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Amid the rising tensions between India and the United States over tariffs, the Indian Army on Tuesday (Aug 5) shared a stark reminder of history, highlighting the continued military support the US provided to Pakistan during the 1971 war. Sharing an image from a newspaper dated August 5, 1971, the Eastern Command of the Indian Army wrote on X, “‘This Day That Year’ Build Up of War”, with the hashtag #KnowFacts. The newspaper cutting features a headline in bold, capital letters: “US ARMS WORTH $2 BILLION SHIPPED TO PAKISTAN SINCE ’54”. The article talked about the developments during a Rajya Sabha session in 1971, months before India went to war with Pakistan. The war eventually led to the creation of Bangladesh in December of that year.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EasternCommand?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EasternCommand</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VijayVarsh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VijayVarsh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LiberationOfBangladesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LiberationOfBangladesh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MediaHighlights?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MediaHighlights</a> &quot;This Day That Year&quot; Build Up of War - 05 Aug 1971 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KnowFacts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KnowFacts</a>. &quot;𝑼.𝑺 𝑨𝑹𝑴𝑺 𝑾𝑶𝑹𝑻𝑯 $2 𝑩𝑰𝑳𝑳𝑰𝑶𝑵 𝑺𝑯𝑰𝑷𝑷𝑬𝑫 𝑻𝑶 𝑷𝑨𝑲𝑰𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑵 𝑺𝑰𝑵𝑪𝑬 &#39;54&quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adgpi</a><a href="https://twitter.com/SpokespersonMoD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpokespersonMoD</a>… <a href="https://t.co/wO9jiLlLQf">pic.twitter.com/wO9jiLlLQf</a>&mdash; EasternCommand_IA (@easterncomd) <a href="https://twitter.com/easterncomd/status/1952589020497690782?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;The post by the Indian Army comes amid the rising tensions between New Delhi and Washington after US President Donald Trump announced 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods starting August 7. On Monday (Aug 4), Trump issued a fresh threat of a “substantial hike” in trade duties on India for buying Russian oil and “selling it on the open market for big profits”.&nbsp;&nbsp;Following the statements made by the US president, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “India has been targeted by the United States and the European Union for importing oil from Russia after the commencement of the Ukraine conflict.”&nbsp;The MEA added in an X post, “In fact, India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict. The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability.”&nbsp;“In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,” the statement added.&nbsp;

The news article shared by the Army talked about the developments during a Rajya Sabha session in 1971, months before India went to war with Pakistan, which led to the creation of Bangladesh in December.

Amid the rising tensions between India and the United States over tariffs, the Indian Army on Tuesday (Aug 5) shared a stark reminder of history, highlighting the continued military support the US provided to Pakistan during the 1971 war. Sharing an image from a newspaper dated August 5, 1971, the Eastern Command of the Indian Army wrote on X, “‘This Day That Year’ Build Up of War”, with the hashtag #KnowFacts. The newspaper cutting features a headline in bold, capital letters: “US ARMS WORTH $2 BILLION SHIPPED TO PAKISTAN SINCE ’54”. The article talked about the developments during a Rajya Sabha session in 1971, months before India went to war with Pakistan. The war eventually led to the creation of Bangladesh in December of that year.

The news article shared by the Army talked about the developments during a Rajya Sabha session in 1971, months before India went to war with Pakistan, which led to the creation of Bangladesh in December.

‘Arms worth $2 billion shipped to Pakistan’: Indian Army takes a dig at US amid Trump tariffs row, highlights its role in 1971 war

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Aug 5) was felicitated by MPs of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for the success of Operation Sindoor. They also celebrated Operation Mahadev with loud chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’. This happened during the NDA parliamentary party meeting that was held at the Parliament Library Building in New Delhi. The key meeting comes during a Parliament stalemate, as opposition parties push for discussion and withdrawal of Bihar's SIR electoral roll revision. Top NDA leaders, including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, JP Nadda, and Kangana Ranaut, were in attendance at the meeting.

<h2>'Har Har Mahadev' echoes during NDA meeting</h2>Videos show that thunderous applause and chants of 'Har Har Mahadev' echoed in the Parliament Library Building (PLB) as the NDA ministers celebrated the success of both Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev at the beginning of the meeting.

<h2>Opposition leaders to also hold a strategy meeting</h2>Reports suggest that opposition leaders of the INDIA bloc are also set to hold their own strategy meeting on Tuesday at 10 am in the Parliament Library Building, in the office of the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha. This will be followed by a protest outside Parliament at 10:30 am under the banner ‘Our Vote, Our Right, Our Fight’ — demanding the rollback of the Bihar electoral roll revision.<h2>What's on Parliament's agenda today?</h2>The day in Parliament will begin with obituary references to former MPs Tilakdhari Prasad Singh, Ram Rati Bind, and Shibu Soren, reports ANI. According to the List of Business issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is scheduled to move amendments to the National Anti-Doping Act, 2022, for consideration and passage in the House. The Union Sports Minister will also move the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, in the lower house of the Parliament.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NDA MPs give a grand welcome to PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> at Parliamentary Party meeting.<a href="https://twitter.com/MIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MIB_India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIB_India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NDA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NDA</a> <a href="https://t.co/3V9hQliFB7">pic.twitter.com/3V9hQliFB7</a>&mdash; All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) <a href="https://twitter.com/airnewsalerts/status/1952593629316563058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The felicitation happened during the NDA parliamentary party meeting held at the Parliament Library Building in New Delhi. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Aug 5) was felicitated by MPs of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for the success of Operation Sindoor. They also celebrated Operation Mahadev with loud chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’. This happened during the NDA parliamentary party meeting that was held at the Parliament Library Building in New Delhi. The key meeting comes during a Parliament stalemate, as opposition parties push for discussion and withdrawal of Bihar's SIR electoral roll revision. Top NDA leaders, including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, JP Nadda, and Kangana Ranaut, were in attendance at the meeting.

The felicitation happened during the NDA parliamentary party meeting held at the Parliament Library Building in New Delhi.&nbsp;

PM Modi felicitated by NDA MPs over success of Operation Sindoor

In a major security breach in Delhi’s Red Fort, seven police personnel were suspended after they failed to detect a dummy bomb during a mock drill conducted by the Delhi Police’s Special Cell, the officials said on Tuesday. This comes ahead of the Independence Day event in the national capital, sparking security concerns in the city. The dismissed policemen, including constables and head constables, were deployed for the security of the Red Fort and are now facing investigation following the incident.&nbsp;Red Fort is a high-security zone, where the Prime Minister hoists the national flag and addresses the nation during the Independence Day celebrations. Any security breach at the monument is considered a potential terrorist threat. A thorough review and strengthening of security measures has been ordered by Deputy Commissioner of Police Raja Banthia.&nbsp;“A team of the Special Cell conducted a drill on Saturday in which they entered the Red Fort premises in civil dress with a dummy bomb. At that time, the policemen deployed for the security of the Red Fort could not trace the bomb, due to which they were reprimanded,” the police said. They added that the drills, which are conducted every day, are part of preparations for the celebrations on August 15.&nbsp;On Monday (Aug 4), five Bangladeshi nationals were arrested after they tried to enter the Red Fort illegally.&nbsp;“All of them are illegal immigrants. They tried to forcibly enter the Red Fort premises,” the police said. “The police have recovered some Bangladeshi documents from them. Currently, they are being interrogated.”&nbsp;All the arrested individuals are aged between 20-25 and were employed as labourers in the city. They were in possession of fake Aadhaar cards and were sent to a detention centre, the authorities said.&nbsp;Watch | India calls out US′ trade with Russia after Trump threatens steeper tariffs on New Delhi&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-calls-out-us-trade-with-russia-after-trump-threatens-steeper-tariffs-on-new-delhi-1754366357197/embed

Any security breach at the monument is considered a potential terrorist threat. A thorough review and strengthening of security measures has been ordered.

In a major security breach in Delhi’s Red Fort, seven police personnel were suspended after they failed to detect a dummy bomb during a mock drill conducted by the Delhi Police’s Special Cell, the officials said on Tuesday. This comes ahead of the Independence Day event in the national capital, sparking security concerns in the city. The dismissed policemen, including constables and head constables, were deployed for the security of the Red Fort and are now facing investigation following the incident. Red Fort is a high-security zone, where the Prime Minister hoists the national flag and addresses the nation during the Independence Day celebrations. Any security breach at the monument is considered a potential terrorist threat. A thorough review and strengthening of security measures has been ordered by Deputy Commissioner of Police Raja Banthia. “A team of the Special Cell conducted a drill on Saturday in which they entered the Red Fort premises in civil dress with a dummy bomb. At that time, the policemen deployed for the security of the Red Fort could not trace the bomb, due to which they were reprimanded,” the police said. They added that the drills, which are conducted every day, are part of preparations for the celebrations on August 15. On Monday (Aug 4), five Bangladeshi nationals were arrested after they tried to enter the Red Fort illegally. “All of them are illegal immigrants. They tried to forcibly enter the Red Fort premises,” the police said. “The police have recovered some Bangladeshi documents from them. Currently, they are being interrogated.” All the arrested individuals are aged between 20-25 and were employed as labourers in the city. They were in possession of fake Aadhaar cards and were sent to a detention centre, the authorities said. Watch | India calls out US′ trade with Russia after Trump threatens steeper tariffs on New Delhi https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-calls-out-us-trade-with-russia-after-trump-threatens-steeper-tariffs-on-new-delhi-1754366357197/embed

Any security breach at the monument is considered a potential terrorist threat. A thorough review and strengthening of security measures has been ordered.

Red Fort mock drill goes wrong: Police fail to detect ‘dummy bomb’; seven suspended for negligence

Five Bangladeshi "illegal immigrants" were arrested for reportedly attempting to forcibly enter the Red Fort premises. The development unfolded amid the heightened security drills in view of the upcoming Independence Day event, Delhi Police said on Tuesday. Officials confirmed that "illegal immigrants" were arrested near the Red Fort's access control point by a police team deployed in the area.&nbsp;The men's ages ranged between 20 and 25; they failed to provide valid entry passes to security forces during routine checks, and they were also discovered to be residing in India illegally. "All of them are illegal immigrants. They tried to forcibly enter the Red Fort premises," the police said, India Today reported.&nbsp;Following the arrest, Raja Banthiya, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North District), stated that these five Bangladeshi nationals were stopped by police personnel on August 4. While questioning, it was revealed that they had unlawfully entered India around three to four months ago and had been working as labourers in Delhi.&nbsp;"They claimed they were unaware that the Red Fort has been closed for the public since July 15. Bangladeshi documents were recovered from them, but no suspicious material or activity came to light during their interrogation," Banthiya added.&nbsp;Officials added that central agencies have also questioned all these arrested men, and a deportation drive is currently underway in line with legal requirements.&nbsp;The development comes as part of heightened security measures across the capital ahead of the 78th Independence Day celebration on August 15. Delhi police has also launched a targeted operation to trace and deport all illegal immigrants, especially those residing near the critical locations.<h3>Ten Bangladeshi arrested in Gurugram</h3>Meanwhile, ten Bangladeshi nationals were detained by Gurugram Police on Saturday, who were found to be living illegally in the city, according to police officials, an Indian news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;Sandeep Kumar, PRO of Gurugram Police, said earlier, "Ten illegal Bangladeshi immigrants have been detained. Bangladeshi documents have been recovered from them. The process to deport them has begun."

Deputy Commissioner of Police (North District of Delhi) said they were stopped by police personnel on August 4, and it was discovered that they had illegally entered India around 3-4 months ago and were employed as labourers in Delhi.

Five Bangladeshi "illegal immigrants" were arrested for reportedly attempting to forcibly enter the Red Fort premises. The development unfolded amid the heightened security drills in view of the upcoming Independence Day event, Delhi Police said on Tuesday. Officials confirmed that "illegal immigrants" were arrested near the Red Fort's access control point by a police team deployed in the area. The men's ages ranged between 20 and 25; they failed to provide valid entry passes to security forces during routine checks, and they were also discovered to be residing in India illegally. "All of them are illegal immigrants. They tried to forcibly enter the Red Fort premises," the police said, India Today reported. Following the arrest, Raja Banthiya, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North District), stated that these five Bangladeshi nationals were stopped by police personnel on August 4. While questioning, it was revealed that they had unlawfully entered India around three to four months ago and had been working as labourers in Delhi. "They claimed they were unaware that the Red Fort has been closed for the public since July 15. Bangladeshi documents were recovered from them, but no suspicious material or activity came to light during their interrogation," Banthiya added. Officials added that central agencies have also questioned all these arrested men, and a deportation drive is currently underway in line with legal requirements. The development comes as part of heightened security measures across the capital ahead of the 78th Independence Day celebration on August 15. Delhi police has also launched a targeted operation to trace and deport all illegal immigrants, especially those residing near the critical locations. Ten Bangladeshi arrested in Gurugram Meanwhile, ten Bangladeshi nationals were detained by Gurugram Police on Saturday, who were found to be living illegally in the city, according to police officials, an Indian news agency ANI reported. Sandeep Kumar, PRO of Gurugram Police, said earlier, "Ten illegal Bangladeshi immigrants have been detained. Bangladeshi documents have been recovered from them. The process to deport them has begun."

Deputy Commissioner of Police (North District of Delhi) said they were stopped by police personnel on August 4, and it was discovered that they had illegally entered India around 3-4 months ago and were employed as labourers in Delhi.

Five illegal Bangladeshi immigrants held for forcibly attempting to enter Red Fort: Police

A photograph of a Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) employee sleeping on the pavement outside the company’s Pune office has gone viral, causing outrage online and prompting the company to issue a public response. The viral photo shows the employee, Sourabh More, lying on the footpath with a handwritten letter placed beside him. In the note, he claimed he was forced to sleep outside because TCS had not paid his salary for months. “I have informed HR I don’t have money and will be forced to sleep and live outside TCS on footpath,” the letter read.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-unjustified-unreasonable-india-slams-trump-s-tariffs-calls-west-hypocritical-over-russian-oil-trade-1754329470398">‘Unjustified, unreasonable’: India slams Trump’s tariffs, calls West ‘hypocritical’ over&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;oil trade</a><h2>Employee says salary delay forced him onto the street</h2>More also alleged that the company had told him he would receive his pending salary by 31 July 2025, but he claimed there was no follow-up from the firm. With no money and nowhere else to go, he decided to protest by sleeping outside the office building. The photo was first posted on 2 August 2025 by the Instagram account @beingpunekarofficial.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-of-substantial-hike-in-tariffs-on-india-over-russian-oil-purchase-1754319732341">Trump warns of ‘substantial hike’ in tariffs on India over Russian oil purchase</a><h2>TCS says salary withheld due to ‘unauthorised leave’</h2>In response, TCS told the Hindustan Times that the employee had been on unauthorised leave, and that withholding pay during such periods is standard company policy. “This is a case of unauthorised absence where the employee has been absent from office. In accordance with standard procedure, payroll was suspended during this period. The employee has now reported back and requested reinstatement. We have provided him accommodation for now and are supporting him in addressing his situation in a fair and constructive manner,” the company said. TCS added that it had made contact with More after the incident and confirmed that he is no longer camping outside the office.

A photo of a TCS employee sleeping outside the Pune office, allegedly due to unpaid salary, went viral, sparking outrage. TCS claims his pay was withheld due to unauthorised leave, but later offered support.

A photograph of a Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) employee sleeping on the pavement outside the company’s Pune office has gone viral, causing outrage online and prompting the company to issue a public response. The viral photo shows the employee, Sourabh More, lying on the footpath with a handwritten letter placed beside him. In the note, he claimed he was forced to sleep outside because TCS had not paid his salary for months. “I have informed HR I don’t have money and will be forced to sleep and live outside TCS on footpath,” the letter read. Also read: ‘Unjustified, unreasonable’: India slams Trump’s tariffs, calls West ‘hypocritical’ over Russian oil trade Employee says salary delay forced him onto the street More also alleged that the company had told him he would receive his pending salary by 31 July 2025, but he claimed there was no follow-up from the firm. With no money and nowhere else to go, he decided to protest by sleeping outside the office building. The photo was first posted on 2 August 2025 by the Instagram account @beingpunekarofficial. Also read: Trump warns of ‘substantial hike’ in tariffs on India over Russian oil purchase TCS says salary withheld due to ‘unauthorised leave’ In response, TCS told the Hindustan Times that the employee had been on unauthorised leave, and that withholding pay during such periods is standard company policy. “This is a case of unauthorised absence where the employee has been absent from office. In accordance with standard procedure, payroll was suspended during this period. The employee has now reported back and requested reinstatement. We have provided him accommodation for now and are supporting him in addressing his situation in a fair and constructive manner,” the company said. TCS added that it had made contact with More after the incident and confirmed that he is no longer camping outside the office.

A photo of a TCS employee sleeping outside the Pune office over alleged unpaid salary went viral, sparking outrage. TCS claims his pay was withheld due to unauthorised leave, but later offered support.

'Supporting him...': TCS says employee on ‘unauthorised leave’ after photo of him sleeping on footpath goes viral

A huge drama unfolded in the politics of West Bengal after two leaders of the same party, Trinamool Congress, had a verbal battle at a virtual meeting. TMC’s Kalyan Banerjee and Mohua Moitra had a huge argument, which resulted in the former's resignation from his post as the party's chief whip. This was after Moitra called him a “pig” in a podcast with a media house.lt of how the state chief minister and party head Mamata Banerjee handled the situation. The CM asked her party MPs not to fight among themselves and focus on battling the government on Special Intensive Revision and the "National Register of Citizens".&nbsp;"I have quit as the party's chief whip in Lok Sabha, as 'didi' (West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee) said during the virtual meeting that there is a lack of coordination among party MPs. So the blame is on me. Hence, I have decided to step down," Kalyan Banerjee said, PTI reported.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-hostage-families-slam-netanyahu-over-no-ceasefire-deal-1754324075955/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-hostage-families-slam-netanyahu-over-no-ceasefire-deal-1754324075955/embed</a>&nbsp;"You don't wrestle with a pig. Because the pig likes it and you get dirty," Moitra said, responding to Banerjee's comments on her marriage to Odisha's BJD ex-MP Pinaki Mishra.&nbsp;"There are deeply misogynistic, sexually frustrated, depraved men in India, and they have their representation in parliament across all parties," she added. Moitra’s response came after Banerjee (Kalyan) called her a home-breaker and shamed her for marrying someone 15 years older than her.&nbsp;“She calls me anti-women? What is she? What has she done? She is back from her honeymoon. She has broken a man's family of 40 years and married a 65-year-old man. She is calling me anti-woman?” Banjerjee said. Banerjee took the matter on social media and posted on X, “Labelling a male colleague as 'sexually frustrated' isn't boldness - it's outright abuse. If such language were directed at a woman, there would be nationwide outrage, and rightly so. But when a man is the target, it's dismissed or even applauded. Let's be clear: abuse is abuse - regardless of gender.”&nbsp;"Her choice of words, including the use of dehumanising language such as comparing a fellow MP to a "pig", is not only unfortunate but reflects a deep disregard for basic norms of civil discourse... If Ms Moitra thinks that flinging gutter insults will mask her own failures or distract from serious questions about her record, she is deluding herself," the MP added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After the TMC MP Mahua Moitra called her fellow party leader Kalyan Banerjee a pig, the latter resigned from his post as the chief whip. He called Moitra a home breaker and shamed her for marrying a 65-year-old ma

A huge drama unfolded in the politics of West Bengal after two leaders of the same party, Trinamool Congress, had a verbal battle at a virtual meeting. TMC’s Kalyan Banerjee and Mohua Moitra had a huge argument, which resulted in the former's resignation from his post as the party's chief whip. This was after Moitra called him a “pig” in a podcast with a media house.lt of how the state chief minister and party head Mamata Banerjee handled the situation. The CM asked her party MPs not to fight among themselves and focus on battling the government on Special Intensive Revision and the "National Register of Citizens". "I have quit as the party's chief whip in Lok Sabha, as 'didi' (West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee) said during the virtual meeting that there is a lack of coordination among party MPs. So the blame is on me. Hence, I have decided to step down," Kalyan Banerjee said, PTI reported. https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-hostage-families-slam-netanyahu-over-no-ceasefire-deal-1754324075955/embed "You don't wrestle with a pig. Because the pig likes it and you get dirty," Moitra said, responding to Banerjee's comments on her marriage to Odisha's BJD ex-MP Pinaki Mishra. "There are deeply misogynistic, sexually frustrated, depraved men in India, and they have their representation in parliament across all parties," she added. Moitra’s response came after Banerjee (Kalyan) called her a home-breaker and shamed her for marrying someone 15 years older than her. “She calls me anti-women? What is she? What has she done? She is back from her honeymoon. She has broken a man's family of 40 years and married a 65-year-old man. She is calling me anti-woman?” Banjerjee said. Banerjee took the matter on social media and posted on X, “Labelling a male colleague as 'sexually frustrated' isn't boldness - it's outright abuse. If such language were directed at a woman, there would be nationwide outrage, and rightly so. But when a man is the target, it's dismissed or even applauded. Let's be clear: abuse is abuse - regardless of gender.” "Her choice of words, including the use of dehumanising language such as comparing a fellow MP to a "pig", is not only unfortunate but reflects a deep disregard for basic norms of civil discourse... If Ms Moitra thinks that flinging gutter insults will mask her own failures or distract from serious questions about her record, she is deluding herself," the MP added.

After the TMC MP Mahua Moitra called her fellow party leader Kalyan Banerjee a pig, the latter resigned from his post as the party's chief whip. He called Moitra a home breaker and shamed her for marrying a 65-year-old man.&nbsp;

Kalyan Banerjee resigns as TMC's chief whip after Mahua Moitra calls him 'pig': 'She's home breaker, married 65-year-old man'

Lok Sabha MP from Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, R. Sudha, became a victim of chain-snatching as a bike-borne miscreant tugged at her gold chain and sped away in the diplomatic enclave of Chanakyapuri, the Delhi Police said on Monday. Sudha was on a morning walk with DMK Rajya Sabha member Rajathi Salma outside the Polish Embassy in Chanakyapuri, which houses several embassies and official residences of state governments, when she was robbed of her gold chain.In a letter to the Union Home Ministry, the Congress MP, who is in Delhi to attend Parliament’s Monsoon Session, wrote, “Around 6.15 in the morning, when we were near the Poland Embassy’s Gate-3 and Gate-4, a masked man wearing a helmet and riding a scooter approached us from the opposite direction and snatched my gold chain and fled.”“As he was coming slowly in the opposite direction, I did not suspect that he could be a chain-snatcher. After he pulled the chain from my neck, I suffered injuries on my neck,” she added.&nbsp;She further states in the letter, “If a woman cannot walk safely in this high-priority zone in the national capital of India, where else can we feel safe and do our routine without fearing for our limbs, lives, and valuables?”“Sir, this blatant attack on a woman, who is a Member of the Parliament, in a high-security zone like Chanakyapuri, which is full of embassies and protected institutions, is highly shocking to say the least. I am highly traumatised by this criminal attack,” she said.&nbsp;&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> | &quot;...I am still in shock. There is no safety for women in this country...I am thinking about the common women, where will they go?...A woman CM is ruling this state. Where is the safety and security? Had he slit my neck, I would have died on spot..,&quot; says Congress MP R.… <a href="https://t.co/MZEZX4NQJ3">pic.twitter.com/MZEZX4NQJ3</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1952262503620083755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;A senior police officer confirmed the incident and said, “The incident took place near the Poland Embassy in Chanakyapuri at around 6 am, where the suspect on a scooter slowed down near the Congress MP.”“At that moment, the accused snatched her chain and fled the spot immediately after committing the crime. Sudha shouted for help, but no bystanders came forward. Another member of parliament from Tamil Nadu was accompanying her at the time,” police said in a statement.&nbsp;A case has been registered under the relevant sections, and an investigation is underway. Efforts are on to trace the accused, and CCTV footage from the vicinity is being examined, said a senior Delhi Police official.&nbsp;Multiple police teams have been deployed to track down the accused, but the police have so far not made any arrests in the case.

A senior Delhi Police official said that a case has been registered under the relevant sections, and an investigation is underway. Efforts are on to trace the accused, and CCTV footage from the vicinity is being examined.

Lok Sabha MP from Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, R. Sudha, became a victim of chain-snatching as a bike-borne miscreant tugged at her gold chain and sped away in the diplomatic enclave of Chanakyapuri, the Delhi Police said on Monday. Sudha was on a morning walk with DMK Rajya Sabha member Rajathi Salma outside the Polish Embassy in Chanakyapuri, which houses several embassies and official residences of state governments, when she was robbed of her gold chain. In a letter to the Union Home Ministry, the Congress MP, who is in Delhi to attend Parliament’s Monsoon Session, wrote, “Around 6.15 in the morning, when we were near the Poland Embassy’s Gate-3 and Gate-4, a masked man wearing a helmet and riding a scooter approached us from the opposite direction and snatched my gold chain and fled.” “As he was coming slowly in the opposite direction, I did not suspect that he could be a chain-snatcher. After he pulled the chain from my neck, I suffered injuries on my neck,” she added. She further states in the letter, “If a woman cannot walk safely in this high-priority zone in the national capital of India, where else can we feel safe and do our routine without fearing for our limbs, lives, and valuables?” “Sir, this blatant attack on a woman, who is a Member of the Parliament, in a high-security zone like Chanakyapuri, which is full of embassies and protected institutions, is highly shocking to say the least. I am highly traumatised by this criminal attack,” she said.

A senior Delhi Police official said that a case has been registered under the relevant sections, and an investigation is underway. Efforts are on to trace the accused, and CCTV footage from the vicinity is being examined.

‘Traumatised’: Congress MP R Sudha’s gold chain snatched in high-security area of Delhi

US President Donald Trump on Monday issued a fresh warning to India of increased tariffs over buying Russian oil. The threat comes just a week after Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff on India. In a new post in Truth Social, Trump cited India’s close ties with Russia as the key reason behind the tariff revision.&nbsp;“India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!” Donald Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trump's post on Truth Social

Trump had last week issued a verbal attack on Truth Social targeting India, and called on both New Delhi and Moscow to “take their dead economies and go down together”.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care,” Trump said in the post on Truth Social. “We have done very little business with India, their Tariffs are too high, among the highest in the World," he added.&nbsp;<h2>‘We desire a fair and representative global order, not one dominated by a few’</h2>&nbsp;Meanwhile, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday reiterated the need for a fair and multipolar global order, saying, “Our collective desire is to see a fair and representative global order, not one dominated by a few.” Jaishankar made the remarks amid global trade tensions, including US tariff threats and pressure on India’s oil trade with Russia.

<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: At the BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival, &quot;SaptaSur: Seven Nations, One Melody&quot;, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, &quot;We live in complicated and uncertain times. Our collective desire is to see a fair and representative global order, not one dominated by a few. That quest… <a href="https://t.co/nRQ61EiGqP">pic.twitter.com/nRQ61EiGqP</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1952370000536146084?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Speaking at the BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival in Delhi titled ‘SaptaSur: Seven Nations, One Melody’, Jaishankar linked cultural traditions to the broader vision of global balance. “We live in complicated and uncertain times. Our collective desire is to see a fair and representative global order, not one dominated by a few. That quest is often articulated as political or economic rebalancing,” he said. While Jaishankar’s remarks did not refer directly to the economic and diplomatic challenges, including concerns over possible US tariffs and warnings related to India’s ongoing oil trade with Russia, his emphasis on sovereignty, tradition, and multipolarity echoed India’s current diplomatic positioning.

The threat comes just a week after Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff on India. In a new post in Truth Social, Trump cited India’s close ties with Russia as the key reason behind the tariff revision.

US President Donald Trump on Monday issued a fresh warning to India of increased tariffs over buying Russian oil. The threat comes just a week after Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff on India. In a new post in Truth Social, Trump cited India’s close ties with Russia as the key reason behind the tariff revision. “India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!” Donald Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.

The threat comes just a week after Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff on India. In a new post in Truth Social, Trump cited India’s close ties with Russia as the key reason behind the tariff revision.

Trump warns of ‘substantial hike’ in tariffs on India over Russian oil purchase

In a major relief for AAP leader Satyendar Jain, a special court on Monday accepted CBI's closure report filed in a 2018 case against the former Delhi PWD minister and others related to alleged corruption in the hiring of a creative team for the department, noting that the "investigation found no criminal activity or wrongful loss to the government".&nbsp;Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh said the investigating agency has not found any incriminating evidence over such a long period, and further proceedings would serve no useful purpose.&nbsp;The agency had registered the case on May 28, 2018, on a reference from the office of the Lieutenant Governor of the NCT of Delhi to investigate the allegations of irregularities in the award of a tender to a private company for hiring a creative team for PWD works.&nbsp;"A preliminary enquiry was earlier conducted to look into the matter. It was alleged that the accused persons, while working in the capacity of public servants, deliberately changed the terms and conditions in the NIT so as to make the private company eligible for participating in the tender," a CBI spokesperson had said after filing the FIR on May 29, 2018. Four years later, the CBI had filed a closure report in the matter, underlining that there was "no evidence of pecuniary advantage, conspiracy, or corruption". "The total investigation found no criminal activity or wrongful loss to the government, nor any pecuniary benefit to M/s Soni Detectives. No evidence of quid pro quo or conspiracy has emerged, and the acts of public servants do not constitute fraudulent conduct," it said. Citing the report, Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh said that the hiring process was justified because PWD faced a shortage of specialised staff in areas like urban planning and graphic designing, where no sanctioned posts or recruitment rules existed, making direct recruitment unfeasible. "Therefore, hiring through an outsourcing agency was an accepted, common practice," the court noted. The agency had said that the professionals were hired transparently through an open advertisement and interview process by a broad-based committee including members from CPWD, DMRC and HUDCO. "It is also claimed that the qualifications of the selected candidates met general standards, many from reputed institutes, and some moved on to better jobs later, indicating no undue pecuniary advantage was gained," it had said. The CBI investigation showed that the change in funding source was justified as payments shifted from the "Barapulla elevated corridor" project to "Mohalla Clinics," as the same creative team served both, with the latter being a priority project fully funded by GNCTD. The selection of the agency was transparent and done through a fair process; professionals from reputed institutes were hired, and the Engineer-in-Chief of PWD chaired the interview panel with other neutral officials to ensure fairness, the CBI had said in the closure report. Recommending the rejection of a protest petition against its report, the CBI told the court that the petition does not provide any sufficient prima facie evidence from investigations or otherwise, warranting further inquiry. The funds were used legitimately, with no misappropriation or mala fide intent, it said. "When the investigating agency has not found any incriminating evidence over such a long period to prove the commission of any offence, particularly under the POC Act, 1988, further proceedings would serve no useful purpose," Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh said. In the facts and circumstances mentioned above, in the absence of any evidence and sanction, the present final report for closure of the FIR is accepted, he said.

In a major relief for AAP leader Satyendar Jain, a special court on Monday accepted CBI closure report filed in a 2018 case against the former Delhi PWD minister and others related to alleged corruption.

In a major relief for AAP leader Satyendar Jain, a special court on Monday accepted CBI's closure report filed in a 2018 case against the former Delhi PWD minister and others related to alleged corruption in the hiring of a creative team for the department, noting that the "investigation found no criminal activity or wrongful loss to the government". Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh said the investigating agency has not found any incriminating evidence over such a long period, and further proceedings would serve no useful purpose. The agency had registered the case on May 28, 2018, on a reference from the office of the Lieutenant Governor of the NCT of Delhi to investigate the allegations of irregularities in the award of a tender to a private company for hiring a creative team for PWD works. "A preliminary enquiry was earlier conducted to look into the matter. It was alleged that the accused persons, while working in the capacity of public servants, deliberately changed the terms and conditions in the NIT so as to make the private company eligible for participating in the tender," a CBI spokesperson had said after filing the FIR on May 29, 2018. Four years later, the CBI had filed a closure report in the matter, underlining that there was "no evidence of pecuniary advantage, conspiracy, or corruption". "The total investigation found no criminal activity or wrongful loss to the government, nor any pecuniary benefit to M/s Soni Detectives. No evidence of quid pro quo or conspiracy has emerged, and the acts of public servants do not constitute fraudulent conduct," it said. Citing the report, Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh said that the hiring process was justified because PWD faced a shortage of specialised staff in areas like urban planning and graphic designing, where no sanctioned posts or recruitment rules existed, making direct recruitment unfeasible. "Therefore, hiring through an outsourcing agency was an accepted, common practice," the court noted. The agency had said that the professionals were hired transparently through an open advertisement and interview process by a broad-based committee including members from CPWD, DMRC and HUDCO. "It is also claimed that the qualifications of the selected candidates met general standards, many from reputed institutes, and some moved on to better jobs later, indicating no undue pecuniary advantage was gained," it had said. The CBI investigation showed that the change in funding source was justified as payments shifted from the "Barapulla elevated corridor" project to "Mohalla Clinics," as the same creative team served both, with the latter being a priority project fully funded by GNCTD. The selection of the agency was transparent and done through a fair process; professionals from reputed institutes were hired, and the Engineer-in-Chief of PWD chaired the interview panel with other neutral officials to ensure fairness, the CBI had said in the closure report. Recommending the rejection of a protest petition against its report, the CBI told the court that the petition does not provide any sufficient prima facie evidence from investigations or otherwise, warranting further inquiry. The funds were used legitimately, with no misappropriation or mala fide intent, it said. "When the investigating agency has not found any incriminating evidence over such a long period to prove the commission of any offence, particularly under the POC Act, 1988, further proceedings would serve no useful purpose," Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh said. In the facts and circumstances mentioned above, in the absence of any evidence and sanction, the present final report for closure of the FIR is accepted, he said.

In a major relief for AAP leader Satyendar Jain, a special court on Monday accepted CBI's closure report filed in a 2018 case against the former Delhi PWD minister and others related to alleged corruption.

'No criminal activity': Court closes corruption case against AAP's Satyendar Jain

A 'report' on the identities of the Pahalgam attackers is circulating on social media platforms. The Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff has firmly denied issuing any such document, stressing that no official spokesperson has made these remarks and warning the public to stay alert against misinformation. In a post on X by the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, it said, "Social media accounts are spreading a Report on the Identities and Background of the Pahalgam Attackers'. No authorised media handle of the Armed Forces has prepared or issued any such document. No remarks of this nature have been made by the Armed Forces Public Relations Offices/nominated Spokespersons. Stay Alert! Stay Informed!<h2>See the post below:</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 Social media accounts are spreading a Report on the Identities and Background of the Pahalgam Attackers&#39;. ▶️ No authorised media handle of the Armed Forces has prepared or issued any such document. ▶️ No remarks of this nature have been made by the Armed Forces Public… <a href="https://t.co/7UphgDvi3a">pic.twitter.com/7UphgDvi3a</a>&mdash; HQ IDS (@HQ_IDS_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/HQ_IDS_India/status/1952333339978850397?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Last week, Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the Lok Sabha monsoon session on Tuesday (July 29) confirmed the identities of the three terrorists killed in Operation Mahadev, marking major breakthrough in the Pahalgam terror attack probe. All three were members of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and were directly involved in the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which left 26 innocent civilians dead.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-akhal-enters-day-4-three-terrorists-killed-security-remains-on-high-alert-in-j-k-1754279841907">Operation Akhal enters day 4: Three terrorists killed, security remains on high alert in J&amp;K</a>&nbsp;“In the Operation Mahadev, Suleman alias Faizal, Afghan and Jibran, these three terrorists were killed in a joint operation of the Indian Army, CRPF and J&amp;K Police. Suleman was an A-grade commander of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Afghan and Jibran were also A-grade terrorists. All three terrorists who killed our citizens in the Baisaran valley have been eliminated,” Shah said. The Union Minister further said that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has already arrested individuals who sheltered the terrorists and supplied them with food. The Forensic Science Laboratory report confirmed that the rifles recovered from the three terrorists matched those used in the Pahalgam attack, establishing their direct involvement.

Defence staff headquarters denies report on Pahalgam attackers’ identities, calls it fake

A 'report' on the identities of the Pahalgam attackers is circulating on social media platforms. The Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff has firmly denied issuing any such document, stressing that no official spokesperson has made these remarks and warning the public to stay alert against misinformation. In a post on X by the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, it said, "Social media accounts are spreading a Report on the Identities and Background of the Pahalgam Attackers'. No authorised media handle of the Armed Forces has prepared or issued any such document. No remarks of this nature have been made by the Armed Forces Public Relations Offices/nominated Spokespersons. Stay Alert! Stay Informed! See the post below:

The Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff has firmly denied issuing any such document, stressing that no official spokesperson has made these remarks and warning the public to stay alert against misinformation

HCLTech CEO C Vijayakumar has retained his position as the highest-paid chief executive in the Indian IT industry for a second consecutive year, with a total compensation of $10.85 million (approximately Rs 94.6 crore) in FY25. The 57-year-old outpaced all his peers at top Indian IT rivals such as Infosys, Wipro, TCS, and Tech Mahindra. He has been CEO of HCL Technologies since October 2016 and has a background in electrical engineering from Tamil Nadu. Vijayakumar’s pay package includes base salary, performance-linked incentives, stock awards, and other benefits and marks a steady rise from the last fiscal. In FY24, he earned $10.06 million (around Rs 84.17 crore), a staggering 190 per cent jump from the previous year.&nbsp;The sharp increase in FY24 had already drawn attention, as it far outpaced the average 7 per cent salary hike given to HCLTech employees that year.In FY25, HCLTech board approved a 71 per cent hike in his compensation for the coming year, putting his FY26 package at $18.6 million, or about Rs 154 crore.&nbsp;<h2>‘Under his leadership, HCLTech’s market cap grew 3.8 times’</h2>&nbsp;The board credited the company’s market performance as one of the key reasons behind the continued increase in his pay package even though industry observers raised questions about the widening pay gap at the top.“Under C Vijayakumar’s leadership, HCLTech’s market capitalisation has increased from Rs 1,15,000 crore on March 31, 2016, to Rs 4,32,000 crore on March 31, 2025, reflecting a growth of 3.8 times since FY16. Over the same period, the market capitalisation of the other four leading Indian listed IT services firms among the top five has grown by approximately 2.5 times,” the company said in its annual report.&nbsp;<h2>How do his peers at rival IT firms fare?</h2>&nbsp;Infosys CEO Salil Parekh earned Rs 80.62 crore in FY25 and Wipro’s Srinivas Pallia Rs 53.64 crore. Tech Mahindra’s Mohit Joshi was paid Rs 52.1 crore, and TCS’ K Krithivasan earned Rs 26.5 crore in FY25.&nbsp;The figures show that Vijayakumar’s compensation not only leads the industry but also far exceeds that of his peers.His FY25 remuneration comprised a base salary of $1.96 million, a variable bonus of $1.73 million and long-term incentives valued at $6.96 million, in addition to benefits and perquisites worth $0.2 million, HCLTech’s filings said.In FY23, Wipro’s Thierry Delaporte topped the list with a package of Rs 82 crore followed by Parekh and Vijayakumar.The shift highlights HCLTech’s growing willingness to reward its top leadership, especially as the company looks to compete more aggressively in digital, cloud, and AI deals.&nbsp;Vijayakumar was also recognised by Fortune India as India’s Best CEO in the IT Services—Super Large category and ranked first in the Best CEO category in the Institutional Investor Research 14th Annual Asia Executive Team survey.

HCLTech's C Vijayakumar took home Rs 94.6 crore in FY25 to become highest paid Indian IT CEO for a second year. The IT firm's board cited the company's market performance as one of the key reasons for the fatter pay package.

HCLTech CEO C Vijayakumar has retained his position as the highest-paid chief executive in the Indian IT industry for a second consecutive year, with a total compensation of $10.85 million (approximately Rs 94.6 crore) in FY25. The 57-year-old outpaced all his peers at top Indian IT rivals such as Infosys, Wipro, TCS, and Tech Mahindra. He has been CEO of HCL Technologies since October 2016 and has a background in electrical engineering from Tamil Nadu. Vijayakumar’s pay package includes base salary, performance-linked incentives, stock awards, and other benefits and marks a steady rise from the last fiscal. In FY24, he earned $10.06 million (around Rs 84.17 crore), a staggering 190 per cent jump from the previous year. The sharp increase in FY24 had already drawn attention, as it far outpaced the average 7 per cent salary hike given to HCLTech employees that year. In FY25, HCLTech board approved a 71 per cent hike in his compensation for the coming year, putting his FY26 package at $18.6 million, or about Rs 154 crore. ‘Under his leadership, HCLTech’s market cap grew 3.8 times’ The board credited the company’s market performance as one of the key reasons behind the continued increase in his pay package even though industry observers raised questions about the widening pay gap at the top. “Under C Vijayakumar’s leadership, HCLTech’s market capitalisation has increased from Rs 1,15,000 crore on March 31, 2016, to Rs 4,32,000 crore on March 31, 2025, reflecting a growth of 3.8 times since FY16. Over the same period, the market capitalisation of the other four leading Indian listed IT services firms among the top five has grown by approximately 2.5 times,” the company said in its annual report. How do his peers at rival IT firms fare? Infosys CEO Salil Parekh earned Rs 80.62 crore in FY25 and Wipro’s Srinivas Pallia Rs 53.64 crore. Tech Mahindra’s Mohit Joshi was paid Rs 52.1 crore, and TCS’ K Krithivasan earned Rs 26.5 crore in FY25. The figures show that Vijayakumar’s compensation not only leads the industry but also far exceeds that of his peers. His FY25 remuneration comprised a base salary of $1.96 million, a variable bonus of $1.73 million and long-term incentives valued at $6.96 million, in addition to benefits and perquisites worth $0.2 million, HCLTech’s filings said. In FY23, Wipro’s Thierry Delaporte topped the list with a package of Rs 82 crore followed by Parekh and Vijayakumar. The shift highlights HCLTech’s growing willingness to reward its top leadership, especially as the company looks to compete more aggressively in digital, cloud, and AI deals. Vijayakumar was also recognised by Fortune India as India’s Best CEO in the IT Services—Super Large category and ranked first in the Best CEO category in the Institutional Investor Research 14th Annual Asia Executive Team survey.

HCLTech's C Vijayakumar took home Rs 94.6 crore in FY25 to become highest paid Indian IT CEO for a second year. The IT firm's board cited the company's market performance as one of the key reasons for the fatter pay package.

HCLTech’s C Vijayakumar tops the list of highest paid Indian IT CEOs for 2nd year

The Supreme Court of India rapped Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday over his “Chinese troops are thrashing Indian soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh” remark he made during the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’. The top court, however, stayed proceedings against him in a criminal defamation case arising from the comment he made in reference to the India-China face-off in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang sector in December 2022.A bench of Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice AG Masih also took strong exception to the Congress MP’s remarks claiming that 2,000 sq km of Indian territory has since been occupied by China and blaming Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government for the “surrender”.&nbsp;<h2>‘If you are a true Indian...’</h2>&nbsp;“How did you get to know that 2,000 sq km of Indian land has been taken over by the Chinese? If you are a true Indian... you won’t say all of this,” Justice Datta said about Gandhi’s remarks.“Were you there? Do you have any credible material,” the court asked Gandhi.The apex court questioned Gandhi’s choice of words and the platform he used to make his contentious statement.“Why do you have to say this in media or social media posts?” the bench asked&nbsp;Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-perverse-exercise-of-judicial-power-supreme-court-blasts-karnataka-hc-over-actor-darshan-s-bail-1753354674776/embed">https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-perverse-exercise-of-judicial-power-supreme-court-blasts-karnataka-hc-over-actor-darshan-s-bail-1753354674776/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, who was appearing for Rahul Gandhi, countered, “If he can’t say these things... how can he be the Leader of Opposition?”Justice Datta shot back, “Then why don’t you say such things in Parliament?”&nbsp;The apex court, however, issued a notice against Gandhi’s plea to quash the case after Singhvi pointed out apparent missteps in the filing of charges, including the police not allowing Gandhi a prior hearing before taking cognisance of a criminal complaint.&nbsp;The Allahabad High Court had in May rejected Rahul Gandhi’s plea challenging a February summons issued by a special court for elected representatives in Lucknow.&nbsp;Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-asks-telangana-speaker-to-decide-on-defected-brs-mlas-disqualification-in-3-months-1753973312827/embed">https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-asks-telangana-speaker-to-decide-on-defected-brs-mlas-disqualification-in-3-months-1753973312827/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Allahabad High Court judge Justice Subhash Vidyarthi overruled Gandhi’s argument that the special court should have verified the allegations before summoning him and observed that the freedom of speech does not include the right to make statements that ‘defame’ the Army.Gandhi had also argued the charges against him were politically motivated.&nbsp;The original complaint was filed by one Udai Shanker Srivastava, who alleged that Rahul Gandhi made derogatory remarks about the Army over the clash with the Chinese during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in December 2022.&nbsp;Senior advocate Gaurav Bhatia, representing the complainant, opposed the stay and defended the trial court’s decision. The top court, however, said it would hear all objections after three weeks.

In May, the Allahabad High Court had rejected Rahul Gandhi’s plea challenging summons issued by a special court for elected representatives in Lucknow. The Supreme Court pulled up Rahul for his remarks about the Indian Army and said “a true Indian will not say all this”.

The Supreme Court of India rapped Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday over his “Chinese troops are thrashing Indian soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh” remark he made during the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’. The top court, however, stayed proceedings against him in a criminal defamation case arising from the comment he made in reference to the India-China face-off in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang sector in December 2022. A bench of Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice AG Masih also took strong exception to the Congress MP’s remarks claiming that 2,000 sq km of Indian territory has since been occupied by China and blaming Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government for the “surrender”. ‘If you are a true Indian...’ “How did you get to know that 2,000 sq km of Indian land has been taken over by the Chinese? If you are a true Indian... you won’t say all of this,” Justice Datta said about Gandhi’s remarks. “Were you there? Do you have any credible material,” the court asked Gandhi. The apex court questioned Gandhi’s choice of words and the platform he used to make his contentious statement. “Why do you have to say this in media or social media posts?” the bench asked Also Read | https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-perverse-exercise-of-judicial-power-supreme-court-blasts-karnataka-hc-over-actor-darshan-s-bail-1753354674776/embed Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, who was appearing for Rahul Gandhi, countered, “If he can’t say these things... how can he be the Leader of Opposition?” Justice Datta shot back, “Then why don’t you say such things in Parliament?” The apex court, however, issued a notice against Gandhi’s plea to quash the case after Singhvi pointed out apparent missteps in the filing of charges, including the police not allowing Gandhi a prior hearing before taking cognisance of a criminal complaint. The Allahabad High Court had in May rejected Rahul Gandhi’s plea challenging a February summons issued by a special court for elected representatives in Lucknow. Also Read | https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-asks-telangana-speaker-to-decide-on-defected-brs-mlas-disqualification-in-3-months-1753973312827/embed Allahabad High Court judge Justice Subhash Vidyarthi overruled Gandhi’s argument that the special court should have verified the allegations before summoning him and observed that the freedom of speech does not include the right to make statements that ‘defame’ the Army. Gandhi had also argued the charges against him were politically motivated. The original complaint was filed by one Udai Shanker Srivastava, who alleged that Rahul Gandhi made derogatory remarks about the Army over the clash with the Chinese during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in December 2022. Senior advocate Gaurav Bhatia, representing the complainant, opposed the stay and defended the trial court’s decision. The top court, however, said it would hear all objections after three weeks.

In May, the Allahabad High Court had rejected Rahul Gandhi’s plea challenging summons issued by a special court for elected representatives in Lucknow. The Supreme Court pulled up Rahul for his remarks about the Indian Army and said “a true Indian will not say all this”.

Supreme Court raps Rahul Gandhi over ‘Chinese troops thrashing Indian soldiers in Arunachal’ remark

Ahead of the Bihar assembly polls, the RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav fell into hot water after a complaint was filed against him for allegedly having two voter cards in his name. An advocate named Rajiv Ranjan lodged a complaint against the Bihar leader of the opposition, but a formal FIR is yet to be filed. This comes a dat after the Election Commission asked Yadav to give the voter ID he has - which the leader claimed he possessed without having been "issued officially."&nbsp;On Saturday (August 2), Yadava demonstrated an online search, with the EPIC number, to claim that his name was missing in the draft electoral rolls. He alleged that his voter ID number was changed. “Our preliminary investigation suggests that the EPIC number you mentioned at the press conference on August 2 was not issued officially. You are therefore requested to hand over the EPIC card in original for detailed investigation," the EC said in its statement.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-deadly-quarry-collapse-kills-6-workers-in-andhra-dead-migrant-workers-belong-to-odisha-1754302464122/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-deadly-quarry-collapse-kills-6-workers-in-andhra-dead-migrant-workers-belong-to-odisha-1754302464122/embed</a><h2>'Thousand names have been removed'</h2>Yadav claimed that nearly 65 lakh voters have been removed from the state’s draft electoral roll, ahead of the upcoming assembly elections this year. The EC had released the draft voter list for Bihar on Friday, following a month-long special intensive revision (SIR) exercise.&nbsp;“Almost 20 to 30 thousand names have been removed from every assembly constituency. A total of around 65 lakh voters, or about 8.5% of the total, have had their names removed from the list,” he said.&nbsp;“Whenever the Election Commission issued an advertisement, it would mention that many people had shifted, many were deceased, and many had duplicate names... But in the list provided to us by the Election Commission, they have cleverly not given the address of any voter, no booth number, and no EPIC number, so that we cannot find out whose names have been removed from the voter list,” Yadav claimed.&nbsp;

Ahead of the Bihar assembly polls, a complaint has been filed against the RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav for possessing two voter cards. This came after the Election Commission told him to submit his ID, which he had claimed he received without being formally issued. 

Ahead of the Bihar assembly polls, the RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav fell into hot water after a complaint was filed against him for allegedly having two voter cards in his name. An advocate named Rajiv Ranjan lodged a complaint against the Bihar leader of the opposition, but a formal FIR is yet to be filed. This comes a dat after the Election Commission asked Yadav to give the voter ID he has - which the leader claimed he possessed without having been "issued officially." On Saturday (August 2), Yadava demonstrated an online search, with the EPIC number, to claim that his name was missing in the draft electoral rolls. He alleged that his voter ID number was changed. “Our preliminary investigation suggests that the EPIC number you mentioned at the press conference on August 2 was not issued officially. You are therefore requested to hand over the EPIC card in original for detailed investigation," the EC said in its statement. https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-deadly-quarry-collapse-kills-6-workers-in-andhra-dead-migrant-workers-belong-to-odisha-1754302464122/embed 'Thousand names have been removed' Yadav claimed that nearly 65 lakh voters have been removed from the state’s draft electoral roll, ahead of the upcoming assembly elections this year. The EC had released the draft voter list for Bihar on Friday, following a month-long special intensive revision (SIR) exercise. “Almost 20 to 30 thousand names have been removed from every assembly constituency. A total of around 65 lakh voters, or about 8.5% of the total, have had their names removed from the list,” he said. “Whenever the Election Commission issued an advertisement, it would mention that many people had shifted, many were deceased, and many had duplicate names... But in the list provided to us by the Election Commission, they have cleverly not given the address of any voter, no booth number, and no EPIC number, so that we cannot find out whose names have been removed from the voter list,” Yadav claimed.

Ahead of the Bihar assembly polls, a complaint has been filed against the RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav for possessing two voter cards. This came after the Election Commission told him to submit his ID, which he had claimed he received without being formally issued.&nbsp;

Tejashwi Yadav in hot water for having 2 voter IDs ahead of Bihar polls

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Sunday slammed the Delhi police for allegedly addressing Bangla as a "Bangladeshi" language. The TMC chief accused the Centre of "insulting and humiliating Bengali-speaking people".&nbsp;Banerjee was referring to a letter from Delhi Police to Banga Bhawan in New Delhi’s Chanakyapuri in which the officer investigating the case under the Foreigners' Act sought for a translator for “Bangladeshi language”.&nbsp;Banerjee termed the mention of "Bangladeshi national language" for Bangla in the letter as “scandalous, insulting, anti-national, unconstitutional”.&nbsp;Taking to X the Bengal Chief Minister wrote, "See now how Delhi Police under the direct control of Ministry of Home, Government of India is describing Bengali as 'Bangladeshi' language! Bengali, our mother tongue, the language of Rabindranath Tagore and Swami Vivekananda, the language in which our National Anthem and the National Song (the latter by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay) are written, the language in which crores of Indians speak and write, the language which is sanctified and recognised by the Constitution of India, is now described as a Bangladeshi language!!"&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tejashwi-yadav-in-hot-water-for-having-2-voter-ids-ahead-of-bihar-polls-1754302532771">Tejashwi Yadav in hot water for having 2 voter IDs ahead of Bihar polls</a>&nbsp;She termed it as an insult to Bengali-speaking people and urged for protest against the "anti-Bengali Government".&nbsp;"This insults all Bengali-speaking people of India. They cannot use this kind of language which degrades and debases us all. We urge immediate strongest possible protests from all against the anti-Bengali Government of India who are using such anti-Constitutional language to insult and humiliate the Bengali-speaking people of India."&nbsp;The allegation made by Mamata Banerjee was met with stiff reaction from the ruling BJP. &nbsp;Amit Malviya, BJP IT cell chief in a tweet accused accused the Bengal Chief Minister of fanning hatred by "weaponising language".&nbsp;"It is beyond shameful that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is defending a lawful police action against illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators by weaponising language and stoking sentiment. Let us be absolutely clear: all illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators and Rohingyas will be dealt with strictly, as per the law of the land," wrote Malviya.&nbsp;"No political grandstanding or vote-bank politics will come in the way of protecting India’s sovereignty and national security. Of all people, Mamata Banerjee should know this," he added. &nbsp;

a letter from Delhi Police to Banga Bhawan in New Delhi’s Chanakyapuri in which the officer investigating the case under the Foreigners' Act sought for a translator for “Bangladeshi language”.

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Sunday slammed the Delhi police for allegedly addressing Bangla as a "Bangladeshi" language. The TMC chief accused the Centre of "insulting and humiliating Bengali-speaking people". Banerjee was referring to a letter from Delhi Police to Banga Bhawan in New Delhi’s Chanakyapuri in which the officer investigating the case under the Foreigners' Act sought for a translator for “Bangladeshi language”. Banerjee termed the mention of "Bangladeshi national language" for Bangla in the letter as “scandalous, insulting, anti-national, unconstitutional”. Taking to X the Bengal Chief Minister wrote, "See now how Delhi Police under the direct control of Ministry of Home, Government of India is describing Bengali as 'Bangladeshi' language! Bengali, our mother tongue, the language of Rabindranath Tagore and Swami Vivekananda, the language in which our National Anthem and the National Song (the latter by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay) are written, the language in which crores of Indians speak and write, the language which is sanctified and recognised by the Constitution of India, is now described as a Bangladeshi language!!" Also Read: Tejashwi Yadav in hot water for having 2 voter IDs ahead of Bihar polls She termed it as an insult to Bengali-speaking people and urged for protest against the "anti-Bengali Government". "This insults all Bengali-speaking people of India. They cannot use this kind of language which degrades and debases us all. We urge immediate strongest possible protests from all against the anti-Bengali Government of India who are using such anti-Constitutional language to insult and humiliate the Bengali-speaking people of India." The allegation made by Mamata Banerjee was met with stiff reaction from the ruling BJP. Amit Malviya, BJP IT cell chief in a tweet accused accused the Bengal Chief Minister of fanning hatred by "weaponising language". "It is beyond shameful that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is defending a lawful police action against illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators by weaponising language and stoking sentiment. Let us be absolutely clear: all illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators and Rohingyas will be dealt with strictly, as per the law of the land," wrote Malviya. "No political grandstanding or vote-bank politics will come in the way of protecting India’s sovereignty and national security. Of all people, Mamata Banerjee should know this," he added.

a letter from Delhi Police to Banga Bhawan in New Delhi’s Chanakyapuri in which the officer investigating the case under the Foreigners' Act sought for a translator for “Bangladeshi language”.

Anti-national, insulting: Delhi Police letter for a 'Bangladeshi language' translator irks West Bengal chief minister and she says...

Mathura Sridharan, an Indian-origin lawyer, is facing criticism on social media after her appointed as Solicitor General for the state of Ohio, the United States, by its Attorney General Dave Yost on Thursday (Jul 31). She has been picked for the state’s 12th solicitor general, the state’s top attorney for appeals in the state and federal courts. However, social media users left a swarm of racist and derogatory comments against Sridharan, questioning why an American was not chosen for the position.&nbsp;Following the criticism against Sridharan, Dave Yost defended her by saying that she is a citizen of the United States. “Mathura is brilliant… she won her argument at SCOTUS last year. Both the SGs she worked under (Flowers &amp; Gaiser) recommended her. I told her when I originally hired her I needed her to argue with me. She does… All the time! Excited to promote her. She will serve Ohio well.”&nbsp;“A few commenters have asserted incorrectly that Mathura is not American. She is a United States citizen, married to a US citizen, and the child of naturalized US citizens,” Yost wrote on X. “If her name or her complexion bother you, the problem is not with her or her appointment.”&nbsp;However, his clarification still didn’t sit well with social media users who questioned her origins and religion.&nbsp;“Is she a Christian? That’s the biggest factor that concerns me. Based on the bindi on her forehead, I worry she is not,” a social media user said. One person said, “Nothing says ‘Ohioan’ like a dot right on the forehead.” Another said, “This one has a perma-dot, huh.” A user said, “Well the dot is discreet, but ultimately still visible.”&nbsp;Another wrote on x, “She’s ‘American’ but not, you know, American-American.” A third wrote, “She’s Indian. They all have a loyalty first to other Indians. horrible pick. Totally un-American. The GOP is pathetic.”&nbsp;“She is a foreigner and you are a pathetic sell out,” said one user. A person said, “Another American job… given away to foreigners.” Another person said, “She’s definitely not American. She may have US citizenship, but she is not an American.”&nbsp;Sridharan has previously worked under Steven J Menashi of the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and Judge Deborah A. Batts of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. She holds a Juris Doctor from New York University School of Law. She studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she completed her Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering &amp; Computer Science and Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and in Electrical Engineering &amp; Computer Science.&nbsp;Watch | Indian Origin Lawyer Becomes New Solicitor General of Ohio, Faces Online Flak&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-origin-lawyer-becomes-new-solicitor-general-of-ohio-faces-online-flak-1754297082724/embed &nbsp;

Sridharan has previously worked under Steven J Menashi of the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and Judge Deborah A. Batts of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. 

Mathura Sridharan, an Indian-origin lawyer, is facing criticism on social media after her appointed as Solicitor General for the state of Ohio, the United States, by its Attorney General Dave Yost on Thursday (Jul 31). She has been picked for the state’s 12th solicitor general, the state’s top attorney for appeals in the state and federal courts. However, social media users left a swarm of racist and derogatory comments against Sridharan, questioning why an American was not chosen for the position. Following the criticism against Sridharan, Dave Yost defended her by saying that she is a citizen of the United States. “Mathura is brilliant… she won her argument at SCOTUS last year. Both the SGs she worked under (Flowers & Gaiser) recommended her. I told her when I originally hired her I needed her to argue with me. She does… All the time! Excited to promote her. She will serve Ohio well.” “A few commenters have asserted incorrectly that Mathura is not American. She is a United States citizen, married to a US citizen, and the child of naturalized US citizens,” Yost wrote on X. “If her name or her complexion bother you, the problem is not with her or her appointment.” However, his clarification still didn’t sit well with social media users who questioned her origins and religion. “Is she a Christian? That’s the biggest factor that concerns me. Based on the bindi on her forehead, I worry she is not,” a social media user said. One person said, “Nothing says ‘Ohioan’ like a dot right on the forehead.” Another said, “This one has a perma-dot, huh.” A user said, “Well the dot is discreet, but ultimately still visible.” Another wrote on x, “She’s ‘American’ but not, you know, American-American.” A third wrote, “She’s Indian. They all have a loyalty first to other Indians. horrible pick. Totally un-American. The GOP is pathetic.” “She is a foreigner and you are a pathetic sell out,” said one user. A person said, “Another American job… given away to foreigners.” Another person said, “She’s definitely not American. She may have US citizenship, but she is not an American.” Sridharan has previously worked under Steven J Menashi of the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and Judge Deborah A. Batts of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. She holds a Juris Doctor from New York University School of Law. She studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she completed her Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science and Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science. Watch | Indian Origin Lawyer Becomes New Solicitor General of Ohio, Faces Online Flak https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-origin-lawyer-becomes-new-solicitor-general-of-ohio-faces-online-flak-1754297082724/embed

Sridharan has previously worked under Steven J Menashi of the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and Judge Deborah A. Batts of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York.&nbsp;

Ohio’s new Indian-origin Solicitor General faces racist backlash online over ‘bindi’

Amid the tariff war with US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has advocated a revival of the Swadeshi movement, a part of India's freedom struggle, stressing indigenous production of goods and cultural pride, which once shook the British Empire. In a speech over the weekend, Modi exhorted every party, leader and citizen to promote indigenous goods for India to become the world's third-largest economy. His words have created a buzz about the Indian Swadeshi movement. Here is its story:<h2>What did Modi say about going Swadeshi?</h2>Speaking in the northern city of Varanasi on Saturday (Aug 2), Modi asked traders to vow to sell only 'Swadeshi goods' in shops and markets. He said that the promotion of Made-in-India goods will be a service to the nation. "Whatever we buy, we should ask if an Indian worked to make it," he said. He said a product is 'Swadeshi' if it's made with the sweat and skills of Indians. He asked Indians to adopt one of his favourite catchphrases, ‘Vocal for Local’. He said it would be a true tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, India's founding father.<h2>The Swadeshi movement was about a self-reliant India</h2>The Swadeshi movement closely aligns with some of Modi's major initiatives: Make in India, Vocal for Local and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ or self-reliant India. During the 'Swadeshi Andolan', Indian anti-colonial leaders opposed the repurposing of goods and reselling of the same to Indian consumers by the British, particularly textiles. It made Indian freedom struggle a mass movement across the subcontinent. It became the seed for Independent India to make goods locally.<h2>Origins and purpose of the Swadeshi Movement</h2>The Swadeshi Movement emerged in 1905 as a direct response to the British decision to partition Bengal, which the indian leaders saw as a strategy to weaken Indian nationalism by dividing the Bengali-speaking population along communal lines. The objective of the Swadeshi movement was to promote economic self-reliance by encouraging the use of Indian-made goods and boycotting British products. The movement combined economic resistance with cultural revival, stressing the unique identity and national pride of Indians.<h2>The Bengal Partition, the catalyst for Swadeshi Movement</h2>The British justified the partition by claiming that Bengal was too large to administer effectively. But Indian leaders saw a political agenda, with real intent being the suppression of the growing nationalist sentiment. The Bengali middle class, which had embraced English education and liberal ideas, became prominent in anti-British activism, provoking retaliation from the British imperial rulers. The Bengal partition had its predecessor in the 1874 separation of Assam from Bengal, to which the British had added Sylhet. This was among the several instances of the British policy of divide and rule.<h2>How the Swadeshi movement unfolded</h2>The main activity under the Swadeshi movement was a boycott of British textiles and other goods. Leaders emphasised swadeshi production, with the focus on reviving and promoting Indian industries like handlooms, khadi, soaps and matches. Under the Swadeshi movement, the leaders established indigenous schools, colleges, banks, and enterprises. Cultural assertion with nationalist themes was another area of action, including the promotion of local festivals and songs like Vande Mataram, as well as Indian literature, to unify people under a common Indian identity.<h2>How Swadeshi movement got nationwide appeal</h2>After emerging in Bengal, the Swadeshi movement expanded to various erstwhile British provinces like Bombay, Madras, and much of northern India. Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak played key roles in spreading the movement across India through cultural events and political mobilisation. In Andhra, it was called the Vandemataram Movement.<h2>Swadeshi movement saw participation from across Indian society</h2>The Indian National Congress spearheaded the movement, with the moderates and radicals unifying in opposition to the Bengal Partition. The Swadeshi movement saw massive participation from all walks of life, including students, women, artisans, peasants, and the middle class. It became a rare instance of urban-rural unity in India's anti-colonial struggle.<h2>How Swadeshi movement impacted Indian economy</h2>The Swadeshi movement helped revive cottage industries and traditional handicrafts of India. Production of indigenous goods grew, helping reduce dependency on British imports. It laid the seeds for Indian entrepreneurship and helped develop the country's technical skills. At the social level, &nbsp;Swadeshi movement boosted Indian pride in local craftsmanship. It encouraged community-level participation and fostered a pan-Indian identity, helping spread nationalist ideas beyond elite circles to the broader population.<h2>From Swadeshi to Swaraj</h2>The Swadeshi movement was also a catalyst for the Swaraj or self-governance movement that followed. The Swadeshi movement laid the foundation for future nationalistic campaigns, and influenced Indian political activism in subsequent decades.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-inspires-fervour-acclaim-support-among-warriors-at-adampur-airbase-9065872/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-inspires-fervour-acclaim-support-among-warriors-at-adampur-airbase-9065872/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>British response to Swadeshi movement</h2>British imperialists resorted to arrests and censorship to suppress the movement, which lost its momentum by 1908. In spite of the national spirit, the British succeeded in sowing seeds of communal divisions, affecting the movement’s unity and strength, which was also hurt by rifts within the moderates and radicals among Indian freedom movement's leadership.<h2>Swadeshi movement never really ended</h2>Swadeshi movement was a turning point in India's freedom struggle, best known for the mass participation in the freedom struggle, which till then was limited to elite circles.&nbsp;Even after Independence, the idea of Swadeshi remained in India's cultural and economic conscience. &nbsp;Mahatma Gandhi, India's founding father, instilled elements of Swadeshi in his subsequent movements, advocating khadi, civil disobedience and self-reliance.&nbsp;Even in the 21st century, there have been attempts to revive Swadeshi, broadly a stress on economic nationalism, as a tool against colonial and imperial influences or globalisation.It is this spirit of Swadeshi that Modi was appealing to in his weekend speech.&nbsp;

The Swadeshi Movement focused on reviving and promoting Indian industries like handlooms, khadi, soaps and matches. Its leaders established indigenous schools, colleges, banks, and enterprises. Cultural assertion with nationalist themes was another area of action

Amid the tariff war with US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has advocated a revival of the Swadeshi movement, a part of India's freedom struggle, stressing indigenous production of goods and cultural pride, which once shook the British Empire. In a speech over the weekend, Modi exhorted every party, leader and citizen to promote indigenous goods for India to become the world's third-largest economy. His words have created a buzz about the Indian Swadeshi movement. Here is its story: What did Modi say about going Swadeshi? Speaking in the northern city of Varanasi on Saturday (Aug 2), Modi asked traders to vow to sell only 'Swadeshi goods' in shops and markets. He said that the promotion of Made-in-India goods will be a service to the nation. "Whatever we buy, we should ask if an Indian worked to make it," he said. He said a product is 'Swadeshi' if it's made with the sweat and skills of Indians. He asked Indians to adopt one of his favourite catchphrases, ‘Vocal for Local’. He said it would be a true tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, India's founding father. The Swadeshi movement was about a self-reliant India The Swadeshi movement closely aligns with some of Modi's major initiatives: Make in India, Vocal for Local and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ or self-reliant India. During the 'Swadeshi Andolan', Indian anti-colonial leaders opposed the repurposing of goods and reselling of the same to Indian consumers by the British, particularly textiles. It made Indian freedom struggle a mass movement across the subcontinent. It became the seed for Independent India to make goods locally. Origins and purpose of the Swadeshi Movement The Swadeshi Movement emerged in 1905 as a direct response to the British decision to partition Bengal, which the indian leaders saw as a strategy to weaken Indian nationalism by dividing the Bengali-speaking population along communal lines. The objective of the Swadeshi movement was to promote economic self-reliance by encouraging the use of Indian-made goods and boycotting British products. The movement combined economic resistance with cultural revival, stressing the unique identity and national pride of Indians. The Bengal Partition, the catalyst for Swadeshi Movement The British justified the partition by claiming that Bengal was too large to administer effectively. But Indian leaders saw a political agenda, with real intent being the suppression of the growing nationalist sentiment. The Bengali middle class, which had embraced English education and liberal ideas, became prominent in anti-British activism, provoking retaliation from the British imperial rulers. The Bengal partition had its predecessor in the 1874 separation of Assam from Bengal, to which the British had added Sylhet. This was among the several instances of the British policy of divide and rule. How the Swadeshi movement unfolded The main activity under the Swadeshi movement was a boycott of British textiles and other goods. Leaders emphasised swadeshi production, with the focus on reviving and promoting Indian industries like handlooms, khadi, soaps and matches. Under the Swadeshi movement, the leaders established indigenous schools, colleges, banks, and enterprises. Cultural assertion with nationalist themes was another area of action, including the promotion of local festivals and songs like Vande Mataram, as well as Indian literature, to unify people under a common Indian identity. How Swadeshi movement got nationwide appeal After emerging in Bengal, the Swadeshi movement expanded to various erstwhile British provinces like Bombay, Madras, and much of northern India. Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak played key roles in spreading the movement across India through cultural events and political mobilisation. In Andhra, it was called the Vandemataram Movement. Swadeshi movement saw participation from across Indian society The Indian National Congress spearheaded the movement, with the moderates and radicals unifying in opposition to the Bengal Partition. The Swadeshi movement saw massive participation from all walks of life, including students, women, artisans, peasants, and the middle class. It became a rare instance of urban-rural unity in India's anti-colonial struggle. How Swadeshi movement impacted Indian economy The Swadeshi movement helped revive cottage industries and traditional handicrafts of India. Production of indigenous goods grew, helping reduce dependency on British imports. It laid the seeds for Indian entrepreneurship and helped develop the country's technical skills. At the social level, Swadeshi movement boosted Indian pride in local craftsmanship. It encouraged community-level participation and fostered a pan-Indian identity, helping spread nationalist ideas beyond elite circles to the broader population. From Swadeshi to Swaraj The Swadeshi movement was also a catalyst for the Swaraj or self-governance movement that followed. The Swadeshi movement laid the foundation for future nationalistic campaigns, and influenced Indian political activism in subsequent decades. https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-inspires-fervour-acclaim-support-among-warriors-at-adampur-airbase-9065872/embed British response to Swadeshi movement British imperialists resorted to arrests and censorship to suppress the movement, which lost its momentum by 1908. In spite of the national spirit, the British succeeded in sowing seeds of communal divisions, affecting the movement’s unity and strength, which was also hurt by rifts within the moderates and radicals among Indian freedom movement's leadership. Swadeshi movement never really ended Swadeshi movement was a turning point in India's freedom struggle, best known for the mass participation in the freedom struggle, which till then was limited to elite circles. Even after Independence, the idea of Swadeshi remained in India's cultural and economic conscience. Mahatma Gandhi, India's founding father, instilled elements of Swadeshi in his subsequent movements, advocating khadi, civil disobedience and self-reliance. Even in the 21st century, there have been attempts to revive Swadeshi, broadly a stress on economic nationalism, as a tool against colonial and imperial influences or globalisation. It is this spirit of Swadeshi that Modi was appealing to in his weekend speech.

The Swadeshi Movement focused on reviving and promoting Indian industries like handlooms, khadi, soaps and matches. Its leaders established indigenous schools, colleges, banks, and enterprises. Cultural assertion with nationalist themes was another area of action

Swadeshi Movement: Why Modi's Make in India call amid Trump tariffs harks back to freedom struggle and is an idea close to his heart

The question isn't whether HAL's indigenous helicopters can compete with the legendary Apache AH-64E—it's whether we're asking the right question at all. As the first Apache helicopters finally touched down at India's Hindan Air Force Station last month after months of delays, and with India simultaneously committing ₹62,700 crore to 156 additional Prachand helicopters, the real story isn't about fierce competition but strategic complementarity.&nbsp;Yet beneath this pragmatic division of labor lies a profound shift that defense analysts worldwide should note: India's indigenous Light Combat Helicopter Prachand has achieved something the mighty Apache cannot—dominance in the world's highest battlefields.&nbsp;The Myth of Direct Competition&nbsp;The defense media loves a good versus story, but the HAL Rudra versus Apache narrative misses the mark entirely. The real competition has been between the newer LCH Prachand and the Apache, and it's already over in the domain that matters most for India's security: high-altitude warfare.&nbsp;Consider the stark operational reality: while the Apache has faced reported challenges in high-altitude conditions, the Prachand has been conducting routine operations at altitudes that would significantly limit most attack helicopters worldwide. This isn't just about technical specifications—it's about strategic autonomy in India's most critical theater.&nbsp;Where Physics Meets Geopolitics&nbsp;The physics are unforgiving at altitude. Engine performance and payload capacity drop dramatically in thin air, and what works at sea level becomes potentially lethal at 15,000 feet. While the Apache, despite its formidable reputation and powerful engines, has a service ceiling of around 6,400 meters (21,000 feet), the Prachand operates comfortably up to 6,500 meters (21,300 feet) and has demonstrated landing capabilities at 4,800 meters (15,800 feet) on the Siachen Glacier, which is the world's highest battleground.&nbsp;This isn't merely academic. In an era where India faces its most serious border tensions with China in decades, the ability to project power in the Himalayas isn't just advantageous—it's existential. The Prachand's unique capability to operate where no other attack helicopter can effectively function gives India an asymmetric advantage that money cannot buy from foreign suppliers.&nbsp;The Economics of Strategic Independence&nbsp;Beyond operational superiority in high-altitude warfare, the Prachand represents something equally important: proof that indigenous development can deliver world-class capabilities at a fraction of foreign costs. At approximately $50 million per unit (₹ 438 Crores) compared to the Apache's estimated $100 million(₹ 877 Crores) &nbsp;price tag, India can field twice as many Prachands for the same budget.&nbsp;But the true value proposition extends beyond unit costs. Indigenous production means indigenous control—over maintenance, upgrades, production timelines, and most critically, geopolitical independence. The reported Apache delays due to U.S. supply chain issues (such as the recent 15-month delay in the Army's Apache deliveries) serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in foreign dependency, especially for critical defense capabilities.&nbsp;Redefining Victory in Military Procurement&nbsp;The question of who "wins" between these platforms reveals outdated thinking about military competition. Modern warfare demands specialized solutions for specialized environments. The Apache remains unquestionably superior for desert tank warfare, urban operations, and conventional battlefields where its heavy firepower and proven systems shine. Its advanced systems like the Longbow radar and ability to control UAVs are significant advantages.&nbsp;However, in the specific context of India's strategic challenges—where high-altitude operations along disputed borders represent the most likely conflict scenarios—the Prachand doesn't just compete with the Apache; it surpasses it in the only arena that truly matters for Indian security.&nbsp;Lessons for Global Defense Strategy&nbsp;India's approach offers broader lessons for nations developing indigenous defense capabilities. Rather than attempting to replicate foreign systems wholesale, focus on solving unique national challenges that existing platforms cannot address effectively. The Prachand succeeded not by trying to be another Apache, but by being something the Apache could never be: a high-altitude attack helicopter optimized for Himalayan warfare.&nbsp;This specialization strategy is increasingly relevant as military technologies become more sophisticated and operational environments more diverse. The era of one-size-fits-all platforms is ending, replaced by mission-specific solutions that excel in particular domains.&nbsp;The Verdict&nbsp;In the fierce competition between indigenous innovation and proven foreign technology, there is no universal winner—only strategic relevance. The Apache remains the gold standard for global attack helicopter operations, with unmatched combat experience and raw firepower. But in the thin air of the Himalayas, where India's most critical security challenges await, the Prachand has already won a competition the Apache never truly entered.&nbsp;As geopolitical tensions continue to rise and supply chain vulnerabilities become national security concerns, India's success with the Prachand demonstrates that strategic independence isn't just about pride—it's about ensuring that when the stakes are highest, your military capabilities aren't dependent on someone else's decisions.&nbsp;The real competition isn't between helicopters—it's between dependence and autonomy. And in that competition, the Prachand's victory is complete. &nbsp;

Beyond operational superiority in high-altitude warfare, the Prachand represents something equally important: proof that indigenous development can deliver world-class capabilities at a fraction of foreign costs.

The question isn't whether HAL's indigenous helicopters can compete with the legendary Apache AH-64E—it's whether we're asking the right question at all. As the first Apache helicopters finally touched down at India's Hindan Air Force Station last month after months of delays, and with India simultaneously committing ₹62,700 crore to 156 additional Prachand helicopters, the real story isn't about fierce competition but strategic complementarity. Yet beneath this pragmatic division of labor lies a profound shift that defense analysts worldwide should note: India's indigenous Light Combat Helicopter Prachand has achieved something the mighty Apache cannot—dominance in the world's highest battlefields. The Myth of Direct Competition The defense media loves a good versus story, but the HAL Rudra versus Apache narrative misses the mark entirely. The real competition has been between the newer LCH Prachand and the Apache, and it's already over in the domain that matters most for India's security: high-altitude warfare. Consider the stark operational reality: while the Apache has faced reported challenges in high-altitude conditions, the Prachand has been conducting routine operations at altitudes that would significantly limit most attack helicopters worldwide. This isn't just about technical specifications—it's about strategic autonomy in India's most critical theater. Where Physics Meets Geopolitics The physics are unforgiving at altitude. Engine performance and payload capacity drop dramatically in thin air, and what works at sea level becomes potentially lethal at 15,000 feet. While the Apache, despite its formidable reputation and powerful engines, has a service ceiling of around 6,400 meters (21,000 feet), the Prachand operates comfortably up to 6,500 meters (21,300 feet) and has demonstrated landing capabilities at 4,800 meters (15,800 feet) on the Siachen Glacier, which is the world's highest battleground. This isn't merely academic. In an era where India faces its most serious border tensions with China in decades, the ability to project power in the Himalayas isn't just advantageous—it's existential. The Prachand's unique capability to operate where no other attack helicopter can effectively function gives India an asymmetric advantage that money cannot buy from foreign suppliers. The Economics of Strategic Independence Beyond operational superiority in high-altitude warfare, the Prachand represents something equally important: proof that indigenous development can deliver world-class capabilities at a fraction of foreign costs. At approximately $50 million per unit (₹ 438 Crores) compared to the Apache's estimated $100 million(₹ 877 Crores) price tag, India can field twice as many Prachands for the same budget. But the true value proposition extends beyond unit costs. Indigenous production means indigenous control—over maintenance, upgrades, production timelines, and most critically, geopolitical independence. The reported Apache delays due to U.S. supply chain issues (such as the recent 15-month delay in the Army's Apache deliveries) serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in foreign dependency, especially for critical defense capabilities. Redefining Victory in Military Procurement The question of who "wins" between these platforms reveals outdated thinking about military competition. Modern warfare demands specialized solutions for specialized environments. The Apache remains unquestionably superior for desert tank warfare, urban operations, and conventional battlefields where its heavy firepower and proven systems shine. Its advanced systems like the Longbow radar and ability to control UAVs are significant advantages. However, in the specific context of India's strategic challenges—where high-altitude operations along disputed borders represent the most likely conflict scenarios—the Prachand doesn't just compete with the Apache; it surpasses it in the only arena that truly matters for Indian security. Lessons for Global Defense Strategy India's approach offers broader lessons for nations developing indigenous defense capabilities. Rather than attempting to replicate foreign systems wholesale, focus on solving unique national challenges that existing platforms cannot address effectively. The Prachand succeeded not by trying to be another Apache, but by being something the Apache could never be: a high-altitude attack helicopter optimized for Himalayan warfare. This specialization strategy is increasingly relevant as military technologies become more sophisticated and operational environments more diverse. The era of one-size-fits-all platforms is ending, replaced by mission-specific solutions that excel in particular domains. The Verdict In the fierce competition between indigenous innovation and proven foreign technology, there is no universal winner—only strategic relevance. The Apache remains the gold standard for global attack helicopter operations, with unmatched combat experience and raw firepower. But in the thin air of the Himalayas, where India's most critical security challenges await, the Prachand has already won a competition the Apache never truly entered. As geopolitical tensions continue to rise and supply chain vulnerabilities become national security concerns, India's success with the Prachand demonstrates that strategic independence isn't just about pride—it's about ensuring that when the stakes are highest, your military capabilities aren't dependent on someone else's decisions. The real competition isn't between helicopters—it's between dependence and autonomy. And in that competition, the Prachand's victory is complete.

Beyond operational superiority in high-altitude warfare, the Prachand represents something equally important: proof that indigenous development can deliver world-class capabilities at a fraction of foreign costs.

Apache vs Prachand: The high-altitude battle that India's indigenous helicopter already won

Mobile addiction amongst teens is increasing significantly. In a shocking incident, a 16-year-old boy jumped to his death from a hill in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Sunday after his mother refused to buy him a mobile phone.&nbsp;The boy, identified as Atharva Gopal Tayde, was asking his mother to buy him a phone for days. However, she refused every time.&nbsp;On Sunday, he asked his mother to buy him a phone, and she refused again. Post that, he went to a hill in Tisgaon and jumped.&nbsp;He was declared dead after locals rushed him to the nearby hospital.&nbsp;According to officials, he was preparing for the police recruitment exam.&nbsp;This is not an isolated incident. The state has reported similar incidents in the past where teens have committed suicide due to mobile addiction.&nbsp;In April 2025, a 16-year-old boy committed suicide because his parents took away his mobile phone to prevent him from playing games.&nbsp;In another instance, a 15-year-old boy died by suicide after his mother refused to get him a mobile phone on his birthday.&nbsp;In July 2024, an 18-year-old boy died by suicide in Navi Mumbai after his father did not buy him an iPhone and gave Vivo instead. In depression, he committed suicide.&nbsp;According to a new study, teenagers starting from nine years show signs of being addicted to social media, mobile phones or video games and are at greater risk of suicidal behaviour and emotional problems.&nbsp;The study, published June 18 in JAMA, was led by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine, Columbia University and University of California, Berkeley.&nbsp;It tracked more than 4,000 adolescents for four years, and found that nearly one in three reported increasingly addictive use of social media or mobile phones. Those whose use followed an increasingly addictive trajectory had roughly double the risk of suicidal behaviour at the end of the study.&nbsp;The findings do not prove screen use was the cause of mental health problems. But they highlight that compulsive use, which appears to be very common, is a significant risk factor that parents and healthcare services should be alert to.&nbsp;Get help &amp; support for suicideIf you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. You can contact local authorities and also encourage the person to contact a&nbsp;suicide prevention hotline.&nbsp;WION does not make any recommendations.

According to a new study, teenagers starting from nine years show signs of being addicted to social media, mobile phones or video games and are at greater risk of suicidal behaviour and emotional problems.

Mobile addiction amongst teens is increasing significantly. In a shocking incident, a 16-year-old boy jumped to his death from a hill in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Sunday after his mother refused to buy him a mobile phone. The boy, identified as Atharva Gopal Tayde, was asking his mother to buy him a phone for days. However, she refused every time. On Sunday, he asked his mother to buy him a phone, and she refused again. Post that, he went to a hill in Tisgaon and jumped. He was declared dead after locals rushed him to the nearby hospital. According to officials, he was preparing for the police recruitment exam. This is not an isolated incident. The state has reported similar incidents in the past where teens have committed suicide due to mobile addiction. In April 2025, a 16-year-old boy committed suicide because his parents took away his mobile phone to prevent him from playing games. In another instance, a 15-year-old boy died by suicide after his mother refused to get him a mobile phone on his birthday. In July 2024, an 18-year-old boy died by suicide in Navi Mumbai after his father did not buy him an iPhone and gave Vivo instead. In depression, he committed suicide. According to a new study, teenagers starting from nine years show signs of being addicted to social media, mobile phones or video games and are at greater risk of suicidal behaviour and emotional problems. The study, published June 18 in JAMA, was led by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine, Columbia University and University of California, Berkeley. It tracked more than 4,000 adolescents for four years, and found that nearly one in three reported increasingly addictive use of social media or mobile phones. Those whose use followed an increasingly addictive trajectory had roughly double the risk of suicidal behaviour at the end of the study. The findings do not prove screen use was the cause of mental health problems. But they highlight that compulsive use, which appears to be very common, is a significant risk factor that parents and healthcare services should be alert to. Get help & support for suicide If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. You can contact local authorities and also encourage the person to contact a suicide prevention hotline. WION does not make any recommendations.

According to a new study, teenagers starting from nine years show signs of being addicted to social media, mobile phones or video games and are at greater risk of suicidal behaviour and emotional problems.

Teen preparing for police recruitment exam commits suicide after mother refused to buy him phone

Hope appears to be dimming for Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, who is convicted of murder in Yemen, and is on death row. With her execution that was scheduled for July 16th 2025 being indefinitely postponed by Yemeni authorities, the deceased victim's brother has shared a letter requesting authorities for "speedy implementation of the retaliation sentence against the convict Nimisha Priya(of Indian nationality."Shared via a social media post, the letter dated August 3rd, Sunday, is written by Abdul Fattah Abdo Mahdi. Abdul Fattah Abdo Mahdi is the brother of the Yemeni national Talal Abdo Mahdi, in whose murder Nimisha Priya is convicted.Addressed to the Yemeni Attorney General, Judge Abdul Salam Al-Houthi, the letter re-emphasises the victim family's stance of wanting Nimisha Priya to be hanged to death. "More than half a month has passed since that (mid-July) postponement without setting a new date for the implementation, we the heirs of the victim, affirm our full adherence to our legitimate right to implement the retaliation sentence, and categorically reject all attempts at reconciliation or mediation," reads the letter, originally written in Arabic.Further, the letter also requests the Court to set a new date for implementation of the death sentence. It adds that the death sentence would uphold the right of the (victim family) and deliver justice.Indian Govt denies Yemen visit for Nimisha Priya's representativesFollowing a recent Supreme Court order, a team of India-based individuals as part of the Nimisha Priya International Action Council had formally requested for permission from the Indian Government to travel to Yemen. India has banned its nationals from travelling to Yemen, and such travel can be undertaken only with permission from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs(MEA).Responding to this, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs(MEA) pointed out the disturbed security situation in Yemen, and that the Indian Embassy in Yemen has been relocated to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Further, it was mentioned that the MEA is concerned about the Indian delegation's well-being in Yemen, and that India has no formal diplomatic relationship with the present dispensation in Sana'a, Yemen."The security situation in Sana'a is tenuous and in recent months, regional developments have made it challenging. Safety of travel is consequently a greater concern. Negotiations on the matter are only between the family of the deceased and Nimisha Priya's family or her family's authorized representatives," read the MEA's response. While the MEA affirmed that it is making all possible efforts in this case, it stated that travel permission to Yemen cannot be granted for the delegation.About Nimisha Priya and her caseHailing from a poor family in Kerala's Palakkad district, Nimisha went to Yemen in 2008 and worked as a nurse in a Government-run hospital in Sana'a. Eyeing better earning opportunities, she quit her job and started her own clinic.Nimisha's India-based lawyer Subhash Chandan maintains that Priya and another woman had started a clinic with Yemeni national Talal, who had later subjected the women to physical and mental abuse, confiscated their passports. In a desperate bid to escape the abuse and flee, it is said that Priya and the Yemeni woman had drugged Talal, which is suspected to have led to his death. The case got further complicated after Talal's mutilated body was found by the authorities in Yemen. Priya was arrested in connection with the murder, while she is said to have made an escape bid from the war-torn country.

In a letter addressed to the Yemeni Attorney General, Judge Abdul Salam Al-Houthi, the victim's family re-emphasised that they want Nimisha Priya to be hanged to death.

Hope appears to be dimming for Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, who is convicted of murder in Yemen, and is on death row. With her execution that was scheduled for July 16th 2025 being indefinitely postponed by Yemeni authorities, the deceased victim's brother has shared a letter requesting authorities for "speedy implementation of the retaliation sentence against the convict Nimisha Priya(of Indian nationality." Shared via a social media post, the letter dated August 3rd, Sunday, is written by Abdul Fattah Abdo Mahdi. Abdul Fattah Abdo Mahdi is the brother of the Yemeni national Talal Abdo Mahdi, in whose murder Nimisha Priya is convicted. Addressed to the Yemeni Attorney General, Judge Abdul Salam Al-Houthi, the letter re-emphasises the victim family's stance of wanting Nimisha Priya to be hanged to death. "More than half a month has passed since that (mid-July) postponement without setting a new date for the implementation, we the heirs of the victim, affirm our full adherence to our legitimate right to implement the retaliation sentence, and categorically reject all attempts at reconciliation or mediation," reads the letter, originally written in Arabic. Further, the letter also requests the Court to set a new date for implementation of the death sentence. It adds that the death sentence would uphold the right of the (victim family) and deliver justice. Indian Govt denies Yemen visit for Nimisha Priya's representatives Following a recent Supreme Court order, a team of India-based individuals as part of the Nimisha Priya International Action Council had formally requested for permission from the Indian Government to travel to Yemen. India has banned its nationals from travelling to Yemen, and such travel can be undertaken only with permission from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs(MEA). Responding to this, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs(MEA) pointed out the disturbed security situation in Yemen, and that the Indian Embassy in Yemen has been relocated to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Further, it was mentioned that the MEA is concerned about the Indian delegation's well-being in Yemen, and that India has no formal diplomatic relationship with the present dispensation in Sana'a, Yemen. "The security situation in Sana'a is tenuous and in recent months, regional developments have made it challenging. Safety of travel is consequently a greater concern. Negotiations on the matter are only between the family of the deceased and Nimisha Priya's family or her family's authorized representatives," read the MEA's response. While the MEA affirmed that it is making all possible efforts in this case, it stated that travel permission to Yemen cannot be granted for the delegation. About Nimisha Priya and her case Hailing from a poor family in Kerala's Palakkad district, Nimisha went to Yemen in 2008 and worked as a nurse in a Government-run hospital in Sana'a. Eyeing better earning opportunities, she quit her job and started her own clinic. Nimisha's India-based lawyer Subhash Chandan maintains that Priya and another woman had started a clinic with Yemeni national Talal, who had later subjected the women to physical and mental abuse, confiscated their passports. In a desperate bid to escape the abuse and flee, it is said that Priya and the Yemeni woman had drugged Talal, which is suspected to have led to his death. The case got further complicated after Talal's mutilated body was found by the authorities in Yemen. Priya was arrested in connection with the murder, while she is said to have made an escape bid from the war-torn country.

In a letter addressed to the Yemeni Attorney General, Judge Abdul Salam Al-Houthi, the victim's family re-emphasised that they want Nimisha Priya to be hanged to death.

Nimisha Priya case: Hope dimming for Indian nurse; Victim's family firm on execution

Shibu Soren, one of the most important tribal leaders of India, died on Monday (Aug 4) after a prolonged illness. He was 81. Soren’s leadership was central to the formation of the tribal state of Jharkhand in 2000. The state empowered tribals with political representation that included 28 reserved Assembly seats for Adivasi communities. Soren was known for his confrontational style of functioning, but that was the oxygen for his movement.&nbsp;Here is a brief timeline of his storied life:&nbsp;

<h2>Shibu Soren early life and activism</h2>Shibu Soren was born on 11 January 1944, in Nemra village in present-day Jharkhand to a Santhal tribal family. When Soren was young, his father was murdered allegedly by moneylenders, leading him to leave school and turn to activism for tribal resistance. At the age of 18, Soren founded the Santhal Navyuvak Sangh to mobilise tribal youth against exploitation. In later life, he worked as a school teacher.<h2>Shibu Soren political life: Founding of JMM and tribal mobilisations</h2>

In 1972, Soren co-founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha or JMM with AK Roy, Binod Bihari Mahato and other leaders. The JMM aimed to reclaim tribal lands and demand a separate, tribal-majority state. This was achieved through a combination of mass agitations, cultural mobilisation, and political alliances.The JMM addressed exploitation in the Chotanagpur and Santhal Pargana regions, and agitated for tribal land rights, cultural preservation, and control over natural resources, with the slogan 'jal, jungal, zameen' (water, forest, land).Soren led the Dhankatni Movement, which encouraged tribals or 'adivasis' to forcibly harvest crops from land seized by outsiders. This movement was a symbol of resistance to economic marginalisation.<h2>Shibu Soren's career in Indian and Jharkhand politics</h2>Between 1980 and 2019, Shibu Soren was elected to the Lok Sabha from Dumka, becoming a key voice for Adivasi rights at the centre. Fondly called 'Dishom Guru', he led the Jharkhand statehood movement for nearly three decades, fulfilling his dream when the state was formed by the division of Bihar on 15 November 2000.He served as chief minister of Jharkhand three times (2005, 2008–2009 and 2009–2010). At the centre, he was the Union Coal Minister in 2004–2006, though legal troubles interrupted most of his terms. In 2020, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Indian parliament.Soren paved the way for his son, Hemant Soren, who currently leads the JMM and serves as Jharkhand’s chief minister.The politics of JMM, however, was later diluted by the fragmentation and factionalism of its leaders, who later joined, or formed alliances with, major parties like the Congress and BJP.<h2>Shibu Soren's legal controversies and murder allegations faced by him</h2>Throughout his political career, Shibu Soren faced legal cases. Soren was accused in a 1974 double murder case, in which two people were killed over a dispute over goat slaughter. He was cleared of the case in 2010.The Chirudih Massacre of 1975 is another major one. Soren was among the accused in the killing of 10 people during a clash between tribals and 'outsiders'. He was issued an arrest warrant in 2004 and went underground. In 2008, he was acquitted due to insufficient evidence. But perhaps the most damning for Soren's political career was the &nbsp;Shashi Nath Jha murder of 1994. Jha was Soren's secretary, and the allegation was that he was murdered because he had knowledge of a bribery scandal. Soren was convicted in the case in 2006 and sentenced to life. But he was acquitted in 2007, which was upheld in 2018.<h2>Shibu Soren legacy: JMM bribery scandal of 1993 marred his reputation</h2>The JMM bribary scandal dates back to 1993. The alllegation was that Soren or his party accepted bribes to support the Narasimha Rao government of Congress. He was not convicted in the case, but the Jha murder case was linked to the bribery scandal. Soren was also criticised for holding “kangaroo courts” and extrajudicial methods during his time in power. In 2007, he survived a bomb attack targeting his convoy.Though Soren was acquitted in most of the criminal cases he was linked to, his legacy suffered as a result. While he championed tribal rights, the JMM was accused of creating dynastic politics. Several JMM leaders left to join other major national parties, including the BJP, thus diluting JMM's original role as a beacon of tribal rights.In spite of all this, Shibu Soren remains a pivotal figure in Jharkhand’s history, revered for his contribution to Adivasi empowerment.&nbsp;

Soren was known for his confrontational style of functioning, but that was the oxygen for his movement. 

Shibu Soren, one of the most important tribal leaders of India, died on Monday (Aug 4) after a prolonged illness. He was 81. Soren’s leadership was central to the formation of the tribal state of Jharkhand in 2000. The state empowered tribals with political representation that included 28 reserved Assembly seats for Adivasi communities. Soren was known for his confrontational style of functioning, but that was the oxygen for his movement. Here is a brief timeline of his storied life:

Soren was known for his confrontational style of functioning, but that was the oxygen for his movement.&nbsp;

Shibu Soren dies: A timeline of the political life of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader who helped form Indian tribal state

The hill state of India's Himachal Pradesh has observed intense rainfall this monsoon so far. Heavy rainfall during the months of June and July has led to large scale devastation in the state, including the loss of lives. Since June 20, 179 people have lost their lives including 101 in rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts, said the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). Another 78 have died in road accidents due to poor weather conditions.&nbsp;Till August 3, about 296 roads have been declared impassable, 134 power distribution transformers are out of service, and 266 water supply schemes have been disrupted pointing to the destruction caused in the state due to heavy rains.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-pradesh-may-vanish-from-map-india-s-supreme-court-warns-of-unchecked-tourist-inflow-ecological-damage-1754120087073">Himachal Pradesh may vanish from map: India's Supreme Court warns of unchecked tourist inflow, ecological damage</a>&nbsp;The districts of Mandi, Kullu and Chamba have been the worst hit as most casualties and infrastructure damage have been reported from these areas. Mandi has received 574.7 mm of rainfall in the month of July, which is the highest in the state so far this monsoon.&nbsp;National Highway-505 in Lahaul-Spiti also remains closed due to landslides and flash floods.&nbsp;The local authorities are working around the clock to restore access and resume services affected by rain and related incidents. resident have also been advised to remain alert, avoid travel in vulnerable zones, and follow all weather related advisories.&nbsp;Forecast of heavy rain&nbsp;Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast normal to above normal rainfall in many parts of Himachal Pradesh in August.&nbsp;Notably, a yellow alert of heavy rainfall has been issued in all districts of the state for August 4, including Kullu and Mandi. While, light to moderate rainfall is very likely at many places on August &nbsp;6 and 7, and at most places on August 5, read the IMD bulletin.&nbsp;

Mandi district has received 574.7 mm of rainfall in the month of July, which is the highest in the state so far this monsoon season.

The hill state of India's Himachal Pradesh has observed intense rainfall this monsoon so far. Heavy rainfall during the months of June and July has led to large scale devastation in the state, including the loss of lives. Since June 20, 179 people have lost their lives including 101 in rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts, said the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). Another 78 have died in road accidents due to poor weather conditions. Till August 3, about 296 roads have been declared impassable, 134 power distribution transformers are out of service, and 266 water supply schemes have been disrupted pointing to the destruction caused in the state due to heavy rains. Also Read: Himachal Pradesh may vanish from map: India's Supreme Court warns of unchecked tourist inflow, ecological damage The districts of Mandi, Kullu and Chamba have been the worst hit as most casualties and infrastructure damage have been reported from these areas. Mandi has received 574.7 mm of rainfall in the month of July, which is the highest in the state so far this monsoon. National Highway-505 in Lahaul-Spiti also remains closed due to landslides and flash floods. The local authorities are working around the clock to restore access and resume services affected by rain and related incidents. resident have also been advised to remain alert, avoid travel in vulnerable zones, and follow all weather related advisories. Forecast of heavy rain Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast normal to above normal rainfall in many parts of Himachal Pradesh in August. Notably, a yellow alert of heavy rainfall has been issued in all districts of the state for August 4, including Kullu and Mandi. While, light to moderate rainfall is very likely at many places on August 6 and 7, and at most places on August 5, read the IMD bulletin.

Mandi district has received 574.7 mm of rainfall in the month of July, which is the highest in the state so far this monsoon season.

Himachal Pradesh weather: Heavy rain alert sounded for several areas, including Kullu, Mandi

Shibu Soren, who died on Monday (Aug 4) at the age of 81 after a prolonged kidney illness, was a legendary tribal leader behind the creation of a separate state of Jharkhand in eastern India. His political legacy, however, is marred by criminal investigations and allegations of corruption. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led tributes to the leader, whose death is the end of an era and will leave a huge void in the tribal state's politics.<h2>Shibu Soren: The 'Dishom Guru' behind Jharkhand’s statehood</h2>Fondly called 'Dishom Guru', Soren was an architect behind the formation of Jharkhand, which happened after a decades-long tribal movement led by him.&nbsp;Born on 11 January &nbsp;1944 in a Santhal tribal village, Soren’s early life was shaped by personal tragedies, particularly the murder of his father allegedly by moneylenders. Soren established the Santhal Navyuvak Sangh to mobilise tribal youth against exploitation, at the age of 18.In 1972, Soren co-founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha or JMM. He led movements to reclaim tribal lands and demand a separate state, a struggle that lasted for three decades before Jharkhand was formed, cleaved off from the erstwhile Bihar in 2000. He led several 'adivasi' or tribal struggles like the 'Dhankatni Movement', earning him a reputation as the face of the community.<h2>Shibu Soren had a long political career</h2>Soren was elected several times to the Lok Sabha, India's lower house of parliament, from Dumka constituency. He served as chief minister three times since the state was formed. He was also a coal minister in the central government.<h2>Shibu Soren faced several legal setbacks</h2>Shibu Soren faced charges in several criminal cases including the Chirudih massacre, the Shashi Nath Jha murder, and the JMM bribery scandal. He was acquitted in most of the major cases.While an undeniable champion of tribal rights and cultural identity, Shibu Soren's legacy was often marred by controversy.&nbsp; His son, Hemant Soren, now leads the JMM and serves as Jharkhand’s chief minister. His death is an end of an era for not only Jharkhand but Indian national politics. His vision for tribal dignity continues to shape Jharkhand’s political landscape

In 1972, Soren co-founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha or JMM. He led movements to reclaim tribal lands and demand a separate state, a struggle that lasted for three decades before Jharkhand was formed, cleaved off from the erstwhile Bihar in 2000. 

Shibu Soren, who died on Monday (Aug 4) at the age of 81 after a prolonged kidney illness, was a legendary tribal leader behind the creation of a separate state of Jharkhand in eastern India. His political legacy, however, is marred by criminal investigations and allegations of corruption. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led tributes to the leader, whose death is the end of an era and will leave a huge void in the tribal state's politics. Shibu Soren: The 'Dishom Guru' behind Jharkhand’s statehood Fondly called 'Dishom Guru', Soren was an architect behind the formation of Jharkhand, which happened after a decades-long tribal movement led by him. Born on 11 January 1944 in a Santhal tribal village, Soren’s early life was shaped by personal tragedies, particularly the murder of his father allegedly by moneylenders. Soren established the Santhal Navyuvak Sangh to mobilise tribal youth against exploitation, at the age of 18. In 1972, Soren co-founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha or JMM. He led movements to reclaim tribal lands and demand a separate state, a struggle that lasted for three decades before Jharkhand was formed, cleaved off from the erstwhile Bihar in 2000. He led several 'adivasi' or tribal struggles like the 'Dhankatni Movement', earning him a reputation as the face of the community. Shibu Soren had a long political career Soren was elected several times to the Lok Sabha, India's lower house of parliament, from Dumka constituency. He served as chief minister three times since the state was formed. He was also a coal minister in the central government. Shibu Soren faced several legal setbacks Shibu Soren faced charges in several criminal cases including the Chirudih massacre, the Shashi Nath Jha murder, and the JMM bribery scandal. He was acquitted in most of the major cases. While an undeniable champion of tribal rights and cultural identity, Shibu Soren's legacy was often marred by controversy. His son, Hemant Soren, now leads the JMM and serves as Jharkhand’s chief minister. His death is an end of an era for not only Jharkhand but Indian national politics. His vision for tribal dignity continues to shape Jharkhand’s political landscape

In 1972, Soren co-founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha or JMM. He led movements to reclaim tribal lands and demand a separate state, a struggle that lasted for three decades before Jharkhand was formed, cleaved off from the erstwhile Bihar in 2000.&nbsp;

Shibu Soren: Legendary tribal leader who helped form Jharkhand state had a legacy marred by legal setbacks

Heavy rain an floods have once again ravaged several parts of India's Bihar. The capital city Patna is also reeling under intense rain and waterlogging. In fact heavy showers for the last two days has caused part of a recently inaugurated double-deck flyover to sink, raising concerns about the structural integrity of the flyover.&nbsp;The double-decker flyover built at a whopping price of ₹422 crore was inaugurated two months back (in June), to decongest the perennially clogged Ashok Rajpath. But a video shared on social media by news agency ANI shows a part of the double-deck flyover sink on Sunday, which raises concerns over the build quality.&nbsp;The flyover connecting Kargil Chowk near Gandhi Maidan to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) and Science College, was inaugurated on June 11.by Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar.&nbsp;In the video shared on X by ANI, one can see a crater on the first elevated corridor of Patna as vehicles continue to ply on the road.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Bihar | Part of double-deck flyover in Patna, sinks after incessant rainfall in the city The flyover, built at a cost of Rs 422 crore, was inaugurated on June 11 this year <a href="https://t.co/XyddNt4paN">pic.twitter.com/XyddNt4paN</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1952035910318473567?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The relentless rains has thrown normal life out of gear in the city. Waterlogging has been reported from several areas like Kankarbagh, Rajendra Nagar, Exhibition Road and Gandhi Maidan. Homes, hospitals, and schools have been flooded in these areas causing great inconvenience to people.

The double-decker flyover built at a whopping price of ₹422 crore was inaugurated two months back (in June), to decongest the perennially clogged Ashok Rajpath.

Heavy rain an floods have once again ravaged several parts of India's Bihar. The capital city Patna is also reeling under intense rain and waterlogging. In fact heavy showers for the last two days has caused part of a recently inaugurated double-deck flyover to sink, raising concerns about the structural integrity of the flyover. The double-decker flyover built at a whopping price of ₹422 crore was inaugurated two months back (in June), to decongest the perennially clogged Ashok Rajpath. But a video shared on social media by news agency ANI shows a part of the double-deck flyover sink on Sunday, which raises concerns over the build quality. The flyover connecting Kargil Chowk near Gandhi Maidan to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) and Science College, was inaugurated on June 11.by Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar. In the video shared on X by ANI, one can see a crater on the first elevated corridor of Patna as vehicles continue to ply on the road.

The double-decker flyover built at a whopping price of ₹422 crore was inaugurated two months back (in June), to decongest the perennially clogged Ashok Rajpath.

WATCH: Part of Bihar's first double deck flyover, inaugurated two months back sinks amid heavy rain

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, a prominent figure in Indian politics, passed away on Monday (Aug 4) at the age of 81. He breathed his last at Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi, where he had been receiving care for a prolonged illness. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader, who was on ventilator support, was in critical condition after being hospitalised in the last week of June due to a kidney-related issue, according to reports. His passing has been confirmed by his son, the current Jharkhand CM, Hemant Soren. In a post on X, Heman Soren said, “Respected Guru Dishom has left us all. Today, I have become empty...”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">आदरणीय दिशोम गुरुजी हम सभी को छोड़कर चले गए हैं। आज मैं शून्य हो गया हूँ...&mdash; Hemant Soren (@HemantSorenJMM) <a href="https://twitter.com/HemantSorenJMM/status/1952221586947551475?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In the 13th 'Mahaadhiveshan' of JMM in April of this year, Shibu Soren, who was the president of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, was chosen as the party’s 'Founder Patron'. Also at the convention, Hemant Soren was elected as the new party president.PM Modi says “pained by passing”Prime Minister Narendra Modi while mourning the demise of the former Chief Minister remembered Soren's work for empowering tribal communities and the poor. In an X post, he said, “Shri Shibu Soren Ji was a grassroots leader who rose through the ranks of public life with unwavering dedication to the people. He was particularly passionate about empowering tribal communities, the poor and downtrodden. Pained by his passing away.” He added that his "thoughts are with his family and admirers. Spoke to Jharkhand CM Shri Hemant Soren Ji and expressed condolences. Om Shanti". Earlier today, during a press conference, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also paid tribute to the former Jharkhand Chief Minister and stated that he was "no less than God" for the people of his state. "We always think of Shibu Soren. Coming from a tribal state, that person joined national politics. For the people of Jharkhand, he was no less than a god. Shibu Soren is a member of the Rajya Sabha, and his seat is right next to mine," he said. Raut added, “I always asked his party MPs about his health. Two days ago, I was told he was not doing well, and today he has passed away. Uddhav Thackeray and the entire family pay tributes to him. He gave his life for the welfare of the tribal population of his state.”

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader, who was on ventilator support, was in critical condition after being hospitalised in the last week of June due to a kidney-related issue.

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, a prominent figure in Indian politics, passed away on Monday (Aug 4) at the age of 81. He breathed his last at Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi, where he had been receiving care for a prolonged illness. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader, who was on ventilator support, was in critical condition after being hospitalised in the last week of June due to a kidney-related issue, according to reports. His passing has been confirmed by his son, the current Jharkhand CM, Hemant Soren. In a post on X, Heman Soren said, “Respected Guru Dishom has left us all. Today, I have become empty...”

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader, who was on ventilator support, was in critical condition after being hospitalised in the last week of June due to a kidney-related issue.

Shibu Soren, veteran JMM leader and ex-Jharkhand CM, passes away at 81; PM Modi pays condolences

The anti-terror operation in the Akhal forest area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district continues on the fourth consecutive day. Three terrorists have been killed by security forces in the operation so far, but only one terrorist's body has been recovered so far from the operation site. Firing and blast sounds were heard from the operation site last evening, and after that, it has been silent since.&nbsp;Security forces had pushed in Helicopters and Drones to locate other hiding terrorists in the area on Sunday. 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.&nbsp;The top-ranking Police and Indian Army officials are closely monitoring the developments at the operation site. This is the third operation of security forces in Jammu and Kashmir in the last eight days, with eight terrorists being gunned down so far.&nbsp;Security forces had confirmed the killing of one local terrorist belonging to the LeT Terror outfit. Forces had also said that two more terrorists had been killed in the operation, but their bodies have yet to be recovered from the operation site. &nbsp;&nbsp;The first terrorist was identified as Haris Nazir Dar of Rajpora, Pulwama in South Kashmir and was affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LET). He was active from 2023 and was classified as a C-category terrorist. The second terrorist is yet to be identified.&nbsp;''OP AKHAL, Kulgam, Intermittent and Intense firefight continued through the night. Alert troops responded with calibrated fire and tightened the noose while maintaining contact. One terrorist has been neutralised by the security forces so far. Operation continues, '' said the Indian Army.&nbsp;OP AKHAL comes after 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 on last Wednesday, 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 into Jammu and Kashmir via the Line of Control at the Poonch sector, and the forces foiled the bid and killed both the infiltrators.&nbsp;The security remains on high alert across the region. Meanwhile, In the eight days, security forces have intensified the anti-terror operations across the region.&nbsp;

This is the third operation of security forces in Jammu and Kashmir in the last eight days, with eight terrorists being gunned down so far.

The anti-terror operation in the Akhal forest area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district continues on the fourth consecutive day. Three terrorists have been killed by security forces in the operation so far, but only one terrorist's body has been recovered so far from the operation site. Firing and blast sounds were heard from the operation site last evening, and after that, it has been silent since. Security forces had pushed in Helicopters and Drones to locate other hiding terrorists in the area on Sunday. 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. The top-ranking Police and Indian Army officials are closely monitoring the developments at the operation site. This is the third operation of security forces in Jammu and Kashmir in the last eight days, with eight terrorists being gunned down so far. Security forces had confirmed the killing of one local terrorist belonging to the LeT Terror outfit. Forces had also said that two more terrorists had been killed in the operation, but their bodies have yet to be recovered from the operation site. The first terrorist was identified as Haris Nazir Dar of Rajpora, Pulwama in South Kashmir and was affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LET). He was active from 2023 and was classified as a C-category terrorist. The second terrorist is yet to be identified. ''OP AKHAL, Kulgam, Intermittent and Intense firefight continued through the night. Alert troops responded with calibrated fire and tightened the noose while maintaining contact. One terrorist has been neutralised by the security forces so far. Operation continues, '' said the Indian Army. OP AKHAL comes after 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 on last Wednesday, 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 into 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 the region. Meanwhile, In the eight days, security forces have intensified the anti-terror operations across the region.

This is the third operation of security forces in Jammu and Kashmir in the last eight days, with eight terrorists being gunned down so far.

Operation Akhal enters day 4: Three terrorists killed, security remains on high alert in J&K

The Election Commission of India on Sunday strongly refuted Congress MP P Chidambaram’s allegations of trying to change the electoral character and pattern of the states and claiming that 6.5 lakh new voters were added to voter lists in Tamil Nadu and called them “misleading and baseless”. Responding to the allegations, the EC said, “There is no need for political leaders to spread false information with respect to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise being conducted by the ECl at the national level.”The poll agency added that such information is being “deliberately peddled in the media with a view to obstruct the exercise.”&nbsp;&nbsp;“As far as voters who have permanently shifted from Bihar to other states and are ordinarily resident in those states, the exact figures can be known only after the SIR has been conducted,” it added.&nbsp;<h2>‘SIR not yet rolled out in TN, absurd to connect it with Bihar’</h2>&nbsp;“The Constitution of India, read with the RP Act of 1950, envisages the enrollment of voters with respect to the constituency in which they are ordinarily resident. It is for the voters to come forward and get enrolled in the constituency where they are eligible. But, it is noticed that some false figures are being floated about the enrollment of 6.5 lakh voters in Tamil Nadu. SIR has not yet been rolled out in TN. It is therefore absurd to connect the SIR exercise in Bihar with TN. Such peddling of false statements with respect to SIR should be avoided,” the EC clarified.&nbsp;Chidambaram had questioned EC for adding approximately 6.5 lakh “migrant workers” to the electoral roll of Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">❌ The statements made are Misleading and Baseless<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ECIFactCheck?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ECIFactCheck</a> ✅Read in detail in the image attached 👇 <a href="https://t.co/gRVakP610s">https://t.co/gRVakP610s</a> <a href="https://t.co/gKU9a1gB0t">pic.twitter.com/gKU9a1gB0t</a>&mdash; Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ECISVEEP/status/1951962271606780383?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>‘Alarming, illegal,’ Chidambaram alleged voter shifts</h2> In a post on X, Chidambaram wrote, “The SIR exercise is getting curiouser and curiouser. While 65 lakh voters are in danger of being disenfranchised in Bihar, reports of ‘adding’ 6.5 lakh persons as voters in Tamil Nadu is alarming and patently illegal. Calling them ‘permanently migrated’ is an insult to the migrant workers and a gross interference in the right of the electorate of Tamil Nadu to elect a government of its choice.” Tagging Tamil Nadu's chief minister's office in the post, the former home minister accused EC of abusing its power and “trying to change the electoral character and patterns” of states. He further said that the abuse of power must be “fought politically and legally”. <h2>EC issues notice to Tejashwi, asks him to hand over EPIC card</h2> The Election Commission on Sunday issued a notice to RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav after it was found that he allegedly has two different EPIC numbers, RAB0456228 and RAB2916120. The EC clarified that the EPIC number, RAB2916120, which Tejashwi mentioned in his press conference, was not officially issued and asked him to hand over the card for further investigation. The ECI said in its letter, “Upon verification, it was found that your name is recorded at serial number 416 of polling station no. 124 (located in the library building of Bihar Engineering University), and the EPIC (Electors Photo Identity Card) number is RAB0456228.” It further added that the mentioned EPIC number does not officially exist. “However, as per your statement in the press conference, you referred to your EPIC number as RAB2916120. A preliminary investigation revealed that EPIC number RAB2916120 does not officially exist,” it added in the letter.

The Election Commission said there is no need for political leaders to spread false information with respect to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise being conducted at the national level. It added that such information is being deliberately peddled to obstruct the exercise.

The Election Commission of India on Sunday strongly refuted Congress MP P Chidambaram’s allegations of trying to change the electoral character and pattern of the states and claiming that 6.5 lakh new voters were added to voter lists in Tamil Nadu and called them “misleading and baseless”. Responding to the allegations, the EC said, “There is no need for political leaders to spread false information with respect to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise being conducted by the ECl at the national level.” The poll agency added that such information is being “deliberately peddled in the media with a view to obstruct the exercise.” “As far as voters who have permanently shifted from Bihar to other states and are ordinarily resident in those states, the exact figures can be known only after the SIR has been conducted,” it added. ‘SIR not yet rolled out in TN, absurd to connect it with Bihar’ “The Constitution of India, read with the RP Act of 1950, envisages the enrollment of voters with respect to the constituency in which they are ordinarily resident. It is for the voters to come forward and get enrolled in the constituency where they are eligible. But, it is noticed that some false figures are being floated about the enrollment of 6.5 lakh voters in Tamil Nadu. SIR has not yet been rolled out in TN. It is therefore absurd to connect the SIR exercise in Bihar with TN. Such peddling of false statements with respect to SIR should be avoided,” the EC clarified. Chidambaram had questioned EC for adding approximately 6.5 lakh “migrant workers” to the electoral roll of Tamil Nadu.

The Election Commission said there is no need for political leaders to spread false information with respect to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise being conducted at the national level. It added that such information is being deliberately peddled to obstruct the exercise.

EC refutes Chidambaram’s accusations, warns leaders against politicising SIR

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