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An Indian-origin businessman and the police chiefs of three cities in the US have been charged with visa fraud, allegedly by exploiting a provision to help crime victims. A federal grand jury framed fraud and conspiracy charges against them and a marshal, acting federal prosecutor Alexander Van Hook, in Lafayette, Louisiana, said. In the US legal system, a grand jury is a citizen's panel that determines whether there is a prima facie case to bring charges.&nbsp;The Indian-origin businessman identified as Chandrakant “Lala” Patel paid police in three cities in Louisiana state to create fraudulent armed robbery cases and list people he proposed as victims to enable them to claim visas meant for crime victims, officials said on Wednesday. Chandrakant Patel was the owner of two stores and the operator of a fast food restaurant. Court papers said officials traced $230,000 and property work $51,000 connected to Patel in this case. There have been several cases of Indian involvement in crime victim visa fraud.&nbsp;Patel, who had himself received a visa meant for crime victims, paid the police officials $5,000 for each of the people he referred to them to make up crimes and show them as victims, according to court papers. Known as “U Visas”, they are meant to allow them to stay in the country to testify in the case. The documents list 25 people identified with the last name Patel and only initials as those who were listed as victims in the reports by police officials. Patel and the police officials knew that those individuals who claimed to be “cooperating victims” were “never victims of the crimes”, according to the charging document.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a recent case, two Indian-origin men admitted in a Massachusetts federal court in May to faking armed robberies to enable store employees or owners to claim the U Visas. Officials said that Rambhai Patel and Balwinder Singh staged armed robberies of at least nine establishments – shops, liquor stores, and fast-food restaurants- across the US. They are awaiting sentencing. According to court papers in that case, a person posing as a “robber” would threaten the employees or owners of the businesses, brandishing a firearm, and rob them while the incident was being recorded. Those claiming to be “victims” would wait till the “robber” got away before calling the police. Those claiming to be victims paid Patel, in one case $20,000, to stage the robbery.

Indian-origin businessman, 3 police chiefs charged with US visa fraud

An Indian-origin businessman and the police chiefs of three cities in the US have been charged with visa fraud, allegedly by exploiting a provision to help crime victims. A federal grand jury framed fraud and conspiracy charges against them and a marshal, acting federal prosecutor Alexander Van Hook, in Lafayette, Louisiana, said. In the US legal system, a grand jury is a citizen's panel that determines whether there is a prima facie case to bring charges. The Indian-origin businessman identified as Chandrakant “Lala” Patel paid police in three cities in Louisiana state to create fraudulent armed robbery cases and list people he proposed as victims to enable them to claim visas meant for crime victims, officials said on Wednesday. Chandrakant Patel was the owner of two stores and the operator of a fast food restaurant. Court papers said officials traced $230,000 and property work $51,000 connected to Patel in this case. There have been several cases of Indian involvement in crime victim visa fraud. Patel, who had himself received a visa meant for crime victims, paid the police officials $5,000 for each of the people he referred to them to make up crimes and show them as victims, according to court papers. Known as “U Visas”, they are meant to allow them to stay in the country to testify in the case. The documents list 25 people identified with the last name Patel and only initials as those who were listed as victims in the reports by police officials. Patel and the police officials knew that those individuals who claimed to be “cooperating victims” were “never victims of the crimes”, according to the charging document. In a recent case, two Indian-origin men admitted in a Massachusetts federal court in May to faking armed robberies to enable store employees or owners to claim the U Visas. Officials said that Rambhai Patel and Balwinder Singh staged armed robberies of at least nine establishments – shops, liquor stores, and fast-food restaurants- across the US. They are awaiting sentencing. According to court papers in that case, a person posing as a “robber” would threaten the employees or owners of the businesses, brandishing a firearm, and rob them while the incident was being recorded. Those claiming to be “victims” would wait till the “robber” got away before calling the police. Those claiming to be victims paid Patel, in one case $20,000, to stage the robbery.

An Indian-origin businessman and the police chiefs of three cities in the US have been charged with visa fraud, allegedly by exploiting a provision to help crime victims.&nbsp;

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in a meeting that there should not be any third party in the bilateral relationship between India and China. Without naming Pakistan, Jaishankar said that India's evolving relationship with China after 2020 and 2021 border skirmishes should not have any focus on the third party’s interests, reported Hindustan Times. As per the report, Jaishankar also conveyed to Wang that China should ensure predictable supply chains and not impose export constraints towards India. This was after China imposed export constraints on critical minerals used in the manufacturing of magnets.&nbsp;This comes after Jaishankar, at his conference last week, expressed contentment over the Indian army restarting rounds in the Demchok and Depsang Plain areas. Additionally, he stated that a “stable border” is the cornerstone of steady bilateral ties between the two nations and endorsed that both armies emphasise scaling down after the transgression in East Ladakh and the Galwan skirmish between the two armies five years ago.<h2>Jaishankar in China</h2>In his first visit to China in five years, EAM Jaishankar raised the issue of the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam at the meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council in Tianjin.&nbsp;"The UN Security Council, of which some of us are currently members, issued a statement that condemned it in the strongest terms and "underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of this reprehensible act of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice," he said while speaking at the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting. The Minister noted that SCO was founded to combat three evils -- terrorism, separatism and extremism-- which "not surprisingly" often occur together. "It is imperative that the SCO, to remain true to its founding objectives, take an uncompromising position on this challenge," Jaishankar said.

Without naming Pakistan, Jaishankar said that India's evolving relationship with China after 2020 and 2021 border skirmishes should not have any focus on the third party’s interests

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in a meeting that there should not be any third party in the bilateral relationship between India and China. Without naming Pakistan, Jaishankar said that India's evolving relationship with China after 2020 and 2021 border skirmishes should not have any focus on the third party’s interests, reported Hindustan Times. As per the report, Jaishankar also conveyed to Wang that China should ensure predictable supply chains and not impose export constraints towards India. This was after China imposed export constraints on critical minerals used in the manufacturing of magnets. This comes after Jaishankar, at his conference last week, expressed contentment over the Indian army restarting rounds in the Demchok and Depsang Plain areas. Additionally, he stated that a “stable border” is the cornerstone of steady bilateral ties between the two nations and endorsed that both armies emphasise scaling down after the transgression in East Ladakh and the Galwan skirmish between the two armies five years ago. Jaishankar in China In his first visit to China in five years, EAM Jaishankar raised the issue of the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam at the meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council in Tianjin. "The UN Security Council, of which some of us are currently members, issued a statement that condemned it in the strongest terms and "underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of this reprehensible act of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice," he said while speaking at the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting. The Minister noted that SCO was founded to combat three evils -- terrorism, separatism and extremism-- which "not surprisingly" often occur together. "It is imperative that the SCO, to remain true to its founding objectives, take an uncompromising position on this challenge," Jaishankar said.

Without naming Pakistan, Jaishankar said that India's evolving relationship with China after 2020 and 2021 border skirmishes should not have any focus on the third party’s interests

'No space for third party...': Without naming Pakistan, Jaishankar sends big message to Chinese counterpart Wang Yi

India proved its growing military strength on July 17 and 16 with successful testing of three powerful missile systems. The country tested the Prithvi-II and Agni-1 missiles from Odisha coast on Thursday, July 17, while the advanced Akash Prime missile was tested in Ladakh on Tuesday, July 16. These tests show India's homemade weapons are working perfectly and the country is ready to defend itself.<h2>Breaking News: Three Big Missile Tests in Two Days</h2>On Thursday (July 17) India's Ministry of Defence successfully fired the Prithvi-II and Agni-1 missiles from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. Both missiles hit their targets perfectly. The tests were done by India's Strategic Forces Command, which handles the country's most powerful weapons.&nbsp;A day earlier on July 16, India achieved something special in Ladakh by using the Akash Prime missile to destroy two fast-moving drone targets flying at very high altitude. This test was extra important because it came after India's air defense systems worked so well during Operation Sindoor earlier this year.&nbsp;Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Indian Army, DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), and defense companies for these great achievements. He especially appreciated how government companies like Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited worked together to make these tests successful.<h3>Understanding Prithvi-II: India's Battlefield Missile</h3>The Prithvi-II missile is one of India's most reliable short-range weapons. It runs on liquid fuel and can carry heavy warheads to destroy enemy targets. Originally made for the Indian Air Force, now both the Air Force and Army use it.<h2>What Makes Prithvi-II Special:</h2><ul><li>Can hit targets 350 kilometers away</li><li>Carries warheads weighing 500-1000 kg 8.5 meters long missile</li><li>Weighs about 4.5 tonnes</li><li>Uses smart computer guidance to hit targets accurately</li><li>Launched from mobile trucks that can move anywhere</li><li>The Prithvi-II is very accurate and can change its path while flying to avoid enemy defenses. It was first tested in 1996 and became part of India's main weapon force in 2003.</li></ul>How Prithvi-II is Launched: The missile sits on a special truck called a mobile launcher. When needed, the truck drives to a safe location, raises the missile upright, and fires it toward the target. The truck can quickly move to a new hiding place after firing. This makes it very hard for enemies to find and destroy the launcher.&nbsp;All Types of Prithvi Missiles India Has Made:&nbsp;Prithvi-I (Army Version): Can hit targets 150 km away and carries 1000 kg warheads. The Army used these missiles from 1994 but now newer Prahaar missiles are replacing them. How it's launched: From mobile truck launchers that can drive on roads and hide in forests or behind hills.&nbsp;Prithvi-II (Air Force Version):&nbsp;This is the one tested on July 17. It can hit targets 350 km away and carries 500-1000 kg warheads. Both Air Force and Army use it now. How it's launched: From special trucks with hydraulic systems that raise the missile upright. The truck needs to fuel the missile with liquid propellant before firing, then can quickly drive away.&nbsp;Prithvi-III (Navy Version): Can hit targets 350 km away and carries 1000 kg warheads. It was designed for ships but is now mostly replaced by the improved Dhanush version. **How it's launched:** From reinforced helicopter decks of naval patrol vessels using special launch platforms.&nbsp;Dhanush (Advanced Ship-Launched Version):This is the newest and most advanced naval version of the Prithvi family, also called Prithvi-III. It can attack targets 350 km away, but with smaller warheads it can reach up to 750 km. The name "Dhanush" means bow (like bow and arrow) in Hindi. How it's launched:&nbsp;From Indian Navy warships using special stabilized platforms that keep the ship steady during launch. The missile can attack enemy ships at sea or targets on the coast.&nbsp;<h2>Agni-1: The Foundation of India's Strategic Arsenal</h2>The Agni-1 missile holds the distinction of being India's first operational ballistic missile and forms the backbone of the country's nuclear deterrent capability. This road-mobile, nuclear-capable missile was specifically developed after the Kargil War to address immediate strategic requirements.&nbsp;Technical Details:<ul><li>Range: 700-1200 kilometers (with reduced payload)</li><li>Payload: 1000 kg warhead capacity</li><li>Length: 15 meters</li><li>Launch Weight: 12 tonnes</li><li>Fuel: Single-stage solid fuel propulsion</li><li>Deployment: Road and rail mobile platforms</li></ul>The Agni-1 features a maneuverable re-entry vehicle (MRV) with body-lift aerodynamics that allows it to correct trajectory errors and reduce thermal stresses. Its solid fuel propulsion system ensures quick reaction time and extended storage capability compared to liquid-fueled systems. The missile was first deployed by the Strategic Forces Command in 2007 and has undergone numerous successful tests since then.&nbsp;Akash Prime: Advanced Surface-to-Air DefenseThe Akash Prime represents the evolution of India's indigenous surface-to-air missile (SAM) technology. Unlike ballistic missiles, SAMs are designed to intercept and destroy incoming aerial threats including aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones.&nbsp;System Capabilities:<ul><li>Range: Up to 40 kilometers interception range Altitude: Effective at high altitudes and low temperatures</li><li>Guidance: Active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for enhanced accuracy</li><li>Targets: Fighter jets, cruise missiles, drones, and air-to-surface missiles</li><li>Platform: Mobile launcher systems for rapid deployment</li></ul>The Akash Prime features significant upgrades over earlier Akash variants, including an advanced active RF seeker and improved ground systems optimized for high-altitude operations. The system can track multiple targets simultaneously and engage them with high precision, making it ideal for protecting critical installations and forward positions.&nbsp;Complete Missile Family VariantsPrithvi Series Evolution:<ul><li>Prithvi-I (Army version): 150 km range with 1000 kg payload</li><li>Prithvi-II (Air Force version): 350 km range with 500-1000 kg payload&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>Prithvi-III (Naval version): 350 km range, ship-launched capability</li><li>Dhanush: Naval variant for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore operation</li></ul>Agni Family Development:<ul><li>Agni-I: 700 km range, battlefield missile</li><li>Agni-II: 2000-3000 km range, intermediate-range ballistic missile</li><li>Agni-III: 3500 km range, strategic deterrent</li><li>Agni-IV: 4000 km range, road-mobile IRBM</li><li>Agni-V: 7000+ km range, intercontinental ballistic missile</li><li>Agni-Prime: 1000-2000 km range, next-generation tactical missile</li></ul>Akash Air Defense Family:<ul><li>Akash Mark-I: 25-30 km range, basic air defense</li><li>Akash-1S: 30 km range with active seeker</li><li>Akash Prime: 40 km range, high-altitude capable</li><li>Akash-NG: 70-80 km range, next-generation system</li></ul><h2>Strategic Significance: Lessons from Operation Sindoor</h2>The recent Operation Sindoor conflict between India and Pakistan in May 2025 demonstrated the crucial role of indigenous defense systems in modern warfare. India's air defense network, featuring systems like the Akash missile family, successfully neutralized hundreds of Pakistani drone and missile attacks during the four-day conflict.&nbsp;The operation showcased how integrated air defense systems provide a multi-layered protection shield. The Akash missiles, along with other indigenous systems, proved their worth by intercepting incoming threats with remarkable efficiency. This real-world validation has enhanced confidence in India's domestic defense capabilities and reduced dependence on foreign weapons systems.During Operation Sindoor, India's defense forces successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of indigenous technologies including BrahMos missiles, Akash air defense systems, and various loitering munitions. The operation marked a significant strategic shift, showing India's capability to conduct precision strikes using entirely domestic or domestically-assembled weapon systems.&nbsp;Launch Mechanisms and Deployment&nbsp;These missile systems employ sophisticated launch mechanisms designed for rapid deployment and enhanced survivability. The Prithvi-II and Agni-1 use mobile launcher platforms that can be quickly repositioned to avoid enemy detection and targeting. The road-mobile capability ensures these strategic assets remain hidden until needed, providing a credible deterrent.The Akash Prime system features a multi-target engagement capability with its Rajendra phased-array radar system. Each battery can track up to 64 targets simultaneously and engage 12 targets at once, making it highly effective against saturation attacks. The system's mobility allows for rapid deployment to threatened areas, providing flexible air defense coverage.&nbsp;&nbsp;India's Growing Defense IndependenceThese successful tests underscore India's remarkable progress toward defense self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The indigenous development of these sophisticated weapon systems has reduced India's dependence on foreign suppliers while building substantial technological capabilities within the country.&nbsp;The collaboration between DRDO laboratories, public sector undertakings like Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited, and private industry partners has created a robust ecosystem for missile development and production. This indigenous approach not only saves foreign exchange but also ensures that India maintains complete control over its strategic weapons systems.&nbsp;The success of these systems in both testing and operational scenarios like Operation Sindoor validates India's strategic decision to invest heavily in domestic defense research and development. As regional security challenges continue to evolve, India's indigenous missile capabilities provide the foundation for maintaining strategic autonomy and deterrent credibility in an increasingly complex security environment.&nbsp;These technological achievements represent more than just military hardware - they symbolize India's emergence as a significant defense technology power capable of developing world-class weapon systems that can effectively counter modern threats while maintaining strategic independence. &nbsp;

On Thursday, July 17, India's Ministry of Defence successfully fired the Prithvi-II and Agni-1 missiles from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. A day earlier on July 16, India used the Akash Prime missile to destroy two fast-moving drone targets flying at high altitude. 

India proved its growing military strength on July 17 and 16 with successful testing of three powerful missile systems. The country tested the Prithvi-II and Agni-1 missiles from Odisha coast on Thursday, July 17, while the advanced Akash Prime missile was tested in Ladakh on Tuesday, July 16. These tests show India's homemade weapons are working perfectly and the country is ready to defend itself. Breaking News: Three Big Missile Tests in Two Days On Thursday (July 17) India's Ministry of Defence successfully fired the Prithvi-II and Agni-1 missiles from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. Both missiles hit their targets perfectly. The tests were done by India's Strategic Forces Command, which handles the country's most powerful weapons. A day earlier on July 16, India achieved something special in Ladakh by using the Akash Prime missile to destroy two fast-moving drone targets flying at very high altitude. This test was extra important because it came after India's air defense systems worked so well during Operation Sindoor earlier this year. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Indian Army, DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), and defense companies for these great achievements. He especially appreciated how government companies like Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited worked together to make these tests successful. Understanding Prithvi-II: India's Battlefield Missile The Prithvi-II missile is one of India's most reliable short-range weapons. It runs on liquid fuel and can carry heavy warheads to destroy enemy targets. Originally made for the Indian Air Force, now both the Air Force and Army use it. What Makes Prithvi-II Special: Can hit targets 350 kilometers away Carries warheads weighing 500-1000 kg 8.5 meters long missile Weighs about 4.5 tonnes Uses smart computer guidance to hit targets accurately Launched from mobile trucks that can move anywhere The Prithvi-II is very accurate and can change its path while flying to avoid enemy defenses. It was first tested in 1996 and became part of India's main weapon force in 2003. How Prithvi-II is Launched: The missile sits on a special truck called a mobile launcher. When needed, the truck drives to a safe location, raises the missile upright, and fires it toward the target. The truck can quickly move to a new hiding place after firing. This makes it very hard for enemies to find and destroy the launcher. All Types of Prithvi Missiles India Has Made: Prithvi-I (Army Version): Can hit targets 150 km away and carries 1000 kg warheads. The Army used these missiles from 1994 but now newer Prahaar missiles are replacing them. How it's launched: From mobile truck launchers that can drive on roads and hide in forests or behind hills. Prithvi-II (Air Force Version): This is the one tested on July 17. It can hit targets 350 km away and carries 500-1000 kg warheads. Both Air Force and Army use it now. How it's launched: From special trucks with hydraulic systems that raise the missile upright. The truck needs to fuel the missile with liquid propellant before firing, then can quickly drive away. Prithvi-III (Navy Version): Can hit targets 350 km away and carries 1000 kg warheads. It was designed for ships but is now mostly replaced by the improved Dhanush version. **How it's launched:** From reinforced helicopter decks of naval patrol vessels using special launch platforms. Dhanush (Advanced Ship-Launched Version):This is the newest and most advanced naval version of the Prithvi family, also called Prithvi-III. It can attack targets 350 km away, but with smaller warheads it can reach up to 750 km. The name "Dhanush" means bow (like bow and arrow) in Hindi. How it's launched: From Indian Navy warships using special stabilized platforms that keep the ship steady during launch. The missile can attack enemy ships at sea or targets on the coast. Agni-1: The Foundation of India's Strategic Arsenal The Agni-1 missile holds the distinction of being India's first operational ballistic missile and forms the backbone of the country's nuclear deterrent capability. This road-mobile, nuclear-capable missile was specifically developed after the Kargil War to address immediate strategic requirements. Technical Details: Range: 700-1200 kilometers (with reduced payload) Payload: 1000 kg warhead capacity Length: 15 meters Launch Weight: 12 tonnes Fuel: Single-stage solid fuel propulsion Deployment: Road and rail mobile platforms The Agni-1 features a maneuverable re-entry vehicle (MRV) with body-lift aerodynamics that allows it to correct trajectory errors and reduce thermal stresses. Its solid fuel propulsion system ensures quick reaction time and extended storage capability compared to liquid-fueled systems. The missile was first deployed by the Strategic Forces Command in 2007 and has undergone numerous successful tests since then. Akash Prime: Advanced Surface-to-Air Defense The Akash Prime represents the evolution of India's indigenous surface-to-air missile (SAM) technology. Unlike ballistic missiles, SAMs are designed to intercept and destroy incoming aerial threats including aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones. System Capabilities: Range: Up to 40 kilometers interception range Altitude: Effective at high altitudes and low temperatures Guidance: Active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for enhanced accuracy Targets: Fighter jets, cruise missiles, drones, and air-to-surface missiles Platform: Mobile launcher systems for rapid deployment The Akash Prime features significant upgrades over earlier Akash variants, including an advanced active RF seeker and improved ground systems optimized for high-altitude operations. The system can track multiple targets simultaneously and engage them with high precision, making it ideal for protecting critical installations and forward positions. Complete Missile Family Variants Prithvi Series Evolution: Prithvi-I (Army version): 150 km range with 1000 kg payload Prithvi-II (Air Force version): 350 km range with 500-1000 kg payload Prithvi-III (Naval version): 350 km range, ship-launched capability Dhanush: Naval variant for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore operation Agni Family Development: Agni-I: 700 km range, battlefield missile Agni-II: 2000-3000 km range, intermediate-range ballistic missile Agni-III: 3500 km range, strategic deterrent Agni-IV: 4000 km range, road-mobile IRBM Agni-V: 7000+ km range, intercontinental ballistic missile Agni-Prime: 1000-2000 km range, next-generation tactical missile Akash Air Defense Family: Akash Mark-I: 25-30 km range, basic air defense Akash-1S: 30 km range with active seeker Akash Prime: 40 km range, high-altitude capable Akash-NG: 70-80 km range, next-generation system Strategic Significance: Lessons from Operation Sindoor The recent Operation Sindoor conflict between India and Pakistan in May 2025 demonstrated the crucial role of indigenous defense systems in modern warfare. India's air defense network, featuring systems like the Akash missile family, successfully neutralized hundreds of Pakistani drone and missile attacks during the four-day conflict. The operation showcased how integrated air defense systems provide a multi-layered protection shield. The Akash missiles, along with other indigenous systems, proved their worth by intercepting incoming threats with remarkable efficiency. This real-world validation has enhanced confidence in India's domestic defense capabilities and reduced dependence on foreign weapons systems. During Operation Sindoor, India's defense forces successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of indigenous technologies including BrahMos missiles, Akash air defense systems, and various loitering munitions. The operation marked a significant strategic shift, showing India's capability to conduct precision strikes using entirely domestic or domestically-assembled weapon systems. Launch Mechanisms and Deployment These missile systems employ sophisticated launch mechanisms designed for rapid deployment and enhanced survivability. The Prithvi-II and Agni-1 use mobile launcher platforms that can be quickly repositioned to avoid enemy detection and targeting. The road-mobile capability ensures these strategic assets remain hidden until needed, providing a credible deterrent. The Akash Prime system features a multi-target engagement capability with its Rajendra phased-array radar system. Each battery can track up to 64 targets simultaneously and engage 12 targets at once, making it highly effective against saturation attacks. The system's mobility allows for rapid deployment to threatened areas, providing flexible air defense coverage. India's Growing Defense Independence These successful tests underscore India's remarkable progress toward defense self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The indigenous development of these sophisticated weapon systems has reduced India's dependence on foreign suppliers while building substantial technological capabilities within the country. The collaboration between DRDO laboratories, public sector undertakings like Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited, and private industry partners has created a robust ecosystem for missile development and production. This indigenous approach not only saves foreign exchange but also ensures that India maintains complete control over its strategic weapons systems. The success of these systems in both testing and operational scenarios like Operation Sindoor validates India's strategic decision to invest heavily in domestic defense research and development. As regional security challenges continue to evolve, India's indigenous missile capabilities provide the foundation for maintaining strategic autonomy and deterrent credibility in an increasingly complex security environment. These technological achievements represent more than just military hardware - they symbolize India's emergence as a significant defense technology power capable of developing world-class weapon systems that can effectively counter modern threats while maintaining strategic independence.

On Thursday, July 17, India's Ministry of Defence successfully fired the Prithvi-II and Agni-1 missiles from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. A day earlier on July 16, India used the Akash Prime missile to destroy two fast-moving drone targets flying at high altitude.&nbsp;

Fire in the sky: India's Prithvi-II, Agni-1 and Akash Prime missiles blaze through perfect test runs

A day after Delhi Police said 10 schools and a college received bomb threats via mail, officials say more than 20 schools have received such threats. In the latest, Richmond Global School in Paschim Vihar has received a similar threat. The response team reached the school to carry out essential checks. The investigation behind these mail threats is still underway.&nbsp;The police released one letter, which read: " Hello. I am writing to let you know that I have placed several explosive devices (trinitrotoluene) within school classrooms. The explosives are skillfully hidden in black plastic bags. I will erase every last one of you from this world. Not a single soul will survive. I will gladly laugh when I watch the news, only to see the parents show up at the school and to be greeted by the cold, dismembered bodies of their children."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-s-st-thomas-school-st-stephen-s-college-mumbai-s-bse-get-bomb-threats-4-rdx-ied-bombs-1752554744812">Delhi's St Thomas School, St Stephen's College, Mumbai's BSE get bomb threats: '4 RDX IED bombs...'</a>&nbsp;"You all deserve to suffer. I truly hate my life, I will commit suicide after the news, will slit my throat and slit my wrists. I was never truly helped, psychiatrists, psychologists; no one has ever cared, and no one will ever care. You only care about medicating the helpless and clueless humans' psychiatrists never tell you that those meds ruin your organs or that they cause disgusting weight gain. You brainwash people into thinking psychiatric meds can help them. But they don't. I a living proof that they do not. You all deserve this. You deserve to suffer just like me," the letter read as reported by the news agency ANI.&nbsp;Some schools have decided to remain closed as adviced by the police. The police, PCR, sniffer dogs, and the bomb disposal squad have conducted thorough checks. Cyber Police experts are tracing the source of the mail sent to these schools. Additionally, security has been beefed up at the schools following the incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Twenty school in Delhi receive bomb threats via mail, investigation is underway

A day after Delhi Police said 10 schools and a college received bomb threats via mail, officials say more than 20 schools have received such threats. In the latest, Richmond Global School in Paschim Vihar has received a similar threat. The response team reached the school to carry out essential checks. The investigation behind these mail threats is still underway. The police released one letter, which read: " Hello. I am writing to let you know that I have placed several explosive devices (trinitrotoluene) within school classrooms. The explosives are skillfully hidden in black plastic bags. I will erase every last one of you from this world. Not a single soul will survive. I will gladly laugh when I watch the news, only to see the parents show up at the school and to be greeted by the cold, dismembered bodies of their children." Also read: Delhi's St Thomas School, St Stephen's College, Mumbai's BSE get bomb threats: '4 RDX IED bombs...' "You all deserve to suffer. I truly hate my life, I will commit suicide after the news, will slit my throat and slit my wrists. I was never truly helped, psychiatrists, psychologists; no one has ever cared, and no one will ever care. You only care about medicating the helpless and clueless humans' psychiatrists never tell you that those meds ruin your organs or that they cause disgusting weight gain. You brainwash people into thinking psychiatric meds can help them. But they don't. I a living proof that they do not. You all deserve this. You deserve to suffer just like me," the letter read as reported by the news agency ANI. Some schools have decided to remain closed as adviced by the police. The police, PCR, sniffer dogs, and the bomb disposal squad have conducted thorough checks. Cyber Police experts are tracing the source of the mail sent to these schools. Additionally, security has been beefed up at the schools following the incident.

Twenty school in Delhi receive bomb threats via mail, investigation is underway

20 schools in Delhi receive bomb threats via mail; Police release details of the letter

Tauseef Badshah, the criminal who allegedly led a gang that killed Chandan Mishra inside the Paras Hospital in Patna on Thursday, had conducted extensive groundwork and knew about the hospital's layout thoroughly so that the gang could escape after committing the brazen crime. Six assailants on two motorcycles came to the hospital; five of them entered the hospital while the sixth kept watch.&nbsp;Tauseef Badshah led the movie-style killing. He knew the layout of the hospital thoroughly because he used to visit the facility to meet his ailing associate.&nbsp;The gang was not allowed to enter in the absence of gate passes. However, they slipped in through the OPD and reached Room Number 209, the victim's room. The lock of the room was faulty, reported India Today, adding it made it easier for them to barge in and kill Chandan Mishra.&nbsp;Chandan Mishra was also a criminal. He was a member of a rival gang. He was lodged in Beur Jail and had been released on parole for treatment.<h2>Who is Tauseef Badshah?</h2>Tauseef Badshah is from Patna's Phulwari Sharif. His father owns a hardware business. His mother is a teacher. He was named in the Arms Act. He recently started contract killing. He also accepted money for providing logistical support for such operations.He studied at Saint Karen's School, reported NDTV.&nbsp;"A criminal named Chandan Mishra, resident of Buxar district, against whom dozens of cases of murder are registered. He was transferred from Buxar to Bhagalpur jail. Chandan was on parole and admitted to Paras Hospital for treatment. The rival gang shot him. He is undergoing treatment, and with the help of the Buxar police, we are identifying the members of the rival gang, Chandan Sheru gang,” SSP Kartikay Sharma had said.

Tauseef Badshah, the criminal who allegedly led a gang that killed Chandan Mishra inside the Paras Hospital in Patna on Thursday, had conducted extensive groundwork and knew about the hospital's layout thoroughly so that the gang could escape after committing the brazen crime. 

Tauseef Badshah, the criminal who allegedly led a gang that killed Chandan Mishra inside the Paras Hospital in Patna on Thursday, had conducted extensive groundwork and knew about the hospital's layout thoroughly so that the gang could escape after committing the brazen crime. Six assailants on two motorcycles came to the hospital; five of them entered the hospital while the sixth kept watch. Tauseef Badshah led the movie-style killing. He knew the layout of the hospital thoroughly because he used to visit the facility to meet his ailing associate. The gang was not allowed to enter in the absence of gate passes. However, they slipped in through the OPD and reached Room Number 209, the victim's room. The lock of the room was faulty, reported India Today, adding it made it easier for them to barge in and kill Chandan Mishra. Chandan Mishra was also a criminal. He was a member of a rival gang. He was lodged in Beur Jail and had been released on parole for treatment. Who is Tauseef Badshah? Tauseef Badshah is from Patna's Phulwari Sharif. His father owns a hardware business. His mother is a teacher. He was named in the Arms Act. He recently started contract killing. He also accepted money for providing logistical support for such operations. He studied at Saint Karen's School, reported NDTV. "A criminal named Chandan Mishra, resident of Buxar district, against whom dozens of cases of murder are registered. He was transferred from Buxar to Bhagalpur jail. Chandan was on parole and admitted to Paras Hospital for treatment. The rival gang shot him. He is undergoing treatment, and with the help of the Buxar police, we are identifying the members of the rival gang, Chandan Sheru gang,” SSP Kartikay Sharma had said.

Patna hospital murder: Chandan Mishra was also a criminal. He was a member of a rival gang.&nbsp;

Chandan Mishra murder: Tauseef Badshah thoroughly knew hospital's layout. Who is he?

In a big win for India, the US on Thursday (July 17) designated The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the banned Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and group responsible for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, as a global terrorist organisation. This is yet another example when Pakistan stands exposed in front of the world and India stands victorious in its attempt to sideline the neighbouring country for its support for terror groups on its soil. The TRF, which claimed responsibility for the horrific Pahalgam terror attack in India's Jammu and Kashmir earlier this year, was protected by the top leaders of the Pakistani government. Not long ago, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar pushed to omit TRF's mention from a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) press statement.<h2>How Pak got TRF's name dropped from UN statement&nbsp;</h2>Back in April this year, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, while speaking in Pakistan’s National Assembly, revealed that Islamabad used its position as a non-permanent member of the UNSC to alter the language in the US-proposed statement, which originally named and shamed TRF. "On behalf of Pakistan, I had two objections [to the statement]. First, only Pahalgam was mentioned and secondly, the blame was put on The Resistance Forum," Dar said, using an alternate name for TRF. "I thought this was not acceptable. You have to write Jammu and Kashmir along with Pahalgam." He added, " I gave clear instructions to our ambassador at the UN to ensure the amendments are made," he said. According to Dar, the process to finalise the statement took 2.5 days as Pakistan refused to accept the initial draft. "I received phone calls from big capitals to come to a consensus on the draft, but I told them nothing doing," he said. Ultimately, Pakistan’s objections were reflected in the final press statement issued by the UNSC.<h2>UNSC statement that Dar spoke about</h2>The UNSC condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, underlining the need to hold the perpetrators, organisers and the sponsors of "this reprehensible act of terrorism" accountable and bring them to justice. "The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, during which at least 26 people were killed and many more injured," it said in the press statement. The 15 members reiterated that any acts of terrorism were criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. They reaffirmed the need for all States to combat, by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.<h2>India's proof against TRF</h2>In an Operation Sindoor press briefing, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that India in the half-yearly report to the monitoring team of the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee in May and November 2024, had given inputs about TRF. "A group calling itself ‘The Resistance Front’ has claimed responsibility for the attack. This group is a front for the UN-proscribed Pakistani terrorist group, Lashkar-e-Taiba," Misri said. He further informed that in December 2023, India had informed the monitoring team about Lashkar and Jaish-e-Mohammad operating through small terror groups such as the TRF. He said that Pakistan exposed itself when it attempted to remove references to TRF from the UNSC press statement.<h2>Who are the Resistance Front (TRF)?</h2>The Resistance Front (TRF) is an offshoot of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The group reportedly came into being after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) banned TRF, all its forms and front groups in January 2023. The MHA also declared the TRF a terrorist group under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).&nbsp;The TRF is reportedly founded by founder Sheikh Sajjad Gul also known as Sheikh Sajjad and its leaders include LeT operatives Sajid Jatt and Salim Rehmani. Sajjad Gul was designated as a terrorist by the Indian government in 2022. Gul was also involved in hatching a criminal conspiracy to eliminate journalist Shujaat Bukhari along with two of his personal security officers, at the Press Enclave area of Srinagar on June 14, 2018.&nbsp;The group came to the fore when J&amp;K Police busted a unit of over ground workers (OGWs) in Sopore and Kupwara. In the past, the group has issued threats to media houses in the Valley for “traitorous acts.” Ahead of the Pahalgam terror attack, this group claimed responsibility for the Z-Morh Tunnel attack in Ganderbal on October 20, 2024. According to 2022 data, out of 172 terrorists that were killed in Jammu and Kashmir, 108 were linked to The Resistance Front.&nbsp;“TRF is recruiting youth through online medium for furtherance of terrorist activities and has been also involved in carrying out propaganda on terror activities, recruitment of terrorists, infiltration of terrorists and smuggling of weapons and narcotics from Pakistan into J&amp;K. TRF is involved in psychological operations on social media platforms for inciting people of J&amp;K to join terrorist outfits against the Indian state,” the MHA notification stated about TRF.&nbsp;The MHA notification also added that “the activities of TRF are detrimental for the national security and sovereignty of India. A large number of cases have been registered against the members/associates of the TRF relating to planning of killing of security personnel and civilians of J&amp;K, co-coordinating and transporting weapons to support proscribed terrorist organisations…”

The Resistance Front (TRF) has been designated a global terror group by the US. This is yet another example when Pakistan stands exposed in front of the world and India stands victorious in its attempt to sideline the neighbouring country for its support for terror groups on its soil. 

In a big win for India, the US on Thursday (July 17) designated The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the banned Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and group responsible for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, as a global terrorist organisation. This is yet another example when Pakistan stands exposed in front of the world and India stands victorious in its attempt to sideline the neighbouring country for its support for terror groups on its soil. The TRF, which claimed responsibility for the horrific Pahalgam terror attack in India's Jammu and Kashmir earlier this year, was protected by the top leaders of the Pakistani government. Not long ago, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar pushed to omit TRF's mention from a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) press statement. How Pak got TRF's name dropped from UN statement Back in April this year, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, while speaking in Pakistan’s National Assembly, revealed that Islamabad used its position as a non-permanent member of the UNSC to alter the language in the US-proposed statement, which originally named and shamed TRF. "On behalf of Pakistan, I had two objections [to the statement]. First, only Pahalgam was mentioned and secondly, the blame was put on The Resistance Forum," Dar said, using an alternate name for TRF. "I thought this was not acceptable. You have to write Jammu and Kashmir along with Pahalgam." He added, " I gave clear instructions to our ambassador at the UN to ensure the amendments are made," he said. According to Dar, the process to finalise the statement took 2.5 days as Pakistan refused to accept the initial draft. "I received phone calls from big capitals to come to a consensus on the draft, but I told them nothing doing," he said. Ultimately, Pakistan’s objections were reflected in the final press statement issued by the UNSC. UNSC statement that Dar spoke about The UNSC condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, underlining the need to hold the perpetrators, organisers and the sponsors of "this reprehensible act of terrorism" accountable and bring them to justice. "The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, during which at least 26 people were killed and many more injured," it said in the press statement. The 15 members reiterated that any acts of terrorism were criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. They reaffirmed the need for all States to combat, by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts. India's proof against TRF In an Operation Sindoor press briefing, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that India in the half-yearly report to the monitoring team of the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee in May and November 2024, had given inputs about TRF. "A group calling itself ‘The Resistance Front’ has claimed responsibility for the attack. This group is a front for the UN-proscribed Pakistani terrorist group, Lashkar-e-Taiba," Misri said. He further informed that in December 2023, India had informed the monitoring team about Lashkar and Jaish-e-Mohammad operating through small terror groups such as the TRF. He said that Pakistan exposed itself when it attempted to remove references to TRF from the UNSC press statement. Who are the Resistance Front (TRF)? The Resistance Front (TRF) is an offshoot of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The group reportedly came into being after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) banned TRF, all its forms and front groups in January 2023. The MHA also declared the TRF a terrorist group under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The TRF is reportedly founded by founder Sheikh Sajjad Gul also known as Sheikh Sajjad and its leaders include LeT operatives Sajid Jatt and Salim Rehmani. Sajjad Gul was designated as a terrorist by the Indian government in 2022. Gul was also involved in hatching a criminal conspiracy to eliminate journalist Shujaat Bukhari along with two of his personal security officers, at the Press Enclave area of Srinagar on June 14, 2018. The group came to the fore when J&K Police busted a unit of over ground workers (OGWs) in Sopore and Kupwara. In the past, the group has issued threats to media houses in the Valley for “traitorous acts.” Ahead of the Pahalgam terror attack, this group claimed responsibility for the Z-Morh Tunnel attack in Ganderbal on October 20, 2024. According to 2022 data, out of 172 terrorists that were killed in Jammu and Kashmir, 108 were linked to The Resistance Front. “TRF is recruiting youth through online medium for furtherance of terrorist activities and has been also involved in carrying out propaganda on terror activities, recruitment of terrorists, infiltration of terrorists and smuggling of weapons and narcotics from Pakistan into J&K. TRF is involved in psychological operations on social media platforms for inciting people of J&K to join terrorist outfits against the Indian state,” the MHA notification stated about TRF. The MHA notification also added that “the activities of TRF are detrimental for the national security and sovereignty of India. A large number of cases have been registered against the members/associates of the TRF relating to planning of killing of security personnel and civilians of J&K, co-coordinating and transporting weapons to support proscribed terrorist organisations…”

The Resistance Front (TRF) has been designated a global terror group by the US. This is yet another example when Pakistan stands exposed in front of the world and India stands victorious in its attempt to sideline the neighbouring country for its support for terror groups on its soil.&nbsp;

Pakistan's hypocrisy EXPOSED: Ishaq Dar once blocked mention of Lashkar backed TRF in UNSC statement

The Agni I and Prithvi II missiles have already been with India for years now. What is the significance of the timing of these tests now? Here is what you should know.

India's nuclear-capable Agni I and Prithvi II missiles test-fired a day after Akash Prime test. Why is it important?

The Southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, home to India's lone operational spaceport, Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), has revealed its State Space Policy for 2025-2030. According to the Andhra Government, the policy will facilitate investments amounting to Rs 25,000 crore (over $3 billion) in the space sector over the next decade and create 5,000 direct jobs, 30,000 indirect jobs in the space sector and allied domains. This comes at a time when the Indian space programme has ambitions to scale up operations by undertaking Gaganyaan human spaceflight missions, plans to build an Indian space station, has a vision for crewed moon landings.&nbsp;&nbsp;Led by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, the Andhra Government looks to make the most of its location, industrial capacity, institutional ecosystem, human capital to further India's space ecosystem. With a third and larger launchpad being built at ISRO's SDSC spaceport in Andhra, and the state's proximity to aerospace hubs such as Bengaluru and Chennai, there are logistical and technological advantages for component sourcing, talent access, and cross-sector collaboration. The state is home to a diverse industrial base, including electronics, electricals, defence, precision engineering, heavy machinery, all of which can potentially contribute to the requirements of the space industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-test-fires-engines-that-will-propel-gaganyaan-in-space-1752045255906">ISRO test fires engines that will propel Gaganyaan in space</a>&nbsp;As part of its strategic goals, the Andhra Government plans to establish two dedicated space industrial zones - Space City in Sri Satya Sai District (along the Hyderabad-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor) and Space City in Tirupati District. Both facilities would be hubs for design, R&amp;D, manufacturing, and launch-related activities. Further, the state wishes to foster international collaborations and partnerships in critical space technologies, satellite applications, and launch logistics.&nbsp;&nbsp;Outlining the vision for each proposed Space City, the Andhra Government said that the one in Sri Satya Sai District would be a national centre of excellence for research, design, innovation, and prototyping in the space sector. The initiative will focus on the design and development aspect, the city will offer a complete ecosystem for startups, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises(MSMEs), research institutions, academia, and anchor firms focused on launch-related and design-intensive activities. It aims to accelerate product development and drive growth in the space industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Space City in Tirupati(Routhasuramala) is aimed at capitalising on the proximity to the country's principal spaceport at Sriharikota. It would be focused on manufacturing, integration, and launch support services, which include component manufacturing, subsystem assembly, testing infrastructure, and logistics.&nbsp;&nbsp;For setting up these Space Cities, the Andhra Government would develop the core infrastructure such as roads, power supply, and communication networks, while land parcels would be allocated to eligible firms via streamlined procedures. To attract and encourage participation, the Andhra Government is rolling out significant financial incentives and other subsidies for startups, industries of varying sizes and scales.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The vision of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is to contribute to the national ambition of expanding the space ecosystem by strategically utilising the advantages of Andhra Pradesh. I am inspired to see the speed and desire of the Honourable CM to bring ISRO(the space agency), IN-SPACE (the promoter and facilitator for space startups), and space industries, startups, with the support of the Central Government for developing a Space city for the world,” former ISRO Chief Dr S. Somanath told WION. He presently serves as the Vikram Sarabhai Professor at ISRO, and as the Space Technology Advisor for the Andhra government. &nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh, home to India's lone operational spaceport, Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), has revealed its State Space Policy for 2025-2030. 

The Southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, home to India's lone operational spaceport, Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), has revealed its State Space Policy for 2025-2030. According to the Andhra Government, the policy will facilitate investments amounting to Rs 25,000 crore (over $3 billion) in the space sector over the next decade and create 5,000 direct jobs, 30,000 indirect jobs in the space sector and allied domains. This comes at a time when the Indian space programme has ambitions to scale up operations by undertaking Gaganyaan human spaceflight missions, plans to build an Indian space station, has a vision for crewed moon landings. Led by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, the Andhra Government looks to make the most of its location, industrial capacity, institutional ecosystem, human capital to further India's space ecosystem. With a third and larger launchpad being built at ISRO's SDSC spaceport in Andhra, and the state's proximity to aerospace hubs such as Bengaluru and Chennai, there are logistical and technological advantages for component sourcing, talent access, and cross-sector collaboration. The state is home to a diverse industrial base, including electronics, electricals, defence, precision engineering, heavy machinery, all of which can potentially contribute to the requirements of the space industry. Also read: ISRO test fires engines that will propel Gaganyaan in space As part of its strategic goals, the Andhra Government plans to establish two dedicated space industrial zones - Space City in Sri Satya Sai District (along the Hyderabad-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor) and Space City in Tirupati District. Both facilities would be hubs for design, R&D, manufacturing, and launch-related activities. Further, the state wishes to foster international collaborations and partnerships in critical space technologies, satellite applications, and launch logistics. Outlining the vision for each proposed Space City, the Andhra Government said that the one in Sri Satya Sai District would be a national centre of excellence for research, design, innovation, and prototyping in the space sector. The initiative will focus on the design and development aspect, the city will offer a complete ecosystem for startups, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises(MSMEs), research institutions, academia, and anchor firms focused on launch-related and design-intensive activities. It aims to accelerate product development and drive growth in the space industry. The Space City in Tirupati(Routhasuramala) is aimed at capitalising on the proximity to the country's principal spaceport at Sriharikota. It would be focused on manufacturing, integration, and launch support services, which include component manufacturing, subsystem assembly, testing infrastructure, and logistics. For setting up these Space Cities, the Andhra Government would develop the core infrastructure such as roads, power supply, and communication networks, while land parcels would be allocated to eligible firms via streamlined procedures. To attract and encourage participation, the Andhra Government is rolling out significant financial incentives and other subsidies for startups, industries of varying sizes and scales. “The vision of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is to contribute to the national ambition of expanding the space ecosystem by strategically utilising the advantages of Andhra Pradesh. I am inspired to see the speed and desire of the Honourable CM to bring ISRO(the space agency), IN-SPACE (the promoter and facilitator for space startups), and space industries, startups, with the support of the Central Government for developing a Space city for the world,” former ISRO Chief Dr S. Somanath told WION. He presently serves as the Vikram Sarabhai Professor at ISRO, and as the Space Technology Advisor for the Andhra government.

Andhra Pradesh, home to India's lone operational spaceport, Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), has revealed its State Space Policy for 2025-2030.&nbsp;

Andhra's space ambitions: Eyes $3 billion investment, to build 2 space cities

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is furious with Meta for a grave mistake it made while translating a condolence message posted by the CMO. The platform's auto-translation tool translated the message to say in English that Siddaramaiah had passed away. He has now asked Meta to suspend its Kannada auto-translation feature. The Chief Minister's Office posted in Kannada on Facebook and Instagram a condolence message, mourning the death of veteran actress B Sarojadevi. The auto-translation tool changed it to, “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah passed away yesterday multilingual star, senior actress B. Took darshan of Sarojadevi's earthly body and paid his last respects. The translation also didn't make any sense. Siddaramaiah could not believe the mistake the platform had made. He shared on X that his media adviser has reached out to Meta about the error.&nbsp;He wrote in English, "Faulty auto-translation of Kannada content on Meta platforms is distorting facts &amp; misleading users. This is especially dangerous when it comes to official communications." He added that his media advisor, Shri K V Prabhakar has "formally written to Meta urging immediate correction." Siddaramaiah also cautioned the general public about the translations and flagged the dangers such mistakes pose. "Social media platforms must act responsibly. I caution citizens to be aware that translations shown are often inaccurate. Such negligence by tech giants can harm public understanding &amp; trust," he wrote.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Faulty auto-translation of Kannada content on <a href="https://twitter.com/Meta?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Meta</a> platforms is distorting facts &amp; misleading users. This is especially dangerous when it comes to official communications. My Media Advisor Shri K V Prabhakar has formally written to Meta urging immediate correction. Social… <a href="https://t.co/tJBp38wcHr">pic.twitter.com/tJBp38wcHr</a>&mdash; Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/1945742829944512723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The CMO has sent an email to Meta to look into the matter. It has also asked the platform to halt Kannada auto-translation services and investigate the problems with it. It asked Meta to be completely sure of its efficiency before restarting it. The CMO also urged Meta to collaborate with Kannada language experts and professionals to ensure the translation from Kannada to English are contextually accurate. Prabhakar raised concerns about the service making errors, saying that many people might not realise that the translated message is not the same as the original message. This could cause confusion, especially in public communication.

Siddaramaiah ‘digitally’ killed off: Meta translated a condolence message by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Kannada to say that the CM had died. He is shocked to see such a grave error being made by Meta and has asked it to halt its auto-translation service in Kannada.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is furious with Meta for a grave mistake it made while translating a condolence message posted by the CMO. The platform's auto-translation tool translated the message to say in English that Siddaramaiah had passed away. He has now asked Meta to suspend its Kannada auto-translation feature. The Chief Minister's Office posted in Kannada on Facebook and Instagram a condolence message, mourning the death of veteran actress B Sarojadevi. The auto-translation tool changed it to, “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah passed away yesterday multilingual star, senior actress B. Took darshan of Sarojadevi's earthly body and paid his last respects. The translation also didn't make any sense. Siddaramaiah could not believe the mistake the platform had made. He shared on X that his media adviser has reached out to Meta about the error. He wrote in English, "Faulty auto-translation of Kannada content on Meta platforms is distorting facts & misleading users. This is especially dangerous when it comes to official communications." He added that his media advisor, Shri K V Prabhakar has "formally written to Meta urging immediate correction." Siddaramaiah also cautioned the general public about the translations and flagged the dangers such mistakes pose. "Social media platforms must act responsibly. I caution citizens to be aware that translations shown are often inaccurate. Such negligence by tech giants can harm public understanding & trust," he wrote.

Siddaramaiah ‘digitally’ killed off: Meta translated a condolence message by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Kannada to say that the CM had died. He is shocked to see such a grave error being made by Meta and has asked it to halt its auto-translation service in Kannada.

Meta auto-translation goof-up declares Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah dead

The Civil Services Examination, conducted by the UPSC, is one of the most challenging exams in the world, designed to test the ability and mental agility of aspirants seeking to occupy top Indian government positions. The competition is fierce, and some UPSC aspirants prepare for several years, performing exceptionally well in the written exams, but fail to advance past the interview round. Despite being highly intelligent and efficient, they are then forced to start from scratch in the private sector, often after having spent formative career years preparing for the exam. For such candidates, the government runs a scheme called the Public Disclosure Scheme, under which the private sector is apprised about their ability, bridging the gap between talent and talent-seekers.&nbsp;Under the Public Disclosure Scheme, the UPSC has begun sharing the details of candidates who couldn't crack the exam and are willing to join the private sector. These candidates are those who qualify in the written examinations but are not recommended for posting after the interview.&nbsp;The USPC conducts 10 exams every year and recommends 6400 successful candidates for various civil services. Around 26000 candidates demonstrate their intellectual abilities by clearing written exams, but fall short of clearing the interviews. Many of these are forced to take entry-level jobs despite being highly intelligent.&nbsp;The scheme was launched in 2018 to employ such candidates in public-sector units. However, since the number of such recruitments was small, the Commission extended the scheme to the private sector. It has now been rebadged as Pratibha Setu, which has a dedicated portal.&nbsp;In this portal, private and government companies can get information about such candidates using an identification number. They can read about such candidates and call them for interviews. The portal entails biodata of such candidates, including educational qualifications, contact numbers etc.&nbsp;"The portal shares the information of the non-recommended candidates of examinations conducted by the UPSC only for the restricted purpose of evaluation of suitability of the candidates for employment purposes, and those assessing it are not expected to use the details for any other purpose or disclosure whatsoever," an official told The Indian Express.&nbsp;According to the government, aspirants of the following services can get the benefits of the Pratibha Setu: Civil Services Examination, Indian Forest Service Examination, Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, Engineering Services Examination, Combined Geo-Scientist Examination, C.D.S. Examination, Indian Economic Service/Indian Statistical Service Examination, and Combined Medical Services Examination.

Under the Public Disclosure Scheme, the UPSC has begun sharing the details of candidates who couldn't crack the exam and are willing to join the private sector. These candidates are those who qualify in the written examinations but are not recommended for posting after the interview.

The Civil Services Examination, conducted by the UPSC, is one of the most challenging exams in the world, designed to test the ability and mental agility of aspirants seeking to occupy top Indian government positions. The competition is fierce, and some UPSC aspirants prepare for several years, performing exceptionally well in the written exams, but fail to advance past the interview round. Despite being highly intelligent and efficient, they are then forced to start from scratch in the private sector, often after having spent formative career years preparing for the exam. For such candidates, the government runs a scheme called the Public Disclosure Scheme, under which the private sector is apprised about their ability, bridging the gap between talent and talent-seekers. Under the Public Disclosure Scheme, the UPSC has begun sharing the details of candidates who couldn't crack the exam and are willing to join the private sector. These candidates are those who qualify in the written examinations but are not recommended for posting after the interview. The USPC conducts 10 exams every year and recommends 6400 successful candidates for various civil services. Around 26000 candidates demonstrate their intellectual abilities by clearing written exams, but fall short of clearing the interviews. Many of these are forced to take entry-level jobs despite being highly intelligent. The scheme was launched in 2018 to employ such candidates in public-sector units. However, since the number of such recruitments was small, the Commission extended the scheme to the private sector. It has now been rebadged as Pratibha Setu, which has a dedicated portal. In this portal, private and government companies can get information about such candidates using an identification number. They can read about such candidates and call them for interviews. The portal entails biodata of such candidates, including educational qualifications, contact numbers etc. "The portal shares the information of the non-recommended candidates of examinations conducted by the UPSC only for the restricted purpose of evaluation of suitability of the candidates for employment purposes, and those assessing it are not expected to use the details for any other purpose or disclosure whatsoever," an official told The Indian Express. According to the government, aspirants of the following services can get the benefits of the Pratibha Setu: Civil Services Examination, Indian Forest Service Examination, Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, Engineering Services Examination, Combined Geo-Scientist Examination, C.D.S. Examination, Indian Economic Service/Indian Statistical Service Examination, and Combined Medical Services Examination.

What is Pratibha Setu? The USPC conducts 10 exams every year and recommends 6400 successful candidates for various civil services. This initiative helps those who couldn't go past the interview round to get private jobs.

Pratibha Setu: How's UPSC helping civil services aspirants land private jobs

India has welcomed the listing of "The Resistance Front (TRF)" by the United States as a terror group. The group claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were killed. The Indian embassy in the United States, in a statement, termed the development as "another demonstration of strong&nbsp;India-USA counter-terrorism cooperation" while "appreciating" the Department of State for listing The Resistance Front (TRF)&nbsp;as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation and Specially Designated Global Terrorist.&nbsp;<img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GwHKfYfXMAAQuo2?format=jpg&amp;name=large" alt="Image"> &nbsp;Important to note, both in the India-US Joint statement of February, and in the Quad foreign minister joint statement, key focus was on counter-terror cooperation.&nbsp;The India US joint statement of February mentioned both side committing to "strengthen cooperation against terrorist threats from groups, including Al-Qa’ida, ISIS, Jaish-e Mohammad, and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba in order to prevent heinous acts like the attacks in Mumbai on 26/11 and the Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021". The statement that was issued after PM Modi's Washington DC visit to meet US President Donald Trump called on "Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai, and Pathankot attacks and ensure that its territory is not used to carry out cross-border terrorist attacks." &nbsp;The Quad foreign ministers' joint statement of July condemned the Pahalgam terror attack. It said, "Quad unequivocally condemns all acts of terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, and renews our commitment to counterterrorism cooperation", calling on the "perpetrators, organisers, and financiers of this reprehensible act to be brought to justice without any delay". Infact, every Quad statement has called on counterterror cooperation.&nbsp; &nbsp;The US designation of TRF is expected to pave the way for other countries to list the terror group in their own domestic listings. Important to point out, the US in its announcement called TRF as a "front and proxy" of the Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) which is on the UN terror list.&nbsp; &nbsp;Pakistan reaction is awaited on the US listing of TRF, given that the country was defending it hours after the Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan foreign minister Dar in April told the country's parliament that they "opposed mention of TRF (The resistance forum) at the UNSC statement condemning the Pahalgam terror attack...TRF was deleted &amp; Pakistan prevailed". The country is a non permanent member of the UNSC for a 2 year term, and also sits on UN's 1267 terror sanctions body.

The Indian embassy in the United States, in a statement, termed the development as "another demonstration of strong India-USA counter-terrorism cooperation" while "appreciating" the Department of State for listing The Resistance Front (TRF) as designated terror group

India has welcomed the listing of "The Resistance Front (TRF)" by the United States as a terror group. The group claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were killed. The Indian embassy in the United States, in a statement, termed the development as "another demonstration of strong India-USA counter-terrorism cooperation" while "appreciating" the Department of State for listing The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation and Specially Designated Global Terrorist. Important to note, both in the India-US Joint statement of February, and in the Quad foreign minister joint statement, key focus was on counter-terror cooperation. The India US joint statement of February mentioned both side committing to "strengthen cooperation against terrorist threats from groups, including Al-Qa’ida, ISIS, Jaish-e Mohammad, and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba in order to prevent heinous acts like the attacks in Mumbai on 26/11 and the Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021". The statement that was issued after PM Modi's Washington DC visit to meet US President Donald Trump called on "Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai, and Pathankot attacks and ensure that its territory is not used to carry out cross-border terrorist attacks." The Quad foreign ministers' joint statement of July condemned the Pahalgam terror attack. It said, "Quad unequivocally condemns all acts of terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, and renews our commitment to counterterrorism cooperation", calling on the "perpetrators, organisers, and financiers of this reprehensible act to be brought to justice without any delay". Infact, every Quad statement has called on counterterror cooperation. The US designation of TRF is expected to pave the way for other countries to list the terror group in their own domestic listings. Important to point out, the US in its announcement called TRF as a "front and proxy" of the Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) which is on the UN terror list. Pakistan reaction is awaited on the US listing of TRF, given that the country was defending it hours after the Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan foreign minister Dar in April told the country's parliament that they "opposed mention of TRF (The resistance forum) at the UNSC statement condemning the Pahalgam terror attack...TRF was deleted & Pakistan prevailed". The country is a non permanent member of the UNSC for a 2 year term, and also sits on UN's 1267 terror sanctions body.

The Indian embassy in the United States, in a statement, termed the development as "another demonstration of strong&nbsp;India-USA counter-terrorism cooperation" while "appreciating" the Department of State for listing The Resistance Front (TRF)&nbsp;as designated terror group

TRF listing part of strong India, US counter-terrorism cooperation

In a big win for India, the US Department of State on Thursday (July 17) designated The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the banned Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and group responsible for April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, as a terrorist organisation.&nbsp;"Today, the Department of State is adding The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). TRF, a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) front and proxy, claimed responsibility for the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack which killed 26 civilians. This was the deadliest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks conducted by LeT. TRF has also claimed responsibility for several attacks against Indian security forces, including most recently in 2024," the statement read.<h2>Who are The Resistance Front (TRF)?</h2>The Resistance Front (TRF) is an offshoot of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The group reportedly came into being after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) banned TRF, all its forms and front groups in January 2023. The MHA also declared the TRF a terrorist group under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).&nbsp;The TRF is reportedly founded by founder Sheikh Sajjad Gul also known as Sheikh Sajjad and its leaders include LeT operatives Sajid Jatt and Salim Rehmani. Sajjad Gul was designated as a terrorist by the Indian government in 2022. Gul was also involved in hatching a criminal conspiracy to eliminate journalist Shujaat Bukhari along with two of his personal security officers, at the Press Enclave area of Srinagar on June 14, 2018.&nbsp;The group came to the fore when J&amp;K Police busted a unit of over ground workers (OGWs) in Sopore and Kupwara. In the past, the group has issued threats to media houses in the Valley for “traitorous acts.” Ahead of the Pahalgam terror attack, this group claimed responsibility for the Z-Morh Tunnel attack in Ganderbal on October 20, 2024. According to 2022 data, out of 172 terrorists that were killed in Jammu and Kashmir, 108 were linked to The Resistance Front.&nbsp;&nbsp;“TRF is recruiting youth through online medium for furtherance of terrorist activities and has been also involved in carrying out propaganda on terror activities, recruitment of terrorists, infiltration of terrorists and smuggling of weapons and narcotics from Pakistan into J&amp;K. TRF is involved in psychological operations on social media platforms for inciting people of J&amp;K to join terrorist outfits against the Indian state,” the MHA notification stated about TRF.&nbsp;The MHA notification also added that “the activities of TRF are detrimental for the national security and sovereignty of India. A large number of cases have been registered against the members/associates of the TRF relating to planning of killing of security personnel and civilians of J&amp;K, co-coordinating and transporting weapons to support proscribed terrorist organisations…”

The Resistance Front (TRF) is an offshoot of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The group reportedly came into being after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019

In a big win for India, the US Department of State on Thursday (July 17) designated The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the banned Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and group responsible for April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, as a terrorist organisation. "Today, the Department of State is adding The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). TRF, a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) front and proxy, claimed responsibility for the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack which killed 26 civilians. This was the deadliest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks conducted by LeT. TRF has also claimed responsibility for several attacks against Indian security forces, including most recently in 2024," the statement read. Who are The Resistance Front (TRF)? The Resistance Front (TRF) is an offshoot of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The group reportedly came into being after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) banned TRF, all its forms and front groups in January 2023. The MHA also declared the TRF a terrorist group under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The TRF is reportedly founded by founder Sheikh Sajjad Gul also known as Sheikh Sajjad and its leaders include LeT operatives Sajid Jatt and Salim Rehmani. Sajjad Gul was designated as a terrorist by the Indian government in 2022. Gul was also involved in hatching a criminal conspiracy to eliminate journalist Shujaat Bukhari along with two of his personal security officers, at the Press Enclave area of Srinagar on June 14, 2018. The group came to the fore when J&K Police busted a unit of over ground workers (OGWs) in Sopore and Kupwara. In the past, the group has issued threats to media houses in the Valley for “traitorous acts.” Ahead of the Pahalgam terror attack, this group claimed responsibility for the Z-Morh Tunnel attack in Ganderbal on October 20, 2024. According to 2022 data, out of 172 terrorists that were killed in Jammu and Kashmir, 108 were linked to The Resistance Front. “TRF is recruiting youth through online medium for furtherance of terrorist activities and has been also involved in carrying out propaganda on terror activities, recruitment of terrorists, infiltration of terrorists and smuggling of weapons and narcotics from Pakistan into J&K. TRF is involved in psychological operations on social media platforms for inciting people of J&K to join terrorist outfits against the Indian state,” the MHA notification stated about TRF. The MHA notification also added that “the activities of TRF are detrimental for the national security and sovereignty of India. A large number of cases have been registered against the members/associates of the TRF relating to planning of killing of security personnel and civilians of J&K, co-coordinating and transporting weapons to support proscribed terrorist organisations…”

The Resistance Front (TRF) is an offshoot of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The group reportedly came into being after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019

Who are TRF: Pakistani outfit responsible for Pahalgam terror attack, now US-designated terrorist group

The United States on Thursday officially designated The Resistance Front, a shadowy group that claimed the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which triggered Indian strikes on Pakistani territory, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation. The terrorist designation by the US will lead to the imposition of strict financial and travel sanctions on TRF and its members and will strengthen cooperation with global partners in counterterrorism efforts.&nbsp;US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a statement announcing the designations, described The Resistance Group as a “front and proxy” of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a UN-designated terrorist group based in Pakistan.“Today, the Department of State is adding The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT),” the statement said.&nbsp;TRF, a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) front and proxy, claimed responsibility for the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack which killed 26 civilians. This was the deadliest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks conducted by Lashkar-e-Taiba.&nbsp;The Resistance Front has also claimed responsibility for several attacks against Indian security forces, including most recently in 2024.&nbsp;“These actions taken by the Department of State demonstrate the Trump Administration’s commitment to protecting our national security interests, countering terrorism, and enforcing President Trump’s call for justice for the Pahalgam attack,” the statement added.  &nbsp;TRF and other associated aliases have been added to LeT’s designation as a FTO and SDGT pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, respectively. The Department of State has also reviewed and maintained the FTO designation of LeT. Amendments to FTO designations go into effect upon publication in the Federal Register, it said.&nbsp;India had launched a renewed attempt to get The Resistance Force designated as a terrorist organisation by the United Nations Security Council and placed under international sanctions in view of its role in the April 22 carnage and its links with the Lashkar-e-Taiba based in Pakistan.&nbsp;A team of counterterrorism and legal experts from New Delhi reached the United Nations headquarters in New York to renew the attempts to get the Security Council to take note of the links of The Resistance Force (TRF) with global terrorist networks of Al Qaeda and ISIL (Da’esh) through the LeT of Pakistan.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a statement announcing the designations, described The Resistance Group as a “front and proxy” of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a UN-designated terrorist group based in Pakistan. 

The United States on Thursday officially designated The Resistance Front, a shadowy group that claimed the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which triggered Indian strikes on Pakistani territory, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation. The terrorist designation by the US will lead to the imposition of strict financial and travel sanctions on TRF and its members and will strengthen cooperation with global partners in counterterrorism efforts. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a statement announcing the designations, described The Resistance Group as a “front and proxy” of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a UN-designated terrorist group based in Pakistan. “Today, the Department of State is adding The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT),” the statement said. TRF, a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) front and proxy, claimed responsibility for the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack which killed 26 civilians. This was the deadliest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks conducted by Lashkar-e-Taiba. The Resistance Front has also claimed responsibility for several attacks against Indian security forces, including most recently in 2024. “These actions taken by the Department of State demonstrate the Trump Administration’s commitment to protecting our national security interests, countering terrorism, and enforcing President Trump’s call for justice for the Pahalgam attack,” the statement added.   TRF and other associated aliases have been added to LeT’s designation as a FTO and SDGT pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, respectively. The Department of State has also reviewed and maintained the FTO designation of LeT. Amendments to FTO designations go into effect upon publication in the Federal Register, it said. India had launched a renewed attempt to get The Resistance Force designated as a terrorist organisation by the United Nations Security Council and placed under international sanctions in view of its role in the April 22 carnage and its links with the Lashkar-e-Taiba based in Pakistan. A team of counterterrorism and legal experts from New Delhi reached the United Nations headquarters in New York to renew the attempts to get the Security Council to take note of the links of The Resistance Force (TRF) with global terrorist networks of Al Qaeda and ISIL (Da’esh) through the LeT of Pakistan.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a statement announcing the designations, described The Resistance Group as a “front and proxy” of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a UN-designated terrorist group based in Pakistan.&nbsp;

US designates TRF, involved in Pahalgam attack, as terrorist group, proxy of Pak-based LeT

India successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable short-range ballistic missiles Prithvi-II and Agni-I from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, on Thursday.&nbsp;The tests, which give a boost to the country’s nuclear and air defence capabilities, were conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command, which handles India’s nuclear weapons arsenal.&nbsp;Both missiles met all mission objectives and validated key operational and technical parameters, officials said.&nbsp;The Ministry of Defence said, “Short-range ballistic missiles—Prithvi-II and Agni-I—were successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha on July 17.”&nbsp;“The launches validated all operational and technical parameters. These tests were conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command,” it added.&nbsp;Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Indian Army, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and the defence industry for the successful tests. “Remarkable achievement,” he said.&nbsp;The Prithvi-II missile has a range of around 350 kilometres and can carry a payload of up to 500 kilogrammes. It is capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear warheads.&nbsp;The Agni-I missile has a higher range and can carry a payload of up to 1,000 kilogrammes to 700 to 900 kilometres. Both Prithvi-II and Agni-I missiles are key components of India’s nuclear deterrence arsenal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">JUST IN! Successful test-firing of Short-Range <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallisticMissile?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallisticMissile</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Prithvi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Prithvi</a>-II and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Agni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Agni</a>-1 - was carried out from the Integrated Test Range in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chandipur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chandipur</a>, Odisha today. All operational and technical parameters have been validated. The launches were conducted under the aegis of…&mdash; Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpokespersonMoD/status/1945868562557460909?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A day earlier, on Wednesday, India also successfully test-fired the Akash Prime missile in Ladakh. The upgraded surface-to-air missile, developed for the Indian Army, has been customised for high-altitude operations and was tested at an elevation above 4,500 metres.&nbsp;“India on July 16 achieved a significant milestone by successfully destroying two aerial high-speed unmanned targets at high altitude in Ladakh by Akash Prime, the upgraded variant of the Akash weapon system for the Indian Army,” the ministry said in another statement.The successful test-firing of these missiles comes over two months after the military conflict between India and Pakistan from May 7 to 10.&nbsp;The Akash Prime system features the latest upgrades, including an indigenously developed radio frequency seeker. The defence ministry said the weapon system’s design is based on operational feedback from users, with improvements made to enhance its effectiveness.“Based on the operational feedback from users, various upgrades are made to improve the operational effectiveness, demonstrating the advantage of the ecosystem created for the indigenous weapon system,” it said.The test-firing of Akash Prime in Ladakh, close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC), follows the outstanding performance of India’s air defence systems during Operation Sindoor.

The Prithvi-II missile has a range of around 350 kilometres and can carry a payload of up to 500 kilogrammes, while the Agni-I missile has a higher range and can carry a payload of up to 1,000 kilogrammes to 700 to 900 kilometres. Both can delivering conventional and nuclear warheads.

India successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable short-range ballistic missiles Prithvi-II and Agni-I from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, on Thursday. The tests, which give a boost to the country’s nuclear and air defence capabilities, were conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command, which handles India’s nuclear weapons arsenal. Both missiles met all mission objectives and validated key operational and technical parameters, officials said. The Ministry of Defence said, “Short-range ballistic missiles—Prithvi-II and Agni-I—were successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha on July 17.” “The launches validated all operational and technical parameters. These tests were conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command,” it added. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Indian Army, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and the defence industry for the successful tests. “Remarkable achievement,” he said. The Prithvi-II missile has a range of around 350 kilometres and can carry a payload of up to 500 kilogrammes. It is capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear warheads. The Agni-I missile has a higher range and can carry a payload of up to 1,000 kilogrammes to 700 to 900 kilometres. Both Prithvi-II and Agni-I missiles are key components of India’s nuclear deterrence arsenal.

The Prithvi-II missile has a range of around 350 kilometres and can carry a payload of up to 500 kilogrammes, while the Agni-I missile has a higher range and can carry a payload of up to 1,000 kilogrammes to 700 to 900 kilometres. Both can delivering conventional and nuclear warheads.

India test-fires Prithvi-II and Agni-I ballistic missiles successfully under nuclear command

The Indian Navy will commission INS Nistar, its first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), at Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam on Friday. The ceremony, presided over by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, &amp; Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and marks an important moment in India’s quest for self-reliance or Atmanirbharta in defence manufacturing.&nbsp;The DSV has 80% indigenous content and the involvement of 120 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), &amp; showcases India's growing ability to construct sophisticated naval platforms rivalling international standards.The 10,500-ton vessel, stretching 120 meters long and over 20 meters wide, is equipped for deep-sea diving and submarine rescue missions. The advanced saturation diving complex spans multiple decks, supported by Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and a Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV). As a mothership for the DSRV, Nistar can evacuate personnel from distressed submarines, a capability critical to India’s growing underwater fleet.&nbsp;"Main roles of the vessel include undertaking deep-sea diving and conducting rescue operations from distressed submarines", an Indian Navy statement said. The vessel’s dynamic positioning system ensures stability during complex operations, while its onboard hospital, complete with ICU and hyperbaric facilities, enhances its life-saving potential. Helicopter operations further enable rapid deployment, reinforcing Nistar’s versatility.&nbsp;The commissioning of Nistar comes at a time when geopolitical tensions have been a worry for India, from the Gulf of Aden to its west, to the wider Indo-Pacific region in the east. With its crest—an anchor symbolising maritime dominance, encircled by a dolphin denoting fair weather—and its motto, “Deliverance with Precision and Bravery,” the vessel's commissioning shows India’s strategic ambitions. The vessel joins the Eastern Naval Command, bolstering the Navy's operational preparedness along its eastern seaboard, which is increasingly a critical theatre.&nbsp;This milestone positions India among a select group of nations with dedicated DSV capabilities, signalling its technological and strategic ascent. The vessel’s indigenous roots also highlight India’s growing defence ecosystem, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and fostering economic resilience.&nbsp;"Commissioning of Nistar highlights India's steadfast progress towards achieving indigenisation in defence manufacturing and the Indian Navy's resolve towards strengthening its capabilities in the underwater domain", the Navy statement pointed out. &nbsp;

The commissioning of Nistar comes at a time when geopolitical tensions have been a worry for India, from the Gulf of Aden to its west, to the wider Indo-Pacific region in the east.

The Indian Navy will commission INS Nistar, its first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), at Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam on Friday. The ceremony, presided over by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, & Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and marks an important moment in India’s quest for self-reliance or Atmanirbharta in defence manufacturing. The DSV has 80% indigenous content and the involvement of 120 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), & showcases India's growing ability to construct sophisticated naval platforms rivalling international standards. The 10,500-ton vessel, stretching 120 meters long and over 20 meters wide, is equipped for deep-sea diving and submarine rescue missions. The advanced saturation diving complex spans multiple decks, supported by Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and a Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV). As a mothership for the DSRV, Nistar can evacuate personnel from distressed submarines, a capability critical to India’s growing underwater fleet. "Main roles of the vessel include undertaking deep-sea diving and conducting rescue operations from distressed submarines", an Indian Navy statement said. The vessel’s dynamic positioning system ensures stability during complex operations, while its onboard hospital, complete with ICU and hyperbaric facilities, enhances its life-saving potential. Helicopter operations further enable rapid deployment, reinforcing Nistar’s versatility. The commissioning of Nistar comes at a time when geopolitical tensions have been a worry for India, from the Gulf of Aden to its west, to the wider Indo-Pacific region in the east. With its crest—an anchor symbolising maritime dominance, encircled by a dolphin denoting fair weather—and its motto, “Deliverance with Precision and Bravery,” the vessel's commissioning shows India’s strategic ambitions. The vessel joins the Eastern Naval Command, bolstering the Navy's operational preparedness along its eastern seaboard, which is increasingly a critical theatre. This milestone positions India among a select group of nations with dedicated DSV capabilities, signalling its technological and strategic ascent. The vessel’s indigenous roots also highlight India’s growing defence ecosystem, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and fostering economic resilience. "Commissioning of Nistar highlights India's steadfast progress towards achieving indigenisation in defence manufacturing and the Indian Navy's resolve towards strengthening its capabilities in the underwater domain", the Navy statement pointed out.

The commissioning of Nistar comes at a time when geopolitical tensions have been a worry for India, from the Gulf of Aden to its west, to the wider Indo-Pacific region in the east.

India to commission Indigenous Diving Support Vessel, bolstering Navy's prowess

Supporters of BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar and NCP (Sharad Pawar group) MLA Jitendra Awhad clashed violently in the lobby of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Thursday. Shocking videos of the clash showing the two groups trading blows and being dragged apart by security personnel have been widely shared on social media. The brawl started over a verbal spat that took place a day ago outside the assembly building, when both MLAs and their supporters exchanged expletives.As per reports, Awhad was caught on camera saying ‘mangalsutra thief’ a few days ago while walking in the Vidhan Bhavan premises. Although no one was named, the jibe was seen as directed at Padalkar. The video was widely circulated, sparking a debate between supporters of the two leaders. The situation escalated into full-blown physical violence on Thursday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Padalkar later met the Speaker and said that the whole incident was unfortunate and he has apologised.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Mumbai, Maharashtra: A clash broke out between BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar and supporters of NCP-SCP leader Jitendra Awhad inside the Vidhan Bhavan premises (Video source: Vidhan Bhavan security staff) <a href="https://t.co/BvrhUCm7wo">pic.twitter.com/BvrhUCm7wo</a>&mdash; IANS (@ians_india) <a href="https://twitter.com/ians_india/status/1945830932101181778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Speaker Rahul Narwekar has sought a report on the incident and promised a thorough investigation and subsequent action.&nbsp;<h2>‘Absolutely inappropriate,’ says CM Fadnavis</h2>&nbsp;Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the violence and called it “absolutely inappropriate”.&nbsp;“The situation that occurred is not correct. This comes under the purview of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker and Legislative Council Chairperson. Such fights should not happen in Vidhan Bhavan. I have urged them to conduct a proper investigation,” he said.Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray termed the incident a security breach and said, “If goons have reached Vidhan Sabha, then the State Home Minister and Chief Minister should take responsibility for it. This is very unfortunate. Such conduct at the Vidhan Sabha is not appropriate.”&nbsp;Two people have been detained by Vidhan Bhavan security, an official said.&nbsp;Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule described the clash as unfortunate and said, “Our MLA Gopichand Padalkar has tendered an apology. It does not suit the dignity and rich tradition of the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan that such incidents should take place.”&nbsp;

Legislative party leader of NCP (SP) Jayant Patil met security personnel and invited Awhad to his office to gather more details. Speaking to reporters later, Awhad expressed grave concerns over safety within the premises.

Supporters of BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar and NCP (Sharad Pawar group) MLA Jitendra Awhad clashed violently in the lobby of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Thursday. Shocking videos of the clash showing the two groups trading blows and being dragged apart by security personnel have been widely shared on social media. The brawl started over a verbal spat that took place a day ago outside the assembly building, when both MLAs and their supporters exchanged expletives. As per reports, Awhad was caught on camera saying ‘mangalsutra thief’ a few days ago while walking in the Vidhan Bhavan premises. Although no one was named, the jibe was seen as directed at Padalkar. The video was widely circulated, sparking a debate between supporters of the two leaders. The situation escalated into full-blown physical violence on Thursday. Padalkar later met the Speaker and said that the whole incident was unfortunate and he has apologised.

Legislative party leader of NCP (SP) Jayant Patil met security personnel and invited Awhad to his office to gather more details. Speaking to reporters later, Awhad expressed grave concerns over safety within the premises.

Supporters of BJP, Sharad Pawar’s NCP clash in Maharashtra Assembly lobby | Watch

The Indian Army has achieved a huge milestone with the Akash Prime missile on Wednesday, as it successfully destroyed two aerial high-speed unmanned targets at high altitude in Ladakh sector. India's Defence Ministry took to social media and posted impressive video of the missile being launched.&nbsp;In a post on X, the defence ministry noted that the Akash Prime is an upgraded variant of the Akash Weapon System for the Indian Army.&nbsp;The Indian Army Air Defence and DRDO achieved the milestone in conjunction with defence PSUs, including Bharat Dynamics Limited &amp; Bharat Electronics Limited, and other industry partners.&nbsp;"India has achieved a significant milestone by successfully destroying 2 Aerial High Speed Unmanned targets at high altitude in Ladakh Sector on 16th July by Akash Prime, which is the upgraded variant of Akash Weapon System for the Indian Army," the office of Defence Ministry stated in a post on X. It also shared the video of the Akash Prime missile, being launched at an altitude over 15,000 feet in Ladakh.<h2>Watch video here:</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">India has achieved a significant milestone by successfully destroying 2 Aerial High Speed Unmanned targets at high altitude in Ladakh Sector on 16th July by Akash Prime, which is the upgraded variant of Akash Weapon System for the Indian Army. <a href="https://t.co/DjJAc5uzkk">pic.twitter.com/DjJAc5uzkk</a>&mdash; रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia/status/1945778396799418637?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;It was the first-ever such trial of Akash Prime at high altitudes. The weapon has been modified to operate in altitudes above 4500 metres, and with the latest upgrades, it has an indigenously developed Radio Frequency seeker, which gives radio signals to track and destroy targets.&nbsp;The Akash Prime system would form the third and fourth regiments of the Akash air defence systems in the Indian Army. The system also performed very well in thwarting aerial attacks by the Pakistani military using Chinese aircraft and Turkish drones during Operation Sindoor, according to the defence officials.&nbsp;The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Thursday said, "Based on the operational feedback from users, various upgrades are made to improve the operational effectiveness, demonstrating the advantage of the ecosystem created for the indigenous weapon system."&nbsp;Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the Indian Army's and DRDO's achievements, saying that it is a significant boost to India's air defence capabilities, particularly for meeting high-altitude operational requirements.

It was the first-ever such trial of Akash Prime at high altitudes. The weapon has been modified to operate in altitudes above 4500 metres and has an indigenously developed Radio Frequency seeker, which gives radio signals to track and destroy targets.

The Indian Army has achieved a huge milestone with the Akash Prime missile on Wednesday, as it successfully destroyed two aerial high-speed unmanned targets at high altitude in Ladakh sector. India's Defence Ministry took to social media and posted impressive video of the missile being launched. In a post on X, the defence ministry noted that the Akash Prime is an upgraded variant of the Akash Weapon System for the Indian Army. The Indian Army Air Defence and DRDO achieved the milestone in conjunction with defence PSUs, including Bharat Dynamics Limited & Bharat Electronics Limited, and other industry partners. "India has achieved a significant milestone by successfully destroying 2 Aerial High Speed Unmanned targets at high altitude in Ladakh Sector on 16th July by Akash Prime, which is the upgraded variant of Akash Weapon System for the Indian Army," the office of Defence Ministry stated in a post on X. It also shared the video of the Akash Prime missile, being launched at an altitude over 15,000 feet in Ladakh. Watch video here:

It was the first-ever such trial of Akash Prime at high altitudes. The weapon has been modified to operate in altitudes above 4500 metres and has an indigenously developed Radio Frequency seeker, which gives radio signals to track and destroy targets.

WATCH - How India's new Akash Prime missiles destroyed two aerial targets at 15,000ft in Ladakh

In a major boost to the Army firepower, India is set to receive 7000 more AK-203 rifles in the next 2-3 weeks, according to the sources. These rifles are part of a large deal being made in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, under a joint project between India and Russia. In the last 18 months, 48000 rifles have already been delivered. Another 1 lakh unit of rifles are expected to be delivered by 2026. The Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), said that it is on schedule to deliver the units by the date mentioned. At present, half of the rifle parts are made in India but according to some sources, full local production (100% indigenisation) is expected by the end of this year. The Indian Army is replacing the old INSAS rifles with the newer AK-203 assault rifles. Once fully indigenized (process of bringing something under the control), the Amethi factory will be going to make 12000 rifles every month — one rifle every 100 seconds.&nbsp;Also Check - From Russia's S-400 Triumph to America's THAAD: Top 6 air defense systems in the world&nbsp;The full order is for 6.01 lakh rifles and it is expected to be complete by December 2030, nearly two years ahead of the original deadline (2032).&nbsp;AK-203 assault rifles delivery details:<ul><li>Already delivered - 48000 rifles(July 17, 2025)</li><li>Total order of AK-203 assault rifles - 601427 rifles</li><li>Final delivery deadline - December 2030</li></ul>Importance of the AK-203 rifle&nbsp;The AK-203 rifle is a modern and upgraded version of the famous Kalashnikov rifle. It is famous for its high accuracy, smooth handling and greater flexibility. It is useful in both anti-terror operations and high-altitude warfare.Specifications:<ul><li>Fire rate: 700 rounds per minute</li><li>Range: Up to 800 meters &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</li></ul>Indo-Russian deal&nbsp;India signed a big assault deal with Russia in July 2021 to produce over six lakh AK-203 rifles at a cost of ₹5,000 crore. This rifle manufacturing unit has been speeded up due to rising tensions at the China border and continuous security concerns from the Pakistan side.&nbsp;&nbsp;Several countries in Africa and the Middle East have also shown interest in buying the AK-203 rifles.

The AK-203 rifle is a modern and upgraded version of the famous Kalashnikov rifle. It is famous for its high accuracy, smooth handling and greater flexibility. It is useful in both anti-terror operations and high-altitude warfare.

In a major boost to the Army firepower, India is set to receive 7000 more AK-203 rifles in the next 2-3 weeks, according to the sources. These rifles are part of a large deal being made in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, under a joint project between India and Russia. In the last 18 months, 48000 rifles have already been delivered. Another 1 lakh unit of rifles are expected to be delivered by 2026. The Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), said that it is on schedule to deliver the units by the date mentioned. At present, half of the rifle parts are made in India but according to some sources, full local production (100% indigenisation) is expected by the end of this year. The Indian Army is replacing the old INSAS rifles with the newer AK-203 assault rifles. Once fully indigenized (process of bringing something under the control), the Amethi factory will be going to make 12000 rifles every month — one rifle every 100 seconds. Also Check - From Russia's S-400 Triumph to America's THAAD: Top 6 air defense systems in the world The full order is for 6.01 lakh rifles and it is expected to be complete by December 2030, nearly two years ahead of the original deadline (2032). AK-203 assault rifles delivery details: Already delivered - 48000 rifles(July 17, 2025) Total order of AK-203 assault rifles - 601427 rifles Final delivery deadline - December 2030 Importance of the AK-203 rifle The AK-203 rifle is a modern and upgraded version of the famous Kalashnikov rifle. It is famous for its high accuracy, smooth handling and greater flexibility. It is useful in both anti-terror operations and high-altitude warfare. Specifications: Fire rate: 700 rounds per minute Range: Up to 800 meters Indo-Russian deal India signed a big assault deal with Russia in July 2021 to produce over six lakh AK-203 rifles at a cost of ₹5,000 crore. This rifle manufacturing unit has been speeded up due to rising tensions at the China border and continuous security concerns from the Pakistan side. Several countries in Africa and the Middle East have also shown interest in buying the AK-203 rifles.

The AK-203 rifle is a modern and upgraded version of the famous Kalashnikov rifle. It is famous for its high accuracy, smooth handling and greater flexibility. It is useful in both anti-terror operations and high-altitude warfare.

Indian Army set to receive THIS number of AK-203 rifles soon - Check details

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a prosecution complaint (charge sheet) against Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s son-in-law, businessman Robert Vadra, before the Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi on Thursday in connection with its money laundering probe in the purchase of 3.53-acre land in Gurugram district’s Shikohpur village (now Sector 83) on February 12, 2008. Vadra has been charged under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act along with 10 other individuals and entities, including Vadra’s Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd, Satyanand Yaji, Kawal Singh Virk, and Omkareshwar Properties Pvt Ltd. The ED has also provisionally attached 43 immovable properties valued at over Rs 37.64 crore in connection with the case. It issued the provisional attachment order on July 16, 2025, targeting assets linked to Vadra and his firm, Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd.&nbsp;This is ED’s first charge sheet against Vadra, who was questioned in this case for three days in April. Vadra is the husband of Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.&nbsp;Vadra’s two firms allegedly had only ₹1 lakh each in their bank accounts when they purchased the land worth ₹7.5 crore in Shikohpur.As per reports, Vadra’s firm applied for developing the land for commercial activity, and the then Haryana government of Congress chief minister Bhupinder Hooda approved the licence within four days.&nbsp;<h2>Land purchased for Rs 7.5 crore, no cheque issued&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Vadra’s Sky Light Hospitality Private Ltd (SLHPL) purchased the land without making any payment and did not issue any cheque for the purchase, instead another company of Vadra, Sky Light Realty Pvt Ltd (SLRPL), issued the check, which was never presented to the bank for encashment, said a Hindustan Times report citing unnamed officials.Both SLHPL and SLRPL had a balance of only ₹1 lakh each in their bank accounts when the sale deed was executed, and even together they did not have to pay the seller for the 3.53-acre land worth ₹7.50 crore.It also said that Omkareshwar Properties Pvt Ltd (OPPL) provided the funds for stamp duty (₹45 lakh) and other charges.&nbsp;SLHPL paid ₹15.38 crore in two tranches to OPPL, more than the amount mentioned in the sale deed (₹7.50 crore), after about six months, which reveals undervaluation of property to evade stamp duty and cause revenue loss to the government.&nbsp;<h2>Commercial licence granted in just 4 days</h2>&nbsp;The ED found that OPPL applied for a commercial licence for the same land, but the Haryana government’s town and country planning department did not issue it. But on March 17, 2008, SLHPL informed the department about the land purchase and applied for a licence to develop a commercial colony and within four days, on March 21, 2008, Haryana government gave the approval, and a letter of intent was issued by the department on March 28 for developing a commercial colony on 2.701 acres out of the 3.53 acres.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Same land sold to DLF for Rs 58 crore in 2021</h2>&nbsp;Four years later, in September 2012, the company sold the land to DLF, a realty major, for ₹58 crore.The case came to light when Haryana cadre IAS officer Ashok Khemka cancelled its mutation, a process reflecting the transfer of property, in October 2012.&nbsp;Vadra is also facing ED probes in a money laundering case against arms middleman Sanjay Bhandari and a land deal in Rajasthan’s Bikaner.The court is yet to take cognisance of the charges, meaning it has not yet decided whether to proceed with the trial against the accused.

The deal came into the spotlight in 2012 after IAS officer Ashok Khemka canceled the land mutation, citing legal violations. Vadra, son-in-law of former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, has always denied wrongdoing and said the case was a "political vendetta" against him and his family.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a prosecution complaint (charge sheet) against Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s son-in-law, businessman Robert Vadra, before the Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi on Thursday in connection with its money laundering probe in the purchase of 3.53-acre land in Gurugram district’s Shikohpur village (now Sector 83) on February 12, 2008. Vadra has been charged under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act along with 10 other individuals and entities, including Vadra’s Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd, Satyanand Yaji, Kawal Singh Virk, and Omkareshwar Properties Pvt Ltd. The ED has also provisionally attached 43 immovable properties valued at over Rs 37.64 crore in connection with the case. It issued the provisional attachment order on July 16, 2025, targeting assets linked to Vadra and his firm, Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd. This is ED’s first charge sheet against Vadra, who was questioned in this case for three days in April. Vadra is the husband of Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Vadra’s two firms allegedly had only ₹1 lakh each in their bank accounts when they purchased the land worth ₹7.5 crore in Shikohpur. As per reports, Vadra’s firm applied for developing the land for commercial activity, and the then Haryana government of Congress chief minister Bhupinder Hooda approved the licence within four days. Land purchased for Rs 7.5 crore, no cheque issued Vadra’s Sky Light Hospitality Private Ltd (SLHPL) purchased the land without making any payment and did not issue any cheque for the purchase, instead another company of Vadra, Sky Light Realty Pvt Ltd (SLRPL), issued the check, which was never presented to the bank for encashment, said a Hindustan Times report citing unnamed officials. Both SLHPL and SLRPL had a balance of only ₹1 lakh each in their bank accounts when the sale deed was executed, and even together they did not have to pay the seller for the 3.53-acre land worth ₹7.50 crore. It also said that Omkareshwar Properties Pvt Ltd (OPPL) provided the funds for stamp duty (₹45 lakh) and other charges. SLHPL paid ₹15.38 crore in two tranches to OPPL, more than the amount mentioned in the sale deed (₹7.50 crore), after about six months, which reveals undervaluation of property to evade stamp duty and cause revenue loss to the government. Commercial licence granted in just 4 days The ED found that OPPL applied for a commercial licence for the same land, but the Haryana government’s town and country planning department did not issue it. But on March 17, 2008, SLHPL informed the department about the land purchase and applied for a licence to develop a commercial colony and within four days, on March 21, 2008, Haryana government gave the approval, and a letter of intent was issued by the department on March 28 for developing a commercial colony on 2.701 acres out of the 3.53 acres. Same land sold to DLF for Rs 58 crore in 2021 Four years later, in September 2012, the company sold the land to DLF, a realty major, for ₹58 crore. The case came to light when Haryana cadre IAS officer Ashok Khemka cancelled its mutation, a process reflecting the transfer of property, in October 2012. Vadra is also facing ED probes in a money laundering case against arms middleman Sanjay Bhandari and a land deal in Rajasthan’s Bikaner. The court is yet to take cognisance of the charges, meaning it has not yet decided whether to proceed with the trial against the accused.

The deal came into the spotlight in 2012 after IAS officer Ashok Khemka canceled the land mutation, citing legal violations. Vadra, son-in-law of former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, has always denied wrongdoing and said the case was a "political vendetta" against him and his family.

ED files chargesheet against Robert Vadra in Gurugram land deal case, attaches 43 assets worth Rs 37.64 crore

As speculation around the recent Air India crash intensifies in international media, India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Thursday urged all to refrain from drawing conclusions based on “selective and unverified reporting.” The statement comes a day after The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) released a report citing cockpit voice recordings and preliminary conclusions by US authorities, implying that the captain might have accidentally cut fuel to the engines seconds after takeoff.&nbsp;"Necessary to show respect to family members of the dead passengers, crew, and others who lost their lives on the ground as a result of the plane crash," the AAIB said in its statement. The bureau, which operates under India's Ministry of Civil Aviation, also made it clear that any such updates regarding the investigation will be issued only if required.&nbsp;“AAIB will release updates on the Air India plane crash of technical or public interest value as and when needed,” it further read. Rejecting speculation regarding the reason for the crash, the agency said that it was premature to make conclusions and asked for restraint in public statements.It's early to make any firm judgments about the Air India plane crash; the investigation is still pending." "The final investigation report will be released with root causes and recommendations. Avoid spreading early-day narratives."<h2>What the WSJ report said?</h2>The WSJ reports that a cockpit voice recording indicated that the two pilots had a conversation in which First Officer Clive Kunder asked Captain Sumeet Sabharwal as to why he had shut off the fuel flow to the aircraft's engines after liftoff. Sabharwal, according to reports, said that he hadn't. The newspaper quoted individuals who are known to US officials' initial evaluation of the crash, which happened on June 12 in Ahmedabad and resulted in 241 fatalities, including 19 on the ground.

Refrain from premature narratives AAIB refutes US media report on Air India crash urges to respect sensitivity

As speculation around the recent Air India crash intensifies in international media, India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Thursday urged all to refrain from drawing conclusions based on “selective and unverified reporting.” The statement comes a day after The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) released a report citing cockpit voice recordings and preliminary conclusions by US authorities, implying that the captain might have accidentally cut fuel to the engines seconds after takeoff. "Necessary to show respect to family members of the dead passengers, crew, and others who lost their lives on the ground as a result of the plane crash," the AAIB said in its statement. The bureau, which operates under India's Ministry of Civil Aviation, also made it clear that any such updates regarding the investigation will be issued only if required. “AAIB will release updates on the Air India plane crash of technical or public interest value as and when needed,” it further read. Rejecting speculation regarding the reason for the crash, the agency said that it was premature to make conclusions and asked for restraint in public statements. It's early to make any firm judgments about the Air India plane crash; the investigation is still pending." "The final investigation report will be released with root causes and recommendations. Avoid spreading early-day narratives." What the WSJ report said? The WSJ reports that a cockpit voice recording indicated that the two pilots had a conversation in which First Officer Clive Kunder asked Captain Sumeet Sabharwal as to why he had shut off the fuel flow to the aircraft's engines after liftoff. Sabharwal, according to reports, said that he hadn't. The newspaper quoted individuals who are known to US officials' initial evaluation of the crash, which happened on June 12 in Ahmedabad and resulted in 241 fatalities, including 19 on the ground.

The statement comes a day after The Wall Street Journal published a report citing cockpit voice recordings and early assessments by US officials, suggesting the captain may have inadvertently cut fuel supply to the engines seconds after takeoff

'Refrain from premature narratives': AAIB refutes US media report on Air India crash, urges to 'respect sensitivity'

The Government in the Southern Indian State of Tamil Nadu and the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association(TNTA) announced the return of the Chennai Open International Women's Tennis Championships - a WTA 250 event, and the highest-ranking tennis event in India. Making the announcement, Indian tennis legend and TNTA President Vijay Amritraj said that the high-profile sporting event will be held in the state, coinciding with the Centenary year of the TNTA. The event is will be held at the SDAT Tennis Stadium in Chennai between October 27 and November 2, 2025."I must acknowledge the efforts of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and Octagon for allotting the event to Chennai. I am sure the sports and tennis-loving public of Chennai will turn up to witness the matches in great numbers and enjoy the wonderful experience. The event is likely to be in Chennai for a longer duration than the one event held in 2022. The players expected to participate in the event would be among the top 100 in the world," Amritraj said.According to the event organizers, up to 90 participants from around the world would be taking part in the event, where a total prize money of over USD275,000 (Rs 2.39crores) is up for grabs. Reflecting on the century of illustrious achievements of the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association, Amritraj recalled having a Davis Cup player from Tamil Nadu in the Indian Team each year since the fifties, the development of tennis legends Ramanathan Krishnan, Ramesh Krishnan, Anand, and a host of top men and women players.Highlighting the value of hosting high-profile Tennis events in Chennai, Amritraj said,&nbsp; there is no doubt as to the impact that a major international event has on any game in the State and the Country. In Tennis during the ATP event, not only did the best in the world come to Chennai but our own players Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, Rohan Bopanna, Somdev Devvarman, Ramkumar and Sumit used the home opportunity to the maximum to move onto the top world stage."Since I became the President of TNTA in 2018, the mandate of the Association was to get a major event to Chennai, my home town so that it inspires everyone – the players, the administrators, the coaches, the younger generation - to play Tennis, constantly improve the game in the State and ensure the dominance of Tamil Nadu both in the game of Tennis for both Men and Women, and also see the State of Tamil Nadu as an international destination for Tourism. This major event will promote Women’s tennis and should encourage more girls in the State to play the great sport of Tennis, which will immensely help them in both education and life," remarked the Indian tennis legend.“Our government, under the leadership of Chief Minister MK Stalin, has its job cut out to firmly place Tamil Nadu as a player on the global sports map. Since this government assumed office, Tamil Nadu has been hosting numerous international sporting events, earning us accolades all over. As a testament to our concerted efforts to host marquee sports events in Tamil Nadu, it is heartening to note that the Chennai Open WTA event returns to Chennai after three years. It is one of the prestigious Tennis Tournaments in the country and our government will extend its fullest support towards its successful conduct. Tennis has been given significant importance in our scheme of things. In the last financial year, a Centre of Excellence for Tennis was set up at the SDAT Tennis Stadium, Nungambakkam," said Tamil Nadu Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.Alastair Garland, Managing Director - Tennis, Octagon, commenting from the USA, said, "We are extremely excited to have been given the opportunity to bring India the biggest professional tennis event that exists in the country today. We very much look forward to making our presence felt in Tamil Nadu and India this October. We deeply appreciate the support of our key partners - the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu. Octagon looks forward to working closely with the TNTA to make this a memorable event for the athletes, fans and partners.”

Indian tennis legend and TNTA President Vijay Amritraj said that the high-profile sporting event will be held in the state, coinciding with the Centenary year of the TNTA. The event is to be held at the SDAT Tennis Stadium in Chennai between October 27 and November 2, 2025.

The Government in the Southern Indian State of Tamil Nadu and the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association(TNTA) announced the return of the Chennai Open International Women's Tennis Championships - a WTA 250 event, and the highest-ranking tennis event in India. Making the announcement, Indian tennis legend and TNTA President Vijay Amritraj said that the high-profile sporting event will be held in the state, coinciding with the Centenary year of the TNTA. The event is will be held at the SDAT Tennis Stadium in Chennai between October 27 and November 2, 2025. "I must acknowledge the efforts of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and Octagon for allotting the event to Chennai. I am sure the sports and tennis-loving public of Chennai will turn up to witness the matches in great numbers and enjoy the wonderful experience. The event is likely to be in Chennai for a longer duration than the one event held in 2022. The players expected to participate in the event would be among the top 100 in the world," Amritraj said. According to the event organizers, up to 90 participants from around the world would be taking part in the event, where a total prize money of over USD275,000 (Rs 2.39crores) is up for grabs. Reflecting on the century of illustrious achievements of the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association, Amritraj recalled having a Davis Cup player from Tamil Nadu in the Indian Team each year since the fifties, the development of tennis legends Ramanathan Krishnan, Ramesh Krishnan, Anand, and a host of top men and women players. Highlighting the value of hosting high-profile Tennis events in Chennai, Amritraj said, there is no doubt as to the impact that a major international event has on any game in the State and the Country. In Tennis during the ATP event, not only did the best in the world come to Chennai but our own players Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, Rohan Bopanna, Somdev Devvarman, Ramkumar and Sumit used the home opportunity to the maximum to move onto the top world stage. "Since I became the President of TNTA in 2018, the mandate of the Association was to get a major event to Chennai, my home town so that it inspires everyone – the players, the administrators, the coaches, the younger generation - to play Tennis, constantly improve the game in the State and ensure the dominance of Tamil Nadu both in the game of Tennis for both Men and Women, and also see the State of Tamil Nadu as an international destination for Tourism. This major event will promote Women’s tennis and should encourage more girls in the State to play the great sport of Tennis, which will immensely help them in both education and life," remarked the Indian tennis legend. “Our government, under the leadership of Chief Minister MK Stalin, has its job cut out to firmly place Tamil Nadu as a player on the global sports map. Since this government assumed office, Tamil Nadu has been hosting numerous international sporting events, earning us accolades all over. As a testament to our concerted efforts to host marquee sports events in Tamil Nadu, it is heartening to note that the Chennai Open WTA event returns to Chennai after three years. It is one of the prestigious Tennis Tournaments in the country and our government will extend its fullest support towards its successful conduct. Tennis has been given significant importance in our scheme of things. In the last financial year, a Centre of Excellence for Tennis was set up at the SDAT Tennis Stadium, Nungambakkam," said Tamil Nadu Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. Alastair Garland, Managing Director - Tennis, Octagon, commenting from the USA, said, "We are extremely excited to have been given the opportunity to bring India the biggest professional tennis event that exists in the country today. We very much look forward to making our presence felt in Tamil Nadu and India this October. We deeply appreciate the support of our key partners - the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu. Octagon looks forward to working closely with the TNTA to make this a memorable event for the athletes, fans and partners.”

Indian tennis legend and TNTA President Vijay Amritraj said that the high-profile sporting event will be held in the state, coinciding with the Centenary year of the TNTA. The event is to be held at the SDAT Tennis Stadium in Chennai between October 27 and November 2, 2025.

Chennai Open returns after 3 years - Highest ranking tennis event in India

The Indian Supreme Court on Wednesday (Jul 15) ruled that the brutality or the gruesome nature of a crime is not sufficient grounds to award a death sentence. The top court was hearing a plea filed by a rape and murder accused of a 10-year-old girl. The man’s death penalty was commuted to life imprisonment without remission. The court held that the brutality of the offence cannot be the sole reason for imposing capital punishment, adding that the convict’s potential for reformation must also be assessed.&nbsp;A bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sanjay Karol and Sandeep Mehta upheld the conviction of Jai Prakash for the rape and murder of the minor in 2018 in Dehradun, following which the Uttarakhand High Court awarded him a death sentence.According to witness testimonies, the appellant invited several children to his hut on July 28, 2018 and gave them Rs 10 each to buy chocolates. While he let other children go, the victim did not return with the rest. She was later found dead in the hut. An FIR was registered at Police Station Sahaspur by her father.&nbsp;The accused was booked under Sections 376(AB), 377, and 302 of the IPC and Section 5/6 of the POCSO Act. The High Court upheld the conviction and sentence based on the witness testimonies, the body recovered, and DNA evidence.&nbsp;“We find the witnesses to be inspiring in confidence and the children’s deposition to be in a natural form,” the court noted, as quoted by LawBeat. “There is no infirmity in the chain of seizure or forensic examination. Taking a cumulative view of all circumstances, the prosecution has proven its case beyond reasonable doubt,” it added.&nbsp;While the court did not interfere with the concurrent findings of conviction by the lower courts, it disagreed with the awarding of the death sentence. The bench observed that while the crime was undeniably grave, the courts below had relied solely on its brutality to award the death sentence.&nbsp;“No other circumstance came to be discussed in concluding that this case falls under the ‘rarest of rare’ category. Such an approach cannot be sustained,” the court said.The court also noted that the appellant came from an impoverished background. He did not attend school due to financial conditions and started working at the age of 12. He had good conduct in jail and did not suffer from any psychiatric disorders.&nbsp;“Taking into account the mitigating circumstances and the threshold under the ‘rarest of rare’ doctrine, we deem it appropriate to award life imprisonment without remission extending to the natural life of the appellant,” the Court concluded.

 The bench observed that while the crime was undeniably grave, the courts below had relied solely on its brutality to award the death sentence.

The Indian Supreme Court on Wednesday (Jul 15) ruled that the brutality or the gruesome nature of a crime is not sufficient grounds to award a death sentence. The top court was hearing a plea filed by a rape and murder accused of a 10-year-old girl. The man’s death penalty was commuted to life imprisonment without remission. The court held that the brutality of the offence cannot be the sole reason for imposing capital punishment, adding that the convict’s potential for reformation must also be assessed. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sanjay Karol and Sandeep Mehta upheld the conviction of Jai Prakash for the rape and murder of the minor in 2018 in Dehradun, following which the Uttarakhand High Court awarded him a death sentence. According to witness testimonies, the appellant invited several children to his hut on July 28, 2018 and gave them Rs 10 each to buy chocolates. While he let other children go, the victim did not return with the rest. She was later found dead in the hut. An FIR was registered at Police Station Sahaspur by her father. The accused was booked under Sections 376(AB), 377, and 302 of the IPC and Section 5/6 of the POCSO Act. The High Court upheld the conviction and sentence based on the witness testimonies, the body recovered, and DNA evidence. “We find the witnesses to be inspiring in confidence and the children’s deposition to be in a natural form,” the court noted, as quoted by LawBeat. “There is no infirmity in the chain of seizure or forensic examination. Taking a cumulative view of all circumstances, the prosecution has proven its case beyond reasonable doubt,” it added. While the court did not interfere with the concurrent findings of conviction by the lower courts, it disagreed with the awarding of the death sentence. The bench observed that while the crime was undeniably grave, the courts below had relied solely on its brutality to award the death sentence. “No other circumstance came to be discussed in concluding that this case falls under the ‘rarest of rare’ category. Such an approach cannot be sustained,” the court said. The court also noted that the appellant came from an impoverished background. He did not attend school due to financial conditions and started working at the age of 12. He had good conduct in jail and did not suffer from any psychiatric disorders. “Taking into account the mitigating circumstances and the threshold under the ‘rarest of rare’ doctrine, we deem it appropriate to award life imprisonment without remission extending to the natural life of the appellant,” the Court concluded.

&nbsp;The bench observed that while the crime was undeniably grave, the courts below had relied solely on its brutality to award the death sentence.

Brutality not sufficient grounds: Supreme Court commutes death penalty of man in child rape-murder case

Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, sentenced to death in Yemen for killing Talal Abdo Mehdi, must undergo 'Qisas', or 'God's law', and nothing more, her brother has averred. Priya was to be executed on Wednesday (July 16) but diplomatic pressure earned her a temporary reprieve. A new date for her execution has not been announced. That leaves the 38-year-old to stay on death row, at least for the time being, depending on the Indian government and social activists' efforts to persuade Mehdi's family to grant a pardon or at least agree to commute her death sentence.&nbsp;The family, however, is against both. Mehdi's brother told British broadcaster BBC that no pardon will be granted to Priya and that she has to undergo 'justice' as outlined in the Quran. Abdelfattah Mehdi also hit out at Indian media reports that had implied the family was keen on the $1 million in 'blood money', or financial compensation, than 'justice'. On Facebook, Mehdi admitted attempts at mediation and reconciliation made on behalf of Priya but insisted, "Our demand is clear: Qisas and nothing else, no matter what."<h2>What is Qisas?</h2>'Qisas' is a term in Islamic jurisprudence. It is akin to the biblical principle of 'an eye for an eye', i.e., the victims of a crime have a right to 'reciprocal justice'. The Arabic term 'Qisas' means 'retaliation' or 'retribution'. It is mentioned time and again in the Quran, such as in Chapter 2, Verse 178, which says,&nbsp;"O you who have faith! Retribution is prescribed for you regarding the slain: freeman for freeman, slave for slave, and female for female. But if one is granted any extenuation by his brother, let the follow up (for the 'blood money', or 'diyah') be honourable, and let the payment to him be with kindness. That is a remission from your Lord and a mercy" &nbsp;But the point is that 'Qisas' means 'retribution' for crimes that have been intentionally committed, and this implies that the family thinks that Nimisha Priya knowingly killed Talal Mehdi. Hence, according to Islamic law, the family has the right to ask for proportionate recompense.&nbsp;There exist two types of 'Qisas' based on the crime itself. The first is 'for life', i.e., life for life, which is what is being sought by Mehdi's family. The second is 'for body parts', i.e., the victim can cause an equivalent injury to that caused to them.&nbsp;The latter idea is barbaric by the contemporary standard of morals and ethics, yet the former is an integral element of jurisprudence everywhere. In fact, the death penalty is cherished and justified by most countries, including America and India, only neither provides a religious connotation. It is important to note that 'Qisas' is not the rule, either in Yemen or any other nation governed by Sharia law. Contemporary judiciary sensibilities and oversight can, and do, affect its use.

Nimisha Priyas fate hinges on Qisas says victims family What is this Islamic law

Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, sentenced to death in Yemen for killing Talal Abdo Mehdi, must undergo 'Qisas', or 'God's law', and nothing more, her brother has averred. Priya was to be executed on Wednesday (July 16) but diplomatic pressure earned her a temporary reprieve. A new date for her execution has not been announced. That leaves the 38-year-old to stay on death row, at least for the time being, depending on the Indian government and social activists' efforts to persuade Mehdi's family to grant a pardon or at least agree to commute her death sentence. The family, however, is against both. Mehdi's brother told British broadcaster BBC that no pardon will be granted to Priya and that she has to undergo 'justice' as outlined in the Quran. Abdelfattah Mehdi also hit out at Indian media reports that had implied the family was keen on the $1 million in 'blood money', or financial compensation, than 'justice'. On Facebook, Mehdi admitted attempts at mediation and reconciliation made on behalf of Priya but insisted, "Our demand is clear: Qisas and nothing else, no matter what." What is Qisas? 'Qisas' is a term in Islamic jurisprudence. It is akin to the biblical principle of 'an eye for an eye', i.e., the victims of a crime have a right to 'reciprocal justice'. The Arabic term 'Qisas' means 'retaliation' or 'retribution'. It is mentioned time and again in the Quran, such as in Chapter 2, Verse 178, which says, "O you who have faith! Retribution is prescribed for you regarding the slain: freeman for freeman, slave for slave, and female for female. But if one is granted any extenuation by his brother, let the follow up (for the 'blood money', or 'diyah') be honourable, and let the payment to him be with kindness. That is a remission from your Lord and a mercy" But the point is that 'Qisas' means 'retribution' for crimes that have been intentionally committed, and this implies that the family thinks that Nimisha Priya knowingly killed Talal Mehdi. Hence, according to Islamic law, the family has the right to ask for proportionate recompense. There exist two types of 'Qisas' based on the crime itself. The first is 'for life', i.e., life for life, which is what is being sought by Mehdi's family. The second is 'for body parts', i.e., the victim can cause an equivalent injury to that caused to them. The latter idea is barbaric by the contemporary standard of morals and ethics, yet the former is an integral element of jurisprudence everywhere. In fact, the death penalty is cherished and justified by most countries, including America and India, only neither provides a religious connotation. It is important to note that 'Qisas' is not the rule, either in Yemen or any other nation governed by Sharia law. Contemporary judiciary sensibilities and oversight can, and do, affect its use.

Nimisha&nbsp;went to Yemen in 2008 and worked as a nurse in a Government-run hospital in Sana'a. Eyeing better earning opportunities, she quit her job and started her own clinic

Nimisha Priya's fate hinges on 'Qisas', says victim's family. What is this Islamic law?

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has warned against “double standards” while rebuffing the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) chief Mark Rutte’s threat of secondary sanctions on India for for continuing its trade relationship with Russia. “We have seen reports on the subject and are closely following the developments. Let me reiterate that securing the energy needs of our people is understandably an overriding priority for us,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during the weekly media briefing in Delhi on Thursday.&nbsp;Warning against “double standards”, Jaiswal further said, “In this endeavour, we are guided by what is available in the markets and also by prevailing global circumstances. We would particularly caution against any double standards on the matter.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi | On Nato chief Mark Rutte&#39;s comment that countries buying Russian oil could face secondary sanctions, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, &quot;We have seen reports on the subject and are closely following the developments. Let me reiterate that securing the energy… <a href="https://t.co/SdhmWRQYLL">pic.twitter.com/SdhmWRQYLL</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1945796607280124263?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The external affairs ministry made the stern remarks after Nato chief Mark Rutte urged India, China, and Brazil to reconsider their economic ties with Moscow or face “100 per cent secondary sanctions” if Russia does not commit to peace talks.&nbsp;Rutte was addressing a press conference in Washington along with US Senators Thom Tillis and Jeanne Shaheen when he echoed the position taken by US President Donald Trump, who earlier this week threatened severe tariffs on countries continuing trade with Russia.&nbsp;&nbsp;“My encouragement to these three countries, particularly, is that if you live now in Beijing or in Delhi, or you are the President of Brazil, you might want to take a look at this because this might hit you very hard,” Rutte had said.He further appealed to these nations to pressure Russia into talks. “Please make the phone call to Vladimir Putin and tell him that he has to get serious about peace talks, because otherwise this will slam back on Brazil, on India and on China in a massive way,” he warned.&nbsp;&nbsp;The statement followed Trump’s announcement on supplying additional military aid, including air defence systems, missiles, and ammunition, largely funded by European allies, to Ukraine.&nbsp;Trump also set a 50-day deadline for Russia to enter serious peace negotiations or face full secondary sanctions after days of speculation about his promised “surprise” on Russia and Ukraine following his harsh remarks about Vladimir Putin’s “bullshit” last week.

US President Donald Trump set a 50-day deadline for Russia to start peace negotiations or face full secondary sanctions after his harsh remarks about Vladimir Putin’s “bullshit” and speculation over his promise of “surprise” on Russia and Ukraine.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has warned against “double standards” while rebuffing the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) chief Mark Rutte’s threat of secondary sanctions on India for for continuing its trade relationship with Russia. “We have seen reports on the subject and are closely following the developments. Let me reiterate that securing the energy needs of our people is understandably an overriding priority for us,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during the weekly media briefing in Delhi on Thursday. Warning against “double standards”, Jaiswal further said, “In this endeavour, we are guided by what is available in the markets and also by prevailing global circumstances. We would particularly caution against any double standards on the matter.”

US President Donald Trump set a 50-day deadline for Russia to start peace negotiations or face full secondary sanctions after his harsh remarks about Vladimir Putin’s “bullshit” and speculation over his promise of “surprise” on Russia and Ukraine.

India slams Nato chief’s threat of sanctions over trade with Russia; warns against ‘double standards’

The fatal Air India crash last month resuscitated a decade-long controversy in the airline industry over installing video cameras monitoring airline pilot actions to complement the cockpit voice and flight data recorders already employed by crash investigators. One of the world's most powerful voices in the industry, International Air Transport Association chief Willie Walsh, a former pilot, on Wednesday (July 16) said that there was an excellent case for equipping airliner cockpits with video cameras to record pilots' actions to complement voice and flight data recorders currently employed by accident investigators.&nbsp;Aviation analysts have said an initial report from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) raised doubts about whether one of the pilots on Air India flight 171 cut off fuel to the Boeing 787's engines seconds after takeoff, resulting in an irrecoverable situation.&nbsp;The crash at Ahmedabad, India, killed 241 of the 242 passengers, and several individuals on the ground. To date, "given what little we know at this point, it's more than likely that a video recording, along with the voice recording would really help the investigators to carry out that investigation on the matter of mental health," Walsh was quoted saying in an interview.&nbsp;Advocates of cockpit video cameras argue that the images would provide details missing from the audio and data recorders, while critics argue that privacy issues and abuse potential overshadow what they say are minor benefits for investigations. Video evidence was "invaluable" to Australian crash investigators deciding what caused Robinson R66 helicopter disintegration in flight in 2023, which killed the pilot, the sole occupant, in the Australian Transport Safety Bureau's final report, released 18 days after Air India crash.&nbsp;The footage showed "the pilot was engaged in non-flying related activities for much of this period, namely mobile phone use and the drinking and eating of food," the report said. The ATSB praised Robinson Helicopters for making the factory-installed cameras available and said it urged other manufacturers and owners to take into consideration the ongoing safety advantage of similar equipment.&nbsp;In 2000, US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chairman Jim Hall called on the Federal Aviation Administration to mandate commercial airliners be fitted with cockpit image recorders.Hall made the suggestion following 1999's Egyptair Flight 990 crash, when the first officer deliberately crashed the Boeing 767, the NTSB said, killing all 217 aboard. "In the weighing of privacy vs. security, the scale is tipped in favor of security, categorically," air safety expert and retired commercial airline pilot John Nance said. "Guarding the flying public is a sacred trust."&nbsp;Another expert in aviation safety, Anthony Brickhouse, said that as an accident investigator, he supports cockpit video, but recognised that there are real concerns on the part of commercial pilots.Video of Air India flight 171 "would have provided answers to many questions," he said. Air India refused to comment on the matter. India's AAIB, under global regulations, is to come out with a final report within a year of the crash, but did not respond to a request for comment.

Could cockpit cameras have made a difference in Air India crash probe? Experts have their say

The fatal Air India crash last month resuscitated a decade-long controversy in the airline industry over installing video cameras monitoring airline pilot actions to complement the cockpit voice and flight data recorders already employed by crash investigators. One of the world's most powerful voices in the industry, International Air Transport Association chief Willie Walsh, a former pilot, on Wednesday (July 16) said that there was an excellent case for equipping airliner cockpits with video cameras to record pilots' actions to complement voice and flight data recorders currently employed by accident investigators. Aviation analysts have said an initial report from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) raised doubts about whether one of the pilots on Air India flight 171 cut off fuel to the Boeing 787's engines seconds after takeoff, resulting in an irrecoverable situation. The crash at Ahmedabad, India, killed 241 of the 242 passengers, and several individuals on the ground. To date, "given what little we know at this point, it's more than likely that a video recording, along with the voice recording would really help the investigators to carry out that investigation on the matter of mental health," Walsh was quoted saying in an interview. Advocates of cockpit video cameras argue that the images would provide details missing from the audio and data recorders, while critics argue that privacy issues and abuse potential overshadow what they say are minor benefits for investigations. Video evidence was "invaluable" to Australian crash investigators deciding what caused Robinson R66 helicopter disintegration in flight in 2023, which killed the pilot, the sole occupant, in the Australian Transport Safety Bureau's final report, released 18 days after Air India crash. The footage showed "the pilot was engaged in non-flying related activities for much of this period, namely mobile phone use and the drinking and eating of food," the report said. The ATSB praised Robinson Helicopters for making the factory-installed cameras available and said it urged other manufacturers and owners to take into consideration the ongoing safety advantage of similar equipment. In 2000, US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chairman Jim Hall called on the Federal Aviation Administration to mandate commercial airliners be fitted with cockpit image recorders. Hall made the suggestion following 1999's Egyptair Flight 990 crash, when the first officer deliberately crashed the Boeing 767, the NTSB said, killing all 217 aboard. "In the weighing of privacy vs. security, the scale is tipped in favor of security, categorically," air safety expert and retired commercial airline pilot John Nance said. "Guarding the flying public is a sacred trust." Another expert in aviation safety, Anthony Brickhouse, said that as an accident investigator, he supports cockpit video, but recognised that there are real concerns on the part of commercial pilots. Video of Air India flight 171 "would have provided answers to many questions," he said. Air India refused to comment on the matter. India's AAIB, under global regulations, is to come out with a final report within a year of the crash, but did not respond to a request for comment.

Aviation experts have said a preliminary report from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau raised questions over whether one of the pilots of Air India flight 171 cut off fuel to the Boeing 787’s engines seconds after takeoff, leading to an irrecoverable situation

Jammu and Kashmir has been grappling with massive drug abuse for the last few years, and the authorities now say that there is a sharp increase in Heroin abuse across the Valley. Kashmir's central rehabilitation centre in Srinagar has witnessed a jump of 200 per cent in the number of patients seeking treatment over the last five years, and most of them are heroin users.&nbsp;The authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have been working tirelessly to crush the Narco networks in the Valley. But the recent surveys done by researchers have reported that Jammu and Kashmir is one of the worst-hit states in terms of drug abuse. According to the official data, 1.3 million people in the Union Territory are drug abusers. These figures have doubled in the last three years, as the number in 2022 was 0.6 million.&nbsp;The main concern for the authorities is Heroin users across the Valley. It has become the most used drug, with a 95% dependency rate among users. As heroin is taken via injections, it also increases the risk of other diseases such as hepatitis C.&nbsp;According to the official data, most of the Heroin users in Jammu and Kashmir are in the age group of 15-30. Meanwhile, the report suggests that around 85 per cent of drug abusers in Jammu and Kashmir prefer Heroin. Srinagar's rehabilitation centre has seen a sharp rise in the number of patients visiting. Around 350-400 patients visit the OPD every day, and the majority of these patients are heroin users. Reports also suggest that 33000 syringes are used daily by the drug abusers in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;''After 2016, the use of Heroin has peaked in Jammu and Kashmir. We used to see around 3-4 patients at that time, but now we see around 350-400 patients daily, with most of them being Heroin users. We have rehab centres in every district now, and even in those districts, we have 100 patients inflow every day, whereas it goes to 400 in the Srinagar centre. Use of injections leads to a lot of issues, including overdose deaths, hepatitis B and C, or HIV or skin infections. '' said Dr Fazal A Raub, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, IMHANS.&nbsp;These drug abusers spend around 80-90 thousand Indian rupees on Heroin every month. The drug addicts in Srinagar's rehab say that it's readily available across the Union Territory. Some of these addicts also said that more than 50 drug dealers are selling heroin in Srinagar only.&nbsp;''Addiction is terrible for us. I can talk about Heroin, not even the cancer patient will be going through the pain that we go through. Heroin is not tolerable to a lot of people. I used to have around 4 grams of Heroin every day and spend around 24000 Indian Rupees per day. We used to contribute together with my friends and get drugs. Heroin use has increased so much that 90 per cent of drug abusers use it. It's increasing every day and spreading like anything. They want to finish the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. It comes from across the border as it's not made here, '' said an addict.&nbsp;Security forces across Jammu and Kashmir have intensified their operations against Narco terror. Jammu and Kashmir Police has made hundreds of arrests, seized properties of dealers, and increased surveillance in the bordering areas. In 2025, the Jammu and Kashmir Police enforced the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act against notorious drug traffickers. Around 463 detention orders were issued under PIT-NDPS in the last 18 months till June 2024, indicating continued enforcement till 2025.

Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a sharp increase in drug abuse in the span of the last five years, with the majority of them being heroin abusers. There is a 200 per cent increase in the number of people seeking rehabilitation in Sri Nagar

Jammu and Kashmir has been grappling with massive drug abuse for the last few years, and the authorities now say that there is a sharp increase in Heroin abuse across the Valley. Kashmir's central rehabilitation centre in Srinagar has witnessed a jump of 200 per cent in the number of patients seeking treatment over the last five years, and most of them are heroin users. The authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have been working tirelessly to crush the Narco networks in the Valley. But the recent surveys done by researchers have reported that Jammu and Kashmir is one of the worst-hit states in terms of drug abuse. According to the official data, 1.3 million people in the Union Territory are drug abusers. These figures have doubled in the last three years, as the number in 2022 was 0.6 million. The main concern for the authorities is Heroin users across the Valley. It has become the most used drug, with a 95% dependency rate among users. As heroin is taken via injections, it also increases the risk of other diseases such as hepatitis C. According to the official data, most of the Heroin users in Jammu and Kashmir are in the age group of 15-30. Meanwhile, the report suggests that around 85 per cent of drug abusers in Jammu and Kashmir prefer Heroin. Srinagar's rehabilitation centre has seen a sharp rise in the number of patients visiting. Around 350-400 patients visit the OPD every day, and the majority of these patients are heroin users. Reports also suggest that 33000 syringes are used daily by the drug abusers in Jammu and Kashmir. ''After 2016, the use of Heroin has peaked in Jammu and Kashmir. We used to see around 3-4 patients at that time, but now we see around 350-400 patients daily, with most of them being Heroin users. We have rehab centres in every district now, and even in those districts, we have 100 patients inflow every day, whereas it goes to 400 in the Srinagar centre. Use of injections leads to a lot of issues, including overdose deaths, hepatitis B and C, or HIV or skin infections. '' said Dr Fazal A Raub, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, IMHANS. These drug abusers spend around 80-90 thousand Indian rupees on Heroin every month. The drug addicts in Srinagar's rehab say that it's readily available across the Union Territory. Some of these addicts also said that more than 50 drug dealers are selling heroin in Srinagar only. ''Addiction is terrible for us. I can talk about Heroin, not even the cancer patient will be going through the pain that we go through. Heroin is not tolerable to a lot of people. I used to have around 4 grams of Heroin every day and spend around 24000 Indian Rupees per day. We used to contribute together with my friends and get drugs. Heroin use has increased so much that 90 per cent of drug abusers use it. It's increasing every day and spreading like anything. They want to finish the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. It comes from across the border as it's not made here, '' said an addict. Security forces across Jammu and Kashmir have intensified their operations against Narco terror. Jammu and Kashmir Police has made hundreds of arrests, seized properties of dealers, and increased surveillance in the bordering areas. In 2025, the Jammu and Kashmir Police enforced the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act against notorious drug traffickers. Around 463 detention orders were issued under PIT-NDPS in the last 18 months till June 2024, indicating continued enforcement till 2025.

Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a sharp increase in drug abuse in the span of the last five years, with the majority of them being heroin abusers. There is a 200 per cent increase in the number of people seeking rehabilitation in Sri Nagar

Jammu and Kashmir drug abuse: Over 85 percent drug abuser’s use heroin smuggled across the border

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