Author: PTI

Enhancing Defence and Security Engagement with Maldives Capacity building is a crucial aspect of India’s defence and security collaboration with the Maldives. The Ministry of External Affairs expressed willingness to further this cooperation by providing training for Maldivian pilots if a request is received from Male. The recent repatriation of Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives marked a milestone in the bilateral relationship. Meanwhile, reports of an Indian national being arrested in Canada in connection with a high-profile case have surfaced, potentially impacting diplomatic relations between the two countries. Concerns regarding Indian students facing issues in Canada were also…

Man Loses Control of Anger, Allegedly Kills IT Manager in Gurugram In a shocking incident in Gurugram, a man allegedly killed an IT company manager by running him over with a car. The prime accused, Manoj Bhardwaj alias Manav, admitted that he and his accomplices severely thrashed the victim and his brother before the fatal incident occurred. Bhardwaj claimed that he lost control of his anger, leading to the tragic outcome. After being arrested, Bhardwaj confessed to the crime and the police have seized the car used in the murder. The incident took place on Sohna Road late Sunday night,…

Sambalpur (Odisha): BJD leader V K Pandian’s recent blunder during an election campaign has stirred controversy and given the BJP an opportunity to criticize him on his knowledge of iconic poets in Odisha. The slip-up involved misnaming renowned figures such as ‘Swabhaba Kabi’ Gangadhar Meher and ‘Santha Kabi’ Bhima Bhoi, leading to accusations of disrespect towards Odia culture. Despite claims of the mistake being a ‘slip of the tongue,’ criticism from opposition candidates and BJP leaders has intensified. Pandian’s background as a Tamil Nadu-born bureaucrat-turned-politician in Odisha has also fueled allegations of being an ‘outsider’ in state politics. The BJP…

The Kerala government is seeking compensation for the family of a man who died in an Oman hospital without his wife by his side, due to flight cancellations by Air India Express. Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty urged Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia for aid for Amrita, who couldn’t be with her husband Rajesh in his final moments because of cancelled flights amidst a strike. Amrita, booked a flight to Oman on May 8, 2024, to be with her husband but faced multiple cancellations. Rajesh, unfortunately, passed away on May 13, leaving behind two young children. The Kerala government…

BJP Expels Leaders in Himachal Pradesh Ahead of Assembly Polls In a surprising move, the BJP in Himachal Pradesh has expelled Rakesh Choudhary and former minister Ram Lal Markanda for six years after they refused to withdraw their assembly poll nominations as Independents. Despite efforts to persuade them, both leaders failed to comply, leading to their expulsion from the party. Following a series of events where Congress rebels joined the BJP and were subsequently disqualified, a sense of unrest has been looming in the political landscape of Himachal Pradesh. With the announcement of tickets to the rebels, defeated candidates of…

Pakistani Minister’s Praise for India’s Business Culture Sparks Controversy Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently made headlines by praising India’s support for its businessmen, contrasting it with the perception of businessmen in his own country as ‘thieves’. Naqvi highlighted how in India, businessmen are respected and supported, while in Pakistan, they are often labeled negatively when they achieve success. The minister’s comments came in the midst of the Dubai Leaks scandal, where a significant number of high-value properties owned by Pakistani nationals were exposed. Naqvi’s wife was revealed to own a property in Dubai, adding fuel to the controversy surrounding…

Supreme Court Seeks Alternate Digital KYC for Acid Attack Survivors New Delhi: The Supreme Court has taken a significant step by seeking responses from the Centre, the Reserve Bank of India, and other entities on a plea for an alternative digital KYC (Know Your Customer) process for acid attack survivors and individuals with permanent eye damage. The petition, filed by nine acid attack survivors, raised concerns about the difficulties faced by survivors with eye disfigurement in completing the Digital KYC/e-KYC process for essential services like opening bank accounts or obtaining SIM cards. The petition highlighted the case of a survivor…

In the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections in Ladakh, Chering Dorjay Lakruk, president of Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), asserted that unity prevails despite regional divisions, particularly in the pursuit of statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards. Lakruk highlighted the importance of protecting Ladakh’s land, culture, and pasture lands utilized by local nomadic tribes amid encroachments from China. Since its inception in 1933, LBA has advocated for Ladakh’s independent identity, leading to ongoing discussions on achieving the region’s demands under the Sixth Schedule. With Ladakh currently having a single Lok Sabha constituency, Lakruk expressed dissatisfaction over the limited progress in negotiations…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at an election rally in Barabanki (UP), emphasized the commitment of the BJP-NDA alliance to national interest, contrasting it with the opposition INDI Alliance’s alleged goal of creating instability. Modi expressed confidence in securing a hat-trick with the upcoming elections and highlighted the need for bold decisions benefiting the underprivileged, youth, women, and farmers. Seeking the support of the people in Barabanki and Mohanlalganj, Modi reiterated his government’s dedication to serving the nation. Pointing out the approaching June 4 election date, Modi highlighted the stark difference between the two political alliances. He accused the INDI Alliance…

Nepal’s Prime Minister Prachanda is set to seek a vote of confidence in Parliament on May 20 amidst political turmoil. The vote comes after a coalition partner, Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal, withdrew its support following a party split. Prachanda, a former guerilla leader from the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), faces his fourth confidence vote in 18 months. The Constitution mandates a confidence vote within 30 days if a coalition member withdraws support. Prachanda previously won confidence votes in March 2023 and faced a floor test in 2023 amid political instability. His support has dwindled in successive votes, reflecting…