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On Wednesday (Jul 9) trade unions and opposition parties across India staged a "Bharat Bandh" against the Narendra Modi government, alleging that the central government was pushing economic reforms that weaken workers' rights. The nationwide protest against government policies described as pro-corporate and anti-worker has been called by 10 central trade unions and farmers' and workers' organisations. As per reports, organisers of the protest expect around 25 crores, or 250 million, workers from the formal and informal sectors nationwide to participate in the upcoming Bharat Bandh. Farmers and labourers from the agricultural sector are also expected to take part in the massive protest. These are the unions/parties behind the July 9 Bharat Bandh.<h2>July 9 Bharat Bandh: Which Parties/Unions have called the strike?</h2>As mentioned, 10 major national bodies are behind the Bharat Bandh. These include:<ul><li>Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)</li><li>All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC)</li><li>All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC)</li><li>All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU)</li><li>Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)</li><li>Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS)</li><li>Labour Progressive Federation (LPF)</li><li>Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)</li><li>Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC)</li><li>United Trade Union Congress (UTUC)</li></ul><h2>Why have the unions called for a Bharat Bandh?</h2>The trade unions have alleged that the central government was pushing and implementing reforms that weaken workers' rights. In a statement, as reported by ANI, CITU General Secretary Tapan Kumar Sen said, "On the 17-point charter of the demand, the focus was on the demand to completely scrap the labour ports enacted by the government in 2020 to destroy the country's trade union movement. This will be a very dangerous exercise, and ultimately, the government is aiming to finish the democratic structure. Against that, the trade unions have given a call for a nationwide general strike."In a joint statement, the ten national unions have also slammed the government for failing to convene the annual labour conference for the last 10 years. They allege that with the four labour codes passed in the parliament, the government aims to weaken collective bargaining, cripple union activities and benefit employers in the name of 'ease of doing business'. "The economic policies of the government are leading to a rise in unemployment, inflation of essential commodities, a decline in wages, reduction in social sector expenditure on education, health and basic civic amenities. This is increasing inequality and misery for the poor, low-income groups and even the middle class," the statement read. &nbsp;

 As per reports, organisers of the protest expect around 25 crores, or 250 million, workers from the formal and informal sectors nationwide to participate in the upcoming Bharat Bandh. These are the unions/parties behind the July 9 Bharat Bandh.

On Wednesday (Jul 9) trade unions and opposition parties across India staged a "Bharat Bandh" against the Narendra Modi government, alleging that the central government was pushing economic reforms that weaken workers' rights. The nationwide protest against government policies described as pro-corporate and anti-worker has been called by 10 central trade unions and farmers' and workers' organisations. As per reports, organisers of the protest expect around 25 crores, or 250 million, workers from the formal and informal sectors nationwide to participate in the upcoming Bharat Bandh. Farmers and labourers from the agricultural sector are also expected to take part in the massive protest. These are the unions/parties behind the July 9 Bharat Bandh. July 9 Bharat Bandh: Which Parties/Unions have called the strike? As mentioned, 10 major national bodies are behind the Bharat Bandh. These include: Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC) All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU) Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) Labour Progressive Federation (LPF) Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC) United Trade Union Congress (UTUC) Why have the unions called for a Bharat Bandh? The trade unions have alleged that the central government was pushing and implementing reforms that weaken workers' rights. In a statement, as reported by ANI, CITU General Secretary Tapan Kumar Sen said, "On the 17-point charter of the demand, the focus was on the demand to completely scrap the labour ports enacted by the government in 2020 to destroy the country's trade union movement. This will be a very dangerous exercise, and ultimately, the government is aiming to finish the democratic structure. Against that, the trade unions have given a call for a nationwide general strike." In a joint statement, the ten national unions have also slammed the government for failing to convene the annual labour conference for the last 10 years. They allege that with the four labour codes passed in the parliament, the government aims to weaken collective bargaining, cripple union activities and benefit employers in the name of 'ease of doing business'. "The economic policies of the government are leading to a rise in unemployment, inflation of essential commodities, a decline in wages, reduction in social sector expenditure on education, health and basic civic amenities. This is increasing inequality and misery for the poor, low-income groups and even the middle class," the statement read.

&nbsp;As per reports, organisers of the protest expect around 25 crores, or 250 million, workers from the formal and informal sectors nationwide to participate in the upcoming Bharat Bandh. These are the unions/parties behind the July 9 Bharat Bandh.

Bharat Bandh: Which parties and trade unions are protesting against the Modi government?

A 'Bharat Bandh' or nationwide strike has been called on 9 July 2025 by 10 central trade unions and farmers' and workers' organisations. The nationwide protest has been called in opposition to government policies described as pro-corporate and anti-worker by the protestors. As per reports, organisers of the protest expect around 25 crore, or 250 million, workers from the formal and informal sectors nationwide to participate in the upcoming Bharat Bandh. Farmers and labourers from the agricultural sector are also expected to take part in the massive protest. How will the July 9 Bharat Bandh affect you? Are schools, colleges and banks closed? Here's all you need to know.<h2>Bharat Bandh: Parties/Unions involved in strike</h2>As per reports, some major national bodies are set to take part in this strike. These include:<ul><li>Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)</li><li>All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC)&nbsp;</li><li>All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC)&nbsp;</li><li>All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU)</li><li>Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)</li><li>Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) &nbsp;</li><li>Labour Progressive Federation (LPF)&nbsp;</li><li>Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) &nbsp;</li><li>Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC)&nbsp;</li><li>United Trade Union Congress (UTUC)</li></ul><h2>Bharat Bandh: Are banks open or not?</h2>At the time this report was published, no formal notice of banks being closed due to the Bharat Bandh was available. Banking unions have not confirmed if their services would be disrupted. However, as per Economic Times, the bandh organisers have predicted that financial services would be affected by the strike, as it includes employees from both private and cooperative banking sectors who are expected to participate. Services like cheque clearance and customer service may be affected in many regions.<h2>Bharat Bandh: Are schools, colleges and offices open or not?</h2>Educational institutions, both schools and colleges, are expected to stay open on July 9 during the Bharat Bandh. The same goes for offices. However, the Bharat Bandh is expected to significantly impact the transport system, including public buses and app-based cabs, so travelling to and from schools, colleges, and offices may become a bother.<h2>No official holiday declared on Bharat Bandh</h2>It must be noted that Bharat Bandh is a protest and not a public holiday. This means that all public and private offices would function as usual. However, as mentioned earlier, things like travel and some services might be affected.&nbsp;

How will the July 9 Bharat Bandh affect you? Are schools, colleges and banks closed? Here's all you need to know.

A 'Bharat Bandh' or nationwide strike has been called on 9 July 2025 by 10 central trade unions and farmers' and workers' organisations. The nationwide protest has been called in opposition to government policies described as pro-corporate and anti-worker by the protestors. As per reports, organisers of the protest expect around 25 crore, or 250 million, workers from the formal and informal sectors nationwide to participate in the upcoming Bharat Bandh. Farmers and labourers from the agricultural sector are also expected to take part in the massive protest. How will the July 9 Bharat Bandh affect you? Are schools, colleges and banks closed? Here's all you need to know. Bharat Bandh: Parties/Unions involved in strike As per reports, some major national bodies are set to take part in this strike. These include: Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC) All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU) Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) Labour Progressive Federation (LPF) Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC) United Trade Union Congress (UTUC) Bharat Bandh: Are banks open or not? At the time this report was published, no formal notice of banks being closed due to the Bharat Bandh was available. Banking unions have not confirmed if their services would be disrupted. However, as per Economic Times, the bandh organisers have predicted that financial services would be affected by the strike, as it includes employees from both private and cooperative banking sectors who are expected to participate. Services like cheque clearance and customer service may be affected in many regions. Bharat Bandh: Are schools, colleges and offices open or not? Educational institutions, both schools and colleges, are expected to stay open on July 9 during the Bharat Bandh. The same goes for offices. However, the Bharat Bandh is expected to significantly impact the transport system, including public buses and app-based cabs, so travelling to and from schools, colleges, and offices may become a bother. No official holiday declared on Bharat Bandh It must be noted that Bharat Bandh is a protest and not a public holiday. This means that all public and private offices would function as usual. However, as mentioned earlier, things like travel and some services might be affected.

How will the July 9 Bharat Bandh affect you? Are schools, colleges and banks closed? Here's all you need to know.

Bharat Bandh begins: Is India shut today? Are banks, ATMs, and markets open or closed?

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Indian Navy, and the associated industry partners for developing and successfully testing&nbsp;the Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR), the&nbsp;made-in-India anti-submarine rocket. It was tested from INA&nbsp;Kavaratti, displaying&nbsp;India's growing naval defence capabilities. The feat came a day after Singh stressed that the&nbsp;demand for Indian defence equipment had increased following Operation Sindoor.&nbsp;"The world is looking towards our Defence sector. The valour that our soldiers have shown during Operation Sindoor, as well as the way we showcased the capabilities of our domestic equipment, has led to an increase in demand for our indigenous defence products. World military expenditure has increased to over USD 2.7 trillion in 2024 - such a big market is awaiting us," Singh said.<h2>What is ERASR?</h2><ol><li>According to a government statement,&nbsp;Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rockets (ERASR) tests were successfully carried out from INS Kavaratti from June 23 to July 07, 2025.&nbsp;</li><li>The system was designed by DRDO’s Armament Research &amp; Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, in association with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory and Naval Science &amp; Technological Laboratory.</li><li>It was designed for the indigenous rocket launcher (IRL) of Indian naval ships. It was completely built in India. It is an anti-submarine rocket which can combat submarines. It is fired from the onboard IRLs of naval ships.&nbsp;</li><li>The government's statement said that the ERASR&nbsp;uses an indigenously developed Electronic Time Fuze. It boasts a twin-rocket motor, which can attack in several ranges with accuracy and consistency. 17 such rockets were tested and evaluated at different ranges.&nbsp;</li><li>"All the specified objectives of the trials, such as Range performance, Electronic Time Fuze functioning and Warhead functioning, were successfully demonstrated," the statement added. Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hyderabad and Solar Defence &amp; Aerospace Limited, Nagpur, will produce the rockets. It will be inducted into the Indian Navy soon, the statement added.</li></ol>

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Indian Navy, and the associated industry partners for developing and successfully testing the Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR), the made-in-India anti-submarine rocket. 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Indian Navy, and the associated industry partners for developing and successfully testing the Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR), the made-in-India anti-submarine rocket. It was tested from INA Kavaratti, displaying India's growing naval defence capabilities. The feat came a day after Singh stressed that the demand for Indian defence equipment had increased following Operation Sindoor. "The world is looking towards our Defence sector. The valour that our soldiers have shown during Operation Sindoor, as well as the way we showcased the capabilities of our domestic equipment, has led to an increase in demand for our indigenous defence products. World military expenditure has increased to over USD 2.7 trillion in 2024 - such a big market is awaiting us," Singh said. What is ERASR? According to a government statement, Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rockets (ERASR) tests were successfully carried out from INS Kavaratti from June 23 to July 07, 2025. The system was designed by DRDO’s Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, in association with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory and Naval Science & Technological Laboratory. It was designed for the indigenous rocket launcher (IRL) of Indian naval ships. It was completely built in India. It is an anti-submarine rocket which can combat submarines. It is fired from the onboard IRLs of naval ships. The government's statement said that the ERASR uses an indigenously developed Electronic Time Fuze. It boasts a twin-rocket motor, which can attack in several ranges with accuracy and consistency. 17 such rockets were tested and evaluated at different ranges. "All the specified objectives of the trials, such as Range performance, Electronic Time Fuze functioning and Warhead functioning, were successfully demonstrated," the statement added. Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hyderabad and Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited, Nagpur, will produce the rockets. It will be inducted into the Indian Navy soon, the statement added.

ERASR: Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hyderabad and Solar Defence &amp; Aerospace Limited, Nagpur, will produce the rockets.&nbsp;

What is ERASR? 5 points on the Indian Navy's new anti-submarine weapon

Addressing an event on Tuesday (July 8), former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that he deserves a Nobel Prize for working in the national capital despite the hurdles put forth by the Lieutenant Governor. He was the crowd during a book launch event in Mohali in presence of Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and other AAP leaders. Kejriwal's statement refers to the continuous tussle of the previous AAP government in Delhi with the L-G and the Centre. Globally, his statement comes against the backdrop of United States President Donald Trump's numerous nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize.&nbsp;"The moment we left the government, Delhi is recalling the AAP government. They have shut the Mohalla clinics. They have stopped providing free medicines and free tests in hospitals. All the roads are broken. There is so much trash everywhere. Last year, in June, when it was 50 degrees Celsius, there was not even one minute of power cut, but now there is a power cut that has lasted six years. They have destroyed Delhi. They are doing politics, and they just want to earn money. I should get a Nobel Prize for governance and administration because my AAP government did so much work in the national capital despite disruptions by the L-G," Kejriwal said

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">जब से बीजेपी सरकार आई है इन्होंने 4 महीने में ही दिल्ली बर्बाद कर दी है — 👉मुफ्त इलाज बंद कर दिया है 👉मोहल्ला क्लिनिक बंद कर दिए हैं 👉प्राइवेट स्कूल फीस बढ़ा रहे हैं 👉लंबे-लंबे Power Cut लग रहे हैं 👉पानी नहीं आ रहा है 👉सड़कें टूटी हुई हैं 👉गंदगी फैली हुई है… <a href="https://t.co/BuGQLu7NB8">pic.twitter.com/BuGQLu7NB8</a>&mdash; AAP (@AamAadmiParty) <a href="https://twitter.com/AamAadmiParty/status/1942575865457697247?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Donald Trump and Nobel Peace Prize</h2>Earlier on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nominated US President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in "forging peace." He is not the first one to nominate Trump for the prize. From 2018 to the present, Trump has been nominated for the prize seven times by several individuals/countries, and yet has not received one. This year itself Trump has received three nominations. Last month, Republican leader Buddy Carter nominated the POTUS for the Nobel Peace Prize for brokering the ceasefire between Israel and Iran. He credited Trump for ‘preventing the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism from obtaining the most lethal weapon on the planet.’ Prior to that, Pakistan nominated him, stating that the US president deserved a Nobel Peace Prize because of “his decisive diplomatic intervention and pivotal leadership during the recent India-Pakistan crisis”.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Addressing a book launch event in Punjab, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that he deserves a Nobel Prize. Globally, his statement comes against the backdrop of United States President Donald Trump's numerous nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Addressing an event on Tuesday (July 8), former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that he deserves a Nobel Prize for working in the national capital despite the hurdles put forth by the Lieutenant Governor. He was the crowd during a book launch event in Mohali in presence of Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and other AAP leaders. Kejriwal's statement refers to the continuous tussle of the previous AAP government in Delhi with the L-G and the Centre. Globally, his statement comes against the backdrop of United States President Donald Trump's numerous nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize. "The moment we left the government, Delhi is recalling the AAP government. They have shut the Mohalla clinics. They have stopped providing free medicines and free tests in hospitals. All the roads are broken. There is so much trash everywhere. Last year, in June, when it was 50 degrees Celsius, there was not even one minute of power cut, but now there is a power cut that has lasted six years. They have destroyed Delhi. They are doing politics, and they just want to earn money. I should get a Nobel Prize for governance and administration because my AAP government did so much work in the national capital despite disruptions by the L-G," Kejriwal said

Addressing a book launch event in Punjab, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that he deserves a Nobel Prize. Globally, his statement comes against the backdrop of United States President Donald Trump's numerous nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Trump's Nobel Prize bandwagon reaches India: Now, former Delhi CM Kejriwal wants it for...

Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse convicted of murdering a Yemeni citizen, will be executed on July 16, according to media reports. Last year, her death sentence was approved by the President of Yemen, following which the Indian government said that it would extend all possible help to her and her family. Originally from Kerala, the 37-year-old is accused of killing Talal Abdo Mehdi. Meanwhile, Nimisha Priya’s family said that they have not received any official information regarding her execution.&nbsp;Social worker Samuel Jerome Baskaran, who is negotiating with government officials in Yemen and Talal’s family, confirmed that a letter regarding her execution was issued by the prosecution to the jail authorities, The Indian Express reported.&nbsp;“The public prosecutor had issued the letter of prosecution to the jail authorities. The execution is scheduled for July 16. Options are still open. The Government of India can intervene in the matter to save her life,” Baskaran said.&nbsp;Regarding a pardon from Talal’s family, he said that they had made an offer to the family during the last meeting. “So far, they have not responded. I am leaving for Yemen today to resume the negotiations,” he said.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Nimisha Priya’s family said that they did not receive any official information that she would be executed on July 16. “We have not received any official communication so far. We only came to know about it through news reports,” her husband, Tomy Thomas, told PTI.&nbsp;A native of Kerala, Nimisha had worked in Yemen for several years as a nurse until she was accused of the crime in 2017. Her mother, Prema Kumari, has been in Yemen for the last year as she hopes for her pardon.&nbsp;Nimisha ran a clinic in Yemen with Talal’s support. However, she allegedly faced mental, physical and financial abuse by Talal, who seized her passport. It is claimed that he was killed in self-defence or as an unintended consequence of an attempt to retrieve her passport.&nbsp;She was given a death sentence by a trial court in Yemen and upheld by the Supreme Court. Last year, Yemen’s President Rashad al-Alimi also approved her punishment.

Originally from Kerala, the 37-year-old is accused of killing Talal Abdo Mehdi. Meanwhile, Nimisha Priya’s family said that they have not received any official information regarding her execution.

Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse convicted of murdering a Yemeni citizen, will be executed on July 16, according to media reports. Last year, her death sentence was approved by the President of Yemen, following which the Indian government said that it would extend all possible help to her and her family. Originally from Kerala, the 37-year-old is accused of killing Talal Abdo Mehdi. Meanwhile, Nimisha Priya’s family said that they have not received any official information regarding her execution. Social worker Samuel Jerome Baskaran, who is negotiating with government officials in Yemen and Talal’s family, confirmed that a letter regarding her execution was issued by the prosecution to the jail authorities, The Indian Express reported. “The public prosecutor had issued the letter of prosecution to the jail authorities. The execution is scheduled for July 16. Options are still open. The Government of India can intervene in the matter to save her life,” Baskaran said. Regarding a pardon from Talal’s family, he said that they had made an offer to the family during the last meeting. “So far, they have not responded. I am leaving for Yemen today to resume the negotiations,” he said. Meanwhile, Nimisha Priya’s family said that they did not receive any official information that she would be executed on July 16. “We have not received any official communication so far. We only came to know about it through news reports,” her husband, Tomy Thomas, told PTI. A native of Kerala, Nimisha had worked in Yemen for several years as a nurse until she was accused of the crime in 2017. Her mother, Prema Kumari, has been in Yemen for the last year as she hopes for her pardon. Nimisha ran a clinic in Yemen with Talal’s support. However, she allegedly faced mental, physical and financial abuse by Talal, who seized her passport. It is claimed that he was killed in self-defence or as an unintended consequence of an attempt to retrieve her passport. She was given a death sentence by a trial court in Yemen and upheld by the Supreme Court. Last year, Yemen’s President Rashad al-Alimi also approved her punishment.

Originally from Kerala, the 37-year-old is accused of killing Talal Abdo Mehdi. Meanwhile, Nimisha Priya’s family said that they have not received any official information regarding her execution.

Indian nurse Nimisha Priya to be executed in Yemen on July 16, claims report. Here’s what her family says

President Donald Trump on Tuesday confirmed that his administration will begin collecting new tariffs on imports from several countries starting 1 August 2025.&nbsp;As talks aimed at securing a Gaza ceasefire enter their third day in Doha, two different timelines are being presented by US President Donald Trump and Qatar, one of the key mediators in the process.&nbsp;&nbsp;Click on the headlines for more&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-no-extensions-no-change-trump-says-august-1-tariff-deadline-is-final-which-countries-are-being-hit-and-by-how-much-1751988176584">‘No extensions, no change’: Trump says August 1 tariff deadline is final – Which countries are being hit and by how much?</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250708/image-1751988437380.jpg?rect=(0,337,3335,2502)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="‘No extensions, no change’: Trump says August 1 tariff deadline is final – Which countries are being hit&nbsp;and&nbsp;by&nbsp;how&nbsp;much?"></figure>&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Tuesday confirmed that his administration will begin collecting new tariffs on imports from several countries starting 1 August 2025. The announcement came in a Truth Social post where Trump wrote, “As per letters sent to various countries yesterday, in addition to letters that will be sent today, tomorrow, and for the next short period of time, TARIFFS WILL START BEING PAID ON AUGUST 1, 2025."&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-says-gaza-talks-need-time-but-trump-promises-peace-very-quickly-whose-timeline-holds-up-1751976017598">'Talks have not begun yet': Qatar says Gaza talks need time, but Trump promises peace ‘very quickly’: Whose timeline holds up?</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250708/image-1751976426281.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="'Talks have not begun yet': Qatar says Gaza talks need time, but Trump promises peace ‘very quickly’: Whose timeline holds up?"></figure>&nbsp;As talks aimed at securing a Gaza ceasefire enter their third day in Doha, two different timelines are being presented by US President Donald Trump and Qatar, one of the key mediators in the process. President Trump, speaking during a White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said he believed both Hamas and Israel “want to have that ceasefire,” and added he was “hopeful for it very quickly.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-doesn-t-align-with-attempts-for-peaceful-resolution-russia-warns-us-against-sending-more-weapons-to-ukraine-1751969159244">‘Doesn’t align with attempts for peaceful resolution’: Russia warns US against sending more weapons to Ukraine</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250708/image-1751970093528.jpg?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="‘Doesn’t align with attempts for peaceful resolution’: Russia warns US against sending more weapons to Ukraine"></figure>&nbsp;The Kremlin on Tuesday (Jul 8) warned that sending more weapons to Ukraine would prolong the war between Russia and Ukraine that has been going on for more than three years. It added that the move does not align with attempts to promote a peaceful resolution. This comes a day after US President Donald Trump said that he would “have to send more weapons” to Ukraine to defend itself. Trump’s announcement followed Washington’s statement last week that it was halting some weapons shipments to Kyiv.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fraudster-trying-to-scam-us-officials-marco-rubio-imposter-uses-ai-to-contact-senior-officials-on-signal-all-you-need-to-know-1751987500700">Fraudster trying to scam US officials? Marco Rubio imposter uses AI to contact senior officials on Signal - All you need to know</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250708/image-1751988185281.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Fraudster trying to scam US officials? Marco Rubio imposter uses AI to contact senior officials on Signal - All you need to know"></figure>&nbsp;In a bizarre incident, an unknown imposter pretending to be US State Secretary Marco Rubio contacted foreign ministers, a US governor, and a member of Congress by sending them voice and text messages. The fraudster used artificial intelligence to impersonate Marco Rubio as he contacted at least five senior officials, according to a state department cable seen by The Washington Post.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-hamas-use-sexual-violence-as-tactical-weapon-israeli-report-accuses-militant-group-of-terrorising-society-1751984531772">Did Hamas use sexual violence as 'tactical weapon'? Israeli report accuses militant group of terrorising society</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250708/image-1751984981459.jpg?rect=(0,0,5325,3994)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Did Hamas use sexual violence as 'tactical weapon'? Israeli report accuses militant group of terrorising society"></figure>&nbsp;The Palestinian militant group Hamas allegedly used sexual violence as "part of a deliberate genocidal strategy" during the October 7 attack on Israel, a group of Israeli legal and gender experts claimed in a new report.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-classical-music-114-horses-pm-modi-receives-grand-welcome-in-brazil-1751992077278">Indian classical music, 114 horses: PM Modi receives grand welcome in Brazil | WATCH</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250708/image-1751994132830.jpg"></figure>&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Jul 8) received a grand welcome ceremony by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Alvorada Palace in Brasília. He was escorted by 114 horses and received full military honours at the Presidential Palace. Following his arrival in Brazil’s capital, PM Modi also enjoyed Indian classical music and traditional Brazilian performance.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/france-wildfires-inferno-engulfs-2-000-hectares-marseille-airport-closed-in-pics-1751983299512/1751983299513">France wildfires: Inferno engulfs 2,000 hectares; Marseille airport closed</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250708/image-1751983768306.jpg" alt="Over 1,000 firefighters battling inferno"></figure>&nbsp;A wildfire in southern France has spread across an area the size of 2,000 rugby pitches of trees, leading to the temporary closure of a route to Spain and the evacuation of residents. The raging blaze has also led to the closure of an airport on Tuesday (Jul 8).&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/laser-attack-in-red-sea-germany-accuses-china-of-targeting-aircraft-during-eu-mission-here-s-what-we-know-1751976548785">Laser attack in Red Sea? Germany accuses China of targeting aircraft during EU mission - Here's what we know</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250708/image-1751977052380.jpg?rect=(0,320,5041,3781)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Laser attack in Red Sea? Germany accuses China of targeting aircraft during EU mission - Here's what we know"></figure>&nbsp;The German government on Tuesday (July 8) accused the Chinese military of using a laser deployment to target an aircraft involved in an EU-backed Red Sea mission. Reportedly, the aircraft was participating in the EU's Operation ASPIDES.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/smriti-irani-on-her-comeback-on-tv-i-m-a-politician-nothing-makes-me-nervous-1751986716168">Smriti Irani on her comeback as Tulsi Virani: To be at the top of our game for 25 years is no mean feat</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250708/image-1751987629324.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Smriti Irani on her comeback as Tulsi Virani: To be at the top of our game for 25 years is no mean feat"></figure>&nbsp;Actress and politician Smriti Irani, who is returning to her role of Tulsi Virani in the reboot of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, is very confident about her return to the medium of television. The former Union minister said that after her stint in politics, nothing scares her or makes her nervous.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/live-updates/sports/wimbledon-2025-quarterfinals-live-score-today-july-8-sabalenka-alcaraz-norrie-fritz-where-to-watch-wimbledon-live-1751973577138">Wimbledon 2025 QF Live Score: Alcaraz vs Norrie underway; Sabalenka, Fritz in semis</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250708/image-1751974178646.jpg?rect=(248,28,736,552)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Wimbledon 2025 QF Live Score: Alcaraz vs Norrie underway; Sabalenka, Fritz in semis"></figure>&nbsp;Check the live coverage of Wimbledon 2025 quarter-finals in men's and women's singles. Two QFs each will be played in men's and women's singles on Tuesday (Jul 8).

Stay updated with our top stories from around the world, offering you a comprehensive overview of today's most impactful news and events.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday confirmed that his administration will begin collecting new tariffs on imports from several countries starting 1 August 2025. As talks aimed at securing a Gaza ceasefire enter their third day in Doha, two different timelines are being presented by US President Donald Trump and Qatar, one of the key mediators in the process. Click on the headlines for more ‘No extensions, no change’: Trump says August 1 tariff deadline is final – Which countries are being hit and by how much? President Donald Trump on Tuesday confirmed that his administration will begin collecting new tariffs on imports from several countries starting 1 August 2025. The announcement came in a Truth Social post where Trump wrote, “As per letters sent to various countries yesterday, in addition to letters that will be sent today, tomorrow, and for the next short period of time, TARIFFS WILL START BEING PAID ON AUGUST 1, 2025." 'Talks have not begun yet': Qatar says Gaza talks need time, but Trump promises peace ‘very quickly’: Whose timeline holds up? As talks aimed at securing a Gaza ceasefire enter their third day in Doha, two different timelines are being presented by US President Donald Trump and Qatar, one of the key mediators in the process. President Trump, speaking during a White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said he believed both Hamas and Israel “want to have that ceasefire,” and added he was “hopeful for it very quickly.” ‘Doesn’t align with attempts for peaceful resolution’: Russia warns US against sending more weapons to Ukraine The Kremlin on Tuesday (Jul 8) warned that sending more weapons to Ukraine would prolong the war between Russia and Ukraine that has been going on for more than three years. It added that the move does not align with attempts to promote a peaceful resolution. This comes a day after US President Donald Trump said that he would “have to send more weapons” to Ukraine to defend itself. Trump’s announcement followed Washington’s statement last week that it was halting some weapons shipments to Kyiv. Fraudster trying to scam US officials? Marco Rubio imposter uses AI to contact senior officials on Signal - All you need to know In a bizarre incident, an unknown imposter pretending to be US State Secretary Marco Rubio contacted foreign ministers, a US governor, and a member of Congress by sending them voice and text messages. The fraudster used artificial intelligence to impersonate Marco Rubio as he contacted at least five senior officials, according to a state department cable seen by The Washington Post. Did Hamas use sexual violence as 'tactical weapon'? Israeli report accuses militant group of terrorising society The Palestinian militant group Hamas allegedly used sexual violence as "part of a deliberate genocidal strategy" during the October 7 attack on Israel, a group of Israeli legal and gender experts claimed in a new report. Indian classical music, 114 horses: PM Modi receives grand welcome in Brazil | WATCH Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Jul 8) received a grand welcome ceremony by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Alvorada Palace in Brasília. He was escorted by 114 horses and received full military honours at the Presidential Palace. Following his arrival in Brazil’s capital, PM Modi also enjoyed Indian classical music and traditional Brazilian performance. France wildfires: Inferno engulfs 2,000 hectares; Marseille airport closed A wildfire in southern France has spread across an area the size of 2,000 rugby pitches of trees, leading to the temporary closure of a route to Spain and the evacuation of residents. The raging blaze has also led to the closure of an airport on Tuesday (Jul 8). Laser attack in Red Sea? Germany accuses China of targeting aircraft during EU mission - Here's what we know The German government on Tuesday (July 8) accused the Chinese military of using a laser deployment to target an aircraft involved in an EU-backed Red Sea mission. Reportedly, the aircraft was participating in the EU's Operation ASPIDES. Smriti Irani on her comeback as Tulsi Virani: To be at the top of our game for 25 years is no mean feat Actress and politician Smriti Irani, who is returning to her role of Tulsi Virani in the reboot of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, is very confident about her return to the medium of television. The former Union minister said that after her stint in politics, nothing scares her or makes her nervous. Wimbledon 2025 QF Live Score: Alcaraz vs Norrie underway; Sabalenka, Fritz in semis Check the live coverage of Wimbledon 2025 quarter-finals in men's and women's singles. Two QFs each will be played in men's and women's singles on Tuesday (Jul 8).

Stay updated with our top stories from around the world, offering you a comprehensive overview of today's most impactful news and events.

Top 10 world news: Trump confirms August 1 tariff deadline final; Qatar says Gaza talks need time, and more

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Jul 8) received a grand welcome ceremony by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Alvorada Palace in Brasília. He was escorted by 114 horses and received full military honours at the Presidential Palace. Following his arrival in Brazil’s capital, PM Modi also enjoyed Indian classical music and traditional Brazilian performance. &nbsp;&nbsp;PM Modi arrived in Brasília on Monday evening, as per local time, after attending the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. He is visiting the country at the invitation of the Brazilian president. The prime minister was received by Brazil’s Minister of Defence, Jose Mucio Monteiro Filho, at the airport. He was welcomed by artists who performed Ram Bhajan and traditional Brazilian Samba Reggae.&nbsp;Following the ceremony, the two leaders held a restricted-format meeting. They will also be holding delegation-level talks and signing several agreements. PM Modi is also expected to attend a state lunch hosted by the Brazilian president.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">PM Modi welcomed with Ram Bhajan at Brazil President Palace. Accompanied by Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Source: X <a href="https://t.co/yup7JVbos7">pic.twitter.com/yup7JVbos7</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1942612250206056751?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;The Indian prime minister also held bilateral talks with the presidents of Bolivia, Uruguay, Cuba, and Malaysia. He is currently on a visit to the country for the 17th BRICS Summit and a state visit to strengthen India-Brazil ties, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 57 years.&nbsp;In an X post, Lula said, “Today we are welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a State Visit. In this meeting, we will endorse five priority pillars for joint work over the next decade: Defense and security, Food and nutritional security, Energy transition and climate change, Digital transformation and emerging technologies, Industrial partnerships in strategic sectors such as aerospace, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, and critical minerals.”&nbsp;He added, “Brazil and India are sister nations, sharing common interests in the development of the Global South.”&nbsp;According to an official statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two leaders also shared views on enhancing cooperation in areas including Ayurveda, Unified Payment Interface (UPI), disaster management, and capacity building.

PM Modi arrived in Brasília on Monday evening, as per local time, after attending the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. He is visiting the country at the invitation of the Brazilian president. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Jul 8) received a grand welcome ceremony by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Alvorada Palace in Brasília. He was escorted by 114 horses and received full military honours at the Presidential Palace. Following his arrival in Brazil’s capital, PM Modi also enjoyed Indian classical music and traditional Brazilian performance. PM Modi arrived in Brasília on Monday evening, as per local time, after attending the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. He is visiting the country at the invitation of the Brazilian president. The prime minister was received by Brazil’s Minister of Defence, Jose Mucio Monteiro Filho, at the airport. He was welcomed by artists who performed Ram Bhajan and traditional Brazilian Samba Reggae. Following the ceremony, the two leaders held a restricted-format meeting. They will also be holding delegation-level talks and signing several agreements. PM Modi is also expected to attend a state lunch hosted by the Brazilian president.

PM Modi arrived in Brasília on Monday evening, as per local time, after attending the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. He is visiting the country at the invitation of the Brazilian president.&nbsp;

Indian classical music, 114 horses: PM Modi receives grand welcome in Brazil | WATCH

The Centre's panel on air quality in Delhi-NCR on Tuesday decided to put on hold the implementation of the fuel ban on end-of-life (EOL) or overage vehicles in the national capital until November 1, sources said. The end-of-life vehicles are diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years. According to directions issued earlier, such vehicles are not to be given fuel in Delhi from July 1 irrespective of the states they are registered in. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa last week requested the Commission For Air Quality Management (CAQM) to withhold action against such vehicles, calling the move "premature and potentially counterproductive", citing "operational and infrastructural challenges".&nbsp;Sources said the Commission For Air Quality Management (CAQM), at a review meeting, decided to put on hold the implementation of the directions in Delhi. The drive in Delhi will be launched along with five high-vehicle-density districts adjoining the national capital, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, and Sonipat, from November 1 this year, the sources said.Fuel stations in Delhi have installed Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to detect EOL vehicles. &nbsp;The camera reads the number plate of vehicles entering fuel stations and instantly checks with the central VAHAN database, which shows details like the vehicle's age, fuel type, and registration. If the vehicle is found to be EOL, the system alerts the fuel station staff not to refuel it. The violation is recorded and sent to enforcement agencies, who are then required to take action, such as impounding and scrapping the vehicle.However, public discontent and outcry over the move prompted the Delhi government to request the CAQM to halt the implementation of the move. The installation of ANPR cameras in the five high-density districts is to be completed by October 31.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management) official says, &quot;Direction 89 to be amended. Drive against End-of-Life vehicles in Delhi will now come into force from November 1, along with 5 NCR districts.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/vcvLsXpuEb">pic.twitter.com/vcvLsXpuEb</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1942583655836311820?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa last week requested the Commission For Air Quality Management (CAQM) to withhold action against such vehicles, calling the move "premature and potentially counterproductive", citing "operational and infrastructural challenges".

The Centre's panel on air quality in Delhi-NCR on Tuesday decided to put on hold the implementation of the fuel ban on end-of-life (EOL) or overage vehicles in the national capital until November 1, sources said. The end-of-life vehicles are diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years. According to directions issued earlier, such vehicles are not to be given fuel in Delhi from July 1 irrespective of the states they are registered in. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa last week requested the Commission For Air Quality Management (CAQM) to withhold action against such vehicles, calling the move "premature and potentially counterproductive", citing "operational and infrastructural challenges". Sources said the Commission For Air Quality Management (CAQM), at a review meeting, decided to put on hold the implementation of the directions in Delhi. The drive in Delhi will be launched along with five high-vehicle-density districts adjoining the national capital, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, and Sonipat, from November 1 this year, the sources said. Fuel stations in Delhi have installed Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to detect EOL vehicles. The camera reads the number plate of vehicles entering fuel stations and instantly checks with the central VAHAN database, which shows details like the vehicle's age, fuel type, and registration. If the vehicle is found to be EOL, the system alerts the fuel station staff not to refuel it. The violation is recorded and sent to enforcement agencies, who are then required to take action, such as impounding and scrapping the vehicle. However, public discontent and outcry over the move prompted the Delhi government to request the CAQM to halt the implementation of the move. The installation of ANPR cameras in the five high-density districts is to be completed by October 31.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa last week requested the Commission For Air Quality Management (CAQM) to withhold action against such vehicles, calling the move "premature and potentially counterproductive", citing "operational and infrastructural challenges".

Overage vehicle fuel ban in Delhi to be put on hold until November 1, no impounding till then

The Indian government on Tuesday strongly rejected microblogging platform X’s claim that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued an order on July 3 for blocking 2,355 accounts, including international news agency Reuters and Reuters World. The ministry further said that it told X to unblock the news agency’s handles in India the moment it came to know they were blocked.The social media giant owned by Elon Musk, however, “unnecessarily exploited technicalities involved around the process and didn’t unblock the URLs,” said a MeitY spokesperson.“The government has not issued any fresh blocking order on 3rd July, 2025 and has no intention to block any prominent international news channels including Reuters and Reuters World. The moment Reuters and Reuters World were blocked on the X platform in India, immediately the government wrote to ‘X’ to unblock them,” the spokesperson said.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Official Spokesperson, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology says, &quot;The Government has not issued any fresh blocking order on 3rd July, 2025 and has no intention to block any prominent international News Channels including Reuters and Reuters World. The moment…&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1942567912969232681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“The government continuously engaged and vigorously pursued ‘X’ from the late night of 5th July 2025. ‘X’ has unnecessarily exploited technicalities involved around the process and didn’t unblock the URLs. However, after a lot of follow-up on hourly basis, X has finally unblocked Reuters and other URLs after 9 pm on 6th July 2025. They took more than 21 hours to unblock Reuters,” the spokesperson added.&nbsp;<h2>X criticised govt, alleged ‘press sensorship’</h2>&nbsp;Earlier in the day, X criticised the government over what it called “press censorship”, following the blocking of the accounts of Reuters in India. The government earlier too denied any role in the news agency’s social media account going offline in India.X, however, said the government on July 3 ordered it to block 2,355 accounts, including Reuters, “within one hour without providing justification”. X said they had no choice but to obey the order as they could be penalised if they didn’t. The company even asked those whose accounts have been blocked to look for a remedy from courts.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">On July 3, 2025, the Indian government ordered X to block 2,355 accounts in India, including international news outlets like <a href="https://twitter.com/Reuters?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Reuters</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/ReutersWorld?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ReutersWorld</a>, under Section 69A of the IT Act. Non-compliance risked criminal liability. The Ministry of Electronics and Information…&mdash; Global Government Affairs (@GlobalAffairs) <a href="https://twitter.com/GlobalAffairs/status/1942534153297084907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“On July 3, 2025, the Indian government ordered X to block 2,355 accounts in India, including international news outlets like Reuters and Reuters World, under Section 69A of the IT Act. Non-compliance risked criminal liability,” X’s Global Government Affairs team said in a post.“The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology demanded immediate action—within one hour—without providing justification, and required the accounts to remain blocked until further notice. After public outcry, the government requested X to unblock Reuters and Reuters World,” it said.“We are deeply concerned about ongoing press censorship in India due to these blocking orders. X is exploring all legal options available. Unlike users located in India, X is restricted by Indian law in its ability to bring legal challenges against these executive orders. We urge affected users to pursue legal remedies through the courts,” said the company earlier known as Twitter before Elon Musk bought it.&nbsp;X has frequently criticised the government over orders on blocking accounts. In March, the social media giant sued the Centre, accusing it of misusing information technology laws to create an “unlawful blocking regime”.Under Section 79(3)(b), an IT intermediary [such as X] loses immunity from liability if it does not “expeditiously remove or disable access” to material flagged by a government agency as linked to an unlawful act. X’s petition alleged the use of Section 79(3)(b) circumvented Section 69A, which empowered the government to issue directions to block public access to information, but added safeguards.

X has frequently criticised the government over orders on blocking accounts. Under Section 79(3)(b), an IT intermediary [such as X] loses immunity from liability if it does not “expeditiously remove or disable access” to material flagged by a government agency as linked to an unlawful act.

The Indian government on Tuesday strongly rejected microblogging platform X’s claim that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued an order on July 3 for blocking 2,355 accounts, including international news agency Reuters and Reuters World. The ministry further said that it told X to unblock the news agency’s handles in India the moment it came to know they were blocked. The social media giant owned by Elon Musk, however, “unnecessarily exploited technicalities involved around the process and didn’t unblock the URLs,” said a MeitY spokesperson. “The government has not issued any fresh blocking order on 3rd July, 2025 and has no intention to block any prominent international news channels including Reuters and Reuters World. The moment Reuters and Reuters World were blocked on the X platform in India, immediately the government wrote to ‘X’ to unblock them,” the spokesperson said.

X has frequently criticised the government over orders on blocking accounts. Under Section 79(3)(b), an IT intermediary [such as X] loses immunity from liability if it does not “expeditiously remove or disable access” to material flagged by a government agency as linked to an unlawful act.

Govt slams X, refutes its ‘press censorship’ charge, says platform delayed unblocking accounts

Bharat Bandh Today Live Updates, 9 July: The Bharat Bandh will be held on Wednesday (July 9, 2025) across India, where over 25 crore workers, including those employed in public services sectors like banking, postal, insurance and construction, are set to participate in a nationwide strike. The protest potentially disrupts services across the nation, as many workers from several different unions will be protesting the “anti-worker, anti-farmer and anti-national pro-corporate policies of the government”.In its statement, the forum of unions has accused the government of not conducting the annual labour conference for the last 10 years. It has also alleged that the government continues to take decisions against the interest of the labour force, attempting to impose four labour codes curb possibility of collective bargaining, to cripple unions' activities and to safe haven to employers in the name of 'ease of doing business'.The forum further alleged that the government has left the welfare state status and is working in the interest of foreign and Indian corporations, which is so evident from its policies that are being pursued vigorously.

Police detained several CPIM supporters, who were staging protest in Bandar railway station in Haldia, West Bengal.&nbsp;&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;VIDEO | Bharat Bandh: CPI (M) supporters stage protest on track at Bandar railway station in West Bengal’s Haldia. Police detain several protesters.&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatBandh?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#BharatBandh&lt;/a&gt; &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;(Full video available on PTI Videos - &lt;a href="https://t.co/n147TvrpG7"&gt;https://t.co/n147TvrpG7&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://t.co/UvaZLy4CBs"&gt;pic.twitter.com/UvaZLy4CBs&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1942869707226534260?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;July 9, 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Bharat Bandh Live: CPIM supporter arrested in Haldia, West Bengal

Former CM of Puducherry and Member of Indian National Congress V. Narayanasamy was detained by police. Privately operated buses, tempos and autos are off the road at Puducehrry.&nbsp;&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;VIDEO | Bharat Bandh: Dozens of protesters, including former CM V Narayanasamy detained. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Privately operated buses, autos and tempos were off the roads in Puducherry due to the nationwide strike called by 10 trade unions to oppose the central government&amp;#39;s policies, including the… &lt;a href="https://t.co/obJVUzoDHm"&gt;pic.twitter.com/obJVUzoDHm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1942873400642515310?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;July 9, 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Bharat Bandh Live: Former CM of Puducherry V Narayanasamy detained

Commercial vehicles remained off the roads in Assam as members of several unions including tea garden workers staged demonstrations across the State in support of the nationwide strike called by trade unions to oppose the Central government’s alleged “anti-labour” policies.

Bharat Bandh Live: Workers in Assam stage demonstrations in support of nationwide strike

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray addresses people during the teachers' protest at Azad Maidan in Mumbai.&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;VIDEO | Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray (&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/uddhavthackeray?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;@uddhavthackeray&lt;/a&gt;) addresses people during teachers&amp;#39; protest at Azad Maidan in Mumbai.&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Teachersprotest?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#Teachersprotest&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UddhavThackeray?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#UddhavThackeray&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://t.co/M1eaGnX4vR"&gt;pic.twitter.com/M1eaGnX4vR&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1942847793577746936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;July 9, 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Bharat Bandh LIVE: Uddhav Thackeray addresses protestors at Azad Maidan, Mumbai

Mahagathbandhan workers block railway tracks at the Ara railway station in Bihar.&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;VIDEO | Bihar Bandh: Mahagathbandhan workers block railway tracks at railway station in Ara. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;(Full video available on PTI Videos - &lt;a href="https://t.co/n147TvrpG7"&gt;https://t.co/n147TvrpG7&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://t.co/vU6ZNcFiOM"&gt;pic.twitter.com/vU6ZNcFiOM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1942846036629938506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;July 9, 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Bharat Bandh LIVE: Ara Railway Station in Bihar Blocked

Mahagathbandhan workers have blocked the Delhi-Kolkata Highway in Kaimur.&nbsp;&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;VIDEO | Bihar Bandh: Mahagathbandhan workers block Delhi-Kolkata highway in Kaimur. Traffic movement is affected. &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BiharBandh?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#BiharBandh&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mahagathbandhan?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#Mahagathbandhan&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kaimur?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#Kaimur&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://t.co/Z3MClAjGre"&gt;pic.twitter.com/Z3MClAjGre&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1942843627014873464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;July 9, 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Bharat Bandh LIVE: Delhi-Kolkata Highway Blocked 

Congress MP &amp; LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, while addressing the Bharat Bandh, said,"The way there was vote theft in the Maharashtra elections, a similar attempt is being made in Bihar."&nbsp;&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#WATCH&lt;/a&gt; | Patna | Congress MP &amp;amp; LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi takes part in Mahagathbandhan&amp;#39;s &amp;#39;Bihar Bandh&amp;#39; rally against electoral rolls revision in Bihar &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&amp;quot;The way there was vote theft in the Maharashtra elections, a similar attempt is being made in Bihar,&amp;quot; he says. &lt;a href="https://t.co/pZyAJ63mgw"&gt;pic.twitter.com/pZyAJ63mgw&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; ANI (@ANI) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1942836751699173857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;July 9, 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Bharat Bandh LIVE: Rahul Gandhi says similar to Maharashtra attempt of vote theft will happen in Bihar

Kolkata Police evacuated protesting workers of the left parties' unions from the road, in order to let a bus pass through, amid the 'Bharat Bandh' rally in Kolkata.&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#WATCH&lt;/a&gt; | West Bengal | Kolkata Police remove workers of the left parties&amp;#39; unions blocking a road, to let a bus pass through, amid the &amp;#39;Bharat Bandh&amp;#39; rally in Kolkata.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Ten central trade unions have called for a &amp;#39;Bharat Bandh&amp;#39;, alleging that the central government is pushing… &lt;a href="https://t.co/KuHgcdAceY"&gt;pic.twitter.com/KuHgcdAceY&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; ANI (@ANI) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1942823403096006706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;July 9, 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Bharat Bandh LIVE: Kolkata Police evacuates protesting workers from roads in West Bengal

Left parties stage a protest against the Central government in Guindy, Tamil Nadu, as part of the 'Bharat Bandh' protest on Wednesday.

Bharat Bandh LIVE: Left parties stage protest against Central government in Tamil Nadu

Police launched a lathicharge after workers of Left organisations tried to enforce a shutdown in Howrah.&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;VIDEO | Bharat Bandh: Police resort to lathicharge as workers of Left organisations try to enforce shutdown in Howrah.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;More than 25 crore workers affiliated with central and sectoral trade unions have announced to go on strike across the country to protest against new labour… &lt;a href="https://t.co/khEKilXQxH"&gt;pic.twitter.com/khEKilXQxH&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1942791930213196183?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;July 9, 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Bharat Bandh LIVE: Police resort to lathicharge on workers in West Bengal's Howrah

A verbal spat has erupted between the Kolkata Police and workers of the left parties' unions amid the 'Bharat Bandh' rally.&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#WATCH&lt;/a&gt; | West Bengal | Verbal spat erupts between workers of the left parties&amp;#39; unions, and the Kolkata Police amid the &amp;#39;Bharat Bandh&amp;#39; rally.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Ten central trade unions have called for a &amp;#39;Bharat Bandh&amp;#39;, alleging that the central government is pushing economic reforms that weaken… &lt;a href="https://t.co/QkbV0QmyNc"&gt;pic.twitter.com/QkbV0QmyNc&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; ANI (@ANI) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1942822779772191221?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;July 9, 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt; &nbsp;

Bharat Bandh LIVE: Verbal spat erupts between Kolkata Police and workers of left parties' 

Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav have joined the 'Bihar Bandh' protests rally called by the Mahagathbandhan against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar ahead of the state Assembly Elections 2025.&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#WATCH&lt;/a&gt; | Patna | Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav join the &amp;#39;Bihar Bandh&amp;#39; protests called by the Mahagathbandhan against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar ahead of the state Assembly Elections 2025. &lt;a href="https://t.co/peX13FRVAp"&gt;pic.twitter.com/peX13FRVAp&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; ANI (@ANI) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1942813323239842243?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;July 9, 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Bharat Bandh LIVE: Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav join 'Bihar Bandh' protests rally 

The trade unions have come together to protest against the privatisation and the Modi government's ‘pro-corporate policies’, as a part of a nationwide strike.“Modi govt is supporting only Adani and Ambani but not the labourers. We are demanding a minimum pension of ₹9000 per month,” CITU president, Khordha District, Suresh Routray told the news agency ANI. &nbsp;

Bharat Bandh LIVE: Modi govt supports only Adani and Ambani, trade union alleged

Strike been observed in Kerala's Kozhikode&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#WATCH&lt;/a&gt; | Kozhikode, Kerala | Effects of &amp;#39;Bharat Bandh&amp;#39; called by a joint forum of 10 central trade unions, alleging the central govt of pushing &amp;quot;pro-corporate&amp;quot; policies. &lt;a href="https://t.co/AesjtEoO9O"&gt;pic.twitter.com/AesjtEoO9O&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; ANI (@ANI) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1942811817140773089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;July 9, 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Bharat Bandh LIVE: Public transports, shops and shopping malls remain closed in Kozhikode, Kerala

The roads in Kochi, Kerala, were seen empty as the city observes 'Bharat Bandh' called by 10 central trade unions, accusing the central government of pushing "pro-corporate" policies.

Bharat Bandh LIVE: Kochi roads go empty as city observes strike

On 'Bihar Bandh', which is a part of ‘Bharat Bandh’ strike in Bihar, a Congress worker lying on the road to block it, told the news agency ANI, "... Entire Bihar has been successfully shut down. The Mahagathbandhan is united against the rigging done by the Election Commission... We will not get up even if a car tramples us..."

Bharat Bandh LIVE: Congress worker blocks road, slams Election Commission over ‘Rigging’ 

Congress workers are participating in ‘Bihar Bandh’. A visual posted by the news agency ANI shows, they are lying down on the road in a line to block vehicles from crossing.&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#WATCH&lt;/a&gt; | Patna | Congress workers, participating in &amp;#39;Bihar Bandh&amp;#39;, lie down on the road in a line to block vehicles from crossing. The Mahagathbandhan has called for a &amp;#39;Bihar Bandh&amp;#39; against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar ahead of the state… &lt;a href="https://t.co/bYESfUCswZ"&gt;pic.twitter.com/bYESfUCswZ&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; ANI (@ANI) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1942798786881020215?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;July 9, 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Bharat Bandh LIVE: Congress workers protest against Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar

Shops and shopping malls remain closed in Kottayam in support of the 'Bharat Bandh' called by 10 central trade unions, alleging the central govt of pushing "pro-corporate" policies.

Bharat Bandh LIVE: Shops and shopping malls remain closed in Kottayam, Kerala

Defying police presence, members of the Left parties' union enter Jadavpur railway station to block the railway tracks to mark their protest against the central govt's "pro-corporate" policies&nbsp; &nbsp;

Bharat Bandh LIVE: Left parties' union enter Jadavpur railway station to block the railway tracks

Members of Khordha District unit of Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) block the national highway at Bhubaneswar, supporting 'Bharat Bandh' called by a joint forum of 10 central trade unions against "pro-corporate" policies of the central government &nbsp;

Bharat Bandh LIVE: Members of Khordha District unit of CITU block the national highway at Bhubaneswar

The Central Trade Unions such as CITU, INTUC and AITUC are pressing for doing away with the four labour codes, contractualisation, and privatisation of PSUs, increasing minimum wages to ₹26,000 per month, as well as the demands of farmer organisations for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops based on Swaminathan Commission’s formula of C2 plus 50% and loan waiver. &nbsp;

Bharat Bandh LIVE: Why was the Bharat Bandh called?

Normalcy continues as bus services operate in Chennai despite the 'Bharat Bandh' called by central trade unions, alleging the central govt of pushing "pro-corporate" policies. &lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#WATCH&lt;/a&gt; | Tamil Nadu | Normalcy continues as bus services operate in Chennai despite the &amp;#39;Bharat Bandh&amp;#39; called by central trade unions, alleging the central govt of pushing &amp;quot;pro-corporate&amp;quot; policies.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Visuals from Chennai Koyambedu Bus Stand. &lt;a href="https://t.co/UM9o1khnsQ"&gt;pic.twitter.com/UM9o1khnsQ&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; ANI (@ANI) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1942785285907177801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;July 9, 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Bharat Bandh LIVE: Normalcy in Chennai

In Kolkata, a heavy police force has been deployed near Jadavpur 8B bus stand, and bus drivers have been asked to wear helmets for protection as private and state-run buses operate despite the 'Bharat Bandh'. &lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#WATCH&lt;/a&gt; | West Bengal | Drivers of state-run buses in Siliguri wear helmets as a measure of precaution, as 10 central trade unions have called for &amp;#39;Bharat Bandh&amp;#39; against the central government&amp;#39;s policies &lt;a href="https://t.co/pTqOnRPRSg"&gt;pic.twitter.com/pTqOnRPRSg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; ANI (@ANI) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1942783446654623764?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;July 9, 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;<figure class="image"><img></figure>

Kolkata: Bus drivers wear helmet and service continue depite Bharat Bandh

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#WATCH&lt;/a&gt; | Tamil Nadu | Thoothukudi Corporation sanitation workers stage a protest, urging the fulfilment of their various demands.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Sanitation workers accuse that they do not have gloves, work without basic facilities like face masks and have not been paid adequately. &lt;a href="https://t.co/QiU2WTSyut"&gt;pic.twitter.com/QiU2WTSyut&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; ANI (@ANI) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1942779329269883295?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;July 9, 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Visuals from Tamil Nadu santiation workers protest

In Tamil Nadu, sanitation workers have taken part in the Bharat Bandh, protesting against their lack of access to basic facilities like face masks or gloves. &nbsp;

Tamil Nadu: Sanitation workers hold protest

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;VIDEO | Darbhanga: RJD workers stop Namo Bharat Train as the party, along with Congress, and other Mahagathbandhan opposition parties have called for a bandh in protest against the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in the state.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;“We have called this Bandh against… &lt;a href="https://t.co/XnUfJI4bzI"&gt;pic.twitter.com/XnUfJI4bzI&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1942767360181678415?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;July 9, 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Protestors stop Namo Bharat train

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#WATCH&lt;/a&gt;| Mahagathbandhan leaders burn tyres and block roads supporting &amp;#39;Bihar Bandh&amp;#39; called by the alliance against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar before the state Assembly Elections 2025. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Visuals from the Maner Assembly stretch of National… &lt;a href="https://t.co/rKunRsczRb"&gt;pic.twitter.com/rKunRsczRb&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; ANI (@ANI) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1942770380701327541?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;July 9, 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

'Bihar Bandh': Mahagathbandhan leaders protest Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter list in Bihar

Protestors burn tyres and block roads on National Highway 30 in Bihar's Patna district.

Protestors block Patna's NH30

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;VIDEO | Bihar Bandh: Supporters of Independent MP Pappu Yadav stop an express train in Narpatganj, Araria. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;RJD, Congress and other Mahagathbandhan opposition parties have called for bandh in protest against the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in the state.… &lt;a href="https://t.co/kh08w8vgSk"&gt;pic.twitter.com/kh08w8vgSk&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1942762697059418306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;July 9, 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Watch | Supporters of Independent MP Pappu Yadav stop an express train in Narpatganj, Araria

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#WATCH&lt;/a&gt; | Bihar | Members of RJD&amp;#39;s students&amp;#39; wing block the train tracks at Jehanabad railway station, supporting &amp;#39;Bharat Bandh&amp;#39; called by a joint forum of 10 central trade unions and their affiliates &lt;a href="https://t.co/SNPhpPXZbY"&gt;pic.twitter.com/SNPhpPXZbY&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; ANI (@ANI) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1942764213627400394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;July 9, 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Watch | Members of RJD's students' wing block the train tracks at Jehanabad railway station

A 'Bharat Bandh' or nationwide strike has been called on 9 July 2025 by 10 central trade unions and farmers' and workers' organisations. The nationwide protest has been called in opposition to government policies described as pro-corporate and anti-worker by the protestors. As per reports, organisers of the protest expect around 25 crore, or 250 million, workers from the formal and informal sectors nationwide to participate in the upcoming Bharat Bandh. Farmers and labourers from the agricultural sector are also expected to take part in the massive protest. How will the July 9 Bharat Bandh affect you? Are schools, colleges, and banks closed? Here's all you need to know.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/is-india-shut-down-tomorrow-all-about-the-july-9-bharat-bandh-banks-schools-offices-full-details-on-what-s-open-or-closed-1751957262259">Click here to read more</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250708/image-1751957887275.jpg?rect=(0,423,4955,3711)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Is India shut tomorrow? All about the July 9 Bharat Bandh — banks, schools, offices full details on what's open or closed"></figure>

Is India shut today? All about the July 9 Bharat Bandh — banks, schools, offices full details on what's open or closed

It must be noted that Bharat Bandh is a protest and not a public holiday. This means that all public and private offices would function as usual. However, as mentioned earlier, things like travel and some services might be affected.

No official holiday declared on Bharat Bandh

Educational institutions, both schools and colleges, are expected to stay open on July 9 during the Bharat Bandh. The same goes for offices. However, the Bharat Bandh is expected to significantly impact the transport system, including public buses and app-based cabs, so travelling to and from schools, colleges, and offices may become a bother.

Bharat Bandh: Are schools, colleges and offices open or not?

At the time this report was published, no formal notice of banks being closed due to the Bharat Bandh was available. Banking unions have not confirmed if their services would be disrupted. However, as per Economic Times, the bandh organisers have predicted that financial services would be affected by the strike, as it includes employees from both private and cooperative banking sectors who are expected to participate. Services like cheque clearance and customer service may be affected in many regions.

Bharat Bandh: Are banks open or not?

As per reports, some major national bodies are set to take part in this strike. These include:<ul><li>Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)</li><li>All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC)</li><li>All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC)</li><li>All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU)</li><li>Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)</li><li>Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS)</li><li>Labour Progressive Federation (LPF)</li><li>Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)</li><li>Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC)</li><li>United Trade Union Congress (UTUC)</li></ul>

Bharat Bandh: Parties/Unions involved in strike

A 'Bharat Bandh' or nationwide strike has been called on 9 July 2025 by 10 central trade unions and farmers' and workers' organisations. The nationwide protest has been called in opposition to government policies described as pro-corporate and anti-worker by the protestors. As per reports, organisers of the protest expect around 25 crore, or 250 million, workers from the formal and informal sectors nationwide to participate in the upcoming Bharat Bandh. Farmers and labourers from the agricultural sector are also expected to take part in the massive protest. How will the July 9 Bharat Bandh affect you? Are schools, colleges and banks closed? Here's all you need to know.

Bharat Bandh on July 9

Bharat Bandh 2025 Live Updates, 9 July: Over 25 crore workers from different sectors will join the Bharat Bandh on July 9, 2025, protesting the government's anti-worker and pro-corporate policies. 


Bharat Bandh Today Live Updates, 9 July: The Bharat Bandh will be held on Wednesday (July 9, 2025) across India, where over 25 crore workers, including those employed in public services sectors like banking, postal, insurance and construction, are set to participate in a nationwide strike. The protest potentially disrupts services across the nation, as many workers from several different unions will be protesting the “anti-worker, anti-farmer and anti-national pro-corporate policies of the government”. In its statement, the forum of unions has accused the government of not conducting the annual labour conference for the last 10 years. It has also alleged that the government continues to take decisions against the interest of the labour force, attempting to impose four labour codes curb possibility of collective bargaining, to cripple unions' activities and to safe haven to employers in the name of 'ease of doing business'. The forum further alleged that the government has left the welfare state status and is working in the interest of foreign and Indian corporations, which is so evident from its policies that are being pursued vigorously.

Bharat Bandh 2025 Live Updates, 9 July: More than 25 crore workers from multiple sectors are set to join the Bharat Bandh on July 9, 2025, protesting the anti-worker and pro-corporate policies of the government. LIVE updates here &nbsp;

Bharat Bandh LIVE: Public transports, shops and shopping malls remain closed across the country

In a significant move ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections, the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government on Tuesday approved 35% reservation for women in government jobs in the state. The reservation can only be availed by women who are permanent residents of the state. Bihar already provides 50 per cent reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions. The decision was taken by the Cabinet that cleared 43 proposals, with significant focus on employment and youth empowerment. The move assumes significance as it comes ahead of the state assembly elections and is being seen as a move to lure the women voters. “The second important decision related to general administration is that only women native to the state will be allowed 35% horizontal reservation on all posts in direct appointment in all government service cadres of Bihar state,” said Bihar Chief Secretary S Siddharth.&nbsp;<h2>Cabinet approves formation of Bihar Youth Commission</h2>&nbsp;The cabinet also approved the setting up of Bihar Youth Commission on Tuesday, which will advise the government on education and employment for youth in the state.&nbsp;CM Nitish Kumar said the commission would coordinate with government departments to ensure better education and employment for the state’s youth.“I am happy to inform you that with an aim of providing more and more employment opportunities to the youths of Bihar, training them, and making them empowered and capable, the state government has decided to constitute Bihar Youth Commission,” Kumar said in a post on X.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Patna | Bihar Chief Secretary S Siddharth says, &quot;Today 43 agendas have been stamped in the Council of Ministers, in which the most important agenda is the formation of the Youth Commission. This commission is related to the youth of 18-45 years, which will have one… <a href="https://t.co/gCSCScvtHi">pic.twitter.com/gCSCScvtHi</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1942486552376139900?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The commission will have one chairperson, two vice-chairpersons, and seven members, with a maximum age limit of 45 years. The decision has been taken just a few months before the assembly elections to blunt criticism from the opposition over lack of employment opportunities in the state.&nbsp;In the run-up to the polls, Nitish has also announced a development plan for Punaura Dham, the revered birthplace of Goddess Sita, the wife of Lord Ram, in Sitamarhi district. The plan includes the construction of a grand temple for which the cabinet has approved a budget of Rs 882.78 crore.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;<h2>Time for electoral sops, cash doles</h2>&nbsp;On June 21, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar announced that all elderly, disabled, and widowed beneficiaries will receive a monthly pension of ₹1,100, up from ₹400. The state government’s move is likely to benefit 1.10 crore people. The announcement triggered political rivals into making similar promises. Jan Suraj leader Prashant Kishor promised to raise the pension to Rs 2,000 if voted to power, while RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav claimed his party had already proposed Rs 1,500 and accused the government of acting under pressure&nbsp;Nitish also announced a doubling of the honorarium for 1.4 lakh workers under his flagship Jeevika project, which connects with 1.4 crore Jeevika Didis across Bihar. Additionally, self-help groups taking bank loans above Rs 3 lakh will now pay 7% interest instead of the earlier 10%, with the state government covering the difference.&nbsp;The moves reinforce Kumar’s focus on welfare schemes for women—a core segment of his support base. In recent elections, political parties across states have increasingly relied on cash schemes for women, with many implementing payouts after victory. The Bihar government is also likely to announce a cash scheme for women ahead of the elections.&nbsp;The Cabinet also cleared a scheme of financial incentives of ₹50,000 and ₹1 lakh for differently abled youth preparing for main exam and interview of the Bihar Public Service Commission and the Union Public Service Commission, Chief Secretary Siddharth said.

The decision was taken by the Cabinet that cleared 43 proposals, with significant focus on employment and youth empowerment. The move assumes significance as it comes ahead of the state assembly elections and is being seen as a move to lure the women voters.

In a significant move ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections, the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government on Tuesday approved 35% reservation for women in government jobs in the state. The reservation can only be availed by women who are permanent residents of the state. Bihar already provides 50 per cent reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions. The decision was taken by the Cabinet that cleared 43 proposals, with significant focus on employment and youth empowerment. The move assumes significance as it comes ahead of the state assembly elections and is being seen as a move to lure the women voters. “The second important decision related to general administration is that only women native to the state will be allowed 35% horizontal reservation on all posts in direct appointment in all government service cadres of Bihar state,” said Bihar Chief Secretary S Siddharth. Cabinet approves formation of Bihar Youth Commission The cabinet also approved the setting up of Bihar Youth Commission on Tuesday, which will advise the government on education and employment for youth in the state. CM Nitish Kumar said the commission would coordinate with government departments to ensure better education and employment for the state’s youth. “I am happy to inform you that with an aim of providing more and more employment opportunities to the youths of Bihar, training them, and making them empowered and capable, the state government has decided to constitute Bihar Youth Commission,” Kumar said in a post on X.

The decision was taken by the Cabinet that cleared 43 proposals, with significant focus on employment and youth empowerment. The move assumes significance as it comes ahead of the state assembly elections and is being seen as a move to lure the women voters.

Eye on polls, Bihar Cabinet approves 35% reservation for native women in govt jobs

Shubhanshu Shukla on Tuesday (Jul 8) afternoon interacted with school students at ISRO’s North East Space Application Centre (NESAC) from the International Space Station via ham radio. Shukla is India’s first astronaut to reach space in 40 years and the first Indian to pilot a private mission to the orbital lab as part of the Axiom-4 Mission, which reached the ISS on June 26. During his interaction, Shukla talked about the atmospheric conditions in space, motivated upcoming astronauts, and talked about his challenges in the microgravity conditions.&nbsp;The Indian astronaut explained how the atmospheric conditions in space are different due to microgravity and increased radiation. He also motivated the children to become astronauts in the future, saying that he would guide them all. Shukla added that the astronauts are trained to handle all possible scenarios, challenges, and emergencies in the space orbiting lab.&nbsp;“I’m sure a lot of kids from across India will become astronauts in future. Maybe one of you will become the first Indian to set foot on the moon,” Shubhanshu Shukla told students, as quoted by News18. “The conditions on the International Space Station are unique due to microgravity and enhanced radiation.”&nbsp;Encouraging the students, he added, “Keep working hard, I’m going to be back to guide you all.” He added, “We train for all possible scenarios that can go wrong. We are all well-trained to handle any emergency on ISS. Our daily activity is not guided by the sunlight.”&nbsp;Shukla also talked about the hurdles he initially faced during his journey to the space station. “I did experience some space sickness initially, but we have medications available to help,” he said.&nbsp;Talking about the technology at the space station, he said, “The ISS deploys a lot of robotics and Artificial Intelligence.”&nbsp;The interaction, which happened in Shillong, Meghalaya, was planned via a telebridge set up at NESAC. The interaction of students with astronauts on ISS is facilitated by the Amateur Radio on International Space Station (ARISS). The programme is aimed at motivating and inspiring students across the world to pursue their interests and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics by offering them an opportunity to interact with the ISS on-orbit crew through amateur radio communication.&nbsp;Ham radio, or amateur radio, is a non-commercial radio communication service and a reliable mode of communication between astronauts aboard the ISS and people on Earth. It is also used during disasters when conventional modes of communication fail.&nbsp;Shubhanshu Shukla is currently on a 14-day scientific expedition aboard the International Space Station as part of the Axiom-4 mission. He is accompanied by three other astronauts. Shukla also interacted with students at the UR Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru on July 4. He also engaged with students from Lucknow and Kerala via a video conference on July 3.

During his interaction, Shukla talked about the atmospheric conditions in space, motivated upcoming astronauts, and talked about his challenges in the microgravity conditions.

Shubhanshu Shukla on Tuesday (Jul 8) afternoon interacted with school students at ISRO’s North East Space Application Centre (NESAC) from the International Space Station via ham radio. Shukla is India’s first astronaut to reach space in 40 years and the first Indian to pilot a private mission to the orbital lab as part of the Axiom-4 Mission, which reached the ISS on June 26. During his interaction, Shukla talked about the atmospheric conditions in space, motivated upcoming astronauts, and talked about his challenges in the microgravity conditions. The Indian astronaut explained how the atmospheric conditions in space are different due to microgravity and increased radiation. He also motivated the children to become astronauts in the future, saying that he would guide them all. Shukla added that the astronauts are trained to handle all possible scenarios, challenges, and emergencies in the space orbiting lab. “I’m sure a lot of kids from across India will become astronauts in future. Maybe one of you will become the first Indian to set foot on the moon,” Shubhanshu Shukla told students, as quoted by News18. “The conditions on the International Space Station are unique due to microgravity and enhanced radiation.” Encouraging the students, he added, “Keep working hard, I’m going to be back to guide you all.” He added, “We train for all possible scenarios that can go wrong. We are all well-trained to handle any emergency on ISS. Our daily activity is not guided by the sunlight.” Shukla also talked about the hurdles he initially faced during his journey to the space station. “I did experience some space sickness initially, but we have medications available to help,” he said. Talking about the technology at the space station, he said, “The ISS deploys a lot of robotics and Artificial Intelligence.” The interaction, which happened in Shillong, Meghalaya, was planned via a telebridge set up at NESAC. The interaction of students with astronauts on ISS is facilitated by the Amateur Radio on International Space Station (ARISS). The programme is aimed at motivating and inspiring students across the world to pursue their interests and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics by offering them an opportunity to interact with the ISS on-orbit crew through amateur radio communication. Ham radio, or amateur radio, is a non-commercial radio communication service and a reliable mode of communication between astronauts aboard the ISS and people on Earth. It is also used during disasters when conventional modes of communication fail. Shubhanshu Shukla is currently on a 14-day scientific expedition aboard the International Space Station as part of the Axiom-4 mission. He is accompanied by three other astronauts. Shukla also interacted with students at the UR Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru on July 4. He also engaged with students from Lucknow and Kerala via a video conference on July 3.

During his interaction, Shukla talked about the atmospheric conditions in space, motivated upcoming astronauts, and talked about his challenges in the microgravity conditions.

‘Maybe one of you will become first Indian on moon’: Shubhanshu Shukla motivates students from ISS

India has abstained from a vote on the draft United Nations General Assembly resolution on Afghanistan. This is significant as India slowly makes overtures to the Taliban-led regime in Afghanistan. The Indian envoy to the UN opposed punitive measures against Afghanistan. &nbsp;Without mentioning Pakistan directly, India asked for coordinated efforts against terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad and their sponsors. Stressing on its longstanding ties with Afghanistan, India expressed commitment to meeting the war-torn country's humanitarian and developmental needs.<h2>India opposes punishment-based approach to Afghanistan</h2>At the vote on Monday (July 7), India's &nbsp;Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, &nbsp;said a “business as usual” approach will not provide the desired outcomes for the Afghan people.&nbsp; &nbsp;“An approach focused only on punitive measures, in our view, is unlikely to succeed," Harish said. "The United Nations and the broader international community have adopted more balanced and nuanced approaches in other post-conflict contexts.”<h2>India hints at Pakistan-based terrorism at UN vote on Afghanistan</h2>While stressing that India was ‘closely monitoring the security situation in Afghanistan, Harish sought coordinated international efforts to ensure that entities like Al Qaeda, ISIL, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammed, “along with their regional sponsors who facilitate their operations,” no longer exploit Afghan territory for terrorism. This was an indirect reference to Pakistan.<h2>India highlights its humanitarian aid for Afghanistan</h2>Harish said India's immediate priorities in Afghanistan were humanitarian assistance and capacity building', while sharing that India had supported more than &nbsp;500 development projects in the country. India also provided humanitarian aid like wheat, medicines, vaccines and pesticides, Harish noted. “We have been working closely with UN agencies to support the Afghan people in critical areas such as health, food security, education and sports.”&nbsp; He also highlighted India's drug rehabilitation programmes in Afghanistan in partnership with the UNODC, the UN anti-narcotics agency.The Indian envoy also noted how India continues to provide scholarships for Afghans, which have supported 2,000 students since 2023, including 600 girls and women.<h2>What did the UN resolution on Afghanistan say?</h2>Introduced by Germany, the UNGA draft resolution on ‘The situation in Afghanistan’ was adopted with 116 votes in favour; two against. India was among 12 abstentions in the vote on the resolution, which recognised Afghanistan’s role as a “land bridge in Asia” critical for regional economic development and stability.&nbsp; The resolution noted the importance of regional cooperation and contributions from neighbouring countries such as India in supporting Afghan education and development.&nbsp; It asked the Taliban to establish cooperation mechanisms with interested&nbsp;

The Indian envoy to the UN opposed punitive measures against Afghanistan.  Stressing on its longstanding ties with Afghanistan, India expressed commitment to meeting the war-torn country's humanitarian and developmental needs.

India has abstained from a vote on the draft United Nations General Assembly resolution on Afghanistan. This is significant as India slowly makes overtures to the Taliban-led regime in Afghanistan. The Indian envoy to the UN opposed punitive measures against Afghanistan. Without mentioning Pakistan directly, India asked for coordinated efforts against terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad and their sponsors. Stressing on its longstanding ties with Afghanistan, India expressed commitment to meeting the war-torn country's humanitarian and developmental needs. India opposes punishment-based approach to Afghanistan At the vote on Monday (July 7), India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, said a “business as usual” approach will not provide the desired outcomes for the Afghan people. “An approach focused only on punitive measures, in our view, is unlikely to succeed," Harish said. "The United Nations and the broader international community have adopted more balanced and nuanced approaches in other post-conflict contexts.” India hints at Pakistan-based terrorism at UN vote on Afghanistan While stressing that India was ‘closely monitoring the security situation in Afghanistan, Harish sought coordinated international efforts to ensure that entities like Al Qaeda, ISIL, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammed, “along with their regional sponsors who facilitate their operations,” no longer exploit Afghan territory for terrorism. This was an indirect reference to Pakistan. India highlights its humanitarian aid for Afghanistan Harish said India's immediate priorities in Afghanistan were humanitarian assistance and capacity building', while sharing that India had supported more than 500 development projects in the country. India also provided humanitarian aid like wheat, medicines, vaccines and pesticides, Harish noted. “We have been working closely with UN agencies to support the Afghan people in critical areas such as health, food security, education and sports.” He also highlighted India's drug rehabilitation programmes in Afghanistan in partnership with the UNODC, the UN anti-narcotics agency. The Indian envoy also noted how India continues to provide scholarships for Afghans, which have supported 2,000 students since 2023, including 600 girls and women. What did the UN resolution on Afghanistan say? Introduced by Germany, the UNGA draft resolution on ‘The situation in Afghanistan’ was adopted with 116 votes in favour; two against. India was among 12 abstentions in the vote on the resolution, which recognised Afghanistan’s role as a “land bridge in Asia” critical for regional economic development and stability. The resolution noted the importance of regional cooperation and contributions from neighbouring countries such as India in supporting Afghan education and development. It asked the Taliban to establish cooperation mechanisms with interested

The Indian envoy to the UN opposed punitive measures against Afghanistan. &nbsp;Stressing on its longstanding ties with Afghanistan, India expressed commitment to meeting the war-torn country's humanitarian and developmental needs.

In India's abstention from UN resolution vote on Afghanistan, a hint at Pakistan-sponsored terrorism

After the Pahalgam terror attack, the authorities did not expect such a record-breaking number of pilgrims to come for the Amarnath Yatra. A clear case of faith winning over terror. Over 100 thousand Pilgrims have completed their Yatra in the very first six days.&nbsp;Amarnath Yatra started on July 3 this year and within the first six days, it has crossed over 100 thousand. This is despite the threat perception after the Pahalgam attack. On the very first day of the yatra, more than 12,000 pilgrims visited the holy cave. The numbers kept increasing, and on Monday, it remained highest with 23857 visiting the holy cave.&nbsp;&nbsp;On July 8, the footfall of pilgrims remained significant via both routes. From Nunwan-Pahalgam and Baltal, around 20000 pilgrims left for the Amarnath Cave. The 3888-meter-high mountain cave temple of Lord Shiva is one of the most revered temples in Hinduism and is considered one of the "Dham" of the "Char Dham" pilgrimage.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Pilgrims, without being scared and believing in the security agencies and administration, have appreciated the role of the government. All of the pilgrims have given credit to PM Modi for such arrangements. ''We are not scared even one percent, none of us is scared. There is a lot of excitement about taking the Pilgrimage. No one is scared, and the authorities have made such amazing arrangements with regard to security and stay. No one should be scared, and no one is scared, and people who have faith are reaching and coming for the Yatra, '' said Rajendra Sharma, a pilgrim.&nbsp;&nbsp;Thousands of Pilgrims have reached the Kashmir Valley and are waiting for their turns to take up the Amarnath Yatra. A huge number of Yatri's also took the offline mode of registrations and did it at various spots around the valley.&nbsp;&nbsp;''We have come for the Yatra, we are not scared, and we are moving freely and the authorities have made great arrangements all across. Everyone should come and Kashmir is a great place, it's actually like heaven and the best, '' said Tikam Chand, a pilgrim. Looking at the numbers this year, 2025 might see the highest number of Pilgrims taking the Yatra ever. In 2024, 512000 pilgrims had completed their yatra.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir Police along with Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indian Army, Border Security Force (BSF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) are guarding the Amarnath Yatra routes this year.&nbsp;Around 42,000 security personnel are deployed in Pahalgam alone, while an additional 50,000 CRPF jawans will protect the convoy of pilgrims on both sides from Jammu to the holy cave along the national highway. The Amarnath Yatra has been upgraded with all the Hi-Tech gadgetry and AI-based facial recognition systems this year. For the first time ever, the data of active terrorist and OGWs and other blacklisted people have been fed in the system. The moment anyone from the system walks in front of these FRS Cameras, it will start beeping.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, every pilgrim will be given RFID tags for real-time pilgrim tracking, which is mandatory for their movement. High-resolution CCTV cameras and drones are placed for continuous surveillance with control rooms at base camps. Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) and bomb disposal squads are stationed at every strategic point.

After the Pahalgam terror attack, the authorities did not expect such a record-breaking number of pilgrims to come for the Amarnath Yatra. 

After the Pahalgam terror attack, the authorities did not expect such a record-breaking number of pilgrims to come for the Amarnath Yatra. A clear case of faith winning over terror. Over 100 thousand Pilgrims have completed their Yatra in the very first six days. Amarnath Yatra started on July 3 this year and within the first six days, it has crossed over 100 thousand. This is despite the threat perception after the Pahalgam attack. On the very first day of the yatra, more than 12,000 pilgrims visited the holy cave. The numbers kept increasing, and on Monday, it remained highest with 23857 visiting the holy cave. On July 8, the footfall of pilgrims remained significant via both routes. From Nunwan-Pahalgam and Baltal, around 20000 pilgrims left for the Amarnath Cave. The 3888-meter-high mountain cave temple of Lord Shiva is one of the most revered temples in Hinduism and is considered one of the "Dham" of the "Char Dham" pilgrimage. The Pilgrims, without being scared and believing in the security agencies and administration, have appreciated the role of the government. All of the pilgrims have given credit to PM Modi for such arrangements. ''We are not scared even one percent, none of us is scared. There is a lot of excitement about taking the Pilgrimage. No one is scared, and the authorities have made such amazing arrangements with regard to security and stay. No one should be scared, and no one is scared, and people who have faith are reaching and coming for the Yatra, '' said Rajendra Sharma, a pilgrim. Thousands of Pilgrims have reached the Kashmir Valley and are waiting for their turns to take up the Amarnath Yatra. A huge number of Yatri's also took the offline mode of registrations and did it at various spots around the valley. ''We have come for the Yatra, we are not scared, and we are moving freely and the authorities have made great arrangements all across. Everyone should come and Kashmir is a great place, it's actually like heaven and the best, '' said Tikam Chand, a pilgrim. Looking at the numbers this year, 2025 might see the highest number of Pilgrims taking the Yatra ever. In 2024, 512000 pilgrims had completed their yatra. Jammu and Kashmir Police along with Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indian Army, Border Security Force (BSF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) are guarding the Amarnath Yatra routes this year. Around 42,000 security personnel are deployed in Pahalgam alone, while an additional 50,000 CRPF jawans will protect the convoy of pilgrims on both sides from Jammu to the holy cave along the national highway. The Amarnath Yatra has been upgraded with all the Hi-Tech gadgetry and AI-based facial recognition systems this year. For the first time ever, the data of active terrorist and OGWs and other blacklisted people have been fed in the system. The moment anyone from the system walks in front of these FRS Cameras, it will start beeping. Meanwhile, every pilgrim will be given RFID tags for real-time pilgrim tracking, which is mandatory for their movement. High-resolution CCTV cameras and drones are placed for continuous surveillance with control rooms at base camps. Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) and bomb disposal squads are stationed at every strategic point.

After the Pahalgam terror attack, the authorities did not expect such a record-breaking number of pilgrims to come for the Amarnath Yatra.&nbsp;

Despite Pahalgam terror attack, over 100 thousand pilgrims complete Amarnath Yatra in first six days

The preliminary report on the Ahmedabad Air India 171 Plane crash that killed 260 people has been submitted to the Ministry of Civil Aviation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau or AAIB today.&nbsp;The report filed is based on the initial findings of the probe. The five-page report outlines key initial observations related to flight data, crew actions, prevailing weather conditions, and the mechanical performance of the aircraft.Majorly, the report also shares early insights into the sequence of events leading up to the crash, but it does not identify the cause of the accident. However, the details of the report has not been made public yet.&nbsp;Simultaneously, the Civil Aviation Ministry has shared two updates so far — on June 19 and June 26 confirming the successful recovery of both the black boxes. The memory module of one black box was accessed and its data was downloaded on June 25 , 2025.&nbsp;The investigation is being led by AAIB officials and includes technical members from the Indian Air Force, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) from the United States, which is the official investigative agency of the country of the aircraft's design and manufacture.&nbsp;The Director General of AAIB is heading the probe. The final report detailing the cause of the crash will be submitted in next couple of weeks. On June 12, a London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft collided with a hostel complex at BJ Medical College, killing 241 of the 242 people on board and 19 on the ground. Only one passenger survived the crash.

The preliminary report on the Ahmedabad Air India 171 Plane crash that killed 260 people has been submitted to the Ministry of Civil Aviation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau or AAIB today.



The preliminary report on the Ahmedabad Air India 171 Plane crash that killed 260 people has been submitted to the Ministry of Civil Aviation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau or AAIB today. The report filed is based on the initial findings of the probe. The five-page report outlines key initial observations related to flight data, crew actions, prevailing weather conditions, and the mechanical performance of the aircraft. Majorly, the report also shares early insights into the sequence of events leading up to the crash, but it does not identify the cause of the accident. However, the details of the report has not been made public yet. Simultaneously, the Civil Aviation Ministry has shared two updates so far — on June 19 and June 26 confirming the successful recovery of both the black boxes. The memory module of one black box was accessed and its data was downloaded on June 25 , 2025. The investigation is being led by AAIB officials and includes technical members from the Indian Air Force, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) from the United States, which is the official investigative agency of the country of the aircraft's design and manufacture. The Director General of AAIB is heading the probe. The final report detailing the cause of the crash will be submitted in next couple of weeks. On June 12, a London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft collided with a hostel complex at BJ Medical College, killing 241 of the 242 people on board and 19 on the ground. Only one passenger survived the crash.

The preliminary report on the Ahmedabad Air India 171 Plane crash that killed 260 people has been submitted to the Ministry of Civil Aviation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau or AAIB today.&nbsp;

Ahmedabad Air India plane crash: AAIB submits five-page preliminary report to Aviation Ministry

A man from Rajasthan recently bought a bungalow in Delhi's posh Lutyens area for a whopping Rs 100 crore ($1,16,73,120). The house is located in India's capital's Golf Links. The deal was bagged by Yashwant Singh, a member of the erstwhile Alwar royal family. The house is 867 sqm. The deal was finalized on June 12. The buyer paid a stamp duty of Rs 7 crore for the property.&nbsp;The land area of the house is 588.97 sqm; the built-up area is 867.33 sqm. The house includes a basement, ground and first floors, a terrace room, and servant quarters.<h2>Who sold the house and why?</h2>A woman named Anu Jindal sold the property because she had moved to DLF, The Camellias. Her husband, Jai P. Jindal, runs an art glass firm, reported ET. He has confirmed the transaction, saying they sold the house because they planned to move to the posh Gurugram society.The buyer reportedly already owns a bungalow on APJ Abdul Kalam Road.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meet-elon-musk-indian-origin-employee-vaibhav-taneja-who-earned-139-million-way-more-than-sundar-pichai-1751945577146">Also read: Meet Vaibhav Taneja, Elon Musk's employee who earned $139 million last year</a><h2>Recent expensive deals in Delhi</h2>Recently, Sanjay Kukreja and his wife, Shaveta Sharma, purchased a property for Rs 155 crore. Vasudha Rohatgi, the wife of former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, also bought a bungalow for Rs 160 crore.&nbsp;Arun Kathpalia, a senior advocate in the Delhi High Court, also bought a 763-square-yard bungalow in Golf Link for Rs 69 crore.&nbsp;Before that, Maxop Engineering director Shailesh Arora bought a 575-square-yard bungalow in Golf Links for Rs 68.5 crore. Pawan Agarwal of the Dainik Bhaskar group also bought a house for Rs 75 crore.

A man from Rajasthan recently bought a bungalow in Delhi's posh Lutyens area for a whopping Rs 100 crore ($1,16,73,120). 

A man from Rajasthan recently bought a bungalow in Delhi's posh Lutyens area for a whopping Rs 100 crore ($1,16,73,120). The house is located in India's capital's Golf Links. The deal was bagged by Yashwant Singh, a member of the erstwhile Alwar royal family. The house is 867 sqm. The deal was finalized on June 12. The buyer paid a stamp duty of Rs 7 crore for the property. The land area of the house is 588.97 sqm; the built-up area is 867.33 sqm. The house includes a basement, ground and first floors, a terrace room, and servant quarters. Who sold the house and why? A woman named Anu Jindal sold the property because she had moved to DLF, The Camellias. Her husband, Jai P. Jindal, runs an art glass firm, reported ET. He has confirmed the transaction, saying they sold the house because they planned to move to the posh Gurugram society. The buyer reportedly already owns a bungalow on APJ Abdul Kalam Road. Also read: Meet Vaibhav Taneja, Elon Musk's employee who earned $139 million last year Recent expensive deals in Delhi Recently, Sanjay Kukreja and his wife, Shaveta Sharma, purchased a property for Rs 155 crore. Vasudha Rohatgi, the wife of former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, also bought a bungalow for Rs 160 crore. Arun Kathpalia, a senior advocate in the Delhi High Court, also bought a 763-square-yard bungalow in Golf Link for Rs 69 crore. Before that, Maxop Engineering director Shailesh Arora bought a 575-square-yard bungalow in Golf Links for Rs 68.5 crore. Pawan Agarwal of the Dainik Bhaskar group also bought a house for Rs 75 crore.

The land area of the house is 588.97 sqm; the built-up area is 867.33 sqm. The house includes a basement, ground and first floors, a terrace room, and servant quarters.

Who sold Lutyens bungalow for Rs 100 crore and why? 5 recent mega deals in Delhi

A minor was repeatedly raped by her father in Uttar Pradesh. The crime came to the fore after the UP police found a newborn and a SIM card in a train in Moradabad. Here's how the case unfolded.The Moradabad police found a newborn inside a bag in the general coach of a Summer Special Train. The police launched an investigation. They also found a SIM card.&nbsp;When they zeroed in on the owner of the SIM card, he turned out to be a relative of the victim. He narrated to the police the horror story the minor had to endure.&nbsp;The relative said her father repeatedly raped her. After he became pregnant, her parents tried to hide the crime. They would take her to Delhi for treatment.&nbsp;On June 22, the victim gave birth in the train's toilet. Panicked, the family members of the victim placed the newborn and a SIM card in a bag. They rushed back, leaving the bag on the train.&nbsp;The police found the newborn in a bag along with a SIM card from which the family members of the newborn were traced.&nbsp;"On June 22, a baby was reported in a bag on the Summer Special train. The baby was taken to the hospital, and a SIM card from Bihar was also recovered from the bag. When traced, the owner of the SIM card told that the baby was of a minor girl relative of his, who had become pregnant after rape." Moradabad Junction Station Head GRP, Ravindra Vashistha, says.&nbsp;"Her family was taking the girl to Delhi, during which the girl gave birth to a child on the train. Scared, they put the baby in a bag and kept it in the general coach and returned by train," Ravindra Vashistha added.&nbsp;The victim later admitted to the police that she was raped by her father.&nbsp;"The victim was produced in the court and statements were recorded, in which it was told that the rape was committed by the victim's father," he said.&nbsp;The police have registered the case under the relevant section. Further investigation will be carried out by Bihar Police.

A minor was repeatedly raped by her father in Uttar Pradesh. The crime came to the fore after the UP police found a newborn and a SIM card in a train in Moradabad. Here's how the case unfolded.

The Moradabad police found a newborn inside a bag in the general coach of a Summer Special Train.

A minor was repeatedly raped by her father in Uttar Pradesh. The crime came to the fore after the UP police found a newborn and a SIM card in a train in Moradabad. Here's how the case unfolded. The Moradabad police found a newborn inside a bag in the general coach of a Summer Special Train. The police launched an investigation. They also found a SIM card. When they zeroed in on the owner of the SIM card, he turned out to be a relative of the victim. He narrated to the police the horror story the minor had to endure. The relative said her father repeatedly raped her. After he became pregnant, her parents tried to hide the crime. They would take her to Delhi for treatment. On June 22, the victim gave birth in the train's toilet. Panicked, the family members of the victim placed the newborn and a SIM card in a bag. They rushed back, leaving the bag on the train. The police found the newborn in a bag along with a SIM card from which the family members of the newborn were traced. "On June 22, a baby was reported in a bag on the Summer Special train. The baby was taken to the hospital, and a SIM card from Bihar was also recovered from the bag. When traced, the owner of the SIM card told that the baby was of a minor girl relative of his, who had become pregnant after rape." Moradabad Junction Station Head GRP, Ravindra Vashistha, says. "Her family was taking the girl to Delhi, during which the girl gave birth to a child on the train. Scared, they put the baby in a bag and kept it in the general coach and returned by train," Ravindra Vashistha added. The victim later admitted to the police that she was raped by her father. "The victim was produced in the court and statements were recorded, in which it was told that the rape was committed by the victim's father," he said. The police have registered the case under the relevant section. Further investigation will be carried out by Bihar Police.

Uttar Pradesh: The police found the newborn in a bag along with a SIM card from which the family members of the newborn were traced.&nbsp;

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