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Former Pentagon analyst Michael Rubin in a scathing assessment of Pakistani army chief Asim Munir's threats and his nation's nuclear rhetoric. Comparing the Pakistani army chief to Islamic State terrorist Osama Bin Laden, saying, "Asim Munir is Osama bin Laden in a suit." He slammed Pakistan for behaving like a "rogue state" and said that the country's behaviour was "completely unacceptable". Speaking during an interview, he also slammed US President Donald Trump for "targeting India" over the South Asian nation's trade relations with Russia. He pointed out that Trump's America is a buyer of several strategic minerals, including uranium hexafluoride, from Russia. Lauding Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for standing up against Trump for India's rights, he said this would "be the episode that historians remember where the US truly learnt that you cannot kick India around".<h2>Asim Munir aka ‘Bin Laden in a suit’</h2>Recently, Pakistan's army chief General Asim Munir allegedly threatened that if his country were ever pushed to the brink in a conflict with India, it would "take half the world down" with it. The controversial comments were reportedly made during a private black-tie dinner in Tampa, Florida, hosted for businessman Adnan Asad.&nbsp;Rubin suggested that for his inciting comment the Pakistani army chief should be declared persona non grata and should be banned from receiving US visas. Raising alarm at the lack of immediate response from US officials present at the event, he said, "Within 30 minutes of when Asim Munir made those comments, he should have been ushered out, taken to Tampa International Airport, and flown out of the United States."&nbsp;He noted that “Americans look at terrorism through the lens of grievance” and explained that "they don't understand the ideological underpinnings of many terrorists… Asim Munir is Osama bin Laden in a suit."<h2>Pakistan's nuclear rhetoric 'completely unacceptable'</h2>Calling Pakistan's behaviour "completely unacceptable", the former Pentagon official and Middle East analyst compared Munir's threat to statements previously made by ISIS and Osama bin Laden. "Pakistan is raising questions in many people's minds about whether it can fulfil the responsibilities of being a state," he said, adding, "The Field Marshal's rhetoric is reminiscent of what we've heard from the Islamic State."&nbsp;The prominent analyst also called for immediate diplomatic consequences against Pakistan. Rubin suggested that Islamabad should be stripped of its status as a major non-NATO ally and potentially designated as a state sponsor of terrorism.&nbsp;The ex-Pentagon official then suggested that the international community should consider what he called "managed decline" for Pakistan. This, he said, could potentially include recognising regions like Balochistan if they break away. He also pitched the idea of a military intervention to secure Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. "It's coming near time when, in a future administration, other SEAL teams should enter Pakistan to secure its nuclear weapons because the alternative is simply too great to bear," he said.&nbsp;

 Comparing the Pakistani army chief Asim Munir to Islamic State terrorist Osama Bin Laden, Former Pentagon analyst Michael Rubin in a scathing statement said, "Asim Munir is Osama bin Laden in a suit."

Former Pentagon analyst Michael Rubin in a scathing assessment of Pakistani army chief Asim Munir's threats and his nation's nuclear rhetoric. Comparing the Pakistani army chief to Islamic State terrorist Osama Bin Laden, saying, "Asim Munir is Osama bin Laden in a suit." He slammed Pakistan for behaving like a "rogue state" and said that the country's behaviour was "completely unacceptable". Speaking during an interview, he also slammed US President Donald Trump for "targeting India" over the South Asian nation's trade relations with Russia. He pointed out that Trump's America is a buyer of several strategic minerals, including uranium hexafluoride, from Russia. Lauding Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for standing up against Trump for India's rights, he said this would "be the episode that historians remember where the US truly learnt that you cannot kick India around". Asim Munir aka ‘Bin Laden in a suit’ Recently, Pakistan's army chief General Asim Munir allegedly threatened that if his country were ever pushed to the brink in a conflict with India, it would "take half the world down" with it. The controversial comments were reportedly made during a private black-tie dinner in Tampa, Florida, hosted for businessman Adnan Asad. Rubin suggested that for his inciting comment the Pakistani army chief should be declared persona non grata and should be banned from receiving US visas. Raising alarm at the lack of immediate response from US officials present at the event, he said, "Within 30 minutes of when Asim Munir made those comments, he should have been ushered out, taken to Tampa International Airport, and flown out of the United States." He noted that “Americans look at terrorism through the lens of grievance” and explained that "they don't understand the ideological underpinnings of many terrorists… Asim Munir is Osama bin Laden in a suit." Pakistan's nuclear rhetoric 'completely unacceptable' Calling Pakistan's behaviour "completely unacceptable", the former Pentagon official and Middle East analyst compared Munir's threat to statements previously made by ISIS and Osama bin Laden. "Pakistan is raising questions in many people's minds about whether it can fulfil the responsibilities of being a state," he said, adding, "The Field Marshal's rhetoric is reminiscent of what we've heard from the Islamic State." The prominent analyst also called for immediate diplomatic consequences against Pakistan. Rubin suggested that Islamabad should be stripped of its status as a major non-NATO ally and potentially designated as a state sponsor of terrorism. The ex-Pentagon official then suggested that the international community should consider what he called "managed decline" for Pakistan. This, he said, could potentially include recognising regions like Balochistan if they break away. He also pitched the idea of a military intervention to secure Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. "It's coming near time when, in a future administration, other SEAL teams should enter Pakistan to secure its nuclear weapons because the alternative is simply too great to bear," he said.

&nbsp;Comparing the Pakistani army chief Asim Munir to Islamic State terrorist Osama Bin Laden, Former Pentagon analyst Michael Rubin in a scathing statement said, "Asim Munir is Osama bin Laden in a suit."

'Bin Laden in suit': Ex-Pentagon official slams Pakistan Army Chief Munir for nuke threat, suggests THIS action against Islamabad

Delhi Mayor Iqbal Singh on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court's order to relocate stray dogs in the National Capital Region (NCR) to shelters within eight weeks, saying the civic administration will make temporary and permanent shelters to implement the direction. BJP leader and animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi called the order "a strange judgment", questioning the feasibility of the court's plan to tackle the stray dog menace.&nbsp;Mayor Iqbal Singh said the civic bodies will try to implement the order within six weeks, nearly two weeks before the Supreme Court's deadline.&nbsp;"I welcome the Supreme Court's order as the people of Delhi were facing a lot of problems. We will try our best to implement this order in the next 6 weeks," he said.&nbsp;Singh elaborated on how the administration plans to lock away stray dogs.&nbsp;"We don't have shelter homes, but we have 10 operational sterilisation centres. We can make temporary and permanent shelter homes. MCD and the Delhi government will ensure that no one faces problems due to stray dogs. We will make an action plan after holding meetings with our officers," he added.&nbsp;Gandhi alleged that the judgment was pronounced in anger.&nbsp;"It is not a doable order... This is a very strange judgment given by someone who is in anger. Angry judgments are never sensible," she said.&nbsp;She said that there were no government-run shelters in the national capital.&nbsp;"In how many shelters would you put 3 lakh dogs? You don't even have one. To make those shelters, you have to spend at least Rs 15 thousand crore," she claimed.&nbsp;Maneka Gandhi said that to implement&nbsp;the court's order, the local administration would have to build at least 3000 shelters.&nbsp;"This can't be done in two months... You'll have to employ 1.5 lakh people to just be sanitation workers, which will again cost crores... Firstly, when they go to get the dogs, there will be fighting in every street because feeders are not going to let the dogs go. Every day, there will be fights. Do we want this destabilisation situation? Other political parties will get into it to attack the BJP...When the dogs from here are displaced, dogs from nearby states will come to Delhi, as there will be more food here. Then, within a week, there will be another 3 lakh dogs in Delhi, and these will not be sterilised. Then will you start another sterilisation programme and spend hundreds of crores again?" she added.&nbsp;On Monday, a bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan ruled that all localities in the national capital be made stray dog-free. They ordered the authorities not to&nbsp;release captured animals on the streets.

Delhi Mayor Iqbal Singh on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court's order to relocate stray dogs in the National Capital Region (NCR) to shelters within eight weeks, saying the civic administration will make temporary and permanent shelters to implement the direction.

Delhi Mayor Iqbal Singh on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court's order to relocate stray dogs in the National Capital Region (NCR) to shelters within eight weeks, saying the civic administration will make temporary and permanent shelters to implement the direction. BJP leader and animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi called the order "a strange judgment", questioning the feasibility of the court's plan to tackle the stray dog menace. Mayor Iqbal Singh said the civic bodies will try to implement the order within six weeks, nearly two weeks before the Supreme Court's deadline. "I welcome the Supreme Court's order as the people of Delhi were facing a lot of problems. We will try our best to implement this order in the next 6 weeks," he said. Singh elaborated on how the administration plans to lock away stray dogs. "We don't have shelter homes, but we have 10 operational sterilisation centres. We can make temporary and permanent shelter homes. MCD and the Delhi government will ensure that no one faces problems due to stray dogs. We will make an action plan after holding meetings with our officers," he added. Gandhi alleged that the judgment was pronounced in anger. "It is not a doable order... This is a very strange judgment given by someone who is in anger. Angry judgments are never sensible," she said. She said that there were no government-run shelters in the national capital. "In how many shelters would you put 3 lakh dogs? You don't even have one. To make those shelters, you have to spend at least Rs 15 thousand crore," she claimed. Maneka Gandhi said that to implement the court's order, the local administration would have to build at least 3000 shelters. "This can't be done in two months... You'll have to employ 1.5 lakh people to just be sanitation workers, which will again cost crores... Firstly, when they go to get the dogs, there will be fighting in every street because feeders are not going to let the dogs go. Every day, there will be fights. Do we want this destabilisation situation? Other political parties will get into it to attack the BJP...When the dogs from here are displaced, dogs from nearby states will come to Delhi, as there will be more food here. Then, within a week, there will be another 3 lakh dogs in Delhi, and these will not be sterilised. Then will you start another sterilisation programme and spend hundreds of crores again?" she added. On Monday, a bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan ruled that all localities in the national capital be made stray dog-free. They ordered the authorities not to release captured animals on the streets.

Supreme Court stray dog order: Maneka Gandhi claimed the administration will have to spend Rs 15000 crore to build and maintain dog shelters.

Maneka Gandhi's warning over Supreme Court order: 'Dogs from other states will come to Delhi'

Man arrested with a kilogram of marijuana earlier this year in January, has pleaded guilty in front of the Gautam Buddha Nagar court. Deepak Mahto was sentenced to rigorous jail sentence for seven months and 13 days, along with a fine of $114 (INR 1,000). Mahto has served his period in prison and soon will be released.&nbsp;He is resident of Hoshiyarpur village in Sector 49, and was arrested by Sector 51 police January 27, when he had 1.14 kg of marijuana in his possession. He was booked under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the chargesheet was filed on June 2.

Man arrested with a kilogram of marijuana earlier this year in January, has pleaded guilty in front of the Gautam Buddha Nagar court. 

Man arrested with a kilogram of marijuana earlier this year in January, has pleaded guilty in front of the Gautam Buddha Nagar court. Deepak Mahto was sentenced to rigorous jail sentence for seven months and 13 days, along with a fine of $114 (INR 1,000). Mahto has served his period in prison and soon will be released. He is resident of Hoshiyarpur village in Sector 49, and was arrested by Sector 51 police January 27, when he had 1.14 kg of marijuana in his possession. He was booked under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the chargesheet was filed on June 2.

Man arrested with a kilogram of marijuana earlier this year in January, has pleaded guilty in front of the Gautam Buddha Nagar court.&nbsp;

After 7 months in jail, Noida man pleads guilty in drug case

Former Pentagon analyst Michael Rubin believes that US President Donald Trump "is wrong in targeting India" over the South Asian nation's trade relations with Russia. The former Pentagon official and Middle East analyst in an interview pointed out that Trump's America is a buyer of several strategic minerals, including uranium hexafluoride, from Russia. He stressed that the Indian Prime Minister standing up against Trump for India's rights "be the episode that historians remember where the US truly learnt that you cannot kick India around".<h2>Ex-Pentagon official condemns Trump's actions against India</h2>In a conversation with the news agency ANI, Rubin said that Trump was wrong in targeting India for buying oil from Moscow. He pointed out the hypocrisy of the 50 per cent tariffs imposed by Trump and said that "US purchases Uranium hexafluoride and other strategic minerals from Russia...".&nbsp;He added that while the US "talks about gas from Azerbaijan as optimal," the majority of US gas supply "is Russian or Iranian, and Americans are purchasing it... ".&nbsp;Backing India's stand, insisting on the nation's right to trade as per the market, he said New Delhi was "right to stand up for its rights". Lauding PM Modi, he added that he was "standing up for India's rights is going to be the episode that historians remember where the US truly learnt that you cannot kick India around."&nbsp;Rubin predicted that the strenuous US-India relations would improve eventually. He insisted that "Donald Trump is wrong and US will try to work through that... Once this episode passes, India-US relations will improve significantly..."Watch what he said here:

<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> | Washington DC, USA | On upcoming meeting between US and Russia, Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin says, &quot;Donald Trump is wrong in targeting India in this case. US purchases Uranium hexafluoride and other strategic minerals from Russia... US talks about gas from… <a href="https://t.co/8ppsS9FpeZ">pic.twitter.com/8ppsS9FpeZ</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1955031657154744724?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Ex-Pentagon analyst Michael Rubin criticised Donald Trump for targeting India over its trade with Russia, calling it hypocritical given US purchases of Russian minerals. He praised PM Modi for standing firm, saying it could mark a turning point in how the US treats India.

Former Pentagon analyst Michael Rubin believes that US President Donald Trump "is wrong in targeting India" over the South Asian nation's trade relations with Russia. The former Pentagon official and Middle East analyst in an interview pointed out that Trump's America is a buyer of several strategic minerals, including uranium hexafluoride, from Russia. He stressed that the Indian Prime Minister standing up against Trump for India's rights "be the episode that historians remember where the US truly learnt that you cannot kick India around". Ex-Pentagon official condemns Trump's actions against India In a conversation with the news agency ANI, Rubin said that Trump was wrong in targeting India for buying oil from Moscow. He pointed out the hypocrisy of the 50 per cent tariffs imposed by Trump and said that "US purchases Uranium hexafluoride and other strategic minerals from Russia...". He added that while the US "talks about gas from Azerbaijan as optimal," the majority of US gas supply "is Russian or Iranian, and Americans are purchasing it... ". Backing India's stand, insisting on the nation's right to trade as per the market, he said New Delhi was "right to stand up for its rights". Lauding PM Modi, he added that he was "standing up for India's rights is going to be the episode that historians remember where the US truly learnt that you cannot kick India around." Rubin predicted that the strenuous US-India relations would improve eventually. He insisted that "Donald Trump is wrong and US will try to work through that... Once this episode passes, India-US relations will improve significantly..." Watch what he said here:

Ex-Pentagon analyst Michael Rubin criticised Donald Trump for targeting India over its trade with Russia, calling it hypocritical given US purchases of Russian minerals. He praised PM Modi for standing firm, saying it could mark a turning point in how the US treats India.

'When US learnt you can't kick India around': Ex-Pentagon official slams Trump for targeting New Delhi over trade with Russia

Pakistan on Monday (August 11) has rejected India's statement on Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir's "nuclear blackmail" during his US visit, calling it "misleading" and "self-serving construct". Pakistan's Foreign Affairs Ministry in a statement vowed a "matching response" to India's aggression.&nbsp;Responding to media queries regarding the statement made by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Pakistan's Foreign Affairs Ministry called India's remarks “immature and misleading”.&nbsp;This comes after Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, on Sunday made a nuclear threat against India and the world. During his visit to the US, he warned that if his country were ever pushed to the brink in a conflict with India, it would "take half the world down" with it.In a sharp response to Munir, India's Ministry of External Affairs said that “nuclear sabre-rattling is Pakistan's stock-in-trade.” The MEA said that the international community can draw its own conclusions over the irresponsible remark made by Asim Munir during his visit to the United States.Further, India stressed that Munir's statement raises doubts about the integrity of nuclear weapons and their control and stated that “the military is hand-in-glove with terrorist groups” in Pakistan.&nbsp;Vowing to take immediate action, Pakistan today stressed, "Any act of Indian aggression or violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity will be met with an immediate and matching response. The onus of any ensuing escalation will rest squarely with the Indian leadership."As opposed to Munir's remark, Pakistan added that they are a "responsible nuclear weapon state" with an elaborate command and control structure under full civilian control.Further responding to India's remarks, the Pakistan foreign ministry stated, “The Indian MEA's spurious insinuations are irresponsible and without a shred of evidence. We also note with concern a pointless reference to the third countries, in a bid to exert pressure on Pakistan.”

Pakistan's Foreign Affairs Ministry called India's remarks "immature", saying that it is "another demonstration of their chronic tendency to distort facts and twist statements out of context."

Pakistan on Monday (August 11) has rejected India's statement on Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir's "nuclear blackmail" during his US visit, calling it "misleading" and "self-serving construct". Pakistan's Foreign Affairs Ministry in a statement vowed a "matching response" to India's aggression. Responding to media queries regarding the statement made by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Pakistan's Foreign Affairs Ministry called India's remarks “immature and misleading”. This comes after Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, on Sunday made a nuclear threat against India and the world. During his visit to the US, he warned that if his country were ever pushed to the brink in a conflict with India, it would "take half the world down" with it. In a sharp response to Munir, India's Ministry of External Affairs said that “nuclear sabre-rattling is Pakistan's stock-in-trade.” The MEA said that the international community can draw its own conclusions over the irresponsible remark made by Asim Munir during his visit to the United States. Further, India stressed that Munir's statement raises doubts about the integrity of nuclear weapons and their control and stated that “the military is hand-in-glove with terrorist groups” in Pakistan. Vowing to take immediate action, Pakistan today stressed, "Any act of Indian aggression or violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity will be met with an immediate and matching response. The onus of any ensuing escalation will rest squarely with the Indian leadership." As opposed to Munir's remark, Pakistan added that they are a "responsible nuclear weapon state" with an elaborate command and control structure under full civilian control. Further responding to India's remarks, the Pakistan foreign ministry stated, “The Indian MEA's spurious insinuations are irresponsible and without a shred of evidence. We also note with concern a pointless reference to the third countries, in a bid to exert pressure on Pakistan.”

&nbsp;Pakistan's Foreign Affairs Ministry called India's remarks "immature", saying that it is "another demonstration of their chronic tendency to distort facts and twist statements out of context."

Pakistan reacts to India's statement on Asim Munir's 'nuclear blackmail'; vows matching response to 'aggression'

New Delhi: In a significant upping of defence ties, India and Australia have signed an agreement to increase intelligence exchanges during the visit of the Australian Army Chief Lieutenant General Simon Stuart. The Australian army chief is on a visit to India till 14th August. On Monday, he held talks with his counterpart, the Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi. Interestingly, both of them were coursemates at the United States Army War College in 2015.&nbsp;The top Australian Army official was briefed on India’s Operation Sindoor under which Indian forces conducted precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir after the Pahalgam terror attack. A statement from India’s defence ministry said, “The Chief of the Australian Army was briefed on India’s security perspective, Operation SINDOOR, and recent advancements in technology absorption within the Indian Army.”&nbsp;Both sides have inked an agreement to increase the complexity of military exercises and focus on high-end war fighting. They already hold regular bilateral exercises. including Austrahind (army exercises), Ausindex (Navy exercises) and are part of the Malabar naval exercises that see the participation of Japan and the US as well.&nbsp;Australia participated in India’s Exercise Milan in 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. India participated in the 2021 and 2023 editions of Australia’s EX TALISMAN SABRE as observers. Additionally, plans were discussed for joint training initiatives in the Pacific.&nbsp;The India-Australia defence relationship has grown significantly in the past few years, which included both sides signing an air-to-air refuelling agreement last year that enhances the operational reach of both air forces. Australia has already designated India as a “top-tier security partner” in its defence strategic review. The visiting Australian Army chief met senior leadership of the Indian Armed Forces, including General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff; Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff; Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of Air Staff; and Rajesh Kumar, Defence Secretary.&nbsp;&nbsp;On Tuesday, General Stuart will travel to Agra to visit the 50 (Independent) Parachute Brigade and visit Taj Mahal. He will also address the National Defence College in Delhi.&nbsp;On 13-14th August, he will be in Pune, where he will meet General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, and visit the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. A statement from the Indian side said, “This high-level visit reaffirms the strong and growing India-Australia defence partnership and underscores the shared commitment of both nations towards a stable, secure, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.”

The India-Australia defence relationship has grown significantly in the past few years, which included both sides signing an air-to-air refuelling agreement last year that enhances the operational reach of both air forces.

New Delhi: In a significant upping of defence ties, India and Australia have signed an agreement to increase intelligence exchanges during the visit of the Australian Army Chief Lieutenant General Simon Stuart. The Australian army chief is on a visit to India till 14th August. On Monday, he held talks with his counterpart, the Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi. Interestingly, both of them were coursemates at the United States Army War College in 2015. The top Australian Army official was briefed on India’s Operation Sindoor under which Indian forces conducted precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir after the Pahalgam terror attack. A statement from India’s defence ministry said, “The Chief of the Australian Army was briefed on India’s security perspective, Operation SINDOOR, and recent advancements in technology absorption within the Indian Army.” Both sides have inked an agreement to increase the complexity of military exercises and focus on high-end war fighting. They already hold regular bilateral exercises. including Austrahind (army exercises), Ausindex (Navy exercises) and are part of the Malabar naval exercises that see the participation of Japan and the US as well. Australia participated in India’s Exercise Milan in 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. India participated in the 2021 and 2023 editions of Australia’s EX TALISMAN SABRE as observers. Additionally, plans were discussed for joint training initiatives in the Pacific. The India-Australia defence relationship has grown significantly in the past few years, which included both sides signing an air-to-air refuelling agreement last year that enhances the operational reach of both air forces. Australia has already designated India as a “top-tier security partner” in its defence strategic review. The visiting Australian Army chief met senior leadership of the Indian Armed Forces, including General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff; Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff; Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of Air Staff; and Rajesh Kumar, Defence Secretary. On Tuesday, General Stuart will travel to Agra to visit the 50 (Independent) Parachute Brigade and visit Taj Mahal. He will also address the National Defence College in Delhi. On 13-14th August, he will be in Pune, where he will meet General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, and visit the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. A statement from the Indian side said, “This high-level visit reaffirms the strong and growing India-Australia defence partnership and underscores the shared commitment of both nations towards a stable, secure, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.”

The India-Australia defence relationship has grown significantly in the past few years, which included both sides signing an air-to-air refuelling agreement last year that enhances the operational reach of both air forces.

India and Australia sign agreement on intel exchange, mull training in Pacific

China is going to initiate construction of an ambitious rail link connecting Hotan in Xinjiang to Shigatse in Tibet, part of which will “run near” the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India and is likely to cause concerns and friction, according to a media report. As per a South China Morning Post (SCMP) report, the line is likely to cross from Aksai Chin and close to the G219 national highway, near the Line of Actual Control, a region that is disputed and has in the past triggered tensions between India and China.&nbsp;The development comes as India and China are working to improve relations after the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes near the LAC. The countries are holding talks to ease border tensions.&nbsp;The railway line will connect Hotan in Xinjiang to Shigatse in Tibet and join with the existing Lhasa-Shigatse line forming a 2,000 km artery linking northwestern and southwestern China. The line is likely to pass through Rutog and around Pangong Lake on the Chinese side of the LAC.“This ambitious project aims to establish a 5,000 km plateau rail framework centred on Lhasa by 2035,” Hubei-based Huayuan Securities said in a research note.&nbsp;<h2>Terrain poses challenges for construction</h2>&nbsp;The route will have an average elevation of more than 4,500 metres, running through the Kunlun, Karakoram, Kailash and Himalayan mountain ranges.There will be challenges in construction as the line will pass through glaciers, frozen rivers, and permafrost. The project is part of Beijing’s plan to connect Tibet with the rest of the country.&nbsp;<h2>China already has three railway lines in Tibet</h2>&nbsp;China already has three railway lines in Tibet: the Qinghai-Tibet line, the Lhasa-Shigatse line, and the Lhasa-Nyingchi line. The Lhasa-Nyingchi line goes to Tibet’s southeast, and close to the border with Arunachal Pradesh.The planning for the Xinjiang-Tibet line began in 2008 and the project was approved by the National Development and Reform Commission.The Chinese transport ministry said in April that the Xinjiang-Tibet railway line is one of the 45 major projects, where construction is expected to begin this year.&nbsp;<h2>Company set up to oversee construction</h2>&nbsp;China has launched a state-owned company, Xinjiang-Tibet Railway Company, to supervise the construction and operations of the railway line. The company has been registered with a capital of 95 billion yuan ($13.2 billion) and is wholly owned by China State Railway Group. The firm will be responsible for construction, production of railway transportation equipment, real estate development, operations, and developing tourist facilities.&nbsp;<h2>What about the Xinjiang-Tibet line concerns India&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;The railway line will pass through Aksai Chin, which Beijing falsely claims to be part of Xinjiang since China captured Aksai Chin in the 1950s and bolstered its military grip over the area during the 1962 India-China war.Aksai Chin is a strategic artery that would help China to move its troops closer to the LAC.&nbsp;The plan for the rail link in contentious territory comes just after Beijing and New Delhi began normalisation of relations after over four years of a freeze in ties due to the military standoff in the sprawling Eastern Ladakh.&nbsp;The ties began looking up after a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Russia last year.PM Modi is expected to attend the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit beginning August 31.

The railway line is likely to cross from Aksai Chin and close to the G219 national highway, near the Line of Actual Control, a region that is disputed and has in the past triggered tensions between India and China.

China is going to initiate construction of an ambitious rail link connecting Hotan in Xinjiang to Shigatse in Tibet, part of which will “run near” the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India and is likely to cause concerns and friction, according to a media report. As per a South China Morning Post (SCMP) report, the line is likely to cross from Aksai Chin and close to the G219 national highway, near the Line of Actual Control, a region that is disputed and has in the past triggered tensions between India and China. The development comes as India and China are working to improve relations after the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes near the LAC. The countries are holding talks to ease border tensions. The railway line will connect Hotan in Xinjiang to Shigatse in Tibet and join with the existing Lhasa-Shigatse line forming a 2,000 km artery linking northwestern and southwestern China. The line is likely to pass through Rutog and around Pangong Lake on the Chinese side of the LAC. “This ambitious project aims to establish a 5,000 km plateau rail framework centred on Lhasa by 2035,” Hubei-based Huayuan Securities said in a research note. Terrain poses challenges for construction The route will have an average elevation of more than 4,500 metres, running through the Kunlun, Karakoram, Kailash and Himalayan mountain ranges. There will be challenges in construction as the line will pass through glaciers, frozen rivers, and permafrost. The project is part of Beijing’s plan to connect Tibet with the rest of the country. China already has three railway lines in Tibet China already has three railway lines in Tibet: the Qinghai-Tibet line, the Lhasa-Shigatse line, and the Lhasa-Nyingchi line. The Lhasa-Nyingchi line goes to Tibet’s southeast, and close to the border with Arunachal Pradesh. The planning for the Xinjiang-Tibet line began in 2008 and the project was approved by the National Development and Reform Commission. The Chinese transport ministry said in April that the Xinjiang-Tibet railway line is one of the 45 major projects, where construction is expected to begin this year. Company set up to oversee construction China has launched a state-owned company, Xinjiang-Tibet Railway Company, to supervise the construction and operations of the railway line. The company has been registered with a capital of 95 billion yuan ($13.2 billion) and is wholly owned by China State Railway Group. The firm will be responsible for construction, production of railway transportation equipment, real estate development, operations, and developing tourist facilities. What about the Xinjiang-Tibet line concerns India The railway line will pass through Aksai Chin, which Beijing falsely claims to be part of Xinjiang since China captured Aksai Chin in the 1950s and bolstered its military grip over the area during the 1962 India-China war. Aksai Chin is a strategic artery that would help China to move its troops closer to the LAC. The plan for the rail link in contentious territory comes just after Beijing and New Delhi began normalisation of relations after over four years of a freeze in ties due to the military standoff in the sprawling Eastern Ladakh. The ties began looking up after a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Russia last year. PM Modi is expected to attend the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit beginning August 31.

The railway line is likely to cross from Aksai Chin and close to the G219 national highway, near the Line of Actual Control, a region that is disputed and has in the past triggered tensions between India and China.

China to start $13bn rail line project close to LAC. Alarm bells ring in Delhi amid easing of ties

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a telephonic conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (August 11), and the two leaders discussed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and are also likely to hold a personal meeting in September during the United Nations General Assembly.This comes as the United States President Donald Trump has been pushing and threatening India for its purchase of Russian oil, alleging that it is supporting the war in Ukraine.Zelensky, during the call with PM Modi, discussed sanctions against Russia, noting that it is necessary to limit the export of Russian energy, particularly oil, to "reduce its potential and ability to finance the continuation of this war."Expressing gratefulness, Zelensky in a post on X wrote, “I had a long conversation with the Prime Minister of India @narendramodi. We discussed in detail all important issues – both of our bilateral cooperation and the overall diplomatic situation. I am grateful to the Prime Minister for his warm words of support for our people.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I had a long conversation with the Prime Minister of India <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>. We discussed in detail all important issues – both of our bilateral cooperation and the overall diplomatic situation. I am grateful to the Prime Minister for his warm words of support for our people. I… <a href="https://t.co/Lx9b3sMAbb">pic.twitter.com/Lx9b3sMAbb</a>&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1954891726134378999?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"We agreed to plan a personal meeting in September during the UN General Assembly and to work on an exchange of visits," the Ukrainian president said.Meanwhile, PM Modi took to X, saying that he conveyed India's consistent position on the need for an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict."Glad to speak with President Zelenskyy and hear his perspectives on recent developments. India remains committed to making every possible contribution in this regard, as well as to further strengthening bilateral ties with Ukraine," PM Modi wrote on X.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Glad to speak with President Zelenskyy and hear his perspectives on recent developments. I conveyed India’s consistent position on the need for an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict. India remains committed to making every possible contribution in this regard, as well…&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1954893314240483824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"The leaders also reviewed progress in the India-Ukraine bilateral partnership and discussed ways to further enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest," a statement from the PM Modi office read.Moreover, Zelensky informed PM Modi about the Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and villages, about yesterday’s strike on the bus station in Zaporizhzhia, where dozens of people were injured in a deliberate Russian bombing of a regular urban facility.The Ukrainian president stressed that instead of demonstrating readiness for a ceasefire, "Russia is showing only its desire to continue the occupation and killings.""It is important that India is supporting our peace efforts and shares the position that everything concerning Ukraine must be decided with Ukraine’s participation. Other formats will not deliver results," Zelensky stressed."It is important that every leader who has tangible leverage over Russia sends the corresponding signals to Moscow," he added.

Zelensky, during the call with PM Modi, discussed sanctions against Russia, noting that it is necessary to limit the export of Russian oil.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a telephonic conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (August 11), and the two leaders discussed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and are also likely to hold a personal meeting in September during the United Nations General Assembly. This comes as the United States President Donald Trump has been pushing and threatening India for its purchase of Russian oil, alleging that it is supporting the war in Ukraine. Zelensky, during the call with PM Modi, discussed sanctions against Russia, noting that it is necessary to limit the export of Russian energy, particularly oil, to "reduce its potential and ability to finance the continuation of this war." Expressing gratefulness, Zelensky in a post on X wrote, “I had a long conversation with the Prime Minister of India @narendramodi. We discussed in detail all important issues – both of our bilateral cooperation and the overall diplomatic situation. I am grateful to the Prime Minister for his warm words of support for our people.”

Zelensky, during the call with PM Modi, discussed sanctions against Russia, noting that it is necessary to limit the export of Russian oil.

Zelensky calls PM Modi amid Trump's tariff threats over Russian oil - Sanctions, personal meeting, Ukraine war discussed

In a shocking and horrific incident, a 15-month-old girl was brutally assaulted by a minor caretaker at a Noida daycare centre. According to the CCTV footage, the daycare worker (nanny) slapped the girl, bit her, and even hit her with a plastic bat.The 16-year-old woman attendant, who was working at a daycare in a Paras Tierea residential complex in Noida Sector 137, has been detained after the girl's parents accused her of assaulting their child.The horrific CCTV footage shows the daycare worker hitting the girl on the face and even dropping her to the ground, intentionally.<h2>What did the FIR read?</h2>The mother said that when she confronted the caretaker, she misbehaved with her. While filing the police complaint, the parents also alleged that the daycare owner did not intervene during these incidents.“When I confronted the caretaker and the daycare director, they misbehaved with me and verbally abused me,” the toddler’s mother said in her FIR. “When my daughter was screaming during the assault, no one came to help her.”“While changing the toddler’s clothes on Thursday, the mother noticed two marks on each thigh. Suspecting a skin infection, she took her to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed they were bite marks,” said Vinod Kumar Mishra, station house officer (SHO), Sector 142.It comes after the mother noticed the injuries on her child and took her to the hospital. She first saw the bite marks on her girl's thighs. Initially, they thought it was some allergic reaction, but later they visited a doctor. The doctor told them the marks were caused by bites.The parents then asked the complex authorities to show the CCTV footage of the daycare. After which, it was revealed that the woman worker hit the infant and also dropped her. The girl was seen crying in the footage.When police questioned the caretaker, she allegedly told police, “I was playing with her and suddenly bit her without any reason.” According to the police, around 40 children are enrolled at the facility, and no past assault complaints have been filed so far. However, the investigation has begun, but no arrests have been made yet.&nbsp;

It comes after the mother noticed the injuries on her child and took her to the hospital. She first saw the bite marks on her girl's thighs. Initially, they thought it was some allergic reaction, but later they visited a doctor. The doctor told them the marks were caused by bites.

In a shocking and horrific incident, a 15-month-old girl was brutally assaulted by a minor caretaker at a Noida daycare centre. According to the CCTV footage, the daycare worker (nanny) slapped the girl, bit her, and even hit her with a plastic bat. The 16-year-old woman attendant, who was working at a daycare in a Paras Tierea residential complex in Noida Sector 137, has been detained after the girl's parents accused her of assaulting their child. The horrific CCTV footage shows the daycare worker hitting the girl on the face and even dropping her to the ground, intentionally. What did the FIR read? The mother said that when she confronted the caretaker, she misbehaved with her. While filing the police complaint, the parents also alleged that the daycare owner did not intervene during these incidents. “When I confronted the caretaker and the daycare director, they misbehaved with me and verbally abused me,” the toddler’s mother said in her FIR. “When my daughter was screaming during the assault, no one came to help her.” “While changing the toddler’s clothes on Thursday, the mother noticed two marks on each thigh. Suspecting a skin infection, she took her to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed they were bite marks,” said Vinod Kumar Mishra, station house officer (SHO), Sector 142. It comes after the mother noticed the injuries on her child and took her to the hospital. She first saw the bite marks on her girl's thighs. Initially, they thought it was some allergic reaction, but later they visited a doctor. The doctor told them the marks were caused by bites. The parents then asked the complex authorities to show the CCTV footage of the daycare. After which, it was revealed that the woman worker hit the infant and also dropped her. The girl was seen crying in the footage. When police questioned the caretaker, she allegedly told police, “I was playing with her and suddenly bit her without any reason.” According to the police, around 40 children are enrolled at the facility, and no past assault complaints have been filed so far. However, the investigation has begun, but no arrests have been made yet.

It comes after the mother noticed the injuries on her child and took her to the hospital. She first saw the bite marks on her girl's thighs. Initially, they thought it was some allergic reaction, but later they visited a doctor. The doctor told them the marks were caused by bites.

'Slapped, bitten, hit with bat': 15-month-old baby horribly assaulted at Noida daycare centre, caught on CCTV

After maximum city, Mumbai, Tesla opens its second experience centre in India. This one is in the capital, New Delhi. The electric vehicle maker aspires to expand the chain to the IT hub Bengaluru as well. On Monday (August 11), at the inauguration of the centre in Aerocity, the plans to expand were announced, though no date has been mentioned.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tesla Experience Centre, Aerocity in Delhi - Now Open <a href="https://t.co/5Gva4QqBDi">pic.twitter.com/5Gva4QqBDi</a>&mdash; Tesla India (@Tesla_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tesla_India/status/1954886614049820928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

India’s first Tesla showroom was opened in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), and the experience centre was inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday (July 15). The company is gearing up their game in the world’s third-largest automobile market – India. There was a lot of buzz around the experience centre way before its launch, and now automobile enthusiasts are flocking to check the new Tesla Model Y priced at $70,000 (₹60.1 lakh) and the long-range variant at $79,000 (₹67.8 lakh).&nbsp;The company will compete with Mercedes-Benz and BMW when it comes to the price point, and when it comes to the EV market, Tata Motors and Mahindra are ruling the roost. After the inauguration, CM Fadnavis took to X to write, “Tesla is here, and it’s chosen the right city and the right state: Mumbai, Maharashtra! Mumbai is not just the financial, commercial, and entertainment capital of India; it is the entrepreneurial capital that stands for innovation and sustainability. And Tesla represents exactly that!”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Welcome to India <a href="https://twitter.com/Tesla?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tesla</a> Inaugurated Tesla’s first-ever Experience Centre in India at BKC, Mumbai, today.This is not just the inauguration of an Experience Centre ; it’s a powerful statement—Tesla is here, and it’s chosen the right city and the right state: Mumbai, Maharashtra!&quot;… <a href="https://t.co/4ilfAHCEoO">pic.twitter.com/4ilfAHCEoO</a>&mdash; Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis/status/1945052170510066134?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

After maximum city, Mumbai, Tesla opens its second experience centre in India. This one is in the capital, New Delhi. 

After maximum city, Mumbai, Tesla opens its second experience centre in India. This one is in the capital, New Delhi. The electric vehicle maker aspires to expand the chain to the IT hub Bengaluru as well. On Monday (August 11), at the inauguration of the centre in Aerocity, the plans to expand were announced, though no date has been mentioned.

After maximum city, Mumbai, Tesla opens its second experience centre in India. This one is in the capital, New Delhi.&nbsp;

After Mumbai, Tesla opens second experience centre in Delhi; THIS city is next

Opposition MPs from the INDIA bloc, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Sharad Pawar, began their march from Parliament to the Election Commission headquarters on Monday but were stopped by Delhi Police. The march was in protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar and alleged “voter fraud” during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;The protest saw some drama and histrionics as MPs wearing white caps marked with a red cross over the words “SIR” and “vote chori” raised slogans and carried placards accusing the Election Commission of collusion with the government.&nbsp;The march began at Parliament’s Makar Dwar but was halted at Transport Bhawan, where police had set up heavy barricading.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Akhilesh Yadav scales barricades</h2>Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav climbed over the barricades, chanting slogans against the SIR exercise.&nbsp;“They are using the police to stop us,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">VIDEO | Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav (<a href="https://twitter.com/yadavakhilesh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@yadavakhilesh</a> ) was seen jumping over the police barricade, protesting with banners in hand as protesting opposition MPs were stopped by police barricades at Transport Bhawan while marching towards the Election Commission headquarters.… <a href="https://t.co/OtvYEM3NgS">pic.twitter.com/OtvYEM3NgS</a>&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1954796286567415928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Women MPs, including saree-clad TMC’s Mohua Moitra and Congress’ Sanjana Jatav and Jothimani, also climbed the barricades while others sat on the road and chanted slogans.&nbsp;<h2>TMC’s Mahua Moitra and Mitali Bag faint</h2>&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Breaking ‼️ TMC MP Mahua Moitra felt unwell during the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VoteChori?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VoteChori</a> protest march. India Alliance leaders took care of her.<a href="https://t.co/YetV8yKSh7">pic.twitter.com/YetV8yKSh7</a>&mdash; Priyamwada (@PriaINC) <a href="https://twitter.com/PriaINC/status/1954871613381357613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Amid the chaos, sloganeering, detention and sit-in protest, two Trinamool Congress MPs—Mahua Moitra and Mitali Baugh—fainted. Fellow politicians were seen attempting to revive them with water and first aid. Baugh was shifted to hospital.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi and others help TMC MP Mitali Bagh, who fainted during the opposition protest and the resulting detention by the police. (Source: ANI) <a href="https://t.co/sB6t8bbswV">pic.twitter.com/sB6t8bbswV</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1954808865112867238?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi detained</h2>Delhi Police detained Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, for holding the unauthorised protest. Rahul said, “This fight is not political, but it is aimed at saving the Constitution. This fight is for ‘one man, one vote’ and we want a clean, pure voter list.” Joint Commissioner of Police Deepak Purohit told ANI, “The detained INDIA bloc leaders have been taken to a nearby Police Station. We are still counting the number of MPs detained. There was no permission for a protest here, but we had intimation.” New Delhi DCP Devesh Kumar said there was permission for only 30 MPs from the Election Commission. <h2>‘Opposition trying to create anarchy’</h2> Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused opposition parties of trying to “create anarchy in the country”. He dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s “vote theft” claim as a “lie” and alleged the protests were part of a “well thought out strategy to create instability”. Pradhan said, “Congress and other opposition parties want to make ‘intruders’ voters in the country.” INDIA bloc has made the SIR its central issue, linking it to broader claims of democratic erosion under the BJP. The EC has rejected the allegations, insisting its procedures meet legal standards.

The opposition's protest march saw some drama and histrionics as MPs wearing white caps marked with a red cross over the words “SIR” and “vote chori” raised slogans and carried placards accusing the Election Commission of colluding with the government.

Opposition MPs from the INDIA bloc, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Sharad Pawar, began their march from Parliament to the Election Commission headquarters on Monday but were stopped by Delhi Police. The march was in protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar and alleged “voter fraud” during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The protest saw some drama and histrionics as MPs wearing white caps marked with a red cross over the words “SIR” and “vote chori” raised slogans and carried placards accusing the Election Commission of collusion with the government. The march began at Parliament’s Makar Dwar but was halted at Transport Bhawan, where police had set up heavy barricading. Akhilesh Yadav scales barricades Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav climbed over the barricades, chanting slogans against the SIR exercise. “They are using the police to stop us,” he said.

The opposition's protest march saw some drama and histrionics as MPs wearing white caps marked with a red cross over the words “SIR” and “vote chori” raised slogans and carried placards accusing the Election Commission of colluding with the government.

High drama at oppn’s ‘vote theft’ march: Akhilesh jumps barricades; Mahua Moitra faints | Watch

Pakistan has stopped newspapers to Indian diplomats and the Indian High Commission based in Islamabad. The action was taken in June, weeks after Operation Sindoor by India. Under Operation Sindoor, Indian undertook strikes on Pakistani terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.&nbsp;In the aftermath of Pakistani action, in a tit for tat move, India had also cut newspaper supplies to Pakistani diplomats and the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi.&nbsp;In the past, in 2019, Indian diplomats were harassed in Pakistan. These measures are seen as deliberate breaches of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which mandates host countries to ensure diplomats’ safety and functionality.&nbsp;Indian diplomats reported aggressive surveillance by Pakistani security agencies, including being followed by unmarked vehicles and motorcycles. This was seen as an attempt to intimidate diplomatic staff. There were reports of unauthorised entries into Indian diplomatic residences and offices. Local staff faced questioning by Pakistani authorities, creating a hostile work environment.

In the aftermath of Pakistani action, in a tit for tat move, India had also cut newspaper supplies to Pakistani diplomats and Pakistan high commission in Delhi.

Pakistan has stopped newspapers to Indian diplomats and the Indian High Commission based in Islamabad. The action was taken in June, weeks after Operation Sindoor by India. Under Operation Sindoor, Indian undertook strikes on Pakistani terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. In the aftermath of Pakistani action, in a tit for tat move, India had also cut newspaper supplies to Pakistani diplomats and the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi. In the past, in 2019, Indian diplomats were harassed in Pakistan. These measures are seen as deliberate breaches of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which mandates host countries to ensure diplomats’ safety and functionality. Indian diplomats reported aggressive surveillance by Pakistani security agencies, including being followed by unmarked vehicles and motorcycles. This was seen as an attempt to intimidate diplomatic staff. There were reports of unauthorised entries into Indian diplomatic residences and offices. Local staff faced questioning by Pakistani authorities, creating a hostile work environment.

In the aftermath of Pakistani action, in a tit for tat move, India had also cut newspaper supplies to Pakistani diplomats and Pakistan high commission in Delhi.

Pakistan stops newspapers to Indian diplomats in Islamabad

The New Income Tax Bill 2025 was passed by the Lok Sabha on Monday after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced a revised version that incorporated most of the recommendations made by the Select Committee headed by MP Baijayant Panda. The bill was tabled on Monday after the government decided to withdraw the Income-Tax Bill, 2025, which was presented on February 13 to replace the six-decade-old Income-Tax Act, 1961. The bill must be passed by the Rajya Sabha and will then seek the President’s nod.&nbsp;The new bill is designed to simplify and update India’s taxation system, replacing legislation that had been in effect for over 60 years. It includes a revised structure, provisions for digital taxation, systems for resolving disputes, and initiatives to expand tax collection through technological and data-driven methods. While presenting The Income-Tax (No.2) Bill, 2025, Sitharaman explained that this legislation aims to streamline and update income tax regulations, replacing the existing Income Tax Act, 1961.&nbsp;The new version, which includes the majority of 285 recommendations made by the Parliamentary Select Committee led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, was presented on Monday and passed promptly.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/monsoonsession2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#monsoonsession2025</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabha</a> passes The Income-Tax (No.2) Bill, 2025. The Bill consolidates and amends the law relating to income tax.<a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharamanoffc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nsitharamanoffc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nsitharaman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/LokSabhaSectt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LokSabhaSectt</a><a href="https://twitter.com/loksabhaspeaker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@loksabhaspeaker</a> <a href="https://t.co/wqYeCrWk9G">pic.twitter.com/wqYeCrWk9G</a>&mdash; SansadTV (@sansad_tv) <a href="https://twitter.com/sansad_tv/status/1954858998148046911?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Select Committee presented 4,575-page report</h2> The Parliamentary Select Committee, comprising 31 members, presented their comprehensive 4,575-page findings last month. Their recommendations include both small adjustments and 32 significant modifications. The parliamentary panel had flagged multiple drafting errors and suggested amendments to reduce ambiguity. The committee said the changes would improve fairness and clarity while aligning the law with existing provisions. FM Sitharaman said the earlier bill was pulled back to avoid confusion and that the fresh draft will serve as the basis for replacing the 1961 Act. <h2>Significant reforms in direct tax code in over 60 years</h2> The draft bill introduced in February was described as the most significant reform of India’s direct tax code in over 60 years. Its key features were simplified language, consolidation of deductions, and shorter provisions to ease compliance. It also included lower penalties for certain offences to make the system more taxpayer-friendly and reduction in litigation through a “trust first, scrutinise later” approach. The earlier draft had 23 chapters, 536 sections, and 16 schedules, using tables and formulas for easier interpretation. It also proposed streamlined TDS rules, simplified depreciation provisions, and retention of residency criteria and financial year timelines.

The Parliamentary Select Committee, comprising 31 members, presented their comprehensive 4,575-page findings last month. The recommendations of the committee include both small adjustments and 32 significant modifications.

The New Income Tax Bill 2025 was passed by the Lok Sabha on Monday after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced a revised version that incorporated most of the recommendations made by the Select Committee headed by MP Baijayant Panda. The bill was tabled on Monday after the government decided to withdraw the Income-Tax Bill, 2025, which was presented on February 13 to replace the six-decade-old Income-Tax Act, 1961. The bill must be passed by the Rajya Sabha and will then seek the President’s nod. The new bill is designed to simplify and update India’s taxation system, replacing legislation that had been in effect for over 60 years. It includes a revised structure, provisions for digital taxation, systems for resolving disputes, and initiatives to expand tax collection through technological and data-driven methods. While presenting The Income-Tax (No.2) Bill, 2025, Sitharaman explained that this legislation aims to streamline and update income tax regulations, replacing the existing Income Tax Act, 1961. The new version, which includes the majority of 285 recommendations made by the Parliamentary Select Committee led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, was presented on Monday and passed promptly.

The Parliamentary Select Committee, comprising 31 members, presented their comprehensive 4,575-page findings last month. The recommendations of the committee include both small adjustments and 32 significant modifications.

New Income Tax Bill 2025 gets Lok Sabha nod, includes parliamentary panel’s most suggestions

As the Supreme Court passed an order to move stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to shelters, many have voiced their opinion on the judgement passed by the Bench on Monday (August 11). The apex court has given authorities 8 weeks to create and move all dogs to shelters. It has also warned against sterilising and releasing them back into the localities. As the suo moto case was being heard, the Bench mentioned legal action would be taken against those obstructing the court’s orders. This case was heard amid rising cases of dog-biting incidents. Many have raised questions about ABC (Animal Birth Control) initiatives.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-unscientific-never-worked-peta-slams-sc-order-for-removal-of-1-million-stray-dogs-in-delhi-ncr-1754909835698">‘Unscientific, NEVER worked’: PETA slams SC order to remove stray dogs in Delhi</a> Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, “The people of Delhi had been troubled for quite some time now on this issue. This problem had taken a formidable form and is now standing before Delhi, and providing a solution is very important. We will prepare a proper plan on this issue."

<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> | On SC order to move all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to shelter in 8 weeks, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta says, &quot; The people of Delhi had been troubled for quite some time now on this issue. This problem had taken a formidable form and is now standing before Delhi, and providing a… <a href="https://t.co/Y0DhLRvxVY">pic.twitter.com/Y0DhLRvxVY</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1954862088389808200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram also weighed in on the matter, he posted on X, “The Supreme Court's directions on stray dogs must be implemented in every city and town It is not difficult to round up stray dogs and put them in proper dog shelters All that a town needs is government or municipal land on the outskirts of a town; levelling the land and fencing it; and putting the dogs in the enclosed space Of course, provisions must be made for food and water There are cost-effective ways to find the food and water for the dogs ABC methods must and can be thought of in due course, but the first task is to round up the stray dogs and put them in a protected place Streets must be free and safe for all people especially children and elderly people.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Supreme Court&#39;s directions on stray dogs must be implemented in every city and town It is not difficult to round up stray dogs and put them in proper dog shelters All that a town needs is government or municipal land on the outskirts of a town; levelling the land and…&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/1954812642373382549?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>The Internet is divided:</h2>&nbsp;X user Manish wrote, “Supreme Court has done severe injustice with today's order on stray dogs, it literally acting as if we are living in an autocratic country and not a democratic one. Personal interests seemed to have taken precedence over justice. From a compassionate country we are going in the direction of becoming ruthless China.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Supreme court has done severe injustice with today&#39;s order on stray dogs, it literally acting as if we are living in a autocratic country and not a democratic one. Personal interests seemed to have taken precedence over justice. From a compassionate country we are going in the… <a href="https://t.co/4ZUQ3zOPru">pic.twitter.com/4ZUQ3zOPru</a>&mdash; Manish🇮🇳 (@manibhaii16) <a href="https://twitter.com/manibhaii16/status/1954799483352478045?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Another asked, “BUT how well will all those dogs be taken care of in those shelters? Will the Indian local government euthanise many of them just to get rid of them?”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">BUT how well will all those dogs be taken care of in those shelters? Will the Indian local govt euthanise many of them just to get rid of them?? Those facilities and their workers should be extremely carefully monitored&mdash; FutureisMars (@FutureisMars) <a href="https://twitter.com/FutureisMars/status/1954820249540288897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Then came the poignant questions: “Indian courts have again showed that they pass judgements without understanding the issue. Judges want 5000 dogs to be put in shelters in 8 weeks. Do they understand how much land is required for such shelters? And how much upkeep is required to ensure hygiene and medical care even for a shelter for 20-30 dogs?”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">indian courts have again showed that they pass judgements without understanding issue judges want 5000 dogs to be put in shelter in 8 weeks .do thy understand how much land is required to for such shelters. and how much upkeep is required to ensure hygience and medical care even…&mdash; nitin (@0502nitin) <a href="https://twitter.com/0502nitin/status/1954825506978746679?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>The court's judgement simplified:</h2>&nbsp;<ul><li>Stray dogs will be picked up from all localities in Delhi-NCR.</li><li>Any person or activist obstructing the Supreme Court's orders will face legal action.</li><li>The Delhi government, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) have 2 months to create shelters for the stray dogs.</li><li>The Bench has clarified that no dog will be sterilised and re-released in the same locality.</li><li>A helpline to report cases of dog bites should be made functional within a week.</li><li>The public should be made aware of where rabies vaccines are available; details should be published.</li></ul>

As the Supreme Court passed an order to move stray dog in Delhi-NCR to shelters, many have voiced their opinion on the judgement passed by the Bench on Monday (August 11). 

As the Supreme Court passed an order to move stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to shelters, many have voiced their opinion on the judgement passed by the Bench on Monday (August 11). The apex court has given authorities 8 weeks to create and move all dogs to shelters. It has also warned against sterilising and releasing them back into the localities. As the suo moto case was being heard, the Bench mentioned legal action would be taken against those obstructing the court’s orders. This case was heard amid rising cases of dog-biting incidents. Many have raised questions about ABC (Animal Birth Control) initiatives. Also read: ‘Unscientific, NEVER worked’: PETA slams SC order to remove stray dogs in Delhi Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, “The people of Delhi had been troubled for quite some time now on this issue. This problem had taken a formidable form and is now standing before Delhi, and providing a solution is very important. We will prepare a proper plan on this issue."

As the Supreme Court passed an order to move stray dog in Delhi-NCR to shelters, many have voiced their opinion on the judgement passed by the Bench on Monday (August 11).&nbsp;

What about upkeep, will they be euthanised?: Internet divided on Supreme Court's judgement on moving stray dogs to shelters

The Delhi High Court on Monday directed Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik to respond to the National Investigation Agency's (NIA) appeal seeking to enhance his life sentence to the death penalty in a 2017 terror funding case. A division bench comprising Justice Vivek Chaudhary and Justice Shalinder Kaur granted Malik four weeks to file his reply and scheduled the next hearing for November 10. During proceedings, NIA's special counsel, Advocate Akshai Malik, cited a previous court order dated August 9, 2024, in which Yasin Malik had stated his intention to represent himself. That order also mandated his appearance via video conferencing due to security concerns. However, Malik failed to appear virtually at the latest hearing, prompting the bench to reiterate its directive for his online presence at the next session. In 2022, Malik was sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The trial court ruled that the case did not meet the Supreme Court's "rarest of rare" threshold for capital punishment. Malik's claim of leading a non-violent, Gandhian-style movement was also rejected. The NIA's case, filed in 2017, accused Malik and others of conspiring with Pakistan-based terrorist groups to foment unrest in Jammu and Kashmir. In March 2022, charges were framed against Malik and several co-accused, including Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, Shabbir Ahmad Shah, Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin, Rashid Engineer, Zahoor Ahmad Shah Watali, Shahid-ul-Islam, Altaf Ahmad Shah (alias Fantoosh), Nayeem Khan and Farooq Ahmad Dar (alias Bitta Karate). Three individuals, Kamran Yusuf, Javed Ahmad Bhatt, and Syeda Aasiya Firdous Andrabi, were discharged from the case. In a related development, a UAPA Tribunal led by Justice Neena Bansal Krishna of the Delhi High Court recently upheld the Union Home Ministry's decision to extend the ban on the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) for another five years. Originally imposed in 2019, the ban was renewed on March 15, 2024. The tribunal emphasised that "no tolerance" should be shown toward organisations that openly advocate secessionism. The tribunal's findings challenged Malik's assertion that he abandoned armed resistance in 1994. Evidence presented included his alleged visits to terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and his involvement in mobilising illegal funds for violent activities and protests in the Kashmir Valley. The NIA's 2018 charge sheet also outlined a leadership hierarchy within the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), identifying SAS Geelani, Malik, and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq as key figures under the "Joint Resistance Leadership" banner.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.&nbsp;

In 2022, Kashmiri separatist leader Malik was sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The Delhi High Court on Monday directed Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik to respond to the National Investigation Agency's (NIA) appeal seeking to enhance his life sentence to the death penalty in a 2017 terror funding case. A division bench comprising Justice Vivek Chaudhary and Justice Shalinder Kaur granted Malik four weeks to file his reply and scheduled the next hearing for November 10. During proceedings, NIA's special counsel, Advocate Akshai Malik, cited a previous court order dated August 9, 2024, in which Yasin Malik had stated his intention to represent himself. That order also mandated his appearance via video conferencing due to security concerns. However, Malik failed to appear virtually at the latest hearing, prompting the bench to reiterate its directive for his online presence at the next session. In 2022, Malik was sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The trial court ruled that the case did not meet the Supreme Court's "rarest of rare" threshold for capital punishment. Malik's claim of leading a non-violent, Gandhian-style movement was also rejected. The NIA's case, filed in 2017, accused Malik and others of conspiring with Pakistan-based terrorist groups to foment unrest in Jammu and Kashmir. In March 2022, charges were framed against Malik and several co-accused, including Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, Shabbir Ahmad Shah, Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin, Rashid Engineer, Zahoor Ahmad Shah Watali, Shahid-ul-Islam, Altaf Ahmad Shah (alias Fantoosh), Nayeem Khan and Farooq Ahmad Dar (alias Bitta Karate). Three individuals, Kamran Yusuf, Javed Ahmad Bhatt, and Syeda Aasiya Firdous Andrabi, were discharged from the case. In a related development, a UAPA Tribunal led by Justice Neena Bansal Krishna of the Delhi High Court recently upheld the Union Home Ministry's decision to extend the ban on the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) for another five years. Originally imposed in 2019, the ban was renewed on March 15, 2024. The tribunal emphasised that "no tolerance" should be shown toward organisations that openly advocate secessionism. The tribunal's findings challenged Malik's assertion that he abandoned armed resistance in 1994. Evidence presented included his alleged visits to terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and his involvement in mobilising illegal funds for violent activities and protests in the Kashmir Valley. The NIA's 2018 charge sheet also outlined a leadership hierarchy within the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), identifying SAS Geelani, Malik, and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq as key figures under the "Joint Resistance Leadership" banner. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

In 2022, Kashmiri separatist leader Malik was sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Terror funding case: Delhi High Court seeks Yasin Malik's response in NIA's death penalty appeal

The union government on Monday (August 11) passed the National Sports Governance Bill and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha, amid protests from the opposition. Both the bills were tabled by sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya during the ongoing monsoon session in the presence of speaker Sandhya Ray of the BJP.&nbsp;The Sports Governance Bill aims to overhaul sports administration in India, while the Anti-Doping Amendment Bill seeks to grant greater operational independence to the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) in line with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) directives.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to enhance institutional and operational independence of the National Anti-Doping Appeal Panel and the National Anti-Doping Agency to ensure autonomy in their decisions pertaining to operations, investigations, and enforcement activities,” the Bill’s objectives said. “The Bill will be the single biggest reform in sports since Independence. Through this bill, we hope to realise the dream of ground to glory,” Mandaviya said of the Sports Governance Bill in Lok Sabha.&nbsp;“It will strengthen accountability and professionalism. It will give more opportunities to women in the country, and it will ensure justice for our athletes.” "It will have massive significance in India's sports ecosystem. It is unfortunate that such an important bill and reform does not have opposition's participation," he added. &nbsp;Most of the opposition MPs were absent when the bills were introduced, having been detained during a march to the Election Commission over alleged voter data manipulation in Bihar. After two MPs spoke in support, opposition members returned and started slogan-shouting. The bills were passed by voice vote and the House adjourned till 4 pm. Earlier, Parliamentary Sports Committee chair Digvijaya Singh had urged Speaker Om Birla to refer the Sports Governance Bill to the panel for detailed scrutiny.&nbsp;Mandaviya said the two bills were key reforms aimed at building a "transparent, accountable and world-class sports ecosystem" in India as the country aims to bid for the 2036 Olympics. "Efforts have been made since 1975 and in 1985, we had the first draft. But sports was also politicised for personal gains. Some ministers made efforts to bring this bill but could not move forward. "In 2011, we had a National Sports Code. Another effort was made to turn it into a bill. It reached the cabinet, there was a discussion as well but the bill was deferred after that. It did not reach the Parliament," the minister stated while presenting a timeline of the bill's journey."&nbsp;"The National Sports Bill Governance Bill is a force of change...Despite being such a large country, our performance at the Olympic Games and on the international stage has not been satisfactory and this Bill aims to build India's sports capacity," he added.

Lok Sabha passes landmark sports governance anti doping bills amid opposition uproar

The union government on Monday (August 11) passed the National Sports Governance Bill and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha, amid protests from the opposition. Both the bills were tabled by sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya during the ongoing monsoon session in the presence of speaker Sandhya Ray of the BJP. The Sports Governance Bill aims to overhaul sports administration in India, while the Anti-Doping Amendment Bill seeks to grant greater operational independence to the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) in line with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) directives. “The National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to enhance institutional and operational independence of the National Anti-Doping Appeal Panel and the National Anti-Doping Agency to ensure autonomy in their decisions pertaining to operations, investigations, and enforcement activities,” the Bill’s objectives said. “The Bill will be the single biggest reform in sports since Independence. Through this bill, we hope to realise the dream of ground to glory,” Mandaviya said of the Sports Governance Bill in Lok Sabha. “It will strengthen accountability and professionalism. It will give more opportunities to women in the country, and it will ensure justice for our athletes.” "It will have massive significance in India's sports ecosystem. It is unfortunate that such an important bill and reform does not have opposition's participation," he added. Most of the opposition MPs were absent when the bills were introduced, having been detained during a march to the Election Commission over alleged voter data manipulation in Bihar. After two MPs spoke in support, opposition members returned and started slogan-shouting. The bills were passed by voice vote and the House adjourned till 4 pm. Earlier, Parliamentary Sports Committee chair Digvijaya Singh had urged Speaker Om Birla to refer the Sports Governance Bill to the panel for detailed scrutiny. Mandaviya said the two bills were key reforms aimed at building a "transparent, accountable and world-class sports ecosystem" in India as the country aims to bid for the 2036 Olympics. "Efforts have been made since 1975 and in 1985, we had the first draft. But sports was also politicised for personal gains. Some ministers made efforts to bring this bill but could not move forward. "In 2011, we had a National Sports Code. Another effort was made to turn it into a bill. It reached the cabinet, there was a discussion as well but the bill was deferred after that. It did not reach the Parliament," the minister stated while presenting a timeline of the bill's journey." "The National Sports Bill Governance Bill is a force of change...Despite being such a large country, our performance at the Olympic Games and on the international stage has not been satisfactory and this Bill aims to build India's sports capacity," he added.

Both the bills were moved by sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya in the ongoing monsoon session in the presence of speaker Sandhya Ray

Lok Sabha passes landmark sports governance, anti-doping bills amid opposition uproar. Know all about it

After the Supreme Court of India ordered the removal of stray dogs from all localities in Delhi NCR, animal rights organisation People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India has slammed the top court’s directive, calling the move “unscientific”, adding that it will cause uproar in communities and chaos and suffering for the dogs. The group said that the move is not only “cruel” but “displacement has NEVER worked.”&nbsp;Earlier on Monday (Aug 11), the top court passed a directive for authorities in Delhi NCR to immediately start picking up stray dogs from all localities and move them to dog shelters. The court also warned of legal consequences against any individual or organisation that tries to obstruct the authorities from picking up stray dogs. In its order, the court said that the “situation is extremely grim.” It added, “Immediate steps need to be taken to take care of the menace of dog bites leading to rabies.”&nbsp;Responding to the Supreme Court ruling, PETA India said in a statement on Monday (Aug 11), “Communities think of neighbourhood dogs as family, and the displacement and jailing of dogs is not scientific and has NEVER worked.”&nbsp;&nbsp;It added, “Per a population survey conducted in 2022-23, Delhi has around 10 lakh community dogs, with less than half sterilised. Forced removal of some 10 lakh community dogs from Delhi's streets will cause uproar in communities that care deeply for them and chaos and suffering for the dogs on a large scale.”&nbsp;The statement further added that it will ultimately do nothing to curb the dog population, reduce rabies, or prevent dog bite incidents in the city. PETA further explained that it is not feasible to build enough shelters for dogs. It added that displacing dogs can result in territorial fights and lead to problems like starvation.&nbsp;“Ultimately, dogs make their way back into the same territories, especially when puppies continue to be born. That’s why, the government has required that community dogs be sterilised since 2001-a procedure which calms them-and during which time they are also vaccinated against rabies.”&nbsp;PETA also criticised the Delhi government for failing to implement an effective dog sterilisation program, saying that if they had, there would be hardly any dogs on the road today. It added, “it would not be too late to start implementing an effective sterilisation program now. Instead of wasting time, effort, and public resources on ineffective and inhumane displacement drives, an effective sterilisation program is still the solution and urgent need.”&nbsp;It also recommended other important efforts, including “a closure of illegal pet shops and breeders that contribute to animal abandonment, and encouraging the public to take in a dog in need from an animal shelter or the street.” &nbsp;

PETA India has slammed the Supreme Court order directing the removal of stray dogs from Delhi NCR, saying it is “unscientific”, adding that “displacement has NEVER worked.”

After the Supreme Court of India ordered the removal of stray dogs from all localities in Delhi NCR, animal rights organisation People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India has slammed the top court’s directive, calling the move “unscientific”, adding that it will cause uproar in communities and chaos and suffering for the dogs. The group said that the move is not only “cruel” but “displacement has NEVER worked.” Earlier on Monday (Aug 11), the top court passed a directive for authorities in Delhi NCR to immediately start picking up stray dogs from all localities and move them to dog shelters. The court also warned of legal consequences against any individual or organisation that tries to obstruct the authorities from picking up stray dogs. In its order, the court said that the “situation is extremely grim.” It added, “Immediate steps need to be taken to take care of the menace of dog bites leading to rabies.” Responding to the Supreme Court ruling, PETA India said in a statement on Monday (Aug 11), “Communities think of neighbourhood dogs as family, and the displacement and jailing of dogs is not scientific and has NEVER worked.” It added, “Per a population survey conducted in 2022-23, Delhi has around 10 lakh community dogs, with less than half sterilised. Forced removal of some 10 lakh community dogs from Delhi's streets will cause uproar in communities that care deeply for them and chaos and suffering for the dogs on a large scale.” The statement further added that it will ultimately do nothing to curb the dog population, reduce rabies, or prevent dog bite incidents in the city. PETA further explained that it is not feasible to build enough shelters for dogs. It added that displacing dogs can result in territorial fights and lead to problems like starvation. “Ultimately, dogs make their way back into the same territories, especially when puppies continue to be born. That’s why, the government has required that community dogs be sterilised since 2001-a procedure which calms them-and during which time they are also vaccinated against rabies.” PETA also criticised the Delhi government for failing to implement an effective dog sterilisation program, saying that if they had, there would be hardly any dogs on the road today. It added, “it would not be too late to start implementing an effective sterilisation program now. Instead of wasting time, effort, and public resources on ineffective and inhumane displacement drives, an effective sterilisation program is still the solution and urgent need.” It also recommended other important efforts, including “a closure of illegal pet shops and breeders that contribute to animal abandonment, and encouraging the public to take in a dog in need from an animal shelter or the street.”

PETA India has slammed the Supreme Court order directing the removal of stray dogs from Delhi NCR, saying it is “unscientific”, adding that “displacement has NEVER worked.”

‘Unscientific, NEVER worked’: PETA slams SC order for removal of 1 million stray dogs in Delhi NCR

Air India on Monday (August 11) announced the suspension of non-stop flights from Delhi to Washington from September 1, citing a combination of reasons. They further stressed that the decision has been taken to ensure the integrity of the airline.Air India stated on Monday that the decision is also linked to a planned shortage of aircraft as it retrofits 26 Boeing 787-8 planes."Air India today announced the suspension of its services between Delhi and Washington, D.C., effective September 1, 2025, due to a combination of operational factors, to ensure the reliability and integrity of Air India’s overall route network," the airline said in a statement.<h2>What are the reasons?&nbsp;</h2>It further said that one of the key reasons is the shortage of aircraft.“The suspension is primarily driven by the planned shortfall in Air India’s fleet, as the airline commenced retrofitting 26 of its Boeing 787-8 aircraft last month,” Air India said.The retrofitting exercise is prolonged and will take at least till the end of 2026 to be completed.<h2>Pakistan to be blamed?&nbsp;</h2>It further cited the continued closure of airspace over Pakistan as another key reason, saying that it has impacted the airline's long-haul operation.“This extensive retrofit programme, aimed at significantly enhancing customer experience, necessitates a prolonged unavailability of multiple aircraft at any given time until at least the end of 2026. That, coupled with the continued closure of airspace over Pakistan, impacts the airline’s long-haul operation,” it further stated.“That, coupled with the continued closure of airspace over Pakistan, impacts the airline’s long-haul operations, leading to longer flight routings and increased operational complexity.”Notably, Pakistan closed its airspace for Indian airplanes after India suspended the Indus Water Treaty on April 23, following the Pahalgam terror attack.Air India said that the customers with bookings to or from Washington beyond September 1 will be contacted and offered alternative travel arrangements, like rebooking or full refunds."Air India customers will continue to have the options of one-stop flights to Washington, DC via four US gateways – New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago, and San Francisco – with the airline’s interline partners, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, allowing customers to travel on a single itinerary with their baggage checked through to the final destination," it said.

Air India stated on Monday that the decision is also linked to a planned shortage of aircraft as it retrofits 26 Boeing 787-8 planes.

Air India on Monday (August 11) announced the suspension of non-stop flights from Delhi to Washington from September 1, citing a combination of reasons. They further stressed that the decision has been taken to ensure the integrity of the airline. Air India stated on Monday that the decision is also linked to a planned shortage of aircraft as it retrofits 26 Boeing 787-8 planes. "Air India today announced the suspension of its services between Delhi and Washington, D.C., effective September 1, 2025, due to a combination of operational factors, to ensure the reliability and integrity of Air India’s overall route network," the airline said in a statement. What are the reasons? It further said that one of the key reasons is the shortage of aircraft. “The suspension is primarily driven by the planned shortfall in Air India’s fleet, as the airline commenced retrofitting 26 of its Boeing 787-8 aircraft last month,” Air India said. The retrofitting exercise is prolonged and will take at least till the end of 2026 to be completed. Pakistan to be blamed? It further cited the continued closure of airspace over Pakistan as another key reason, saying that it has impacted the airline's long-haul operation. “This extensive retrofit programme, aimed at significantly enhancing customer experience, necessitates a prolonged unavailability of multiple aircraft at any given time until at least the end of 2026. That, coupled with the continued closure of airspace over Pakistan, impacts the airline’s long-haul operation,” it further stated. “That, coupled with the continued closure of airspace over Pakistan, impacts the airline’s long-haul operations, leading to longer flight routings and increased operational complexity.” Notably, Pakistan closed its airspace for Indian airplanes after India suspended the Indus Water Treaty on April 23, following the Pahalgam terror attack. Air India said that the customers with bookings to or from Washington beyond September 1 will be contacted and offered alternative travel arrangements, like rebooking or full refunds. "Air India customers will continue to have the options of one-stop flights to Washington, DC via four US gateways – New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago, and San Francisco – with the airline’s interline partners, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, allowing customers to travel on a single itinerary with their baggage checked through to the final destination," it said.

Air India stated on Monday that the decision is also linked to a planned shortage of aircraft as it retrofits 26 Boeing 787-8 planes.

Air India halts Delhi-Washington flights from Sept 1—Is Pakistan to be blamed? Here's what we know

Mike Andrews, the lead US attorney representing the victims' families of the Air India crash in Ahmedabad, cited that the delay in compensation given to grieving families would not have happened if former Tata Group Chairperson&nbsp;Ratan Tata had been around. Highlighting Tata's ethics and compassion for people, he said what is now ‘subjected to a bureaucratic process’ would have never been a reason given in the first place.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-delhi-bound-air-india-flight-faces-diversion-suspected-technical-glitch-caused-diversion-1754894645256/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-delhi-bound-air-india-flight-faces-diversion-suspected-technical-glitch-caused-diversion-1754894645256/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;"Even in the US, we know who Ratan Tata was. We know a little bit in the US about his work ethic and his focus on being humble and taking care of his employees and so we know that if he were here today, we don't believe employees and victims and people who were on the aeroplane and on the ground would be subjected to a bureaucratic process in which they're delayed payment," Andrews said while speaking to news agency ANI.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-crash-pilots-body-slams-report-claiming-captain-turned-off-fuel-switches-1752731385650">Air India crash: Pilots' body slams report claiming captain turned off fuel switches</a>&nbsp;The 65 families affected by the tragic AI171 plane crash that occurred on June 12 in which the casualties mounted to 260. He added, “We met with one family, the elderly mother is bedridden, and she was depending upon her son to provide income to pay for her health care. He is now deceased. They have not received payment. What are they supposed to do? They are now left at the mercy of the world in determining how she is supposed to go on when the person who was helping provide for her was killed through no fault of his own.”&nbsp;A sum of $&nbsp;28,522 (INR 25 lakh) was released by Air India as in interim compensation to 147 families out of the 229 passengers, who lost their lives in the tragic incident. At the time of the final payment, this amount will adjusted.

 Lead US attorney representing the victims' families of the Air India crash said had Ratan Tata been around delays on compensation would not have taken place. He spoke highlighting Tata's ethics and compassion for people.

Mike Andrews, the lead US attorney representing the victims' families of the Air India crash in Ahmedabad, cited that the delay in compensation given to grieving families would not have happened if former Tata Group Chairperson Ratan Tata had been around. Highlighting Tata's ethics and compassion for people, he said what is now ‘subjected to a bureaucratic process’ would have never been a reason given in the first place. https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-delhi-bound-air-india-flight-faces-diversion-suspected-technical-glitch-caused-diversion-1754894645256/embed "Even in the US, we know who Ratan Tata was. We know a little bit in the US about his work ethic and his focus on being humble and taking care of his employees and so we know that if he were here today, we don't believe employees and victims and people who were on the aeroplane and on the ground would be subjected to a bureaucratic process in which they're delayed payment," Andrews said while speaking to news agency ANI. Also read: Air India crash: Pilots' body slams report claiming captain turned off fuel switches The 65 families affected by the tragic AI171 plane crash that occurred on June 12 in which the casualties mounted to 260. He added, “We met with one family, the elderly mother is bedridden, and she was depending upon her son to provide income to pay for her health care. He is now deceased. They have not received payment. What are they supposed to do? They are now left at the mercy of the world in determining how she is supposed to go on when the person who was helping provide for her was killed through no fault of his own.” A sum of $ 28,522 (INR 25 lakh) was released by Air India as in interim compensation to 147 families out of the 229 passengers, who lost their lives in the tragic incident. At the time of the final payment, this amount will adjusted.

&nbsp;Lead US attorney representing the victims' families of the Air India crash said had Ratan Tata been around delays on compensation would not have taken place. He spoke highlighting Tata's ethics and compassion for people.

Air India crash | If Ratan Tata was alive...: US attorney says compensation delays to victims' families wouldn't happen

India’s Jammu and Kashmir has banned 25 books for allegedly ‘promoting secessionism and a false narrative,’ about the alleged human rights atrocities committed in the disputed region. Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory issued the order which banned prominent books by historians and academics. The most famous of the banned books is&nbsp;Azadi, by Arundhati Roy which includes essays about thousands of people allegedly killed by the Indian armed forces during conflict. The ban also includes <a href="https://www.sup.org/books/asian-studies/colonizing-kashmir">Colonizing Kashmir</a>: State-building Under Indian Occupation&nbsp;by the US-based academic Hafsa Kanjwal and Contested Lands: Israel-Palestine, Kashmir, Bosnia, Cyprus and Sri Lanka&nbsp;by Sumantra Bose.&nbsp;&nbsp;This has prompted raids of bookstores across the region to cease the banned books. The irony is that throughout history, banning a book has put the spotlight on it and granted it more readership than ever before.<h2>A Brief Historical Perspective&nbsp;</h2>Many beloved books were banned at some point of time. The english version of the Bible&nbsp;was banned by the Roman Catholic Church in 1524, as it was claimed that the text should only be read in Latin.&nbsp;Similarly, Shakespeare’s Richard II&nbsp;was banned in 1597, as it contained a scene in which the monarch is deposed from his throne, inviting the ire of Queen Elisabeth I.&nbsp;&nbsp;More recently and famously, Salman Rushdie’s The Satanic Verses&nbsp;was banned in 1988, as Islamic clerics declared it blasphemous and copies of it were widely burnt throughout the world, including in India. Oddly, the much loved Harry Potter&nbsp;series by JK Rowling also came under fire in 2019 as some people demanded that it contained mentions of witchcraft and occult practices and thus should be banned. The war against people’s right to read has been a long and global one. But it is fraught with many in-your-face ironies.<h2>Tempting Taboos</h2>Books, once banned, become taboo and forbidden fruit and much like Adam, readers are often compelled to read these texts to see what blasphemies they hold. The Satanic Verses, once it was unbanned in India, saw people queuing up at bookstores to get a copy.More importantly, book bans might have worked in the pre-internet era. But in this digital age, nothing is truly ever banned. Books are easily pirated and downloaded off the Internet and can be read on smartphones and laptops without the country or government ever coming to know. Book bans create interest in often ordinary and previously un-noteworthy works and thus the blasphemy and seditious content finds a wider readership after the banning.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Political Overtones</h3>Just like the Kashmir book ban, banning of literature has always had political reasons. Such A Long Journey&nbsp;by Rohinton Mistry was withdrawn from the University of Mumbai’s syllabus after politician Adtiya Thackeray claimed that the books demeaned his grandfather Balasaheb Thackeray and the Marathi culture as a whole. &nbsp;Similarly, India Independent&nbsp;by Charles Bettelheim was banned in 1976 by the Indira Gandhi government for criticising the ruling party’s policies post India’s independence. Sometimes, even business interests seem to justify banning. In 1988, The Polyester Prince by Hamish McDonald was banned for allegedly being a ‘shoddy’ biography of business tycoon Dhirubai Ambani, the father of Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani.&nbsp;<h3>Don’t go down the Raj way</h3>During British rule, many books, now central to India’s freedom struggle, were banned. The Indian Struggle&nbsp;by Subhash Chandra Bose and Hind Swaraj&nbsp;by our father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, were banned as being seditious. This created quite a stir then and governments of today would do well to understand how sedition then and sedition now is essentially the same, a muzzling of contrary opinions and a silencing of dissenting voices. The right to read must be central to our society and culture. Dissenting and differing voices must be heard to avoid the creation of sycophantic echo chambers. The act of banning books, however controversial they may be, is similar to banning mirrors just because we don’t like our own faces.

India's Jammu and Kashmir has banned 25 books for 'promoting a false narrative.' But banning books never works and is like trying to ban the right to breathe. 

India’s Jammu and Kashmir has banned 25 books for allegedly ‘promoting secessionism and a false narrative,’ about the alleged human rights atrocities committed in the disputed region. Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory issued the order which banned prominent books by historians and academics. The most famous of the banned books is Azadi, by Arundhati Roy which includes essays about thousands of people allegedly killed by the Indian armed forces during conflict. The ban also includes Colonizing Kashmir: State-building Under Indian Occupation by the US-based academic Hafsa Kanjwal and Contested Lands: Israel-Palestine, Kashmir, Bosnia, Cyprus and Sri Lanka by Sumantra Bose. This has prompted raids of bookstores across the region to cease the banned books. The irony is that throughout history, banning a book has put the spotlight on it and granted it more readership than ever before. A Brief Historical Perspective Many beloved books were banned at some point of time. The english version of the Bible was banned by the Roman Catholic Church in 1524, as it was claimed that the text should only be read in Latin. Similarly, Shakespeare’s Richard II was banned in 1597, as it contained a scene in which the monarch is deposed from his throne, inviting the ire of Queen Elisabeth I. More recently and famously, Salman Rushdie’s The Satanic Verses was banned in 1988, as Islamic clerics declared it blasphemous and copies of it were widely burnt throughout the world, including in India. Oddly, the much loved Harry Potter series by JK Rowling also came under fire in 2019 as some people demanded that it contained mentions of witchcraft and occult practices and thus should be banned. The war against people’s right to read has been a long and global one. But it is fraught with many in-your-face ironies. Tempting Taboos Books, once banned, become taboo and forbidden fruit and much like Adam, readers are often compelled to read these texts to see what blasphemies they hold. The Satanic Verses, once it was unbanned in India, saw people queuing up at bookstores to get a copy. More importantly, book bans might have worked in the pre-internet era. But in this digital age, nothing is truly ever banned. Books are easily pirated and downloaded off the Internet and can be read on smartphones and laptops without the country or government ever coming to know. Book bans create interest in often ordinary and previously un-noteworthy works and thus the blasphemy and seditious content finds a wider readership after the banning. Political Overtones Just like the Kashmir book ban, banning of literature has always had political reasons. Such A Long Journey by Rohinton Mistry was withdrawn from the University of Mumbai’s syllabus after politician Adtiya Thackeray claimed that the books demeaned his grandfather Balasaheb Thackeray and the Marathi culture as a whole. Similarly, India Independent by Charles Bettelheim was banned in 1976 by the Indira Gandhi government for criticising the ruling party’s policies post India’s independence. Sometimes, even business interests seem to justify banning. In 1988, The Polyester Prince by Hamish McDonald was banned for allegedly being a ‘shoddy’ biography of business tycoon Dhirubai Ambani, the father of Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani. Don’t go down the Raj way During British rule, many books, now central to India’s freedom struggle, were banned. The Indian Struggle by Subhash Chandra Bose and Hind Swaraj by our father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, were banned as being seditious. This created quite a stir then and governments of today would do well to understand how sedition then and sedition now is essentially the same, a muzzling of contrary opinions and a silencing of dissenting voices. The right to read must be central to our society and culture. Dissenting and differing voices must be heard to avoid the creation of sycophantic echo chambers. The act of banning books, however controversial they may be, is similar to banning mirrors just because we don’t like our own faces.

India's Jammu and Kashmir has banned 25 books for 'promoting a false narrative.' But banning books never works and is like trying to ban the right to breathe.&nbsp;

Banning books is like banning the right to breathe. It never works. Here’s why!

In a sharp response to Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday (Aug 11) said that “nuclear sabre-rattling is Pakistan's stock-in-trade.” The MEA said that the international community can draw its own conclusions over the irresponsible remark made by Asim Munir during his visit to the United States. India said that Munir's statement raises doubts about the integrity of nuclear weapons and their control and stated that “the military is hand-in-glove with terrorist groups” in Pakistan. Terming the US a ‘friendly third country’, the MEA statement condemned Munir's remark and set the record straight repeating what Prime Minister Narendra Modi had already declared - that India won't give in to nuclear blackmail. “We will continue to take all steps necessary to safeguard our national security,” it added.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Statement by Official Spokesperson⬇️ 🔗 <a href="https://t.co/aEi9bMFOHi">https://t.co/aEi9bMFOHi</a> <a href="https://t.co/AGyyGNu8gv">pic.twitter.com/AGyyGNu8gv</a>&mdash; Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1954830988925673738?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Asim Munir's nuke threat</h2>Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, on Sunday (Aug 10) made a nuclear threat against India and the world. During his ongoing visit to the United States, he warned that if his country were ever pushed to the brink in a conflict with India, it would "take half the world down" with it. Speaking at a private black-tie dinner in Tampa hosted for businessman Adnan Asad, Munir said Pakistan is a nuclear power and would use its arsenal if necessary. He also threatened to target any future Indian dams on the Indus River, saying India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty could put hundreds of millions at risk of starvation. Munir, as quoted by ThePrint, noted that Pakistan was a nuclear nation and said, "if we think we are going down, we'll take half the world down with us". Speaking at the dinner he hosted for Adnan Asad, who serves as Pakistan's honorary consul in Tampa, he also raked up the Indus Water Treaty issue.&nbsp;

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a statement on the nuclear threat by Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir during his visit to the United States. India slammed the Pakistani administration and raised questions about the control of nuclear command 

In a sharp response to Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday (Aug 11) said that “nuclear sabre-rattling is Pakistan's stock-in-trade.” The MEA said that the international community can draw its own conclusions over the irresponsible remark made by Asim Munir during his visit to the United States. India said that Munir's statement raises doubts about the integrity of nuclear weapons and their control and stated that “the military is hand-in-glove with terrorist groups” in Pakistan. Terming the US a ‘friendly third country’, the MEA statement condemned Munir's remark and set the record straight repeating what Prime Minister Narendra Modi had already declared - that India won't give in to nuclear blackmail. “We will continue to take all steps necessary to safeguard our national security,” it added.

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a statement on the nuclear threat by Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir during his visit to the United States. India slammed the Pakistani administration and raised questions about the control of nuclear command&nbsp;

India slams Asim Munir's 'irresponsible' nuclear threat, MEA says 'Pak army is hand-in-glove with terrorist groups'

An Air India flight carrying five members of the Indian Parliament, including Congress MP KC Venugopal, was diverted to Chennai on Sunday (Aug 10) night after a suspected technical fault. In a post on X, Venugopal later claimed that in a "heart stopping moment" the aircraft narrowly avoided disaster when "another aircraft was reportedly on the same runway" during its first landing attempt — a claim the airline has rejected.<h2>What happened?</h2>Flight AI 2455 took off from Thiruvananthapuram around 8 pm on August 10, bound for Delhi. Onboard the flight were four Kerala MPs - KC Venugopal, K. Radhakrishnan, Kodikkunnil Suresh, and Adoor Prakash. Tirunelveli MP C. Robert Bruce was also on the flight.In his X post, Venugopal claimed that "Air India flight AI 2455 from Trivandrum to Delhi - carrying myself, several MPs, and hundreds of passengers - came frighteningly close to tragedy today." He said the plane encountered "unprecedented turbulence" shortly after takeoff, adding that about an hour into the flight, the captain reported a flight signal fault and diverted the flight to Chennai.Venugopal claims that the plane circled for nearly two hours before its first landing attempt. "Another aircraft was reportedly on the same runway. In that split second, the Captain's quick decision to pull up saved every life on board. The flight landed safely on the second attempt," he said, calling for a DGCA investigation to "investigate this incident urgently, fix accountability, and ensure such lapses never happen again".<h2>Air India rejects Venugopal's claim</h2>Air India disputed that account, saying the go-around was ordered by Chennai air traffic control " not because of the presence of another aircraft on the runway" but as part of standard procedure in response to "a suspected technical issue and poor weather conditions". The airline said that the pilots "followed standard procedures throughout the flight". The airline said while it understands that "such an experience can be unsettling," safety was "always our priority".

After an Air India flight carrying five MPs, including KC Venugopal, was diverted to Chennai, the MP has claimed that the flight survived a near-miss with another aircraft. However, Air India has denied this. Here's all you need to know.

An Air India flight carrying five members of the Indian Parliament, including Congress MP KC Venugopal, was diverted to Chennai on Sunday (Aug 10) night after a suspected technical fault. In a post on X, Venugopal later claimed that in a "heart stopping moment" the aircraft narrowly avoided disaster when "another aircraft was reportedly on the same runway" during its first landing attempt — a claim the airline has rejected. What happened? Flight AI 2455 took off from Thiruvananthapuram around 8 pm on August 10, bound for Delhi. Onboard the flight were four Kerala MPs - KC Venugopal, K. Radhakrishnan, Kodikkunnil Suresh, and Adoor Prakash. Tirunelveli MP C. Robert Bruce was also on the flight. In his X post, Venugopal claimed that "Air India flight AI 2455 from Trivandrum to Delhi - carrying myself, several MPs, and hundreds of passengers - came frighteningly close to tragedy today." He said the plane encountered "unprecedented turbulence" shortly after takeoff, adding that about an hour into the flight, the captain reported a flight signal fault and diverted the flight to Chennai. Venugopal claims that the plane circled for nearly two hours before its first landing attempt. "Another aircraft was reportedly on the same runway. In that split second, the Captain's quick decision to pull up saved every life on board. The flight landed safely on the second attempt," he said, calling for a DGCA investigation to "investigate this incident urgently, fix accountability, and ensure such lapses never happen again". Air India rejects Venugopal's claim Air India disputed that account, saying the go-around was ordered by Chennai air traffic control " not because of the presence of another aircraft on the runway" but as part of standard procedure in response to "a suspected technical issue and poor weather conditions". The airline said that the pilots "followed standard procedures throughout the flight". The airline said while it understands that "such an experience can be unsettling," safety was "always our priority".

After an Air India flight carrying five MPs, including KC Venugopal, was diverted to Chennai, the MP has claimed that the flight survived a near-miss with another aircraft. However, Air India has denied this. Here's all you need to know.

'Another plane on runway’: Did MP KC Venugopal's flight to Delhi narrowly avoid disaster? Air India denies near-miss claim

Indian security forces are carrying out two major anti-terror operations in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. An encounter started between terrorists and security forces in the Dul area of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday and continued for the second consecutive day. According to the officials, two terrorists are holed up at the operation site. Security forces also blasted one of the natural caves in the area, in which they believe that terrorists could be hiding.The Indian Army had said earlier that "Contact with Terrorists: Alert Indian Army troops, while carrying out an intelligence-based operation, have established contact with terrorists in the general area of Dul in Kishtwar in the early hours of 10 Aug 2025. Gunfire exchanged. Operation under progress, ''Forces are carrying out one more operation in South Kashmir's Kulgam district on the 11th consecutive day. On Saturday, two Indian Army soldiers were killed in the ongoing anti-terror operation called ''Operation Akhal'' in South Kashmir's Kulgam district. The operation has become one of the longest anti-terror operations in the Kashmir Valley ever.''Update: OP AKHAL, Kulgam. Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of the Bravehearts, L/Nk Pritpal Singh and Sep Harminder Singh, in the line of duty for the nation. Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us. The Indian Army expresses deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families. Operation continues,'' said the Indian Army.The operation is being carried out by the Indian Army, including the Para Commandos and RR, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF. Security forces had pushed in helicopters and drones to locate hiding terrorists in the area. Forces were using high-tech surveillance equipment, including drones and thermal imaging devices, along with elite Para Special Forces brought to carry out the operation.Four anti-terror operations have been carried out by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir in the last two weeks. It started with Operation Mahadev, in which three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LET) terrorists involved in the Pahalgam terror attack were neutralised by the security forces. All three Pakistani terrorists were killed in the forest area of Lidwas in DachigamOne more operation called Operation Shiv Shakti was carried out by security forces in which two terrorists were killed by security forces. These two terrorists were trying to infiltrate Jammu and Kashmir via the Line of Control at the Poonch sector, and the forces foiled the bid and killed both the infiltrators. The security remains on high alert across Jammu and Kashmir.

Indian forces are engaged in two major anti-terror ops in J&K — a second-day encounter in Kishtwar and the 11-day-long Operation Akhal in Kulgam, where two soldiers were killed. 

Indian security forces are carrying out two major anti-terror operations in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. An encounter started between terrorists and security forces in the Dul area of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday and continued for the second consecutive day. According to the officials, two terrorists are holed up at the operation site. Security forces also blasted one of the natural caves in the area, in which they believe that terrorists could be hiding. The Indian Army had said earlier that "Contact with Terrorists: Alert Indian Army troops, while carrying out an intelligence-based operation, have established contact with terrorists in the general area of Dul in Kishtwar in the early hours of 10 Aug 2025. Gunfire exchanged. Operation under progress, '' Forces are carrying out one more operation in South Kashmir's Kulgam district on the 11th consecutive day. On Saturday, two Indian Army soldiers were killed in the ongoing anti-terror operation called ''Operation Akhal'' in South Kashmir's Kulgam district. The operation has become one of the longest anti-terror operations in the Kashmir Valley ever. ''Update: OP AKHAL, Kulgam. Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of the Bravehearts, L/Nk Pritpal Singh and Sep Harminder Singh, in the line of duty for the nation. Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us. The Indian Army expresses deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families. Operation continues,'' said the Indian Army. The operation is being carried out by the Indian Army, including the Para Commandos and RR, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF. Security forces had pushed in helicopters and drones to locate hiding terrorists in the area. Forces were using high-tech surveillance equipment, including drones and thermal imaging devices, along with elite Para Special Forces brought to carry out the operation. Four anti-terror operations have been carried out by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir in the last two weeks. It started with Operation Mahadev, in which three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LET) terrorists involved in the Pahalgam terror attack were neutralised by the security forces. All three Pakistani terrorists were killed in the forest area of Lidwas in Dachigam One more operation called Operation Shiv Shakti was carried out by security forces in which two terrorists were killed by security forces. These two terrorists were trying to infiltrate Jammu and Kashmir via the Line of Control at the Poonch sector, and the forces foiled the bid and killed both the infiltrators. The security remains on high alert across Jammu and Kashmir.

Indian forces are engaged in two major anti-terror ops in J&amp;K — a second-day encounter in Kishtwar and the 11-day-long Operation Akhal in Kulgam, where two soldiers were killed.&nbsp;

Kishtwar operation continues for 2nd consecutive day, blasts at encounter site; Operation Akhal enters day 11

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who was forced to flee her country and take shelter in India after her government was toppled last year in a student-led protest is reportedly setting up a "party office" in India's Kolkata. The senior and mid-level leaders of the Awami League - Sheikh Hasina's party - and its affiliated organisations have been frequenting the office.&nbsp;The leaders are believed to have come to India after Hasina fled Bangladesh on August 5, 2024 after the uprising that claimed &nbsp;several lives and changed the political landscape of the country.&nbsp;Renowned economist and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, was chosen to head the interim government. However, Bangladesh poll body has announced national elections to be held before Ramadan in February 2026.&nbsp;According to BBC Bangla, Hasina lives close to the capital Delhi, while senior Awami League leaders including former ministers, have chosen Kolkata as their dwelling placeInitially, all informal gathering of the party were being held at the residences in Kolkata, while larger meetings were held in restaurants or rented banquet halls.&nbsp;But with an office space of 500–600 sq ft allocated for the party, all future meetings are likely to be held here now.&nbsp;According to the report, there are no signboards or portraits of Sheikh Hasina or Bangladesh's founding president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman inside or outside the building that showcase an Awami League office inside.&nbsp;"There are no typical party office files here. We needed a discreet space for regular meetings, and this commercial office fit the bill. The furniture was left behind by the previous tenants," one AL leader told BBC Bangla.&nbsp;According to the report, the opening of the office is in the knowledge of the Indian intelligence agencies as it would not have been possible without the approval from India's Ministry of Home Affairs.&nbsp;Sheikh Hasina has been charged her with crimes against humanity, including charges of order, incitement, complicity, conspiracy, and abetment of murder, torture and other inhuman acts by Bangladeshi prosecutors.&nbsp;The trial is being held before three judges of Bangladesh’s international crimes tribunal (ICT); a court that Hasina set up herself while she was the prime minister of the country. &nbsp;

There are no signboards or portraits of Sheikh Hasina or Bangladeshs founding president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman inside or outside the building that showcase an Awami League office inside.

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who was forced to flee her country and take shelter in India after her government was toppled last year in a student-led protest is reportedly setting up a "party office" in India's Kolkata. The senior and mid-level leaders of the Awami League - Sheikh Hasina's party - and its affiliated organisations have been frequenting the office. The leaders are believed to have come to India after Hasina fled Bangladesh on August 5, 2024 after the uprising that claimed several lives and changed the political landscape of the country. Renowned economist and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, was chosen to head the interim government. However, Bangladesh poll body has announced national elections to be held before Ramadan in February 2026. According to BBC Bangla, Hasina lives close to the capital Delhi, while senior Awami League leaders including former ministers, have chosen Kolkata as their dwelling place Initially, all informal gathering of the party were being held at the residences in Kolkata, while larger meetings were held in restaurants or rented banquet halls. But with an office space of 500–600 sq ft allocated for the party, all future meetings are likely to be held here now. According to the report, there are no signboards or portraits of Sheikh Hasina or Bangladesh's founding president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman inside or outside the building that showcase an Awami League office inside. "There are no typical party office files here. We needed a discreet space for regular meetings, and this commercial office fit the bill. The furniture was left behind by the previous tenants," one AL leader told BBC Bangla. According to the report, the opening of the office is in the knowledge of the Indian intelligence agencies as it would not have been possible without the approval from India's Ministry of Home Affairs. Sheikh Hasina has been charged her with crimes against humanity, including charges of order, incitement, complicity, conspiracy, and abetment of murder, torture and other inhuman acts by Bangladeshi prosecutors. The trial is being held before three judges of Bangladesh’s international crimes tribunal (ICT); a court that Hasina set up herself while she was the prime minister of the country.

There are no signboards or portraits of Sheikh Hasina or Bangladesh's founding president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman inside or outside the building that showcase an Awami League office inside.

Sheikh Hasina's Awami League leaders huddle ahead of Bangladesh polls, open office in India's Kolkata: Report

The Supreme Court of India has raised serious concerns over the recent and recurring episodes of stray dogs biting people, including children and infants. On Monday (August 11), the apex court ordered authorities to pick up dogs from all localities in Delhi NCR and also noted legal action will be taken against those hindering the process. The Bench said, “If any individual or organisation that comes in the way of picking stray dogs or rounding them up, we will proceed to take action against any such resistance.”&nbsp;The court noted that the order has been passed in public interest amid rising cases of pertaining to bites and attacks by stray dogs. Court asked, “All these animal activists, will they be able bring back who have fallen prey to rabies."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-isl-clubs-issue-ultimatum-to-aiff-ask-to-move-to-supreme-court-amid-league-s-uncertain-future-1754714716528">ISL clubs issue ultimatum to AIFF, ask to move to Supreme Court amid league's uncertain future</a>&nbsp;Further added, “We are not doing this for us—it is for the public interest. So no sentiments of any nature should be involved. Action should be taken at the earliest. Pick up dogs from all localities and shift them to far-off places.”&nbsp;Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan, hearing the suo moto case, was stern on their stands that no dog should be sterilised and released back into the localities. “Whether sterilised or not sterilised, society should be free from stray dogs. You should not find a single stray dog moving around in any locality of the city or in the outskirts. It's the first step. We have noticed one very absurd and unreasonable rule: if you pick up a stray dog from one part, you sterilise the dog and put him at the same place, that is absolutely absurd and doesn't make any sense at all. Why should that stray dog come back to the locality and for what?" the Bench asked.&nbsp;<h2>What will change hereafter:</h2><ul><li>Stray dogs will be picked up from all localities in Delhi-NCR.</li><li>Any person or activist obstructing the Supreme Court's orders will face legal action.</li><li>The Delhi government, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) have 2 months to create shelters for the stray dogs.</li><li>The Bench has clarified that no dog will be sterilised and re-released in the same locality.</li><li>A helpline to report cases of dog bites should be made functional within a week.</li><li>The public should be made aware of where rabies vaccines are available; details should be published.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

 On Monday (August 11), the Supreme Court of India ordered authorities to pick up dogs from all localities in Delhi NCR and also noted legal action will be taken against those hindering the process.

The Supreme Court of India has raised serious concerns over the recent and recurring episodes of stray dogs biting people, including children and infants. On Monday (August 11), the apex court ordered authorities to pick up dogs from all localities in Delhi NCR and also noted legal action will be taken against those hindering the process. The Bench said, “If any individual or organisation that comes in the way of picking stray dogs or rounding them up, we will proceed to take action against any such resistance.” The court noted that the order has been passed in public interest amid rising cases of pertaining to bites and attacks by stray dogs. Court asked, “All these animal activists, will they be able bring back who have fallen prey to rabies." Also read: ISL clubs issue ultimatum to AIFF, ask to move to Supreme Court amid league's uncertain future Further added, “We are not doing this for us—it is for the public interest. So no sentiments of any nature should be involved. Action should be taken at the earliest. Pick up dogs from all localities and shift them to far-off places.” Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan, hearing the suo moto case, was stern on their stands that no dog should be sterilised and released back into the localities. “Whether sterilised or not sterilised, society should be free from stray dogs. You should not find a single stray dog moving around in any locality of the city or in the outskirts. It's the first step. We have noticed one very absurd and unreasonable rule: if you pick up a stray dog from one part, you sterilise the dog and put him at the same place, that is absolutely absurd and doesn't make any sense at all. Why should that stray dog come back to the locality and for what?" the Bench asked. What will change hereafter: Stray dogs will be picked up from all localities in Delhi-NCR. Any person or activist obstructing the Supreme Court's orders will face legal action. The Delhi government, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) have 2 months to create shelters for the stray dogs. The Bench has clarified that no dog will be sterilised and re-released in the same locality. A helpline to report cases of dog bites should be made functional within a week. The public should be made aware of where rabies vaccines are available; details should be published.

On Monday (August 11), the Supreme Court of India ordered authorities to pick up dogs from all localities in Delhi NCR and also noted legal action will be taken against those hindering the process.

'Will activists bring back those fallen prey to rabies?': Supreme Court orders all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to be moved to shelters

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have been detained by the Delhi Police on Monday (Aug 11). Several INDIA bloc MPs, including Sanjay Raut, and Sagarika Ghose, were also detained as they staged a protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The lawmakers, who began a march from Parliament House to the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters, were stopped midway near Transport Bhawan. After being detained, Rahul Gandhi spoke to reporters from a Delhi Police van and said that it is a fight to save the Constitution. Former CM of Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav, was also seen jumping a police barricade during the protest.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The reality is that they cannot talk. The truth is in front of the country. This fight is not political. This fight is to save the Constitution. This fight is for One Man, One Vote. We want a clean, pure voters list,” he added. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called the BJP-led government ‘coward’, and added in Hindi, "Dare hue haii."&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> | Delhi: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, &quot;The reality is that they cannot talk. The truth is in front of the country. This fight is not political. This fight is to save the Constitution. This fight is for One Man, One Vote. We want a clean, pure voters… <a href="https://t.co/Aj9TvCQs1L">pic.twitter.com/Aj9TvCQs1L</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1954800091748864411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The protest by the Opposition leaders came even as the Election Commission of India gave an appointment to Opposition MPs for an interaction at 12 pm on Monday (Aug 11). Due to limitations of the space, the EC had requested to submit the names of up to 30 people along with their vehicle numbers for the meeting.&nbsp;Opposition INDIA bloc MPs led by Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi and floor leaders of other parties began the march to the EC from Parliament at 11.30 am but the Delhi Police said that no permission was sought for the march. Police said that security was tightened and barricades were erected at multiple points along the route.&nbsp;The march comes after Rahul Gandhi in a press conference last week, made explosive claims of a “huge criminal fraud” in polls through “collusion” between the ruling BJP and the EC, as he cited an analysis in a constituency in Karnataka and said it was “a crime against the Constitution”. He claimed that over 1 lakh votes in the Mahadevapura assembly constituency in Karnataka were found to be fake, duplicate, bulk voters, with invalid addresses and new voters added with misuse of Form 6, according to news agency PTI.

Opposition MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, have been detained during the protest march from Parliament House to the Election Commission headquarters in New Delhi on Monday.

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have been detained by the Delhi Police on Monday (Aug 11). Several INDIA bloc MPs, including Sanjay Raut, and Sagarika Ghose, were also detained as they staged a protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The lawmakers, who began a march from Parliament House to the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters, were stopped midway near Transport Bhawan. After being detained, Rahul Gandhi spoke to reporters from a Delhi Police van and said that it is a fight to save the Constitution. Former CM of Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav, was also seen jumping a police barricade during the protest. “The reality is that they cannot talk. The truth is in front of the country. This fight is not political. This fight is to save the Constitution. This fight is for One Man, One Vote. We want a clean, pure voters list,” he added. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called the BJP-led government ‘coward’, and added in Hindi, "Dare hue haii."

Opposition MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, have been detained during the protest march from Parliament House to the Election Commission headquarters in New Delhi on Monday.

'We want a clean voters list': India's opposition leader Rahul Gandhi detained during protest against Bihar's SIR, Election Commission

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