Month: May 2025

Hailing the centre’s fight against naxalism and red terror, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the day is not far when the Maoist violence will be completely eradicated from the country.

PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation of multiple development projects worth over Rs 48,520 crore on Friday in Karakat. PM Modi asserted that the people of Bihar are the “witnesses” on how those spreading violence and creating unrest are being eliminated by the government.

The Prime Minister highlighted that people promoting Naxalism had no faith in Dr BR Ambedkar, but even under such circumstances, CM Nitish Kumar tried his best to do development work in Bihar. PM Modi said that before 2014, 75 districts across India were affected by Naxalism, which has now been cut short to 18.

“The people of Bihar are witnesses to how we have eliminated those who spread violence and unrest in the past years. How Naxalism was dominant in the Sasaram and nearby districts a few years ago… These people had no faith in Babasaheb Ambedkar. Even in those circumstances, Nitish Kumar tried his best for development here… Before 2014, more than 75 districts were Naxal-affected. Now, only 18 districts are left Naxal-affected. The day is not far when Maoist violence will be completely eradicated”, PM Modi said.

Praising Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, PM Modi said that when the “Jungle Raj” was removed under Nitish Kumar’s leadership in Bihar, the state began to move towards development.

PM Modi asserted that broken highways, bad railways, and limited flight connectivity have become history in Bihar. A web of four-lane highways and bridges is being constructed in the state.

“When the Jungle Raj government was dismissed under Nitish Kumar’s leadership here, Bihar also started moving ahead on the path of progress. Broken highways, bad railways, limited flight connectivity, that era has now become history… A web of four-lane highways is being constructed in Bihar… Bridges are being constructed on all major rivers”, PM Modi said.

Recently, the Indian forces conducted a major anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur, eliminating 27 Naxals, which included top commander Basavaraju.

Basavaraju, who was the general secretary of CPI (Maoist) was active in Naxalite activities for the last 40-45 years and was involved in more than 200 Naxalite activities (ANI)

The Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority is monitoring the possibility of hazardous materials, spilt from the Liberia-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3, washing ashore the state’s coast. As of now, no hazardous materials have been found on Tamil Nadu’s coastline, the officials said.

The ship was involved in an accident off the Kerala coast on May 24, during the onset of the southwest monsoon, resulting in the spillage of fuel, plastic particles, and hazardous cargo containers into the sea.

Due to the intensifying southwest monsoon, plastic debris, containers, and other materials have been drifting and washing ashore along the coasts of Kerala and the southern coastal regions of Kanyakumari district.

The ship’s sinking has left a trail of debris along the Kerala coastline. Several containers from the vessel have washed ashore in various locations, including the Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts. Efforts are being made to remove them.

The vessel, carrying 24 crew members, had reported technical issues and was tilting soon after departing from Vizhinjam port.

The Indian Navy and Coast Guard responded promptly to the distress call, deploying ships INS Satpura and INS Sujatha to the scene. Despite adverse weather conditions, including wind speeds of up to 40 knots and debris in the water, the Coast Guard successfully rescued all 24 crew members.

The crew member attributed the incident to a technical problem with some systems, rather than a collision. They mentioned that the situation worsened due to adverse weather conditions and the age of the vessel.

Earlier, a meeting was held under the leadership of Chief Secretary A Jayathilak with officials and district collectors in the background of the sinking of the Liberian container ship MSC ELSA 3 off the Kochi coast. The ship completely sank 14.6 nautical miles from the Thottapalli spillway. About 100 containers may have fallen into the sea. The ship’s fuel oil has also leaked. However, all the crew members of the ship have been rescued. (ANI)

The cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan took place on May 10 following contacts between the two DGMOs and while there were conversations between Indian and US leaders on the evolving situation since Operation Sindoor was launched, the issue of trade or tariff did not come up in any of those discussions, the government said on Thursday.

Responding to queries at the weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India’s position on the stoppage of military action has been well-articulated.

“Our position on this particular issue that you mentioned has been well articulated. I would refer you to our position that was made clear on May 13. From the time Operation Sindoor commenced on 7th May till the understanding on cessation of firing and military action on May 10, there were conversations between Indian and US leaders on the evolving military situation,” Jaiswal said.

“The issue of trade or tariff did not come up in any of those discussions. External Affairs Minister has also made clear that the cessation of firing was decided upon through direct contacts between the DGMOs of India and Pakistan,” he added.

Asked about US Commerce Secretary submitting a statement in a US court which claimed that the US mediated in the conflict between India and Pakistan and that trade was used as leverage, Jaiswal said he has stated his position.

“When I state my position, I do it as spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India, with the flags on both sides. That has an implication, means a lot,” he said.

India launched Operation Sindoor and carried out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK in response to Pahalgam terror attack.

India repelled subsequent Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases. The two countries agreed to stop military action after Pakistan DGMO contacted his Indian counterpart.

Answering a query about the visit of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to the US, Jaiswal said he met Under Secretary Jeffrey Kessler to advance India-US cooperation on critical and emerging technologies.

“He led our delegation, comprising Deputy NSA for the Inter-Agency discussions on the India-US Compact for the 21st century. This meeting happened in the White House and focused on implementing trust initiatives which is about critical and emerging technology partnerships. They also discussed cooperation in area of defence and energy domains as well as strengthening the QUAD, IMEC, I2U2 initiatives,” the spokesperson said.

“Foreign Secretary also had a meeting with the Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and they discussed all aspects of India-US relationship, In particular they agreed that tech, trade and talent will shape the India-US partnership in the 21st century and they both reaffirmed the commitment to further strengthening the India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership. All issues of mutual interest were discussed between India and the United States,” he added. (ANI)

Fiery powerplay spells from Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood tormented Punjab Kings (PBKS) at their home territory, knocking them over for just 101 runs in 14.1 overs in the qualifier one clash of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at Mullanpur on Thursday.

Within the powerplay itself, PBKS sunk to 48/4. Marcus Stoinis (26 in 17 balls, with two fours and two sixes) was the only one to cross the 20-run mark for PBKS. Spinner Suyash Sharma also took brilliant three wickets which destroyed PBKS’ middle-order.

After electing to bowl first, RCB was off to a dream start. Pace trio of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal and Josh Hazlewood was breathing fire in the powerplay.

In the second over, a fine catch at covers by Krunal Pandya removed Priyansh Arya for a five-ball seven, giving Yash the first wicket. PBKS was 9/1 in 1.2 overs.

Despite this early setback, Prabhsimran kept his attacking intent on, smashing Yash and Bhuvneshwar for some boundaries. However, he edged a delivery to wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, for 18 in just 10 balls, with two fours and a six. Bhuvneshwar got his first wicket. PBKS was 27/2 in three overs.

Josh Hazlewood marked his return to action from injury with a bang, getting the big wicket of skipper Shreyas Iyer for just two in three balls, with yet another feathered edge landing into Jitesh’s hands. Josh Inglis, in the battle of Aussies, succumbed to Hazlewood for just four in seven balls, with Bhuvneshwar taking the catch. PBKS was 38/4 in 5.1 overs.

At the end of six overs, PBKS was 48/4 in six overs, Marcus Stoinis (10) and Nehal Wadhera (8) unbeaten.

Nehal did not last long either as the ball got the thick edge of his bat and crashed into his leg stump, giving Yash another wicket. PBKS was 50/5 in 6.3 overs.

The hosts’ slump worsened as in the eighth over, spinner Suyash Sharma cleaned up Shashank Singh (3) and Impact Sub Musheer Khan (0) for single-digits, sinking them to 60/7 in 8.5 overs.

At the end of 10 overs, PBKS was 71/7, with Stoinis (26) and Azmatullah Omarzai (2) unbeaten.

PBKS’ bid to score even 100 runs was under danger as a brilliant delivery from Suyash cleaned up Stoinis for 26 in 17 balls, with two fours and two sixes. PBKS was 78/8 in 10.3 overs.

Harpreet Brar and Omarzai tried to put together a partnership, but Romario Shepherd cleaned Brar up for four, reducing PBKS to 97/9 in 13.3 overs.

PBKS reached the 100-run mark in 13.5 overs.

Omarzai was the last one to go, edging the ball to Jitesh, who took a brilliant catch to give Hazlewood his third wicket. PBKS was all out for 101 in 14.1 overs.

Suyash (3/17) and Hazlewood (3/21) were the leading bowlers for RCB, with Yash getting 2/26 in four overs. Bhuvneshwar and Romario got a wicket each. (ANI)

The Trump administration has threatened to escalate its tariffs dispute to the Supreme Court after a court ruling overturned many of the president’s new import duties. The administration is demanding that the decision be suspended

White House Press Secretary Karine Leavitt declared, “We will win this battle in court”, in a press briefing and said the administration is working to “tackle rogue judges.”

When asked why other countries would continue trade negotiations amid the legal uncertainty, she said the U.S. trade ambassador had heard from countries that morning confirming their intention to continue working with the United States.

During a Thursday briefing, Leavitt also informed reporters that U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba spoke by phone on Thursday, exchanging views on tariff-related issues.

The press secretary added that members of the president’s cabinet–Secretary Lutnick, Secretary Bessent, and Ambassador Jamieson Greer–have been in contact with their counterparts worldwide to signal that the United States remains committed to negotiations.

“Countries around the world have faith in the negotiator in chief, President Donald J. Trump. And they also probably see how ridiculous this ruling is, and they understand the administration is going to win,” Leavitt said. “And we intend to win. We already filed an emergency appeal, and we expect to fight this battle all the way to the Supreme Court,” the press secretary asserted.

White House lawyers petitioned the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on Thursday to halt Wednesday’s decision from taking effect. The move followed a second court ruling that found President Trump had exceeded his authority in implementing the tariffs.

The rulings represent significant victories for small businesses and states that have mounted legal challenges to the measures, striking at policies central to Trump’s economic and foreign policy agenda.

Leavitt also criticised the court’s tariff ruling as an example of “judicial overreach.” She argued that Trump’s tariffs were introduced to address U.S. trade deficits with other nations and described the taxes as “legally sound” and “long overdue.”

Meanwhile, a US team is scheduled to visit India on June 5-6 for the next round of negotiations on a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) between the two countries.

The India-US trade deal would mark a significant milestone in economic relations between the two big economies, potentially opening new avenues for bilateral commerce and investment.

Additionally, Ray Vickery, Former United States Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Trade Development, said that the trade agreement between India and the US can’t happen with Washington’s “bullying approach.”

“In Trump, 1.0, there was a negotiation that came close to getting a freer trade, not a free trade arrangement between the United States and India. One hopes that that would happen, but it’s not going to happen with this bullying approach, which the Trump administration has indicated,” Ray Vickery told ANI.

President Donald Trump has made repeated claims that the US mediated the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan and offered them “a lot of trade.”

However, India has emphasised that the two nations’ militaries negotiated directly and resolved the conflict through an agreement and understanding for a cessation of fire and military action.

The cessation of hostilities was agreed upon following a call from Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) to his Indian counterpart, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, after India destroyed nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir under Operation Sindoor.

Additionally, Vikrey said that the Trump administration has a “misunderstanding” regarding trade deficits, due to whichthe US is determined to impose tariffs on other countries.

“The Trump administration has a misunderstanding in regard to trade deficits. Trade deficits are not necessarily something imposed just by unfair trade practices by another country, but they have to do with the United States’ own saving and spending habits, he said. (ANI)

Chief of Air Staff and Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Thursday raised serious concerns over persistent delays in defence projects, highlighting the systemic issue of unrealistic timelines and their impact on operational readiness.

During his address at the CII Annual Business Summit 2025, Air Chief Marshal pointed at the recurring pattern of delays in project execution and criticised the practice of committing to unachievable deadlines.

His remarks come in the context of the reported ongoing challenges with projects like the delivery of the aircraft, which has faced criticism from the Air Chief for failing to meet timelines.

“Timelines is a big issue… Not a single project that I can think of has been completed on time. This is something that we have to look at,” Singh stated, adding, “Why should we promise something that cannot be achieved? While signing the contract itself, sometimes we are sure that it is not going to come up. But we just sign the contract. Then the process gets vitiated,” said Air Marshal Singh.

The Air Chief also hailed Operation Sindoor as a “national victory”, emphasising the operation’s success as a testament to the collective efforts of the armed forces, agencies, and every Indian citizen in combating terrorism.

During his address, the Air Marshal reflected on the operation, highlighting how Operation Sindoor, a precision strike on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, showcased the evolving nature of warfare with the integration of advanced technologies, providing a clear direction for future defence strategies.

“I must put on record this operation, Sindoor, that we’ve been talking about. It is a national victory. My thanks to everyone of you in India here… This was an operation executed in a very professional manner by everybody, all the agencies, all the forces; we all came together, and when truth is on your side, things happen automatically,” he stated.

He underscored the intrinsic trust within the armed forces, noting that it was a default setting in the armed forces.

The Air Marshal also urged all stakeholders–army, navy, air force, industry, and DRDO–to remain strong links in the national security chain, ensuring no weak points compromise the system, and stressed the importance of retaining this trust through consistent performance.

“Trust for defence forces is intrinsic. Our default setting is trust… The very first mission that you’re flying, you have to trust each other because your life depends on somebody else,” he said.

“When we talk about a nation, all of us in these groups army, the navy, the air force, various agencies, industry, DRDO – all of us are links in a bigger chain. We all have to make sure that our group is not the weak group because of which this chain will break. And that is what is stressed: that if I am trying to be strong enough not to let this system break, everybody else is also trying equally to be strong enough to be competent enough in that game or at least be aware of where the shortcomings lie and improve that system,” Air Chief Marhsal added.

The Air Marshal also called for stronger collaboration with private industry, noting the recent clearance for private participation in the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme as a significant step.

“AMCA- advanced medium combat aircraft – has been cleared for even participation by private industry, which is a very big step, and that is the kind of confidence that the nation has in private industry today, and I’m sure this is going to pave the way to bigger things coming in the future,” he said.

Expressing confidence that such partnerships will pave the way for future advancements in India’s defence capabilities, Air Marshal Singh said, “We cannot just talk about producing in India. We need to start designing and developing in India also… We need to have this trust between the forces and the industry continue, with open and forthright communication.” (ANI)

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday inaugurated a two-day “Literary Conference: How Much Has Literature Changed?” at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in New Delhi, President’s Secretariat said.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that since her student days, she has had a feeling of respect and gratitude towards literature and litterateurs. With time, this feeling of special respect for literature has become even deeper. It was her wish that many litterateurs should come to Rashtrapati Bhavan.

She appreciated the Ministry of Culture and Sahitya Akademi for organizing this conference.

The President stated that our country boasts a multitude of languages and an infinite diversity of literary traditions. But in this diversity, the vibration of Indianness is felt. This sense of Indianness is also deeply ingrained in the collective subconscious of our country. She said that she considers all the languages and dialects of the country as her language and dialect and the literature of all languages as her own.

The President said that the establishment of enduring human values amidst changing contexts is the identity of timeless literature. As society and social institutions have changed, challenges and priorities have changed, and changes have been seen in literature as well. But there is something in literature that remains relevant even after centuries. The literary contexts of affection and compassion keep changing but their emotional background does not change. Taking inspiration from literature, human dreams and makes them come true.

The President said that today’s literature cannot be didactic. Today’s literature cannot be a sermon. Today’s literature cannot be a book of morals. Today’s writer walks along like a fellow traveler, sees and shows; experiences, and makes others experience. She expressed confidence that in this literary gathering, a constructive dialogue will be established between the speakers and the participants.

On Friday, the Conference will deliberate on topics such as ‘Feminist Literature of India: Breaking New Grounds’; ‘Change in Literature vs. Literature of Change’; and ‘New Directions of Indian Literature in Global Perspective’. It will conclude with the saga of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar celebrating her 300th anniversary. (ANI)

Actor Ajay Devgn backed the 8-hour shifts for mothers amid reports of Deepika Padukone’s exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s film ‘Spirit.’

The film has been in the news lately after reports claimed that Deepika decided to walk away from the project due to certain working demands, including a request for an ‘eight-hour workday.’

While this sparked debate online, actor Ajay Devgn seems to have spoken in support of Deepika Padukone at the trailer launch of ‘Maa’, an upcoming horror film that stars Kajol in the lead.

When asked about his views on the demands for an 8-hour shift, Devgn, without taking names, said, “It’s not that it’s not going down well with people. Most of the honest filmmakers will not have problems with it. Apart from this, being a mother and working for eight hours, most people have started working eight- to nine-hour shifts.”

“It’s person to person, and I feel most of the industry understands this,” he added.

Earlier, Deepika was expected to star opposite Prabhas in Spirit, a film backed by T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures. However, she is reportedly no longer part of the project. The film is directed by Animal director Sandeep Reddy Vanga.

Following Deepika’s reported exit, the makers confirmed that actress Triptii Dimri, who was also seen in Animal, has joined the cast of Spirit.

Just a couple of days back, Vanga took to his X and dropped a fiery post.

Though he did not name anyone directly, many believe Vanga was referring to Deepika Padukone, who reportedly stepped away from the project recently.

In a post shared on his official X, Vanga voiced frustration over a broken “unsaid NDA” and alleged betrayal of trust, and wrote, “When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100 per cent faith. There is an unsaid NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) between us. But by doing this, you’ve ‘DISCLOSED’ the person that you are…” (ANI)

Days after attaching the teaser of ‘Param Sundari’ to the film ‘Bhool Chuck Maaf’ in theatres, the makers on Thursday officially launched the fist video asset of Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor-starrer.

The teaser shows Sidharth as Param, flaunting his chiselled abs. Then Janhvi’s character, aka Sundari, was introduced.

Donning traditional attire, she looked exquisite as a girl from the South. In the teaser, we can also see Janhvi and Sidharth romancing each other amid green, lush hills in Kerala.

Sonu Nigam’s soulful song, which plays in the background, promises to add a soothing touch to the romantic chemistry between Sidharth and Janhvi.

Sharing the link, Maddock Films on Instagram wrote, “Where North’s fire meets South’s grace, it calls for the biggest love story of the year! Dinesh Vijan presents Param Sundari, a love story directed by Tushar Jalota, coming to cinemas on 25th July 2025.”

The teaser of South meets North love story garnered mixed reviews. It reminded many cinema buffs of ‘2 States’ and ‘Chennai Express’.

“Looks beatiful,” a social media user commented.

“Hope it’s not similar to Chennai Express and 2 States,” another user wrote.

Sonu Nigam’s melodic vocals in the background caught eveyrone’s attention.

“This song sounds like my next favourite song on loop,” an Instagram user commented.

Directed by Tushar Jalota, the rom-com will be released in theatres on July 25, 2025. It is created under Dinesh Vijan’s banner, Maddock Films.In the coming months, Janhvi will also be se alongside Ram Charan in his much-anticipated 16th film, now titled ‘Peddi.

”Peddi’ is directed by Buchi Babu Sana and also stars Kannada superstar Shiva Raj Kumar and Jagapathi Babu in prominent roles.The movie will also feature ‘Mirzapur’ fame Divyenndu in a prominent role. (ANI)

Fiery powerplay spells from Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood tormented Punjab Kings (PBKS) at their home territory, knocking them over for just 101 runs in 14.1 overs in the qualifier one clash of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at Mullanpur on Thursday.

Within the powerplay itself, PBKS sunk to 48/4. Marcus Stoinis (26 in 17 balls, with two fours and two sixes) was the only one to cross the 20-run mark for PBKS. Spinner Suyash Sharma also took brilliant three wickets which destroyed PBKS’ middle-order.

After electing to bowl first, RCB was off to a dream start. Pace trio of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal and Josh Hazlewood was breathing fire in the powerplay.

In the second over, a fine catch at covers by Krunal Pandya removed Priyansh Arya for a five-ball seven, giving Yash the first wicket. PBKS was 9/1 in 1.2 overs.

Despite this early setback, Prabhsimran kept his attacking intent on, smashing Yash and Bhuvneshwar for some boundaries. However, he edged a delivery to wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, for 18 in just 10 balls, with two fours and a six. Bhuvneshwar got his first wicket. PBKS was 27/2 in three overs.

Josh Hazlewood marked his return to action from injury with a bang, getting the big wicket of skipper Shreyas Iyer for just two in three balls, with yet another feathered edge landing into Jitesh’s hands. Josh Inglis, in the battle of Aussies, succumbed to Hazlewood for just four in seven balls, with Bhuvneshwar taking the catch. PBKS was 38/4 in 5.1 overs.

At the end of six overs, PBKS was 48/4 in six overs, Marcus Stoinis (10) and Nehal Wadhera (8) unbeaten.

Nehal did not last long either as the ball got the thick edge of his bat and crashed into his leg stump, giving Yash another wicket. PBKS was 50/5 in 6.3 overs.

The hosts’ slump worsened as in the eighth over, spinner Suyash Sharma cleaned up Shashank Singh (3) and Impact Sub Musheer Khan (0) for single-digits, sinking them to 60/7 in 8.5 overs.

At the end of 10 overs, PBKS was 71/7, with Stoinis (26) and Azmatullah Omarzai (2) unbeaten.

PBKS’ bid to score even 100 runs was under danger as a brilliant delivery from Suyash cleaned up Stoinis for 26 in 17 balls, with two fours and two sixes. PBKS was 78/8 in 10.3 overs.

Harpreet Brar and Omarzai tried to put together a partnership, but Romario Shepherd cleaned Brar up for four, reducing PBKS to 97/9 in 13.3 overs.

PBKS reached the 100-run mark in 13.5 overs.

Omarzai was the last one to go, edging the ball to Jitesh, who took a brilliant catch to give Hazlewood his third wicket. PBKS was all out for 101 in 14.1 overs.

Suyash (3/17) and Hazlewood (3/21) were the leading bowlers for RCB, with Yash getting 2/26 in four overs. Bhuvneshwar and Romario got a wicket each. (ANI)