NEW DELHI — External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said the “era of uninterrupted dialogue” with Pakistan is over even as he noted that India is “not passive” and whether events take a positive or negative direction, either way New Delhi will react. In his address at a book launch here, Jaishankar also said […]
India
Helicopter, being airlifted by MI-17 chopper, crashes in Kedarnath
NEW DELHI — A defective helicopter being airlifted from Uttarakhand’s Kedarnath to Gauchar by an MI-17 chopper accidentally fell from mid-air as the towing rope snapped this morning. The helicopter, which was operated by a private company, crashed near the Mandakini River in Lincholi. An official said no one was injured in the accident, which […]
Second JPC meet on Waqf Bill witnesses heated arguments; Muslim bodies submit reservations
NEW DELHI — The second meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) held to discuss the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 witnessed heated arguments on Friday between the BJP members and MPs from the Opposition camp, while the Muslim bodies invited to present their opinion submitted their reservations to the proposed amendments. The first round of […]
India confirms Pakistan sent invitation to PM Modi for SCO meeting in October
NEW DELHI — India has received an invitation from Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG) in-person meeting that it will host in October this year. Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal while addressing a weekly media briefing on Friday confirmed the invitation by Islamabad and noted […]
Professor of Jamia Millia Islamia suspended over sexual harassment complaint
NEW DELHI — Jamia Millia Islamia on Thursday suspended a professor after receiving a complaint of sexual harassment against him by a student, an official order said. The Internal Complaints Committee of the university has launched an inquiry against the accused, the order said. The professor could not be contacted for a comment on the […]
Online Passport Portal shut for 5 days for maintenance
NEW DELHI — The online portal for passport applications will be shut for the next five days for a maintenance exercise, the government said on Thursday. No new appointments will be scheduled during this period and appointments booked earlier will be rescheduled. Those who have already scheduled appointments for Friday, August 30, 2024, will have […]
Centre allows UPSC to utilise Aadhaar-based authentication to verify candidates’ identities
NEW DELHI — In an unprecedented move, the Centre has allowed the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to utilise Aadhaar-based authentication to verify candidates’ identities voluntarily, both at the time of registration and during several stages of examinations and recruitment. The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievanves and Pensions said, “In pursuance of sub-clause (ii) of […]
India’s student suicide rate surpasses population growth rate: Report
NEW DELHI — Incidents of student suicides in India have grown at an alarming annual rate, surpassing the population growth rate and overall suicide trends, according to a new report. Based on the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, the “Student suicides: An epidemic sweeping India” report was launched on Wednesday at the Annual IC3 […]
Bengal will make death penalty mandatory for Rapists: Mamata Banerjee
KOLKATA — West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, under massive pressure from the Opposition since the rape-murder of a young doctor in Kolkata — has declared that she would change the laws in the state to make death penalty mandatory for rape. The amendment will be passed by the state assembly next week. There should […]
Waqf bill aims to destroy Waqf Board, properties instead of protecting them: Owaisi
HYDERABAD — AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday attacked the BJP-led NDA government on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill alleging that the proposed law instead of protecting Waqf properties aims to destroy them. Addressing a press conference here, the Hyderabad MP wanted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to withdraw the proposed legislation. “In this bill, instead of […]









