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Noting the recent triumph of India in different sectors, including space, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday mentioned the achievements of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who achieved another milestone in space after Rakesh Sharma by piloting the Axiom 4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). He also noted that this monsoon session marks the celebration of "victory."&nbsp;While addressing the media persons before the commencement of the Monsoon Session on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the achievements of India in space that have filled the country with new zeal and enthusiasm towards science and innovation.&nbsp;"This monsoon session is a celebration of victory. Hoisting the Indian tricolour flag at the International Space Station (ISS) for the first time is a moment of pride for every countryman. This successful journey is going to fill the country with new zeal and enthusiasm towards science and innovation. The entire Parliament, both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, will join in with one voice the pride that Indians are experiencing and will celebrate it with one voice," PM Modi said.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Indian <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMModi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMModi</a> talks about <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShubhanshuShukla?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShubhanshuShukla</a> going to the International Space Station. The Prime Minister is speaking ahead of the Monsoon Parliament session. <a href="https://t.co/OmjlfEkkXd">pic.twitter.com/OmjlfEkkXd</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1947160375805522018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>PM Modi hails Indian defence forces</h3>PM Modi also hailed the achievements of ‘Operation Sindoor’, stating that every nation is attracted towards the new “Made in India form of Indian military power.” He applauded the role of the Indian military in making the operation a tremendous success, stating that the objectives of the target were achieved 100 per cent and terrorist bases were sabotaged in just 22 minutes. &nbsp;"This monsoon session is a celebration of victory. The whole world has seen the strength of India's military power. The target set by the Indian Army in Operation Sindoor was achieved 100%. Under Operation Sindoor, the houses of the masters of terrorists were razed to the ground within 22 minutes. The world has been very attracted to this new form of Made in India military power. These days, whenever I meet people of the world, the world's attraction towards the Made in India weapons being made by India is increasing," the Prime Minister said.Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-world-has-witnessed-the-strength-of-india-s-military-power-pm-modi-ahead-of-monsoon-session-1753074249822"> 'World has witnessed the strength of India's military power': PM Modi ahead of Monsoon Session</a>

During the address, along with the achievements of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, Narendra Modi highlighted the achievements of India in space that have filled the country with new zeal and enthusiasm towards science and innovation.

Noting the recent triumph of India in different sectors, including space, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday mentioned the achievements of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who achieved another milestone in space after Rakesh Sharma by piloting the Axiom 4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). He also noted that this monsoon session marks the celebration of "victory." While addressing the media persons before the commencement of the Monsoon Session on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the achievements of India in space that have filled the country with new zeal and enthusiasm towards science and innovation. "This monsoon session is a celebration of victory. Hoisting the Indian tricolour flag at the International Space Station (ISS) for the first time is a moment of pride for every countryman. This successful journey is going to fill the country with new zeal and enthusiasm towards science and innovation. The entire Parliament, both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, will join in with one voice the pride that Indians are experiencing and will celebrate it with one voice," PM Modi said.

During the address, along with the achievements of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, PM Narendra Modi highlighted the achievements of India in space that have filled the country with new zeal and enthusiasm towards science and innovation.

'India’s space triumph fills nation with zeal': PM Modi hails Shubhanshu Shukla's Axiom 4 mission to ISS

On Sunday (July 20), the Indian Army felicitated young Svarn Singh, who ensured the soldiers embroiled in cross-border fighting with neighbouring Pakistan during Operation Sindoor were provided with food supplies. The 10-year-old brought meals, water, ice, milk, lassi and tea for soldiers posted in Tara Wali village, Punjab. The army recognised and appreciated his efforts and decided to sponsor his education.&nbsp; “In recognition of his courage and enthusiasm, the Indian Army's Golden Arrow Division has committed to fully sponsor &nbsp;Svarn's education. During a ceremony at Ferozepur Cantonment on Saturday, Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, also felicitated the boy,” The Western Command of the Indian Army posted on X.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CapabilityDevelopment?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CapabilityDevelopment</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForeverReady?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForeverReady</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationBuilding?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationBuilding</a> Lt Gen <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManojKumarKatiyar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManojKumarKatiyar</a>, PVSM, AVSM,<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArmyCommander?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArmyCommander</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WesternCommand?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WesternCommand</a> visited <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoldenArrowDivision?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoldenArrowDivision</a>. He reviewed the operational readiness, infra development projects, digitisation &amp; welfare initiatives of the formation. He… <a href="https://t.co/zQqsArcXMW">pic.twitter.com/zQqsArcXMW</a>&mdash; Western Command - Indian Army (@westerncomd_IA) <a href="https://twitter.com/westerncomd_IA/status/1946608755627692369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The young boy had earlier mentioned that he wants to be a soldier when he grows up and serve his country. Speaking to news agency PTI, his father had said, "We are proud of him. Even soldiers loved him." Svarn is currently studying I class 4, and it has been learned that his actions were not an outcome of anybody else’s thought. He decided by himself to go and supply food to the soldiers fighting against Pakistan. On May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor as a retaliatory move against the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 innocent lives. It was after a fortnight of Pakistan’s inaction against terror outfits operating on its soil. In the precision strikes, New Delhi destroyed terrorist infrastructure deep inside Pakistan and PoK.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-the-pakistani-terrorist-sites-india-struck-and-why-9042624">Operation Sindoor: Why did India choose to strike Muridke, Bahawalpur and other sites?</a>&nbsp;Foreign Minister Vikram Misri, during the initial briefings, had said, "It was deemed essential that the perpetrators and planners of the 22 April attack be brought to justice. Despite a fortnight having passed since the attacks, there has been no demonstrable step from Pakistan to take action against the terror infrastructure on its territory or territory under its control."&nbsp;He added, "Instead, all it has indulged in denials and allegations. Our intelligence monitoring of Pakistan-based terrorist modules indicated that further attacks against India were impending. Thus, there was a compulsion both to deter and to preempt." &nbsp;

10-year-old Svarn Singh served soldiers meals during Operation Sindoor recognised and felicitated by the Indian Army. The boy wants to grow up to be a soldier and serve his country. The army has decided to sponsor his education.

On Sunday (July 20), the Indian Army felicitated young Svarn Singh, who ensured the soldiers embroiled in cross-border fighting with neighbouring Pakistan during Operation Sindoor were provided with food supplies. The 10-year-old brought meals, water, ice, milk, lassi and tea for soldiers posted in Tara Wali village, Punjab. The army recognised and appreciated his efforts and decided to sponsor his education. “In recognition of his courage and enthusiasm, the Indian Army's Golden Arrow Division has committed to fully sponsor Svarn's education. During a ceremony at Ferozepur Cantonment on Saturday, Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, also felicitated the boy,” The Western Command of the Indian Army posted on X.

10-year-old Svarn Singh served soldiers meals during Operation Sindoor recognised and felicitated by the Indian Army. The boy wants to grow up to be a soldier and serve his country. The army has decided to sponsor his education.

10-year-old boy served lassi and meals to soldiers during Operation Sindoor; Indian Army to sponsor his education

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Jul 21) slammed the previous Congress-UPA government and said that before 2014, inflation was "in double digits" and noted that the inflation rate has now dropped to around two per cent. The PM said that under his government, 250 million, or 25 crore, people have "come out of poverty", a feat he said has gained recognition and appreciation from "many institutions of the world". He noted that the drop in the inflation rate "has become a relief and a convenience in the lives of the common people in the country".<h2>'Fragile Five'</h2>Labelling the pre-NDA era "Fragile Five", PM Modi said that "in the economic sector, when you all gave us the responsibility in 2014, the country was going through the stage of Fragile Five." He stated that before 2014, India was "at number ten in the global economy", but that “Today, India is moving ahead at a fast pace towards becoming the third-largest economy of the world.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, &quot;In the economic sector, when you all gave us the responsibility in 2014, the country was going through the stage of Fragile Five. Before 2014, we were at number ten in the global economy. Today, India is moving ahead at a fast… <a href="https://t.co/vyflyjeZQl">pic.twitter.com/vyflyjeZQl</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1947162647474184578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Accompanied by Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju, Arjum Ram Meghwal, Jitendra Singh and L Murugan, the Indian Prime Minister also hailed Indian defence forces for the stupendous success of Operation Sindoor. He stated that the objectives of the ambitious operation were achieved 100 per cent, and that terrorist bases were razed in just 22 minutes. Calling the Indian parliament's monsoon session "a celebration of victory", he also made mention of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who made history by piloting the Axiom 4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). He said that he hoped that all political parties and members would celebrate this victory in one voice and noted that it would further strengthen the spirit of Indian defence forces and encourage research, innovation and manufacturing in the military field. The leader further said, “Monsoon is a symbol of novelty and good harvest. The weather is progressing very well in the country. There is news of beneficial weather for agriculture. Rain plays an important role for economy, whether it is for farmers, country or the rural economy.”

The PM said that under his government, 250 million, or 25 crore people have "come out of poverty", a feat he said has gained recognition and appreciation from "many institutions of the world".

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Jul 21) slammed the previous Congress-UPA government and said that before 2014, inflation was "in double digits" and noted that the inflation rate has now dropped to around two per cent. The PM said that under his government, 250 million, or 25 crore, people have "come out of poverty", a feat he said has gained recognition and appreciation from "many institutions of the world". He noted that the drop in the inflation rate "has become a relief and a convenience in the lives of the common people in the country". 'Fragile Five' Labelling the pre-NDA era "Fragile Five", PM Modi said that "in the economic sector, when you all gave us the responsibility in 2014, the country was going through the stage of Fragile Five." He stated that before 2014, India was "at number ten in the global economy", but that “Today, India is moving ahead at a fast pace towards becoming the third-largest economy of the world.”

The PM said that under his government, 250 million, or 25 crore people have "come out of poverty", a feat he said has gained recognition and appreciation from "many institutions of the world".

PM Modi slams Congress for pre-2014 double-digit inflation, says rate now down to 2%

Ahead of the parliament's Monsoon Session on Monday (July 21), PM Narendra Modi briefed the press. He mentioned how this session is a matter of pride, as for the first time, the Indian tricolour has been unfurled at the International Space Station. He highlighted Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's feat as he scripted history through SpaceX's Axiom-4 mission.&nbsp;Crediting the armed forces for their valour and grit, PM Modi also lauded the country's defence equipment and the progress it is bringing.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Indian <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMModi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMModi</a> calls for unity amongst Parliamentarians and healthy debate ahead of the Monsoon parliament sesssion. <a href="https://t.co/wwcVPBG9u6">pic.twitter.com/wwcVPBG9u6</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1947164385467851197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He said, “This monsoon session is a celebration of victory. When I say that the season is a season of national pride and victory celebration, then hoisting the Indian tricolour at the International Space Station (ISS) for the first time is a matter of pride for every countryman. This successful journey is instilling a new enthusiasm towards science, technology and innovation in the country. It will be a success when the entire Parliament and the countrymen will join in with one voice the pride that they are experiencing.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-slams-congress-for-pre-2014-double-digit-inflation-says-rate-dropped-to-2-1753077175753">PM Modi slams Congress for pre-2014 double-digit inflation, says rate now down to 2%</a>&nbsp;The prime minister continued, "Monsoon is a symbol of novelty and good harvest. The weather is progressing very well in the country. There is news of beneficial weather for agriculture. Rain plays an important role in the economy, whether it is for farmers, the country, or the rural economy. In the last 10 years, the water reserves have increased three times."&nbsp;He further added, "He said, "When the Parliament will celebrate this victory festival in one voice, it will strengthen India's military force and encourage research, innovation and manufacturing in the military field. Made in India defence equipment being made, will also get a boost and India's youth will get employment opportunities."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ahead of the parliament's Monsoon Session on Monday (July 21), PM Narendra Modi briefed the press.

Ahead of the parliament's Monsoon Session on Monday (July 21), PM Narendra Modi briefed the press. He mentioned how this session is a matter of pride, as for the first time, the Indian tricolour has been unfurled at the International Space Station. He highlighted Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's feat as he scripted history through SpaceX's Axiom-4 mission. Crediting the armed forces for their valour and grit, PM Modi also lauded the country's defence equipment and the progress it is bringing.

Ahead of the parliament's Monsoon Session on Monday (July 21), PM Narendra Modi briefed the press.

'World has witnessed the strength of India's military power': PM Modi ahead of Monsoon Session

Heavy rain in parts of Jammu and Kashmir led to a landslide on the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine route in Katra - base camp for pilgrims visiting the shrine - on Monday morning, reported PTI,citing officials. Four pilgrims have were injured in the incident while the movement along the old track was disrupted.&nbsp;Gulshan Ka Langar near Banganga - starting point for the yatra where mostly pony riders gather -was the main point where the landslide took place around 8.50 am.&nbsp;Immediately after the incident, rescue team reached the spot and recused four trapped pilgrims, who were taken to the nearby hospital for treatment.&nbsp;An orange alert &nbsp;was sounded for heavy to very heavy rainfall in six districts of Uttarakhand on Monday.&nbsp;Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Nainital, Champawat and Udham Singh Nagar are also likely to witness lightning accompanied by strong winds&nbsp;On July 17, the Amarnath Yatra was suspended for a day due to heavy rain in the valley. This was the first time that the yatra was suspended after it began on July 3 from Jammu this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Four pilgrims have been injured in the incident while the movement along the track has been disrupted.

Heavy rain in parts of Jammu and Kashmir led to a landslide on the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine route in Katra - base camp for pilgrims visiting the shrine - on Monday morning, reported PTI, citing officials. Four pilgrims have were injured in the incident while the movement along the old track was disrupted. Gulshan Ka Langar near Banganga - starting point for the yatra where mostly pony riders gather -was the main point where the landslide took place around 8.50 am. Immediately after the incident, rescue team reached the spot and recused four trapped pilgrims, who were taken to the nearby hospital for treatment. An orange alert was sounded for heavy to very heavy rainfall in six districts of Uttarakhand on Monday. Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Nainital, Champawat and Udham Singh Nagar are also likely to witness lightning accompanied by strong winds On July 17, the Amarnath Yatra was suspended for a day due to heavy rain in the valley. This was the first time that the yatra was suspended after it began on July 3 from Jammu this year.

Four pilgrims have been injured in the incident while the movement along the track has been disrupted.

Heavy rain triggers landslide on Vaishno Devi yatra route, 4 pilgrims injured

The Bombay High Court on Monday (Jul 21) acquitted all 12 accused in the 2006 Mumbai train blasts – 19 years after the terror attack shook the city's Western Rail network and killed over 180 people while injuring dozens of others. A special bench of the Bombay High Court ruled that the prosecution had "utterly failed" to prove the case against the accused and that the evidence relied on by the prosecution was not conclusive to convict the accused persons. The court then ordered the immediate release of all the accused. This important verdict came 19 years after the tragic terror attack.&nbsp;<h2>Why did the court acquit&nbsp;all&nbsp;12&nbsp;men?</h2>In its ruling, the special bench of Justices Anil Kilor and Shyam Chandak noted that the prosecution lawyers had "utterly failed to prove the case against the accused. It is hard to believe that the accused committed the crime. Hence, their conviction is quashed and set aside," said the special bench of Justices Anil Kilor and Shyam Chandak.<h2>Who were the 12 men acquitted after 17 years in jail?</h2>Reports identify the five men sentenced to death over the terror attack as Faisal Sheikh, Asif Khan, Kamal Ansari, Ehtesham Sidduqui and Naveed Khan. They allegedly planted bombs on the trains. The other seven were sentenced to life imprisonment. They've been identified as Mohammed Sajid Ansari - accused of preparing the electrical circuits for the bombs; Mohammed Ali, who supposedly provided his Govandi residence to make the bombs; Dr Tanveer Ansari, one of the conspirators; and four others, Majid Shafi, Muzzammil Shaikh, Sohail Shaikh and Zamir Shaikh, accused of providing logistical support.<h2>What happened during the 2006 Mumbai train blasts?</h2>On 11 July 2006, a series of bomb blasts took place at seven different places in India's financial capital, Mumbai. The multiple blasts in Mumbai local trains all happened within 11 minutes and claimed the lives of 189 people, while over 827 others were injured. The explosives were placed in first-class compartments of trains at the Churchgate. The bombs exploded near the stations of Matunga Road, Mahim Junction, Bandra, Khar, Jogeshwari, Bhayandar and Borivali.&nbsp; A charge sheet in the case was filed in November 2006, over nine years after the tragic blasts. In 2015, a trial court convicted 12 people in the blast case. Of these, five were sentenced to death and seven were awarded life in prison. However, now, after 17 years in jail, the 12 people have been acquitted.&nbsp;

The court noted that the prosecution had "utterly failed" to prove the case against the accused and said, “It is hard to believe that the accused committed the crime. Hence, their conviction is quashed and set aside.”

The Bombay High Court on Monday (Jul 21) acquitted all 12 accused in the 2006 Mumbai train blasts – 19 years after the terror attack shook the city's Western Rail network and killed over 180 people while injuring dozens of others. A special bench of the Bombay High Court ruled that the prosecution had "utterly failed" to prove the case against the accused and that the evidence relied on by the prosecution was not conclusive to convict the accused persons. The court then ordered the immediate release of all the accused. This important verdict came 19 years after the tragic terror attack. Why did the court acquit all 12 men? In its ruling, the special bench of Justices Anil Kilor and Shyam Chandak noted that the prosecution lawyers had "utterly failed to prove the case against the accused. It is hard to believe that the accused committed the crime. Hence, their conviction is quashed and set aside," said the special bench of Justices Anil Kilor and Shyam Chandak. Who were the 12 men acquitted after 17 years in jail? Reports identify the five men sentenced to death over the terror attack as Faisal Sheikh, Asif Khan, Kamal Ansari, Ehtesham Sidduqui and Naveed Khan. They allegedly planted bombs on the trains. The other seven were sentenced to life imprisonment. They've been identified as Mohammed Sajid Ansari - accused of preparing the electrical circuits for the bombs; Mohammed Ali, who supposedly provided his Govandi residence to make the bombs; Dr Tanveer Ansari, one of the conspirators; and four others, Majid Shafi, Muzzammil Shaikh, Sohail Shaikh and Zamir Shaikh, accused of providing logistical support. What happened during the 2006 Mumbai train blasts? On 11 July 2006, a series of bomb blasts took place at seven different places in India's financial capital, Mumbai. The multiple blasts in Mumbai local trains all happened within 11 minutes and claimed the lives of 189 people, while over 827 others were injured. The explosives were placed in first-class compartments of trains at the Churchgate. The bombs exploded near the stations of Matunga Road, Mahim Junction, Bandra, Khar, Jogeshwari, Bhayandar and Borivali. A charge sheet in the case was filed in November 2006, over nine years after the tragic blasts. In 2015, a trial court convicted 12 people in the blast case. Of these, five were sentenced to death and seven were awarded life in prison. However, now, after 17 years in jail, the 12 people have been acquitted.

The court noted that the prosecution had "utterly failed" to prove the case against the accused and said, “It is hard to believe that the accused committed the crime. Hence, their conviction is quashed and set aside.”

2006 Mumbai train blasts: Bombay HC acquits all 12 accused, says prosecution 'utterly failed' to prove case

The monsoon session of the Indian Parliament kicks off on Monday (Jul 21). As per reports the Indian Parliament is set for a stormy monsoon session, as the opposition INDIA bloc prepares to grill the Narendra Modi government on contentious issues like national security lapses and US President Donald Trump's repeated claims of brokering a "ceasefire" between India and Pakistan during the recent tensions, to voter rights and Jammu &amp; Kashmir's statehood. Amid demands for an all-party meeting, the Centre has reportedly indicated its readiness to discuss issues of "great importance to the nation," saying it would "never shy away from a discussion".<h2>Opposition mounting an attack on the Modi government?</h2>Reports suggest that the opposition INDIA bloc, from which the Aam Aadmi Party recently exited, is gearing up to confront the government on a raft of issues it claims are being mishandled or suppressed. At the heart of the opposition's agenda is the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and the Indian military's subsequent response—Operation Sindoor. The INDIA alliance is demanding answers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on both the operation and what it calls a glaring intelligence failure that led to the death of 26 civilians.In an online strategy meeting on Saturday, 24 opposition parties have agreed to a joint plan to target the government over at least eight key concerns. These include Trump's controversial claim of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar and the delayed restoration of full statehood to Jammu &amp; Kashmir.Congress MP and Rajya Sabha deputy leader Pramod Tiwari said the Opposition would insist that PM Modi address these matters in the House. "Parliament is more important than travelling abroad," said Tiwari in a conversation with PTI. "All leaders have expressed concern that all the terrorists behind the attack are free and no action has been taken against them despite so many days having passed since April 22. Now, a confession has also come that it was an intelligence failure. So this will be raised," he noted.Slamming the Modi government for what he said was an "undeclared emergency", the Congress MP said, "There is a threat to the voting rights of people under the ‘undeclared emergency’ that is prevalent in the country...The manner in which vote-bandi is taking place in Bihar, after note-bandi, is against democracy".<h2>Govt open to discussion—will PM Modi address the opposition's concerns?</h2>Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government was ready to discuss all issues of national interest, including Operation Sindoor and Trump’s statements. "The government will never shy away from a discussion...will respond appropriately in Parliament" Rijiju told reporters but said whether the PM himself responds or another minister speaks will be decided later. "When we start discussing the matter, we will make a statement. Whether it is the US President or anyone, I can’t give any reply now. When there is a discussion, a reply will be given," he said.According to a PTI report, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to make a detailed statement on Operation Sindoor. Singh chaired two high-level meetings last Friday—one with military chiefs and another with key ministers—where the security situation and follow-up strategy were discussed.

Reports suggest that the opposition INDIA bloc, from which the Aam Aadmi Party recently exited, is gearing up to confront the government on a raft of issues it claims are being mishandled or suppressed. 

The monsoon session of the Indian Parliament kicks off on Monday (Jul 21). As per reports the Indian Parliament is set for a stormy monsoon session, as the opposition INDIA bloc prepares to grill the Narendra Modi government on contentious issues like national security lapses and US President Donald Trump's repeated claims of brokering a "ceasefire" between India and Pakistan during the recent tensions, to voter rights and Jammu & Kashmir's statehood. Amid demands for an all-party meeting, the Centre has reportedly indicated its readiness to discuss issues of "great importance to the nation," saying it would "never shy away from a discussion". Opposition mounting an attack on the Modi government? Reports suggest that the opposition INDIA bloc, from which the Aam Aadmi Party recently exited, is gearing up to confront the government on a raft of issues it claims are being mishandled or suppressed. At the heart of the opposition's agenda is the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and the Indian military's subsequent response—Operation Sindoor. The INDIA alliance is demanding answers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on both the operation and what it calls a glaring intelligence failure that led to the death of 26 civilians. In an online strategy meeting on Saturday, 24 opposition parties have agreed to a joint plan to target the government over at least eight key concerns. These include Trump's controversial claim of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar and the delayed restoration of full statehood to Jammu & Kashmir. Congress MP and Rajya Sabha deputy leader Pramod Tiwari said the Opposition would insist that PM Modi address these matters in the House. "Parliament is more important than travelling abroad," said Tiwari in a conversation with PTI. "All leaders have expressed concern that all the terrorists behind the attack are free and no action has been taken against them despite so many days having passed since April 22. Now, a confession has also come that it was an intelligence failure. So this will be raised," he noted. Slamming the Modi government for what he said was an "undeclared emergency", the Congress MP said, "There is a threat to the voting rights of people under the ‘undeclared emergency’ that is prevalent in the country...The manner in which vote-bandi is taking place in Bihar, after note-bandi, is against democracy". Govt open to discussion—will PM Modi address the opposition's concerns? Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government was ready to discuss all issues of national interest, including Operation Sindoor and Trump’s statements. "The government will never shy away from a discussion...will respond appropriately in Parliament" Rijiju told reporters but said whether the PM himself responds or another minister speaks will be decided later. "When we start discussing the matter, we will make a statement. Whether it is the US President or anyone, I can’t give any reply now. When there is a discussion, a reply will be given," he said. According to a PTI report, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to make a detailed statement on Operation Sindoor. Singh chaired two high-level meetings last Friday—one with military chiefs and another with key ministers—where the security situation and follow-up strategy were discussed.

Reports suggest that the opposition INDIA bloc, from which the Aam Aadmi Party recently exited, is gearing up to confront the government on a raft of issues it claims are being mishandled or suppressed.&nbsp;

'Vote bandi': Opposition to grill Modi government on Pahalgam, Trump,  and more during Parliament Monsoon session

An IndiGo flight, which took off from Tirupati’s Renigunta Airport on Sunday (Jul 20), made an emergency landing after experiencing a technical issue mid-air. The flight was heading towards Hyderabad. Reportedly, the flight had landed in Tirupati from Hyderabad at 7:05 pm and took off again at 7:55 pm. However, shortly after taking off, near Venkatagiri, the aircraft experienced a technical snag. This prompted pilots to act swiftly and return to Renigunta for a safe landing at 8:30 pm.&nbsp;The plane was carrying 221 passengers onboard, all of whom are safe. According to reports, IndiGo flight 6E 6591, an Airbus A321, was just over half an hour in the air before making a u-turn. The reason behind the unexpected return remains unclear.&nbsp;“This was the last scheduled flight to Hyderabad for the day, and passengers were requested to leave the airport premises after the return,” said an airline representative, as quoted by The Hindu. IndiGo officials have said that a technical team is currently assessing the aircraft. An alternative flight has been arranged for the passengers for 8:20 am on Monday. As of now, no official statement has been issued by the airline.&nbsp;Recently, there have been several reports of aircraft facing technical issues mid-air. This comes amid heightened tensions faced by Air India and Boeing aircraft following the devastating crash on June 12 that killed over 260 people. The incident has brought increased scrutiny over the maintenance of aircraft by airlines.&nbsp;Earlier on Sunday (Jul 20), Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said that the government would not draw any conclusions until it receives the final report on the Air India crash in Ahmedabad. He appealed to Western media not to speculate and praised the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) for being able to decode the black box data in India.

This comes amid heightened tensions faced by Air India and Boeing aircraft following the devastating crash on June 12 that killed over 260 people. The incident has brought increased scrutiny over the maintenance of aircraft by airlines.

An IndiGo flight, which took off from Tirupati’s Renigunta Airport on Sunday (Jul 20), made an emergency landing after experiencing a technical issue mid-air. The flight was heading towards Hyderabad. Reportedly, the flight had landed in Tirupati from Hyderabad at 7:05 pm and took off again at 7:55 pm. However, shortly after taking off, near Venkatagiri, the aircraft experienced a technical snag. This prompted pilots to act swiftly and return to Renigunta for a safe landing at 8:30 pm. The plane was carrying 221 passengers onboard, all of whom are safe. According to reports, IndiGo flight 6E 6591, an Airbus A321, was just over half an hour in the air before making a u-turn. The reason behind the unexpected return remains unclear. “This was the last scheduled flight to Hyderabad for the day, and passengers were requested to leave the airport premises after the return,” said an airline representative, as quoted by The Hindu. IndiGo officials have said that a technical team is currently assessing the aircraft. An alternative flight has been arranged for the passengers for 8:20 am on Monday. As of now, no official statement has been issued by the airline. Recently, there have been several reports of aircraft facing technical issues mid-air. This comes amid heightened tensions faced by Air India and Boeing aircraft following the devastating crash on June 12 that killed over 260 people. The incident has brought increased scrutiny over the maintenance of aircraft by airlines. Earlier on Sunday (Jul 20), Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said that the government would not draw any conclusions until it receives the final report on the Air India crash in Ahmedabad. He appealed to Western media not to speculate and praised the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) for being able to decode the black box data in India.

This comes amid heightened tensions faced by Air India and Boeing aircraft following the devastating crash on June 12 that killed over 260 people. The incident has brought increased scrutiny over the maintenance of aircraft by airlines.

IndiGo flight makes emergency landing in Tirupati after facing technical snag mid-air

A viral video showing a man eating chicken inside a vegetarian restaurant run by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in London has sparked outrage on social media. In the clip, a man of African descent enters the pure vegetarian restaurant and asks the staff if meat is served there. When the staff deny, the man pulls out a box of KFC chicken and starts eating it inside the eatery. The incident, caught on video, has triggered anger from netizens.&nbsp;In the footage, the man can be seen asking the staff of Govinda’s restaurant, “Is this a vegan restaurant?” To which the staff standing behind the counter replies, “Yes.” He again asks, “So there’s no meat?” The woman behind the counter replies, “No meat, no onion, no garlic.”&nbsp;He then pulls out a KFC chicken bucket and starts eating it in front of them. When the staff tells him to go outside, he even offers the food to the staff and customers. A customer tells him, “You’re actually violating somebody’s religion, and this is not fair!”&nbsp;Indian rapper and singer Badshah took to X to slam the incident. He posted, “Even the chicken would be embarrassed. Dude wasn’t hungry for chicken, he was hungry for some chappal on that face.”&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Horrendous. 😳😡 This African-British youth entered into ISKCON’s Govinda restaurant - knowingly that it’s pure Veg restaurant - asked if there’s meat available, then pulled out his KFC box and not only ate chicken (chewed like a 🐷), but also offered others working/eating in… <a href="https://t.co/TtPJz9Jg7m">pic.twitter.com/TtPJz9Jg7m</a>&mdash; Tathvam-asi (@ssaratht) <a href="https://twitter.com/ssaratht/status/1946653603923677563?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;<h2>Social media expresses outrage</h2>&nbsp;The incident drew massive criticism on social media. “Horrendous,” a social media user wrote. “What should we call this? Racism or pure Hindu Hate?” Another person wrote, “This is absolutely not acceptable.”&nbsp;“Hope the complaint was filed in the local police station … Don’t know if he can be arrested for this or not, but this is pure hate towards Hindus and he is fully aware that Hindus won’t retaliate, so had the courage to do such a horrendous thing,” one person said.&nbsp;“He achieved nothing by harassing people! Zero achievement but created a nuisance in society,” another person wrote. A user said, “Filthy &amp; Sick mindset.”Another user said, “Shameful act, he intentionally ate Chicken to offend or trigger Vegans. He Got Lucky to get away without anyone slapping him.” One said, “This is harassment on purpose.”&nbsp;Founded in 1966 by AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, ISKCON is a global spiritual organisation which promotes Krishna consciousness and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and Vedic scriptures.&nbsp;

The incident drew massive criticism on social media. Indian rapper and singer Badshah also took to X to express outrage over the incident.

A viral video showing a man eating chicken inside a vegetarian restaurant run by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in London has sparked outrage on social media. In the clip, a man of African descent enters the pure vegetarian restaurant and asks the staff if meat is served there. When the staff deny, the man pulls out a box of KFC chicken and starts eating it inside the eatery. The incident, caught on video, has triggered anger from netizens. In the footage, the man can be seen asking the staff of Govinda’s restaurant, “Is this a vegan restaurant?” To which the staff standing behind the counter replies, “Yes.” He again asks, “So there’s no meat?” The woman behind the counter replies, “No meat, no onion, no garlic.” He then pulls out a KFC chicken bucket and starts eating it in front of them. When the staff tells him to go outside, he even offers the food to the staff and customers. A customer tells him, “You’re actually violating somebody’s religion, and this is not fair!” Indian rapper and singer Badshah took to X to slam the incident. He posted, “Even the chicken would be embarrassed. Dude wasn’t hungry for chicken, he was hungry for some chappal on that face.”

The incident drew massive criticism on social media. Indian rapper and singer Badshah also took to X to express outrage over the incident.

Man eats KFC chicken inside ISKCON’s vegetarian restaurant in London; Netizens express outrage | WATCH

India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar recently shared memories of his entry into the civil services. He said his interview for the UPSC took place on 21 March 1977 ( the same day the Emergency ended in India).&nbsp;Looking back, Jaishankar said the interview taught him two important lessons, first, how to communicate well under pressure, and second is that influential people often live in their own “bubble,” disconnected from reality."(1977) Election results were coming from the previous day... The sense of the defeat of the Emergency rule was coming into understanding. In a way, that is what got me through the interview," Jaishankar told the fresh batch of entrants to the civil services at an event in Delhi, according to PTI news agency.He also mentioned that the interview is the toughest part of the UPSC exams and described the entire process as an “Agni Pariksha”, a true test of one’s abilities. His interview happened 48 years ago at the Shahjahan Road in Delhi, and he was the first candidate of the day to appear for the interview.Also Read - <a href="Karnataka govt forms SIT to probe Dharmasthala mass grave case">Karnataka govt forms SIT to probe Dharmasthala mass grave case</a>During that time, an Emergency had been declared by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in June 1975 and officially ended on 21 March 1977. Furthermore, Jaishankar also recalled that he was asked about the 1977 elections during his interview and as a political science student at JNU who had actively taken part in campaigning against the Emergency, he added that he was well-prepared and fortunate to answer those questions. &nbsp;"We had taken part in the 1977 election campaign. We had all gone there and worked for the defeat of the Emergency," Jaishankar told PTI. India's External Affairs Minister also mentioned that after the UPSC interview, he learnt of the "Lutyens' bubble".

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar mentioned that the interview is the toughest part of the UPSC exams and described the entire process as an “Agni Pariksha”.

India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar recently shared memories of his entry into the civil services. He said his interview for the UPSC took place on 21 March 1977 ( the same day the Emergency ended in India). Looking back, Jaishankar said the interview taught him two important lessons, first, how to communicate well under pressure, and second is that influential people often live in their own “bubble,” disconnected from reality. "(1977) Election results were coming from the previous day... The sense of the defeat of the Emergency rule was coming into understanding. In a way, that is what got me through the interview," Jaishankar told the fresh batch of entrants to the civil services at an event in Delhi, according to PTI news agency. He also mentioned that the interview is the toughest part of the UPSC exams and described the entire process as an “Agni Pariksha”, a true test of one’s abilities. His interview happened 48 years ago at the Shahjahan Road in Delhi, and he was the first candidate of the day to appear for the interview. Also Read - Karnataka govt forms SIT to probe Dharmasthala mass grave case During that time, an Emergency had been declared by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in June 1975 and officially ended on 21 March 1977. Furthermore, Jaishankar also recalled that he was asked about the 1977 elections during his interview and as a political science student at JNU who had actively taken part in campaigning against the Emergency, he added that he was well-prepared and fortunate to answer those questions. "We had taken part in the 1977 election campaign. We had all gone there and worked for the defeat of the Emergency," Jaishankar told PTI. India's External Affairs Minister also mentioned that after the UPSC interview, he learnt of the "Lutyens' bubble".

&nbsp;India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar mentioned that the interview is the toughest part of the UPSC exams and described the entire process as an “Agni Pariksha”.

'That's what got me through the interview': Jaishankar recalls his UPSC journey, says he gave interview on the day Emergency was revoked

A 24-member delegation of young political leaders from 14 political parties of Sri Lanka is on a 2-week visit to India, and has supported strong ties with India. This is one of the biggest visits of Sri Lankan political parties together to India, and includes representation from Sinhalese, Tamils and other parties. Those in the delegation include MP Chithral Fernando, from Samagi Jana Balawegaya, the country’s key opposition party, representing the Government, Chalith Amara Divakara from Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna.Chalith Amara Divakara, from Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), which is the main part of the ruling establishment in the country, said, "Sri govt is ready to prioritise India, because India is our first neighbour. .Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-child-who-won-t-behave-white-house-frustrated-by-madman-netanyahu-s-behaviour-us-official-warns-trump-s-goodwill-could-run-out-1753028186729">'Child who won’t behave': White House frustrated by ‘madman’ Netanyahu’s behaviour; US official warns 'Trump’s goodwill could run out'</a> Member of Parliament, Chithral Fernando from Samagi Jana Balawegaya said, “India, Sri Lanka relationship has been going for a thousand years now, it gives me great pleasure to be here and experience first-hand the political affairs, and the system in India...Political affairs between the 2 countries have always been very close” Last week, the delegation met Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to discuss deepening bilateral ties between the 2 countries. During the meeting, Misri emphasised the crucial role of these young leaders in shaping the future of India-Sri Lanka relations, highlighting their importance as stakeholders in the bilateral partnership.&nbsp; The parties present in the delegation include the National People’s Power, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, Samagi Jana Balawegaya, United National Party, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, Sri Lanka Freedom Party, All Ceylon Makkal Congress, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi, Tamil Progressive Alliance, Democratic-Tamil National Alliance, Mawbima Janatha Pakshaya, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya, United Republic Front, Ceylon Workers’ Congress, and NextGen SL. In Delhi, the young politicians visited the Indian Parliament, Sports facilities, ICCR Headquarters, got a briefing on India's Digital Public Infrastructure, especially Aadhaar - the Unique Digital Identity System at UIDAI office, met with think tanks and a university. India has provided significant support for Sri Lanka’s Unique Digital Identity (SL-UDI) project, from financial support to technical expertise. The delegation also visited the Election Commission of India (ECI)'s International Institute of democracy and Election Management, Dwarka, that trains electoral Officers and is also involved in International Cooperation with technical assistance to emerging democracies. They are currently on a visit to Bodhgaya, and will also take part in a training module at IIM, Bodhgaya with themes on public policy and governance. They later visit Nalanda University, Patna, and Bengaluru. In Bengaluru, they visit key scientific institutions. &nbsp;The visit has been organised by India's Ministry of External Affairs in cooperation with the ICCR-Indian Council for Cultural Relations. The visit is part of India's ongoing efforts to support stronger ties with Sri Lanka and aligns with its 'Neighbourhood First' policy and MAHASAGAR vision, or Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. The delegation's visit follows recent high-level exchanges, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025, where he met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and announced initiatives like training Sri Lankan civil servants, concluding debt restructuring agreements, and providing financial support for projects such as a $14.9 million railway signalling project. A joint statement titled "Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future" was also released, and agreements were signed, including a protocol to amend the Double Taxation Agreement.

Last week, the delegation met Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to discuss deepening bilateral ties between the 2 countries. During the meeting, Misri emphasised the crucial role of these young leaders in shaping the future of India-Sri Lanka relations. 

A 24-member delegation of young political leaders from 14 political parties of Sri Lanka is on a 2-week visit to India, and has supported strong ties with India. This is one of the biggest visits of Sri Lankan political parties together to India, and includes representation from Sinhalese, Tamils and other parties. Those in the delegation include MP Chithral Fernando, from Samagi Jana Balawegaya, the country’s key opposition party, representing the Government, Chalith Amara Divakara from Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna. Chalith Amara Divakara, from Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), which is the main part of the ruling establishment in the country, said, "Sri govt is ready to prioritise India, because India is our first neighbour. . Also read: 'Child who won’t behave': White House frustrated by ‘madman’ Netanyahu’s behaviour; US official warns 'Trump’s goodwill could run out' Member of Parliament, Chithral Fernando from Samagi Jana Balawegaya said, “India, Sri Lanka relationship has been going for a thousand years now, it gives me great pleasure to be here and experience first-hand the political affairs, and the system in India...Political affairs between the 2 countries have always been very close” Last week, the delegation met Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to discuss deepening bilateral ties between the 2 countries. During the meeting, Misri emphasised the crucial role of these young leaders in shaping the future of India-Sri Lanka relations, highlighting their importance as stakeholders in the bilateral partnership. The parties present in the delegation include the National People’s Power, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, Samagi Jana Balawegaya, United National Party, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, Sri Lanka Freedom Party, All Ceylon Makkal Congress, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi, Tamil Progressive Alliance, Democratic-Tamil National Alliance, Mawbima Janatha Pakshaya, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya, United Republic Front, Ceylon Workers’ Congress, and NextGen SL. In Delhi, the young politicians visited the Indian Parliament, Sports facilities, ICCR Headquarters, got a briefing on India's Digital Public Infrastructure, especially Aadhaar - the Unique Digital Identity System at UIDAI office, met with think tanks and a university. India has provided significant support for Sri Lanka’s Unique Digital Identity (SL-UDI) project, from financial support to technical expertise. The delegation also visited the Election Commission of India (ECI)'s International Institute of democracy and Election Management, Dwarka, that trains electoral Officers and is also involved in International Cooperation with technical assistance to emerging democracies. They are currently on a visit to Bodhgaya, and will also take part in a training module at IIM, Bodhgaya with themes on public policy and governance. They later visit Nalanda University, Patna, and Bengaluru. In Bengaluru, they visit key scientific institutions. The visit has been organised by India's Ministry of External Affairs in cooperation with the ICCR-Indian Council for Cultural Relations. The visit is part of India's ongoing efforts to support stronger ties with Sri Lanka and aligns with its 'Neighbourhood First' policy and MAHASAGAR vision, or Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. The delegation's visit follows recent high-level exchanges, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025, where he met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and announced initiatives like training Sri Lankan civil servants, concluding debt restructuring agreements, and providing financial support for projects such as a $14.9 million railway signalling project. A joint statement titled "Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future" was also released, and agreements were signed, including a protocol to amend the Double Taxation Agreement.

Last week, the delegation met Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to discuss deepening bilateral ties between the 2 countries. During the meeting, Misri emphasised the crucial role of these young leaders in shaping the future of India-Sri Lanka relations.&nbsp;

Young Sri Lankan politicians on India visit, bat for strong ties

In a major breakthrough, Anantnag Police have arrested a suspicious individual identified as Muneeb Mushtaq Sheikh, son of Mushtaq Ahmad Sheikh and a resident of Malik Mohalla, Drangbal Pampore. The arrest was made at the X-Ray Point in Ganishbal after he was flagged by the Facial Recognition System (FRS) installed by the J&amp;K Police.&nbsp;“Police in Anantnag successfully apprehended a suspicious individual identified as Muneeb Mushtaq Sheikh son of Mushtaq Ahmad Sheikh resident of Malik Mohalla Drangbal Pampore. The arrest was made after the suspect was detected at the X-Ray Point, Ganishbal, through the Facial Recognition System (FRS) installed by J&amp;K Police,” a police spokesperson said in statement.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amarnath-yatra-suspended-amid-heavy-rain-death-of-woman-pilgrim-1752735687272">Amarnath Yatra suspended amid heavy rain, death of woman pilgrim</a>&nbsp;The spokesman further said that upon detection, the individual was immediately taken into custody and shifted to Police Station Pahalgam for further verification. “Subsequent inquiries revealed that Muneeb Mushtaq Sheikh is involved in Case FIR No. 28/2021 registered under Sections 16, 18, 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A] and Sections 4/5 of the Explosive Substances Act of Police Station Pampore,” police said.&nbsp;Police said the swift identification and arrest of the suspect underscore the effectiveness of advanced surveillance technologies, including the Facial Recognition System, in strengthening security and upholding law and order.&nbsp;Meanwhile, a landslide along the Baltal route of the Amarnath Yatra in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday (July 16) claimed the life of a woman pilgrim and left three others injured. All injured were immediately taken to the Baltal base camp hospital where the woman identified as Sona Bai (55), a resident of Rajasthan was declared dead on arrival, said police officials, according to news agency PTI. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and their state counterparts, SDRF, were then immediately deployed to the accident site to evacuate people.

UAPA suspect arrested using facial recognition system in J&Ks Anantnag

In a major breakthrough, Anantnag Police have arrested a suspicious individual identified as Muneeb Mushtaq Sheikh, son of Mushtaq Ahmad Sheikh and a resident of Malik Mohalla, Drangbal Pampore. The arrest was made at the X-Ray Point in Ganishbal after he was flagged by the Facial Recognition System (FRS) installed by the J&K Police. “Police in Anantnag successfully apprehended a suspicious individual identified as Muneeb Mushtaq Sheikh son of Mushtaq Ahmad Sheikh resident of Malik Mohalla Drangbal Pampore. The arrest was made after the suspect was detected at the X-Ray Point, Ganishbal, through the Facial Recognition System (FRS) installed by J&K Police,” a police spokesperson said in statement. Also Read: Amarnath Yatra suspended amid heavy rain, death of woman pilgrim The spokesman further said that upon detection, the individual was immediately taken into custody and shifted to Police Station Pahalgam for further verification. “Subsequent inquiries revealed that Muneeb Mushtaq Sheikh is involved in Case FIR No. 28/2021 registered under Sections 16, 18, 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A] and Sections 4/5 of the Explosive Substances Act of Police Station Pampore,” police said. Police said the swift identification and arrest of the suspect underscore the effectiveness of advanced surveillance technologies, including the Facial Recognition System, in strengthening security and upholding law and order. Meanwhile, a landslide along the Baltal route of the Amarnath Yatra in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday (July 16) claimed the life of a woman pilgrim and left three others injured. All injured were immediately taken to the Baltal base camp hospital where the woman identified as Sona Bai (55), a resident of Rajasthan was declared dead on arrival, said police officials, according to news agency PTI. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and their state counterparts, SDRF, were then immediately deployed to the accident site to evacuate people.

The suspect was arrested after he was detected at the X-Ray point, Ganishbal, through the Facial Recognition System (FRS) installed by J&amp;K Police

UAPA suspect arrested using facial recognition system in J&K's Anantnag

Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate has found himself in the middle of a controversy after a video of him playing a game on his mobile phone during the Legislative Assembly went viral on social media. Nationalist Congress Party (SP) leader Rohit Pawar, who posted the clip on X, alleged that the minister was playing an online rummy game during the state assembly session. Pawar slammed Kokate and the government over the incident, saying that he has no work and has time to play rummy at a time when the state is grappled with a severe agrarian crisis.&nbsp;In a post on X, Pawar wrote, “Since the Nationalist faction in power cannot do anything without consulting the BJP, even with countless agricultural issues pending and 8 farmers committing suicide daily in the state, the Agriculture Minister, with nothing else to do, seems to have time to play rummy.”&nbsp;He further added, “Will these misguided ministers and the government ever hear the desperate plea of farmers demanding crop insurance, loan waivers, and price support: ‘Come to the fields of poor farmers sometimes, Maharaj’?&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%80_%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%80_%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%87_%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%93_%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BE_%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9C?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#जंगली_रमी_पे_आओ_ना_महाराज</a>…!” सत्तेतल्या राष्ट्रवादी गटाला भाजपला विचारल्याशिवाय काहीच करता येत नाही म्हणूनच शेतीचे असंख्य प्रश्न प्रलंबित असताना, राज्यात रोज ८ शेतकरी आत्महत्या करत असताना सुद्धा काही कामच नसल्याने कृषिमंत्र्यांवर रमी खेळण्याची वेळ येत असावी. रस्ता भरकटलेल्या… <a href="https://t.co/52jz7eTAtq">pic.twitter.com/52jz7eTAtq</a>&mdash; Rohit Pawar (@RRPSpeaks) <a href="https://twitter.com/RRPSpeaks/status/1946778150857580930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;<h2>What did Manikrao Kokate say?</h2>&nbsp;In his defence, Manikrao Kokate said that it is a “solitaire game, not rummy”. He claimed that someone had downloaded the game on his phone he was trying to skip it.&nbsp;“Rohit Pawar has become addicted to playing rummy. It wasn't rummy, but solitaire on my phone. Some PA or OSD must have downloaded that game on my phone... I had opened YouTube to see what was going on in the lower house. How does he know what rummy is? I don't know what rummy is. He must play it a lot, so he thought I was playing it too. It was a solitaire game... 10 different types of ads come up on YouTube... You have to watch it for 30 seconds and you can't even skip it...,” he said.&nbsp;<h2>Ministers react</h2>&nbsp;Reacting to the incident, BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar said, ”There is no law under which action can be taken against minister Kokate. At best, he will be warned… I had told Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to make a law against such activities, but he said the right is with the Central government.”&nbsp;Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Kishori Pednekar said, “This is not the first time minister Kokate has been caught on the wrong foot. Earlier, too, he was found making irresponsible statements. The way he is behaving is nothing but an insult to democracy.”

In his defence, Manikrao Kokate said that it is a “solitaire game, not rummy”. He claimed that someone had downloaded the game on his phone he was trying to skip it.

Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate has found himself in the middle of a controversy after a video of him playing a game on his mobile phone during the Legislative Assembly went viral on social media. Nationalist Congress Party (SP) leader Rohit Pawar, who posted the clip on X, alleged that the minister was playing an online rummy game during the state assembly session. Pawar slammed Kokate and the government over the incident, saying that he has no work and has time to play rummy at a time when the state is grappled with a severe agrarian crisis. In a post on X, Pawar wrote, “Since the Nationalist faction in power cannot do anything without consulting the BJP, even with countless agricultural issues pending and 8 farmers committing suicide daily in the state, the Agriculture Minister, with nothing else to do, seems to have time to play rummy.” He further added, “Will these misguided ministers and the government ever hear the desperate plea of farmers demanding crop insurance, loan waivers, and price support: ‘Come to the fields of poor farmers sometimes, Maharaj’?

In his defence, Manikrao Kokate said that it is a “solitaire game, not rummy”. He claimed that someone had downloaded the game on his phone he was trying to skip it.

Maharashtra minister ‘caught on wrong foot’! Video of him playing ‘rummy’ in assembly goes viral

INS Nistar, the Indian Navy’s first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV), commissioned last week will be a force multiplier for submarine support in the Indo pacific. Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, it enhances India’s maritime capabilities in the Indo Pacific and&nbsp; Indian Ocean Region, particularly for deep-sea diving and submarine rescue operations, a capability possessed by only a few navies globally. With over 80% indigenous content, involving 120 MSMEs, it supports India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative.&nbsp;&nbsp;INS Nistar aligns with Navy's doctrine of ‘Net Security Provider’, offering help to friendly or neutral navies in case of underwater emergencies.&nbsp; The Indian Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi&nbsp;last week said, "Nistar will provide critical submarine rescue support to the Indian Navy as well as our regional partners. This will enable India to emerge as a ‘Preferred Submarine Rescue Partner’ in this region".&nbsp;The Navy, which is part of India's maritime diplomacy, INS Nistar is a major addition to the diplomatic tool box especially in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). In 2021, India dispatched a DSRV to assist with the search for the Indonesian submarine KRI Nanggala, though the mission was halted after debris was found. India has signed submarine rescue agreements with South Africa (2024) and Singapore, offering its DSRV capabilities to littoral nations in the IOR.&nbsp;&nbsp;In peacetime, Nistar could serve as a regional asset to assist distressed submarines from ASEAN countries or Indian Ocean littorals that lack rescue capability - strengthening regional bonds and trust. Last week's development significantly enhances Navy capabilities in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, particularly through its submarine rescue and support systems.Joint submarine rescue exercises with countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, or Australia could build interoperability and enhance India’s standing as a dependable partner. INS Nistar could be positioned for multi-nation contingency roles, especially for smaller states like Sri Lanka, Maldives, Seychelles, or Mauritius.&nbsp;The Indian Navy chief termed INS Nistar as not just a technological asset, but a crucial operational enabler. “The commissioning of Nistar is testimony to the growing capability and maturity of our maritime industrial base, and another shining example of Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” he said. The Diving Support Vessel (DSV)&nbsp;boosts the Indian Navy's credibility as a full-spectrum blue water navy, capable of both combat and humanitarian underwater operations.&nbsp;The indigenous build of Nistar shows India's ability to secure its own fleet without relying on foreign platforms for critical rescue functions—contrast this with Pakistan, which lacks such an asset and depends on foreign navies. At a time when region&nbsp;has been influx, especially after Pakistan's destabilizing&nbsp;action, the Indian Navy's growing capabilities, including long-duration undersea deployments, enhance its deterrence and sustainability posture.

INS Nistar Navys force multiplier in the Indo Pacific

INS Nistar, the Indian Navy’s first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV), commissioned last week will be a force multiplier for submarine support in the Indo pacific. Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, it enhances India’s maritime capabilities in the Indo Pacific and Indian Ocean Region, particularly for deep-sea diving and submarine rescue operations, a capability possessed by only a few navies globally. With over 80% indigenous content, involving 120 MSMEs, it supports India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative. INS Nistar aligns with Navy's doctrine of ‘Net Security Provider’, offering help to friendly or neutral navies in case of underwater emergencies. The Indian Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi last week said, "Nistar will provide critical submarine rescue support to the Indian Navy as well as our regional partners. This will enable India to emerge as a ‘Preferred Submarine Rescue Partner’ in this region". The Navy, which is part of India's maritime diplomacy, INS Nistar is a major addition to the diplomatic tool box especially in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). In 2021, India dispatched a DSRV to assist with the search for the Indonesian submarine KRI Nanggala, though the mission was halted after debris was found. India has signed submarine rescue agreements with South Africa (2024) and Singapore, offering its DSRV capabilities to littoral nations in the IOR. In peacetime, Nistar could serve as a regional asset to assist distressed submarines from ASEAN countries or Indian Ocean littorals that lack rescue capability - strengthening regional bonds and trust. Last week's development significantly enhances Navy capabilities in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, particularly through its submarine rescue and support systems. Joint submarine rescue exercises with countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, or Australia could build interoperability and enhance India’s standing as a dependable partner. INS Nistar could be positioned for multi-nation contingency roles, especially for smaller states like Sri Lanka, Maldives, Seychelles, or Mauritius. The Indian Navy chief termed INS Nistar as not just a technological asset, but a crucial operational enabler. “The commissioning of Nistar is testimony to the growing capability and maturity of our maritime industrial base, and another shining example of Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” he said. The Diving Support Vessel (DSV) boosts the Indian Navy's credibility as a full-spectrum blue water navy, capable of both combat and humanitarian underwater operations. The indigenous build of Nistar shows India's ability to secure its own fleet without relying on foreign platforms for critical rescue functions—contrast this with Pakistan, which lacks such an asset and depends on foreign navies. At a time when region has been influx, especially after Pakistan's destabilizing action, the Indian Navy's growing capabilities, including long-duration undersea deployments, enhance its deterrence and sustainability posture.

The Navy, which is part of India's maritime diplomacy, INS Nistar is a major addition to the diplomatic tool box especially in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)

INS Nistar: Navy's force multiplier in the Indo-Pacific

A team of more than 20 researchers has unearthed various artefacts and other tools believed to be around 4000 years old during an excavation near Mallikarjuna Hill and the Anjaneya Swamy Temple in Maski town, Raichur district of Karnataka. The region once again came to the limelight, which is already known for the discovery of a famous Ashokan inscription.The archaeologists from the United States of America, Canada, and India who are currently researching in Maski have traced human activity in the area back 4000 years, uncovering signs of an early and flourishing civilisation. Findings of archaeologists indicate that a human settlement once existed here between the 11th and 14th centuries BCE, according to a report in Deccan Herald.They also hinted about a developed community with evolving cultural practices based on discovered artefacts such as clay pots, artistic pieces, tools, and cooking utensils. The excavation process is being monitored and led by Professor Dr. Andrew M. Bauer from Stanford University (USA), Dr. Peter G. Johansen from McGill University (Canada), and scholars from Shiv Nadar University (India).<h3>What else was unearthed from the site?</h3>They have been working in Maski town of Karnataka for the past three months and also conducting intensive fieldwork following permission from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Researchers had also spotted 271 potential sites of interest before the excavation and work around Mallikarjuna Hill and the nearby temple, which has confirmed human settlement for a long time.Multiple cooking artefacts, such as earthen pots and pans, were unearthed by the researchers. One of the lead researchers, identified as Kadambi, has confirmed that these artefacts provide clear and strong evidence of prolonged human presence in Maski around 4000 years ago. “We have found evidence that indicates that there was a human settlement in Maski around 4,000 years ago,” Kadambi confirmed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

More than 20 researchers have traced human activity in the area back 4000 years, uncovering signs of an early and flourishing civilisation. Findings of archaeologists indicate that a human settlement once existed here between the 11th and 14th centuries BCE.

A team of more than 20 researchers has unearthed various artefacts and other tools believed to be around 4000 years old during an excavation near Mallikarjuna Hill and the Anjaneya Swamy Temple in Maski town, Raichur district of Karnataka. The region once again came to the limelight, which is already known for the discovery of a famous Ashokan inscription. The archaeologists from the United States of America, Canada, and India who are currently researching in Maski have traced human activity in the area back 4000 years, uncovering signs of an early and flourishing civilisation. Findings of archaeologists indicate that a human settlement once existed here between the 11th and 14th centuries BCE, according to a report in Deccan Herald. They also hinted about a developed community with evolving cultural practices based on discovered artefacts such as clay pots, artistic pieces, tools, and cooking utensils. The excavation process is being monitored and led by Professor Dr. Andrew M. Bauer from Stanford University (USA), Dr. Peter G. Johansen from McGill University (Canada), and scholars from Shiv Nadar University (India). What else was unearthed from the site? They have been working in Maski town of Karnataka for the past three months and also conducting intensive fieldwork following permission from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Researchers had also spotted 271 potential sites of interest before the excavation and work around Mallikarjuna Hill and the nearby temple, which has confirmed human settlement for a long time. Multiple cooking artefacts, such as earthen pots and pans, were unearthed by the researchers. One of the lead researchers, identified as Kadambi, has confirmed that these artefacts provide clear and strong evidence of prolonged human presence in Maski around 4000 years ago. “We have found evidence that indicates that there was a human settlement in Maski around 4,000 years ago,” Kadambi confirmed.

More than 20 researchers have traced human activity in the area back 4000 years, uncovering signs of an early and flourishing civilisation. Findings of archaeologists indicate that a human settlement once existed here between the 11th and 14th centuries BCE.

Did a 4000-year-old civilisation once thrive in Karnataka’s Maski? Here's what researchers found

Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Sunday (July 20) said that the government would not draw any conclusions until it receives the final report on the Air India crash in Ahmedabad. He appealed to western media not to speculate and praised the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) for being able to decode the black box data in India.&nbsp;“AAIB has made an appeal to all, especially Western media houses, which may have a vested interest in the kind of articles they are trying to publish. I believe in AAIB. I believe in the work that they are doing. They have done a wonderful job in decoding the whole black box and getting the data out in India itself,” Kinjarapu said. &nbsp;He labeled it a great success, pointing that previously, the black box would have to be shipped overseas for data recovery. “It was a huge success for us because previous incidents, whenever the black box was seen to be damaged, it was always sent abroad to get the data out. But this is the first time that successfully AAIB has decoded everything. The data has been here. The preliminary report has also been seen,” the minister further said. &nbsp;Calling for caution until the investigation is complete, the minister said drawing conclusions at this stage would be inappropriate. “Making any comments until the final report has come, I don't think it is a good exercise on behalf of anyone. We are also very cautious and studying the report thoroughly, and whatever necessary needs to be done in terms of safety, we are ready to do it,” said the civil aviation minister. &nbsp;He again stressed on patience and confirmed the government's assurance towards aviation safety. “Regarding the incident and investigation, we have to wait for the final report before we say anything.” The AAIB is re-examining the circumstances of the Air India crash that occurred in Ahmedabad on June 12. The initial findings are being scrutinised and the final report is likely to provide a better insight into the causes and required safety measures.

Civil aviation minister backs AAIB, slams ‘vested’ western media reports on Air India crash probe

Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Sunday (July 20) said that the government would not draw any conclusions until it receives the final report on the Air India crash in Ahmedabad. He appealed to western media not to speculate and praised the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) for being able to decode the black box data in India. “AAIB has made an appeal to all, especially Western media houses, which may have a vested interest in the kind of articles they are trying to publish. I believe in AAIB. I believe in the work that they are doing. They have done a wonderful job in decoding the whole black box and getting the data out in India itself,” Kinjarapu said. He labeled it a great success, pointing that previously, the black box would have to be shipped overseas for data recovery. “It was a huge success for us because previous incidents, whenever the black box was seen to be damaged, it was always sent abroad to get the data out. But this is the first time that successfully AAIB has decoded everything. The data has been here. The preliminary report has also been seen,” the minister further said. Calling for caution until the investigation is complete, the minister said drawing conclusions at this stage would be inappropriate. “Making any comments until the final report has come, I don't think it is a good exercise on behalf of anyone. We are also very cautious and studying the report thoroughly, and whatever necessary needs to be done in terms of safety, we are ready to do it,” said the civil aviation minister. He again stressed on patience and confirmed the government's assurance towards aviation safety. “Regarding the incident and investigation, we have to wait for the final report before we say anything.” The AAIB is re-examining the circumstances of the Air India crash that occurred in Ahmedabad on June 12. The initial findings are being scrutinised and the final report is likely to provide a better insight into the causes and required safety measures.

The civil aviation minister urged western media to avoid speculation and lauded the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau for successfully decoding the black box data in India

Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday (July 20) said that the government is willing to discuss important matters, including Operation Sindoor, during the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament starting from Monday (July 21). Addressing an all-party meeting called prior to the session, Rijiju also urged increased coordination between the government and the opposition to facilitate the smooth functioning of the House. “We are very much open to discussing important issues like Operation Sindoor in Parliament. There should be government-opposition coordination in running Parliament smoothly,” the Union minister said. &nbsp;His statement came against the backdrop of the opposition's intention to raise the controversy over US President Donald Trump's recent assertion that he brokered a peace between India and Pakistan, which resulted in a ceasefire. “Govt will respond appropriately in Parliament,” he said when asked about the opposition’s intent to bring up Trump’s remarks.&nbsp;Rijiju, who has in-charge of parliamentary affairs as well, further said the motion for removal of Justice Varma has already received strong support from lawmakers. “Number of signatures of MPs for motion to remove Justice Varma has already crossed 100,” he said. &nbsp;The monsoon session is likely to be tempestuous, with a number of controversial issues set to be raised by the opposition. The government, however, insists that it is ready for a productive and debate-filled session. During the all-party meeting, opposition leaders flagged a series of issues they will bring to prominence in Parliament, such as so-called irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, the recent terror strike at Pahalgam, and Trump's claim of mediation.&nbsp;Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said his party had demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement in Parliament on Trump’s claim, the lapses that led to the Pahalgam attack, and the ongoing SIR process in Bihar. Sanjay Singh of the Aam Aadmi Party said he raised concerns over what he termed a “poll scam” involving the SIR exercise, and Trump's repeated assertion that he brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;The all-party meeting was presided over by Union minister and Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha JP Nadda, with Kiren Rijiju and MoS Arjun Ram Meghwal on behalf of the government. Representatives from Congress included Gaurav Gogoi and Jairam Ramesh, NCP (Sharad Pawar) MP Supriya Sule, DMK's TR Baalu, and Union minister Ramdas Athawale of the Republican Party of India (A).

Govt open to debate on Operation Sindoor, Trump remarks in Parliament: Rijiju

Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday (July 20) said that the government is willing to discuss important matters, including Operation Sindoor, during the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament starting from Monday (July 21). Addressing an all-party meeting called prior to the session, Rijiju also urged increased coordination between the government and the opposition to facilitate the smooth functioning of the House. “We are very much open to discussing important issues like Operation Sindoor in Parliament. There should be government-opposition coordination in running Parliament smoothly,” the Union minister said. His statement came against the backdrop of the opposition's intention to raise the controversy over US President Donald Trump's recent assertion that he brokered a peace between India and Pakistan, which resulted in a ceasefire. “Govt will respond appropriately in Parliament,” he said when asked about the opposition’s intent to bring up Trump’s remarks. Rijiju, who has in-charge of parliamentary affairs as well, further said the motion for removal of Justice Varma has already received strong support from lawmakers. “Number of signatures of MPs for motion to remove Justice Varma has already crossed 100,” he said. The monsoon session is likely to be tempestuous, with a number of controversial issues set to be raised by the opposition. The government, however, insists that it is ready for a productive and debate-filled session. During the all-party meeting, opposition leaders flagged a series of issues they will bring to prominence in Parliament, such as so-called irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, the recent terror strike at Pahalgam, and Trump's claim of mediation. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said his party had demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement in Parliament on Trump’s claim, the lapses that led to the Pahalgam attack, and the ongoing SIR process in Bihar. Sanjay Singh of the Aam Aadmi Party said he raised concerns over what he termed a “poll scam” involving the SIR exercise, and Trump's repeated assertion that he brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. The all-party meeting was presided over by Union minister and Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha JP Nadda, with Kiren Rijiju and MoS Arjun Ram Meghwal on behalf of the government. Representatives from Congress included Gaurav Gogoi and Jairam Ramesh, NCP (Sharad Pawar) MP Supriya Sule, DMK's TR Baalu, and Union minister Ramdas Athawale of the Republican Party of India (A).

The monsoon session is expected to be stormy, with several issues likely to be brought up by the opposition. The government, however, maintains it is prepared for a productive and debate-driven session

In another incident of illegal immigration and identity fraud in India, a Bangladeshi national by the name Abdul Kalam has been detained by the Bhopal police for living in the city for the past eight years under the false identity of 'Neha', a transgender.&nbsp;Abdul who is believed to be around 30-32 years of age entered India at the age of 10 and spent two decades in Mumbai before settling in Bhopal's Budhwara area, reported NDTV. Later he assumed the transgender identity and joined the local hijra community as a member.&nbsp;Surprisingly, Abdul acquired all crucial documents like Aadhaar card, ration card, and a passport-using forged documents. Abdul, who was known to everyone as 'Neha Kinnar' (fake identity) had also travelled abroad (to Bangladesh) on a fake Indian Passport, said the police as reported by NDTV.&nbsp;The police is now medically verifying whether Abdul is biologically transgender or used this identity to evade arrest or being deported. Authorities are also trying to determine whether other members of the transgender community were aware of his original identity or not.&nbsp;"We received credible information through a confidential informant, which led to his identification and subsequent arrest. He has been residing in Bhopal for nearly a decade, but prior to that, he lived in Maharashtra. During this time, he had also returned to Bangladesh, which he managed to do using forged Indian credentials. The investigation is ongoing, and we are closely coordinating with central agencies," senior police official Shalini Dixit told India Today.&nbsp;The case is under the purview of the of Intelligence Bureau, the Anti-Terrorism Squad, and cybercrime units due to national security concerns attached to the case.&nbsp;Abdul's seized mobile phone, call logs and other related data are being analysed by Cyber security experts.&nbsp;He is currently held at Talaiya Police Station and will be in detention for 30 days.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Abdul who is believed to be around 30-32 years of age entered India at the age of 10 and has been living in the country since then.

In another incident of illegal immigration and identity fraud in India, a Bangladeshi national by the name Abdul Kalam has been detained by the Bhopal police for living in the city for the past eight years under the false identity of 'Neha', a transgender. Abdul who is believed to be around 30-32 years of age entered India at the age of 10 and spent two decades in Mumbai before settling in Bhopal's Budhwara area, reported NDTV. Later he assumed the transgender identity and joined the local hijra community as a member. Surprisingly, Abdul acquired all crucial documents like Aadhaar card, ration card, and a passport-using forged documents. Abdul, who was known to everyone as 'Neha Kinnar' (fake identity) had also travelled abroad (to Bangladesh) on a fake Indian Passport, said the police as reported by NDTV. The police is now medically verifying whether Abdul is biologically transgender or used this identity to evade arrest or being deported. Authorities are also trying to determine whether other members of the transgender community were aware of his original identity or not. "We received credible information through a confidential informant, which led to his identification and subsequent arrest. He has been residing in Bhopal for nearly a decade, but prior to that, he lived in Maharashtra. During this time, he had also returned to Bangladesh, which he managed to do using forged Indian credentials. The investigation is ongoing, and we are closely coordinating with central agencies," senior police official Shalini Dixit told India Today. The case is under the purview of the of Intelligence Bureau, the Anti-Terrorism Squad, and cybercrime units due to national security concerns attached to the case. Abdul's seized mobile phone, call logs and other related data are being analysed by Cyber security experts. He is currently held at Talaiya Police Station and will be in detention for 30 days.

Abdul who is believed to be around 30-32 years of age entered India at the age of 10 and has been living in the country since then.

Bangladeshi man living as transgender in Bhopal arrested after 28 years. Know who is ‘Neha’ aka Abdul Kalam

The whole interest was divided after finding out that a woman in India's Himachal Pradesh married two brothers in a rare tribal tradition. The woman who hails from Himachal's Shillai village married two brothers in a rare polyandrous ceremony. This tradition is locally known as &nbsp;Jodidara. The wedding ceremony began on July 12 and lasted for three days. The bride, Sunita Chauhan, told the news agency PTI that she was aware of the tradition and made the decision to marry the two brothers, Pradeep and Kapil Negi.&nbsp;“We followed the tradition publicly, as we are proud of it, and it was a joint decision," one of Sunita's husbands, Pradeep, said. Kapil, who lives abroad, added that this union will ensure support, stability and love for the wife as a united family. "We've always believed in transparency," he said. The throuple belongs to the Hatti tribe.&nbsp;Who are the Hattis?&nbsp;Hatti is a closed-knit community in the Himachal Pradesh-Uttarakhand border and comes under the Scheduled Tribe. Polyandry in this tribe is accepted by the society.&nbsp;What is the ‘Jodidara'?&nbsp;It is a tradition where two or more brothers share one wife. It is often linked to the Mahabharata, as the Panchala princess Draupadi was married to the five Pandava brothers, hence sometimes called Draupadi Pratha.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uttarkashi-chopper-hit-cable-during-emergency-landing-crashed-preliminary-probe-wion-1752986671619/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/uttarkashi-chopper-hit-cable-during-emergency-landing-crashed-preliminary-probe-wion-1752986671619/embed</a>&nbsp;Why is it practised?&nbsp;The tradition allows the wife to shift between brothers on a mutually agreed schedule, whether nightly, weekly, or otherwise. The entire family raises the children together. While the eldest brother is typically named the legal father.&nbsp;The aim of the tradition is to help tribal families prevent the fragmentation of ancestral land. Since Himachal is a land of agriculture and families are dependent largely on this only for their livelihood, the Jodidara allows a single woman to marry multiple brothers to keep the property consolidated and avoid splitting it among heirs.&nbsp;Is it legal?&nbsp;The Indian law prohibits polyandry, but the Himachal Pradesh High Court has acknowledged and protected this custom under "Jodidar Law". The practice is allowed in the tribal groups.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The tradition aims to help tribal families prevent the fragmentation of ancestral land. Since Himachal is a land of agriculture, the Jodidara allows a single woman to marry multiple brothers to keep the property consolidated. 

The whole interest was divided after finding out that a woman in India's Himachal Pradesh married two brothers in a rare tribal tradition. The woman who hails from Himachal's Shillai village married two brothers in a rare polyandrous ceremony. This tradition is locally known as Jodidara. The wedding ceremony began on July 12 and lasted for three days. The bride, Sunita Chauhan, told the news agency PTI that she was aware of the tradition and made the decision to marry the two brothers, Pradeep and Kapil Negi. “We followed the tradition publicly, as we are proud of it, and it was a joint decision," one of Sunita's husbands, Pradeep, said. Kapil, who lives abroad, added that this union will ensure support, stability and love for the wife as a united family. "We've always believed in transparency," he said. The throuple belongs to the Hatti tribe. Who are the Hattis? Hatti is a closed-knit community in the Himachal Pradesh-Uttarakhand border and comes under the Scheduled Tribe. Polyandry in this tribe is accepted by the society. What is the ‘Jodidara'? It is a tradition where two or more brothers share one wife. It is often linked to the Mahabharata, as the Panchala princess Draupadi was married to the five Pandava brothers, hence sometimes called Draupadi Pratha. https://www.wionews.com/videos/uttarkashi-chopper-hit-cable-during-emergency-landing-crashed-preliminary-probe-wion-1752986671619/embed Why is it practised? The tradition allows the wife to shift between brothers on a mutually agreed schedule, whether nightly, weekly, or otherwise. The entire family raises the children together. While the eldest brother is typically named the legal father. The aim of the tradition is to help tribal families prevent the fragmentation of ancestral land. Since Himachal is a land of agriculture and families are dependent largely on this only for their livelihood, the Jodidara allows a single woman to marry multiple brothers to keep the property consolidated and avoid splitting it among heirs. Is it legal? The Indian law prohibits polyandry, but the Himachal Pradesh High Court has acknowledged and protected this custom under "Jodidar Law". The practice is allowed in the tribal groups.

The tradition aims to help tribal families prevent the fragmentation of ancestral land. Since Himachal is a land of agriculture, the Jodidara allows a single woman to marry multiple brothers to keep the property consolidated.&nbsp;

Is it legal for one woman to marry 2 men? All about Himachal's rare Polyandry tribal tradition | WION Explains

Latest satellite images shared by a defence expert on the social media platform X showed significant damage to Pakistan's Kirana Hills following Operation Sindoor. Geo-intelligence expert Damien Symon shared two images that hinted at a big loss for Pakistan. Symon wrote while sharing the images, "Imagery update from Google Earth of the Sargodha region, Pakistan, captured in June 2025." This was a month after India's Operation Sindoor against terrorism, under which the country targeted nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) in response to the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people.&nbsp;The first image shared showed the impact location of India's strike on Kirana Hills in May 2025, and the second one showed repaired runways at Sargodha airbase post India's strikes in May 2025.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Imagery update from Google Earth of the Sargodha region, Pakistan, captured in June 2025, shows - 1 - the impact location of India&#39;s strike on Kirana Hills in May 2025 2 - repaired runways at Sargodha airbase post India&#39;s strikes in May 2025 <a href="https://t.co/BLOXYB9fKP">pic.twitter.com/BLOXYB9fKP</a>&mdash; Damien Symon (@detresfa_) <a href="https://twitter.com/detresfa_/status/1946227879861199174?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

What India said on Kirana Hills&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uttarkashi-chopper-hit-cable-during-emergency-landing-crashed-preliminary-probe-wion-1752986671619/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/uttarkashi-chopper-hit-cable-during-emergency-landing-crashed-preliminary-probe-wion-1752986671619/embed</a>&nbsp;After Operation Sindoor, a buzz spread on social media that the Indian Army struck Kirana Hills, a reservation of Pakistan's Ministry of Defence. But on May 12, the Director General of India's Air Operations, Air Marshal AK Bharti, rejected the claims in a briefing on Operation Sindoor that India hit the hills.&nbsp;When a question was asked in the briefing if India hit Kirana Hills along with air bases of Pakistan, Bharti said, "Thank you for telling us that Kirana Hills houses some nuclear installations. We did not know about it.""We have not hit Kirana Hills, whatever is there. I did not brief in my briefing yesterday," the Air Marshal added.&nbsp;What are Kirana Hills?&nbsp;Pakistan's Kirana Hills are known to be a reservation of Pakistan's Ministry of Defence. It is believed that the caves within the hills are used by the Pakistani military to store its nuclear warheads. Satellite imagery indicated a strike on the runway of Mushaf airbase in Sargodha. As per Google Maps, the distance between the airbase and Kirana Hills is 19.9 km. Why are the hills significant for Pakistan?&nbsp;"At Khushab, 200 km south of Islamabad, there are four heavy water reactors dedicated to the production of weapons-grade plutonium," according to a report in World Nuclear Association that was updated in February 2025.&nbsp;Kirana Hills is a highly fortified military zone known for its underground nuclear infrastructure, Colonel Vinayak Bhat (Retd) wrote for The Print in November 2017.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Latest satellite images shared by a defence expert on the social media platform X showed significant damage to Kirana Hills following Operation Sindoor. Geo-intelligence expert Damien Symon shared two images that hinted at a big loss for Pakistan

Latest satellite images shared by a defence expert on the social media platform X showed significant damage to Pakistan's Kirana Hills following Operation Sindoor. Geo-intelligence expert Damien Symon shared two images that hinted at a big loss for Pakistan. Symon wrote while sharing the images, "Imagery update from Google Earth of the Sargodha region, Pakistan, captured in June 2025." This was a month after India's Operation Sindoor against terrorism, under which the country targeted nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) in response to the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people. The first image shared showed the impact location of India's strike on Kirana Hills in May 2025, and the second one showed repaired runways at Sargodha airbase post India's strikes in May 2025.

Latest satellite images shared by a defence expert on the social media platform X showed significant damage to Pakistan's Kirana Hills following Operation Sindoor. Geo-intelligence expert Damien Symon shared two images that hinted at a big loss for Pakistan.&nbsp;

Did India strike Kirana Hills in Operation Sindoor? Here's what satellite images revealed

At the request of the United Kingdom Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake an official visit to the United Kingdom from July 23–24, 2025. This is the fourth visit of Prime Minister Modi to the UK. ​Prime Minister Modi will have far-reaching discussions with Prime Minister Starmer on the entire range of India-UK bilateral relations during his visit.&nbsp;&nbsp;He will also exchange views on regional and global issues. Prime Minister will also call on His Majesty King Charles III. Both sides will, on the visit, also discuss the development of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) with particular emphasis on trade and economy, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate, health, education and people-to-people relations.&nbsp;On the second leg of his tour, Prime Minister will make a State Visit to Maldives from July 25–26, 2025, at the invitation of President of the Republic of Maldives, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. This will be PM Modi's third visit to Maldives, and the first Head of State or Government visit to Maldives during the Presidency of H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.&nbsp;Prime Minister will be the 'Guest of Honour' at ceremonies commemorating the 60th anniversary of Maldives Independence on July 26, 2025. The Prime Minister will meet H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during the visit and discuss matters of common interest. The two leaders will also review the progress in the operationalisation of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a 'Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership', endorsed during the State Visit of the President of Maldives to India in October 2024. The visit reflects the importance India attaches to its maritime neighbour, Maldives, which continues to hold a special place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision MAHASAGAR. The visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to further deepen and strengthen the close bilateral relationship.

PM Modi to visit Maldives from July 25–26, United Kingdom to discuss bilateral relations

At the request of the United Kingdom Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake an official visit to the United Kingdom from July 23–24, 2025. This is the fourth visit of Prime Minister Modi to the UK. Prime Minister Modi will have far-reaching discussions with Prime Minister Starmer on the entire range of India-UK bilateral relations during his visit. He will also exchange views on regional and global issues. Prime Minister will also call on His Majesty King Charles III. Both sides will, on the visit, also discuss the development of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) with particular emphasis on trade and economy, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate, health, education and people-to-people relations. On the second leg of his tour, Prime Minister will make a State Visit to Maldives from July 25–26, 2025, at the invitation of President of the Republic of Maldives, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. This will be PM Modi's third visit to Maldives, and the first Head of State or Government visit to Maldives during the Presidency of H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Prime Minister will be the 'Guest of Honour' at ceremonies commemorating the 60th anniversary of Maldives Independence on July 26, 2025. The Prime Minister will meet H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during the visit and discuss matters of common interest. The two leaders will also review the progress in the operationalisation of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a 'Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership', endorsed during the State Visit of the President of Maldives to India in October 2024. The visit reflects the importance India attaches to its maritime neighbour, Maldives, which continues to hold a special place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision MAHASAGAR. The visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to further deepen and strengthen the close bilateral relationship.

This will be Prime Minister's third visit to Maldives, and the first visit by a Head of State or Government to Maldives during the Presidency of H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu

Three individuals were arrested in Delhi for impersonating a CBI team and robbing a family in Wazirabad, Delhi, and forced the residents to give up their gold and silver ornaments, along with approximately ₹3 lakh in cash. The crime took place at a residence at Lane 9, Wazirabad, when two men and one woman entered, claiming to be CBI officials from Okhla, and conducted a mock search operation. Soon after, the family found that they had been robbed and informed the police, according to news agency PTI.&nbsp;The incident is reminiscent of 'Special 26', a 2013 movie starring Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher and Manoj Vajpayee in lead roles. The movie also revolves around a group of fake probe agency officials and their sophisticated trick to conduct fake raids and steal cash.<h2>What Delhi Police probe revealed</h2>Police received information from Wazirabad on the evening of July 10 at about 7:30 pm that three masked individuals entered a house and intimidated the residents claiming they had a search warrant against the family, DCP Raja Banthia was quoted saying in an interview. When their family requested them to give formal documents, the accused threatened them and stole gold and silver ornaments along with approximately ₹3 lakh in cash. When the residents asked for a formal document from them while they were leaving, they signed on a register within the house.&nbsp;After the accused left, the family got to know that they had been looted and called the police. A probe was launched afterwards and police went through the CCTV footage, effectively tracing the accused. The three accused were arrested and were taken to the police station, DCP Banthia further said.<h2>Similar incidents</h2>The incident comes after a string of similar incidents across the country in which individuals impersonate CBI officers and conduct mock raids. Earlier, such an incident had happened in UP's Pratapgarh when five men were pretending to be CBI and Income Tax officials. The men managed to steal ₹5 lakh and were then apprehended by the police. In Ludhiana, a 19-year-old man was arrested for extorting ₹18 lakh from the complainant after assuming the identity of a CBI officer and claiming he would put him under digital arrest.

‘Special 26’ heist comes alive: Fake CBI team robs Delhi family

Three individuals were arrested in Delhi for impersonating a CBI team and robbing a family in Wazirabad, Delhi, and forced the residents to give up their gold and silver ornaments, along with approximately ₹3 lakh in cash. The crime took place at a residence at Lane 9, Wazirabad, when two men and one woman entered, claiming to be CBI officials from Okhla, and conducted a mock search operation. Soon after, the family found that they had been robbed and informed the police, according to news agency PTI. The incident is reminiscent of 'Special 26', a 2013 movie starring Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher and Manoj Vajpayee in lead roles. The movie also revolves around a group of fake probe agency officials and their sophisticated trick to conduct fake raids and steal cash. What Delhi Police probe revealed Police received information from Wazirabad on the evening of July 10 at about 7:30 pm that three masked individuals entered a house and intimidated the residents claiming they had a search warrant against the family, DCP Raja Banthia was quoted saying in an interview. When their family requested them to give formal documents, the accused threatened them and stole gold and silver ornaments along with approximately ₹3 lakh in cash. When the residents asked for a formal document from them while they were leaving, they signed on a register within the house. After the accused left, the family got to know that they had been looted and called the police. A probe was launched afterwards and police went through the CCTV footage, effectively tracing the accused. The three accused were arrested and were taken to the police station, DCP Banthia further said. Similar incidents The incident comes after a string of similar incidents across the country in which individuals impersonate CBI officers and conduct mock raids. Earlier, such an incident had happened in UP's Pratapgarh when five men were pretending to be CBI and Income Tax officials. The men managed to steal ₹5 lakh and were then apprehended by the police. In Ludhiana, a 19-year-old man was arrested for extorting ₹18 lakh from the complainant after assuming the identity of a CBI officer and claiming he would put him under digital arrest.

The incident took place at a house in Lane 9, Wazirabad, where two men and a woman barged in, saying they were CBI officers from Okhla and staged a fake search operation

Amid the ongoing speculation over a rift with the Congress party, senior party leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday (July 19) said that political parties in India must cooperate for the nation's benefit and keep an India-first approach. Speaking at an event in Kochi on 'Peace, Harmony and National Development', Tharoor said that the nation must come first, and parties are merely vehicles to build a better country. "Which is your first loyalty? To my mind, the nation comes first. Parties are a means of making the nation better. So, to my mind, whichever party you belong to, the objective of the party is to create a better India in its own way. Now, parties have every right to disagree about the best way of doing that," &nbsp;the Congress leader said.&nbsp;The MP also addressed the criticism he received for supporting the BJP-led government for Operation Sindoor against Pakistani terrorists following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uttarkashi-chopper-hit-cable-during-emergency-landing-crashed-preliminary-probe-wion-1752986671619/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/uttarkashi-chopper-hit-cable-during-emergency-landing-crashed-preliminary-probe-wion-1752986671619/embed</a>&nbsp;"A lot of people have been very critical of me because of the stand I have taken, supporting our armed forces and our government, and what happened recently in our country and our borders. But I will stand my ground, because I believe this is the right thing for the country," Tharoor said. When he was asked about his relationship with the Congress party, Tharoor said, "When people like me say that we respect our parties, we have certain values and convictions that keep us in our parties, but we need to cooperate with other parties in the interest of national security. Sometimes the parties feel that is disloyal to them. That becomes a big problem."&nbsp;"Inclusive development has been my theme throughout my 16 years in politics, and I believe in inclusiveness and in development. I also believe in national security and national interest," he added.&nbsp;The speculation around a rift between Tharoor and the Congress party erupted when the MP was chosen to lead the Operation Sindoor outreach by the BJP-led government.&nbsp;

Speaking at an event in Kochi on Peace, Harmony and National Development, Tharoor said that the nation must come first, and parties are merely vehicles to build a better country. He also addressed criticism for supporting the BJP-led government for Operation Sindoor. 

Amid the ongoing speculation over a rift with the Congress party, senior party leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday (July 19) said that political parties in India must cooperate for the nation's benefit and keep an India-first approach. Speaking at an event in Kochi on 'Peace, Harmony and National Development', Tharoor said that the nation must come first, and parties are merely vehicles to build a better country. "Which is your first loyalty? To my mind, the nation comes first. Parties are a means of making the nation better. So, to my mind, whichever party you belong to, the objective of the party is to create a better India in its own way. Now, parties have every right to disagree about the best way of doing that," the Congress leader said. The MP also addressed the criticism he received for supporting the BJP-led government for Operation Sindoor against Pakistani terrorists following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. https://www.wionews.com/videos/uttarkashi-chopper-hit-cable-during-emergency-landing-crashed-preliminary-probe-wion-1752986671619/embed "A lot of people have been very critical of me because of the stand I have taken, supporting our armed forces and our government, and what happened recently in our country and our borders. But I will stand my ground, because I believe this is the right thing for the country," Tharoor said. When he was asked about his relationship with the Congress party, Tharoor said, "When people like me say that we respect our parties, we have certain values and convictions that keep us in our parties, but we need to cooperate with other parties in the interest of national security. Sometimes the parties feel that is disloyal to them. That becomes a big problem." "Inclusive development has been my theme throughout my 16 years in politics, and I believe in inclusiveness and in development. I also believe in national security and national interest," he added. The speculation around a rift between Tharoor and the Congress party erupted when the MP was chosen to lead the Operation Sindoor outreach by the BJP-led government.

Speaking at an event in Kochi on 'Peace, Harmony and National Development', Tharoor said that the nation must come first, and parties are merely vehicles to build a better country. He also addressed criticism for supporting the BJP-led government for Operation Sindoor.&nbsp;

'Which is your first loyalty? To my mind...': Shashi Tharoor's 'nation first' message amid speculation over rift with Congress

Amid the investigation into the case of sexual harassment of a student in Odisha's &nbsp;Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, police found CCTV footage that showed a young girl, around the same age as the victim, buying petrol from a filling station. The student who set herself on fire over inaction against her professor, who allegedly asked her for sexual favours, died on July 13. The Odisha Police found the footage on Saturday (July 19) and was analysing it. It is yet to be ascertained how she got the petrol. Meanwhile, filling stations in the district have stopped giving petrol in bottles.&nbsp;Rajkumar Mittal, who is leading the UGC fact-finding team, said the agency will so prepare its report in the investigation.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uttarkashi-chopper-hit-cable-during-emergency-landing-crashed-preliminary-probe-wion-1752986671619/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/uttarkashi-chopper-hit-cable-during-emergency-landing-crashed-preliminary-probe-wion-1752986671619/embed</a>&nbsp;The UGC team has questioned the principal of the college and members of the internal complaints committee (ICC), which had mentioned in its report that there was no evidence of sexual harassment as alleged by the deceased student.&nbsp;What was the incident?&nbsp;A 20-year-old student of the Fakir Mohan University in India's Odisha set herself ablaze after allegedly being sexually harassed by a teacher, Samir Kumar Sahu; now she has died. The girl succumbed to her injuries a day after the President of India, Droupadi Murmu visited her at the AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Monday (July 14).The girl was a second-year student of B.Ed (integrated) at the Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore. She set herself ablaze on Saturday (July 12) outside the chamber of the college principal. She filed a complaint against Samir Kumar Sahu, but the Internal Complaints Committee of the institution gave a clean chit to him, who was the head of the education department.&nbsp;The girl had accused Sahu of making sexual advances against her and then threatening to fail her in examinations if she did not give in to her demands. The girl was an active member of the RSS-controlled Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad. She had even approached CM Majhi, union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the national commission for women, as well as district police officials about her plight - but none could give her justice.&nbsp;“Despite adequate resuscitation and all possible supportive management, including renal replacement therapy at Burns ICU, she could not be revived and was declared clinically dead at 11.46 p.m. on July 14,” says a bulletin of AIIMS, Bhubaneswar.&nbsp;The chief minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, expressed his grief via a social media post, saying, “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of the student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College. Despite the government fulfilling all responsibilities and the relentless efforts of the team of specialist doctors, her life could not be saved. I pray for the departed soul to rest in peace and give strength to her family to bear this irreparable loss."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Odisha Police found the footage on Saturday (July 19) and was analysing it. It is yet to be ascertained how she got the petrol. Meanwhile, filling stations in the district have stopped giving petrol in bottles.

Amid the investigation into the case of sexual harassment of a student in Odisha's Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, police found CCTV footage that showed a young girl, around the same age as the victim, buying petrol from a filling station. The student who set herself on fire over inaction against her professor, who allegedly asked her for sexual favours, died on July 13. The Odisha Police found the footage on Saturday (July 19) and was analysing it. It is yet to be ascertained how she got the petrol. Meanwhile, filling stations in the district have stopped giving petrol in bottles. Rajkumar Mittal, who is leading the UGC fact-finding team, said the agency will so prepare its report in the investigation. https://www.wionews.com/videos/uttarkashi-chopper-hit-cable-during-emergency-landing-crashed-preliminary-probe-wion-1752986671619/embed The UGC team has questioned the principal of the college and members of the internal complaints committee (ICC), which had mentioned in its report that there was no evidence of sexual harassment as alleged by the deceased student. What was the incident? A 20-year-old student of the Fakir Mohan University in India's Odisha set herself ablaze after allegedly being sexually harassed by a teacher, Samir Kumar Sahu; now she has died. The girl succumbed to her injuries a day after the President of India, Droupadi Murmu visited her at the AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Monday (July 14). The girl was a second-year student of B.Ed (integrated) at the Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore. She set herself ablaze on Saturday (July 12) outside the chamber of the college principal. She filed a complaint against Samir Kumar Sahu, but the Internal Complaints Committee of the institution gave a clean chit to him, who was the head of the education department. The girl had accused Sahu of making sexual advances against her and then threatening to fail her in examinations if she did not give in to her demands. The girl was an active member of the RSS-controlled Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad. She had even approached CM Majhi, union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the national commission for women, as well as district police officials about her plight - but none could give her justice. “Despite adequate resuscitation and all possible supportive management, including renal replacement therapy at Burns ICU, she could not be revived and was declared clinically dead at 11.46 p.m. on July 14,” says a bulletin of AIIMS, Bhubaneswar. The chief minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, expressed his grief via a social media post, saying, “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of the student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College. Despite the government fulfilling all responsibilities and the relentless efforts of the team of specialist doctors, her life could not be saved. I pray for the departed soul to rest in peace and give strength to her family to bear this irreparable loss."

The Odisha Police found the footage on Saturday (July 19) and was analysing it. It is yet to be ascertained how she got the petrol. Meanwhile, filling stations in the district have stopped giving petrol in bottles.

CCTV shows girl buying petrol in bottle amid probe in Odisha student's death who set herself on fire over sexual harassment

The Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, on Saturday (July 19) said that no power on the planet can dictate to the country how to handle its affairs. Dhankar suggested that people not be guided by the narratives outside. "Don't be guided by narratives outside. All decisions in this country as a sovereign nation are taken by its leadership. There is no power on the planet to dictate to India how to handle its affairs," he said while addressing the officer trainees of the Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES) 2024 batch at the Vice-President's Enclave. "We do live in a nation and nations that are a comity. We work in togetherness, we work in tandem. We have mutual respect, diplomatic dialogues, but at the end of the day, we are sovereign. We take our own decisions.Is it required to play every bad ball? Is it required to have wrestling sessions as to who said what?" the VP questioned.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Watch: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar says, &quot;Don&#39;t be guided by narratives outside. All decisions in this country as sovereign nation are taken by its leadership. There is no power on the planet to dictate India how to handle its affairs. We do live in a nation and nations that… <a href="https://t.co/UgQaPR5dpW">pic.twitter.com/UgQaPR5dpW</a>&mdash; IANS (@ians_india) <a href="https://twitter.com/ians_india/status/1946574588672192728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"One who scores good runs on the cricket pitch always leaves bad balls. They are tempting, but not to be attempted. And those who attempt, you have to have safe gloves of the wicket keeper and someone in the gully," Dhankar added.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uttarkashi-chopper-hit-cable-during-emergency-landing-crashed-preliminary-probe-wion-1752986671619/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/uttarkashi-chopper-hit-cable-during-emergency-landing-crashed-preliminary-probe-wion-1752986671619/embed</a>&nbsp;The VP's remarks came after the opposition demanded a clarification from the BJP-led central government over US President Donald Trump's claims of brokering a "ceasefire" in the recent India and Pakistan conflict.&nbsp;Since the conflict between India and Pakistan was lightened following the Pahlagam terror attack, Trump has multiple times tried stealing the credit for a "ceasefire" between the two nations. The claim was consistently rejected by India. However, Pakistan had previously thanked the US president for brokering a "ceasefire" with India following Operation Sindoor.&nbsp;Earlier this week, Trump claimed that five fighter jets were shot down during clashes that took place in May. There has been no official confirmation or evidence supporting Trump’s specific claim regarding the downing of five aircraft. &nbsp;

Jagdeep Dhankar said that there is no power on the planet to dictate to India how to handle its affairs. The remarks came after the opposition demanded a clarification from the government over Donald Trump claims of brokering a ceasefire in the India-Pakistan conflict.

The Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, on Saturday (July 19) said that no power on the planet can dictate to the country how to handle its affairs. Dhankar suggested that people not be guided by the narratives outside. "Don't be guided by narratives outside. All decisions in this country as a sovereign nation are taken by its leadership. There is no power on the planet to dictate to India how to handle its affairs," he said while addressing the officer trainees of the Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES) 2024 batch at the Vice-President's Enclave. "We do live in a nation and nations that are a comity. We work in togetherness, we work in tandem. We have mutual respect, diplomatic dialogues, but at the end of the day, we are sovereign. We take our own decisions. Is it required to play every bad ball? Is it required to have wrestling sessions as to who said what?" the VP questioned.

Jagdeep Dhankar said, “There is no power on the planet to dictate to India how to handle its affairs.” The VP's remarks came after the opposition demanded a clarification from the government over Donald Trump's claims of brokering a "ceasefire" in India-Pakistan conflict.&nbsp;

‘NO POWER can dictate India’: Jagdeep Dhankhar's bold message after opposition seeks clarity on Trump’s claim over Pakistan ceasefire

A teenage girl in India's Odisha was abducted and set on fire, after which a massive protest erupted in the capital city, Bhubaneswar, and police imposed the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Section 163 outside AIIMS, where the girl was receiving treatment. As per a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jagmohan Meena, half the protesters dispersed, while the rest were detained outside the hospital for disrupting the medical services in the hospital.&nbsp;"Different groups held protests outside the burn unit. The resultant chaos caused numerous issues for the patients admitted here and their attendants. AIIMS even issued a notice saying protest was not allowed in the premises and that chaos is causing problems for patients and doctors in the hospital," DCP Meena told news agency ANI.&nbsp;"Our zonal ACP, who is also the Executive Magistrate, declared BNSS Section 163, after which 50% people left. The remaining were detained. We will ensure that further protests do not take place and that people do not face any inconvenience here. One platoon of force will remain deployed here so that the situation can be monitored," the officer added.&nbsp;Meanwhile, a BJP leader, Babu Singh, cautioned against politicising the issue and emphasised that the next 72 hours are medically crucial for the patient.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uttarkashi-chopper-hit-cable-during-emergency-landing-crashed-preliminary-probe-wion-1752986671619/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/uttarkashi-chopper-hit-cable-during-emergency-landing-crashed-preliminary-probe-wion-1752986671619/embed</a>&nbsp;"The next 72 hours are very important for the patient. There are other patients also admitted in the ward. Holding protests and raising slogans outside the ward is not right. Workers of the BJD and Congress are sitting outside the ward, and they are not allowing anyone to enter," he told ANI.&nbsp;Moreover, the Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said that the state government will airlift the 16-year-old girl to AIIMS Delhi for advanced medical care.&nbsp;"We are reviewing the situation. The state government is prepared to shift her to Delhi AIIMS for advanced treatment if needed. Although the victim has suffered up to 70% burns, she is still able to speak. I have spoken to the hospital director....she will be airlifted to Delhi AIIMS as per the advice of the doctors," the CM said.&nbsp;&nbsp;The girl's body was 70 per cent burned after she was forcefully set on fire when she was out with her friends. "Whoever is responsible will be caught. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of this incident and to determine whether any conspiracy was involved. The government will ensure strict punishment under the law," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jagmohan Meena said half the protesters dispersed, while the rest were detained outside the hospital for disrupting the medical services. The body of the girl was 70 per cent burned after she was forcefully set on fire when she was out with her friends.

A teenage girl in India's Odisha was abducted and set on fire, after which a massive protest erupted in the capital city, Bhubaneswar, and police imposed the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Section 163 outside AIIMS, where the girl was receiving treatment. As per a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jagmohan Meena, half the protesters dispersed, while the rest were detained outside the hospital for disrupting the medical services in the hospital. "Different groups held protests outside the burn unit. The resultant chaos caused numerous issues for the patients admitted here and their attendants. AIIMS even issued a notice saying protest was not allowed in the premises and that chaos is causing problems for patients and doctors in the hospital," DCP Meena told news agency ANI. "Our zonal ACP, who is also the Executive Magistrate, declared BNSS Section 163, after which 50% people left. The remaining were detained. We will ensure that further protests do not take place and that people do not face any inconvenience here. One platoon of force will remain deployed here so that the situation can be monitored," the officer added. Meanwhile, a BJP leader, Babu Singh, cautioned against politicising the issue and emphasised that the next 72 hours are medically crucial for the patient. https://www.wionews.com/videos/uttarkashi-chopper-hit-cable-during-emergency-landing-crashed-preliminary-probe-wion-1752986671619/embed "The next 72 hours are very important for the patient. There are other patients also admitted in the ward. Holding protests and raising slogans outside the ward is not right. Workers of the BJD and Congress are sitting outside the ward, and they are not allowing anyone to enter," he told ANI. Moreover, the Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said that the state government will airlift the 16-year-old girl to AIIMS Delhi for advanced medical care. "We are reviewing the situation. The state government is prepared to shift her to Delhi AIIMS for advanced treatment if needed. Although the victim has suffered up to 70% burns, she is still able to speak. I have spoken to the hospital director....she will be airlifted to Delhi AIIMS as per the advice of the doctors," the CM said. The girl's body was 70 per cent burned after she was forcefully set on fire when she was out with her friends. "Whoever is responsible will be caught. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of this incident and to determine whether any conspiracy was involved. The government will ensure strict punishment under the law," he added.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jagmohan Meena said half the protesters dispersed, while the rest were detained outside the hospital for disrupting the medical services. The girl's body was 70 per cent burned after she was forcefully set on fire when she was out with her friends.

Teen girl abducted, set on fire in India's Odisha. Massive protest erupts outside AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Section 163 imposed

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Teen girl abducted, set on fire in India's Odisha, massive protest erupts