Month: March 2025

The White House on Tuesday (local time) highlighted how US President Donald Trump prioritised the return of stranded NASA Crew-9 astronauts Sunita Williams, Nick Hague, Butch Wilmore, and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.

The White House stated that the astronauts safely returned in the Gulf of America, crediting Elon Musk for their safe return.

“PROMISE MADE, PROMISE KEPT: President Trump pledged to rescue the astronauts stranded in space for nine months. Today, they safely splashed down in the Gulf of America, thanks to Elon Musk, SpaceX, and NASA!”

Elon Musk congratulated the NASA and SpaceX teams on their successful return and thanked Trump for prioritising the mission.

“Congratulations to the SpaceX and NASA teams for another safe astronaut return! Thank you to Donald Trump for prioritizing this mission!”

Earlier in the day, NASA Crew-9 astronauts breathed earthly air for the first time in over nine months following the successful splashdown of SpaceX’s Dragon capsule. The astronauts disembarked the capsule on stretchers, as is customary, CNN reported. This precaution is taken by SpaceX for all astronauts returning from long-duration space missions.

Delays caused by issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which surfaced during a test flight piloted by Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams last summer, led to the astronaut duo remaining in space for nine months instead of a week, CNN reported.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 completed the agency’s ninth commercial crew rotation mission to the International Space Station on Tuesday, splashing down safely in a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida, in the Gulf of America, according to a NASA statement.

NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Sunita Williams, and Butch Wilmore, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, returned to Earth at 5:57 pm EDT. Teams aboard SpaceX recovery vessels retrieved the spacecraft and its crew. After returning to shore, the astronauts will travel to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston to reunite with their families.

“We are thrilled to have Suni, Butch, Nick, and Aleksandr home after their months-long mission conducting vital science, technology demonstrations, and maintenance aboard the International Space Station,” said NASA acting Administrator Janet Petro.

“Per President Trump’s direction, NASA and SpaceX worked diligently to pull the schedule a month earlier. This international crew and our teams on the ground embraced the Trump Administration’s challenge of an updated, and somewhat unique, mission plan, to bring our crew home. Through preparation, ingenuity, and dedication, we achieve great things together for the benefit of humanity, pushing the boundaries of what is possible from low Earth orbit to the Moon and Mars,” Petro added.

Hague and Gorbunov lifted off on September 28, 2024, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. The next day, they docked at the forward-facing port of the station’s Harmony module.

Williams and Wilmore launched on June 5, 2024, aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft and a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41, as part of the agency’s Boeing Crew Flight Test. They arrived at the space station on June 6, 2024. In August, NASA decided to return the Starliner uncrewed and integrated Wilmore and Williams into Expedition 71/72 for their return via Crew-9.

The four-member crew undocked at 1:05 am Tuesday to begin their journey home.

During their mission, Williams and Wilmore traveled 121,347,491 miles, spent 286 days in space, and completed 4,576 orbits around Earth. Hague and Gorbunov traveled 72,553,920 miles, spent 171 days in space, and completed 2,736 orbits.

This mission was Gorbunov’s first spaceflight, while Hague has now logged 374 days in space over two missions, Williams 608 days over three flights, and Wilmore 464 days over three flights, NASA stated.

Throughout the mission, Crew-9 contributed to scientific research, maintenance activities, and technology demonstrations. Williams conducted two spacewalks, assisted by Wilmore for one and Hague for another. The crew removed a radio frequency group antenna assembly, collected samples from the station’s external surface, installed patches on X-ray telescope light filters, and more.

Williams now holds the record for total spacewalking time by a female astronaut, with 62 hours and 6 minutes outside the station, ranking fourth on the all-time spacewalk duration list, NASA said.

The American crew members conducted more than 150 scientific experiments and technology demonstrations, contributing over 900 hours of research. Their work included studies on plant growth, stem cell technology for treating diseases, circadian rhythm lighting systems, and the survival of microorganisms in space. They also loaded and deployed the first wooden satellite for space research.

The Crew-9 mission was the fourth flight of the Dragon spacecraft named Freedom, which previously supported NASA’s SpaceX Crew-4, Axiom Mission 2, and Axiom Mission 3. The spacecraft will now undergo inspection and refurbishment at SpaceX’s Cape Canaveral facility for future missions.

Crew-9’s return follows the launch of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10, which docked with the station on March 16, beginning another long-duration mission.

NASA’s Commercial Crew Program aims to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from the International Space Station and low Earth orbit. The program increases research opportunities aboard the ISS, supporting NASA’s broader goals of human exploration of the Moon and Mars, NASA added. (ANI)

Curfew is still in place for the second consecutive day in 10 police station limits of Nagpur following violent clashes that erupted on March 17.

Pertinently an FIR has also been lodged under the multiple sections from the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 along with other laws such as the Arms Act, Maharashtra Police Act, and Prevention of Public Property Damage Act at the Ganeshpath Police Station.

The complaint has been filed by Police Inspector Jitendra Baburao Gadge and the FIR names 51 individuals, including several minors. The accused are primarily from Nagpur city, residing in areas like Jafar Nagar, Tajbagh, Mominpura, and Bhalaadapura.

According to the FIR, “The protest turned violent when the crowd began hurling stones and throwing petrol bombs at police officers. Police were reportedly attacked with deadly weapons like axes and iron rods. The crowd, despite repeated warnings from the police to disperse, continued to engage in violent actions, threatening the safety of both police personnel and civilians.”

As per the FIR, “During the violence in Nagpur, one of the accused took advantage of the darkness and touched the uniform and body of a woman police officer of the RCP squad on duty to remove her clothes. The accused also made obscene gestures and misbehaved with some women police personnel. This has been revealed in the FIR lodged at Ganeshpeth Police Station in Nagpur.”

Meanwhile, Union Minister Prahlad Joshi on Tuesday assured that the Maharashtra government is taking strict action against those responsible for the recent violence in Nagpur, which led to widespread unrest in parts of the city.

Speaking on the situation, Joshi said, “Govt is handling the situation very well and such things should not happen… It is not about this party or that party, whoever has done wrong, Maharashtra govt is taking action against them.”

Several other Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs have also condemned the violence that broke out in Nagpur over the demands to remove Aurangzeb’s grave.

BJP MP Ashok Chavan said that the “sad incident” has been brought under control and that the truth “will come out after investigation.”

“This is a sad incident. Police have brought the situation under control, but it is not right to have communal riots on such issues in the country, it is not right in a progressive state like Maharashtra. The government has brought the entire situation under control. Police have detained many people. The truth will come out after investigation,” Chavan told ANI.

Earlier, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde appealed to the people to maintain peace in the state and said that the police are investigating if the incident was a “pre-planned conspiracy.”

“The incident which occurred in Nagpur is unfortunate. Police are investigating if this was a pre-planned conspiracy. Four DCP level officers were injured in this incident. The CM is reviewing the situation. Police have said that many people came from outside. Petrol bombs were also hurled. It is unfortunate that the Police were also attacked. Strict action will be taken in this incident. I appeal to all to maintain peace,” Eknath Shinde told reporters. (ANI)

Actor R Madhavan took to Instagram to share his heartfelt excitement as astronaut Sunita Williams safely returned to Earth after an intense space mission.

Taking to his Instagram handle, Madhavan expressed his joy, writing, “Welcome back to Earth our Dear Dear Sunita Williams. Our prayers have been answered… so wonderful to see you safe and smiling.”

The actor’s post included a video showing Williams’ safe landing, with the astronaut being assisted by a team of professionals as she emerged from the spacecraft.

Madhavan further acknowledged the immense challenges faced during her 260-day mission in space, adding, “After more than 260 uncertain days in space, this is all God’s grace and millions of praying souls’ prayers being answered.”

“Great Job all at #spacexfalcon9 #nasa AND the entire crew. God bless you,” he wrote.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also took to social media to share his pride and admiration for the Crew-9 mission, which saw astronaut Sunita Williams return safely to Earth.

In a tweet on X, Singh expressed his excitement over the milestone achievement, saying, “Delighted at the safe return of NASA’s #Crew9 on earth! The crew comprising of India’s daughter Sunita Williams and other astronauts have rewritten the history of human endurance and perseverance in Space.”

He lauded Williams’ courage and resilience, emphasizing her remarkable journey as an inspiration to millions worldwide.

“Sunita Williams’ incredible journey, unwavering dedication, fortitude, and fighting spirit will inspire millions across the globe,” Singh remarked.

He also extended his congratulations to all the astronauts involved in the mission, acknowledging the efforts of the scientists, engineers, and other key stakeholders.

He concluded by calling Williams’ return a source of immense pride for India, stating, “Her courage and achievements make us all proud.”

The White House also celebrated the safe return of NASA’s Crew-9 astronauts, highlighting the importance of President Donald Trump’s commitment to ensuring their safe return. In a statement, the White House praised Trump’s efforts, stating, “PROMISE MADE, PROMISE KEPT: President Trump pledged to rescue the astronauts stranded in space for nine months. Today, they safely splashed down in the Gulf of America, thanks to Elon Musk, SpaceX, and NASA!”

Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, expressed his gratitude and admiration for the safe return of the astronauts, thanking the teams at SpaceX and NASA for their efforts.

“Congratulations to the SpaceX and NASA teams for another safe astronaut return! Thank you to Donald Trump for prioritizing this mission,” Musk wrote.

The Crew-9 mission was a significant achievement in the field of space exploration, marking the fourth flight of SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, “Freedom.”

This spacecraft had previously supported multiple missions, including NASA’s SpaceX Crew-4, Axiom Mission 2, and Axiom Mission 3.

Following Crew-9’s successful return, the spacecraft will undergo a thorough inspection and refurbishment at SpaceX’s Cape Canaveral facility, preparing it for future missions.

NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which supports these kinds of missions, aims to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from the International Space Station.

It also expands research opportunities aboard the ISS, supporting NASA’s broader goals for the exploration of the Moon and Mars.

The successful return of Crew-9 coincided with the launch of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10, which docked with the ISS on March 16, marking the beginning of another long-duration mission. (ANI)

Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General Eden Bar Tal has praised the Trump administration’s policies calling it “very clear” and urged those criticising the new policies to look at the past on how they failed with all theoretical proposals. He stressed that radicalism must be addressed by de-radicalisation and called it a long process.

In his remarks at the Panel Discussion on beyond the crises; prospects for peace and progress in the Middle East at Raisina Dialogue on Tuesday, he said that the Trump administration will not be fooled by slogans that called the Gaza Strip an open jail and noted that Israel withdrew from Gaza Strip two decades ago.

On being asked about the US strategy under US President Donald Trump, he said, “I think the new administration policies are very clear. Maybe, if somebody can dispute them, but all the ones that are going to criticise the US administration and new ideas and policies must look at the past and see how they failed with all the theoretical proposals. Secondly, I don’t think that this administration will be fooled by slogans that we have already on this stage talking about Gaza Strip as an open jail.”

“Just to remind the audience that Gaza has a border with Egypt, and I don’t hear the honourable colleague on my right stating anything about, you know, for the jail, you need to have walls, but to the best of my memory, there is a border between Egypt and Gaza Strip. Israel withdrew from Gaza two decades ago, so there’s no jail and the fact that we continue to supply electricity, water, work, money, and everything else was something that now we are blamed for, and I can’t understand how,” he added.

He stressed that casualties in the Gaza Strip include active terrorists and called Hamas a “reliable terrorist organisation.”

He said, “In the second comment because I cannot really develop an argument about the new policies. I will just mention that something that bothered me on the moral basis. There is casualties or a certain somebody from a number of 40,000 casualties in Gaza Strip, etc. But, facts must be first of all, this is Hamas figures and somebody see in this audience that Hamas is a reliable terrorist organisation that you should buy figures from outside. You wait a little bit further and you find out.”

“Secondly, somebody forgot to mention the numbers of terrorists among these 40,000. Let’s assume according to Hamas figures that there are at least between 15,000 to 20,000 terrorist activists who raped, burned children in their home after tying them up with the family shoot their mothers in front of the kids, and those guys are dead. So, among the thieves, you know, that you have for the old 40,000 which is also the political number at least half of them are active terrorists,” he added.

Asked about Israel’s objective in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza, he responded, “First of all, General Petraeus described for you the real effects on the ground. Very clear, realistic analysis of the situation. So, we’re both sorry that reality doesn’t control always good intention and some illusions that were among the elites worldwide. The thought that good intentions can show you positive results. I don’t have many things to add to you Patreo’s analysis. I would like to emphasise and underline certain principles that are not yet on the table of discussions, important discussions like this one.”

“First of all, in order to solve the problem, you have to define what is the underlying problem. What are the roots of the problem? I think that once everybody knows that. It’s very easy to choose, I would say easy solutions, but not realistic one. Remember how many decades there are trials and errors and nobody is stopping for a second and asking themselves why didn’t work, and there is a simple explanation we just don’t want to accept. There is a huge difference between radicals and moderates and the radicals cannot be negotiated in terms of ending something solutions,” he added.

He said that issues with radicals cannot be solved overnight or an agreement on paper that does not reflect the reality of the society. He acknowledged that Israel made a terrible mistake by misleading the situation.

He said, “Radicals, they have to win. They are building capacity and they are looking for opportunity. Now, once you want to address that, you need to ask. How do you address the problem of radicalization, and this is something that cannot be solved overnight, cannot be cannot be solved by signing a symbolic agreement on a paper that doesn’t reflect the reality of the society, with leaders intentions, plans, and I think it’s very hard, mostly for Westerners and we Israeli we did a terrible mistake that Mael said, and we have to be honest and to admit. We made a terrible mistake by misleading the situation. We thought that the economy incentives, improving lives of the people in Gaza will bring us certain prosperity, peace, peace, stability. Israel is out of the Gaza Strip in 2005. So, it’s two decades that Israel is out of Gaza Strip. But what we saw is that every contribution made by the West, the international community, any contribution made by taxpayers in Europe, United States, and elsewhere, went into building capacities of terror and that ends in a massacre.”

“There is a will, capacity and opportunity, we provided two out of the three. We provided the means by injecting money, supplies, everything into Gaza for so many years and we also were blind and provided opportunity willing if you are not dealing with this factor, you’ll never get a result in any radical. It doesn’t matter if it’s in that part of Asia or our part of Asia. Radicalism must be addressed by de-radicalization, which is a long, long, long process starting with kindergarten school, culture, media, religion institutions, and if you see that in the area, you can see that there are societies in the Middle East that chose to go to the moderate direction and somehow of the radical. And you don’t have one solution for all or or one fuel for all. You have to be realistic and and addressing first of all, you need to analyse with who you are dealing with,” he added.

He also urged the international community to support the Lebanese government which he said is moving to the moderate. He noted that the process of de-radicalisation takes time as it will need to disarmament of the particular area.

“With the radicals, we have to do two things. First of all, we need to eliminate the, I would say the leadership. So, first of all, after the process of…described, you need to really ask for the process of the de-radicalization, but it takes time and Between now and the and I would say the, the future of area, it will need to disarmament of that particular area. Now about Lebanon you see the opposite. You see that the Lebanese government is moving to the moderate. We encourage the community to support the Lebanese government. The Lebanese army, we think that this is the real point that there is, I would say optimism at the end of the tunnel. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. The international community should encourage the moderate government,” he stated. (ANI)

Vijay Deverakonda’s next film ‘Kingdom’ has generated massive buzz among the audience.

The makers recently unveiled an AI (Artificial Intelligence)-designed thematic video for its soundtrack. The clip features AI-generated, enthralling imagery, as per the film’s team.

Last month, the film’s teaser was also released.

The teaser opens with a dark and intense scene showing a battlefield with dead bodies scattered on the shore. As military agents prepare to attack, Vijay Deverakonda’s character makes a powerful entry. Though his role remains a mystery, glimpses from the teaser show him wielding a police shield and later dressed as a prisoner. The teaser ends with him delivering a strong dialogue: “I will do anything needed, sir, including destroying everything.”

Directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, Kingdom stars Bhagyashri Borse as the female lead. The film is produced by Sithara Entertainments in association with Fortune Four Cinemas.

Music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, and editing is handled by Navin Nooli. ‘Kingdom’ is set to release in theaters worldwide on May 30. (ANI)

Miss World 2025 is all set to be held in India as Telangana will host the prestigious beauty pageant in May this year.

Preparations for the event are in full swing. The Telangana government is aiming to turn Miss World into a tourism powerhouse through the following key initiatives:

Safety and Comfort for Visitors :

There will be proper establishment of a tourist police force. The enhanced surveillance measures across Hyderabad city and Telangana state will be highlighted to the international audience.

Infrastructure and Connectivity:

Telangana’s robust infrastructure, including the award-winning Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) and excellent connectivity via rail and road, makes it an ideal host for an event of this magnitude. The state’s reputation for safety, tourist-friendliness, and hospitality further strengthens its case as a preferred destination for international events, encouraging long-term tourism growth, as per I&PR Telangana.

Curated Experiences: Showcasing the Best of Telangana:

From featuring local artisans and their crafts to showcasing traditional dance and music performances, every aspect will reflect the essence of Telangana. Organised tours and excursions for contestants, organisers, and media will offer first- hand experiences of Telangana’s heritage sites, natural wonders, and urban attractions.

The opening and grand finale and associated events will utilize iconic Telangana backdrops, creating visually stunning moments that resonate globally.

Cultural Promotion through Arts, Crafts, and Cuisine:

The event provides a unique platform to showcase Telangana’s rich cultural tapestry, including its handloom legacy (such as Pochampally, Gollabhama and Gadwal sarees), traditional art forms (like Cheriyal masks & paintings, Karimnagar silver filigre), and delectable cuisine (featuring Hyderabadi biryani, Telangana pachipulusu, and more).

Discover Telangana’s Healthcare excellence- Global standards meet personalised care:

Known as the “vaccine capital of the world”, Telangana excels in Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals and cutting edge medical research, offering top tier treatments at affordable costs.

For medical tourism, Hyderabad’s reputation as a healthcare hub can be spotlighted by organising tours for participants to leading hospitals, showcasing advanced facilities and affordable care.

Thematic campaigns during the event could promote Hyderabad as a global healthcare destination, leveraging the presence of delegates from 140 countries.

Boost to Film and Entertainment Tourism :

Hyderabad, often dubbed as the “Tollywood capital,” is a thriving hub for the Indian film industry. Hosting the Miss World event will further elevate Hyderabad’s status as a filming and entertainment destination, attracting filmmakers, celebrities, and media from around the world.

This exposure can catalyse the growth of film tourism, with iconic locations like Ramoji Film City and Golconda Fort gaining international recognition.

“We will use this event to push the narrative of Telangana rural landscape as a hub for film tourism,” I&PR Telangana said.

Strengthening Telangana’s Global Brand Image :

By hosting an event of this stature, Telangana will reinforce its image as a progressive, culturally rich, and tourist-friendly state. The event will serve as a soft power tool, showcasing the state’s warmth, hospitality, and boundless potential to the world. The tagline ‘Telangana, Zarur Aana’ (Telangana, A Must-Visit) will resonate globally, inviting tourists to experience a land where beauty is reflected in its land, people, culture, and traditions.

72nd Miss World beauty pageant is set to take place in Hyderabad from May 7 to May 31. (ANI)

In a series of posts on X, the EAM highlighted several aspects upon which discussions were held with the leaders that ranged from current global security architecture and UN reforms to the strengthening of bilateral ties.

On his meeting with Enrique A. Manalo, Jaishankar wrote on X, “Welcomed @SecManalo at #Raisina2025. Had a wide – ranging discussion on connectivity, maritime, infrastructure and deepening our ASEAN partnership.”

Upon meeting Deputy Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel, the EAM held discussions on pertinent global issues such as UN reforms, developments in Ukraine and the India-European Union partnership”.

“A pleasure interacting with DPM & FM @Xavier_Bettel of Luxembourg. Spoke about UN reform, Ukraine and the India – EU partnership”, Jaishankar said.

The EAM also met Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Arzu Rana Deuba and discussed the several aspects of India-Nepal ties.

“Pleased to meet FM Nepal @Arzuranadeuba today. Discussed various facets of our bilateral cooperation.”

Foreign Minister Rana took to X to share the highlights of the meeting. She said, “A highly fruitful interaction with H.E. @DrSJaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India, on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue. H.E. Jaishankar and I took stock of bilateral ties, discussing ongoing engagements across sectors and identifying avenues for enhancing people-to-people and diplomatic exchanges. I expressed my appreciation for India’s Neighborhood First Policy and conveyed Nepal’s continued prioritization of relations with India.”

Jaishankar held a meeting with the National Security Advisor of the UK, Jonathan Powell and exchanged views on security issues.

He said, “Met UK NSA Jonathan Powell at #Raisina2025.Exchanged views on bilateral, regional and global security issues.

Earlier during the day, MoS External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh also delivered remarks at the Raisina Dialogue on sustainable development and a green future.

He said, “I firmly believe that environmental action must not be limited to policies and government and efforts of the governments alone. It must also be a personal choice and a priority. A simple act of planting a tree is a pledge for a sustainable future. ‘Ek ped Maa ke naam’ is an initiative of our Prime Minister. It embodies the spirit, encouraging every individual to dedicate a tree in the honour of their mother, reinforcing the connection between nature, sustainability, and gratitude… Climate action must happen simultaneously while addressing other immediate concerns that countries are facing today. We need to put aside geopolitical differences and to come together for a green and sustainable future, a legacy that we can hand over to our future generation.”

The Raisina Dialogue, being held in New Delhi from March 17-19, is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs. (ANI)

A court in the Mainpuri district of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday sentenced three persons to death in the Dehuli massacre which took place forty-four years ago. 24 Dalits were killed in the incident.

Special judge Indira Singh convicted Kaptan Singh, Rampal and Ram Sevak on March 12. Apart from sentencing, the court imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on the convicts who broke down inside the court as soon as the punishment was pronounced.

The court termed the case ‘rarest of the rare’ due to the brutality which was done with the victims.

The court added that since this is one of the rarest of rare cases, it would be justified to award the death penalty to the convicted offenders with the firm belief that it would act not only as a deterrent principle of punishment but also as a medium/instrument of justice to the victims and their families.

At around 5 pm on 18 November 1981, armed miscreants entered the village of Dihuli in the Thana Jasrana area of the then-district Mainpuri and attacked the Scheduled Caste colony. They started firing bullets on the women, men and children present in the houses. The miscreants fired for three hours. 23 people died on the spot in the firing. While one injured died during treatment in Firozabad hospital.

The FIR of the incident was lodged by Dihuli resident Layak Singh in Jasrana police station against Radheshyam alias Radhe, and Santosh Chauhan alias Santosha. Ramsevak, Ravindra Singh, Rampal Singh, Vedram Singh, Mitthu, Bhupram, Manik Chandra, Laturi, Ramsingh, Chunnilal, Horilal, Sonpal, Layak Singh, Banwari, Jagdish, Revati Devi, Phool Devi, Captain Singh, Kamruddin, Shyamveer, Kunwarpal, Lakshmi were involved in the case.

In 44 years, the case was transferred from Mainpuri to Allahabad. It was transferred to the Mainpuri Sessions Court on October 19, 2024. On the orders of the District Judge, it was heard in the special court.

In over four decades, 14 among the 20 accused died while three were sentenced to death and others are still absconding. (ANI)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday has set-up a committee to examine the financial status of various private schools in Uttar Pradesh that were directed to refund excess fees charged to students during the Covid pandemic.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna formed a committee, comprising former Delhi High Court judge Justice GP Mittal and a Chartered Accountant (CA) Adhish Mehra, to assess the financial status of each school independently and submit a report.

The Court noted that during the pandemic, many schools faced financial difficulties, with insufficient surplus funds, leading to staff reductions and salary cuts for teachers. As a result, they experienced significant human resource losses.

Considering the aforesaid, the top court was of the view that directions to such schools to refund or adjust the excess fee charged should be implemented after an assessment of the financial accounts of each such school.

The Court noted that this exercise will be completed within four weeks.

The Allahabad High Court, in January 2023, had directed various private schools to either adjust or pay back the excess money that was charged to students during the pandemic sessions.

However, the private schools moved to the top court challenging the High Court’s decision.

In May 2023, the Supreme Court had stayed the High Court order.

Subsequently, the top court had in various earlier hearings in this case, issued directions to certain schools to file affidavits with a copy of their balance sheets and profit and loss accounts of the relevant periods.

On Tuesday, the top court noted that the High Court had, in its order, taken a broad brush approach. The top court, on the other hand, emphasised the need to go into each and every case independently.

The court stated that in the meantime, the interim order staying the High Court’s direction will continue.

Senior Advocate Hufeza Ahmadi represented certain private schools. (ANI)

India on Tuesday said that Pakistan’s promotion of cross-border terrorism is the biggest “roadblock” to peace and security. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reacting to Pakistan Foreign Office’s comments on Jammu and Kashmir, which came in response to PM Narendra Modi’s remarks during a podcast, urged Islamabad to “vacate Indian territory under its illegal and forcible occupation.”

In response to media queries on Pakistan’s comments, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We note that Pakistan has once again made some comments about the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.”

“The world knows that the real issue is Pakistan’s active promotion and sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. In fact, this is the biggest roadblock to peace and security in the region. Instead of spreading lies, Pakistan should vacate Indian territory under its illegal and forcible occupation,” the MEA Spokesperson said.

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a freewheeling interview with American podcaster Lex Fridman, shared his efforts to improve relations with Pakistan, including inviting then-Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif to his oath-taking ceremony. However, PM Modi noted that every attempt at fostering peace was met with hostility and betrayal.

“I even personally travelled to Lahore in the pursuit of peace. When I became Prime Minister, I specially invited Pakistan to my swearing-in ceremony so we could turn over a new leaf. Yet, every noble attempt at fostering peace was met with hostility and betrayal,” PM Modi said in the podcast.

PM Modi’s comments on the podcast were made days after Pakistan’s rhetoric against India following the attack on the Jaffar Express train by Baloch rebels in which passengers were taken hostage.

Pakistan’s foreign office issued a statement regarding the podcast rebuffing PM Modi’s remarks.

Previously, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan claimed that the rebels involved in the attack on the Jaffar Express were in contact with ring leaders in Afghanistan.

“India has been involved in terrorism in Pakistan. In the particular attack on Jaffar Express, the terrorists had been in contact with their handlers and ring leaders in Afghanistan,” Shafqat Ali Khan said during his weekly press briefing.

India strongly denied the suggestions made by the Pakistan foreign office.

MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on March 14 said, “We strongly reject the baseless allegations made by Pakistan. The whole world knows where the epicenter of global terrorism lies. Pakistan should look inwards instead of pointing fingers and shifting the blame for its own internal problems and failures onto others.” (ANI)