PM Modi addresses the SCO summit, emphasizing the need for a decisive response against terrorism and advocating for connectivity projects that respect sovereignty. PM Modi did not participate in the summit but, in remarks delivered through foreign minister S Jaishankar who filled in for him, he sought to allay apprehensions about India’s commitment to the group saying in a world moving inexorably towards real multipolarity, the SCO will only become more important and that it occupies a prominent place in India’s foreign policy.
Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy requested PM Narendra Modi to transfer 2,450 acres of defense land for public infrastructure in Greater Hyderabad. In exchange, the state would transfer 2,462 acres of state land to Research Centre Imarat. Reddy also requested coal block allocations, an IIM, semiconductor mission inclusion, and revival of the ITIR project, among other infrastructure needs.
Congress raises concerns over Agnipath scheme, requests more transparency from government. Ex-servicemen chief criticizes defense minister's presentation in Parliament. Indian Army provides details on payments to martyr's family.
Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind passes resolution against hate campaign, calls for legislation to counter Islamophobia. President condemns rising mob lynching incidents and propaganda against Muslims. Urges govt to implement plan to curb hate speech and hate crimes. Calls for action against hateful political parties and candidates. Condemns genocide in Palestine, demands halt in arms export.
Delhi Zoo is using ayurvedic methods like neem oil, turmeric, and quicklime to keep animals healthy during the monsoon season. These traditional remedies help prevent infections and repel insects. After heavy rains caused flooding and power outages, the zoo is repairing boundaries, installing barriers, and adding a generator to ensure animal safety and operational continuity during future rainy periods.
The High Court reserved its decision on Ghazipur MP Afzal Ansari's appeal against his four-year sentence under the Gangsters Act for BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai's 2005 murder. Justice Sanjay Kumar Singh heard enhancement petitions. Ansari, a Samajwadi Party MP, risks losing Parliament membership following the MP-MLA court's ruling; he is currently out on bail.
Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday distributed appointment letters to 9,888 candidates selected for Special Survey Assistant Settlement Officer and other related posts and asked the officials in the Revenue and Land Reforms department to complete the land survey before the assembly elections, slated to be held in 2025.
A groundbreaking study in the Lancet Planetary Health reveals that even below Indian air quality standards, air pollution contributes significantly to mortality in 10 cities, with 33,000 annual deaths linked to PM2.5 levels exceeding WHO guidelines. The findings underscore the need for stricter national standards and year-round pollution control measures across the nation.
Congress raises concerns over PM Modi and Anurag Thakur's statements in Parliament, citing inaccuracies. MP Tagore questions claims on holidays and criticizes alleged misleading information on Congress vote share and defense equipment. Letter seeking action against the statements has been sent to Lok Sabha Speaker.
India's president serves a ceremonial role, elected for five years under Article 56 by an Electoral College, with the prime minister holding executive power. Article 70 mandates the vice president acts in absences. Pratibha Patil was the first woman president; current is Droupadi Murmu. Rajendra Prasad served two terms. Zakir Husain died in office. Varahagiri Venkata Giri acted as president.
Baba Narayan Hari, also known as Saakar Vishwa Hari 'Bhole Baba', was seen leaving Phulrai village with his convoy shortly after the tragic Hathras stampede, captured on CCTV. The stampede occurred as devotees, mainly women, were returning from a 'satsang' led by Baba Narayan Hari, resulting in 121 deaths. Police attributed the incident to overcrowding, with bodies seen outside a hospital.
Supriya Sule and Prakash Mahajan raise concerns about the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme's timing and eligibility criteria. Sule views it as a political move before the elections, while Mahajan's comments about excluding certain groups stir controversy. The scheme aims to provide Rs 1,500 to eligible women in Maharashtra.
Tesla paused India talks after Elon Musk canceled an April visit. With capital constraints, declining deliveries, and Cybertruck, Mexico plant delays, focus shifts to Tata Motors, Mahindra. Musk's import tax cuts favored $497M+ foreign EV investment. No comments from Heavy Industries Ministry, Modi. Tesla’s staff cuts, few charging stations limit progress, EVs just 1.3% market per BloombergNEF.
According to a media report, ISRO Chief S Somnath suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi could be a candidate for India's first manned space mission, 'Gaganyan', scheduled for launch in 2025. In response, Jairam Ramesh took to 'X' and wrote, «Before he goes into space, the non-biological Pradhan Mantri should go to Manipur.» The Gaganyaan project is a significant Space mission of India that aims to demonstrate human spaceflight capability by sending a crew of three members into an orbit of 400 km for a 3-day mission and safely returning them to Earth by landing in Indian waters.