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Showing posts from December, 2024

Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, Replacing Aircraft Act, To Come Into Force From January 1

The new law that seeks to facilitate designing and manufacturing of aircraft in India as well as facilitate the ease of doing business in the aviation space will come into force from January 1, 2025. The new Act -- Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024 -- that replaces the 90-year old Aircraft Act, was cleared by the Parliament earlier this month. According to a notification issued on Tuesday, the "central government hereby appoints the 1st day of January, 2025 as the date on which the provisions of the said Act, shall come into force". Among others, the Act provides for regulation and control of the design, manufacture, maintenance, possession, use, operation, sale, export and import of aircraft and connected matters. The legislation will also remove redundancies and replace the Aircraft Act, 1934, which has been amended 21 times. India is one of the world's fastest growing civil aviation markets. from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/QlxJq7e

NIA To Probe Suspected Kuki Militant 'Tiger' Who Claimed Attack On CRPF, Burned Homes In Manipur

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A special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has accepted evidence submitted by the NIA of a suspected Kuki militant commander saying he and his men attacked the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and set fire to homes in Manipur. The NIA told the court that a viral video on a YouTube channel shows a man "suspected to be a Kuki militant called 'Tiger', a commander of the Kuki National Front-P (KNF-P), claiming he and his men attacked CRPF and burnt down houses on November 11." The NIA investigating a suspected Kuki militant of the KNF-P also raises questions over possible violation of the suspension of operations (SoO) agreement.  Three big escalations happened in ethnic violence-hit Manipur on November 11 - first, six of a family from the Meitei community were kidnapped and killed in Jiribam district by suspects who the Manipur government in a cabinet statement called "Kuki militants"; second, 10 others - also identified as "Kuki mi...

Viral Video Shows Passengers Doused With Water On Platform, Indian Railways Responds

A video going viral on social media has sparked a barrage of criticism towards Indian Railways after passengers sleeping on the platform at Lucknow's Charbagh station were sprayed with cold water, amid the prevailing cold wave conditions. The footage showed the passengers, who usually sleep on the Indian platforms, waiting for the trains, being shrugged off and forced to vacate the space by the railway staffers. The incident, which allegedly transpired last week, showed passengers hastily gathering their belongings, including blankets, as they were forced to leave the platform, which was then cleaned by the railway staff. A section of social media users were left angered by the incident and slammed the railways staff for not showing some sensitivity towards the passengers. "Heart breaks man, so much poverty and disregard everywhere, govt after govt has failed the people while the politicians are padding their accounts in one tax heaven after another," said one social m...

SBI Invites Applications for Over 14,000 Clerk Positions, Check Details Here

SBI Recruitment 2024:  The State Bank of India (SBI) has opened applications for 14,191 vacancies. Of these, 13,735 positions are regular posts, while the rest are backlog vacancies. Eligible candidates can submit their applications through the official website by January 7, 2025. The vacancies are available across various regions, including 1,894 positions for the Lucknow/New Delhi area, 1,317 in the Bhopal Circle, 1,254 in Kolkata, 1,111 in Bihar, and 50 in the Leh Ladakh region, among others. Age Limit Candidates must be between 20 and 28 years old as of April 1, 2024. Educational Qualification Applicants must hold a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university or possess an equivalent qualification approved by the central government. Candidates with an Integrated Dual Degree (IDD) should ensure its completion by December 31, 2024. SBI Clerk Online Registration 2024: Steps To Apply Go to the SBI's official website, sbi.co.in and navigate to the ...

"Hope You Let Go Of Baggage Of Politics": Atishi Hits Back At Lt Governor

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena's New Year greetings to Chief Minister Atishi , heavy in its criticism of her predecessor Arvind Kejriwal, has drawn a stinging response. In a two-page letter, the Chief Minister, among other things, expressed hope that in the New Year, Mr Saxena would "let go of the baggage of politics" and work towards the welfare of the people of Delhi.  The 10-point "concerns" she raised, hit out at Mr Saxena over his "criticism rather than constructive cooperation", "unnecessary interventions that slowed down critical work" and actions taken to stop the Mahila Samman Yojana and accused his office of becoming a "proxy of the BJP".  The Lieutenant Governor, she alleged, has failed to keep the city safe - "the one job that you are directly responsible for and mandated to do". "While an ex-Member of Parliament has been busy distributing money to lure voters right under your nose from his illegal...

Ram Kapoor Lost 55 Kgs In 18 Months, No Pills Or Surgery: Here's How

On December 19, Ram Kapoor marked his return to social media by sharing two mirror selfies. The photos immediately caught the attention of his fans, thanks to his incredible physical transformation. Ram appeared noticeably leaner in the images and accompanied them with a caption that read, “Hi guys, sorry for the slightly long absence from Insta. I was working on myself quite extensively.” The actor has reportedly lost 55 kilos in 18 months. This remarkable transformation was done the old-fashioned way as shared by the actor in an interview recently. While there are surgical ways as well as medications that might help one lose weight, you are always encouraged to start with a healthy diet and workout routine. Read on as we discuss some things to consider when trying to lose drastic amount of weight. Things to keep in mind when trying to lose weight 1. Set realistic goals When aiming for significant weight loss, it's crucial to set achievable and realistic goals. Losing a lot of ...

Man Dies In Police Station While Recording Statement, Family Alleges Murder

The death of a 35-year-old Dalit man inside a police station in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district triggered protests from his family, who alleged murder. The Congress, on Sunday, also slammed the Mohan Yadav-led BJP government for what they termed "jungle raj" in the state. Mukesh Longre died on Saturday after being called to the Satwas police station here for questioning in a complaint submitted against him by a woman on December 26, Superintendent of Police Puneet Gehlot said. "While inspector Ashish Rajput was reading his statement, Longre made a noose around his neck with a gamcha (towel), tied it to a window grill in the lock-up and began yanking his neck. Police stopped him and rushed him to a hospital where doctors declared him dead," the SP said. "There is no case against him. He was just called to record his statement. Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Nandani Uikey is conducting an inquiry into the death. The JMFC visited the spot this morn...

UP Groom Calls Off Wedding Over Delay In Serving Food, Then Marries Cousin

A groom in Uttar Pradesh's Chandauli abruptly called off his wedding over an alleged delay in serving food, leaving the bride and her family stranded at the venue, only to tie the knot with his cousin later that day. The bride and her family then approached the police, demanding justice, and also claimed that they had given Rs 1.5 lakh to the groom's family hours before the ceremony was to take place.  Speaking to the media, the bride said her marriage was arranged with Mehtab seven months ago. On December 22, as the wedding procession arrived at her house in Hamidpur village, Mehtab and his relatives were extended a warm welcome by her family.  "I was ready since morning. The groom and his family arrived, ate and then abused and assaulted my parents before leaving the spot. I later approached the police for justice," she said.  The bride said that as the wedding guests sat down to eat, there was a slight delay in serving food to Mehtab. He got angry after his fri...

"Doing Great Work": PM After Meeting Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas

Aravind Srinivas, the Indian-origin Co-founder and CEO of Perplexity AI, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday and they discussed the potential for the adoption of artificial intelligence in India. While the Chennai-born Srinivas said he was inspired by the PM's dedication to staying updated on the topic and his "remarkable vision" for the future, PM Modi said it was good to see the CEO doing "great work" with Perplexity AI. Posting a photo of their meeting, Mr Srinivas wrote on X, "Had the honor to meet Prime Minister @narendramodi ji. We had a great conversation about the potential for AI adoption in India and across the world. Really inspired by Modi Ji's dedication to stay updated on the topic and his remarkable vision for the future." Replying to the post, PM Modi wrote, "Was great to meet you and discuss AI, its uses and its evolution. Good to see you doing great work with @perplexity_ai. Wish you all the best for your future en...

Divisive Rhetoric On Religion Harms Constitutional Unity: Supreme Court Judge

The increasing use of divisive rhetoric based on religion, caste and ethnicity poses a major challenge to the constitutional ideal of fraternity as well as the sense of unity in the country, Supreme Court judge Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra has said. He was speaking on the theme of 'Fraternity: Spirit of the Constitution' at a national council meeting of the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad, a lawyers' organisation, at Vadtal in Gujarat's Kheda district. The use of identity politics for votes by politicians can deepen social divisions, he warned. Divisive ideologies, growing economic inequality and social injustice are major threats to the spirit of brotherhood, and upholding fraternity is a "shared responsibility" of common citizens, institutions as well as leaders, Justice Mishra said. Among the ideals of liberty, equality, and justice, fraternity shines as the unifying thread that binds the fabric of our democratic society, and without fraternity, the ...

7 Gurugram Students Allegedly Beat Bus Driver After Argument Over Ticket, Arrested

Seven students of ITI, Gurugram were arrested for allegedly beating up a bus driver and conductor following a verbal argument over tickets, police said on Saturday. The incident happened when the bus driver and the conductor got down from the bus at the last stop, they said, adding that the city bus ran between Millennium City Metro Station to Gurugram Railway Station. In his complaint to the police, bus conductor Lalaram said that on December 21, around 4.20 pm, the bus left for the railway station from the Millenium City Metro Station when some students boarded the bus at Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Chowk. Lalaram said they were not paying for the tickets, which is why they had an argument with them. Later the students got down at the last stop, he said. He said after parking the bus, driver Rajesh Kumar and he got down from the vehicle and went to get some water when the ITI students gathered and started beating us up. "When people started to gather, the students f...

Book Excerpt | How Manmohan Singh Helped India Beat China To Mars

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(The following is an edited excerpt from Pallava Bagla and Subhadra Menon's book ' Reaching For The Stars: India's Journey to Mars and Beyond ', published by Bloomsbury India How India's maiden mission to Mars became 'Mangalyaan': Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's 2012 speech written in Urdu hid the answers. Not many realise that it was Dr Singh who gave India its first inter-planetary voyage with one single point geo-political message: India should beat China and reach the Martian orbit ahead of the Dragon. An Asian space race unfolded and India won it hands down as, under Dr Singh's leadership, the mission was conceived and delivered in all of 18 months. India ran a Martian marathon as if sprinting for a hundred-metre dash. Mangalyaan was publicly announced by Dr Singh from the magnificent ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi on August 15, 2012. Interestingly, when the Moon mission was being planned, Chandrayaan was also announced from the Red Fo...

Video: "No Money" For Ticket, Man Travels 250 Km Under Train In Madhya Pradesh

Railway staffers carrying out a routine inspection of a train's rolling stock and undercarriage at Jabalpur station in Madhya Pradesh were in for a shock on Friday when they noticed a stowaway under one of the coaches, hiding in a space above the wheels. Their shock only grew when they were told that the man had travelled 250 km - or more than four hours - in this fashion, all the way from Itarsi.  Officials said employees from the Carriage and Wagon Department noticed unusual movement under the AC-4 coach of the Pune-Danapur Express (train no 12149) and asked the loco pilot to stop the train. The man, hiding in the trolley section above the wheels, was then asked to come out and handed over to the Railway Protection Force (RPF).    During initial questioning, the man said that he could not afford a train ticket and therefore resorted to this method of travel to reach Jabalpur. Officials, however, said his responses also indicated that he may be mentally challenged....

Argentina's Soaring Poverty And What President Javier Milei Is Doing About It

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Argentina, a nation once ranked among the wealthiest in the world , has found itself grappling with severe economic challenges over the past 25 years. Then, one year ago, provocative libertarian economist Javier Milei was inaugurated as its new president. Known for his flamboyant persona and radical views, Javier Milei is one of the most polarising figures in global politics, celebrated by some as a visionary reformer and dismissed by others as “ El Loco ” (“the mad one”). He pledged to take a “chainsaw” to the state and promote a free-market approach. His pro-capitalism stance extends to the promotion of culture wars. Last month, he fired his foreign secretary for voting along with 186 other countries against the US embargo on Cuba at the United Nations. Only the US and Israel voted against it. He withdrew Argentina's delegation of negotiators to the UN climate summit in Baku, claiming human-caused climate change is “a socialist lie” . Yet Milei owes his 2023 victory to Arge...

Manmohan Singh, 2-Time PM And Architect Of India's Economic Reforms, Dies At 92

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh died of age-related medical conditions today, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi, where he was admitted, said in a statement. He was 92. "With profound grief, we inform the demise of former Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh, aged 92. He was being treated for age-related medical conditions and had a sudden loss of consciousness at home on 26 December 2024," AIIMS said. "Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home. He was brought to the medical emergency at AIIMS, New Delhi at 8.06 pm. Despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9.51 pm," AIIMS said. Manmohan Singh was Prime Minister for two terms in the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government from 2004 to 2014. He had been in poor health for the last few months. The former prime minister is survived by wife Gurcharan Singh and three daughters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a post on ...

Class 11 Student Stabbed 14 Times In Faridabad Market, 10 Detained

Ten people have been apprehended for allegedly stabbing a class 11 student to death in a market here, police said on Wednesday. The family of the victim, Anshul, staged protests and accused police of inaction and "laughing off" the matter when they had complained about him receiving death threats on Instagram a few days ago. Anshul's sister, Anjali, narrated the incident to the police and said that her brother had an argument with the accused a few days ago. On Tuesday, they had gone to the market when the accused -- Himanshu Mathur and Rohit Dhama -- along with a few other men attacked Anshul with sticks and knives. Seeing this, she and some locals rushed to help Anshul and took him to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday. He was stabbed 14 times, police said. Anmol, the victim's friend, told the police that the accused wanted to spread hooliganism in the Baslewa colony and used to sell drugs. They would often misbehave with the girls in the a...

Goa May Face Beef Shortage As Traders Strike Over Vigilante Threats

Goa could face beef shortage ahead of Christmas and New Year with meat traders in the state going on a strike to protest against increased harassment' by cow vigilante groups. The shut-down started on Monday under the banner of Quraishi Meat Traders Association (QMTA). In a letter to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, the association claimed there was an increase in attacks from right-wing Hindu organisations on shops which sell beef legally. "The recent attack happened in Margao. We want action against these groups. We need protection from the government," said Abdul Bepari, a QMTA member. Police have failed to take action despite receiving complaints, he said, adding that meat traders would continue the strike till they get an assurance from the government about their security. As per government statistics, 20-25 tonnes of beef is sold in the coastal state daily, and the sale increases during tourist and festive seasons. Congress MLA Carlos Alvares Ferreira told report...

Is Allu Arjun Alone To Blame For 'Pushpa 2' Stampede? Witness Says No

The recent stampede at a Hyderabad movie hall that claimed the life of a woman, is not entirely the fault of Telugu superstar Allu Arjun, the government and the police also had a role to play, an eyewitness of the tragedy has pointed out. Vijay who was at the spot on December 4 during the premiere of 'Pushpa 2: The Rise', explained several aspects of the situation that have not been widely known so far.  Speaking to NDTV, Vijay said, "It is not that Allu Arjun is completely at fault. So is the police and so is the government. It is the government who gave permission and who charges Rs 1100 per ticket and what did they give us in return? They gave us lathicharge... Instead of trying to blame each other, everybody has to own up to their mistakes". Close to 3000 people had gathered at the spot for a glimpse of Allu Arjun, whose PR team had made it "obvious" that he would be present for the premiere, he told NDTV. The police station, he added, is just 1 km a...

Popcorn Sold In Movie Theatres To Attract 5% GST: Sources

Popcorn, in loose form, sold in movie theatres will continue to attract GST at a 5 per cent rate, same as in restaurants, government sources said. However, if the popcorn is clubbed and sold together with a movie ticket, the supply would be treated as a composite supply and taxed as per the applicable rate of the principal supply, which is the ticket. The 55th meeting of the GST Council clarified the GST applicability in popcorn after it received a request from Uttar Pradesh to clarify the classification and GST rate applicable to popcorn mixed with salt and spices. There has been no increase in the GST rate on popcorn. Popcorn is served to customers in theatres in loose form and hence will continue to attract a rate of 5 per cent as applicable to 'restaurant service' as long as supplied independently of the cinema exhibition service, according to the sources. Under GST, popcorn mixed with salt and spices is classified as namkeen and attracts a 5 per cent tax. When it is p...

Parts Of Delhi Face Water Shortage As Ammonia Levels Rise In Yamuna

Many areas of the national capital face water shortage due to dangerously high levels of ammonia (NH3) in the Yamuna river at the Wazirabad pond, an official statement of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) said. According to the statement, ammonia concentrations exceeding 5.0 ppm have reduced water production at the Wazirabad Water Treatment Plant by 25-50 per cent. "As a result, water supply in several areas of the city will be available at low pressure until the situation improves," it said. The affected areas include Majnu Ka Tila, ISBT, GPO, NDMC area, ITO, Hans Bhawan, LNJP Hospital, Defence Colony, CGO Complex, Rajghat, WHO, IP Emergency, Ramleela Ground, Delhi Gate, Subhash Park, Gulabi Bagh, Timarpur, SFS Flats, Punjabi Bagh, Azadpur, Shalimar Bagh, Wazirpur, Lawrence Road, Model Town, Jahangirpuri, Moolchand, South Extension, Greater Kailash, Burari, parts of Cantonment areas, and South Delhi. The DJB has urged residents to use water judiciously and assured the availabilit...

"No One Listens": Delhi Resident's Video On Cows, Garbage On Road

Nearly a year after a man was attacked by a bull and killed in south Delhi's Kalkaji Extension, residents have raised concerns over a sudden rise in the number of stray cattle on the road outside their homes again. In February, a city resident Subhash Kumar Jha was attacked by the bull outside a school in the area and killed. He went to the school to pick up his son when the incident, which was seen on CCTV camera, happened. A new video has emerged from the same area, showing garbage strewn outside the walls of residential colonies and a school, with over a dozen cows sitting on them. "Look at these flats. Residents have worked hard to keep them clean," a local resident said in a video which he posted on X. He pans the camera. "However, this is the condition on the other side of the wall," he said, as the garbage and cattle appear in view. "These cattle will suddenly get up and come on the road, leading to accidents, which happen everyday. No one cares;...

Tata Institute Of Fundamental Research Invites Applications For Multiple Positions, Check Details

Tata Institute Of Fundamental Research Recruitment 2024: The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), a premier research institute in India, is inviting applications for various positions, including Engineers, Scientific Officers, Technical Assistants, Administrative Officers, and more. The recruitment drive offers an excellent opportunity to work in science, technology, and innovation. It aims to fill 26 positions. Interested and eligible candidates can submit their applications by visiting the official website .  Key Details: Positions Available : Engineer (C) (Mechanical): 1- Pay Level 10, Rs 1,13,970 Engineer (C) (Civil): Pay Level 10, Rs 1,13,970 Scientific Officer (C): Pay Level 10, Rs 1,13,970 Administrative Officer (C) (Legal): Pay Level 10, Rs 1,13,970 Technical Assistant (B) (Electrical): Pay Level 6, Rs 70,290 Tradesman (B)- (Turner, Electrician, etc): Pay Level 3, Rs 45,219 Clerk Work Assistant (Technical) Eligibility: Reservations are available f...

Indian Businessman Ravi Pillai Receives Bahrain's Topmost Award

Indian businessman Dr Ravi Pillai has been awarded Bahrain's prestigious national honour, the Medal of Efficiency, in recognition of his significant contributions to the progress and development of the kingdom, making him the only foreign national to receive the title. King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the king of Bahrain, awarded the prestigious national honour to Mr Pillai, chairman of RP Group, on December 16. “This esteemed award reflects His Majesty's deep appreciation for Dr Pillai's outstanding contributions to the Kingdom, particularly in the fields of refinery operations, local community development, and the strengthening of Bahrain's global position,” the Royal Order said. “We appreciate Dr Ravi Pillai for his exceptional service and contributions to the Kingdom, and we are honored to present him with this distinguished award as a sign of our deep gratitude,” the king said in the royal proclamation. With a turnover of USD 12 billion, his business is the large...

How Bashar al-Assad's Inner Circle Fled Syria After His Fall

A lightning rebel offensive early this month caught Syria's ruling clan off guard. President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia on December 8, leaving behind many of his collaborators, some of whom sought refuge in neighbouring countries. According to two sources, the ousted president, who fled to Moscow via the Russian military airfield in Hmeimim on Syria's coast, was accompanied by only a handful of confidants. Among them were his closet ally, the secretary-general of presidential affairs Mansour Azzam, as well as his economic adviser Yassar Ibrahim, who oversees the financial empire of Assad and his wife, Asma. "He left with his secretary and his treasurer," an insider who requested anonymity said, mockingly. Bashar's brother, Maher al-Assad, commander of the elite Fourth Division tasked with defending Damascus, did not know about his sibling's plans. Leaving his men stranded, Maher took a separate route, fleeing by helicopter to Iraq before travelling t...

Philippines Eases Medical Practice Rules: What It Means For Indian Students

In a significant move, the Philippines government has amended its Medical Act, allowing foreign nationals, including Indian students, to practice medicine in the country. The reform addresses the aspirations of Indian students seeking affordable and globally recognized medical education. The new law replaces the outdated Medical Act of 1959 and was passed with overwhelming support in the House of Representatives, securing a vote of 184-3. Key amendments include the establishment of the Medical Education Council and the Professional Regulatory Board of Medicine, aimed at enhancing academic standards, fostering ethical medical practices, and solidifying the Philippines' position as a global hub for medical education. Indian students graduating from CHED-accredited colleges can now register and practice medicine in the Philippines after completing their internships. Additionally, the qualifications meet Indian Medical Commission standards, enabling seamless opportunities to practice...

Winter Vacation Announced For Delhi Government Schools, Remedial Classes For Seniors

The Directorate of Education (DoE), Delhi, has announced that all government schools in the city will be closed for winter vacation from January 1 to January 15, 2025. However, students in Classes 9 to 12 will have the opportunity to enhance their academic skills through remedial classes aimed at addressing learning gaps during this break. The remedial sessions will focus on core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science for Classes 9 and 11, while Classes 10 and 12 will concentrate on revising crucial pre-board topics and practising exam questions. Attendance is mandatory for all students, and they must attend the classes in their school uniforms. To ensure all students are informed, the DoE has instructed schools to notify parents and students about the classes through various communication channels, including School Management Committee (SMC) meetings, student diaries, and mass SMS. Schools are also required to announce the details during morning and evening assemblies. H...

Vladimir Putin Once Again Hails India's Growing Economy Under PM Modi's Government

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday once again acknowledged India's growing economic prowess while highlighting his government's continued efforts to keep the overall economic situation in the country normal and stable despite the long and ongoing conflict with Ukraine. "International financial and economic institutions have placed Russia first in Europe in terms of economic volume, purchasing power parity, and fourth in the world. Ahead are China, the United States, and India. We overtook Germany last year and have overtaken Japan this year. But this is not an indicator that we should fall asleep and calm down on. Of course not," said President Putin while answering questions during his annual press conference in Moscow on Thursday. He mentioned that the Russian economy continues to develop despite external threats and attempts to influence it. "Everything is developing, everything is actively moving forward. If the Eurozone has fallen asleep, then t...

Delhi Bans Firecrackers In City Throughout The Year

The Delhi government on Thursday imposed a "perpetual ban" on the manufacture, use and sale of firecrackers, including through online platforms, in the national capital, according to an official order. Principal Secretary (environment) of the Delhi government A K Singh invoked the "perpetual ban" on firecrackers under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The ban covers the manufacturing, storage, and selling, including delivery through online marketing platforms, of all kinds of firecrackers and their bursting in Delhi, said the order. The move comes amid Delhi facing hazardous air pollution levels leading to a range of restrictions including a ban on construction activities and entry of trucks in the city. from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/B1wnrvy

India, China Arrive At 6 Consensus Points As Ajit Doval, Wang Yi Meet

India and China agreed on six points to resolve the border issue as National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi. Both sides agreed on the need to maintain peace and a commitment to continue seeking a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable package solution to the boundary issue. The consensus points also include cross-border tourism including in areas like Tibet and cross-border river cooperation and Nathu La border trade and resumption of Mansarovar Yatra. This was the first Special-Representative level meet since the flare-up of incidents at the border.  The meeting follows the bilateral between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit held in Kazan last month. It was the first significant breakthough amid the chill that had set in following the clashes in Ladakh's Galwan -- the worst in decades. Today's meet was meant to oversee the management of peace at the border and explore a "fair, reasonabl...

Turkey-Made Drones Spotted Near Bangladesh Border, Meghalaya Alerts Centre

The Meghalaya government has alerted the Centre over the recent sighting of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) near the border with Bangladesh. This comes after the Turkey-made Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles were spotted near the border. Prestone Tynsong, Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya, has said the Centre and state government are closely monitoring the situation, adding that the Border Security Force and the Indian Air Force have been alerted and New Delhi is keeping a close watch. "We are keeping the Centre informed on this and they are also taking serious note of this...Centre also must take it up with the government of Bangladesh," Mr Tynsong said. Meghalaya shares a 443 km border with neighbouring Bangladesh. However, the UAVs were recently spotted close to Sohra and Shella in the East Khasi Hills district, about 200 meters south of the zero line on the international border. The Indian security agencies, including the Air Force, have intensified surveillance...

IIM Raipur Introduces Free Advanced Courses For Entrepreneurs, MSMEs

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur, in collaboration with the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) under the Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme (ESDP), has launched two advanced development courses for aspiring entrepreneurs and MSMEs. These fee-waiver programmes aim to equip participants with the skills and strategies needed to successfully establish and scale ventures. The two programmes are: Advanced E-SDP for New Venture Creation Duration : February 3-7, 2025 This five-day course is designed for budding entrepreneurs, covering key areas such as marketing, financing, leadership, operational efficiency, and legal compliance. Advanced MDP For Business Scale-Up For MSMEs Duration: February 3-8, 2025 Focus:  Aimed at MSME owners and managers, this six-day programme addresses growth challenges, scalable business models, and sustainable strategies, including opportunity identification, securing finances, and overcoming family busin...

"His Tabla Spoke Universal Language": Leaders, Fans Mourn Zakir Hussain

Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain - the eldest son of legendary tabla player Allah Rakha - died in the US today of a heart disease. He was 73. Leaders and fans across India and the world posted condolences on social media. "The news of the death of renowned tabla player Padma Vibhushan Ustad Zakir Hussain is extremely sad. My heartfelt tribute to him. The death of Zakir Hussain is an irreparable loss to the country's art and music sector," Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said. "His contribution in the field of art is unprecedented. His dedication towards his art and his contribution will always be remembered. May God grant peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family and fans. Om Shanti." "The lyrics of Zakir Hussain ji's tabla spoke a universal language, transcending borders, cultures and generations. This clip defines how we will remember him, and celebrate his legacy. The sound and vibrations of his rhythm will echo in our hearts forever. Wil...

19-Year-Old Man Burnt Alive Allegedly By Friends Over Monetary Dispute In Jaipur

A 19-year-old man was burnt alive allegedly by his friends here over a monetary dispute, police said on Saturday. The incident took place in the Bagru police station area on Friday. The victim, Rakesh Gurjar, died at a hospital here on Saturday, they said. On a complaint lodged by Gurjar's father Mohar Singh, a case of murder has been registered against the accused, Harimohan Meena and Manoj Nehra, police said. The two accused picked up Gurjar from his home on Friday on the pretext of taking him to a party, they said. Singh told reporters that Meena and Nehra poured petrol on his son before setting him on fire. "The victim gave a video statement. Both the accused have been detained and a case has been registered. The matter is being investigated," said Bagru Station House Officer Motilal Sharma. In his statement, Gurjar said he did not know why he was burnt, according to police. After the incident, some locals rushed Gurjar to Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, where ...

Ranthambore Tourists Slammed For Recording Video Of Tiger Hunting Deer From Close Range

A group of tourists in Rajasthan's Ranthambore National Park is facing backlash online for recording a video of a tiger hunting a deer from an alarmingly close distance. The clip, posted on Instagram account Ranthambore National Park, shows tourists in safari jeeps witnessing the rare wildlife moment from a close range. It shows a group of safari-goers engrossed in recording the scene on their phone, while one individual takes a selfie as the tiger hunts in the background.  "During the safari, tourists experienced a rare and breathtaking moment - a tiger hunting a deer right in front of them. The sheer agility, strength, and precision of this majestic predator left them speechless. Such moments remind them of the beauty and brutality of the wild, where every moment is unpredictable. Truly an unforgettable experience," the caption of the post read. Take a look below:  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ranthambore Nat...