile setup, advanced communication systems, and rapid deployment capability.&nbsp;

What is rail based mobile launcher system? India's 'Agni-Prime Missile' with 2,000 km range fired from train

A team from IIT Bombay is making progress in building a pair of scientific-use satellites that can help track and unravel some interesting high-energy phenomenon in our universe. Titled Daksha, the proposed space mission could help better humanity's understanding of Exploding Stars, Gamma-Ray Bursts, Solar flares, High-altitude lightning, among others. The data that would be generated from this future mission would enhance research in Astrophysics, Solar studies, Atmospheric sciences.Exploding stars or Supernovae refer to massive explosions that mark the death of a star. Gamma-Ray Bursts are the most energetic explosions known in the universe and they release intense gamma radiation, it could be caused by the collapse of a massive star. Gamma-Ray Bursts emit more energy in a few seconds than the Sun in its entire life, and such phenomenon could affect life on Earth if it occurred nearby. Such varied explosions also created all the heavy elements like gold and uranium in the universe.Solar flares are a sudden burst of energy from the Sun's surface. These high-energy particles travel at very high speeds and have the potential to disrupt satellite communications, GPS, space missions, astronaut missions etc. High-altitude lightning is unlike conventional lightning, and it takes place in earth's upper atmosphere and the region near space.According to Dr. Varun Bhalerao, an astrophysicist at IIT Bombay, Daksha is meant to study all the above phenomenon and offer a wide-angle view of space. He explained that existing space telescopes operated by foreign space agencies have a zoomed in view of a certain region in space, but Daksha can offer a wide view and more coverage.Outlining the journey so far, Dr. Varun says, "back in 2018, Indian space agency ISRO invited Indian scientists and academia to propose space telescope ideas, and ours happened to be ranked highly, which got us some seed funding for creating a proof of concept". With that, we made detectors and sensors with the right kind of sensitivity, and now we are waiting for further steps such as approvals from ISRO and the Indian cabinet, the country's apex decision-making body, he told WION.Elaborating on the payloads or scientific equipment that would be mounted on the twin Daksha satellite, Dr. Varun said that each satellite would carry a 150kg science payload that would be developed by his team, and the satellite structure, solar panels, other standard components would be provided by ISRO.He emphasized that the twin Daksha satellites could continuously look out for any high-energy activity that is occurring in our Universe, and the payloads are sensitive enough to capture activity that is billions of light years away. "In terms of volumetric coverage, India's Daksha will be 5 times better than the NASA-ESA Fermi satellite, and 13 times better than NASA's SWIFT satellite. This means, even if a specific type of explosion or high-energy event in space is far away or too faint to be captured, we can capture it because of our equipment sensitivity and wide field of view, as opposed to the zoomed in view of other space telescopes," Dr. Varun explained to WION.

Gamma-Ray Bursts are the most energetic explosions known in the universe and they release intense gamma radiation, it could be caused by the collapse of a massive star. 

A team from IIT Bombay is making progress in building a pair of scientific-use satellites that can help track and unravel some interesting high-energy phenomenon in our universe. Titled Daksha, the proposed space mission could help better humanity's understanding of Exploding Stars, Gamma-Ray Bursts, Solar flares, High-altitude lightning, among others. The data that would be generated from this future mission would enhance research in Astrophysics, Solar studies, Atmospheric sciences. Exploding stars or Supernovae refer to massive explosions that mark the death of a star. Gamma-Ray Bursts are the most energetic explosions known in the universe and they release intense gamma radiation, it could be caused by the collapse of a massive star. Gamma-Ray Bursts emit more energy in a few seconds than the Sun in its entire life, and such phenomenon could affect life on Earth if it occurred nearby. Such varied explosions also created all the heavy elements like gold and uranium in the universe. Solar flares are a sudden burst of energy from the Sun's surface. These high-energy particles travel at very high speeds and have the potential to disrupt satellite communications, GPS, space missions, astronaut missions etc. High-altitude lightning is unlike conventional lightning, and it takes place in earth's upper atmosphere and the region near space. According to Dr. Varun Bhalerao, an astrophysicist at IIT Bombay, Daksha is meant to study all the above phenomenon and offer a wide-angle view of space. He explained that existing space telescopes operated by foreign space agencies have a zoomed in view of a certain region in space, but Daksha can offer a wide view and more coverage. Outlining the journey so far, Dr. Varun says, "back in 2018, Indian space agency ISRO invited Indian scientists and academia to propose space telescope ideas, and ours happened to be ranked highly, which got us some seed funding for creating a proof of concept". With that, we made detectors and sensors with the right kind of sensitivity, and now we are waiting for further steps such as approvals from ISRO and the Indian cabinet, the country's apex decision-making body, he told WION. Elaborating on the payloads or scientific equipment that would be mounted on the twin Daksha satellite, Dr. Varun said that each satellite would carry a 150kg science payload that would be developed by his team, and the satellite structure, solar panels, other standard components would be provided by ISRO. He emphasized that the twin Daksha satellites could continuously look out for any high-energy activity that is occurring in our Universe, and the payloads are sensitive enough to capture activity that is billions of light years away. "In terms of volumetric coverage, India's Daksha will be 5 times better than the NASA-ESA Fermi satellite, and 13 times better than NASA's SWIFT satellite. This means, even if a specific type of explosion or high-energy event in space is far away or too faint to be captured, we can capture it because of our equipment sensitivity and wide field of view, as opposed to the zoomed in view of other space telescopes," Dr. Varun explained to WION.

Gamma-Ray Bursts are the most energetic explosions known in the universe and they release intense gamma radiation, it could be caused by the collapse of a massive star.&nbsp;

IIT Bombay's Daksha satellites to unravel mysteries of the Universe

The MiG-21 fighter jets, the backbone of the Indian Air Force combat fleet for over six decades will finally retire on Friday (Sep 26).Belonging to number 23 Squadron, nicknamed "Panthers", the fighter jets will be decommissioned in a ceremony to be held at the Chandigarh Air Force station in Punjab. &nbsp;A full-dress rehearsal ahead of the retirement ceremony was held at the Chandigarh Air Base on Wednesday.&nbsp;The attendees who will take part in the ceremony are, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.&nbsp;MiG-21 Role In Major Events, War&nbsp;Inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963 from the Soviet Union (modern day Russia), the jets played a major role in the 1971 war against Pakistan. It was extensively used in the war.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-india-test-fire-agni-prime-missile-from-rail-based-launcher-defence-minister-calls-it-first-of-its-kind-1758776763675">WATCH: India test-fire 'Agni-Prime Missile' from rail-based launcher, Defence Minister calls it 'First-of-Its-Kind'</a>&nbsp;According to the Indian Air Force Spokesperson, Wing Commander Jaideep Singh, the notable role it played during the war was the bombing of the Tej Gaon and Kurmitola airfields in East Pakistan. The attack on the governor's residence that finally led to Pakistan surrendering with 93 thousand Prisoners of War, was also carried out by the MiG-21s.&nbsp;During the 1999 Kargil war, the fighter jets helped to destroy Pakistan's control and command centres at mountain peaks. Notably, it was also deployed in the 2019 Balakot surgical strike against Pakistani terrorist camps. It was with the MiG-21 that Abhinandan shot down an F-16 of the Pakistani Air Force, according to Singh.&nbsp;"Flying Coffins"&nbsp;However, the MiG-21 fighter jets also became infamous for the high number of crashes reported in the recent years, especially in the early 2000s, for which they got the nickname "flying coffins". The name coined by the media was aimed at conveying the grief of the families of pilots who lost their lives in these accidents.&nbsp;Despite the accidents, there were a section of pilots and experts who argued that the jets were one of the best for its time.&nbsp;

Inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963 from the Soviet Union (modern day Russia), the jets played a major role in the 1971 war against Pakistan. It was extensively used in the war.

The MiG-21 fighter jets, the backbone of the Indian Air Force combat fleet for over six decades will finally retire on Friday (Sep 26).Belonging to number 23 Squadron, nicknamed "Panthers", the fighter jets will be decommissioned in a ceremony to be held at the Chandigarh Air Force station in Punjab. A full-dress rehearsal ahead of the retirement ceremony was held at the Chandigarh Air Base on Wednesday. The attendees who will take part in the ceremony are, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. MiG-21 Role In Major Events, War Inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963 from the Soviet Union (modern day Russia), the jets played a major role in the 1971 war against Pakistan. It was extensively used in the war. Also Read: WATCH: India test-fire 'Agni-Prime Missile' from rail-based launcher, Defence Minister calls it 'First-of-Its-Kind' According to the Indian Air Force Spokesperson, Wing Commander Jaideep Singh, the notable role it played during the war was the bombing of the Tej Gaon and Kurmitola airfields in East Pakistan. The attack on the governor's residence that finally led to Pakistan surrendering with 93 thousand Prisoners of War, was also carried out by the MiG-21s. During the 1999 Kargil war, the fighter jets helped to destroy Pakistan's control and command centres at mountain peaks. Notably, it was also deployed in the 2019 Balakot surgical strike against Pakistani terrorist camps. It was with the MiG-21 that Abhinandan shot down an F-16 of the Pakistani Air Force, according to Singh. "Flying Coffins" However, the MiG-21 fighter jets also became infamous for the high number of crashes reported in the recent years, especially in the early 2000s, for which they got the nickname "flying coffins". The name coined by the media was aimed at conveying the grief of the families of pilots who lost their lives in these accidents. Despite the accidents, there were a section of pilots and experts who argued that the jets were one of the best for its time.

Inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963 from the Soviet Union (modern day Russia), the jets played a major role in the 1971 war against Pakistan. It was extensively used in the war.

MiG-21 retires: End of an era for Soviet-era jets that served Indian Air Force for six decades. Know its story

Authorities in Leh have imposed a curfew today, while Section 163 has been enforced in Kargil following violent clashes that resulted in four deaths and 70 injuries. The protests erupted over demands for statehood and protections under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. As a precautionary measure, the District Magistrate of Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, IAS, has imposed prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS), 2023, with immediate effect to prevent any disturbance to public order. The order prohibits the following without prior written permission or authorisation. Processions, rallies, public marches, or demonstrations of any kind. Use of loudspeakers, sound amplifiers, or vehicle-mounted public address systems. Public statements, speeches, or electronic messages likely to disturb peace or provoke enmity.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ladakh-protest-protests-over-statehood-take-a-violent-turn-at-least-4-dead-1758773164507/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/ladakh-protest-protests-over-statehood-take-a-violent-turn-at-least-4-dead-1758773164507/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a statement attributing the violent protests in Leh, which caused casualties and damage, to activist Sonam Wangchuk. The MHA accused him of inciting unrest and misleading the public. The ministry reiterated its commitment to resolving the issues through dialogue and highlighted progress made in previous discussions.&nbsp;''A hunger strike was started by Sh Sonam Wangchuk on 10-09-2025 stating the demand of 6th schedule and statehood for Ladakh. It is well known that the Government of India has been actively engaged with Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance on the same issues. Series of meetings were held with them through the formal channel of the High-Powered Committee as well as Sub-committee and multiple informal meetings with leaders. The process of dialogue through this mechanism has yielded phenomenal results by increasing reservations for Ladakh scheduled tribes from 45% to 84%, providing 1/3 women reservations in the councils and declaring Bhoti and Purgi as official languages.'' it read.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ladakh-protests-what-is-sixth-schedule-of-constitution-that-protesters-are-demanding-1758728180882">Ladakh protests: What is Sixth Schedule of Constitution that protesters are demanding?</a>&nbsp;It further added, that ''The demands on which Mr Wangchuk was on hunger strike are an integral part of the discussion in HPC. In spite of many leaders urging to call off the hunger strike he continued with the hunger strike and misleading the people through provocative mention of Arab Spring-style protest and references to Gen Z protests in Nepal. On 24th September, at around 11.30 am, a mob instigated by his provocative speeches left the venue of the hunger strike and attacked a political party office as well as Government office of the CEC Leh.''&nbsp;The next High-Powered Committee meeting is scheduled for October 6, with further discussions planned later this month. Meanwhile, a high-level Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) team will arrive in Leh today to assess the situation and is expected to meet with leaders from Leh and Kargil. The team will remain in Leh today and tomorrow before returning to the national capital.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a statement attributing the violent protests in Leh, which caused casualties and damage, to activist Sonam Wangchuk. 

Authorities in Leh have imposed a curfew today, while Section 163 has been enforced in Kargil following violent clashes that resulted in four deaths and 70 injuries. The protests erupted over demands for statehood and protections under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. As a precautionary measure, the District Magistrate of Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, IAS, has imposed prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS), 2023, with immediate effect to prevent any disturbance to public order. The order prohibits the following without prior written permission or authorisation. Processions, rallies, public marches, or demonstrations of any kind. Use of loudspeakers, sound amplifiers, or vehicle-mounted public address systems. Public statements, speeches, or electronic messages likely to disturb peace or provoke enmity. https://www.wionews.com/videos/ladakh-protest-protests-over-statehood-take-a-violent-turn-at-least-4-dead-1758773164507/embed The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a statement attributing the violent protests in Leh, which caused casualties and damage, to activist Sonam Wangchuk. The MHA accused him of inciting unrest and misleading the public. The ministry reiterated its commitment to resolving the issues through dialogue and highlighted progress made in previous discussions. ''A hunger strike was started by Sh Sonam Wangchuk on 10-09-2025 stating the demand of 6th schedule and statehood for Ladakh. It is well known that the Government of India has been actively engaged with Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance on the same issues. Series of meetings were held with them through the formal channel of the High-Powered Committee as well as Sub-committee and multiple informal meetings with leaders. The process of dialogue through this mechanism has yielded phenomenal results by increasing reservations for Ladakh scheduled tribes from 45% to 84%, providing 1/3 women reservations in the councils and declaring Bhoti and Purgi as official languages.'' it read. Also read: Ladakh protests: What is Sixth Schedule of Constitution that protesters are demanding? It further added, that ''The demands on which Mr Wangchuk was on hunger strike are an integral part of the discussion in HPC. In spite of many leaders urging to call off the hunger strike he continued with the hunger strike and misleading the people through provocative mention of Arab Spring-style protest and references to Gen Z protests in Nepal. On 24th September, at around 11.30 am, a mob instigated by his provocative speeches left the venue of the hunger strike and attacked a political party office as well as Government office of the CEC Leh.'' The next High-Powered Committee meeting is scheduled for October 6, with further discussions planned later this month. Meanwhile, a high-level Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) team will arrive in Leh today to assess the situation and is expected to meet with leaders from Leh and Kargil. The team will remain in Leh today and tomorrow before returning to the national capital.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a statement attributing the violent protests in Leh, which caused casualties and damage, to activist Sonam Wangchuk.&nbsp;

Curfew in Leh, Section 163 in Kargil to prevent protests and Law and order situation

India has successfully conducted a test of the Intermediate Range ‘Agni-Prime Missile’ from a rail-based Mobile launcher system on Thursday. The project was launched in a collaboration between DRDO and the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) under a full operational scenario on September 24, 2025. Equipped with several advanced features, the next-generation missile is designed to cover a range of up to 2000 km.&nbsp;The first-of-its-kind launch was successfully executed using a specially developed rail-based mobile launcher that can operate seamlessly on the railway network without any preconditions. This system offers cross-country mobility and can initiate a launch within minimal reaction time while maintaining reduced visibility. The launcher is fully autonomous, equipped with advanced communication systems, independent launch capabilities and protective features.<h3>Defence minister calls it ‘first-of-its-kind launch’</h3>Defence minister Rajnath Singh confirmed the successful test in a statement on his social media platform X, calling it a "first-of-its-kind launch" that highlights the growing strategic capabilities of India.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">India has carried out the successful launch of Intermediate Range Agni-Prime Missile from a Rail based Mobile launcher system. This next generation missile is designed to cover a range up to 2000 km and is equipped with various advanced features. The first-of-its-kind launch… <a href="https://t.co/00GpGSNOeE">pic.twitter.com/00GpGSNOeE</a>&mdash; Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1971051269692494275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“The first-of-its-kind launch carried out today from a specially designed rail-based Mobile Launcher has the capability to move on the Rail network without any preconditions, which allows users to have cross-country mobility and launch within a short reaction time with reduced visibility,” he said.&nbsp;"Congratulations to DRDO, Strategic Forces Command (SFC) and the Armed Forces on the successful test of the Intermediate Range Agni-Prime missile. This successful flight test has put India in the group of select nations having capabilities that have developed a canisterised launch system from a mobile rail network," he added.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Road Mobile Agni-P has entered service after a series of successful flight trials. And this test followed the successful launch of the missile in August at Chandipur, Odisha. In addition, a trial of Agni-5 was conducted under ‘Mission Divyastra’ in March 2024, showcasing MIRV (multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle) capability.

The next-generation missile designed to cover a range of up to 2000 km was successfully launched under joint collaboration of the DRDO and the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) using a specially developed rail-based mobile launcher.

India has successfully conducted a test of the Intermediate Range ‘Agni-Prime Missile’ from a rail-based Mobile launcher system on Thursday. The project was launched in a collaboration between DRDO and the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) under a full operational scenario on September 24, 2025. Equipped with several advanced features, the next-generation missile is designed to cover a range of up to 2000 km. The first-of-its-kind launch was successfully executed using a specially developed rail-based mobile launcher that can operate seamlessly on the railway network without any preconditions. This system offers cross-country mobility and can initiate a launch within minimal reaction time while maintaining reduced visibility. The launcher is fully autonomous, equipped with advanced communication systems, independent launch capabilities and protective features. Defence minister calls it ‘first-of-its-kind launch’ Defence minister Rajnath Singh confirmed the successful test in a statement on his social media platform X, calling it a "first-of-its-kind launch" that highlights the growing strategic capabilities of India.

The next-generation missile designed to cover a range of up to 2000 km was successfully launched under joint collaboration of the DRDO and the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) using a specially developed rail-based mobile launcher.

WATCH: India test-fire 'Agni-Prime Missile' from rail-based launcher, Defence Minister calls it 'First-of-Its-Kind'

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has claimed that centuries of foreign invasions and colonial rule in India not only exploited resources and people but also led to the decline in the Hindu population. While addressing a state-level workshop on 'Atmanirbhar Bharat-Swadeshi Sankalp' in Lucknow on September 23, Yogi Adityanath claimed that the Hindu population in India was 60 crore by the year 1100. But when the country gained independence in 1947, the population of Hindus reduced and remained around 30 crore.&nbsp;"By the year 1100, the Hindu population in India was 60 crore. And when the country gained independence in 1947, the Hindu population was only 30 crore. Tell me, should our population have increased or decreased in these 800-900 years?" CM Yogi said while addressing the gathering, news agency ANI reported.<h3>Is the claim of Yogi Adityanath really true?</h3>As we know, the census in India was formally initiated in 1871 under British rule, with the first official nationwide census conducted in 1951 after India's independence. Before this, there were no standardised or official processes to determine the total population or the Hindu population of India.&nbsp;During the 12th century, India was predominantly a Hindu-dominated region, divided into several kingdoms or dynasties ruled by different monarchs. Unlike the British-era system that began in 1871, these rulers did not conduct structured population surveys. As a result, there is no credible or formal data to suggest that the Hindu population was around 60 crore by the year 1100.&nbsp;It was only in 1951, through the first post-independence census, that accurate figures were recorded of the pan-India population. This census reported India’s Hindu population at approximately 30.5 crore, marking a significant rise from the 1941 count, which was around 25.53 crore.<h3>Decline of Hindu's population between 1950 and 2015</h3>A new Pew Research Centre report indicated that the religious composition of India has been fairly stable since the 1947 partition. The total population grew to 1.2 billion in the 2011 census from 361 million in the 1951 census.&nbsp;After Independence, the total population was around 361 million in the 1951 census, and by the 2011 census, the total population was recorded as 1.2 billion. Amid this time frame, the number of Hindus grew to 966 million (from 304 million in 1951), Muslims to 172 million (from 35 million), Christians to 28 million (from 8 million), Sikhs to 20.8 million (from 6.8 million), Buddhists to 8.4 million (from 2.7 million) and Jains to 4.5 million (from 1.7 million). India’s Parsis, a small minority, are unusual as their population shrank by almost half, to 60,000 in 2011.&nbsp;However, between 1951 and 2011, India witnessed a modest demographic shift, where the share of Muslims grew by about 4 percentage points, while the share of Hindus fell by a similar margin. Meanwhile, the proportion of other religions remained largely unchanged. But surprisingly, the growth of Muslims is somewhat faster than other groups, as they tend to have high fertility.&nbsp;Fresh data released by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) in 2024 highlighted similar patterns over a longer timeline. It revealed that between 1950 and 2015, the share of Hindus in the population declined by 7.82 per cent, whereas the Muslim share rose by 43.15 per cent. The report noted that this mirrors a global trend in which the majority of communities have experienced a steady decline in their share of the population.&nbsp;

While addressing a state-level workshop on 'Atmanirbhar Bharat-Swadeshi Sankalp' in Lucknow on September 23, UP CM Yogi Adityanath claimed that the Hindu population in India was 60 crore by the year 1100. 

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has claimed that centuries of foreign invasions and colonial rule in India not only exploited resources and people but also led to the decline in the Hindu population. While addressing a state-level workshop on 'Atmanirbhar Bharat-Swadeshi Sankalp' in Lucknow on September 23, Yogi Adityanath claimed that the Hindu population in India was 60 crore by the year 1100. But when the country gained independence in 1947, the population of Hindus reduced and remained around 30 crore. "By the year 1100, the Hindu population in India was 60 crore. And when the country gained independence in 1947, the Hindu population was only 30 crore. Tell me, should our population have increased or decreased in these 800-900 years?" CM Yogi said while addressing the gathering, news agency ANI reported. Is the claim of Yogi Adityanath really true? As we know, the census in India was formally initiated in 1871 under British rule, with the first official nationwide census conducted in 1951 after India's independence. Before this, there were no standardised or official processes to determine the total population or the Hindu population of India. During the 12th century, India was predominantly a Hindu-dominated region, divided into several kingdoms or dynasties ruled by different monarchs. Unlike the British-era system that began in 1871, these rulers did not conduct structured population surveys. As a result, there is no credible or formal data to suggest that the Hindu population was around 60 crore by the year 1100. It was only in 1951, through the first post-independence census, that accurate figures were recorded of the pan-India population. This census reported India’s Hindu population at approximately 30.5 crore, marking a significant rise from the 1941 count, which was around 25.53 crore. Decline of Hindu's population between 1950 and 2015 A new Pew Research Centre report indicated that the religious composition of India has been fairly stable since the 1947 partition. The total population grew to 1.2 billion in the 2011 census from 361 million in the 1951 census. After Independence, the total population was around 361 million in the 1951 census, and by the 2011 census, the total population was recorded as 1.2 billion. Amid this time frame, the number of Hindus grew to 966 million (from 304 million in 1951), Muslims to 172 million (from 35 million), Christians to 28 million (from 8 million), Sikhs to 20.8 million (from 6.8 million), Buddhists to 8.4 million (from 2.7 million) and Jains to 4.5 million (from 1.7 million). India’s Parsis, a small minority, are unusual as their population shrank by almost half, to 60,000 in 2011. However, between 1951 and 2011, India witnessed a modest demographic shift, where the share of Muslims grew by about 4 percentage points, while the share of Hindus fell by a similar margin. Meanwhile, the proportion of other religions remained largely unchanged. But surprisingly, the growth of Muslims is somewhat faster than other groups, as they tend to have high fertility. Fresh data released by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) in 2024 highlighted similar patterns over a longer timeline. It revealed that between 1950 and 2015, the share of Hindus in the population declined by 7.82 per cent, whereas the Muslim share rose by 43.15 per cent. The report noted that this mirrors a global trend in which the majority of communities have experienced a steady decline in their share of the population.

While addressing a state-level workshop on 'Atmanirbhar Bharat-Swadeshi Sankalp' in Lucknow on September 23, UP CM Yogi Adityanath claimed that the Hindu population in India was 60 crore by the year 1100.&nbsp;

Did Hindu population decline in India? What we know, and what we don't

The government of India on Wednesday (Sep 24) accused climate activist Sonam Wangchuk for the violent protests in the Leh, in which four people were dead and over 60 injured. Protesters were demanding statehood for Ladakh and implementation of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The Ministry of Home Affairs said Wangchuk’s “provocative statements” triggered the unrest. According to officials, his hunger strike and speeches encouraged the crowd and later they attacked BJP and government offices, set vehicles and buildings on fire and injured more than 30 police and CRPF personnel.&nbsp;Earlier, the demonstrations turned violent, leading to clashes with police. Security forces responded with tear gas shells and baton charges. Following the violence, authorities imposed a curfew in Leh and banned gatherings of more than five people. Following this, Wangchuk called off his hunger strike and urged people to stay peaceful.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-government-blames-sonam-wangchuk-for-violence-in-ladakh-protest-provocative-mentions-of-arab-spring-nepal-genz-protest-1758734937453">Indian government blames Sonam Wangchuk for violence in Ladakh protest: 'Provocative mentions of Arab Spring, Nepal GenZ protest'</a><h2>Who is Sonam Wangchuk?</h2>Sonam Wangchuk is an engineer and education reformer from Ladakh, known for his eco-friendly innovations. He designed the SECMOL campus, which runs entirely on solar power without using fossil fuels for cooking, heating and lighting. Wangchuk gained limelight in 2009 with Aamir Khan's 3 Idiots, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, which is inspired by his life story. While many refer to him as "The real life Phunsukh Wangdu", he denies it.&nbsp;Born in 1966 near Alchi in Leh district, Wangchuk studied in Srinagar in his early days but later moved to Delhi for higher education. He pursued Mechanical Engineering at NIT Srinagar in 1987, and went on to found SECMOL (Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh). Through projects like “Operation New Hope,” he worked with locals and the government to improve education in the region. He also went for Earthen Architecture at Craterre School of Architecture in Grenoble, France, in 2011.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ladakh-protest-kills-4-sonam-wangchuk-calls-off-hunger-strike-what-are-the-key-demands-of-protesters-1758726325882">Ladakh protest kills 4, Sonam Wangchuk calls off hunger strike - What are the key demands of protesters?</a>&nbsp;Over the years, Wangchuk has been involved in various NGOs, edited Ladags Melong magazine, and created sustainable solutions such as the Ice Stupa (an artificial glacier to store water) and solar-powered tents for the Indian Army. Previously in March 2024, he went on a fast-unto-death to demand constitutional safeguards. He advocates protection from industrial and mining lobbies in Ladakh and also started a 21-day Climate Fast.



Previously in March 2024, he went on a fast-unto-death to demand constitutional safeguards. He advocates protection from industrial and mining lobbies in Ladakh and also started a 21-day Climate Fast.

The government of India on Wednesday (Sep 24) accused climate activist Sonam Wangchuk for the violent protests in the Leh, in which four people were dead and over 60 injured. Protesters were demanding statehood for Ladakh and implementation of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The Ministry of Home Affairs said Wangchuk’s “provocative statements” triggered the unrest. According to officials, his hunger strike and speeches encouraged the crowd and later they attacked BJP and government offices, set vehicles and buildings on fire and injured more than 30 police and CRPF personnel. Earlier, the demonstrations turned violent, leading to clashes with police. Security forces responded with tear gas shells and baton charges. Following the violence, authorities imposed a curfew in Leh and banned gatherings of more than five people. Following this, Wangchuk called off his hunger strike and urged people to stay peaceful. Also Read - Indian government blames Sonam Wangchuk for violence in Ladakh protest: 'Provocative mentions of Arab Spring, Nepal GenZ protest' Who is Sonam Wangchuk? Sonam Wangchuk is an engineer and education reformer from Ladakh, known for his eco-friendly innovations. He designed the SECMOL campus, which runs entirely on solar power without using fossil fuels for cooking, heating and lighting. Wangchuk gained limelight in 2009 with Aamir Khan's 3 Idiots, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, which is inspired by his life story. While many refer to him as "The real life Phunsukh Wangdu", he denies it. Born in 1966 near Alchi in Leh district, Wangchuk studied in Srinagar in his early days but later moved to Delhi for higher education. He pursued Mechanical Engineering at NIT Srinagar in 1987, and went on to found SECMOL (Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh). Through projects like “Operation New Hope,” he worked with locals and the government to improve education in the region. He also went for Earthen Architecture at Craterre School of Architecture in Grenoble, France, in 2011. Also Read - Ladakh protest kills 4, Sonam Wangchuk calls off hunger strike - What are the key demands of protesters? Over the years, Wangchuk has been involved in various NGOs, edited Ladags Melong magazine, and created sustainable solutions such as the Ice Stupa (an artificial glacier to store water) and solar-powered tents for the Indian Army. Previously in March 2024, he went on a fast-unto-death to demand constitutional safeguards. He advocates protection from industrial and mining lobbies in Ladakh and also started a 21-day Climate Fast.

Previously in March 2024, he went on a fast-unto-death to demand constitutional safeguards. He advocates protection from industrial and mining lobbies in Ladakh and also started a 21-day Climate Fast.

Who is Sonam Wangchuk? Person behind Ladakh protest, now accused by Centre for violence through 'provocative statements'

The Indian capital of Delhi is a bustling metropolitan with developed infrastructure and facilities. But in an alarming trend, the city’s sex ratio at birth has fallen for the fourth consecutive year. According to the Annual Report on Registration of Births and Deaths in Delhi,, released by the Directorate of Economics and Statistics and the Office of Chief Registrar (Births &amp; Deaths) of the Delhi government, the sex ratio at birth has fallen to 920 females for a 1000 males from 933 in 2024. This trend has raised alarm bells among experts with people worrying if Delhi will soon become a city of men.<h2>What is sex ratio?</h2>Sex ratio is a social indicator of gender equality. A sex ratio of 1,000 means that there are an equal number of males and females. Higher than 1,000 and there are more females than males. Similarly, lower than 1000 and there are more males than females. Experts usually say that a ‘normal’ sex ratio is around 952 with females naturally being lesser than males in a society.<h2>Delhi’s trajectory</h2>The Indian capital’s sex ratio at birth steadily rose from 2012 to 2020 from 886 to 933. But dropped after the pandemic started, signalling that people are preferring sons over daughters. Exacerbated by the economic pressures of the pandemic, people seem to have given into the assumption that daughters are economic burdens on the parents while sons are not. This prejudice has deep ideological and also real-life effects on a society.Impact on Social Fabric. According to Srinivas Goli, Associate Professor in Demography at the International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, a declining sex ratio exacerbates what he calls the ‘male marriage squeeze.’ &nbsp;&nbsp;This occurs when there is a greater number of males than females in marriageable age groups. States like Haryana and Punjab are currently facing a severe shortage of brides. To compensate for this shortage, families often "import" brides from other states like West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand, or even from countries like Nepal and elsewhere. These women often have little autonomy within their new households. In some distressing cases, they are married to multiple brothers or sold to other men in the village. “In the short term, it reflects entrenched gender bias and daughter aversion, indicating that women are often undervalued in society. In the long term, it can create imbalances in the population structure, particularly in marriage markets, where a scarcity of women may affect men’s ability to find partners, says KS James, a former professor with the Jawaharlal Nehru University.<h2>Links between literacy and sex ratio?</h2>Literacy is often assumed to help societies have a better sex ratio. But this is not always the case. “Studies have clearly shown that the sex ratio at birth is better among the poor and illiterate than the middle and upper middle class in India based on the result of the National Family Health Survey Data,” says Professor James. “Increasing literacy particularly female literacy has improved women empowerment.As a result, one child policy may be caused by a falling sex ratio and increased male population,” says Dr CM Lakshmana, Professor and Head of the Institute of Social and Economic Change. &nbsp;This might signal that if people have lesser children, they may have a preference for sons rather than daughters.<h2>Why do states like Mizoram and Kerala fare better?</h2>Mizoram and Kerala have historically done better than other states, including Delhi, in the sex ratio at birth. According to the 2011 census, Mizoram stood at 976 females per 1000 males. While Kerala had 1084 females for every 1000 males, meaning there were more women than men in the state.“Mizoram and Kerala have historically been known for their matriarchal societies and exhibit lower levels of gender discrimination. In these states, the social value of daughters is significantly higher than in others. When women own property and possess economic power, their status in society improves, which helps remove the patriarchal controls that are the root of the problem,” says Professor Goli.<h2>Need for governmental intervention</h2>A continually declining sex ratio means that Delhi’s populace is preferring boys over girls.. But there are a variety of methods through which the State and Central Governments can help mitigate the imminent demographic disaster. “Anecdotal evidence suggests that with advancing technologies, new means of sex-selective abortions are emerging, and these must be stopped. There is also a need to investigate whether sex selective abortions are being carried out through medical facilities in other countries,” says Professor Goli. “Several Indian states have implemented successful programs to promote the value of girl children. These include financial incentives such as fixed deposits, educational scholarships, and other benefits for families with daughters, ensuring that girls are seen as assets rather than burdens. Some states offer a fixed deposit for every girl born, which matures when she reaches adulthood, providing families with an economic incentive to support female children. Delhi could adapt and expand such programs,” says Professor James.<h2>Masculinisation of society</h2>This trend of a declining sex ratio is not just limited to Delhi in particular. The same has been noted in many states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, etc.A 2021 research paper from Goli and researcher Aradhana Kumari notes that sex ratio at birth has worsened across all social, religious and economic groups, signalling an alarming trend of preferring the masculine over the feminine.

The sex ratio of the Indian capital of Delhi has fallen for the fourth straight year, ringing alarm bells about deep social impact. Experts weigh in on why this is happening and how to avoid a potential demographic disaster.

The Indian capital of Delhi is a bustling metropolitan with developed infrastructure and facilities. But in an alarming trend, the city’s sex ratio at birth has fallen for the fourth consecutive year. According to the Annual Report on Registration of Births and Deaths in Delhi,, released by the Directorate of Economics and Statistics and the Office of Chief Registrar (Births & Deaths) of the Delhi government, the sex ratio at birth has fallen to 920 females for a 1000 males from 933 in 2024. This trend has raised alarm bells among experts with people worrying if Delhi will soon become a city of men. What is sex ratio? Sex ratio is a social indicator of gender equality. A sex ratio of 1,000 means that there are an equal number of males and females. Higher than 1,000 and there are more females than males. Similarly, lower than 1000 and there are more males than females. Experts usually say that a ‘normal’ sex ratio is around 952 with females naturally being lesser than males in a society. Delhi’s trajectory The Indian capital’s sex ratio at birth steadily rose from 2012 to 2020 from 886 to 933. But dropped after the pandemic started, signalling that people are preferring sons over daughters. Exacerbated by the economic pressures of the pandemic, people seem to have given into the assumption that daughters are economic burdens on the parents while sons are not. This prejudice has deep ideological and also real-life effects on a society. Impact on Social Fabric. According to Srinivas Goli, Associate Professor in Demography at the International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, a declining sex ratio exacerbates what he calls the ‘male marriage squeeze.’ This occurs when there is a greater number of males than females in marriageable age groups. States like Haryana and Punjab are currently facing a severe shortage of brides. To compensate for this shortage, families often "import" brides from other states like West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand, or even from countries like Nepal and elsewhere. These women often have little autonomy within their new households. In some distressing cases, they are married to multiple brothers or sold to other men in the village. “In the short term, it reflects entrenched gender bias and daughter aversion, indicating that women are often undervalued in society. In the long term, it can create imbalances in the population structure, particularly in marriage markets, where a scarcity of women may affect men’s ability to find partners, says KS James, a former professor with the Jawaharlal Nehru University. Links between literacy and sex ratio? Literacy is often assumed to help societies have a better sex ratio. But this is not always the case. “Studies have clearly shown that the sex ratio at birth is better among the poor and illiterate than the middle and upper middle class in India based on the result of the National Family Health Survey Data,” says Professor James. “Increasing literacy particularly female literacy has improved women empowerment.As a result, one child policy may be caused by a falling sex ratio and increased male population,” says Dr CM Lakshmana, Professor and Head of the Institute of Social and Economic Change. This might signal that if people have lesser children, they may have a preference for sons rather than daughters. Why do states like Mizoram and Kerala fare better? Mizoram and Kerala have historically done better than other states, including Delhi, in the sex ratio at birth. According to the 2011 census, Mizoram stood at 976 females per 1000 males. While Kerala had 1084 females for every 1000 males, meaning there were more women than men in the state. “Mizoram and Kerala have historically been known for their matriarchal societies and exhibit lower levels of gender discrimination. In these states, the social value of daughters is significantly higher than in others. When women own property and possess economic power, their status in society improves, which helps remove the patriarchal controls that are the root of the problem,” says Professor Goli. Need for governmental intervention A continually declining sex ratio means that Delhi’s populace is preferring boys over girls.. But there are a variety of methods through which the State and Central Governments can help mitigate the imminent demographic disaster. “Anecdotal evidence suggests that with advancing technologies, new means of sex-selective abortions are emerging, and these must be stopped. There is also a need to investigate whether sex selective abortions are being carried out through medical facilities in other countries,” says Professor Goli. “Several Indian states have implemented successful programs to promote the value of girl children. These include financial incentives such as fixed deposits, educational scholarships, and other benefits for families with daughters, ensuring that girls are seen as assets rather than burdens. Some states offer a fixed deposit for every girl born, which matures when she reaches adulthood, providing families with an economic incentive to support female children. Delhi could adapt and expand such programs,” says Professor James. Masculinisation of society This trend of a declining sex ratio is not just limited to Delhi in particular. The same has been noted in many states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, etc. A 2021 research paper from Goli and researcher Aradhana Kumari notes that sex ratio at birth has worsened across all social, religious and economic groups, signalling an alarming trend of preferring the masculine over the feminine.

The sex ratio of the Indian capital of Delhi has fallen for the fourth straight year, ringing alarm bells about deep social impact. Experts weigh in on why this is happening and how to avoid a potential demographic disaster.

No city for women: Why is Delhi’s sex ratio falling? Experts weigh in

The Indian government on Wednesday (Sep 24) issued a big statement on the Ladakh protest that turned violent, killing at least four people and injuring as many as 70. Issuing a statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) blamed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk for the violence in the protest. The government said that the demands on which the hunger strike was called were an “integral” part of the discussion with the Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance. The MHA further claimed that the meetings of the high-powered committee (HPC) with Ladakh stakeholders ‘yielded phenomenal results,' adding that ‘politically motivated individuals were not happy with the progress made.’&nbsp;Coming down heavily at Wangchuk, the MHA said, “The demands on which Sonam Wangchuk was on hunger strike are an integral part of the discussion in HPC. In spite of many leaders urging to call off the hunger strike, he continued with the hunger strike and misled the people through provocative mentions of Arab Spring-style protests and references to Gen Z protests in Nepal.”&nbsp;“Barring unfortunate incidents that happened early in the day, the situation is brought under control by 4 PM. It is clear that the mob was incited by Shri Sonam Wangchuk through his provocative statements. Incidentally, amidst these violent developments, he broke his fast and left for his village in an ambulance without making serious efforts to control the situation. The Government stands committed to the aspiration of the people of Ladakh by providing adequate constitutional safeguards. It is also requested that the people should not circulate the old and provocative videos in the media and on social media,” the MHA statement added.&nbsp;&nbsp;Earlier, issuing his first response after the protest turned violent, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, “strongly condemned” the incident and expressed deep grief over the tragic deaths. Taking serious note of the stone-pelting and arson incidents, which created a law-and-order situation and resulted in damage to the democratic institutions and public infrastructure, he directed the administration and law enforcement agencies to ensure strict measures for the restoration of normalcy and the safety of the public. He said that violence in any form is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.&nbsp;<h2>Ladakh protest</h2>At least four people were killed and more than 70 others were injured as violent protests erupted in Leh on Thursday (Sep 24), with protesters clashing with police forces. The protest that primarily started as a 15-day hunger strike on September 15 turned into a massive shutdown on Wednesday and Thursday. People took to the streets and blocked several major roads. During the course of the shutdown, protesters clashed with police forces, set the BJP headquarters ablaze, and pelted stones at security officials. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been a crucial part in organising these protests, called off the hunger strike and urged people to stop violence. Meanwhile, the administration imposed curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, immediately banning protests and gatherings in Leh. An official order said assembly of five or more people was banned, with no procession, rally or march to be carried out without prior written approval in Leh. &nbsp;

The Indian government has come down heavily on climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and blamed him for the violence in the Ladakh protest. The MHA said that the demands by Ladakh protesters were already discussed and were scheduled to be discussed further on Oct 6

The Indian government on Wednesday (Sep 24) issued a big statement on the Ladakh protest that turned violent, killing at least four people and injuring as many as 70. Issuing a statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) blamed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk for the violence in the protest. The government said that the demands on which the hunger strike was called were an “integral” part of the discussion with the Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance. The MHA further claimed that the meetings of the high-powered committee (HPC) with Ladakh stakeholders ‘yielded phenomenal results,' adding that ‘politically motivated individuals were not happy with the progress made.’ Coming down heavily at Wangchuk, the MHA said, “The demands on which Sonam Wangchuk was on hunger strike are an integral part of the discussion in HPC. In spite of many leaders urging to call off the hunger strike, he continued with the hunger strike and misled the people through provocative mentions of Arab Spring-style protests and references to Gen Z protests in Nepal.” “Barring unfortunate incidents that happened early in the day, the situation is brought under control by 4 PM. It is clear that the mob was incited by Shri Sonam Wangchuk through his provocative statements. Incidentally, amidst these violent developments, he broke his fast and left for his village in an ambulance without making serious efforts to control the situation. The Government stands committed to the aspiration of the people of Ladakh by providing adequate constitutional safeguards. It is also requested that the people should not circulate the old and provocative videos in the media and on social media,” the MHA statement added. Earlier, issuing his first response after the protest turned violent, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, “strongly condemned” the incident and expressed deep grief over the tragic deaths. Taking serious note of the stone-pelting and arson incidents, which created a law-and-order situation and resulted in damage to the democratic institutions and public infrastructure, he directed the administration and law enforcement agencies to ensure strict measures for the restoration of normalcy and the safety of the public. He said that violence in any form is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Ladakh protest At least four people were killed and more than 70 others were injured as violent protests erupted in Leh on Thursday (Sep 24), with protesters clashing with police forces. The protest that primarily started as a 15-day hunger strike on September 15 turned into a massive shutdown on Wednesday and Thursday. People took to the streets and blocked several major roads. During the course of the shutdown, protesters clashed with police forces, set the BJP headquarters ablaze, and pelted stones at security officials. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been a crucial part in organising these protests, called off the hunger strike and urged people to stop violence. Meanwhile, the administration imposed curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, immediately banning protests and gatherings in Leh. An official order said assembly of five or more people was banned, with no procession, rally or march to be carried out without prior written approval in Leh.

The Indian government has come down heavily on climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and blamed him for the violence in the Ladakh protest. The MHA said that the demands by Ladakh protesters were already discussed and were scheduled to be discussed further on Oct 6

Indian government blames Sonam Wangchuk for violence in Ladakh protest: 'Provocative mentions of Arab Spring, Nepal GenZ protest'

The recent protests in Ladakh, which turned violent on Wednesday (September 24), have been driven by demands for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and a call for statehood. At least four people lost their lives in the clashes, and the unrest intensified after the Leh Apex Body’s (LAB) youth wing organised a protest and a shutdown following the hospitalisation of two individuals on hunger strike.&nbsp;The Centre has scheduled talks between Ladakh's representatives—including LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA)—for October 6. However, the Centre’s unilateral decision to set this date triggered more protests. At the core of the issue is Ladakh’s demand to be governed under the Sixth Schedule, which would offer the region greater autonomy and tribal protections. In 2019, Ladakh became a Union Territory after being separated from Jammu and Kashmir. For over seven decades, Ladakhis had been advocating for this move, claiming their needs were ignored by the former state government of Jammu and Kashmir.<h2>What is the Sixth Schedule?</h2>The Sixth Schedule governs the administration of tribal areas in four northeastern states—Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram—by granting these regions substantial autonomy. It allows tribal communities to manage local affairs, providing them with a more significant role in governance and decision-making.&nbsp;Protestors in Ladakh are calling for similar protections under the Sixth Schedule. This would mean the establishment of autonomous districts within the region, with local District Councils that would have the power to legislate and manage resources. The councils would consist of up to 30 members, with a portion elected by the local population, and the governor allowed to nominate some members. The Schedule also gives these councils jurisdiction over legal matters and allows the governor to dissolve councils upon the recommendation of a special commission.<h2>Can the Sixth Schedule Be Amended?</h2>Yes, the Indian Parliament has the power to amend the Sixth Schedule through legislation, adding, altering, or repealing provisions as necessary. Any amendments automatically update the references to the Schedule in the Constitution.

Ladakh protests: What is Sixth Schedule of Constitution that protesters are demanding?

The recent protests in Ladakh, which turned violent on Wednesday (September 24), have been driven by demands for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and a call for statehood. At least four people lost their lives in the clashes, and the unrest intensified after the Leh Apex Body’s (LAB) youth wing organised a protest and a shutdown following the hospitalisation of two individuals on hunger strike. The Centre has scheduled talks between Ladakh's representatives—including LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA)—for October 6. However, the Centre’s unilateral decision to set this date triggered more protests. At the core of the issue is Ladakh’s demand to be governed under the Sixth Schedule, which would offer the region greater autonomy and tribal protections. In 2019, Ladakh became a Union Territory after being separated from Jammu and Kashmir. For over seven decades, Ladakhis had been advocating for this move, claiming their needs were ignored by the former state government of Jammu and Kashmir. What is the Sixth Schedule? The Sixth Schedule governs the administration of tribal areas in four northeastern states—Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram—by granting these regions substantial autonomy. It allows tribal communities to manage local affairs, providing them with a more significant role in governance and decision-making. Protestors in Ladakh are calling for similar protections under the Sixth Schedule. This would mean the establishment of autonomous districts within the region, with local District Councils that would have the power to legislate and manage resources. The councils would consist of up to 30 members, with a portion elected by the local population, and the governor allowed to nominate some members. The Schedule also gives these councils jurisdiction over legal matters and allows the governor to dissolve councils upon the recommendation of a special commission. Can the Sixth Schedule Be Amended? Yes, the Indian Parliament has the power to amend the Sixth Schedule through legislation, adding, altering, or repealing provisions as necessary. Any amendments automatically update the references to the Schedule in the Constitution.

Ladakh protests intensify over demands for Sixth Schedule protections and statehood, following violent clashes and calls for greater tribal autonomy

At least four people were killed and more than 70 others were injured as violent protests erupted in Leh on Thursday (Sep 24), with protesters clashing with police forces. The protest that primarily started as a 15-day hunger strike on September 15 turned into a massive shutdown on Wednesday and Thursday. People took to the streets and blocked several major roads. During the course of the shutdown, protesters clashed with police forces, set the BJP headquarters ablaze, and pelted stones at security officials. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been a crucial part in organising these protests, called off the hunger strike and urged people to stop violence. Meanwhile, the administration imposed curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, immediately banning protests and gatherings in Leh. An official order said assembly of five or more people was banned, with no procession, rally or march to be carried out without prior written approval in Leh.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/j-k-ladakh-witness-deadliest-august-over-122-dead-300-injured-in-weather-fury-1756550015055">J&amp;K, Ladakh witness deadliest August: Over 122 dead, 300 injured in weather fury</a><h2>How the L-G reacted?</h2>Issuing his first response after the protest turned violent, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, “strongly condemned” the incident and expressed deep grief over the tragic deaths. Taking serious note of the stone-pelting and arson incidents, which created a law-and-order situation and resulted in damage to the democratic institutions and public infrastructure, he directed the administration and law enforcement agencies to ensure strict measures for the restoration of normalcy and the safety of the public. He said that violence in any form is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The Lt Governor also appealed to the people of Ladakh to maintain peace, harmony, and brotherhood, and to refrain from being misled by elements attempting to disrupt the social fabric and public order. He said, “Our strength lies in unity and dialogue, not in violence. I urge everyone to extend full cooperation to the administration in maintaining peace and stability in the region.”Reiterating the Government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people of Ladakh, Kavinder assured that all genuine demands of the citizens will be addressed in a just and timely manner.&nbsp;&nbsp;Read More |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/crpf-s-first-all-women-high-altitude-bike-rally-from-srinagar-to-ladakh-kicks-off-in-kashmir-1758610801339">CRPF’s first all-women high-altitude bike rally from Srinagar to Ladakh kicks off in Kashmir</a><h2>What are the key demands of the protesters?</h2>The key demands of the protesters include statehood for Ladakh, implementation of the Sixth Schedule, and more. Ladakh was made a separate Union Territory in August 2019, after the Centre abrogated Article 370 and bifurcated the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. At the time, many in Leh, including Wangchuk, had welcomed the move. But a political vacuum soon added to discontentment. People of the region accused the Centre of neglecting them and undermining their rights with only a focus on Jammu and Kashmir. There have been a couple of rounds of talks with the Centre, but they have not yielded any results because the BJP-led Centre has outrightly rejected the core demands. The members of Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) are negotiating with the Centre and are scheduled to meet again on October 6. The major demands include:&nbsp;<ul><li>Statehood for Ladakh&nbsp;</li><li>Inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution</li><li>Setting up a separate public service commission for Ladakh</li><li>Two parliamentary seats for Ladakh, as against the one it has for now</li></ul>Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/clashes-with-police-stone-pelting-fire-at-bjp-office-why-are-gen-z-protesters-agitating-in-ladakh-1758711898684">Clashes with police, stone pelting, fire at BJP office and 4 dead: Why are Gen Z protesters agitating in Ladakh?</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Violent protests in Leh left 4 dead and over 70 injured after a hunger strike escalated. Protesters demand statehood, Sixth Schedule inclusion, and more. Sonam Wangchuk urged peace, while the L-G condemned the violence and promised to address genuine demands in upcoming talks.

At least four people were killed and more than 70 others were injured as violent protests erupted in Leh on Thursday (Sep 24), with protesters clashing with police forces. The protest that primarily started as a 15-day hunger strike on September 15 turned into a massive shutdown on Wednesday and Thursday. People took to the streets and blocked several major roads. During the course of the shutdown, protesters clashed with police forces, set the BJP headquarters ablaze, and pelted stones at security officials. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been a crucial part in organising these protests, called off the hunger strike and urged people to stop violence. Meanwhile, the administration imposed curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, immediately banning protests and gatherings in Leh. An official order said assembly of five or more people was banned, with no procession, rally or march to be carried out without prior written approval in Leh. Read More | J&K, Ladakh witness deadliest August: Over 122 dead, 300 injured in weather fury How the L-G reacted? Issuing his first response after the protest turned violent, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, “strongly condemned” the incident and expressed deep grief over the tragic deaths. Taking serious note of the stone-pelting and arson incidents, which created a law-and-order situation and resulted in damage to the democratic institutions and public infrastructure, he directed the administration and law enforcement agencies to ensure strict measures for the restoration of normalcy and the safety of the public. He said that violence in any form is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The Lt Governor also appealed to the people of Ladakh to maintain peace, harmony, and brotherhood, and to refrain from being misled by elements attempting to disrupt the social fabric and public order. He said, “Our strength lies in unity and dialogue, not in violence. I urge everyone to extend full cooperation to the administration in maintaining peace and stability in the region.” Reiterating the Government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people of Ladakh, Kavinder assured that all genuine demands of the citizens will be addressed in a just and timely manner. Read More |CRPF’s first all-women high-altitude bike rally from Srinagar to Ladakh kicks off in Kashmir What are the key demands of the protesters? The key demands of the protesters include statehood for Ladakh, implementation of the Sixth Schedule, and more. Ladakh was made a separate Union Territory in August 2019, after the Centre abrogated Article 370 and bifurcated the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. At the time, many in Leh, including Wangchuk, had welcomed the move. But a political vacuum soon added to discontentment. People of the region accused the Centre of neglecting them and undermining their rights with only a focus on Jammu and Kashmir. There have been a couple of rounds of talks with the Centre, but they have not yielded any results because the BJP-led Centre has outrightly rejected the core demands. The members of Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) are negotiating with the Centre and are scheduled to meet again on October 6. The major demands include: Statehood for Ladakh Inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution Setting up a separate public service commission for Ladakh Two parliamentary seats for Ladakh, as against the one it has for now Read More | Clashes with police, stone pelting, fire at BJP office and 4 dead: Why are Gen Z protesters agitating in Ladakh?

Violent protests in Leh left 4 dead and over 70 injured after a hunger strike escalated. Protesters demand statehood, Sixth Schedule inclusion, and more. Sonam Wangchuk urged peace, while the L-G condemned the violence and promised to address genuine demands in upcoming talks.

Ladakh protest kills 4, Sonam Wangchuk calls off hunger strike - What are the key demands of protesters?

In a tragic incident, a 19-year-old student from Maharashtra's Chandrapur district died by suicide allegedly over not wanting to study medicine. 

The victim, identified as Anurag Anil Borkar, reportedly left behind a suicide note saying that he did not want to become a doctor. 

Borkar lived with his family and had recently cleared the NEET UG 2025 examination and had secured an All India Rank of 1475 in the OBC category. 

He was being prepared to travel to Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, for admission to an MBBS course and on the same morning he committed suicide.&nbsp;

According to police, he died by suicide at his residence before he could leave for Gorakhpur. He was found hanging at home. A suicide note was recovered from the scene. 

According to police officials investigating the case, the suicide note read, “I don’t want to do MBBS. A businessman earns as much as a doctor. I don’t want to go through five years of study and then an MD.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to details shared by the family to the police, Borkar was a very bright student and had attempted the NEET exam twice. 

In his first attempt, he secured admission to an MBBS program but was dissatisfied with the college. He worked hard and appeared for the exam again, earning a significantly higher rank this year.
&nbsp;
Further investigation is underway by the Navargaon Police.

This is not an isolated incident. On July 25, the Supreme Court highlighted rising student suicides as a systemic concern. 

A bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta noted that these incidents cannot be ignored.

The latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data shows that in 2022, 1,70,924 people died by suicide in India, including 13,044 students. 

In 2001, the number of student suicides was 5,425. Around eight students were among every 100 suicides, with 2,248 deaths reportedly linked to exam failure.

‘I don’t want to do MBBS’: Maharashtra NEET topper dies by suicide after expressing reluctance to study medicine

In a tragic incident, a 19-year-old student from Maharashtra's Chandrapur district died by suicide allegedly over not wanting to study medicine. The victim, identified as Anurag Anil Borkar, reportedly left behind a suicide note saying that he did not want to become a doctor. Borkar lived with his family and had recently cleared the NEET UG 2025 examination and had secured an All India Rank of 1475 in the OBC category. He was being prepared to travel to Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, for admission to an MBBS course and on the same morning he committed suicide. According to police, he died by suicide at his residence before he could leave for Gorakhpur. He was found hanging at home. A suicide note was recovered from the scene. According to police officials investigating the case, the suicide note read, “I don’t want to do MBBS. A businessman earns as much as a doctor. I don’t want to go through five years of study and then an MD.” According to details shared by the family to the police, Borkar was a very bright student and had attempted the NEET exam twice. In his first attempt, he secured admission to an MBBS program but was dissatisfied with the college. He worked hard and appeared for the exam again, earning a significantly higher rank this year. Further investigation is underway by the Navargaon Police. This is not an isolated incident. On July 25, the Supreme Court highlighted rising student suicides as a systemic concern. A bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta noted that these incidents cannot be ignored. The latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data shows that in 2022, 1,70,924 people died by suicide in India, including 13,044 students. In 2001, the number of student suicides was 5,425. Around eight students were among every 100 suicides, with 2,248 deaths reportedly linked to exam failure.

Borkar was a very bright student and had attempted the NEET exam twice. In his first attempt, he secured admission to an MBBS program but was dissatisfied with the college

On Wednesday (September 24), Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a ₹25,000-crore Maritime Development Fund aimed at strengthening India’s shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure. This initiative includes a ₹20,000-crore Maritime Investment Fund (MIF) focused on promoting equity investment in the sector, alongside a ₹5,000-crore Interest Incentivisation Fund (IIF) designed to support loans for Indian shipyards.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/clashes-with-police-stone-pelting-fire-at-bjp-office-why-are-gen-z-protesters-agitating-in-ladakh-1758711898684">Clashes with police, stone pelting, fire at BJP office and 4 dead: Why is Gen Z protesting in Ladakh?</a>&nbsp;The Maritime Investment Fund will prioritise projects related to shipbuilding, maritime infrastructure, and inland waterways, among others. The government will contribute up to 49% of the fund at a concessional rate, while the remaining 51% will come from commercial investors. The funds will help develop key areas such as Indian tonnage, shipyards, repairs, ports, coastal shipping, and logistics infrastructure.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-i-don-t-like-paedophiles-indian-origin-man-kills-71-year-old-sex-offender-in-honestly-fun-murder-1758720817300">'I don’t like paedophiles': Who is Varun Suresh? Indian-origin man who killed 71-year-old sex offender in US</a>&nbsp;Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that this initiative is set to create three million jobs across the sector. He also emphasised its role in boosting investment, driving export growth, and enhancing the country's maritime capabilities. In addition, the government has approved a comprehensive ₹69,725-crore package to revitalise the shipbuilding industry, focusing on strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity, enhancing financing options, and fostering shipyard development. This plan also includes technical upgrades, skill development, and essential policy reforms to ensure the growth of India’s maritime infrastructure. The entire package aims to propel the country toward self-reliance in the maritime domain, while contributing to economic growth and job creation.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/historic-medical-breakthrough-gene-therapy-slows-huntington-s-disease-by-75-offering-new-hope-for-patients-1758714635757">Historic medical breakthrough! Gene therapy slows Huntington's disease by 75%, offering new hope for patients</a>&nbsp;Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the funds will be utilised to foster and enhance competition. The government will contribute up to 49%, with the remaining amount being raised through ports and private sector involvement.

India announces ₹25,000-crore Maritime Development Fund to boost India's shipbuilding industry — All we know

On Wednesday (September 24), Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a ₹25,000-crore Maritime Development Fund aimed at strengthening India’s shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure. This initiative includes a ₹20,000-crore Maritime Investment Fund (MIF) focused on promoting equity investment in the sector, alongside a ₹5,000-crore Interest Incentivisation Fund (IIF) designed to support loans for Indian shipyards. Also Read: Clashes with police, stone pelting, fire at BJP office and 4 dead: Why is Gen Z protesting in Ladakh? The Maritime Investment Fund will prioritise projects related to shipbuilding, maritime infrastructure, and inland waterways, among others. The government will contribute up to 49% of the fund at a concessional rate, while the remaining 51% will come from commercial investors. The funds will help develop key areas such as Indian tonnage, shipyards, repairs, ports, coastal shipping, and logistics infrastructure. Also Read: 'I don’t like paedophiles': Who is Varun Suresh? Indian-origin man who killed 71-year-old sex offender in US Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that this initiative is set to create three million jobs across the sector. He also emphasised its role in boosting investment, driving export growth, and enhancing the country's maritime capabilities. In addition, the government has approved a comprehensive ₹69,725-crore package to revitalise the shipbuilding industry, focusing on strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity, enhancing financing options, and fostering shipyard development. This plan also includes technical upgrades, skill development, and essential policy reforms to ensure the growth of India’s maritime infrastructure. The entire package aims to propel the country toward self-reliance in the maritime domain, while contributing to economic growth and job creation. Also Read: Historic medical breakthrough! Gene therapy slows Huntington's disease by 75%, offering new hope for patients Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the funds will be utilised to foster and enhance competition. The government will contribute up to 49%, with the remaining amount being raised through ports and private sector involvement.

The Indian government introduces a ₹25,000-crore fund to boost shipbuilding, maritime investment, and infrastructure development, creating 30 lakh jobs

Navratri day-4 is here, the day which is devoted to Maa Kushmanda, the creator of the universe. The 9 days festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and at grand level of honour for Goddess Durga and her nine divine faces we worship, known as Navadurga. The fourth day is falling on September 25, 2025 and on each day devotees' faith and love grows while performing the practices. Let's lookout at the details of Maa Kushmanda's story, rituals, significance, offerings, and what mantra can we chant while doing the prayers.<h2>Who is Maa Kushmanda?&nbsp;</h2>Navratri 2025, day-4 is celebrated in honour of Maa Kushmanda., the goddess who created the Universe with her smile. Her name was derived from the sanskrit word, Ku means (little), Ushma means warmth, and Anda means egg, which is basically referring to the “little cosmic egg.” The name redirects to the person who has done all the creations after the darkness and emptiness took over. It is said that the fourth day of Navratri is under the source of light, energy, and relief. Mata Kushmanda rides a lion, symbolizing her powerfulness and fearlessness. She is also famously known as Ashtabhuja Devi, depicting her eight hands in which she carries all the power, strength and energy and removes all the emptiness and sorrows from a person's life.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/navratri-2025-day-2-brahmacharini-the-goddess-of-penance-austerity-and-devotion-1758546987163">Navratri 2025: Day 2– Brahmacharini: The Goddess of penance, austerity, and devotion</a><h2>Navratri 2025: Day-4 Significance</h2>It holds the Devi's utmost fierceness and powerfulness that's within her. The devotees who worships Maa Kushmanda, will be nurtured with radiance and positiveness, as the Ashtabhuja Devi grants good health, joy and energetic life ahead.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/navratri-2025-day-1-shailputri-the-goddess-of-strength-and-new-beginnings-1758460942813">Navratri 2025: Day 1– Shailputri: The Goddess of strength and new beginnings</a><h2>Fourth day colour, flower and offering to Maa Kushmanda</h2>The Day 4 of Navratri 2025 depicts the yellow colour of Maa Kushmanda, which symbolizes happiness and positivity within oneself and her favourite flower is Jasmine. Moving onto the offerings the devotees can offer a traditional sweet called Malpua to the goddess. You can also present seasonal fruits in front of the idol to seek good health and wealth.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/navratri-2025-day-3-goddess-chandraghanta-puja-significance-and-rituals-1758644732512">Navratri 2025 Day 3: Goddess Chandraghanta puja, significance and rituals</a><h2>Mantra and prayer</h2>Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah॥&nbsp; ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः॥Surasampurnakalasham Rudhiraplutameva Cha। Dadhana Hastapadmabhyam Kushmanda Shubhadastu Me॥ सुरासम्पूर्णकलशं रुधिराप्लुतमेव च। दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे॥

Day-4 of Navratri 2025 belongs to Goddess Kushmanda, the divine power who creates the whole Universe. Let's take a dive into what significance Navratri's day-4 holds in Hindu mythology and the story behind Devi Kushmanda. 

Navratri day-4 is here, the day which is devoted to Maa Kushmanda, the creator of the universe. The 9 days festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and at grand level of honour for Goddess Durga and her nine divine faces we worship, known as Navadurga. The fourth day is falling on September 25, 2025 and on each day devotees' faith and love grows while performing the practices. Let's lookout at the details of Maa Kushmanda's story, rituals, significance, offerings, and what mantra can we chant while doing the prayers. Who is Maa Kushmanda? Navratri 2025, day-4 is celebrated in honour of Maa Kushmanda., the goddess who created the Universe with her smile. Her name was derived from the sanskrit word, Ku means (little), Ushma means warmth, and Anda means egg, which is basically referring to the “little cosmic egg.” The name redirects to the person who has done all the creations after the darkness and emptiness took over. It is said that the fourth day of Navratri is under the source of light, energy, and relief. Mata Kushmanda rides a lion, symbolizing her powerfulness and fearlessness. She is also famously known as Ashtabhuja Devi, depicting her eight hands in which she carries all the power, strength and energy and removes all the emptiness and sorrows from a person's life. Also Read: Navratri 2025: Day 2– Brahmacharini: The Goddess of penance, austerity, and devotion Navratri 2025: Day-4 Significance It holds the Devi's utmost fierceness and powerfulness that's within her. The devotees who worships Maa Kushmanda, will be nurtured with radiance and positiveness, as the Ashtabhuja Devi grants good health, joy and energetic life ahead. Also Read: Navratri 2025: Day 1– Shailputri: The Goddess of strength and new beginnings Fourth day colour, flower and offering to Maa Kushmanda The Day 4 of Navratri 2025 depicts the yellow colour of Maa Kushmanda, which symbolizes happiness and positivity within oneself and her favourite flower is Jasmine. Moving onto the offerings the devotees can offer a traditional sweet called Malpua to the goddess. You can also present seasonal fruits in front of the idol to seek good health and wealth. Also Read: Navratri 2025 Day 3: Goddess Chandraghanta puja, significance and rituals Mantra and prayer Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah॥ ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः॥ Surasampurnakalasham Rudhiraplutameva Cha। Dadhana Hastapadmabhyam Kushmanda Shubhadastu Me॥ सुरासम्पूर्णकलशं रुधिराप्लुतमेव च। दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे॥

Day 4 of Navratri 2025 belongs to Goddess Kushmanda, the divine power who created the whole universe. Let's dive into what significance Navratri's day-4 holds in Hindu mythology and the story behind Devi Kushmanda.&nbsp;

Navratri 2025: Day 4- Maa Kushmanda: The creator of the Universe

Violent protests erupted in Leh on Thursday (Sep 24) with protesters clashing with police forces and pelting stones at officials as they demanded statehood and implementation of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Student and youth organisations had called for a shutdown on Tuesday to press the government on their demands. On Wednesday, they took to the streets and set the Ladakh BJP headquarters on fire. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is one of the organisers of the protest, has been observing a hunger strike for a period of 15 days. However, as the protests turned violent, he ended his strike and urged angry protesters to stop the violence immediately.&nbsp;&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/srinagar-crpf-launches-first-all-women-high-altitude-bike-rally-from-srinagar-to-ladakh-1758687623084">Srinagar: CRPF Launches First All-Women High-Altitude Bike Rally from Srinagar to Ladakh</a>&nbsp;Sonam Wangchuk says, “Today, on the 15th day of our fast, I am deeply saddened to report that widespread violence and vandalism erupted in Leh city. Several offices and police vehicles were set on fire. I appeal to the young generation of Ladakh, not to follow this path of violence because it thwarts my five years of efforts. I've been fasting for so many years, marching peacefully, and then resorting to violence; this is not our path. I request the young generation to approach the government through peace. I want the government to listen to the message of peace.”&nbsp;Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/crpf-s-first-all-women-high-altitude-bike-rally-from-srinagar-to-ladakh-kicks-off-in-kashmir-1758610801339">CRPF’s first all-women high-altitude bike rally from Srinagar to Ladakh kicks off in Kashmir</a><h2>Why are the people of Leh-Ladakh protesting?</h2>On September 10, an independent organisation called the Leh Apex Body announced a 15-day hunger strike. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk also joined the protest under the banner of LAB. The LAB, along with the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), are the primary groups that have been in dialogue with the Ministry of Home Affairs over its demands. These groups and Wangchuk launched a similar protest last September and announced a march to the national capital, Delhi.&nbsp;&nbsp;"We have been running a movement here for a long time on four issues of Ladakh. There were some incidents that led to acts of violence. During this violence, 2-3 young men have been martyred for our cause. I want to assure the people of Ladakh that we will not let the sacrifices made by these young people today go to waste," Thupstan Tswang, Chairman of the Apex body of Ladakh, said while speaking to ANI.&nbsp;Ladakh was made a separate Union Territory in August 2019, after the Centre abrogated Article 370 and bifurcated the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. At the time, many in Leh, including Wangchuk, had welcomed the move. But a political vacuum soon added to discontentment. People of the region accused the Centre of neglecting them and undermining their rights with only a focus on Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/j-k-ladakh-witness-deadliest-august-over-122-dead-300-injured-in-weather-fury-1756550015055">J&amp;K, Ladakh witness deadliest August: Over 122 dead, 300 injured in weather fury</a>&nbsp;The primary demands of the protesters are statehood and inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, areas can set up separate Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). It also grants the power of self-governance to these areas, which in turn allows them to protect their cultural, social, and economic rights of indigenous tribal communities. &nbsp;The Centre's high-level committee is examining the demands of Ladakhis. In March, Ladakhi representatives met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi but the talks have not yielded results as their core demands were rejected.&nbsp;

Protest in Ladakh clashed with police officials and set BJP headquarters in Leh on fire. After the protests turned violent, Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike and appealed to Gen Z protesters not to resort to violence

Violent protests erupted in Leh on Thursday (Sep 24) with protesters clashing with police forces and pelting stones at officials as they demanded statehood and implementation of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Student and youth organisations had called for a shutdown on Tuesday to press the government on their demands. On Wednesday, they took to the streets and set the Ladakh BJP headquarters on fire. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is one of the organisers of the protest, has been observing a hunger strike for a period of 15 days. However, as the protests turned violent, he ended his strike and urged angry protesters to stop the violence immediately. Read More | Srinagar: CRPF Launches First All-Women High-Altitude Bike Rally from Srinagar to Ladakh Sonam Wangchuk says, “Today, on the 15th day of our fast, I am deeply saddened to report that widespread violence and vandalism erupted in Leh city. Several offices and police vehicles were set on fire. I appeal to the young generation of Ladakh, not to follow this path of violence because it thwarts my five years of efforts. I've been fasting for so many years, marching peacefully, and then resorting to violence; this is not our path. I request the young generation to approach the government through peace. I want the government to listen to the message of peace.” Read More | CRPF’s first all-women high-altitude bike rally from Srinagar to Ladakh kicks off in Kashmir Why are the people of Leh-Ladakh protesting? On September 10, an independent organisation called the Leh Apex Body announced a 15-day hunger strike. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk also joined the protest under the banner of LAB. The LAB, along with the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), are the primary groups that have been in dialogue with the Ministry of Home Affairs over its demands. These groups and Wangchuk launched a similar protest last September and announced a march to the national capital, Delhi. "We have been running a movement here for a long time on four issues of Ladakh. There were some incidents that led to acts of violence. During this violence, 2-3 young men have been martyred for our cause. I want to assure the people of Ladakh that we will not let the sacrifices made by these young people today go to waste," Thupstan Tswang, Chairman of the Apex body of Ladakh, said while speaking to ANI. Ladakh was made a separate Union Territory in August 2019, after the Centre abrogated Article 370 and bifurcated the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. At the time, many in Leh, including Wangchuk, had welcomed the move. But a political vacuum soon added to discontentment. People of the region accused the Centre of neglecting them and undermining their rights with only a focus on Jammu and Kashmir. Read More | J&K, Ladakh witness deadliest August: Over 122 dead, 300 injured in weather fury The primary demands of the protesters are statehood and inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, areas can set up separate Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). It also grants the power of self-governance to these areas, which in turn allows them to protect their cultural, social, and economic rights of indigenous tribal communities. The Centre's high-level committee is examining the demands of Ladakhis. In March, Ladakhi representatives met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi but the talks have not yielded results as their core demands were rejected.

Protest in Ladakh clashed with police officials and set BJP headquarters in Leh on fire. After the protests turned violent, Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike and appealed to Gen Z protesters not to resort to violence

Clashes with police, stone pelting, fire at BJP office and 4 dead: Why is Gen Z protesting in Ladakh?

Five months after the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where 26 tourists lost their lives in the Baisaran Valley, security forces have made a breakthrough. On Wednesday (September 24), they arrested a Kashmir-based man accused of helping the terrorists involved in the attack. The accused, identified as 26-year-old Mohammad Yousuf Katari from Kulgam, is alleged to have provided logistical support to the terrorists. Following his arrest, he has been remanded to 14 days of police custody.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/clashes-with-police-stone-pelting-fire-at-bjp-office-why-are-gen-z-protesters-agitating-in-ladakh-1758711898684">Clashes with police, stone pelting, fire at BJP office: Why are Gen Z protesters agitating in Ladakh?</a>&nbsp;According to official police sources, Mohammad Yousuf allegedly played a significant role in providing critical logistical support to the terrorists responsible for orchestrating the Baisaran attack targeting tourists in Pahalgam. According to security officials, three terrorists directly involved in the deadly Baisaran attack in Pahalgam were neutralised during Operation Mahadev, a meticulously executed counter-terrorism mission conducted on July 28, 2025, in the region. The operation marked a significant breakthrough in dismantling the network responsible for the assault on tourists in the scenic Pahalgam valley.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-how-can-i-love-muhammad-be-unlawful-j-k-cm-omar-abdullah-questions-fir-against-expression-of-devotion-1758710368489">'How can 'I love Muhammad' be unlawful?' – J&amp;K CM Omar Abdullah questions FIR against expression of devotion</a>&nbsp;In a related development, security forces also successfully uncovered and destroyed a terrorist hideout in the Brinal forest area of Kulgam district, South Kashmir. The hideout, which served as a logistical base for terrorist activities, was demolished in a controlled explosion. During the operation, authorities recovered critical items, including a gas cylinder and other materials used by the terrorists. According to sources in the Indian Army, an extensive search operation is currently underway in the surrounding areas to ensure no additional threats remain and to gather further intelligence on terrorist networks operating in the region.

Pahalgam terror attack: Man accused of helping terrorists arrested in Kashmir

Five months after the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where 26 tourists lost their lives in the Baisaran Valley, security forces have made a breakthrough. On Wednesday (September 24), they arrested a Kashmir-based man accused of helping the terrorists involved in the attack. The accused, identified as 26-year-old Mohammad Yousuf Katari from Kulgam, is alleged to have provided logistical support to the terrorists. Following his arrest, he has been remanded to 14 days of police custody. Also Read: Clashes with police, stone pelting, fire at BJP office: Why are Gen Z protesters agitating in Ladakh? According to official police sources, Mohammad Yousuf allegedly played a significant role in providing critical logistical support to the terrorists responsible for orchestrating the Baisaran attack targeting tourists in Pahalgam. According to security officials, three terrorists directly involved in the deadly Baisaran attack in Pahalgam were neutralised during Operation Mahadev, a meticulously executed counter-terrorism mission conducted on July 28, 2025, in the region. The operation marked a significant breakthrough in dismantling the network responsible for the assault on tourists in the scenic Pahalgam valley. Also Read: 'How can 'I love Muhammad' be unlawful?' – J&K CM Omar Abdullah questions FIR against expression of devotion In a related development, security forces also successfully uncovered and destroyed a terrorist hideout in the Brinal forest area of Kulgam district, South Kashmir. The hideout, which served as a logistical base for terrorist activities, was demolished in a controlled explosion. During the operation, authorities recovered critical items, including a gas cylinder and other materials used by the terrorists. According to sources in the Indian Army, an extensive search operation is currently underway in the surrounding areas to ensure no additional threats remain and to gather further intelligence on terrorist networks operating in the region.

The accused, identified as 26-year-old Mohammad Yousuf Kataria from Kulgam, is alleged to have provided logistical support to the terrorists. Following his arrest, he has been remanded to 14 days of police custody.

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Stone pelting, fire at BJP office & 4 dead: Why is Gen Z protesting in Ladakh?

Pahalgam terror attack: Man accused of helping terrorists arrested in Kashmir