Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams, a record-holder for spacewalking, shared her experiences at the American Center in Delhi. She spoke about her recent extended stay on the ISS, the challenges faced, and the growing commercialization of space. Williams also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in space exploration and inspired Indian students to pursue careers in the sector.
India's first Vande Bharat sleeper train, designed for faster overnight travel, faced immediate criticism after a video emerged showing litter scattered across a coach shortly after its inaugural run. The incident sparked widespread social media commentary on the lack of civic sense among some passengers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's use of the term 'urban Naxals' has drawn sharp criticism from the Congress party. The Congress pointed out that the Home Ministry itself does not use this phrase. They questioned if the Prime Minister considers anyone opposing him an 'urban Naxal'.
US Ambassador Sergio Gor pledged regular visits by senior US officials to India to elevate their partnership. This follows a productive visit by Senator Steve Daines, who met with Indian ministers and business leaders. Daines advocated for Montana's pulse crop farmers, urging favorable provisions in future trade agreements with India, the world's largest consumer.
The Central Administrative Tribunal has cleared IRS officer Sameer Wankhede of disciplinary charges. The tribunal found the charges framed by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs to be retaliatory. It observed that the action appeared to be an attempt to stall Wankhede's promotion.
The Enforcement Directorate has urged the Tamil Nadu government to file an FIR against Minister KN Nehru, alleging Rs 366 crore in money laundering linked to corruption in official transfers within the Municipal Administration department. This marks the third such communication from the ED in three months, citing evidence of bribery and tender rigging.
In response to escalating anti-India protests and potential violence in Bangladesh, India has advised families of its diplomats and officials stationed there to return home. This precautionary measure aims to ensure safety, though all Indian missions and posts in Bangladesh remain fully operational. The situation is temporary and will be reassessed.
The BJP's voluntary contributions surged by 54% to Rs 6,125 crore in 2024-25, significantly exceeding the Rs 1,686 crore earned via electoral bonds in the previous year. This increase, driven by a near three-fold rise in corporate donations, offset the loss of anonymous funding.
Operation Trashi-I in Kishtwar's Chatroo region enters its third day, with security forces intensifying searches and aerial surveillance. A terrorist hideout was discovered, and locals were detained for questioning. The operation follows the death of Army Special Forces Commando Havildar Gajendra Singh during an earlier gun battle.
Nasa astronaut Sunita Williams visited India, calling it a homecoming. She shared her experiences aboard the International Space Station. Williams spoke about how seeing Earth from orbit fostered a sense of global unity. India has ambitious space plans, including its own space station by 2035 and a lunar mission by 2040.
Kerala governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar omitted and added to the state cabinet-approved policy address, drawing sharp criticism from chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The chief minister urged the speaker to consider only the cabinet-approved version as the official record. A similar incident occurred in Tamil Nadu where the governor walked out after refusing to read the prepared address.
Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi walked out of the Assembly without delivering his customary address, citing «inaccuracies» in the DMK government's prepared text. Chief Minister M K Stalin condemned the act as a violation of rules and an insult to the House. Stalin vowed to seek constitutional amendments to remove the Governor's address mandate.
Punjab is set to modernize its major bus terminals in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Sangrur, Patiala, and Bathinda through a Public Private Partnership. This initiative aims to significantly enhance passenger facilities, safety, and overall efficiency at these vital transport hubs. The upgrades will focus on improved waiting areas, sanitation, accessibility, and integrated commercial spaces, ensuring better connectivity for millions daily.
The BJP on Monday declared Nabin as its sole candidate for the post after the nomination and scrutiny process concluded without any rival contenders. This cleared the path for his unopposed election as the party’s 12th national president. In a late-night statement, BJP National Returning Officer K. Laxman said that only Nabin’s name remained after the completion of nominations and the withdrawal window, confirming his election by consensus.
Rahul Gandhi's 'TINA' jibe, meaning 'There Is No Accountability,' targeted the government following a techie's tragic death in a Greater Noida pit. The 27-year-old engineer's family claims repeated warnings about the accident-prone site were ignored. Authorities have filed an FIR against developers and formed an SIT to investigate the incident and rescue delays.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared Nitin Nabin his «boss» as the party worker after Nabin, the BJP's youngest-ever national president at 45, assumed office. PM Modi highlighted Nabin's millennial status, emphasizing his blend of youthful energy and organizational experience as crucial for building a developed India over the next 25 years.
Without naming any political party, but in an apparent attack on Trinamool Congress (TMC), which rules the poll-bound West Bengal, PM Modi lashed out at parties «covering up for illegal immigrants» and said: «We must expose them to the public». PM Modi also said the world doesn't question the «wealthiest and most powerful countries» when they crack down on illegal immigrants.
Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi staged a walkout from the state assembly, citing disrespect for the National Anthem and his microphone being switched off. Raj Bhavan alleged the speech ignored critical issues like Dalit atrocities. This marks a repeat of a similar incident last year, intensifying political tensions ahead of upcoming elections.
The WHO warns that alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages are becoming more affordable in India due to weak tax designs, failing to curb consumption despite strong health links. This public-health failure is leading to rising rates of liver disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses, particularly among younger populations.
The Indian Council of Medical Research is fast-tracking an experimental RNA-based antiviral therapy for Chikungunya, inviting Indian companies to develop and manufacture it. Developed by ICMR's National Institute of Virology, the therapy showed complete viral suppression in pre-clinical studies by targeting essential viral genes.
