Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma Offer Prayers at Ayodhya Temples
Star cricketer Virat Kohli and his wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, visited Ayodhya on Sunday to offer prayers. The celebrity couple, accompanied by family, sought blessings at both the newly inaugurated Ram Temple and the historic Hanuman Garhi Temple. Their visit, coming ahead of an LSG vs RCB IPL match for Kohli, garnered significant public and media attention, with Mahant Sanjay Das of Hanumangarhi Temple confirming their morning visit.
PM to Chair NITI Aayog Council Meeting with State CMs
Prime Minister Modi will chair a crucial meeting of the NITI Aayog's Governing Council today. The council, NITI Aayog's apex decision-making body, includes all Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories, and several Union Ministers. The agenda likely focuses on key national development priorities, policy implementation, and fostering cooperative federalism to achieve shared national goals. This meeting is pivotal for aligning central and state strategies for India's progress.
India Accuses Pakistan of Violating Indus Water Treaty Spirit Via Terrorism
India has accused Pakistan at the United Nations of violating the spirit of the Indus Water Treaty through persistent cross-border terrorism and obstructing infrastructure updates crucial for safety. India's Permanent Representative P Harish stated that despite "thousands of terrorist attacks," India has shown "extraordinary patience and magnanimity." This highlights ongoing tensions and India's firm stance on Pakistan's actions impacting bilateral agreements and regional stability concerns.
Trump: Apple Can Build in India, But Face US Tariffs on Sales
US President Donald Trump stated that while Apple is free to establish manufacturing plants in India, its products would then face tariffs if sold in the US. These remarks, made while signing executive orders to boost US nuclear power, signal a potential protectionist stance affecting global supply chains. This could significantly impact Apple's manufacturing strategy, India's ambitions as a global manufacturing hub, and future US-India trade dynamics.
All-Party Indian Delegation in Bahrain to Bolster Anti-Terror Diplomacy
An all-party Indian parliamentary delegation, led by senior BJP leader Baijayant Jay Panda, has arrived in Bahrain. This visit is part of New Delhi's global diplomatic outreach to emphasize its firm stance against cross-border terrorism. The delegation aims to strengthen bilateral ties and garner international support for India's counter-terrorism efforts, highlighting the nation's commitment to combating this global menace through robust international cooperation and dialogue.
US Judge Blocks Trump Admin from Barring Harvard's International Student Enrolment
A US judge has temporarily barred the Trump administration from revoking Harvard University's ability to enrol international students. This decision followed Harvard's lawsuit challenging a Homeland Security Department move to block new international student admissions. The ruling allows existing foreign students, including many from India, to continue their studies while the case proceeds, offering relief to thousands aspiring for US education at the prestigious institution.
Monsoon Arrives in India, Earliest Onset on Mainland Since 2009
The Southwest Monsoon has made its earliest onset over the Indian mainland since 2009, according to meteorological reports. This crucial weather system is vital for India's agriculture-dependent economy, significantly impacting crop yields, water reservoir levels, and overall economic sentiment. Meteorologists caution that the early arrival date does not necessarily correlate with the total seasonal rainfall, which will be closely monitored across the country in the coming months.
Top Maoist Leader Among Two Killed in Jharkhand Encounter
Two Maoists, including Pappu Lohra, the chief of splinter group Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP) carrying a Rs 10 lakh bounty, were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Jharkhand's Latehar district. The encounter occurred Saturday morning, marking a significant success for security operations against Naxalite insurgency in the region. Lohra's elimination is considered a substantial blow to the JJMP's operational capabilities and extremist activities.
Massive Fire Triggers Blast, Building Collapse at Delhi Factory
A major fire erupted at a factory in Delhi's Bawana industrial area early Saturday, leading to an explosion and the subsequent collapse of the multi-storey building. Seventeen fire tenders were dispatched to combat the blaze, which sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky. The incident highlights urgent concerns about industrial safety standards in densely populated urban areas. The cause of the fire and extent of casualties are currently under investigation.
Actor Mukul Dev, Known for Roles in 'Son of Sardaar', Passes Away at 54
Versatile actor Mukul Dev, recognized for his work in films like 'Son of Sardaar,' 'R... Rajkumar,' and 'Jai Ho,' has passed away at the age of 54. The actor died on Friday night. While the cause of death has not been officially confirmed, reports indicate he had been unwell and was in ICU during his final days. The film and television industry is mourning the loss of the talented performer.
Nagpur Man Arrested for Alleged Sexual Assault of Horse at Riding Academy
A man named Chotya Sundar Khobragade has been arrested in Nagpur for allegedly sexually assaulting a horse at a local riding academy. The disturbing incident reportedly came to light through CCTV footage which captured the accused committing the act. This unusual case has drawn significant attention and raises concerns about animal welfare and bizarre criminal behavior. Authorities are conducting further investigations following this shocking discovery.
Trump Administration Bars Harvard from Enrolling International Students, Mandates Transfers
The Trump Administration has revoked Harvard University's authorization to enroll international students, citing an "unsafe campus environment" and "anti-American" activities. Thousands of current foreign students must now transfer to other institutions or risk losing their US legal status. This action escalates a significant standoff with the Ivy League school and could preface a broader crackdown on other colleges, heavily impacting global students, including many from India.
India and US Report Progress on Bilateral Trade Agreement Negotiations
India and the United States are making significant strides towards finalizing a mutually beneficial trade agreement. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held a second meeting with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington to expedite negotiations, focusing on the first phase of the pact. Both nations are keen on strengthening economic ties and resolving outstanding trade issues to boost bilateral commerce and investment.
Pakistan Denies IndiGo Flight Airspace Access Amid Severe Weather Emergency
Pakistan reportedly rejected an IndiGo Delhi-Srinagar flight's request to use its airspace to avoid severe turbulence from a hailstorm. The flight, with over 220 passengers including MPs, faced an emergency, prompting the pilot to contact Srinagar ATC. This incident underscores ongoing airspace sensitivities and operational challenges between India and Pakistan, even during critical situations affecting civilian aircraft safety and highlighting bilateral tensions.
EAM Jaishankar Refutes Trump's Claim of Mediating India-Pakistan Ceasefire
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has firmly denied former US President Donald Trump's assertion of playing a role in mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Speaking in the Netherlands, Jaishankar clarified that the recent ceasefire agreement was a direct result of dialogue exclusively between the two nations, without any third-party intervention. This statement reiterates India's long-standing position on bilateral engagement with Pakistan for resolving disputes.