Indians deported from the US being escorted by the police as they leave the airport after their arrival, in Amritsar, early Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025.
| Photo Credit: –

Deportations from U.S. put spotlight on human trafficking syndicates

Large-scale deportation of illegal immigrants from the United States to India has put the spotlight on human trafficking syndicates. While police forces of many States are looking into the cases, experts suggest that Central agencies like the National Investigation Agency, Central Bureau of Investigation, and the Enforcement Directorate, can step in for a comprehensive probe as such agencies have international tie-ups.

Full list of Delhi Ministers

Rekha Gupta, the BJP’s debutante MLA from Shalimar Bagh, took oath as the fourth woman Chief Minister of Delhi on Thursday (February 20, 2025). Delhi’s Lieutenant-Governor Vinay Saxena administered the oath of office to her during a ceremony at the Ramlila Maidan, attended by several BJP and NDA leaders.

Nepalese student death: Odisha government panel summons KIIT founder Achyuta Samanta over student unrest 

Achyuta Samanta, the founder of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), a deemed to be university, has been summoned to appear before a high-level committee on Friday (February 21, 2025) following allegations of ill-treatment of Nepalese students on campus.

Delhi Cabinet decides to implement Ayushman Bharat, table CAG reports

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday (February 20, 2025) said the Cabinet had decided in its first meeting to implement the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, and also to table 14 pending Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports in the Delhi Assembly.

Amit Shah appeals to Northeast insurgents to join mainstream

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday appealed to the last of the remaining insurgent groups active in the Northeast to lay down arms and join the mainstream. He said by 2027, all the Northeastern States will be connected by air and rail.

NGOs aligned with Congress attempted to influence polls in country, says BJP

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday alleged that NGOs aligned with the Congress and against Prime Minister Narendra Modi have attempted to influence elections in India, citing the remarks of U.S. President Donald Trump about the previous Biden administration’s decision to allocate $21 million to fund “voter turnout” in India.

Infiltration has ‘gone down substantially’ after change of Bangladesh regime, says BSF chief

Infiltration along the Bangladesh border had “gone down substantially” after the political developments in the neighbouring country in August 2024, Border Security Force (BSF) chief Daljit Singh Chawdhary said on Thursday (February 20, 2025). He further said the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) stood shoulder to shoulder with the BSF to maintain peace and tranquillity throughout the “crisis” period.  

Kharge slams government over reports that China has built 90 villages near Arunachal Pradesh

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday (February 20, 2025) slammed the Narendra Modi government over news reports that China was settling 90 new villages along the Arunachal Pradesh border.

Israel grieves as Hamas turns over the bodies of four Gaza hostages

Hamas on Thursday (February 20, 2025) released the bodies of four Israeli hostages, said to include a mother and her two children who have long been feared dead and had come to embody the nation’s agony following the October 7, 2023, attack.

Explosions involving several buses in central Israel in ‘suspected terror attack’: police

Israeli police said that explosions rocked several buses in the central city of Bat Yam on Thursday evening in what they described as a “suspected terror attack”, with an official saying that there were no injuries.

Trump loyalist Kash Patel is confirmed as FBI director by the Senate despite deep Democratic doubts

The Senate on Thursday narrowly voted to confirm Kash Patel as director of the FBI, moving to place him atop the nation’s premier federal law enforcement agency despite doubts from Democrats about his qualifications and concerns he will do Donald Trump’s bidding and go after the Republican president’s adversaries.

Sri Lanka not seeking to renegotiate Adani power deal, says top official from Energy Ministry

Colombo is not seeking to renegotiate the contentious renewable energy project with Adani Green, a top Sri Lankan official said, a week after the company abruptly pulled out of a wind farm initiative in the island’s Northern Province. 

Shami, Gill do the star turn as India trumps Bangladesh with ease

Shubman Gill’s previous three scores coming into the Champions Trophy read: 87, 60 and 112 (all against England). On Thursday, the 25-year-old continued his purple patch as he smashed his eighth ODI hundred (101 n.o, 129b, 9×4, 2×6) to help India kickstart its Champions Trophy campaign with a six-wicket win over Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Rohit Sharma becomes second fastest to complete 11,000 runs in ODI cricket

India captain Rohit Sharma on Thursday became the second fastest batter after compatriot Virat Kohli to complete 11,000 runs in One-day Internationals during their Champions Trophy clash against Bangladesh here.

Rekha Gupta, the debutante MLA from Shalimar Bagh, has been chosen to be Delhi’s next Chief Minister.
| Photo Credit: ANI

Rekha Gupta, first-time MLA, named as Delhi Chief Minister

Rekha Gupta, the debutante MLA from Shalimar Bagh, has been chosen to be Delhi’s next Chief Minister, the Bharatiya Janata Party said after a Delhi legislative party meeting at its national headquarters on Wednesday evening. Ms. Gupta, 50, will be the fourth woman to head the government in the State.

Delhi CM pick Rekha Gupta is a grassroots leader with RSS–ABVP background 

With a 30-year career in politics, Shalimar Bagh’s Rekha Gupta is set to take over as the next Chief Minister of Delhi on February 20. A grassroots leader with an RSS–ABVP background, she began her political journey while she was a B.Com student at Delhi University’s Daulat Ram College. She joined the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in 1992. 

Maha Kumbh 2025: NGT pulls up U.P. Pollution Control Board for inadequate info on high faecal coliform bacteria levels

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Wednesday pulled up the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) for not submitting adequate information to the court, including onfaecal coliform levels in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers at Prayagraj during the ongoing Maha Kumbh. 

Four women Maoists killed in encounter with police in Madhya Pradesh’s Balaghat

At least four women Maoist operatives were gunned down by Madhya Pradesh Police during an encounter in Balaghat district on Wednesday (February 19, 2025), officials said, adding that a search operation is going on to find the outlawed organisation’s fighters who were injured.

Will Modi govt. respond to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s query on Gautam Adani, asks Congress 

The Congress on Wednesday (February 19, 2025) asked whether the Narendra Modi government would respond to the U.S. Securities and Exchanges Commission’s (SEC) request in the ongoing probe against the Adani group since the Prime Minister had already declared the Adani issue to be a “personal matter”.

Ranveer Allahbadia case: What has Supreme Court previously ruled on ‘onerous’ conditions and gag orders? 

The Supreme Court on Tuesday (February 18, 2025) granted interim protection from arrest to podcaster and influencer Ranveer Allahbadia in connection with the first information reports (FIRs) registered against him over remarks made on the YouTube show “India Got Latent”. 

Zelenskyy ‘a dictator without elections’, says Trump as Ukraine President accuses him of living in ‘Russian-made disinformation space’

Relations between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump deteriorated rapidly on Wednesday (February 19, 2025) as Mr. Zelenskyy said Mr. Trump was living in a Russian-made “disinformation space” and Trump called Zelenskyy “a dictator without elections” in comments that were sure to complicate efforts to end the war.

Gunmen identify, kill seven Punjabi travellers in Pakistan: govt official

Gunmen in volatile southwest Pakistan shot seven bus passengers dead after identifying them as being from another region, officials said Wednesday (February 18, 2025) .Security forces have been battling sectarian, ethnic and separatist violence for decades in impoverished but mineral-rich Balochistan, which borders Afghanistan and Iran.

Russia praises Trump for saying NATO was a major cause of war in Ukraine

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov lauded U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday (February 19, 2025) for saying that previous U.S. support of Ukraine’s bid to join the NATO military alliance was a major cause of the war in Ukraine.

Infosys denies using intimidation tactics on Mysuru campus

IT services company Infosys on Wednesday said it did not use force or intimidation tactics when it laid off trainees at Mysuru campus over performance-related issues, and that it was explaining the circumstances to the labour department authorities.

U.S. SEC asks India’s Law Ministry to serve its complaint to Adanis

Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order to hit the pause button on the U.S. anti-bribery law — a move viewed as a big relief for Indian billionaire and top industrialist Gautam Adani — the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has now written to Indian authorities to serve a complaint on the Adani Group founder and his nephew Sagar Adani for their alleged involvement in securities fraud and a $265 million bribery scheme, according to a court filing.

Apple iPhone 16e launched with A18 processor, 48 MP camera and Apple Intelligence

Ending speculation about its new launch, Apple on Wednesday (February 19, 2025) launched the new iPhone 16e instead of the iPhone SE 4 featuring the new A18 processor, Apple Intelligence and iOS 18 out-of-the-box. With the new iPhone 16e, the U.S. based company introduced a new identity of ‘e’ phones in its cavalry.

Champions Trophy 2025: New Zealand beat defending champions Pakistan by 60 runs in opening match

New Zealand underlined their title aspirations with a 60-run victory against defending champions Pakistan in a Group A match of the Champions Trophy at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday (February 19, 2025).

Gavaskar pays glowing tributes to Rege; says Mumbai cricket was his life

Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar paid tribute to former Mumbai captain and selector Milind Rege, who passed away in Mumbai on Wednesday. 

WPL | Lanning’s experience to the fore as Capitals battle past Warriorz

There was no change in the pattern on Wednesday night in WPL 3. The first leg of the league ended at the BCA Stadium with Delhi Capitals beating UP Warriorz by seven wickets with a ball to spare.

Gautam Adani. File
| Photo Credit: Reuters

U.S. SEC seeks help from Law Ministry to serve complaint to Gautam Adani, nephew Sagar in Adani bribery case

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has requested assistance from Indian authorities in its investigation of Adani Group founder Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani over alleged securities fraud and a $265 million bribery scheme, a court filing showed on Tuesday (February 18, 2025).

Gyanesh Kumar to take over as CEC on February 19; Supreme Court to hear plea against law under which he was appointed

Senior Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar would take over as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner of India (CEC) on February 19, a day when the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a petition challenging the law under which he was appointed CEC by a three-member panel led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Rahul Gandhi says it is ‘disrespectful and discourteous’ to appoint the CEC at midnight, makes his dissent note public

The Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday asserted that the midnight appointment of Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) was “discourteous and disrespectful” when the process of appointment and the composition of the selection committee itself was being challenged before the Supreme Court.

Slight dip in unemployment rate in urban areas: survey

The unemployment rate in the urban areas of the country was 6.4% for the period of October to December 2024 for persons of age 15 years and above, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation in New Delhi on Tuesday (February 18, 2025). For male, the the unemployment rate was 5.8% during the period, while for female it was 8.1%.

Punjab leads tally of Indians who joined Russian Armed forces; Kerala fourth

Though the ‘irregular’ migration from Kerala to Russia has sparked concerns in the past, recent developments revealed that Punjab is leading in the table in both illegal and irregular migration. According to the data available with the Ministry of External Affairs, the highest number of Indians who migrated to Russia — to fight in the war with Ukraine — were from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

With terror on the decline in J&K, police must now prioritise safeguarding of citizens rights: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday (February 18, 2025) that the three new criminal laws should be implemented in Jammu and Kashmir by April. With the decline in terror activities and an improved security scenario, Mr. Shah said that the police should now prioritise safeguarding the rights of citizens in the Union Territory. 

President Droupadi Murmu sanctions prosecution of AAP leader Satyendar Jain

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday (February 18, 2025) accorded sanction to prosecute Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Minister Satyendar Jain in a money-laundering case being investigated by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), a senior government official said on Friday.

In landmark talks in Riyadh, Russia, U.S. agree to work towards ending Ukraine war

Russia and the U.S. on Tuesday (February 18, 2025) agreed to start working towards ending the war in Ukraine and improving their diplomatic and economic ties, America’s top diplomat said after talks that reflected an extraordinary about-face in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump.

European leaders differ on peacekeeping in post-war Ukraine

European leaders failed to reach a joint position on whether they would send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine, after they discussed the issue of security guarantees for Ukraine and negotiations for an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict at an emergency summit in Paris on Monday (February 17, 2025). The meeting, convened by French President Emmanuel Macron, was in response to U.S.-Russia talks in Riyadh which left Ukraine and the rest of Europe out of the negotiating room.

Hamas to release six hostages on February 22; four bodies of hostages to be handed over on February 20

The six hostages to be released on Saturday (February 22, 2025) will include Hisham al-Sayed and Avera Mengisto, who were held in Gaza before the start of war there, the Hamas leader in Gaza said on Tuesday (February 18, 2025).

Tesla posts job openings in India after PM-Musk meeting

Electric vehicle maker Tesla, Inc. on Monday (February 18, 2025) posted thirteen job openings in Mumbai, days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the EV firm’s CEO and founder Elon Musk in Washington, DC.

WPL | Mumbai Indians continues domination over Gujarat Giants

The head-to-head record in the WPL became even more embarrassing for the Giants on Tuesday (February 18, 2025) night. After bowling GG out for 120, MI posted a much-needed win by five wickets, with 3.5 overs remaining.

Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has been appointed Chief Election Commissioner after a meeting of a three-member committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday (February 17, 2025).

Gyanesh Kumar named Chief Election Commissioner

Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has been appointed Chief Election Commissioner after a meeting of a three-member committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday (February 17, 2025). He will assume office on Wednesday (February 19, 2025), when the Supreme Court will hear the challenge to a new law under which the selection has been made.

Delta plane flips on landing at Toronto airport, injuring 19

A Delta Airlines plane flipped upon arrival at Toronto’s Pearson Airport and ended up on its roof Monday, injuring 19 people including three who are in critical condition.

Manipur MLAs get calls in Jay Shah’s name; ministerial positions offered

After the President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur, several of the State’s legislators received calls from a person who allegedly identified himself as Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s son Jay Shah and offered them ministerial positions for a sum of ₹4 crore, police officials said on Monday (February 17, 2025).

High levels of microbes from human, animal excreta found in river water at Maha Kumbh: report 

High levels of faecal coliform (microbes from human and animal excreta) were found in river water in which people took holy dip during Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj of Uttar Pradesh, according to a report submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Experts intrigued by inclusion of electoral bonds in new Income Tax Bill

Experts are intrigued by the new Income Tax Bill, 2025 retaining provisions related to electoral bonds, which were rendered unconstitutional by the Supreme Court last year, saying it could be because of legislative oversight or the government’s intention to bring it back in some other form.

Bangladesh Border Guard delegation arrives in India for talks with BSF 

A high-level delegation of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) reached New Delhi on Monday (February 17, 2025) for the bi-annual Director General level talks with the Border Security Force (BSF).

FII outflows show India offering higher returns to investors: FM

Foreign Institutional Investment (FII) outflows from India’s equity markets show that investors are booking profits, indicating investments in India are yielding good returns, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharman said at a post-Budget media briefing in Mumbai on Monday (February 17, 2025).

UK PM Starmer says U.S. must provide security guarantee for Ukraine to deter Russia

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday that a U.S. security commitment was the only way to ensure lasting peace in Ukraine and it was too early to say how many British peacekeeping troops he would be willing to deploy.

Musk’s DOGE seeks access to U.S. tax system: reports

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has sparked alarm by seeking access to a system with the US tax office that has detailed financial data about millions of Americans, U.S. media reported.

Cannot justify Adani’s ‘excessive tariff’, Sri Lanka’s President Dissanayake tells Parliament

Days after Adani Green announced quitting from a controversial renewable energy project in Sri Lanka, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said awarding energy projects at an “excessive tariff” of $8.26 cents “cannot be justified”. While welcoming energy investments based on a competitive tariff, Sri Lanka will not privilege a specific company or country, he said on Monday (February 17, 2025), without naming Adani or India.

WPL | Smriti’s blistering knock blistering knock makes it a cakewalk for RCB

Smriti Mandhana’s women came up with a near perfect performance on Monday night to post their second win in as many matches in the third edition of the WPL. After bowling out Delhi Capitals for 141, RCB romped home with eight wickets and 3.4 overs to spare.

Cricket fever grips Pakistan ahead of Champions Trophy

Cricket fever has gripped Pakistan as the Champions Trophy unfolds with fans eagerly waiting for the action to begin here on Wednesday and businesses related to the game too picking up before the tournament opener between hosts Pakistan and New Zealand.

Representational image of a seismograph recording an earthquake. Photo: via Reuters

Third group of deportees from U.S. land in Punjab’s Amritsar

A United States aircraft carrying around 112 undocumented Indian immigrants, deported from the U.S. landed at Punjab’s Amritsar International Airport on Sunday night (February 16, 2025), even as Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann urged the youth of Punjab to learn lessons from the deportation of illegal migrants, appealing to them to shun the idea of going abroad by wrong means.

High-level committee formed to probe into New Delhi railway station stampede

The Railways has formed a two-member high-level administrative grade committee to investigate the stampede that occurred on Saturday night (February 15, 2025) at New Delhi Railway Station, officials in the Ministry of Railways said on Sunday (February 16, 2025). The committee of Northern Railways’ Principal Chief Commercial Manager Narsingh Deo and Principal Chief Security Commissioner Pankaj Gangwar will investigate the stampede that claimed 18 lives, including four children and a septuagenarian woman.

Delhi earthquake: Strong tremors felt across National Capital Region on February 17 morning

An earthquake of 4.0 magnitude rocked parts of Delhi-NCR early on Monday (February 17, 2025), the National Center for Seismology said. The tremors rocked several parts of the city and the adjoining National Capital Region. The location of the earthquake was New Delhi, at a depth of five kilometres, it said in a post on X.

Pakistani troops opened small arm fire on Indian post at LoC in Poonch: Army

A fresh exchange of fire was reported on the Line of Control (LoC) in the Pir Panjal Valley’s Poonch on Sunday. No casualties were reported in the incident. An Army official said a brief exchange of fire took place on the LoC in Poonch district. “Around 11 a.m., Pakistan troops opened fire from small arms on an Indian post across the LoC in Poonch sector. The fire was retaliated appropriately by the Indian Army. No casualties to our side,” an Army official said. 

Jaishankar meets Foreign Ministers of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and other south Asian counterparts

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain in Muscat on Sunday (February 16, 2025), in a meeting aimed at defusing tensions and addressing “challenges” between Delhi and Dhaka over attacks on minorities and the continued stay of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in India.

PM Modi hopeful of achieving ₹9 lakh-cr textile exports ahead of 2030 deadline

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (February 16, 2025) said he is optimistic that the textile sector will achieve the Rs 9 lakh crore annual exports target ahead of the 2030 deadline.

Former Indian Navy officials jailed in Qatari prison call for return of colleague left behind

A day before the arrival of the Qatari Emir to India for an important visit, the seven former Indian Navy officials who returned last year after being imprisoned for nearly 18 months in Doha, have called for the repatriation of the last remaining Indian who is stuck in the Gulf sheikhdom.

Will U.S.’s F-35 stealth fighter jets fit into IAF’s future plans? 

Early last week fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) of both Russia and U.S. were at Aero India in Bengaluru, positioned at each end of the static display at the Yelahanka Air Force station. Just as the business days of the show came to an end, U.S. President Donald Trump, standing next to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a visit to Washington DC, announced that they will be increasing military sales to India “by many billions of dollars” and they are also paving the way to “ultimately” provide India with the F-35 stealth fighters.

At least nine people are dead, including eight in Kentucky, amid latest blast of winter weather

At least nine people have died in the most recent round of harsh weather to pummel the U.S., including eight people in Kentucky who died as creeks swelled from heavy rain and water covered roads. 

Trump administration cuts reach FDA employees in food safety, medical devices and tobacco products

The Trump administration’s effort to slash the size of the federal workforce reached the Food and Drug Administration this weekend, as recently hired employees who review the safety of food ingredients, medical devices and other products were fired.

Rwanda-backed rebels reach centre of east Congo’s 2nd major city in unprecedented expansion

Rwanda-backed rebels reached the centre of east Congo’s second-largest city, Bukavu, on Sunday (February 16, 2025) morning and took control of the South Kivu province administrative office after little resistance from government forces, many of whom fled the rebels’ advance. 

Musk says chatbot Grok 3 will be unveiled on February 17

Elon Musk said his startup xAI will release its Grok 3 chatbot on Monday (February 17, 2025) and billed it as the “smartest AI on Earth” in a fiercely competitive market.

IPL 2025 schedule: KKR vs RCB at Eden to kick off season

The BCCI on Sunday (February 16, 2025) unveiled a 74-match schedule for the 18th Indian Premier League that will be held across 13 venues, starting on March 22 with three franchises playing at least a couple of their home games at their designated second bases.

WPL | Gardner’s all-round effort and Priya’s spell turn the tide in Giants’ favour

Priya Mishra didn’t get a game in last year’s WPL. And when she finally made her debut for Gujarat Giants, in the Season 3 opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, she went for plenty.

A view of the Supreme Court of India, in New Delhi.
| Photo Credit: PTI

Stay on bail should only be granted in rare cases: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on July 12 said an inclination seen among higher courts to stall bail creates a real and present danger to the rights of personal liberty and due process. A Bench of Justices A.S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan said the propensity to stay reasoned bail orders passed by trial courts was “shocking”.

Oli set to return to power in Nepal as Maoist leader Prachanda weighs his options

A political drama triggered 10 days ago by the Nepali Congress (NC) and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) capped off with the ouster of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on Friday. Prachanda, the chairman of the CPN (Maoist Centre), failed his vote of confidence, fifth in one and a half years since he was elected Prime Minister in December 2022, leading to the fall of his government. Of the 258 parliamentarians present in the 275-member Parliament, 63 voted in favour of Prachanda, while 194 voted against. One lawmaker abstained.

Centralised hiring leads to language, cultural barriers in Eklavya schools

The recent centralisation of recruitment for tribal residential schools across the country, which introduced Hindi competency as a mandatory requirement, has resulted in a flood of requests for transfers. The large numbers of staff recruited from Hindi-speaking States are protesting postings to the Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) located in southern States, where the language, food and culture is unfamiliar to them.

Doval and Sullivan hold talks amid strain in ties over Russia

Amidst a strain over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow this week, National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval spoke to U.S. NSA Jake Sullivan on Friday evening, where they agreed to “work closely” to further advance bilateral ties. They also discussed the upcoming Quad Foreign Ministers meeting to be held later this month, and a leaders’ summit that may possibly be held later this year.

West Bengal moves Supreme Court against Governor for sitting on Bills

The State of West Bengal has moved the Supreme Court against the Governor for sitting on eight crucial Bills without giving any reasons for the delay. The petition was mentioned before Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud by State counsel Astha Sharma for an early hearing.

ED cannot make arrests under PMLA on a whim, says SC

The Supreme Court on July 12 held that the power to arrest under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) cannot be exercised on the “whims and fancies” of Directorate of Enforcement (ED) officers. The court wondered if the ED even had a consistent, uniform and ”one-rule-for-all” policy on when they should arrest people. It said the ED’s power to arrest must be based on objective and fair consideration of material against a person.

Bishops meet PM Modi, urge him to ensure peace in Manipur

A delegation of bishops, representing the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Friday and urged him to ensure peace in Manipur. The bishops conveyed their apprehensions on the “rumours” that the reservation for Dalit tribals will be stopped and expressed concerns about the “increasing attacks” against Christians for alleged forced conversions. They also asked Mr. Modi to expedite the process for bringing Pope Francis to India and appreciated Mr. Modi’s continued efforts to invite the Pope to India.

Net tax receipts up 19.5%, corporate tax share at 36.6%

Growth in India’s net direct tax collections slowed slightly to 19.54% by July 11, relative to a 21% rise recorded by June 17, with revenues hitting ₹5.74 lakh crore, the Income Tax department said on Friday. Personal income tax (PIT) receipts constituted 60.2% of the net collections at ₹3.46 lakh crore, rising 21.4% year-on-year, while corporate taxes yielded 36.6% of net revenues at ₹2.1 lakh crore, reflecting a 12.5% growth.

MHA amends Rules to widen the administrative role of J&K L-G

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday widened the ambit of the administrative role of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir by amending the Transaction of Business Rules. The amendment gives the L-G more say in matters pertaining to police, public order, All India Service (AIS) which require prior concurrence of the Finance Department and also their transfers and postings.

Oppn. flags video from Gujarat, slams Modi government over ‘disease of unemployment’

Flagging a viral video of a stampede-like situation at Bharuch district in Gujarat, where over 800 people turned up for a walk-in interview held by a firm for 40 vacancies, the Opposition renewed its attack on the government over high unemployment in the country.

‘Urban Naxal’ bill is bogey to smother opposition before Maharashtra polls, say Congress, CPI(M)

Opposition parties condemned the “authoritarian” Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024, on Friday and demanded its withdrawal. It has been introduced with the objective of curbing Naxalism in urban and rural areas. The Bill was tabled in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Thursday by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is also the Minister of Law and Judiciary.

Kanchanjunga accident: Three employees suspended, Commissioner of Railway Safety inquiry almost complete

The inquiry by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) into the accident involving Kanchanjunga Express and a goods train on June 17 in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district that claimed 10 lives has reached completion and a final report is being awaited.

Wimbledon | Alcaraz overcomes initial jitters, powers past Medvedev

Successful sporting careers depend on three things — talent, hard work and luck. That Carlos Alcaraz was talented was never in doubt. No one who doesn’t work hard wins three Majors in a jiffy. And these last 10 days at Wimbledon have shown that he has some luck on his side too.

New Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal being brought to Rouse Avenue Court by CBI in connection with the Excise policy case, in New Delhi on June 29, 2024.
| Photo Credit: ANI

Cauvery panel asks Karnataka to ensure flow of water for Tamil Nadu

The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) on Thursday asked Karnataka to ensure flow of one tmc ft (11,500 cusecs) of water at Biligundlu every day till July 31 to supply water for Tamil Nadu. Karnataka had cited deficit water flow and urged the committee to defer any decision till July 25.

NEET-UG paper leak case: CBI arrests key accused Rakesh Ranjan alias Rocky

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probing the paper leak of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate) 2024 on Thursday arrested one of the key accused Rakesh Ranjan alias Rocky. Earlier this week, the CBI had searched 15 locations in Bihar and Jharkhand in connection with the case.

Delhi excise case: SC to deliver verdict on Kejriwal’s plea challenging ED arrest today

The Supreme Court is scheduled to deliver on July 12 its verdict on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case linked to the alleged excise policy scam.

Manipur Police arrest two Arambai Tenggol members from Imphal

The Manipur police arrested two members of the radical armed Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol in the heart of Imphal city’s Paona Bazaar area on Wednesday. The police also seized arms and ammunition, including an INSAS rifle with 16 live rounds of ammunition and a pistol with three live rounds.

During conflict, there is no such thing as strategic autonomy: U.S. Ambassador

There is no such thing as “strategic autonomy” during a conflict, U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti said on Thursday, even as sources said that U.S. officials have raised concerns with Indian officials over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia this week. The comments, including a series of statements critical of the visit by the U.S. State Department, are the sharpest sign of tensions between the U.S. and India over the Putin-Modi summit, including the timing of the talks that came as Western leaders met in Washington for a conference of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), and a series of deadly Russian missile strikes across Ukraine.

No intrusion recorded on cameras on Jammu-Pakistan border: BSF official

Amid a fresh wave of terror attacks in the Jammu division, a security audit by the Border Security Force (BSF) has not found any breach along the Jammu-Pakistan border, a senior BSF official said. The BSF checked the footage of underwater and surface surveillance cameras installed along the 192-km International Border in Jammu but no suspicious movement has been recorded in the past few days, the official told The Hindu.

Top J&K, Punjab security officials meet to counter growing militancy in Jammu

In the wake of rising militancy in Jammu, which borders both Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, top security officials from Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab held an inter-State meeting in Kathua on Thursday. At the same time, over 50 local residents were rounded up in Kathua in connection with the July 8 attack that left five soldiers dead.

India hosts BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers amid raging Myanmar crisis

The seven-member Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) should find solutions to the regional challenges within itself, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on July 11 addressing the first BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ retreat held in New Delhi.

Centre begins efforts to implement Labour Codes

Almost a month after the swearing-in of the Narendra Modi government for the third term, the Union Labour Ministry has started efforts to implement the four Labour Codes, which were passed in Parliament in its second term in 2019 and 2020. New Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Union Labour Secretary Sumita Dawra have started meeting representatives of various trade unions seeking their cooperation to implement the controversial legislation.

Impose ‘robot tax’ for AI-induced job loss, RSS-linked Swadeshi Jagran Manch tells FM ahead of Budget

A ‘robot tax’ to cross-subsidise employees who lose jobs because of the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by their employers is a key item on the budget wishlist of the Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), which is affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Justices Kotiswar Singh, R. Mahadevan proposed for elevation to Supreme Court

The five-member Supreme Court Collegium headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud on July 11 recommended Justice N. Kotiswar Singh and Madras High Court Acting Chief Justice R. Mahadevan for appointment as apex court judges.

PM Modi’s heart bleeds for innocents killed in Ukraine but not in Manipur: Meitei body

The Delhi Meitei Coordinating Committee (DMCC), one of the many conglomerates of Meitei organisations in Delhi, on Thursday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to solving the crisis in Manipur while preaching peace at the international stage with regard to the conflict in Ukraine.

Gritty Paolini outlasts Vekic in an epic, earns a shot at glory

Women’s tennis is in a unique place where there is space for both the familiar and the novel. There have been repeat Slam champions in the recent past, like Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka. There have also been first-time winners like Marketa Vondrousova and surprise finalists like Zheng Qinwen. Wimbledon 2024 has stayed true to this, and on Thursday, Barbora Krejcikova and Jasmine Paolini became the latest to join this assorted bunch, setting up Saturday’s final following come-from-behind victories.

Representational image of lawyers at the Supreme Court in New Delhi
| Photo Credit: PTI

SC judge Nagarathna says men should share funds to empower their homemaker wives

Justice B.V. Nagarathna of the Supreme Court, in a judgment on Wednesday, said husbands should share their financial resources with their ‘homemaker’ wives who did not have an independent source of income to empower them.

“An Indian married man must become conscious of the fact that he would have to financially empower and provide for his wife, who does not have an independent source of income, by making available financial resources particularly towards her personal needs; in other words, giving access to his financial resources,” Justice Nagarathna observed in a separate opinion upholding a divorced Muslim women’s right to maintenance under a secular Section 125 of the erstwhile Code of Criminal Procedure.

IIT-Madras ruled out ‘mass malpractice’ in NEET-UG exam, Centre tells Supreme Court

The Centre on Wednesday submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court referring to a data analytics report submitted by the Indian institute of Technology-Madras ruling out “mass malpractice” or localised set of candidates having been benefited in the NEET-UG 2024 exam leading to abnormal scores.

India has given ‘Buddha’ to the world, not ‘Yuddha’: PM Modi in Austria

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 10 said India has given ‘Buddha’ to the world, not ‘Yuddha’ (war) which means it has always given peace and prosperity, and therefore the country is going to strengthen its role in the 21st century. Addressing the Indian diaspora in Vienna, PM Modi also said that India is working towards being the best, the brightest, achieving the biggest and reaching the highest milestones.

ITBP seizes 108 kg gold biscuits near China border

The Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) arrested two men near the China border in Eastern Ladakh on July 9 for allegedly smuggling 108 kg of gold biscuits from China. While smuggling of smaller items was common, it was the first time ever that an alleged gold smuggling racket was exposed in the area with the arrest of two locals. Another person has been detained, an ITBP official said.

Apple issues two fresh Pegasus-like spyware alerts in India

At least two people in India on July 10 reported receiving a Pegasus-like alert from Apple, Inc. on their iPhones. The alerts, sent out on Tuesday night, warn them that they have been targeted by a targeted “mercenary” attack. Apple previously called these attacks “state-backed,” but changed this in April. Such spyware allows attackers to sift through targets’ personal devices, allowing them to view messages, photos, and tap into microphone and camera feeds in real time.

Russia, India agreed to go ahead with trade in national currency: Russian diplomat

India and Russia have decided to establish a system for national currency settlement, Roman Babushkin, Chargé d’Affaires of the Russian Embassy, said on Wednesday. A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended his two-day visit to Russia, Mr. Babushkin described the visit as “historic and game-changing”, and slammed the Western powers for supporting Ukraine.

Mumbai hit-and-run case: Key accused remanded to police custody, father sacked from Sena post

Prime accused in the Mumbai hit-and-run case, Mihir Shah, was remanded to police custody by a court in Mumbai till July 16 on July 10. Mr. Shah was arrested on Tuesday evening after being on the run for over 72 hours.

Bihar’s first transgender sub-inspectors make history

In a first, three transgenders qualified the Bihar Police Subordinate Services Commission (BPSSC) exam to become police sub-inspectors. Earlier, following a Patna High Court judgment in 2021, the State government had asked BPSSC to recruit third genders into police services.

India-Sri Lanka to sign MoU on public administration and governance

India and Sri Lanka are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) focused on capacity development and the exchange of expertise in public administration and governance aimed at training around 1,500 Sri Lankan civil servants, a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office of Sri Lanka said.

New textbooks for Class 6 to be made available by July-end, clarifies NCERT

The National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) said on Wednesday that new textbooks for Class 6 will be made available by the end of July. In response to a story published by The Hindu on July 9, the NCERT stated that all Grade 6 textbooks would be made available by the NCERT this month and that the two-month timeline referred to in the article was incorrect.

BJP lauds SC verdict on maintenance for divorced Muslim women under secular law

The BJP on July 10 praised the Supreme Court verdict which declared that a divorced Muslim woman was entitled to seek maintenance from her husband under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). Addressing a presser at the BJP’s national headquarters in New Delhi, party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said the verdict had “ended” a threat to the Constitution by the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, passed by a Congress government in the past.

‘Germany well positioned in Navy’s submarine deal’

German submarine manufacturer TKMS (Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems) was initially not inclined to bid for the Indian Navy’s mega deal for six conventional submarines under Project-75I due to the “terms and conditions”, but later entered the fray as the German government backed the project, said the company’s India head Khalil Rahman on Wednesday.

England reaches Euro 2024 final by beating Netherlands 2-1 on Watkins late goal

England reached a second straight European Championship final by beating the Netherlands 2-1 thanks to substitute Ollie Watkins’ stoppage-time winner on Wednesday. Watkins, who came on for captain Harry Kane in a bold call by coach Gareth Southgate, turned and smashed a fierce shot into the bottom corner in the first minute of added-on time.

A five-judge Bench headed by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud will hear petitions seeking a review of an October 2023 judgment of the Supreme Court which refused to legalise same-sex marriage, on July 10, 2024.
| Photo Credit: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap

Russia offers compensation and citizenship to kin of Indians killed in Ukraine war

As Russian President Vladimir Putin accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s request for early discharge of Indians hired as security helpers and forced to fight alongside the Russian Army against Ukraine, it has emerged that Moscow is offering a compensation package and citizenship to the families of the deceased.

Protests in Kathua after terror attack; end violence, Abdullah tells Pakistan

Anti-Pakistan protests were held in parts of the Jammu region on July 9 over the Kathua attack that left five soldiers dead on Monday. As Jammu & Kashmir parties in one voice condemned the attack, National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah expressed concern over the uptick in violence and sought dialogue.

Supreme Court to hear review pleas on same-sex marriage case

A five-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud is scheduled on July 10 to hear petitions seeking a review of an October 2023 judgment of the Supreme Court which refused to legalise same-sex marriage. The review pleas would be examined in the judges’ chambers at 1.30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Narendra Modi arrives in Austria, first visit by an Indian PM in over 40 years

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Vienna on July 9 from Moscow on a two-day visit to Austria during which the two nations will explore ways to further deepen their bilateral relationship and closer cooperation on the many geopolitical challenges.

Soumya Swaminathan is Principal Adviser for TB elimination programme

Former Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research and World Health Organisation’s Chief Scientist Dr. Soumya Swaminathan has been appointed as the Principal Adviser at the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) for the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP). She will be serving in MoHFW on a pro bono basis.

Congress submits breach of privilege notice against PM Modi

Congress’s Rajya Sabha Chief Whip Jairam Ramesh submitted a breach of privilege notice against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making “derogatory” remarks against former Vice-President and Chairman of the Upper House Hamid Ansari during a speech in the Lok Sabha in the last Parliament session.

India, Russia to boost bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030

India and Russia agreed to increase bilateral trade to $100 billion dollars by 2030, including the use of national currencies to circumvent Western sanctions, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin sat down for the 22nd Annual Summit here on Tuesday. This was their first meeting since the war in Ukraine began two years ago, and Mr. Modi made a “pained” plea for an end to civilian deaths and the conflict.

NEET-UG paper leak: CBI arrests 2 more in Patna

The Central Bureau Of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday arrested two more persons in Patna in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate) 2024 paper leak case; one was identified as a candidate named Sunny Kumar, a resident of Nalanda, while the other was Ranjit Kumar, father of another candidate from Gaya, said agency sources.

Apex Kuki tribes body calls for 12-hour shutdown in Manipur

The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), apex body of Kuki tribes in Manipur, on July 9 called for a 12-hour shutdown across all Kuki-Zo dominated districts of the State over the arrest of five purported village volunteers from their community by the security forces in the last two days, with some women’s groups of the Kuki-Zo community alleging that personnel of the security forces had beaten local women who were protesting the detention.

Gautam Gambhir appointed India men’s cricket head coach

Gautam Gambhir, the former India opening batter, has been appointed Rahul Dravid’s successor as the India men’s cricket team’s head coach. Gambhir, in his first international coaching assignment, has been handed a long rope, having been handed charge of the team till the end of 2027.

Centre reviews implementation of NEP 2020, prepares 5-year action plan

The Union Ministry of Education on Tuesday began a two-day meeting to review the progress of the National Education Policy’s implementation in States and Union Territories.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), various State Councils of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Kendriya and Navodaya Vidyalayas.

Spain beat France 2-1 to book place in Euro 2024 final

Spain fought back to beat France 2-1 in an entertaining Euro 2024 semi-final on Tuesday with a stunning Lamine Yamal strike and a Dani Olmo goal booking their spot in Sunday’s final in Berlin.

A jawan being taken to Billawar Health Center as he was injured after terrorists attacked an army convoy in Billawar, in Kathua on July 8, 2024.
| Photo Credit: ANI

Five soldiers killed, five injured as militants attack Army convoy in J&K’s Kathua

Five Army soldiers were killed and five were injured in an ambush by militants in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. Following the attack, the Army engaged the attackers in a firefight, which is still continuing.

Preliminary reports suggested that an Army patrol, comprising light and heavy vehicles, came under fire from two directions when the convoy reached Jenda Nallah in Badnota village, which is 124 km away from Kathua town. The incident took place around 3.30 p.m. The patrolling vehicles were from the Army’s 9 Corps (Rising Star Corps).

Ahead of talks with Putin, Modi says will ‘support’ peace in region

The solution to the Russia-Ukraine war will not be “found on the battlefield” is the message Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to deliver, even as he and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet on July 9 for structured talks and the 22nd Annual bilateral Summit. The two leaders met on Monday night for a personal dinner hosted by Mr. Putin at his Dacha in the Moscow suburb of Novo-Ogaryovo to set the tone for the visit, embracing each other, and discussing Mr. Modi’s return to office for a third term. In formal talks on Tuesday, economic issues and the issue of discharge of Indians “misled” into joining the Russian military on the Ukraine warfront will be at the top of India’s wish list.

Campaigning ends for Assembly byelections in 13 seats

Campaigning ended on July 8 for the Assembly byelections to be held on July 10 in 13 constituencies across seven States — Bihar, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.

The bypolls will be keenly watched, specially in Himachal Pradesh, where polling will be held in the three seats of Dehra, Hamirpur, and Nalagarh, vacated by Independent MLAs who joined the BJP. Though the Congress has crossed the majority mark of 35 seats in the Assembly by winning four of the six seats in the bypolls held simultaneously with the recent Lok Sabha election, the BJP is hoping for a windfall in these three.

ED moves Supreme Court against bail to Hemant Soren

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) appealed to the Supreme Court on Monday (July 8) against the grant of bail to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren by the State High Court in a money laundering case linked to a land scam.

Mahua Moitra flags BJP Minister’s ‘beef passes’ for ‘smugglers’; permits a routine affair, says BSF

After Trinamool Congress member of parliament Mahua Moitra alleged that Union Minister Shantanu Thakur issued passes to “smugglers” along the Bangladesh border to transport “beef”, Border Security Force (BSF) officials said that public representatives were authorised to endorse such passes for local residents and consumption of beef was not illegal in West Bengal.

As Mumbai faces deluge, Maharashtra CM assures high priority help to citizens

On behalf of the India Meteorological Department (Mumbai), a red alert has been issued for Mumbai Metropolis. Considering the safety of the students, Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani has announced a holiday for all primary, secondary and higher secondary schools and colleges of Mumbai Metropolis on July 9.

A major Russian missile attack on Ukraine kills at least 20 people and hits a children’s hospital

A major Russian missile attack across Ukraine killed at least 20 people and injured more than 50 on Monday, officials said, with one missile striking a large children’s hospital in the capital, Kyiv, where emergency crews searched rubble for casualties.

High anti-incumbency against BJP, Congress will form govt. with a thumping majority in Haryana: Deepender Hooda

The Haryana Assembly polls are three months away. The Congress is going into this election riding high on the Lok Sabha poll results, where, after a gap of 10 years, the party won five out of the 10 seats. Lok Sabha member and senior party leader in Haryana Deepender Hooda speaks to The Hindu on lessons from the Lok Sabha polls and the expectations ahead of the Assembly elections.

Centre set to tweak criteria for according classical language status

Amid a clamour for classical status for many languages, the Central government has decided to tweak the criteria for giving this special tag. The Linguistics Expert Committee of the Union Culture Ministry submitted a report on October 10 last year, suggesting some tweaks and changes in the criteria for according classical status to any language, sources in the Ministry told The Hindu.

Chopra flogging survivor files complaint against CPI(M), BJP leaders for sharing video

The survivor of the Chopra flogging incident in West Bengal has filed a police complaint against CPI(M) State secretary Mohammed Salim and BJP leader Amit Malviya for sharing videos of the incident on social media. The video of the flogging incident went viral on June 30 and was shared by many, including Mr. Salim and Mr. Malviya.

Mentor Yuvraj was very happy when I got out for duck, he must be proud now: Abhishek Sharma

India opener Abhishek Sharma has revealed that his mentor Yuvraj Singh was delighted when he got out for a duck on his T20I debut against Zimbabwe here as the swashbuckling former all-rounder, for reasons best known to him, felt it was a “good start”.