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Donald Trump called India a ‘dead economy’ while announcing 25 per cent tariffs and penalties. The Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi agreed that India is a dead economy. But is it even a financial term, and is India indeed a dead economy? Here is what you should know:<h2>Is ‘dead economy’ a formal financial term?</h2>No, "dead economy" is not a term used in economics or finance. GDP growth, unemployment, inflation, or industrial output are the general criteria for checking the health of an economy, not vague, rhetorical terms like ‘dead economy.’&nbsp;<h2>Is India a ‘dead economy’? Reasons why it is not</h2>For argument's sake, let us take the dead economy jibe of Trump seriously and analyse India, one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. Below is an exploration of India's economic activity and global positioning, to debunk Trump's claims supported by a section of Indian politicians.<h2>India GDP growth at a steady pace despite global uncertainties</h2>India is projected to grow at 6.4 per cent in 2025 and 2026 as per recent IMF estimates. This growth rate is better than major economies like the US (1.9 pc) and Japan (0.7 pc). In the fiscal year 2023–2024, India’s real GDP growth reached 9.2 per cent, the highest in more than a decade. For the third quarter of 2024–2025, growth was at 6.2 pc, year on year. India is the fourth-largest economy by nominal GDP, valued at $4.187 trillion in 2025, slightly ahead of Japan, and the third-largest by purchasing power parity or PPP. India is set to become the third-largest by nominal GDP by 2027.<h2>Domestic demand remains strong in India</h2>Private consumption in India grew by 7.4 per cent in the first quarter of financial year 2025, at a healthy 56 per cent of GDP. Interestingly, rural consumption, supported by better harvests and lower inflation, accounts for around 40 per cent of consumer goods sales. Private sector investment grew by 7.5 per cent in the first quarter of &nbsp;2025 financial year, a sign of confidence in the Indian economy.<h2>India is blessed with a young and skilled workforce, unlike countries like US</h2>For decades now, India has enjoyed a relatively young population, with the median age at 28.8, compared to 38.5 in the US and 42.8 in Europe. This ‘demographic dividend’ &nbsp;is reflected in its tech-skilled workforce in fields like Artificial Intelligence, Information Technologies and space. Many global firms are setting up manufacturing and research hubs in cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad. For years, India's robust service sector, especially IT and finance, has been well-known, contributing to exports.<h2>Foreign investment in India is growing, and exports include high-tech and research-intensive items now</h2>India continues to be a destination for foreign investment. In the financial year 2024, the International Finance Corporation, for instance, provided $4.2 billion in green energy and infrastructure investments. India's total exports, including goods and services, hit a record high in the financial year 2024-25, estimated at $824.9 billion by the Reserve Bank of India. And these exports include high-end items like smartphones, pharmaceuticals and textiles. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-pushes-apple-to-halt-india-production-9074849/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-pushes-apple-to-halt-india-production-9074849/embed</a><h2>India's global economic standing is reflected in annual rankings</h2>The IMF and World Bank have regularly referred to India as a ‘bright spot' amid economic headwinds in the world, contributing 16 per cent to global growth. India's success in space missions and becoming a manufacturing and export hub for iPhones highlight innovation and industrial growth.<h2>Indian government is investing more in infrastructure, economic activity is growing&nbsp;</h2>Indian budget allocations for infrastructure are upwards of ₹10 trillion, including for roads, airports, and clean energy. Economic activity is also driven by employment guarantee programmes like MGNREGA, which employ 80 million people. Electricity access has reached 99.6 per cent of Indian villages by 2020. Food subsidies enhance inclusivity and reduce poverty.<h2>Why is Trump dismissive of Indian economy? Some issues remain</h2>There are certain areas that need to be addressed. One is youth unemployment, and jobs being concentrated in the informal sector. There have been reports of income inequality, and savings gaps, particularly among the rural population. Programmes like Aadhaar-linked transfers and food rationing are reducing poverty. &nbsp; There has been criticism of some policies like demonetisation of 2016 &nbsp;and the implementation of GST as hurting jobs and small businesses.&nbsp;But these reforms helped formalise the Indian economy, which continues to show growth. Annual growth of 6 to 7 per cent is pretty good for a developing economy of India's size.<h2>Those who support Trump's view of Indian economy should note that…</h2>In short, India’s economy is robust and vibrant, not dead or stagnating. With 6.4 per cent projected growth in 2025, a young and tech-skilled workforce, $800 billion in exports, and global recognition as a bright spot, India is a dynamic player in world economy. Challenges like unemployment, income inequality, and trade risks exist but are manageable . Trump’s ‘dead economy’ remark is obviously an exaggeration. India continues to be on a path to becoming the third-largest economy by 2027.&nbsp;

India’s economy is robust and vibrant, not dead or stagnating. With 6.4 per cent projected growth in 2025, a young and tech-skilled workforce, $800 billion in exports, and global recognition as a bright spot, India is a dynamic player in world economy

Donald Trump called India a ‘dead economy’ while announcing 25 per cent tariffs and penalties. The Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi agreed that India is a dead economy. But is it even a financial term, and is India indeed a dead economy? Here is what you should know: Is ‘dead economy’ a formal financial term? No, "dead economy" is not a term used in economics or finance. GDP growth, unemployment, inflation, or industrial output are the general criteria for checking the health of an economy, not vague, rhetorical terms like ‘dead economy.’ Is India a ‘dead economy’? Reasons why it is not For argument's sake, let us take the dead economy jibe of Trump seriously and analyse India, one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. Below is an exploration of India's economic activity and global positioning, to debunk Trump's claims supported by a section of Indian politicians. India GDP growth at a steady pace despite global uncertainties India is projected to grow at 6.4 per cent in 2025 and 2026 as per recent IMF estimates. This growth rate is better than major economies like the US (1.9 pc) and Japan (0.7 pc). In the fiscal year 2023–2024, India’s real GDP growth reached 9.2 per cent, the highest in more than a decade. For the third quarter of 2024–2025, growth was at 6.2 pc, year on year. India is the fourth-largest economy by nominal GDP, valued at $4.187 trillion in 2025, slightly ahead of Japan, and the third-largest by purchasing power parity or PPP. India is set to become the third-largest by nominal GDP by 2027. Domestic demand remains strong in India Private consumption in India grew by 7.4 per cent in the first quarter of financial year 2025, at a healthy 56 per cent of GDP. Interestingly, rural consumption, supported by better harvests and lower inflation, accounts for around 40 per cent of consumer goods sales. Private sector investment grew by 7.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2025 financial year, a sign of confidence in the Indian economy. India is blessed with a young and skilled workforce, unlike countries like US For decades now, India has enjoyed a relatively young population, with the median age at 28.8, compared to 38.5 in the US and 42.8 in Europe. This ‘demographic dividend’ is reflected in its tech-skilled workforce in fields like Artificial Intelligence, Information Technologies and space. Many global firms are setting up manufacturing and research hubs in cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad. For years, India's robust service sector, especially IT and finance, has been well-known, contributing to exports. Foreign investment in India is growing, and exports include high-tech and research-intensive items now India continues to be a destination for foreign investment. In the financial year 2024, the International Finance Corporation, for instance, provided $4.2 billion in green energy and infrastructure investments. India's total exports, including goods and services, hit a record high in the financial year 2024-25, estimated at $824.9 billion by the Reserve Bank of India. And these exports include high-end items like smartphones, pharmaceuticals and textiles. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-pushes-apple-to-halt-india-production-9074849/embed India's global economic standing is reflected in annual rankings The IMF and World Bank have regularly referred to India as a ‘bright spot' amid economic headwinds in the world, contributing 16 per cent to global growth. India's success in space missions and becoming a manufacturing and export hub for iPhones highlight innovation and industrial growth. Indian government is investing more in infrastructure, economic activity is growing Indian budget allocations for infrastructure are upwards of ₹10 trillion, including for roads, airports, and clean energy. Economic activity is also driven by employment guarantee programmes like MGNREGA, which employ 80 million people. Electricity access has reached 99.6 per cent of Indian villages by 2020. Food subsidies enhance inclusivity and reduce poverty. Why is Trump dismissive of Indian economy? Some issues remain There are certain areas that need to be addressed. One is youth unemployment, and jobs being concentrated in the informal sector. There have been reports of income inequality, and savings gaps, particularly among the rural population. Programmes like Aadhaar-linked transfers and food rationing are reducing poverty. There has been criticism of some policies like demonetisation of 2016 and the implementation of GST as hurting jobs and small businesses. But these reforms helped formalise the Indian economy, which continues to show growth. Annual growth of 6 to 7 per cent is pretty good for a developing economy of India's size. Those who support Trump's view of Indian economy should note that… In short, India’s economy is robust and vibrant, not dead or stagnating. With 6.4 per cent projected growth in 2025, a young and tech-skilled workforce, $800 billion in exports, and global recognition as a bright spot, India is a dynamic player in world economy. Challenges like unemployment, income inequality, and trade risks exist but are manageable . Trump’s ‘dead economy’ remark is obviously an exaggeration. India continues to be on a path to becoming the third-largest economy by 2027.

India’s economy is robust and vibrant, not dead or stagnating. With 6.4 per cent projected growth in 2025, a young and tech-skilled workforce, $800 billion in exports, and global recognition as a bright spot, India is a dynamic player in world economy

Trump, Rahul Gandhi think India is a ‘dead economy’. It's not even a financial term and India is a global growth engine. Reasons why

In a major medical discovery, scientists from India and the United Kingdom (UK) have found a new and extremely rare human blood group, named CRIB. This rare type of blood could lead to improvements in emergency care, pregnancy testing and global blood donation systems. The discovery came after doctors examined a 38-year-old woman from Kolar, near Bengaluru, who had a blood type that didn’t match any other blood group. After detailed research, her blood was officially recognised as a new type of blood - CRIB. She is estimated to be the only person in the world known to have this type blood group.&nbsp;CRIB stands for Chromosome Region, in which CR stands for Cromer, the blood group system in which it falls and IB stands for India, Bengaluru, where it was discovered.&nbsp;<h2>What is CRIB Blood Group ?</h2>The CRIB blood group is not a part of the common ABO or Rh systems and it belongs to a system called INRA (Indian Rare Antigen), which is approved by the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) in 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;This blood is very different as it lacks a common antigen found in most people’s red blood cells. Missing of these antigen makes this blood special more than other blood groups. It's almost impossible to find a compatible donor for this blood, making blood transfusions very risky for someone with CRIB blood.<h3>Why this blood is so unique?</h3>Dr. C. Shivaram from Manipal Hospital in Bangalore has explained that while most people know about only ABO and Rh blood types but there are actually 47 different recognized blood group systems (each defined by specific antigens).&nbsp;&nbsp;Specifically, in this woman’s case, her blood showed a strong reaction to all known donor samples, even after testing 20 of her family members, still there was no match found.&nbsp;Doctors later found that a never-seen-before antigen was missing from her blood and this rare difference falls under the Cromer blood group system, which is linked to certain glycoproteins in red blood cells membranes.<h3>What is the Cromer blood group system?</h3>The Cromer blood group system includes several antigens. Some are very common antigens, while others are very rare. People can develop antibodies against rare antigens for various reasons like -<ul><li>Pregnancy</li><li>Past blood transfusions</li><li>Genetic changes &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</li></ul>This rare blood group discovery shows that there's still a lot we don't know about the human body and learning more about this can make a real difference in people's lives.

The CRIB blood group is not part of the common blood types like ABO or Rh. It belongs to a rare blood group called INRA (Indian Rare Antigen), which was officially approved by the International Society of Blood Transfusion in 2022.

In a major medical discovery, scientists from India and the United Kingdom (UK) have found a new and extremely rare human blood group, named CRIB. This rare type of blood could lead to improvements in emergency care, pregnancy testing and global blood donation systems. The discovery came after doctors examined a 38-year-old woman from Kolar, near Bengaluru, who had a blood type that didn’t match any other blood group. After detailed research, her blood was officially recognised as a new type of blood - CRIB. She is estimated to be the only person in the world known to have this type blood group. CRIB stands for Chromosome Region, in which CR stands for Cromer, the blood group system in which it falls and IB stands for India, Bengaluru, where it was discovered. What is CRIB Blood Group ? The CRIB blood group is not a part of the common ABO or Rh systems and it belongs to a system called INRA (Indian Rare Antigen), which is approved by the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) in 2022. This blood is very different as it lacks a common antigen found in most people’s red blood cells. Missing of these antigen makes this blood special more than other blood groups. It's almost impossible to find a compatible donor for this blood, making blood transfusions very risky for someone with CRIB blood. Why this blood is so unique? Dr. C. Shivaram from Manipal Hospital in Bangalore has explained that while most people know about only ABO and Rh blood types but there are actually 47 different recognized blood group systems (each defined by specific antigens). Specifically, in this woman’s case, her blood showed a strong reaction to all known donor samples, even after testing 20 of her family members, still there was no match found. Doctors later found that a never-seen-before antigen was missing from her blood and this rare difference falls under the Cromer blood group system, which is linked to certain glycoproteins in red blood cells membranes. What is the Cromer blood group system? The Cromer blood group system includes several antigens. Some are very common antigens, while others are very rare. People can develop antibodies against rare antigens for various reasons like - Pregnancy Past blood transfusions Genetic changes This rare blood group discovery shows that there's still a lot we don't know about the human body and learning more about this can make a real difference in people's lives.

The CRIB blood group is not part of the common blood types like ABO or Rh and it belongs to a rare blood group called INRA (Indian Rare Antigen), which was officially approved by the International Society of Blood Transfusion in 2022.

What is 'CRIB'? India recently discovers world's rarest blood group in Bengaluru woman - Here's why it's unique

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the story disturbing. Discretion is advised.&nbsp;In a shocking incident, charred remains of a 12-year-old boy were found on Thursday (Jul 31) after he was abducted by unknown assailants in Bengaluru. The body of the boy, which was discovered on the outskirts of the city, was severely mutilated and burnt. According to the police, the boy failed to return home after attending tuition classes, following which the family filed a complaint.&nbsp;According to the Bengaluru police, the boy, identified as Nishchit, a Class 7 student and the son of an Arekere resident, was kidnapped while returning from his tuition class. His father is a college professor.&nbsp;The boy left his home on his bicycle at 5 pm on Wednesday (Jul 30) to attend his classes. However, after he did not return home by 8 pm, his family contacted the tuition teacher, who informed them he had already left at 7:30 pm. Following a search by the family, the boy’s abandoned bicycle was found at a park in Shantiniketan Layout, Arikere, which comes under the jurisdiction of the Hulimavu Police Station. After enquiring with relatives and friends about their son, the parents filed a missing person complaint at 10:30 pm.&nbsp;The police said that the family received a ransom call from the kidnappers, who demanded Rs 5 lakh and warned them not to contact the police.&nbsp;After the police complaint was filed, the Hulimavu police intensified the investigation and search for the boy with CCTV footage and mobile location tracking. Meanwhile, the parents prepared Rs 5 lakh and were ready to give it to the kidnappers to bring their son back.&nbsp;However, when the kidnappers came to know that the family had informed the police, they tied the boy’s hands and beat him to death, the police said. The abductors then left the body on a stone by the roadside, set him on fire and fled the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;The boy’s body was found partially burnt in a deserted area on Kaggalipur Road in Bannerghatta after the police tracked the location of kidnappers’ mobile phones.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hulimavu police have already registered a case of kidnapping and murder, and an investigation has been intensified to search for the perpetrator.&nbsp;

The police said that the family received a ransom call from the kidnappers, who demanded Rs 5 lakh and warned them not to contact the police.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the story disturbing. Discretion is advised. In a shocking incident, charred remains of a 12-year-old boy were found on Thursday (Jul 31) after he was abducted by unknown assailants in Bengaluru. The body of the boy, which was discovered on the outskirts of the city, was severely mutilated and burnt. According to the police, the boy failed to return home after attending tuition classes, following which the family filed a complaint. According to the Bengaluru police, the boy, identified as Nishchit, a Class 7 student and the son of an Arekere resident, was kidnapped while returning from his tuition class. His father is a college professor. The boy left his home on his bicycle at 5 pm on Wednesday (Jul 30) to attend his classes. However, after he did not return home by 8 pm, his family contacted the tuition teacher, who informed them he had already left at 7:30 pm. Following a search by the family, the boy’s abandoned bicycle was found at a park in Shantiniketan Layout, Arikere, which comes under the jurisdiction of the Hulimavu Police Station. After enquiring with relatives and friends about their son, the parents filed a missing person complaint at 10:30 pm. The police said that the family received a ransom call from the kidnappers, who demanded Rs 5 lakh and warned them not to contact the police. After the police complaint was filed, the Hulimavu police intensified the investigation and search for the boy with CCTV footage and mobile location tracking. Meanwhile, the parents prepared Rs 5 lakh and were ready to give it to the kidnappers to bring their son back. However, when the kidnappers came to know that the family had informed the police, they tied the boy’s hands and beat him to death, the police said. The abductors then left the body on a stone by the roadside, set him on fire and fled the scene. The boy’s body was found partially burnt in a deserted area on Kaggalipur Road in Bannerghatta after the police tracked the location of kidnappers’ mobile phones. Hulimavu police have already registered a case of kidnapping and murder, and an investigation has been intensified to search for the perpetrator.

The police said that the family received a ransom call from the kidnappers, who demanded Rs 5 lakh and warned them not to contact the police.

Bengaluru shocker: Charred remains of 12-year-old found after abduction; kidnappers made ransom call to parents

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Reliance Group chairman Anil Ambani on August 5 for questioning in connection with an alleged Rs 3,000 crore worth bank loan fraud-linked money laundering case. This comes almost a week after the ED conducted simultaneous raids at premises linked to Anil Ambani's Reliance Group (RAAGA Companies) in connection with a money laundering investigation related to the Yes Bank loan fraud case. The raids were launched on July 24 as part of the alleged bank fraud as well as multiple other allegations of financial irregularities.&nbsp;According to Indian news agency PTI, officials on Saturday last week said over 35 premises across Mumbai and Delhi, involving 50 companies and about 25 individuals, were being searched under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Multiple reports quoted ED sources and indicated that they are investigating allegations of illegal loan diversion of approximately Rs 3,000 crore from Yes Bank between 2017 and 2019. The loan was reportedly diverted to shell firms and other group entities. Investigators have also discovered proof indicating possible bribery of Yes Bank officials, including its promoter.<h3>Why is the ED investigating Anil Ambani?</h3>The investigative agency highlighted serious lapses in the approval process of the Yes Bank to Reliance Anil Ambani Group Companies, which also includes backdated credit documents. It also found banks giving loans to organisations or firms with weak financials and common directors, and the absence of due diligence. ED has also noted violations of loan terms, evergreening of accounts, and instances showing disbursal on the same day as or before loan approvals, according to a report by ET. &nbsp;Meanwhile, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has also submitted findings in connection with the Reliance Home Finance Ltd. (RHFL), showing corporate loan booking more than doubled within a year, which raises serious concerns about irregularities and process violations.&nbsp;The ED claims this was a “well-thought-out and planned” scheme aimed at defrauding banks, shareholders, investors, and other public institutions by providing misleading information. The investigation uncovered several irregularities, such as loans given to unverified companies, the use of the same director and address across multiple firms, and a lack of loan documentation. It also discovered transfer of funds to shell companies and the issuing of new loans to repay old ones (loan evergreen strategy). The actions of the ED are based on two FIRs filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which alleged large-scale financial irregularities. Additionally, information from agencies like SEBI, the National Housing Bank, Bank of Baroda, and the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) also contributed to advancing the investigation.&nbsp;The State Bank of India (SBI) also declared Anil Ambani’s company Reliance Communications (RCom) and Anil Ambani himself as “fraudulent” a few years ago. SBI alleges RCom misused loans worth Rs 31,580 crore after taking them from the bank. Out of this amount, around Rs 13,667 crore was used to repay loans of other companies, while Rs 12,692 crore was transferred to other companies within the Reliance Group, according to a report in Dainik Bhaskar. SBI also said that it is in the process of filing a complaint with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding the matter. Additionally, personal insolvency proceedings against Anil Ambani are currently underway at the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in Mumbai.<h3>Reliance responds</h3>Meanwhile, Reliance Infrastructure Limited (Reliance Infrastructure) and Reliance Power Limited (Reliance Power) released a statement clarifying that the recent actions have absolutely no impact on the business operations, financial performance, shareholders, employees, or any other stakeholders of Reliance Infrastructure and Reliance Power.

The ED has summoned Anil Ambani over a ₹3,000 crore money laundering case linked to Yes Bank loan fraud. Raids revealed alleged loan diversion, shell firms, and financial irregularities. SBI and other agencies have flagged serious concerns against his companies.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Reliance Group chairman Anil Ambani on August 5 for questioning in connection with an alleged Rs 3,000 crore worth bank loan fraud-linked money laundering case. This comes almost a week after the ED conducted simultaneous raids at premises linked to Anil Ambani's Reliance Group (RAAGA Companies) in connection with a money laundering investigation related to the Yes Bank loan fraud case. The raids were launched on July 24 as part of the alleged bank fraud as well as multiple other allegations of financial irregularities. According to Indian news agency PTI, officials on Saturday last week said over 35 premises across Mumbai and Delhi, involving 50 companies and about 25 individuals, were being searched under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Multiple reports quoted ED sources and indicated that they are investigating allegations of illegal loan diversion of approximately Rs 3,000 crore from Yes Bank between 2017 and 2019. The loan was reportedly diverted to shell firms and other group entities. Investigators have also discovered proof indicating possible bribery of Yes Bank officials, including its promoter. Why is the ED investigating Anil Ambani? The investigative agency highlighted serious lapses in the approval process of the Yes Bank to Reliance Anil Ambani Group Companies, which also includes backdated credit documents. It also found banks giving loans to organisations or firms with weak financials and common directors, and the absence of due diligence. ED has also noted violations of loan terms, evergreening of accounts, and instances showing disbursal on the same day as or before loan approvals, according to a report by ET. Meanwhile, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has also submitted findings in connection with the Reliance Home Finance Ltd. (RHFL), showing corporate loan booking more than doubled within a year, which raises serious concerns about irregularities and process violations. The ED claims this was a “well-thought-out and planned” scheme aimed at defrauding banks, shareholders, investors, and other public institutions by providing misleading information. The investigation uncovered several irregularities, such as loans given to unverified companies, the use of the same director and address across multiple firms, and a lack of loan documentation. It also discovered transfer of funds to shell companies and the issuing of new loans to repay old ones (loan evergreen strategy). The actions of the ED are based on two FIRs filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which alleged large-scale financial irregularities. Additionally, information from agencies like SEBI, the National Housing Bank, Bank of Baroda, and the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) also contributed to advancing the investigation. The State Bank of India (SBI) also declared Anil Ambani’s company Reliance Communications (RCom) and Anil Ambani himself as “fraudulent” a few years ago. SBI alleges RCom misused loans worth Rs 31,580 crore after taking them from the bank. Out of this amount, around Rs 13,667 crore was used to repay loans of other companies, while Rs 12,692 crore was transferred to other companies within the Reliance Group, according to a report in Dainik Bhaskar. SBI also said that it is in the process of filing a complaint with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding the matter. Additionally, personal insolvency proceedings against Anil Ambani are currently underway at the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in Mumbai. Reliance responds Meanwhile, Reliance Infrastructure Limited (Reliance Infrastructure) and Reliance Power Limited (Reliance Power) released a statement clarifying that the recent actions have absolutely no impact on the business operations, financial performance, shareholders, employees, or any other stakeholders of Reliance Infrastructure and Reliance Power.

The ED has summoned Anil Ambani over a ₹3,000 crore money laundering case linked to Yes Bank loan fraud. Raids revealed alleged loan diversion, shell firms, and financial irregularities. SBI and other agencies have flagged serious concerns against his companies.

Anil Ambani summoned by ED in $361 million loan fraud case: Why is the probe agency investigating him

After the BJP accused the Congress of fabricating the "saffron terror" narrative after the NIA court acquitted all accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, Congress MP Digvijaya Singh said on Thursday that terrorism has no colour and he opposed the use of such a term.&nbsp;Singh said RK Singh, now a BJP leader, coined the Sangh Terror term.&nbsp;"Congress is being accused of mentioning 'Hindu terror or Sangh terror.' But who called it 'Sangh terror'? RK Singh. BJP made him an MP after retirement. They made him a Minister. He coined the terms 'Sangh terror' and 'Saffron terror.' Why is the BJP silent on that? All I would like to say is that even when it was called 'Sangh terror' or 'Saffron terror' at that time, Janardan Dwivedi and I opposed it--that terrorism has no colour. Terrorism is seen only among those who indulge in such things out of hatred," Digvijaya Singh said.&nbsp;He said if they were acquitted, someone would be guilty.&nbsp;"So, I would like to say that there must be someone guilty. If all of them are acquitted, then who is guilty?" the senior Congress leader told ANI.&nbsp;He also pointed out that the NIA, sometime back, produced a lengthy document as evidence before the court, but it could not produce any concrete evidence against the accused.&nbsp;"…The court said that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) could not produce any concrete evidence against the accused. Whereas, sometime back, the NIA produced a 1110-page document as evidence before the Court. It was demanded that the guilty be awarded a death sentence... It is certain that despite all such incidents, nobody was awarded punishment," Digvijaya Singh said.&nbsp;He said it is inappropriate to link terrorism to any religion.&nbsp;"I had been saying this from the beginning. Every religion teaches love, harmony, truth, and non-violence. So, it is inappropriate to link it to religion. It (terrorism) is the mindset of an individual; action should be taken against this. Even today, two people are absconding--Ramji Kalsangra and Sandeep Dange. They have a reward of Rs 10 Lakh each on their heads. Where are they? Why are they not being nabbed? This is a question, too," Singh added.&nbsp;Mumbai's NIA special court said that the prosecution failed to establish the case. It also ordered the Maharashtra government to pay Rs 2 lakh each to the victims of the blast.&nbsp;The seven acquitted accused include former BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya, Major (retired) Ramesh Upadhyay, Sudhakar Chaturvedi, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhankar Dhar Dwivedi (Shankaracharya), and Sameer Kulkarni.

After the BJP accused the Congress of fabricating the "saffron terror" narrative after the NIA court acquitted all accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, Congress MP Digvijaya Singh said on Thursday that terrorism has no colour and he opposed the use of such a term.

After the BJP accused the Congress of fabricating the "saffron terror" narrative after the NIA court acquitted all accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, Congress MP Digvijaya Singh said on Thursday that terrorism has no colour and he opposed the use of such a term. Singh said RK Singh, now a BJP leader, coined the Sangh Terror term. "Congress is being accused of mentioning 'Hindu terror or Sangh terror.' But who called it 'Sangh terror'? RK Singh. BJP made him an MP after retirement. They made him a Minister. He coined the terms 'Sangh terror' and 'Saffron terror.' Why is the BJP silent on that? All I would like to say is that even when it was called 'Sangh terror' or 'Saffron terror' at that time, Janardan Dwivedi and I opposed it--that terrorism has no colour. Terrorism is seen only among those who indulge in such things out of hatred," Digvijaya Singh said. He said if they were acquitted, someone would be guilty. "So, I would like to say that there must be someone guilty. If all of them are acquitted, then who is guilty?" the senior Congress leader told ANI. He also pointed out that the NIA, sometime back, produced a lengthy document as evidence before the court, but it could not produce any concrete evidence against the accused. "…The court said that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) could not produce any concrete evidence against the accused. Whereas, sometime back, the NIA produced a 1110-page document as evidence before the Court. It was demanded that the guilty be awarded a death sentence... It is certain that despite all such incidents, nobody was awarded punishment," Digvijaya Singh said. He said it is inappropriate to link terrorism to any religion. "I had been saying this from the beginning. Every religion teaches love, harmony, truth, and non-violence. So, it is inappropriate to link it to religion. It (terrorism) is the mindset of an individual; action should be taken against this. Even today, two people are absconding--Ramji Kalsangra and Sandeep Dange. They have a reward of Rs 10 Lakh each on their heads. Where are they? Why are they not being nabbed? This is a question, too," Singh added. Mumbai's NIA special court said that the prosecution failed to establish the case. It also ordered the Maharashtra government to pay Rs 2 lakh each to the victims of the blast. The seven acquitted accused include former BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya, Major (retired) Ramesh Upadhyay, Sudhakar Chaturvedi, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhankar Dhar Dwivedi (Shankaracharya), and Sameer Kulkarni.

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said if they were acquitted, someone would be guilty.

'Opposed Saffron Terror term': Congress leader Digvijaya Singh

Actor, singer and BJP MP Ravi Kishan, during a discussion in the parliament on Thursday (July 31), demanded a law to standardise the size of samosa (Indian snack). He raised his concern that in some places, the size of the Samosa is big, while somewhere it's smaller in size. He also said that even price also differs from place to place for the dish - which should not be the case, in his opinion. Speaking during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, the Gorakhpur MP requested the central government to introduce a law to regulate the prices of the food item sold at various eateries.&nbsp;“In one place, the samosa is small; in another, it is large. Prices also differ widely," Kishan said. &nbsp;“A samosa at a roadside eatery has a different price than one in a hotel—and even the size differs. Likewise, dal tadka is available for Rs 100 in one place, Rs 120 in another, and even up to Rs 1,000 in some hotels," he added.&nbsp;Kishan said that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought reforms in several sectors, there is still no regulatory system in place to fix or standardise food pricing across the country’s food outlets.&nbsp;The BJP MP further demanded transparency in the restaurant menus and said that they should clarify their ingredients and quantity used in various food items. He expressed concern that most menus list only the price of a dish, without indicating the portion size. “Customers have the right to know what they are eating and how much they are paying for it," Kishan said.&nbsp;The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the apex body responsible for ensuring food quality and safety in the country. Established in August 2011 under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, FSSAI operates under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.&nbsp;

BJP MP Ravi Kishan demanded a law in the parliament that fixes the standard size of samosa. He said that at some places the size of samosa is big while at some it is large, which should not be the case in his opinion. 

Actor, singer and BJP MP Ravi Kishan, during a discussion in the parliament on Thursday (July 31), demanded a law to standardise the size of samosa (Indian snack). He raised his concern that in some places, the size of the Samosa is big, while somewhere it's smaller in size. He also said that even price also differs from place to place for the dish - which should not be the case, in his opinion. Speaking during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, the Gorakhpur MP requested the central government to introduce a law to regulate the prices of the food item sold at various eateries. “In one place, the samosa is small; in another, it is large. Prices also differ widely," Kishan said. “A samosa at a roadside eatery has a different price than one in a hotel—and even the size differs. Likewise, dal tadka is available for Rs 100 in one place, Rs 120 in another, and even up to Rs 1,000 in some hotels," he added. Kishan said that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought reforms in several sectors, there is still no regulatory system in place to fix or standardise food pricing across the country’s food outlets. The BJP MP further demanded transparency in the restaurant menus and said that they should clarify their ingredients and quantity used in various food items. He expressed concern that most menus list only the price of a dish, without indicating the portion size. “Customers have the right to know what they are eating and how much they are paying for it," Kishan said. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the apex body responsible for ensuring food quality and safety in the country. Established in August 2011 under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, FSSAI operates under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

BJP MP Ravi Kishan demanded a law in the parliament that fixes the standard size of samosa. He said that at some places the size of samosa is big while at some it is large, which should not be the case in his opinion.&nbsp;

Ravi Kishan demands law for standard size of Samosa across India in Parliament debate, says 'customers have right to...'

A major earthquake preparedness exercise is being carried out this week across the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), involving the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the Indian Army, and local authorities across three states.<h2>When and where is the mock drill happening?</h2>The full exercise is scheduled between July 29 and August 1. It will be held across 11 districts in Delhi, two districts in Uttar Pradesh, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar, and six districts in Haryana.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-appalling-lapses-263-safety-faults-across-indian-airlines-air-india-among-worst-hit-says-dgca-audit-1753901708497">‘Appalling lapses’: 263 safety faults across Indian airlines; Air India among worst-hit, says DGCA audit</a>NDMA member Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain said, “We are conducting this Mock drill all over the National Capital Region… This means that two districts in UP and six districts in Haryana will also be active in this. Additionally, 11 districts in Delhi will participate.”<h2>What will happen on each day?</h2>• July 29 (Monday): The exercise began with a symposium at the Manekshaw Centre, where disaster response strategies were discussed by participating agencies.• July 30 (Tuesday): A tabletop exercise will be held, where district representatives will be given simulated disaster scenarios. “They will be given situations, and it will be seen how they respond,” Lt Gen Hasnain told ANI.• August 1 (Thursday): A real-time on-ground mock drill will take place in all the participating districts. “On August 1, the same tabletop exercise will be put into practice on the ground,” he added.<h2>What disasters are being simulated?</h2>The focus will be on two hazards:• Earthquakes• Chemical accidentsLt Gen Hasnain said, “We should be prepared for every situation. For the first time, an initiative has also come from the Army to a large extent.”<h2>Why now? A spike in recent tremors</h2>This drill comes after a series of mild earthquakes shook the Delhi-NCR region earlier in July.• On July 11, an earthquake of magnitude 3.7 struck Jhajjar in Haryana, following a 4.4 magnitude quake the previous day.• On July 17 and 22, tremors of 3.3 and 3.2 were recorded in Rohtak and Faridabad.The repeated tremors have raised concerns over the region’s disaster readiness, especially in densely populated urban zones.<h2>What will authorities look for?</h2>According to Lt Gen (Retd) Yogendra Dimri, Vice Chairman of the UP State Disaster Management Authority, “People’s behaviour during the exercise will help us understand the gaps and the next steps.” Officials hope the drills will help identify how quickly and effectively local systems can respond in case of a real disaster.<h2>Will daily life be affected?</h2>Authorities have advised residents not to panic if they see emergency services, sirens, or activity in public areas on August 1. These will be part of the mock drill designed to simulate an actual disaster scenario.

A major earthquake drill is underway from July 29 to August 1 across Delhi-NCR, involving NDMA, Indian Army, and local authorities in 19 districts across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana.

A major earthquake preparedness exercise is being carried out this week across the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), involving the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the Indian Army, and local authorities across three states. When and where is the mock drill happening? The full exercise is scheduled between July 29 and August 1. It will be held across 11 districts in Delhi, two districts in Uttar Pradesh, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar, and six districts in Haryana. Also read: ‘Appalling lapses’: 263 safety faults across Indian airlines; Air India among worst-hit, says DGCA audit NDMA member Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain said, “We are conducting this Mock drill all over the National Capital Region… This means that two districts in UP and six districts in Haryana will also be active in this. Additionally, 11 districts in Delhi will participate.” What will happen on each day? • July 29 (Monday): The exercise began with a symposium at the Manekshaw Centre, where disaster response strategies were discussed by participating agencies. • July 30 (Tuesday): A tabletop exercise will be held, where district representatives will be given simulated disaster scenarios. “They will be given situations, and it will be seen how they respond,” Lt Gen Hasnain told ANI. • August 1 (Thursday): A real-time on-ground mock drill will take place in all the participating districts. “On August 1, the same tabletop exercise will be put into practice on the ground,” he added. What disasters are being simulated? The focus will be on two hazards: • Earthquakes • Chemical accidents Lt Gen Hasnain said, “We should be prepared for every situation. For the first time, an initiative has also come from the Army to a large extent.” Why now? A spike in recent tremors This drill comes after a series of mild earthquakes shook the Delhi-NCR region earlier in July. • On July 11, an earthquake of magnitude 3.7 struck Jhajjar in Haryana, following a 4.4 magnitude quake the previous day. • On July 17 and 22, tremors of 3.3 and 3.2 were recorded in Rohtak and Faridabad. The repeated tremors have raised concerns over the region’s disaster readiness, especially in densely populated urban zones. What will authorities look for? According to Lt Gen (Retd) Yogendra Dimri, Vice Chairman of the UP State Disaster Management Authority, “People’s behaviour during the exercise will help us understand the gaps and the next steps.” Officials hope the drills will help identify how quickly and effectively local systems can respond in case of a real disaster. Will daily life be affected? Authorities have advised residents not to panic if they see emergency services, sirens, or activity in public areas on August 1. These will be part of the mock drill designed to simulate an actual disaster scenario.

A major earthquake drill is underway from July 29 to August 1 across Delhi-NCR, involving NDMA, Indian Army, and local authorities in 19 districts across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana.

Delhi-NCR earthquake drill: What, where, and how the NDMA’s disaster prep will unfold this week

In a move aimed at preventing students from committing suicide, IIT Kharagpur has taken several decisions. This comes after a fourth-year undergraduate student was found hanging in his room at Rajendra Prasad Hall of Residence this month.One of those decisions includes installing smaller ceiling fans in hostel rooms to make them unusable for self-harm, a senior institute official said on Thursday (July 31).Moreover, not just this, the college will also focus on dealing with students' emotional distress and preventing campus tragedies. They will also hold interactions with parents of boarders every alternate month."Apart from taking steps like reaching out to students on campus 24x7, interaction with parents of boarders every alternate month and 'campus mothers' programme, and having permanent psychiatrists, we are also exploring steps like scaling down size of ceiling fans so that it cannot be used for any other purpose," Institute Director Suman Chakraborty told Indian news agency PTI.Chakraborty continued that, however, this is not an alternative to addressing mental health issues."But to avoid certain situations triggered by sudden impulses to self-destruct oneself, when none may be around, during a certain moment," he added.The director stressed that the absence or presence of tools to cause self-harm can make a crucial difference in critical moments.He further explained, "We are mulling to replace fans of all the 21 hostels, housing around 16,000 students, with smaller ones in phases", adding, "Can't give a timeline immediately."Chakraborty also said that with 20,000 students and 15 mental health experts, it is physically not possible to cater to the needs of the students. Hence, the college needs technological intervention.The college authorities have also reached out to students by pasting QR codes on the doors of hostel rooms, which read, "Let's talk! ‘Scan to connect' and ‘Every problem has a solution."&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.<a href="https://depwd.gov.in/en/others-helplines/">https://depwd.gov.in/en/others-helplines/</a>&nbsp;

One of those decisions includes installing smaller ceiling fans in hostel rooms to make them unusable for self-harm, a senior institute official said on Thursday (July 31).

In a move aimed at preventing students from committing suicide, IIT Kharagpur has taken several decisions. This comes after a fourth-year undergraduate student was found hanging in his room at Rajendra Prasad Hall of Residence this month. One of those decisions includes installing smaller ceiling fans in hostel rooms to make them unusable for self-harm, a senior institute official said on Thursday (July 31). Moreover, not just this, the college will also focus on dealing with students' emotional distress and preventing campus tragedies. They will also hold interactions with parents of boarders every alternate month. "Apart from taking steps like reaching out to students on campus 24x7, interaction with parents of boarders every alternate month and 'campus mothers' programme, and having permanent psychiatrists, we are also exploring steps like scaling down size of ceiling fans so that it cannot be used for any other purpose," Institute Director Suman Chakraborty told Indian news agency PTI. Chakraborty continued that, however, this is not an alternative to addressing mental health issues. "But to avoid certain situations triggered by sudden impulses to self-destruct oneself, when none may be around, during a certain moment," he added. The director stressed that the absence or presence of tools to cause self-harm can make a crucial difference in critical moments. He further explained, "We are mulling to replace fans of all the 21 hostels, housing around 16,000 students, with smaller ones in phases", adding, "Can't give a timeline immediately." Chakraborty also said that with 20,000 students and 15 mental health experts, it is physically not possible to cater to the needs of the students. Hence, the college needs technological intervention. The college authorities have also reached out to students by pasting QR codes on the doors of hostel rooms, which read, "Let's talk! ‘Scan to connect' and ‘Every problem has a solution." 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. https://depwd.gov.in/en/others-helplines/

One of those decisions includes installing smaller ceiling fans in hostel rooms to make them unusable for self-harm, a senior institute official said on Thursday (July 31).

IIT Kharagpur finds a way to prevent student suicide crisis amid increasing campus tragedies - Here's what they will do

The Election Commission has finalised the electoral college for the election of the next Vice President of India and will soon announce the schedule. The development came days after Jagdeep Dhankhar's&nbsp;sudden&nbsp;resignation from the constitutional post, citing health concerns.&nbsp;The Electoral College, which elects the Vice-President, comprises the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha members. These members are listed in a continuous&nbsp;serial order. They are arranged alphabetically based on the state and union territory from which they were elected. The Election Commission said in a statement that the list of the Electoral College can be bought from a counter set up by the poll body after the notification.&nbsp;"The Commission has finalized the Electoral College list for the Vice-Presidential Election, 2025. These members are listed in a continuous serial order, arranged alphabetically based on the State/Union Territory of their respective Houses," it wrote in the statement.&nbsp;"The Electoral College list will be available for purchase at a counter set up in the Election Commission of India from the date of notification, which is likely to be announced soon," it added.&nbsp;Jagdeep Dhankhar had resigned on July 21, saying he needed to follow medical advice.&nbsp;In his resignation letter, Jagdeep Dhankhar said, “To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately.”&nbsp;He thanked the President for her "unwavering support". He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his cooperation and support.&nbsp;"Prime Minister’s cooperation and support have been invaluable, and I have learned much during my time in office," he added.

The Election Commission has finalised the electoral college for the election of the next Vice President of India and will soon announce the schedule. The development came days after Jagdeep Dhankhar's sudden resignation from the constitutional post, citing health concerns.

The Election Commission has finalised the electoral college for the election of the next Vice President of India and will soon announce the schedule. The development came days after Jagdeep Dhankhar's sudden resignation from the constitutional post, citing health concerns. The Electoral College, which elects the Vice-President, comprises the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha members. These members are listed in a continuous serial order. They are arranged alphabetically based on the state and union territory from which they were elected. The Election Commission said in a statement that the list of the Electoral College can be bought from a counter set up by the poll body after the notification. "The Commission has finalized the Electoral College list for the Vice-Presidential Election, 2025. These members are listed in a continuous serial order, arranged alphabetically based on the State/Union Territory of their respective Houses," it wrote in the statement. "The Electoral College list will be available for purchase at a counter set up in the Election Commission of India from the date of notification, which is likely to be announced soon," it added. Jagdeep Dhankhar had resigned on July 21, saying he needed to follow medical advice. In his resignation letter, Jagdeep Dhankhar said, “To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately.” He thanked the President for her "unwavering support". He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his cooperation and support. "Prime Minister’s cooperation and support have been invaluable, and I have learned much during my time in office," he added.

The Electoral College, which elects the Vice-President, comprises the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha members

Election Commission finalises Electoral College for Vice-President elections

Indian Navy chief Adm Dinesh K Tripathi is on a 4-day visit to Japan, with a focus on operational and technical Collaboration. During the visit, which started on 30th July, &nbsp;Admiral Tripathi will visit Funakoshi Base, aimed at deeper operational integration. The base is part of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) or the Japanese Navy's Yokosuka Naval Complex, a centralised command hub that incorporates Fleet Escort, Submarine, Air, Mine Warfare, Intelligence, and Research commands for unified maritime operations. For India, these command-and-control practices could be part of its network-centric naval doctrines.&nbsp;The Indian Navy chief has met Japan's defence minister Gen Nakatani, Japanese counterpart Adm Saito Akira &amp; other top officials. A statement from the Indian side said, "discussions focused on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, fostering technological &amp; defence industry collaboration and strengthening training and personnel exchange between the two nations and navies."&nbsp;India, Japan have been focusing on maritime security coordination, technological collaboration and innovation and deepening naval interoperability. As part of Naval exchanges, India &amp; Japan have held bilateral JIMEX exercises since 2012. The latest edition of JIMEX 24 in June 2024 saw the participation of India’s INS Shivalik and Japan’s JS Yūgiri. The navies of both countries also exercise as part of the Malabar naval exercises.&nbsp;The visit comes weeks before PM Modi is expected to travel to Japan for the annual summit. &nbsp;India and Japan elevated ties to a “Special Strategic and Global Partnership” in September 2014. Maritime security remains the cornerstone of bilateral engagement. Both countries have also been focusing on the Indo-Pacific, and have similar visions- India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative &amp; Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific Policy. &nbsp;

Indian Navy chief Adm Dinesh K Tripathi is on a 4-day visit to Japan, with a focus on operational and technical Collaboration. During the visit, which started on 30th July,  Admiral Tripathi will visit Funakoshi Base, aimed at deeper operational integration. 

Indian Navy chief Adm Dinesh K Tripathi is on a 4-day visit to Japan, with a focus on operational and technical Collaboration. During the visit, which started on 30th July, Admiral Tripathi will visit Funakoshi Base, aimed at deeper operational integration. The base is part of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) or the Japanese Navy's Yokosuka Naval Complex, a centralised command hub that incorporates Fleet Escort, Submarine, Air, Mine Warfare, Intelligence, and Research commands for unified maritime operations. For India, these command-and-control practices could be part of its network-centric naval doctrines. The Indian Navy chief has met Japan's defence minister Gen Nakatani, Japanese counterpart Adm Saito Akira & other top officials. A statement from the Indian side said, "discussions focused on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, fostering technological & defence industry collaboration and strengthening training and personnel exchange between the two nations and navies." India, Japan have been focusing on maritime security coordination, technological collaboration and innovation and deepening naval interoperability. As part of Naval exchanges, India & Japan have held bilateral JIMEX exercises since 2012. The latest edition of JIMEX 24 in June 2024 saw the participation of India’s INS Shivalik and Japan’s JS Yūgiri. The navies of both countries also exercise as part of the Malabar naval exercises. The visit comes weeks before PM Modi is expected to travel to Japan for the annual summit. India and Japan elevated ties to a “Special Strategic and Global Partnership” in September 2014. Maritime security remains the cornerstone of bilateral engagement. Both countries have also been focusing on the Indo-Pacific, and have similar visions- India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative & Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific Policy.

Indian Navy chief Adm Dinesh K Tripathi is on a 4-day visit to Japan, with a focus on operational and technical Collaboration. During the visit, which started on 30th July, &nbsp;Admiral Tripathi will visit Funakoshi Base, aimed at deeper operational integration.&nbsp;

With focus on operational and technical collaboration, Indian Navy Chief Adm Dinesh K Tripathi in Japan

The United States told the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Thursday that US President Donald Trump has made it clear that he wants a peace deal to end Russia's war in Ukraine by August 8. The United States is prepared to implement additional measures to secure peace, an official told the UN body.&nbsp;"Both Russia and Ukraine must negotiate a ceasefire and a durable peace. It is time to make a deal. President Trump has made clear that this must be done by August 8. The United States is prepared to implement additional measures to secure peace," senior US diplomat John Kelley told the 15-member council, according&nbsp;to Reuters.&nbsp;On Tuesday, Donald Trump threatened Russia with tariffs, saying the US will impose additional taxes and take other measures against Moscow if it doesn't show progress towards ending its war in Ukraine.&nbsp;This year, Ukraine and Russia have held three rounds of talks in Turkey's Istanbul. However, the talks resulted in only exchanges of prisoners and bodies but failed to achieve a breakthrough in defusing the three-year-old war.&nbsp;Russia’s deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy told the council that Moscow wants to continue the talks in Istanbul. He attacked the West, saying the "war party didn't go away" despite the meeting.&nbsp;"We continue hearing voices of those who think that diplomacy is just a way of criticizing Russia and exerting pressure on it," he added.&nbsp;Ukraine’s deputy UN Ambassador Khrystyna Hayovyshyn said that the nation wants a "full, immediate and unconditional" ceasefire.&nbsp;"We seek a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace grounded in the principles of the U.N. Charter and nothing less. We repeat - a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire is essential. It is the first step to halting Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine," she said.

The United States told the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Thursday that US President Donald Trump has made it clear that he wants a peace deal to end Russia's war in Ukraine by August 8. 

The United States told the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Thursday that US President Donald Trump has made it clear that he wants a peace deal to end Russia's war in Ukraine by August 8. The United States is prepared to implement additional measures to secure peace, an official told the UN body. "Both Russia and Ukraine must negotiate a ceasefire and a durable peace. It is time to make a deal. President Trump has made clear that this must be done by August 8. The United States is prepared to implement additional measures to secure peace," senior US diplomat John Kelley told the 15-member council, according to Reuters. On Tuesday, Donald Trump threatened Russia with tariffs, saying the US will impose additional taxes and take other measures against Moscow if it doesn't show progress towards ending its war in Ukraine. This year, Ukraine and Russia have held three rounds of talks in Turkey's Istanbul. However, the talks resulted in only exchanges of prisoners and bodies but failed to achieve a breakthrough in defusing the three-year-old war. Russia’s deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy told the council that Moscow wants to continue the talks in Istanbul. He attacked the West, saying the "war party didn't go away" despite the meeting. "We continue hearing voices of those who think that diplomacy is just a way of criticizing Russia and exerting pressure on it," he added. Ukraine’s deputy UN Ambassador Khrystyna Hayovyshyn said that the nation wants a "full, immediate and unconditional" ceasefire. "We seek a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace grounded in the principles of the U.N. Charter and nothing less. We repeat - a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire is essential. It is the first step to halting Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine," she said.

The United States is prepared to implement additional measures to secure peace.

US to UNSC: 'Donald Trump wants Russia-Ukraine peace deal by August 8'

Panama's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Arturo Hoyos, who is in India for key talks, has backed India's right to defend after the Pahalgam terror attack and emphasised the need to act on terrorism. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal in Delhi, he said, "We fully respect India's right to protect itself and protect itself also means to deter other actors from thinking that they can commit such acts and then they will go unpunished". Panama is a non-permanent member of the UNSC and will be the President of the council starting Friday.&nbsp;The minister, terming India a "close friend", hoped that India could establish an IIT in his country and join the Panama Canal Neutrality Treaty, which ensures that the Panama Canal remains neutral, open both in peacetime and wartime. During the Delhi visit, he met with the minister of state in the Ministry of External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita and held key UN talks with Secretary West Tanmaya Lal. Full interview: Sidhant Sibal: How do you characterise the relationship between the two countries? Carlos Arturo Hoyos: I think it's a fantastic relationship, a historical relationship that we are looking to strengthen, and we are looking for more closeness. We received a high-level parliamentary delegation led by His Excellency, Mr. Shashi Tharoor, and we had some Distinguished Members of Parliament with whom we engaged. We had a great conversation on how we can make our relationship more dynamic. In Panama, we have a very important, thriving Indian community. They are Panamanian Indians, in the second, third, and fourth generation, and they are people who create jobs, have big businesses, and as Panamanian citizens, are commercially, culturally, and politically active. So we are hoping to leverage pre-existing friendships to make sure that we take it to the next level. And what is the next level? I would say it is more political cohesiveness, it is more commercial relationship, is a mutual investment. We would certainly like to see more Indian companies come to Panama and invest and benefit from our great logistics hub. We are certainly at the centre of the American continent, and we have a lot to offer to the Indian community in general, but Indian businesses that I'm sure will be very attractive.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: You also want India to join a certain protocol that is about the neutrality of the Panama Canal. So if you can perhaps explain about this certain protocol and as to how it benefits India as well, and as to how it benefits Panama Carlos Arturo Hoyos: The Panama Canal is the crown jewel, the heart and soul of our country and the Neutrality Treaty, which has been enforced since 1977, when it was signed, is a very important international document that was initially signed between Panama and the United States. Both countries are committed to the treaty. At this period in time, when there are so many changes, &nbsp;we are looking to reiterate the importance and the strength of a neutral Panama Canal. India is certainly a global powerhouse, almost in every aspect, certainly a very important seafaring nation, so being both a big user of the Panama Canal, being a country with a lot of seafarers that go through the Panama Canal, we believe that India's joining the Panama Canal neutrality treaty would certainly strengthen the treaty. We have 40 countries that are members, and adding India, which is about 15% of the global population, would certainly be a good message internationally, obviously for the Panama Canal, but also for India. India is taking a step to perhaps look at an area that is geographically far away, but that is still strategically very important for Indian diplomacy and for Indian commerce.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: Areas of collaboration, there are several. There's education, you are keen that there's an IIT in Panama, this pharma, and then there is, of course, areas like semiconductors. Perhaps you can sum it up as to how you see the areas of collaboration? Carlos Arturo Hoyos: With IIT, often referred to as the MIT of Asia, what we are looking for is for them to have in the region a hub so that they can use Panama as the place where the international students of Latin America can go to study. Because of our connectivity, we have direct flights to almost every capital city in the Americas, and we would be the ideal place for a regional centre for studies. However, that looks, you need to think about Panama, not in the 4.5 million people that live there, but in the more than 400 people that have direct access to it with one single flight. So in that sense, education is a very strong part of our agenda. We are in the process of raising the level of our industrial ambitions and our industrial capacities. India certainly is one of the global leaders in this sense, and what we'd like to do is create a cycle where we have higher education that is aimed at high-level, industrial capabilities, services and intellectual property, which benefits from our logistics, both air, land and sea. Pharma can benefit from the three items that I mentioned, plus the fact that Panama has the most robust Free Trade Agreement structure in the entire American continent.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: So, how do you plan to invite Indian businesses, and why should an Indian businessperson invest in your country? Carlos Arturo Hoyos: So our president has been leading a very strong campaign since he took office on July 1, 2024, to reclaim Panama's position of goodwill, high status, and good reputation. That effort has been fruitful in our very recent exclusion from the EU list on the AML list. This is recognition of the strong political and technical work that has been going on with the President's Leadership and the idea or the ambition behind having this summit, which is being called the Davos of Latin America, organised by the Caf. And this year was the first year it was a massive success. Next year, our inaugural speaker will be President Lula da Silva, from Brazil, a fellow BRICS member.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: How has your country supported India in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack? Carlos Arturo Hoyos: I think we were among the first countries to react. We issued a statement immediately condemning the attack, making sure that our position was very well established and very clear. We continue in this position wholeheartedly. We believe India is a close friend and should not be subject to any type of terrorist activities at all. In this case, it was particularly disturbing that the attacks happened to a group of people who were actually on their way to celebrate life. So our position continues to be one of full support. We commend India for showing such restraint, so as not to elevate the tensions and perhaps escalate the conflict of an already historically complex relationship.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Panama, India is seen as a peace-loving, inclusive society, and it is also important that India shows that it accompanies that with humble strength, which is what we have seen. And I think that is very respectable. We fully support India's position in this sense that the attacks are completely heinous, and we will continue now in our presidency of the United Nations Security Council in the month of August. So this Friday, Panama will officially become president of the Security Council for a full month. And these subjects will obviously be part of the agenda, and we have to make sure that every country understands that it has our responsibility to take care of its territory, and to not foster this type of activity in any way, shape or form because it's unacceptable.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: How has Panama supported India on Kashmir and supported India's right to defend? Carlos Arturo Hoyos: We fully respect India's right to protect itself, and protecting itself also means to deter other actors from thinking that they can commit such acts and then they will go unpunished. The rule of law and respect for state and international law need to be accompanied by a reciprocal respect that is a basis of international relations.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: Last question on this subject itself, what's your relationship with Pakistan? Because here in India, Pakistan is seen as an epicentre of terrorism, the country that has been involved in cross-border terrorism in India, Carlos Arturo Hoyos: We have diplomatic relations with Pakistan. They are currently a member of the UN Security Council. We have a respectful relationship with them. We understand that it's a country that has gone through a lot of difficulties in terms of terrorism and groups that have been operating in its territory. So it is a very difficult challenge, and I believe the world should support any government action that Pakistan takes in order to eliminate these groups from operating within its borders. So hopefully they are on the same page as the rest of the world is with that, and that the tensions with its neighbours, and especially with India, don't escalate. &nbsp;We know that the issue is structural; it goes back to the partition. It goes back to why it is two countries where it used to be one. So we know that part, we can somehow empathise being Panamanians and Panama being a department of Colombia for a period of 80 years, how can there be some hard feelings that are lingering in time?&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: What are your key priorities as a UNSC non-permanent member? Your priorities as the president of the UNSC for the month of August? If you can give a general overview. Carlos Arturo Hoyos: Our main subject, especially in the high-level session that will take place on August 11, is going to be on maritime security. So that is going to be the main concern, because of our position, because of the Panama Canal, the reliance of global trade on the Panama Canal, and we also have a big responsibility on other committees that we need to make sure are going. So, for example, Al Shabaab in Somalia, we currently preside over that committee, so we need to make sure that action is being taken. The same with the 1540 Committee, which is the Non-Proliferation Committee. This is a very important one that we're also co-penning, and in this committee, we need to make sure that all members, not just UN Security Council members, are aware of the importance of resolution 1540, and Non-Proliferation, non-financing.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: And what's your view of the chance of the UNSC reforms? Because India has been very keen on UNSC reforms. It's the fifth-largest economy, the most populated country on the planet, but it's not at the high table. It's not a permanent member. So what's your stance on that?&nbsp; Carlos Arturo Hoyos: I think India welcomed our Foreign Minister's remarks when the high-level parliamentary delegation went to visited, that Panama would support the inclusion of India as a permanent member in the UN Security Council. The United Nations is turning 80 years old now, so it's probably time for honest introspection by all the members, and an important figure, for example, is that the United Nations has 3600 mandates. Now these mandates probably overlap and overstep into each other, so the UN has to be able to evolve like any institution, to make up for or take into account the current global situations. And I believe India's case for being a permanent member is quite clear. Apart from what you mentioned, he is a very well-respected member of the international community. It's a leader in many respects, and not in the least in a political respect. It's a great moment for Indian leadership in the world. You have a prime minister who is widely regarded as a great figure and as a great leader.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: You have 15,000 people who are of Indian origin, Indian diaspora, which is the largest in the Central American region. So, if you can perhaps give a slight overview, a sense of how the Indians have been part of Panama society. Carlos Arturo Hoyos: So, Panama has been a place of transit for hundreds of years. If you go back even to the colonial times, it was a place of transit between the gold mines in Peru, then to Panama, and then to Spain, and obviously, people from Spain and from the Caribbean and the colonies down to the new colonies in the south. The Indian diaspora, which, as you said, numbers 15,000 and it's quite active, has been successful on all fronts. They are very proactive in the business community. They are very proactive religiously. They are cultural reminders of their ancestral home, so that part, they keep alive, and we enjoy quite a lot. I was joking with the ambassador that the best samosas in the world are not made in India, but in Panama by Panamanian Indians.

Panama Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Arturo Hoyos, who is in India for key talks, has backed right of India to defend after the Pahalgam terror attack and emphasised the need to act on terrorism. He said he fully respects India right to protect itself and protect itself.

Panama's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Arturo Hoyos, who is in India for key talks, has backed India's right to defend after the Pahalgam terror attack and emphasised the need to act on terrorism. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal in Delhi, he said, "We fully respect India's right to protect itself and protect itself also means to deter other actors from thinking that they can commit such acts and then they will go unpunished". Panama is a non-permanent member of the UNSC and will be the President of the council starting Friday. The minister, terming India a "close friend", hoped that India could establish an IIT in his country and join the Panama Canal Neutrality Treaty, which ensures that the Panama Canal remains neutral, open both in peacetime and wartime. During the Delhi visit, he met with the minister of state in the Ministry of External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita and held key UN talks with Secretary West Tanmaya Lal. Full interview: Sidhant Sibal: How do you characterise the relationship between the two countries? Carlos Arturo Hoyos: I think it's a fantastic relationship, a historical relationship that we are looking to strengthen, and we are looking for more closeness. We received a high-level parliamentary delegation led by His Excellency, Mr. Shashi Tharoor, and we had some Distinguished Members of Parliament with whom we engaged. We had a great conversation on how we can make our relationship more dynamic. In Panama, we have a very important, thriving Indian community. They are Panamanian Indians, in the second, third, and fourth generation, and they are people who create jobs, have big businesses, and as Panamanian citizens, are commercially, culturally, and politically active. So we are hoping to leverage pre-existing friendships to make sure that we take it to the next level. And what is the next level? I would say it is more political cohesiveness, it is more commercial relationship, is a mutual investment. We would certainly like to see more Indian companies come to Panama and invest and benefit from our great logistics hub. We are certainly at the centre of the American continent, and we have a lot to offer to the Indian community in general, but Indian businesses that I'm sure will be very attractive. Sidhant Sibal: You also want India to join a certain protocol that is about the neutrality of the Panama Canal. So if you can perhaps explain about this certain protocol and as to how it benefits India as well, and as to how it benefits Panama Carlos Arturo Hoyos: The Panama Canal is the crown jewel, the heart and soul of our country and the Neutrality Treaty, which has been enforced since 1977, when it was signed, is a very important international document that was initially signed between Panama and the United States. Both countries are committed to the treaty. At this period in time, when there are so many changes, we are looking to reiterate the importance and the strength of a neutral Panama Canal. India is certainly a global powerhouse, almost in every aspect, certainly a very important seafaring nation, so being both a big user of the Panama Canal, being a country with a lot of seafarers that go through the Panama Canal, we believe that India's joining the Panama Canal neutrality treaty would certainly strengthen the treaty. We have 40 countries that are members, and adding India, which is about 15% of the global population, would certainly be a good message internationally, obviously for the Panama Canal, but also for India. India is taking a step to perhaps look at an area that is geographically far away, but that is still strategically very important for Indian diplomacy and for Indian commerce. Sidhant Sibal: Areas of collaboration, there are several. There's education, you are keen that there's an IIT in Panama, this pharma, and then there is, of course, areas like semiconductors. Perhaps you can sum it up as to how you see the areas of collaboration? Carlos Arturo Hoyos: With IIT, often referred to as the MIT of Asia, what we are looking for is for them to have in the region a hub so that they can use Panama as the place where the international students of Latin America can go to study. Because of our connectivity, we have direct flights to almost every capital city in the Americas, and we would be the ideal place for a regional centre for studies. However, that looks, you need to think about Panama, not in the 4.5 million people that live there, but in the more than 400 people that have direct access to it with one single flight. So in that sense, education is a very strong part of our agenda. We are in the process of raising the level of our industrial ambitions and our industrial capacities. India certainly is one of the global leaders in this sense, and what we'd like to do is create a cycle where we have higher education that is aimed at high-level, industrial capabilities, services and intellectual property, which benefits from our logistics, both air, land and sea. Pharma can benefit from the three items that I mentioned, plus the fact that Panama has the most robust Free Trade Agreement structure in the entire American continent. Sidhant Sibal: So, how do you plan to invite Indian businesses, and why should an Indian businessperson invest in your country? Carlos Arturo Hoyos: So our president has been leading a very strong campaign since he took office on July 1, 2024, to reclaim Panama's position of goodwill, high status, and good reputation. That effort has been fruitful in our very recent exclusion from the EU list on the AML list. This is recognition of the strong political and technical work that has been going on with the President's Leadership and the idea or the ambition behind having this summit, which is being called the Davos of Latin America, organised by the Caf. And this year was the first year it was a massive success. Next year, our inaugural speaker will be President Lula da Silva, from Brazil, a fellow BRICS member. Sidhant Sibal: How has your country supported India in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack? Carlos Arturo Hoyos: I think we were among the first countries to react. We issued a statement immediately condemning the attack, making sure that our position was very well established and very clear. We continue in this position wholeheartedly. We believe India is a close friend and should not be subject to any type of terrorist activities at all. In this case, it was particularly disturbing that the attacks happened to a group of people who were actually on their way to celebrate life. So our position continues to be one of full support. We commend India for showing such restraint, so as not to elevate the tensions and perhaps escalate the conflict of an already historically complex relationship. In Panama, India is seen as a peace-loving, inclusive society, and it is also important that India shows that it accompanies that with humble strength, which is what we have seen. And I think that is very respectable. We fully support India's position in this sense that the attacks are completely heinous, and we will continue now in our presidency of the United Nations Security Council in the month of August. So this Friday, Panama will officially become president of the Security Council for a full month. And these subjects will obviously be part of the agenda, and we have to make sure that every country understands that it has our responsibility to take care of its territory, and to not foster this type of activity in any way, shape or form because it's unacceptable. Sidhant Sibal: How has Panama supported India on Kashmir and supported India's right to defend? Carlos Arturo Hoyos: We fully respect India's right to protect itself, and protecting itself also means to deter other actors from thinking that they can commit such acts and then they will go unpunished. The rule of law and respect for state and international law need to be accompanied by a reciprocal respect that is a basis of international relations. Sidhant Sibal: Last question on this subject itself, what's your relationship with Pakistan? Because here in India, Pakistan is seen as an epicentre of terrorism, the country that has been involved in cross-border terrorism in India, Carlos Arturo Hoyos: We have diplomatic relations with Pakistan. They are currently a member of the UN Security Council. We have a respectful relationship with them. We understand that it's a country that has gone through a lot of difficulties in terms of terrorism and groups that have been operating in its territory. So it is a very difficult challenge, and I believe the world should support any government action that Pakistan takes in order to eliminate these groups from operating within its borders. So hopefully they are on the same page as the rest of the world is with that, and that the tensions with its neighbours, and especially with India, don't escalate. We know that the issue is structural; it goes back to the partition. It goes back to why it is two countries where it used to be one. So we know that part, we can somehow empathise being Panamanians and Panama being a department of Colombia for a period of 80 years, how can there be some hard feelings that are lingering in time? Sidhant Sibal: What are your key priorities as a UNSC non-permanent member? Your priorities as the president of the UNSC for the month of August? If you can give a general overview. Carlos Arturo Hoyos: Our main subject, especially in the high-level session that will take place on August 11, is going to be on maritime security. So that is going to be the main concern, because of our position, because of the Panama Canal, the reliance of global trade on the Panama Canal, and we also have a big responsibility on other committees that we need to make sure are going. So, for example, Al Shabaab in Somalia, we currently preside over that committee, so we need to make sure that action is being taken. The same with the 1540 Committee, which is the Non-Proliferation Committee. This is a very important one that we're also co-penning, and in this committee, we need to make sure that all members, not just UN Security Council members, are aware of the importance of resolution 1540, and Non-Proliferation, non-financing. Sidhant Sibal: And what's your view of the chance of the UNSC reforms? Because India has been very keen on UNSC reforms. It's the fifth-largest economy, the most populated country on the planet, but it's not at the high table. It's not a permanent member. So what's your stance on that? Carlos Arturo Hoyos: I think India welcomed our Foreign Minister's remarks when the high-level parliamentary delegation went to visited, that Panama would support the inclusion of India as a permanent member in the UN Security Council. The United Nations is turning 80 years old now, so it's probably time for honest introspection by all the members, and an important figure, for example, is that the United Nations has 3600 mandates. Now these mandates probably overlap and overstep into each other, so the UN has to be able to evolve like any institution, to make up for or take into account the current global situations. And I believe India's case for being a permanent member is quite clear. Apart from what you mentioned, he is a very well-respected member of the international community. It's a leader in many respects, and not in the least in a political respect. It's a great moment for Indian leadership in the world. You have a prime minister who is widely regarded as a great figure and as a great leader. Sidhant Sibal: You have 15,000 people who are of Indian origin, Indian diaspora, which is the largest in the Central American region. So, if you can perhaps give a slight overview, a sense of how the Indians have been part of Panama society. Carlos Arturo Hoyos: So, Panama has been a place of transit for hundreds of years. If you go back even to the colonial times, it was a place of transit between the gold mines in Peru, then to Panama, and then to Spain, and obviously, people from Spain and from the Caribbean and the colonies down to the new colonies in the south. The Indian diaspora, which, as you said, numbers 15,000 and it's quite active, has been successful on all fronts. They are very proactive in the business community. They are very proactive religiously. They are cultural reminders of their ancestral home, so that part, they keep alive, and we enjoy quite a lot. I was joking with the ambassador that the best samosas in the world are not made in India, but in Panama by Panamanian Indians.

Panama's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Arturo Hoyos, who is in India for key talks, has backed India's right to defend after the Pahalgam terror attack and emphasised the need to act on terrorism. He said, “We fully respect India's right to protect itself and protect itself.”&nbsp;

We respect India's right to defend, says Panama on Pahalgam terror attack

China launched Pakistan's Remote Sensing Satellite (PRSS-01) into its present orbit on Thursday, July 31, aboard a Kuaizhou‑1A (KZ‑1A) rocket from its Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in Sichuan. The satellite successfully reached its planned orbit just minutes after its launch. Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), in collaboration with Indonesia-based Microsat China and state-owned China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), has achieved this feat. The satellite is supposed to enhance Pakistan's capability to respond to natural disasters. It also marks another milestone in the ever-enhancing cooperation in aerospace technology between China and Pakistan. However, questions will be raised in New Delhi as Pakistan's enhanced imaging capacity with the help of China is a security threat to India.<h2>Possible uses of PRSS-01</h2>It is Pakistan's fourth Earth observational satellite under the URAAN programme. It will be able to produce high-resolution images that will be used in vital tasks like disaster management, such as floods, landslides, and glacier melt; agricultural monitoring, deforestation tracking, and climate resilience planning; urban infrastructure, land-use surveys, and transportation mapping. This satellite is expected to bring the environmental monitoring capacity of Pakistan close to the level of developed nations.&nbsp; Before PRSS-01, Pakistan had other satellites like Badr Satellite Series (Badr-A, Badr-B) for low Earth orbit, PakTES-1A.<h2>Why PRSS-01 should concern India</h2>Even though touted for civilian utility, PRSS-01 has the capability to capture high-resolution images from approximately 1 m or better. Earlier, Pakistan had installed the PakTES-1A, which had very low-resolution images from 2.5-5 meters. This makes PRSS-01 a significant improvement, making it detailed enough for surveillance of military bases, radar installations, troops and vehicle movement. Even though no clear definition of a data sharing agreement between China and Pakistan is reported, but being built and launched using Chinese infrastructure, China might possibly retain the visuals from the satellite. Thus, making sensitive regions like Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Arunachal Pradesh more vulnerable.India does possess better satellite capabilities with a plethora of options like RISAT series, Cartosat Series, EMISAT, GSAT &amp; GSAT-7 Series, and &nbsp;Hyperspectral &amp; Infrared imaging instruments. Some of these are dedicated to strategic and border monitoring. Thus making it capable of day/night, all weather, ultra high resolution monitoring. Pakistan's recent satellite is a step towards bridging the technological divide. However, with improved technology, Pakistan is less reliant on commercial satellites like Maxar to produce images for regions within India. So it indeed is a security concern for India.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With the launch of PRSS-01, Pakistan has increased its imaging capability in South Asia, the Middle East, parts of Africa and China. Even though touted for civilian purposes, it has significant military and strategic capabilities. Does it pose any security threat to India? 

China launched Pakistan's Remote Sensing Satellite (PRSS-01) into its present orbit on Thursday, July 31, aboard a Kuaizhou‑1A (KZ‑1A) rocket from its Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in Sichuan. The satellite successfully reached its planned orbit just minutes after its launch. Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), in collaboration with Indonesia-based Microsat China and state-owned China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), has achieved this feat. The satellite is supposed to enhance Pakistan's capability to respond to natural disasters. It also marks another milestone in the ever-enhancing cooperation in aerospace technology between China and Pakistan. However, questions will be raised in New Delhi as Pakistan's enhanced imaging capacity with the help of China is a security threat to India. Possible uses of PRSS-01 It is Pakistan's fourth Earth observational satellite under the URAAN programme. It will be able to produce high-resolution images that will be used in vital tasks like disaster management, such as floods, landslides, and glacier melt; agricultural monitoring, deforestation tracking, and climate resilience planning; urban infrastructure, land-use surveys, and transportation mapping. This satellite is expected to bring the environmental monitoring capacity of Pakistan close to the level of developed nations. Before PRSS-01, Pakistan had other satellites like Badr Satellite Series (Badr-A, Badr-B) for low Earth orbit, PakTES-1A. Why PRSS-01 should concern India Even though touted for civilian utility, PRSS-01 has the capability to capture high-resolution images from approximately 1 m or better. Earlier, Pakistan had installed the PakTES-1A, which had very low-resolution images from 2.5-5 meters. This makes PRSS-01 a significant improvement, making it detailed enough for surveillance of military bases, radar installations, troops and vehicle movement. Even though no clear definition of a data sharing agreement between China and Pakistan is reported, but being built and launched using Chinese infrastructure, China might possibly retain the visuals from the satellite. Thus, making sensitive regions like Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Arunachal Pradesh more vulnerable. India does possess better satellite capabilities with a plethora of options like RISAT series, Cartosat Series, EMISAT, GSAT & GSAT-7 Series, and Hyperspectral & Infrared imaging instruments. Some of these are dedicated to strategic and border monitoring. Thus making it capable of day/night, all weather, ultra high resolution monitoring. Pakistan's recent satellite is a step towards bridging the technological divide. However, with improved technology, Pakistan is less reliant on commercial satellites like Maxar to produce images for regions within India. So it indeed is a security concern for India.

With the launch of PRSS-01, Pakistan has increased its imaging capability in South Asia, the Middle East, parts of Africa and China. Even though touted for civilian purposes, it has significant military and strategic capabilities. Does it pose any security threat to India?&nbsp;

China puts Pakistan’s remote sensing satellite-01 into space: Should India be worried about this?

The Supreme Court on Thursday set aside the Telangana High Court's order that had stayed disqualification proceedings against 10 Bharat Rashtra Samithi MLAs who defected to the Congress. The court asked Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar to decide on the MLAs' disqualification within three months.&nbsp;BRS working president KT Rama Rao hailed the Supreme Court's decision, saying the CJI (BR Gavai) ensured that the democratic structure of the country wasn't eroded by malicious methods.&nbsp;"I hope Rahul Gandhi, who in his ‘Panch Nyay’ advocated for stronger anti-defection laws and automatic cancellation upon defection, will welcome this decision. I dare you to stand by your preachings, Mr Gandhi!” Rao wrote on X.&nbsp;He said that he hoped that the ruling Congress wouldn't use the Speaker's post to "make a mockery of the Indian constitution". He said the 10 MLAs had switched to the Congress illegitimately.&nbsp;The Congress enjoys a majority in Telangana with 64 MLAs in the 119-strong assembly. The BRS has 39 MLAs. Even if these 10 MLAs are disqualified, the Congress government will remain safe.&nbsp;BRS MLC Dasoju Sravan told The Indian Express that the Supreme Court's ruling was a tight slap on the face of "perpetrators of injustice and those who do not abide by the Constitution”.&nbsp;Reddy declared in March on the floor of the Telangana assembly that there would be no bypolls even if BRS legislators defected.&nbsp;The Congress told the newspaper that it had been prepared for the bypolls for three months. It also welcomed the court verdict.

The Supreme Court on Thursday set aside the Telangana High Court's order that had stayed disqualification proceedings against 10 Bharat Rashtra Samithi MLAs who defected to the Congress.

The Supreme Court on Thursday set aside the Telangana High Court's order that had stayed disqualification proceedings against 10 Bharat Rashtra Samithi MLAs who defected to the Congress. The court asked Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar to decide on the MLAs' disqualification within three months. BRS working president KT Rama Rao hailed the Supreme Court's decision, saying the CJI (BR Gavai) ensured that the democratic structure of the country wasn't eroded by malicious methods. "I hope Rahul Gandhi, who in his ‘Panch Nyay’ advocated for stronger anti-defection laws and automatic cancellation upon defection, will welcome this decision. I dare you to stand by your preachings, Mr Gandhi!” Rao wrote on X. He said that he hoped that the ruling Congress wouldn't use the Speaker's post to "make a mockery of the Indian constitution". He said the 10 MLAs had switched to the Congress illegitimately. The Congress enjoys a majority in Telangana with 64 MLAs in the 119-strong assembly. The BRS has 39 MLAs. Even if these 10 MLAs are disqualified, the Congress government will remain safe. BRS MLC Dasoju Sravan told The Indian Express that the Supreme Court's ruling was a tight slap on the face of "perpetrators of injustice and those who do not abide by the Constitution”. Reddy declared in March on the floor of the Telangana assembly that there would be no bypolls even if BRS legislators defected. The Congress told the newspaper that it had been prepared for the bypolls for three months. It also welcomed the court verdict.

BRS working president KT Rama Rao hailed the Supreme Court's decision.

Supreme Court asks Telangana Speaker to decide on defected BRS MLAs' disqualification in 3 months

The Congress on Thursday reacted to Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's statement in the parliament on Donald Trump's sensational tariff imposition on India, alleging that he engaged in “misplaced self-congratulation”.&nbsp;Jairam Ramesh, in a strongly worded remark on X, said the minister "hardly touched upon" the tariffs clamped on India because of "the failure to clinch a trade deal with the United States".&nbsp;Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a 25 percent tariff for India for purchasing oil and weapons from Russia.&nbsp;"Today, the Commerce Minister made a non-statement on President Trump and the US tariff issue in both Houses of the Parliament. All he engaged in was misplaced self-congratulation. The real issues thrown up by the failure to clinch a trade deal with the US, the imposition of a 25% tariff on Indian imports by the US, and additional penalties for engaging in trade with Russia and Iran were hardly touched upon. The concerns and sentiments of Indian businesses were simply not addressed," Jairam Ramesh wrote on X.&nbsp;Jairam Ramesh wrote that India faced new and huge challenges with the United States. He also took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying his friendship with Trump proved to be "completely hollow".&nbsp;"It is abundantly clear that India faces new and huge challenges with the US now. Prime Minister Modi had banked on his much-vaunted personal friendship with President Trump. This has proved to be completely hollow," he added.&nbsp;Jairam Ramesh said the Indian economy has never really recovered from the twin shocks of a bizarre demonetization and a fundamentally flawed GST.&nbsp;"The growth rate of the Indian economy will simply not accelerate with current levels of private corporate investment and current levels of private consumption. The Modi government’s policies are responsible for this twin deficit," he added.&nbsp;Apprising the parliament about the US announcement of tariffs, Piyush Goyal said that his ministry is holding talks with exporters, industry leaders, and all stakeholders, seeking their assessment. He vowed that the government would safeguard India's national interests.&nbsp;"The government is examining the impact of the recent events. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is holding talks with exporters, industries, and all stakeholders and gathering information on their assessment of this issue. The government gives utmost priority to the safeguarding of the welfare of farmers, labourers, entrepreneurs, industrialists, exporters, MSMEs, and stakeholders of the industrial sector. We will take all necessary steps to safeguard our national interest," he added.

The Congress on Thursday reacted to Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's statement in the parliament on Donald Trump's sensational tariff imposition, alleging that he engaged in "misplaced self-congratulation".

The Congress on Thursday reacted to Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's statement in the parliament on Donald Trump's sensational tariff imposition on India, alleging that he engaged in “misplaced self-congratulation”. Jairam Ramesh, in a strongly worded remark on X, said the minister "hardly touched upon" the tariffs clamped on India because of "the failure to clinch a trade deal with the United States". Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a 25 percent tariff for India for purchasing oil and weapons from Russia. "Today, the Commerce Minister made a non-statement on President Trump and the US tariff issue in both Houses of the Parliament. All he engaged in was misplaced self-congratulation. The real issues thrown up by the failure to clinch a trade deal with the US, the imposition of a 25% tariff on Indian imports by the US, and additional penalties for engaging in trade with Russia and Iran were hardly touched upon. The concerns and sentiments of Indian businesses were simply not addressed," Jairam Ramesh wrote on X. Jairam Ramesh wrote that India faced new and huge challenges with the United States. He also took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying his friendship with Trump proved to be "completely hollow". "It is abundantly clear that India faces new and huge challenges with the US now. Prime Minister Modi had banked on his much-vaunted personal friendship with President Trump. This has proved to be completely hollow," he added. Jairam Ramesh said the Indian economy has never really recovered from the twin shocks of a bizarre demonetization and a fundamentally flawed GST. "The growth rate of the Indian economy will simply not accelerate with current levels of private corporate investment and current levels of private consumption. The Modi government’s policies are responsible for this twin deficit," he added. Apprising the parliament about the US announcement of tariffs, Piyush Goyal said that his ministry is holding talks with exporters, industry leaders, and all stakeholders, seeking their assessment. He vowed that the government would safeguard India's national interests. "The government is examining the impact of the recent events. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is holding talks with exporters, industries, and all stakeholders and gathering information on their assessment of this issue. The government gives utmost priority to the safeguarding of the welfare of farmers, labourers, entrepreneurs, industrialists, exporters, MSMEs, and stakeholders of the industrial sector. We will take all necessary steps to safeguard our national interest," he added.

Donald Trump tariff: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal&nbsp;

Congress slams Piyush Goyal's statement on Trump tariff shocker: 'Misplaced self-congratulation'

After an investigation was launched into the Dharamshala mass burial in Karnataka, the authorities have found human remains from a suspected burial site. This is the first achievement in the case where tangible forensic evidence has been recovered since the probe began. The probe was launched after a former sanitation worker alleged that he was forced to bury multiple bodies of sexual assault victims nearly a decade ago at various locations. He complained on July 4 at the Dharamshala police station, after which a Special Investigation Team (SIT) &nbsp;was formed on July 19 to probe the case. &nbsp;&nbsp;The SIT dug multiple sites as part of the investigation but found nothing. &nbsp;But on Tuesday (July 29), the team dug an eight-foot deep and 15-foot wide hole at a location identified by the complainant and found a breakthrough in the case. it was the sixth spot where the team found human skeletal remains.&nbsp;The forensic experts have said that the remains found at the site were of a male. The SIT said the final opinion will be given only after forensic examination of the bones. The complainant has said that he buried around 100 bodies between 1995 and 2014 that belonged to sexual assault victims.&nbsp;When the team was digging the first site, they found a debit card of a woman and a PAN card of a man. The investigation team tracked down the family of the man whose PAN card was recovered. Regarding the Rupay debit card that was in the name of a woman, an SIT officer said: “The bank is yet to provide us with her details and cross-verification of her whereabouts is still underway.” The PAN card belonged to a man named Suresh, who hailed from Nelamangala taluk in Bengaluru Rural district and died of jaundice in March 2025 at his native village, and the last rites were conducted there. The SIT team reached his house, and the family confirmed the same. The team speculated that the man might have visited Dharmshala before his death.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the chilling case of mass burial in Bengaluru, the SIT has found human bone remains and IDs at the site where over 100 sexual assault victims were buried in 1995 and 2014. 

After an investigation was launched into the Dharamshala mass burial in Karnataka, the authorities have found human remains from a suspected burial site. This is the first achievement in the case where tangible forensic evidence has been recovered since the probe began. The probe was launched after a former sanitation worker alleged that he was forced to bury multiple bodies of sexual assault victims nearly a decade ago at various locations. He complained on July 4 at the Dharamshala police station, after which a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed on July 19 to probe the case. The SIT dug multiple sites as part of the investigation but found nothing. But on Tuesday (July 29), the team dug an eight-foot deep and 15-foot wide hole at a location identified by the complainant and found a breakthrough in the case. it was the sixth spot where the team found human skeletal remains. The forensic experts have said that the remains found at the site were of a male. The SIT said the final opinion will be given only after forensic examination of the bones. The complainant has said that he buried around 100 bodies between 1995 and 2014 that belonged to sexual assault victims. When the team was digging the first site, they found a debit card of a woman and a PAN card of a man. The investigation team tracked down the family of the man whose PAN card was recovered. Regarding the Rupay debit card that was in the name of a woman, an SIT officer said: “The bank is yet to provide us with her details and cross-verification of her whereabouts is still underway.” The PAN card belonged to a man named Suresh, who hailed from Nelamangala taluk in Bengaluru Rural district and died of jaundice in March 2025 at his native village, and the last rites were conducted there. The SIT team reached his house, and the family confirmed the same. The team speculated that the man might have visited Dharmshala before his death.

In the chilling case of mass burial in Bengaluru, the SIT has found human bone remains and IDs at the site where over 100 sexual assault victims were buried in 1995 and 2014.&nbsp;

Bengaluru mass burial case: SIT finds human remains, IDs at site where 100 sexual assault victims were 'buried' in 1995

Air India's Boeing flight, bound from Delhi to London, aborted takeoff at the Delhi airport on Thursday (July 31) due to a technical issue. The cockpit crew halted the takeoff and carried out precautionary checks as per the standard protocols.The airline spokesperson issued a statement, saying that the cockpit crew decided to discontinue the takeoff for precautionary checks.“Flight AI2017 operating from Delhi to London on 31 July returned to the bay due to a suspected technical issue. The cockpit crew decided to discontinue the take-off run following standard operating procedures and brought the aircraft back for precautionary checks," an Air India spokesperson said.The spokesperson added that an alternative aircraft is being deployed to fly the passengers to London at the earliest."Our ground staff is extending all support and care to the guests to minimise inconvenience caused due to this unexpected delay. At Air India, the safety and well-being of our passengers remain the top priority," the spokesperson said.However, the details of the passengers could not be ascertained yet.According to reports, India’s aviation regulator has found 51 safety violations at Air India over the past year during its annual inspection of all commercial airlines. Although not linked to last month’s fatal Boeing 787 crash that killed 260 people, the audit findings have renewed scrutiny of the national carrier.According to the audit, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) flagged 263 safety issues across eight Indian airlines. &nbsp;Of these, Air India had the second-highest number of lapses (51), including seven Level 1 findings, the most serious classification, and 44 Level 2 lapses.Later, Air India responded to the safety violations as the spokesperson said the airline was “fully transparent” during the audit process and added that these checks are routine for all airlines.“We acknowledge receipt of the findings and will submit our response to the regulator within the stipulated time frame, along with the details of the corrective actions taken,” the airline said.

The airline spokesperson issued a statement, saying that the cockpit crew decided to discontinue the takeoff for precautionary checks.

Air India's Boeing flight, bound from Delhi to London, aborted takeoff at the Delhi airport on Thursday (July 31) due to a technical issue. The cockpit crew halted the takeoff and carried out precautionary checks as per the standard protocols. The airline spokesperson issued a statement, saying that the cockpit crew decided to discontinue the takeoff for precautionary checks. “Flight AI2017 operating from Delhi to London on 31 July returned to the bay due to a suspected technical issue. The cockpit crew decided to discontinue the take-off run following standard operating procedures and brought the aircraft back for precautionary checks," an Air India spokesperson said. The spokesperson added that an alternative aircraft is being deployed to fly the passengers to London at the earliest. "Our ground staff is extending all support and care to the guests to minimise inconvenience caused due to this unexpected delay. At Air India, the safety and well-being of our passengers remain the top priority," the spokesperson said. However, the details of the passengers could not be ascertained yet. According to reports, India’s aviation regulator has found 51 safety violations at Air India over the past year during its annual inspection of all commercial airlines. Although not linked to last month’s fatal Boeing 787 crash that killed 260 people, the audit findings have renewed scrutiny of the national carrier. According to the audit, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) flagged 263 safety issues across eight Indian airlines. Of these, Air India had the second-highest number of lapses (51), including seven Level 1 findings, the most serious classification, and 44 Level 2 lapses. Later, Air India responded to the safety violations as the spokesperson said the airline was “fully transparent” during the audit process and added that these checks are routine for all airlines. “We acknowledge receipt of the findings and will submit our response to the regulator within the stipulated time frame, along with the details of the corrective actions taken,” the airline said.

The airline spokesperson issued a statement, saying that the cockpit crew decided to discontinue the takeoff for precautionary checks.

Air India flight aborts take off: Delhi-London flight returns to bay - Here's what we know

BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur has been acquitted in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case by a special court in Mumbai on Thursday (July 31). With her, the six other people who were accused in the case were also announced as acquitted. While giving the judgment, the court said the acquittal was due to a lack of credible evidence, not proof of innocence.The 55-year-old politician hails from India’s Madhya Pradesh and came into the limelight after stirring multiple controversies.<h2>‘Keep knives sharp’</h2>In December 2022, Thakur, while commenting on the murder of a Bajarang Dal activist in Shivamogga during a public speech in Karnataka, said, “Keep weapons in your homes. At least keep the knives used to cut vegetables sharp … Just like how knives cut the vegetables, it will also chop the mouth and heads.”&nbsp;The statement led her into a major row, and she was heavily criticised for trying to trigger communal violence.<h2>Objectionable comment on Hemant Karkare</h2>During the 2019 election in the country, Thakur stirred controversy after she compared Hemant Karkare, an Ashok Chakra awardee (the Highest honour in India for bravery) and former Maharashtra anti-terrorism squad (ATS) chief, with Ravan and Kans (antagonists in Hindu mythology). Karkare was killed during the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. Thakur commented on his death and said he was killed due to her curse for accusing her of involvement in the Malegaon bomb blast case.<h2>Called Godse a patriot</h2>In a debate on the Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill, the DMK's A Raja was giving a reference to Nathuram Godse on why he killed Mahatma Gandhi. Thakur cut him in and said, “You cannot give the example of a deshbhakt.” The statement led her and her party into trouble, due to which the BJP removed her from the position of consultative committee on defence and did not let her participate in the parliamentary party meeting during the 2019 winter session of Parliament.<h2>‘Cow urine can cure Covid’</h2>While the whole world was facing the global pandemic due to COVID-19, Thakur said that our urine extract protects against coronavirus and lung infections. She said she consumed cow urine every day and did not require any vaccine or medicine.<h2>‘The face of Hindu terror’</h2>Thursday's ruling is a possible end to the 17-year-long trial for Thakur. Once labelled the face of 'Hindu terror,' she was accused of arranging manpower for the attack, while Lt Col Prasad Purohit was accused of supplying the explosives. The duo, along with five others.&nbsp;

BJP MP Pragya Thakur was acquitted on July 31 in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case by a special court in Mumbai. The 55-year-old politician has long been in controversy due to her statement. She has also been accused of triggering communal violence multiple times.  

BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur has been acquitted in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case by a special court in Mumbai on Thursday (July 31). With her, the six other people who were accused in the case were also announced as acquitted. While giving the judgment, the court said the acquittal was due to a lack of credible evidence, not proof of innocence.The 55-year-old politician hails from India’s Madhya Pradesh and came into the limelight after stirring multiple controversies. ‘Keep knives sharp’ In December 2022, Thakur, while commenting on the murder of a Bajarang Dal activist in Shivamogga during a public speech in Karnataka, said, “Keep weapons in your homes. At least keep the knives used to cut vegetables sharp … Just like how knives cut the vegetables, it will also chop the mouth and heads.” The statement led her into a major row, and she was heavily criticised for trying to trigger communal violence. Objectionable comment on Hemant Karkare During the 2019 election in the country, Thakur stirred controversy after she compared Hemant Karkare, an Ashok Chakra awardee (the Highest honour in India for bravery) and former Maharashtra anti-terrorism squad (ATS) chief, with Ravan and Kans (antagonists in Hindu mythology). Karkare was killed during the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. Thakur commented on his death and said he was killed due to her curse for accusing her of involvement in the Malegaon bomb blast case. Called Godse a patriot In a debate on the Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill, the DMK's A Raja was giving a reference to Nathuram Godse on why he killed Mahatma Gandhi. Thakur cut him in and said, “You cannot give the example of a deshbhakt.” The statement led her and her party into trouble, due to which the BJP removed her from the position of consultative committee on defence and did not let her participate in the parliamentary party meeting during the 2019 winter session of Parliament. ‘Cow urine can cure Covid’ While the whole world was facing the global pandemic due to COVID-19, Thakur said that our urine extract protects against coronavirus and lung infections. She said she consumed cow urine every day and did not require any vaccine or medicine. ‘The face of Hindu terror’ Thursday's ruling is a possible end to the 17-year-long trial for Thakur. Once labelled the face of 'Hindu terror,' she was accused of arranging manpower for the attack, while Lt Col Prasad Purohit was accused of supplying the explosives. The duo, along with five others.

BJP MP Pragya Thakur was acquitted on July 31 in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case by a special court in Mumbai. The 55-year-old politician has long been in controversy due to her statement. She has also been accused of triggering communal violence multiple times. &nbsp;

'Patriot' Godse, 'keep knives sharp': List of controversies around Pragya Thakur, acquitted in Malegaon bomb blast case

India has stood firm in its trade negotiations with the US, prioritising its national interests and protecting domestic industries. This is probably what's frustrating President Donald Trump, who announced 25 per cent tariffs and additional penalties on India, citing trade gap, high tariffs as well as non-tariff barriers, and trade in arms and energy with Russia. An Indian team has been negotiating with the US counterparts for a trade deal - reportedy to be worth nearly $118 billion - to avert the tariffs, but the Trump deadline of August 1 is unlikely to be met. There are some crucial sectors of Indian economy on which Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government will not compromise. This is both to protect domestic industries, and to prevent political fallout and possible criticism of selling out to the US.&nbsp;<h2>India won't rush into a trade deal with US</h2>Addressing parliament on Thursday (July 31), Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said the government "will protect the interests of our farmers, small industries and entrepreneurs."He said India will not rush into an agreement just to meet Trump's deadlines and will only accept a deal that aligns with its national interests.<h2>Protecting the Indian farmer: Agricultural sector safeguards are important for both Indian economy and politics</h2>India is keen to safeguard its farming sector, where the US has been seeking greater market access for products like maize, soybean and corn. Another issue of contention is genetically modified (GM) crops, which India has been resisting. More about it later. Allowing such imports in large amounts will hit domestic farmers as well as food security. In trade deals with other countries also, India has consistently avoided tariff concessions on major agricultural products. The thrust has always been on protecting millions of Indian small farmers in order to ensure food security.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-tariffs-could-disrupt-118bn-in-india-us-trade-india-braces-for-25-tariff-hit-1753958648484/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-tariffs-could-disrupt-118bn-in-india-us-trade-india-braces-for-25-tariff-hit-1753958648484/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>India has a red line on dairy sector</h2>Diary products are another 'non-negotiable red line' for India. India has refused to allow imports of US dairy products, including so-called 'non-vegetarian milk' (possibly from animals fed with certain kinds of feeds or hormones). India wants to protect its dairy farmers and make the domestic market stable. Not just the US, but India has not given duty concessions for dairy products in any of its free trade agreements.<h2>Genetically Modified (GM) Crops: A controversial territory</h2>GM crops have been a controversial topic in India for decades. India has explicitly rejected American demands to allow imports of GM crops, such as soybean and corn. It could hit Indian agriculture, and affect people's health.<h2>Non-Tariff Barriers and quality control orders</h2>Quality Control Orders are part of the ‘self-reliant India’ initiative, aimed at curbing low-quality imports and promoting domestic manufacturing. The US has raised concerns about QCOs. The other sticking point is NTFs, which block market access to several US products. India, for which both NTBs and QCOs as crucial for protecting its domestic industries, is unlikely to relax them.<h2>Energy Imports are about India's strategic autonomy</h2>In meeting its energy demands, India has been importing from countries the West sees as enemies, particularly Russia and Iran. But India is very clear that national interest will guide its energy purchases. These imports, such as petroleum from Russia, are cheaper for India. India has tied its energy trade with its strategic autonomy. This is not an area India can compromise.&nbsp;These positions align with India’s broader trade policy, which prioritises protecting domestic industries, ensuring food security, and maintaining a favourable trade balance.India, meanwhile, remains open to offering concessions in other areas. This includes cuts in tariffs on automobiles and American whiskey, or duty concessions for textiles, leather, footwear, and auto parts.

The Trump deadline of August 1 for a trade deal with India is unlikely to be met. There are some crucial sectors of Indian economy on which Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government will not compromise. Here is why

India has stood firm in its trade negotiations with the US, prioritising its national interests and protecting domestic industries. This is probably what's frustrating President Donald Trump, who announced 25 per cent tariffs and additional penalties on India, citing trade gap, high tariffs as well as non-tariff barriers, and trade in arms and energy with Russia. An Indian team has been negotiating with the US counterparts for a trade deal - reportedy to be worth nearly $118 billion - to avert the tariffs, but the Trump deadline of August 1 is unlikely to be met. There are some crucial sectors of Indian economy on which Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government will not compromise. This is both to protect domestic industries, and to prevent political fallout and possible criticism of selling out to the US. India won't rush into a trade deal with US Addressing parliament on Thursday (July 31), Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said the government "will protect the interests of our farmers, small industries and entrepreneurs." He said India will not rush into an agreement just to meet Trump's deadlines and will only accept a deal that aligns with its national interests. Protecting the Indian farmer: Agricultural sector safeguards are important for both Indian economy and politics India is keen to safeguard its farming sector, where the US has been seeking greater market access for products like maize, soybean and corn. Another issue of contention is genetically modified (GM) crops, which India has been resisting. More about it later. Allowing such imports in large amounts will hit domestic farmers as well as food security. In trade deals with other countries also, India has consistently avoided tariff concessions on major agricultural products. The thrust has always been on protecting millions of Indian small farmers in order to ensure food security. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-tariffs-could-disrupt-118bn-in-india-us-trade-india-braces-for-25-tariff-hit-1753958648484/embed India has a red line on dairy sector Diary products are another 'non-negotiable red line' for India. India has refused to allow imports of US dairy products, including so-called 'non-vegetarian milk' (possibly from animals fed with certain kinds of feeds or hormones). India wants to protect its dairy farmers and make the domestic market stable. Not just the US, but India has not given duty concessions for dairy products in any of its free trade agreements. Genetically Modified (GM) Crops: A controversial territory GM crops have been a controversial topic in India for decades. India has explicitly rejected American demands to allow imports of GM crops, such as soybean and corn. It could hit Indian agriculture, and affect people's health. Non-Tariff Barriers and quality control orders Quality Control Orders are part of the ‘self-reliant India’ initiative, aimed at curbing low-quality imports and promoting domestic manufacturing. The US has raised concerns about QCOs. The other sticking point is NTFs, which block market access to several US products. India, for which both NTBs and QCOs as crucial for protecting its domestic industries, is unlikely to relax them. Energy Imports are about India's strategic autonomy In meeting its energy demands, India has been importing from countries the West sees as enemies, particularly Russia and Iran. But India is very clear that national interest will guide its energy purchases. These imports, such as petroleum from Russia, are cheaper for India. India has tied its energy trade with its strategic autonomy. This is not an area India can compromise. These positions align with India’s broader trade policy, which prioritises protecting domestic industries, ensuring food security, and maintaining a favourable trade balance. India, meanwhile, remains open to offering concessions in other areas. This includes cuts in tariffs on automobiles and American whiskey, or duty concessions for textiles, leather, footwear, and auto parts.

The Trump deadline of August 1 for a trade deal with India is unlikely to be met. There are some crucial sectors of Indian economy on which Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government will not compromise. Here is why

Why Modi will not compromise on trade deal with Trump. These sectors are crucial for Indian economy (and politics)

Reacting to Donald Trump's surprise 25 per cent tariffs on India, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday that the government is examining the event and will take necessary steps to safeguard national interests. Apprising the parliament about the US announcement of tariffs, Goyal said his ministry is holding talks with exporters, industry leaders, and all stakeholders, seeking their assessment of the issue. He said the government is prioritizing safeguarding the interests of farmers, labourers, and MSMEs.&nbsp;"The government is examining the impact of the recent events. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is holding talks with exporters, industries, and all stakeholders and gathering information on their assessment of this issue. The government gives utmost priority to the safeguarding of the welfare of farmers, labourers, entrepreneurs, industrialists, exporters, MSMEs, and stakeholders of the industrial sector. We will take all necessary steps to safeguard our national interest," he said.&nbsp;Hours after Donald Trump said that India is a dead economy, Goyal, without naming the US president, said&nbsp;that the Indian economy was on the way to becoming the third-largest in the world.&nbsp;"In less than a decade, India came out of 'Fragile Five' economies, and it has now become the fastest-growing economy in the world. Based on the hard work of reforms, farmers, MSMEs and industrialists, we have come in the top 5 economies of the world from the 11th largest economy. It is expected that we will be the third-largest economy in a few years. Today, global institutions and economists see India as a bright spot in the global economy," he added.&nbsp;Donald Trump on Wednesday imposed a tariff of 25 per cent on Indian imports for trading with Russia. Today, in a fresh outburst, Trump called Russia and India "dead economies".&nbsp;“I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. We have done very little business with India; their Tariffs are too high, among the highest in the World," Trump wrote on Truth Social.&nbsp;"Likewise, Russia and the USA do almost no business together. Let’s keep it that way, and tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he’s still President, to watch his words. He’s entering very dangerous territory," he added.

Reacting to Donald Trump's surprise 25 per cent tariffs on India, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday that the government is examining the event and will take necessary steps to safeguard national interests.

Reacting to Donald Trump's surprise 25 per cent tariffs on India, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday that the government is examining the event and will take necessary steps to safeguard national interests. Apprising the parliament about the US announcement of tariffs, Goyal said his ministry is holding talks with exporters, industry leaders, and all stakeholders, seeking their assessment of the issue. He said the government is prioritizing safeguarding the interests of farmers, labourers, and MSMEs. "The government is examining the impact of the recent events. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is holding talks with exporters, industries, and all stakeholders and gathering information on their assessment of this issue. The government gives utmost priority to the safeguarding of the welfare of farmers, labourers, entrepreneurs, industrialists, exporters, MSMEs, and stakeholders of the industrial sector. We will take all necessary steps to safeguard our national interest," he said. Hours after Donald Trump said that India is a dead economy, Goyal, without naming the US president, said that the Indian economy was on the way to becoming the third-largest in the world. "In less than a decade, India came out of 'Fragile Five' economies, and it has now become the fastest-growing economy in the world. Based on the hard work of reforms, farmers, MSMEs and industrialists, we have come in the top 5 economies of the world from the 11th largest economy. It is expected that we will be the third-largest economy in a few years. Today, global institutions and economists see India as a bright spot in the global economy," he added. Donald Trump on Wednesday imposed a tariff of 25 per cent on Indian imports for trading with Russia. Today, in a fresh outburst, Trump called Russia and India "dead economies". “I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. We have done very little business with India; their Tariffs are too high, among the highest in the World," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "Likewise, Russia and the USA do almost no business together. Let’s keep it that way, and tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he’s still President, to watch his words. He’s entering very dangerous territory," he added.

Piyush Goyal said his ministry is holding talks with exporters, industry leaders, and all stakeholders, seeking their assessment of the issue.

Hours after Donald Trump's jibe, Piyush Goyal says India fastest-growing economy

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jul 30) announced 25 per cent tariffs on India, starting August 1, 2025. He said that the United States has a massive trade deficit with India, adding that India will also be paying additional penalties due to its trade relations with Russia. The US president’s move has sparked various reactions, including those from netizens, some of whom flooded social media with memes.&nbsp;In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “Remember, while India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the World, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any Country.”&nbsp;Talking about India buying Russian military equipment and oil, he further said, “Also, they have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia's largest buyer of ENERGY, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE — ALL THINGS NOT GOOD! INDIA WILL THEREFORE BE PAYING A TARIFF OF 25%, PLUS A PENALTY FOR THE ABOVE, STARTING ON AUGUST FIRST. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. MAGA!”&nbsp;Here are some humorous memes posted by social media users:&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Bas dosti bani rahe.. <a href="https://t.co/bcY0k8KkbD">pic.twitter.com/bcY0k8KkbD</a>&mdash; Dhruv Rathee (@dhruv_rathee) <a href="https://twitter.com/dhruv_rathee/status/1950573169363800307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">What is this matter <a href="https://twitter.com/grok?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@grok</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/elunmuxk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elunmuxk</a> @nadsgottalent <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WHO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WhoWhatWear?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WhoWhatWear</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/globaltimesnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@globaltimesnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/kgs_live?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kgs_live</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WFP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WFP</a> <a href="https://t.co/QNcfn1Rdiz">pic.twitter.com/QNcfn1Rdiz</a>&mdash; Kunwar Bablu Bind (@KunwarBablubind) <a href="https://twitter.com/KunwarBablubind/status/1950869508349890858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Trump with Pakistan these days..😅 <a href="https://t.co/xECeAYOpap">pic.twitter.com/xECeAYOpap</a>&mdash; Jo Kar (@i_am_gustakh) <a href="https://twitter.com/i_am_gustakh/status/1950784182206001603?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Donald Trump hits India with 25% tariffs 🤡 <a href="https://t.co/NOs1dtOiWm">pic.twitter.com/NOs1dtOiWm</a>&mdash; Homie (@homelander_yyy) <a href="https://twitter.com/homelander_yyy/status/1950592472561721790?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Trump announces 25% tariffs on India. Indian Share Market to Trump: <a href="https://t.co/50SC9qmUW2">pic.twitter.com/50SC9qmUW2</a>&mdash; Shimorekato (@iam_shimorekato) <a href="https://twitter.com/iam_shimorekato/status/1950843351395409989?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Trump puts 25% tarrif on India after calling India as friend😔😔 Modiji:<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Modiji?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Modiji</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrumpTariffs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrumpTariffs</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentTrump?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PresidentTrump</a> <a href="https://t.co/GIQFmgnZMX">pic.twitter.com/GIQFmgnZMX</a>&mdash; INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MEMES (IIM) (@ShubhenduMurari) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShubhenduMurari/status/1950552161211048026?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A meme was also posted by Chinese feature a “Make America Great Again” hat with a label reading “made in China”.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🍿 China Goes In On Trump With Meme Potshots Amid Tariff War <a href="https://t.co/Uhq7mX2Mt0">pic.twitter.com/Uhq7mX2Mt0</a>&mdash; RT_India (@RT_India_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/RT_India_news/status/1910339927520190897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

After US President Donald Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on India, netizens took to social media to post memes.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jul 30) announced 25 per cent tariffs on India, starting August 1, 2025. He said that the United States has a massive trade deficit with India, adding that India will also be paying additional penalties due to its trade relations with Russia. The US president’s move has sparked various reactions, including those from netizens, some of whom flooded social media with memes. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “Remember, while India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the World, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any Country.” Talking about India buying Russian military equipment and oil, he further said, “Also, they have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia's largest buyer of ENERGY, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE — ALL THINGS NOT GOOD! INDIA WILL THEREFORE BE PAYING A TARIFF OF 25%, PLUS A PENALTY FOR THE ABOVE, STARTING ON AUGUST FIRST. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. MAGA!” Here are some humorous memes posted by social media users:

After US President Donald Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on India, netizens took to social media to post memes.

Memes take over social media after Trump imposes 25% tariffs on India

People in India's Uttar Pradesh villages have spotted blinking drones in the sky, triggering paranoia and fear among the civilians. As everybody is on alert there, people have armed themselves and are assembling for night patrolling to keep an eye on what's happening in the villages.&nbsp;Moreover, not just this, videos and forwarded messages on social media have also triggered panic among people.In Kumhera village, a group out on a night patrol said that "drone sightings" began a week ago. They made announcements on a megaphone, saying, "If you spot a drone, please inform the police immediately, or inform us."&nbsp;The fear has created chaos in several villages of Uttar Pradesh, including Rampur, Amhroha, Sambhal, Moradabad, and the villages of Ghaziabad, according to reports.&nbsp;Indian news agency ANI reported that the unverified viral videos on social media show blinking objects flying in the sky, with residents insisting it is a drone “scouting” the area.&nbsp;Moreover, as the people become more aware now, residents of Amirpuri Gharhi have begun asking for verification from those entering the village. “We need to be sure who we are letting in," members of the group, some armed with axes, said.&nbsp;Meanwhile, in Moradabad, people have armed themselves with flashlights and sticks while patrolling at night.The additional SP of Moradabad told ANI that the police have been receiving reports from rural areas about an object that blinks and is being spotted at night.<h2>Police investigation on</h2>The police said that they have received reports of drones flying on Sunday, but as they reached the spot, there was no such activity spotted.&nbsp;However, the police have found no evidence to support the villagers' claims. “However, when our deployed out teams, we didn't find evidence of criminal activity,” SP said.&nbsp;He also said that the police are conducting patrols on a regular basis, and the matter is being investigated.&nbsp;On the other hand, two people in Muzaffarnagar have been arrested for allegedly spreading rumours about drones flying over Kairana town in Shamli, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The fear has created chaos in several villages of Uttar Pradesh, including Rampur, Amhroha, Sambhal, Moradabad, and the villages of Ghaziabad. as the people become more aware now, residents of Amirpuri Gharhi have begun asking for verification from those entering the village. 



People in India's Uttar Pradesh villages have spotted blinking drones in the sky, triggering paranoia and fear among the civilians. As everybody is on alert there, people have armed themselves and are assembling for night patrolling to keep an eye on what's happening in the villages. Moreover, not just this, videos and forwarded messages on social media have also triggered panic among people. In Kumhera village, a group out on a night patrol said that "drone sightings" began a week ago. They made announcements on a megaphone, saying, "If you spot a drone, please inform the police immediately, or inform us." The fear has created chaos in several villages of Uttar Pradesh, including Rampur, Amhroha, Sambhal, Moradabad, and the villages of Ghaziabad, according to reports. Indian news agency ANI reported that the unverified viral videos on social media show blinking objects flying in the sky, with residents insisting it is a drone “scouting” the area. Moreover, as the people become more aware now, residents of Amirpuri Gharhi have begun asking for verification from those entering the village. “We need to be sure who we are letting in," members of the group, some armed with axes, said. Meanwhile, in Moradabad, people have armed themselves with flashlights and sticks while patrolling at night. The additional SP of Moradabad told ANI that the police have been receiving reports from rural areas about an object that blinks and is being spotted at night. Police investigation on The police said that they have received reports of drones flying on Sunday, but as they reached the spot, there was no such activity spotted. However, the police have found no evidence to support the villagers' claims. “However, when our deployed out teams, we didn't find evidence of criminal activity,” SP said. He also said that the police are conducting patrols on a regular basis, and the matter is being investigated. On the other hand, two people in Muzaffarnagar have been arrested for allegedly spreading rumours about drones flying over Kairana town in Shamli, news agency PTI reported.

The fear has created chaos in several villages of Uttar Pradesh, including Rampur, Amhroha, Sambhal, Moradabad, and the villages of Ghaziabad. As people become more aware now, residents of Amirpuri Gharhi have begun asking for verification from those entering the village.&nbsp;

'Blinking drones' spying on India's UP? Villagers go for armed patrol as flying object videos create panic

After US President Donald Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on India, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor called the scenario a very "sirious " matter on Thursday (July 31). He said that the US tariff will "destroy" India's trade with America.&nbsp;“It's a very serious matter for us... 25, plus an unspecified penalty for our buying oil and gas from Russia, it could take it up to 35-45... There's even talk of a 100% penalty, which will destroy our trade with America... The trade negotiations are underway, and there is a possibility that it may come down. If it doesn't, it will damage our exports, because America is a very big market for us,” Tharoor told ANI.&nbsp;He said there was a need for the Trump administration to take India's “needs” into consideration as well. “On the other hand, if their demands are completely unreasonable, our negotiators have every right to resist... America also needs to understand its needs. Our tariffs on America are not that unreasonable. It's about 17% average. American goods are not priced competitively enough to sell in the Indian market,” Throor said. The Congress MP called the India-US trade deal a challenging negotiation and said India is negotiating with many nations. The US is not the only negotiator. We have ongoing negotiations with the EU, we already concluded a deal with the UK, and we are talking with other countries also. If we can't compete in America, we may have to diversify our markets outside of America. We are not out of options,” Tharoor said.&nbsp;He said that if Trump were entirely unreasonable with his demands, then India would have to move elsewhere. “That is the strength of India; we are not a totally export-dependent economy like China. We have a good and strong domestic market. We must give strong support to our negotiators to find the best deal possible. If a good deal is not possible, we may have to walk away..." Throor told the news agency.&nbsp;

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said Donald Trump tariff on India - 25 per cent - is unreasonable and very serious matter for India. He said if Trump does not agree to negotiate, then India will have to move to other countries as it is not out of options. 

After US President Donald Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on India, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor called the scenario a very "sirious " matter on Thursday (July 31). He said that the US tariff will "destroy" India's trade with America. “It's a very serious matter for us... 25, plus an unspecified penalty for our buying oil and gas from Russia, it could take it up to 35-45... There's even talk of a 100% penalty, which will destroy our trade with America... The trade negotiations are underway, and there is a possibility that it may come down. If it doesn't, it will damage our exports, because America is a very big market for us,” Tharoor told ANI. He said there was a need for the Trump administration to take India's “needs” into consideration as well. “On the other hand, if their demands are completely unreasonable, our negotiators have every right to resist... America also needs to understand its needs. Our tariffs on America are not that unreasonable. It's about 17% average. American goods are not priced competitively enough to sell in the Indian market,” Throor said. The Congress MP called the India-US trade deal a challenging negotiation and said India is negotiating with many nations. The US is not the only negotiator. We have ongoing negotiations with the EU, we already concluded a deal with the UK, and we are talking with other countries also. If we can't compete in America, we may have to diversify our markets outside of America. We are not out of options,” Tharoor said. He said that if Trump were entirely unreasonable with his demands, then India would have to move elsewhere. “That is the strength of India; we are not a totally export-dependent economy like China. We have a good and strong domestic market. We must give strong support to our negotiators to find the best deal possible. If a good deal is not possible, we may have to walk away..." Throor told the news agency.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said Donald Trump's tariff on India - 25 per cent - is unreasonable and very serious matter for India. He said if Trump does not agree to negotiate, then India will have to move to other countries as it is not out of options.&nbsp;

Shashi Tharoor calls Trump's tariff ‘completely unreasonable,’ says India is ‘not out of options’ if…

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha (Upper house in Indian Parliament) backed US President Donald Trump’s controversial remarks calling India a “dead economy". He blamed the Centre for refusing to acknowledge the reality and said &nbsp;that 'everybody knows the fact' that Indian economy is in shambles.&nbsp;“Yes, he is right. Everybody knows this except the Prime Minister and the finance minister. Everybody knows that the Indian economy is a dead economy. I am glad that President Trump has stated a fact... The entire world knows that the Indian economy is a dead economy. The BJP has finished the economy to help Adani," said Gandhi to the media.&nbsp;He went on to accuse Prime Minister Narendra Modi of killing the Indian economy and only helping business houses like the Adanis.&nbsp;“PM Modi works only for one person: Adani. This (India-US trade) deal will take place, and PM Modi will do exactly what Trump says. The main issue sitting in front of India today is that the government has destroyed our economy, defence and foreign policy. They are running this country into the ground.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“Everybody knows this except the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister. Everybody knows that the Indian economy is a dead economy. BJP has destroyed the economy to help Adani,” says the Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, calling Trump’s comment a “statement of fact.”… <a href="https://t.co/xsGceagAMj">pic.twitter.com/xsGceagAMj</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1950838782460125499?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

US President Donald Trump after announcing a 25 per cent tariff on India on Wednesday (July 30) took to Truth Social and said US has done “very little” business with India, with very high tariffs and &nbsp;slammed the Indian and Russian economies as “dead”.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. We have done very little business with India, their Tariffs are too high, among the highest in the World. Likewise, Russia and the USA do almost no business together. Let’s keep it that way, and tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he’s still President, to watch his words. He’s entering very dangerous territory!", Trump wrote.&nbsp;Trump earlier reiterated that the US has “massive trade deficit with India.” While acknowledging India as a “friend,” Trump criticised the country for maintaining excessively high tariffs and what he described as “obnoxious” non-monetary trade barriers, which he claimed have hindered US–India trade for years.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi went on to accuse Prime Minister Narendra Modi of killing the Indian economy and only helping business houses like the Adanis.

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha (Upper house in Indian Parliament) backed US President Donald Trump’s controversial remarks calling India a “dead economy". He blamed the Centre for refusing to acknowledge the reality and said that 'everybody knows the fact' that Indian economy is in shambles. “Yes, he is right. Everybody knows this except the Prime Minister and the finance minister. Everybody knows that the Indian economy is a dead economy. I am glad that President Trump has stated a fact... The entire world knows that the Indian economy is a dead economy. The BJP has finished the economy to help Adani," said Gandhi to the media. He went on to accuse Prime Minister Narendra Modi of killing the Indian economy and only helping business houses like the Adanis. “PM Modi works only for one person: Adani. This (India-US trade) deal will take place, and PM Modi will do exactly what Trump says. The main issue sitting in front of India today is that the government has destroyed our economy, defence and foreign policy. They are running this country into the ground.”

Rahul Gandhi went on to accuse Prime Minister Narendra Modi of killing the Indian economy and only helping business houses like the Adanis.

'Yes, he's right': Rahul Gandhi backs Trump on 'India is a dead economy' claim

The 2008 Malegaon blast case, in which all seven accused were acquitted on Thursday (July 31), was one of the longest terror trials in India. Among the accused was Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, a woman ascetic who, a decade after the case, went on to become a parliamentarian from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The blast drew extra attention because a woman was among the accused in a so-called cases of 'saffron terror', a reference to Hindutva organisations allegedly involved in violence.The 2008 blast during Ramzan and ahead of Navratri in the Malegaon town of the western Maharashtra state killed six people and injured nearly 100. It became an instance of alleged Hindu terror.After the National Investigation Agency (NIA) declared the verdict on Thursday, the 55-year-old Thakur said 'saffron has won today', implying that the Hindutva ideology of which she is an adherent was on trial, not just her.<h2>'Was branded as terrorist for being a sanyasi': Pragya Thakur breaks down in court</h2>At the NIA court in Mumbai, Pragya said she was "branded a terrorist for being a sanyasi" or ascetic. She painted her court ordeal of nearly two decades as a spiritual struggle. "It was Bhagwan [God] who fought this case for me.” “I haven’t won, Saffron has. Whoever called Bhagwa [saffron] a terrorist, God will never forgive them,” she added.<h2>Why was Pragya an accused in Malegaon blast? What the court said in verdict</h2>The reason why Pragya Thakur got caught up in the case was an allegation that the bike in which the bomb was planted belonged to her. But in its verdict, the NIA court said there was no evidence to show Pragya was the owner of the LML Freedom bike allegedly used in the attack.The judge noted that although the blast was proven to have taken place, the prosecution failed to link the explosives to the bike supposedly owned by Thakur: "The motorbike's chassis number was wiped out and engine number is in doubt," it said.It cited key gaps in evidence, including inconsistencies in chargesheets, lack of link between the bomb and the recovered motorcycle, mishandled evidence, and no proof the bike was registered in Pragya’s name.&nbsp;The court said the acquittal was due to lack of credible evidence, not proof of innocence.<h2>Pragya Thakur's 17-year court trial over Malegaon blast: ‘The face of Hindu terror’&nbsp;</h2>Thursday's ruling is a possible end to the 17-year-long trial for Thakur. Once labelled the face of 'Hindu terror,' &nbsp;she was accused of arranging manpower for the attack, while Lt Col Prasad Purohit was accused of supplying the explosives. The duo, along with five others, were acquitted on Thursday.<h2>'Ruined my whole life': Pragya was arrested, allegedly tortured</h2>After the verdict, Pragya told the judge: "I said this from the very beginning that if people are called for investigation, there should be a basis behind that. I was called, arrested and tortured. This ruined my whole life.&nbsp; "I was living a sage's life, but I was made an accused, and no one was willing to stand beside us," she said, adding she is alive because she is an ascetic.<h2>The love for bike-riding that became the bane for Pragya Thakur</h2>Pragya was known to ride bikes in her younger years. And it was a bike at the centre of the blast case that led to her arrest on 23 October 2008. The bike used in the blast was found with tampered chassis and engine numbers. The forensic investigators allegedly restored the engine number and linked it to Thakur, leading to her arrest.Thakur has claimed that she was tortured in custody. Her claims were probed in 2014 by the National Human Rights Commission, which found no supporting evidence.&nbsp;<h2>Pragya Thakur remained controversial in spite of being Malegaon blast accused</h2>Born on 2 February 1970, Pragya has been a firebrand leader of the BJP and controversial for her statements. She continued her activism even as she was fighting the court case against her.She is known for making caustic remarks. In 2019, she made headlines for claiming that Hemant Karkare, the Mumbai Anti-Terror Squad chief who died in the 26/11 terror attacks of 2008, was killed due to her curse. "I said, 'tera sarvanash hoga' [ your ruin will come]. Just after a month, terrorists killed him."&nbsp;But she retracted the comment amid criticism, &nbsp;and called Karkare a ‘martyr’.<h2>Pragya Thakur won the election despite Malegaon blast case</h2>Despite the controversies associated with the Malegaon blast case, she contested general elections and was elected to Parliament in 2019, defeating veteran Congress leader Digvijaya Singh.She continued to make public outbursts, including a praise of Nathuram Godse - the assassin of India's founding father Mahatma Gandhi - &nbsp;as &nbsp;a "patriot,". This prompted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to respond, saying he would 'never forgive those who insult' Gandhi.&nbsp;

The Malegaon blast drew extra attention because Pragya Thakur was a rare instance of a woman becoming an accused in a so-called 'saffron terror' case.

The 2008 Malegaon blast case, in which all seven accused were acquitted on Thursday (July 31), was one of the longest terror trials in India. Among the accused was Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, a woman ascetic who, a decade after the case, went on to become a parliamentarian from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The blast drew extra attention because a woman was among the accused in a so-called cases of 'saffron terror', a reference to Hindutva organisations allegedly involved in violence. The 2008 blast during Ramzan and ahead of Navratri in the Malegaon town of the western Maharashtra state killed six people and injured nearly 100. It became an instance of alleged Hindu terror. After the National Investigation Agency (NIA) declared the verdict on Thursday, the 55-year-old Thakur said 'saffron has won today', implying that the Hindutva ideology of which she is an adherent was on trial, not just her. 'Was branded as terrorist for being a sanyasi': Pragya Thakur breaks down in court At the NIA court in Mumbai, Pragya said she was "branded a terrorist for being a sanyasi" or ascetic. She painted her court ordeal of nearly two decades as a spiritual struggle. "It was Bhagwan [God] who fought this case for me.” “I haven’t won, Saffron has. Whoever called Bhagwa [saffron] a terrorist, God will never forgive them,” she added. Why was Pragya an accused in Malegaon blast? What the court said in verdict The reason why Pragya Thakur got caught up in the case was an allegation that the bike in which the bomb was planted belonged to her. But in its verdict, the NIA court said there was no evidence to show Pragya was the owner of the LML Freedom bike allegedly used in the attack. The judge noted that although the blast was proven to have taken place, the prosecution failed to link the explosives to the bike supposedly owned by Thakur: "The motorbike's chassis number was wiped out and engine number is in doubt," it said. It cited key gaps in evidence, including inconsistencies in chargesheets, lack of link between the bomb and the recovered motorcycle, mishandled evidence, and no proof the bike was registered in Pragya’s name. The court said the acquittal was due to lack of credible evidence, not proof of innocence. Pragya Thakur's 17-year court trial over Malegaon blast: ‘The face of Hindu terror’ Thursday's ruling is a possible end to the 17-year-long trial for Thakur. Once labelled the face of 'Hindu terror,' she was accused of arranging manpower for the attack, while Lt Col Prasad Purohit was accused of supplying the explosives. The duo, along with five others, were acquitted on Thursday. 'Ruined my whole life': Pragya was arrested, allegedly tortured After the verdict, Pragya told the judge: "I said this from the very beginning that if people are called for investigation, there should be a basis behind that. I was called, arrested and tortured. This ruined my whole life. "I was living a sage's life, but I was made an accused, and no one was willing to stand beside us," she said, adding she is alive because she is an ascetic. The love for bike-riding that became the bane for Pragya Thakur Pragya was known to ride bikes in her younger years. And it was a bike at the centre of the blast case that led to her arrest on 23 October 2008. The bike used in the blast was found with tampered chassis and engine numbers. The forensic investigators allegedly restored the engine number and linked it to Thakur, leading to her arrest. Thakur has claimed that she was tortured in custody. Her claims were probed in 2014 by the National Human Rights Commission, which found no supporting evidence. Pragya Thakur remained controversial in spite of being Malegaon blast accused Born on 2 February 1970, Pragya has been a firebrand leader of the BJP and controversial for her statements. She continued her activism even as she was fighting the court case against her. She is known for making caustic remarks. In 2019, she made headlines for claiming that Hemant Karkare, the Mumbai Anti-Terror Squad chief who died in the 26/11 terror attacks of 2008, was killed due to her curse. "I said, 'tera sarvanash hoga' [ your ruin will come]. Just after a month, terrorists killed him." But she retracted the comment amid criticism, and called Karkare a ‘martyr’. Pragya Thakur won the election despite Malegaon blast case Despite the controversies associated with the Malegaon blast case, she contested general elections and was elected to Parliament in 2019, defeating veteran Congress leader Digvijaya Singh. She continued to make public outbursts, including a praise of Nathuram Godse - the assassin of India's founding father Mahatma Gandhi - as a "patriot,". This prompted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to respond, saying he would 'never forgive those who insult' Gandhi.

The Malegaon blast drew extra attention because Pragya Thakur was a rare instance of a woman becoming an accused in a so-called 'saffron terror' case.

'Saffron won today': How Sadhvi Pragya Thakur, acquitted in Malegaon blast, went from 'sanyasi to being branded terrorist'

Are you one of those who feeds pigeons on streets or public places? Well, this could land you in trouble with the law. The Bombay High Court on Wednesday came down heavily on people who feed pigeons, saying that the act is a public nuisance and presents a health hazard. &nbsp;&nbsp;"Such acts would, in our unhesitating view, constitute a public nuisance and are likely to spread diseases and endanger human life,” read the court order.&nbsp;A division bench of Justices G S Kulkarni and Arif Doctor, while hearing a petition by animal rights activists, Pallavi Patil, Sneha Visaria, and Savita Mahajan, directed Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to lodge FIRs against people feeding pigeons at Dadar (West) and other kabootarkhanas (feeding areas).&nbsp;The court was peeved on how feeding of pigeons have continued despite the policy prohibiting the same and HC refusing interim relief for feeding in its earlier orders.&nbsp;"This is now compounded with an emerging situation of utter disregard for law, by those who defiantly continue to feed pigeons in the teeth of our earlier order rejecting pleas supporting any such feeding and congregation of pigeons and now obstruction to civic officials from discharging their duties in this regard," observed the court while passing the order.&nbsp;The bench highlighted the risk of infections and other health complications that the residents living in such areas could encounter due to the dense bird congregation.&nbsp;The court had earlier this month stopped the BMC from demolishing any heritage 'kabutarkhanas' (pigeon feeding spots) in the metropolis, but denied permission for feeding pigeons.&nbsp;The case arose from a petition filed by animal enthusiasts challenging the BMC’s demolition of kabutarkhanas. It was argued that the move &nbsp;violated the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.&nbsp;However, the court rejected the plea and observed, “The safety and predominance of human health cannot be compromised due to such unchecked and unlawful congregation of pigeons."&nbsp;

The court was peeved on how feeding of pigeons have continued despite the policy prohibiting the same and HC refusing interim relief for feeding in its earlier orders.

Are you one of those who feeds pigeons on streets or public places? Well, this could land you in trouble with the law. The Bombay High Court on Wednesday came down heavily on people who feed pigeons, saying that the act is a public nuisance and presents a health hazard. "Such acts would, in our unhesitating view, constitute a public nuisance and are likely to spread diseases and endanger human life,” read the court order. A division bench of Justices G S Kulkarni and Arif Doctor, while hearing a petition by animal rights activists, Pallavi Patil, Sneha Visaria, and Savita Mahajan, directed Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to lodge FIRs against people feeding pigeons at Dadar (West) and other kabootarkhanas (feeding areas). The court was peeved on how feeding of pigeons have continued despite the policy prohibiting the same and HC refusing interim relief for feeding in its earlier orders. "This is now compounded with an emerging situation of utter disregard for law, by those who defiantly continue to feed pigeons in the teeth of our earlier order rejecting pleas supporting any such feeding and congregation of pigeons and now obstruction to civic officials from discharging their duties in this regard," observed the court while passing the order. The bench highlighted the risk of infections and other health complications that the residents living in such areas could encounter due to the dense bird congregation. The court had earlier this month stopped the BMC from demolishing any heritage 'kabutarkhanas' (pigeon feeding spots) in the metropolis, but denied permission for feeding pigeons. The case arose from a petition filed by animal enthusiasts challenging the BMC’s demolition of kabutarkhanas. It was argued that the move violated the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. However, the court rejected the plea and observed, “The safety and predominance of human health cannot be compromised due to such unchecked and unlawful congregation of pigeons."

The court was peeved on how feeding of pigeons have continued despite the policy prohibiting the same and HC refusing interim relief for feeding in its earlier orders.

Feeding pigeons could land you in jail in India, what the Mumbai court said

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Feeding pigeons could land you in jail in India, what the Mumbai court said