Month: May 2025

Delhi witnessed gusty winds, heavy rain and hailstorm on Wednesday, with the fall in temperature providing relief to people from the scorching heat of the past few days. The winds and rain also lead to the uprooting of trees in some areas.

Adjoining areas of Delhi also witnessed rain and gusty winds. Ghaziabad experienced gusty winds, heavy rainfall and lightning. Heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorm lashed several parts of Karnal in Haryana.

Many domestic and international flights to Delhi airport from various airports have been halted or diverted due to weather conditions in Delhi, airport sources said.

Indigo said that its flight 6E 2142 operating from Delhi to Srinagar encountered sudden hailstorm en route.

“The flight and cabin crew followed established protocol and the aircraft landed safely in Srinagar. The airport team attended to the customers after arrival of aircraft prioritizing their wellbeing and comfort. The aircraft will be released post necessary inspection and maintenance,” the airline said in a statement.

Some people came out of their residences to venture in rain and experience the change in weather.

The rain brought down the temperature by 14 degrees Celsius. From 37 degrees Celsius at 7.30 pm, it dropped to 23 degrees Celsius at 8.30 pm at Palam, IMD officials said.

Delhi Fire Service received more than 25 calls after the weather change, most of them related to fallen trees. No casualties have been reported so far, according to DFS.

An India Meteorological Department (IMD) official said earlier in the day tha a cloud mass will enter North Delhi and move south-southeastwards, triggering a dust storm and strong winds.

The official said winds will blow at speeds of 50-60 kmph, gusting up to 70 kmph, along with light rainfall during the next one hour.

“Cloudmass entering into North Delhi is likely to move south-southeastwards across Delhi, causing a dust storm and strong winds 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph with light rainfall during the next one hour,” the official said.

According to Ministry of Earth Sciences, the southwest monsoon seasonal (June to September) rainfall over the country as a whole during 2025 is most likely to be above normal (>104% of the Long Period Average (LPA)).

Quantitatively, the seasonal rainfall over the country as a whole is likely to be 105% of LPA with a model error of +- 5%. The LPA of the season rainfall over the country as a whole for the period 1971-2020 is 87 cm. (ANI)

Echoing a united stance against terrorism, NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule on Wednesday asserted that the members of all party delegations are representing India, not any political party, during their visit to foreign countries as part of a outreach against Pakistan’s support for terrorism on the global stage.

Addressing a press conference, Sule, who is a member of one of the all-party delegations visiting various countries to showcase India’s continued fight against terrorism, said, “… We are not going on behalf of the party. We are going to other countries on behalf of India. “

“In the all-party meeting, it was decided that we would not speak against the central government. NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar also said this is not the right time to convene a parliament session… There should be a discussion in the parliament after the Operation Sindoor concludes. Right now, also the Operation Sindoor is underway,” the Baramati MP added.

Group 7, led by NCP (SCP) MP Supriya Sule, will be representing India’s stand in Egypt, Qatar, Ethiopia, and South Africa. BJP’s Rajiv Pratap Ruddy, Anurag Singh Thakur, and V Muraleedharan, along with Congress’ Manish Tewari, Anand Sharma, TDP’s Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, AAP’s Vikramjeet Singh Sahney, and former permanent representative of India to the UN, Syed Akbaruddin, will be putting forth India’s policy of zero tolerance against terrorism.

“The groups are going in two parts. I am very grateful to the PM, MEA and Jaishankar ji. This is not about politics; we are going proud Indians who want to fight against terrorism. We condemn any terrorist activities anywhere in the world. India has always led for peace, harmony and happiness. This is message we all are taking…Everyone is aligned, there are no party issues, everyone is talking to each other. There is no politics, we are going as proud Indians,” Supriya Sule said.

Earlier, in the day while leaving for Japan, with the all-party delegation that will visit five East Asian Countries. CPI-M leader John Brittas said that all countries must come together with India in its rally against terrorism.

“Our delegation is now leaving for Japan. I have always been saying that this is a public diplomatic outreach to send across the message of India that the world has to unite against terrorism, and this is a high time that the countries need to rally with India in its concerns against terrorism,” he told ANI.

Brittas said he hopes to accurately send across India’s message to the world across different sections of people.

In the context of Operation Sindoor and India’s continued fight against cross-border terrorism, seven All-Party Delegations are visiting key partner countries, including members of the UN Security Council, this month.

The All-Party Delegations will project India’s national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations. They would carry forth to the world the country’s strong message of zero tolerance against terrorism. (ANI)

Following Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting his home state, Gujarat, for the first time. He will participate in events across three districts–Dahod, Kachchh and Gandhinagar–on May 26 and 27.

After addressing a public meeting on Mirzapar Road in Bhuj, Kachchh, he will pay a visit to the revered Mata Ashapura Temple. Notably, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the first 9000 HP locomotive engine manufactured at the railway production unit established in Dahod, which was built with an investment of Rs 20,000 crore.

The railway factory in Dahod, established under the PPP model, is set to manufacture 1,200 engines over the next 10 years, with plans to export them both domestically and internationally. These locomotive engines will soon be produced entirely under the 100% Make in India initiative.

A key feature of these engines is their ability to carry cargo weighing up to 4,600 tonnes. For the first time, the engines will be equipped with air conditioning and a toilet facility for the driver. Additionally, an advanced cover system has been installed to enhance safety and prevent accidents. Built at a cost of Rs 20,000 crore, the Dahod factory is currently producing four engines, all of which will proudly bear the label “Manufactured In Dahod.”

This project is expected to generate direct and indirect employment for nearly 10,000 people in Dahod and nearby regions, providing a significant boost to the local economy. In addition, the various components required for locomotive production by the multinational company that secured the contract as the lowest bidder will open up business opportunities for suppliers in the power sector as well as small and medium-sized engineering firms.

Notably, the 9000 HP, 6-axle electric engine will have an average speed of 75 km per hour. Maintenance of this engine will be carried out at depots in Kharagpur (West Bengal), Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), Raipur (Chhattisgarh), and Pune (Maharashtra). (ANI)

A FIR has been registered against YouTuber Neha Singh Rathore following a complaint by the social organisation in Varanasi, allegedly accusing her of passing derogatory remarks against the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, on Tuesday.

The case was registered at the Lanka Police Station in Varanasi on the complaint of the President of a social organisation named Shri Hanuman Sena.

The complainant has accused the YouTuber of allegedly making derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “coward” and “General Dyer”, as written in the FIR registered at the Lanka Police Station in Varanasi.

As per the FIR, the case has been registered under Section 197 (1)(a) and (d), Section 353(2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Several complaints have also been filed in different police stations of Kashi against YouTuber Neha Singh Rathore, allegedly accusing her of derogatory remarks against PM Modi.

Earlier, in April, a case was registered against Neha Singh Rathore at Hazratganj police station in Lucknow under serious charges, including sedition. The FIR was filed under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The case relates to comments made by Neha Singh Rathore regarding the Pahalgam terror attack in April.

In her X post, dated April 23, Rathore had alleged that the Modi-led government was running politics on the grounds of caste and religion.

She even accused the BJP government of “collecting votes in the name of Pulwama attack” and said that “the same will be repeated in case of Pahalgam attack”. The Pahalgam terror attack, which took place on April 22, claimed the lives of 26 people, including a Nepali national.

The complaint claims that her posts could spread caste-based hatred and anti-national sentiments. It was filed by poet Abhay Pratap Singh, also known as Abhay Singh, at Hazratganj police station. He accused Neha of repeatedly posting content that could disrupt communal peace and negatively influence public opinion against the nation. (ANI)

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Wednesday congratulated Geeta Samota, a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) officer from the state, for hoisting the Indian national flag atop Mount Everest.

In a tweet posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Sharma extended his heartfelt wishes to Geeta Samota, praising her historic achievement as the first female CISF officer to plant the tricolour on the world’s highest peak.

“She has not only created history by raising the Indian flag on the summit of the world as the first female officer of CISF but also set an example of women empowerment. This achievement proves that daughters of Rajasthan are reaching new heights in every field,” the Chief Minister said.

He added that the entire nation is proud of her courage and determination. Along with the message, Sharma shared a picture of Geeta Samota with the national flag on Mount Everest.

Geeta Samota’s feat marks a significant milestone in the field of adventure and security forces, inspiring many women across the country.

Earlier on May 19, the National Cadet Corps (NCC) reached a significant milestone as its expedition team successfully scaled Mount Everest (8,848m).

According to a release from the Ministry of Defence, the team comprised 10 NCC cadets (five boys and five girls), four Officers, two Junior Commissioned Officers, one Girl Cadet Instructor, and 10 Non-Commissioned Officers. The cadets selected were novices from across the country. They underwent a strict selection and training process.

As part of their preparation, they conducted a pre-Everest Expedition at Mt Abi Gamin. The final team of 15 cadets was then selected to undergo winter and technical training at the Army Mountaineering Institute, Siachen Base Camp. After months of training, ten cadets were selected for the Mount Everest Expedition.

The team, comprising the youngest climbers with an average age of 19 years, became the centre of attraction and were noted for their fitness and discipline during acclimatisation training at various stages of the ascent. Sherpas of Nepal praised the NCC team for their physical readiness and morale.

Despite facing challenging weather and terrain, the cadets successfully unfurled the Tricolour and the NCC Flag atop the world’s highest peak, representing national pride and youth power. This is the third ascent of Mt Everest by the NCC, following previous expeditions in 2013 and 2016. (ANI)

Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao on Wednesday asserted that security forces are working “diligently” to make Bastar Naxal-free by March 2026 after 26 Naxals were killed in an encounter with security forces in Narayanpur district.

“After the formation of our government in the state, a programme is running to make Bastar naxal-free. In Narayanpur, more than two dozen Naxalites have been killed in an encounter. Our security forces are working diligently so that by March 2026, Bastar becomes Naxal-free,” Arun Sao told ANI.

Earlier in the day, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma said that at least 26 Naxals were killed during an encounter that broke out between security forces and Naxals in the forest area of Abujhmad in Narayanpur district.

Speaking to ANI, the Deputy CM confirmed that one soldier was injured during the encounter and further search operations are underway.

“…More than 26 naxalites have been killed by the security forces…” One Jawan has been injured but is out of danger. One of our associates lost his life during the operation,” The Deputy CM said.

Speaker of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly Raman Singh on Wednesday congratulated the Chhattisgarh Police, saying, “Police have killed 26 Naxals. This was a big operation and no police were killed in this operation.”

He also congratulated Union Home Minister Amit Shah and State Home Minister Vijay Sharma. “I Congratulate Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Vijay Sharma and all our forces that they are conducting operations in temperatures from 40 to 42 degrees Celsius. The people of BAstar wants peace and development. This operation was successful, and Bastar has extended their full support,” he added.

An encounter broke out between security forces and Naxals in the forest area of Abujhmad in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district.

Earlier, security forces conducted ‘Operation Black Forest’ to break the backbone of Naxals near Karreguttalu Hill (KGH) at the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border.

The 21-day-long operation carried out by the joint forces of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and state police between April 21 and May 11 neutralised 31 Naxals carrying a bounty of Rs 1.72 crore.

A total of 214 Naxal hideouts and bunkers have been destroyed in the operation and a total of 450 IEDs, 818 BGL shells, 899 bundles of Codex, detonators and a huge amount of explosive material have been recovered during the searches.

In addition, nearly 12,000 kilograms of food supplies have also been recovered.

A total of 214 Naxal hideouts and bunkers have been destroyed in the operation, and a total of 450 IEDs, 818 BGL shells, 899 bundles of Codex, detonators and a huge amount of explosive material have been recovered during the searches. In addition, nearly 12,000 kilograms of food supplies have also been recovered. (ANI)

The Tamil Nadu government has filed a petition before the Supreme Court against the Government of India for allegedly withholding funds after the state government decided not to implement the New Education Policy, 2020

In the petition, the Tamil Nadu government has sought the release of more than 2000 crores under Samagira Sikha Scheme. The state government has urged the SC to fix a timeframe and sought the recovery of the amount with a future interest at the rate of 6% per annum on the principal sum.

The state government has also asked SC to declare Union Government’s action of withholding funds under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme to implement NEP as “unconstitutional, illegal, arbitrary and unreasonable.”

The state government, led by CM MK Stalin, has also asked the apex court for a declaration that the National Educational Policy, 2020 and the PM SHRI Schools Scheme are not binding on Tamil Nadu.

The DMK government also asked the SC to direct the defendant to continue to comply with and perform its statutory obligations of paying to the Plaintiff State grants in aid of revenues for implementation of obligations under The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2010, including but not limited to paying the Defendant’s share of 60% of expenditure in accordance with law before the commencement of every academic year and within the

time frame.

Earlier, CM MK Stalin had announced that they would go before the Supreme Court to seek funds for the State.

The Tamil Nadu government has accused the Central government of trying to push Hindi “sideways” through the NEP, despite the state’s longstanding resistance to such policies.

The government has strongly opposed implementing the NEP, raising concerns over the three-language formula and alleging that the Centre wants to “impose” Hindi.

Earlier, SC has dismissed a PIL seeking implementation of the three-language formula, proposed by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal.

A bench headed by Justice JB Pardiwala refused to entertain the plea, saying the court cannot directly compel a state to adopt a policy like the National Education Policy 2020. The top court in its order stated.

“It (court) cannot directly compel a state to adopt a policy like the National Education Policy 2020. The court may, however, intervene if a state’s action or inaction related to the National Education Policy violates any fundamental rights. We do not propose to examine this issue in this writ petition. We believe that the petitioner has nothing to do with the cause he proposes to espouse. Although he may be from the state of Tamil Nadu, yet on his own admission, he is residing in New Delhi. In such circumstances, this petition stands dismissed.” (ANI)

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday paid an emotional tribute to his late father and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 34th death anniversary, vowing to fulfil the dreams that he left behind.

Offering floral tribute at Veer Bhumi in the national capital, he said his father’s memory continues to guide him at every step.

पापा, आपकी यादें हर कदम पर मेरा मार्गदर्शन करती हैं।

आपके अधूरे सपनों को साकार करना ही मेरा संकल्प है – और मैं इन्हें पूरा करके रहूंगा। pic.twitter.com/jwptCSo1TN

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2025

In a post on social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, “Papa, your memories guide me at every step. My resolution is to make your unfulfilled dreams come true – and I will definitely fulfill them.”

Joining LoP Rahul Gandhi at Veer Bhumi were senior Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress leader Sachin Pilot, who also paid floral tributes to the late leader.

Remembering the former Prime Minister, Kharge posted on X that Rajiv Gandhi was “a great son of India” whose visionary reforms were instrumental in shaping the country’s path into the 21st century.

“Rajiv Gandhi — a great son of India, inspired hope among millions of Indians. His visionary and courageous interventions were instrumental in preparing India for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st Century. These include lowering the voting age to 18, strengthening Panchayati Raj, spearheading the Telecom and IT revolution, implementing a computerisation program, securing sustained peace accords, launching a universal immunisation program, and introducing a new education policy focused on inclusive learning,” he said.

Sachin Pilot referred to Rajiv Gandhi as a forward-thinking leader who gave India a progressive direction through his leadership.

“I pay my heartfelt tribute to former Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi ji on his ‘Balidan Diwas’. Rajiv Gandhi was a visionary leader who gave direction to the country by providing a progressive outlook through his leadership and modern thinking. His decisions took India to new heights,” Pilot wrote on X.”

“His contribution is an inspiration to us and his memory will always live in our hearts,” he added.

The Congress Party also posted a tribute on X, highlighting Rajiv Gandhi’s role in building a modern India and calling his contributions “unforgettable.”

Rajiv Gandhi took over the charge of the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India’s youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 when he assumed office in October 1984.

He served as the Prime Minister of India till December 2, 1989. Born on August 20, in 1944, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu on May 21, 1991. (ANI)

The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted interim bail to Ali Khan Mahmudabad, associate professor and head of the Political Science Department at Ashoka University in Haryana, who was arrested over a social media post on Operation Sindoor.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh refused to stay the two FIRs registered by Haryana Police against him, saying he has not made out any case for a stay on investigation. However, the bench released him on interim bail.

“We direct the petitioner to be released on interim bail subject to furnishing of bail bonds to the satisfaction of the CJM Sonepat,” ordered the bench while imposing certain conditions on his release.

The apex court restrained the associate professor from making any further online posts or speeches on the issue. No article or online posts are to be made, nor will any speech be delivered on the subject matter of the case.

Further, he was retrained from making any comments on the terrorist attack on Indian soil or the counter-response given by India. The bench also asked him to surrender his passport.

It also ordered constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) within 24 hours to probe the matter. The top court directed that the SIT will be comprised of senior IPS officers, who do not belong to Haryana or Delhi and one officer of the SIT should be a woman. The SIT should be headed by an Inspector General rank officer and the other two members must be of SP rank.

“Having regard to contents of two alleged offending online posts which led to FIR against the petitioner, we are satisfied that no case of staying the investigation is made out. However, to understand the complexity and for proper appreciation of the language used in the post, we direct DGP Haryana to constitute a SIT comprising of three IPS officers who do not belong to Haryana or Delhi. SIT shall be headed by Inspector General of police and one of the members shall be a woman officer,” the order stated.

During the hearing, the bench took strong exception to the language used by Mahmudabad in his posts.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the associate professor, read out Mahmudabad’s social media post, saying it was the highly patriotic comment.

“While he (associate professor) is giving an opinion on the effects of war on civilians, army personnel etc. now he is turned to politics,” Justice Kant said while reading the comment where he commented on right-wing, victims of mob lynching, bulldozing etc.

Justice Kant said, “Ofcourse, everyone has the right to express… Is it time to talk about this communal…? The country has faced a big challenge, civilians were attacked and at that time… Why are they trying to gain cheap popularity on this occasion?”

“When the choice of words is deliberately to insult, humiliate or make some kind of discomfort to other party… We are sure that he is very educated… You could have conveyed in very simple language without hurting others, use terms which are simple, respectful,” Justice Kant told Sibal.

As Sibal said Mahmudabad was saluting armed forces and not derogating them, Justice Kant said, “We don’t know… I have a right to this, right to do that… Everybody talks about rights as if the whole country for the last 75 years was distributing rights.”

The bench also asked ASG SV Raju, appearing for the Haryana government, to show the statement where Mahmudabad was insulting the women army officers.

“The entire projection is that he is anti-war, saying families of army people, civilians in border areas, etc., suffer. But some words have double meaning also,” said the bench.

Mahmudabad approached the top court against his arrest over the social media post.

Mahmudabad was arrested from his residence in Delhi by Haryana Police on Sunday and remanded to two-day police custody following the registration of two separate cases. He was charged with, among other things, endangering India’s sovereignty, unity and integrity for his comments on Operation Sindoor.

The Haryana Women’s Commission had earlier termed Mahmudabad’s social media comments as disparaging towards women officers in the Indian Armed Forces and said it also promoted communal disharmony. On May 13, Haryana Women Commission chief Renu Bhatia had dispatched the summons to the associate professor.

He clarified that his comments had been completely misunderstood.

Meanwhile, Ashoka University shared a statement on the interim bail of the associate professor in which they expressed relief with the apex court decision.

“We are relieved and heartened by Prof Ali Khan Mahmudabad being granted interim bail by the Hon’ble Supreme Court. It has provided great comfort to his family and all of us at Ashoka University,” the statement said. (ANI)