Month: June 2025

Rashtriya Janata Dal leader (RJD) Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday slammed the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), while countering the ruling alliance’s ‘Jungle Raj’ jibe, saying that their “tactics of spreading fear are not going to work”. The State faces assembly elections later in the year.

Addressing at the Vaishya Representative Conference in Patna, Tejashwi Yadav questioned Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led NDA alliance in Bihar over trade and asserted that never talk about those issues but only about jungle raj.

“We have been in opposition for the last 20 years, and they are still crying over us. Why are they not taking accountability for their work? What have they done? What’s their blueprint to increase trade in Bihar? How will they make small enterprises more beneficial? They’ll never talk about that. They will say that Jungle Raaj will come. I have also been the Deputy CM for 18 months. Did the people not come out of their homes? BJP’s tactics of spreading fear are not going to work in this age,” Tejashwi Yadav said.

Tejashwi Yadav also highlighted Bihar’s increasing poverty, unemployment and crime rates.

“If you will look at the NITI Aayog’s report, Bihar is no.1 in poverty, migration, and unemployment. There are no industries. If they (the NDA government) had even opened one sugar mill, then you tell me. Bihar is at the bottom in terms of education and health. NCRB’s data says that after 2005, crime has continuously increased. What steps have been taken to create a safer environment? Has the chief minister visited any victim’s house to share their grief?” Tejashwi Yadav said.

Tejashwi Yadav reaffirmed that the RJD want to give Bihar a government that prioritises education, healthcare, income, and many other issues, while firing shots at Nitish Kumar, saying that there is neither justice nor development in Bihar.

“We want to give Bihar a government where there is education, healthcare, income, irrigation, listening, and action. Today, there is neither listening nor action. Today, you can go anywhere and see that there is immense corruption. Nitish Kumar talks about Jungle Raj, but gives parole to such criminals who keep AK-47 at their house. Today, there is neither justice nor development in Bihar… We have always stood with the public of the state,” Yadav said.

Ahead of the Assembly Election in Bihar, Leaders of the BJP, Janata Dal-United JD (U) and other constituents of the NDA have been reminding people of Bihar of “jungle raj” under Lalu Prasad, saying there was a significant neglect of infrastructure, including roads, electricity, healthcare, and education.

RJD leaders, on their part, have said that people will vote for change in Bihar polls and that the state continues to face problems of poverty and unemployment. (ANI)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange alerts for multiple districts in Himachal Pradesh, as the state continues to witness heavy rainfall, particularly in the capital city, Shimla, over the past 24 hours.

According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, an orange alert has been issued for Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, Kullu, and Mandi, indicating the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over the next 48 hours.

Additionally, yellow alerts have been issued for Kangra, Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Chamba, forecasting light to moderate rainfall in these regions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted light to moderate rainfall at many places in several districts of Himachal Pradesh in the next few hours.

IMD has warned of light to moderate rainfall at many places in the districts of Bilaspur, Solan, Shimla, Sirmaur, Hamirpur, Mandi, and Kangra, with a few spells of intense to very intense rainfall likely to occur at isolated places.

“Light to moderate rainfall is likely to occur at a few places in the Districts of Kullu, Una, and Chamba,” it added.

The weather department also warned of light rainfall likely to occur at isolated places in the districts of Kinnaur, Lahul, and Spiti during the next 3 to 4 hours.

Authorities stated that the alerts would help ensure preparedness in areas prone to flash floods and landslides.

The continuous downpour has disrupted everyday life in the hill state. Commuters faced difficulty due to waterlogged streets, slippery roads, and reduced visibility. While some locals welcomed the rain as a break from the heat, others raised concerns about its impact on public infrastructure and mobility.

While speaking to the ANI, local resident Malkhan Singh said, “Given the weather department’s alert, people are mentally prepared. But if we want to reduce losses during heavy rains, it’s essential that local residents follow the advisories.”

The continuous rains since Friday evening have added to the worries of local residents, already grappling with monsoon-related issues and the threat of landslides in vulnerable zones.

Despite the challenges faced by locals, tourists arriving from Punjab, Delhi, and other neighbouring states appeared to enjoy the sudden shift in climate. Many visitors expressed delight at the cool climate, especially in contrast to the sweltering conditions back home.

Manjeet Singh, a tourist from Punjab, said that the weather is pleasant and chilly for him, away from home. “This weather is truly refreshing. It’s much better than the heat back home. Even the rains here are enjoyable; this is a welcome change for us.” Said Manjeet Singh.

Officials from the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) said relief and rescue teams have been activated and locals were being regularly updated through advisories. Travellers were advised to avoid unnecessary travel on hilly roads and remain alert near riverbanks and landslide-prone areas.

With more rainfall expected in the coming days, the administration has stressed the need for vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines to avoid any untoward incidents during the ongoing monsoon season. (ANI)

Amid the ongoing debate over Maharashtra government’s alleged move to make Hind compulsory across all classes, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Sunday stated that the Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray would protest against the “forceful imposition” of the language in the state’s education system.

Raut further stated that the government resolution would be publicly burned.

“Uddhav and Raj Thackeray will protest against the forceful imposition of Hindi in the state education. We will burn the government resolution released today along with the public… Main program is in Mumbai… Uddhav Thackeray will be present in this program…” Raut said, addressing the media.

Earlier, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde hit out at Shiv Sena (UBT) and accused the party of practising “double-faced” politics.

Shinde said that people who practise double-faced politics have no right to demand the resignation of Minister Dada Bhuse.

“The then Chief Minister of Maharashtra had made mandatory the teaching of three languages – Marathi, English, and Hindi, which was recommended by the Raghunath Mashelkar Committee… When they were in power, their opinion was different, and now that they are not in power, they are responding differently… The people who practise double-faced politics have no right to demand the resignation of Minister Dada Bhuse…Our government made Marathi mandatory in schools,” Shinde told ANI.

Shinde’s remarks came in response to criticism from Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, who demanded the resignation of School Education Minister Dada Bhuse over the “imposition” of Hindi in state schools.

Aaditya Thackeray argued that no language should be forced upon students and that doing so could overburden them.

“We demand that no language should be forced. What we have been learning so far should continue. Education should be enhanced, but no language should be forced. Why is it just Hindi? How much do you want to burden the children? Focus on what they are already studying; restructure it a little, make it better,” he said. (ANI)

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Sunday announced plans to install outdoor air purifiers at Nehru Park as part of a pilot project to create the city’s first “clean air zone”.

The initiative aims to reduce pollution levels in public spaces, particularly in areas with high foot traffic, such as parks.

“AQI is a big challenge in Delhi. We are working to lower the AQI…We are conducting a study in Nehru Park. As many people come to this area for morning walks and exercise, we are trying to determine if we can lower the AQI in a particular location…,” said Sirsa.

Improve air quality in Nehru Park by installing outdoor air purifiers that can cover an area of approximately 600 square meters each.

The project will be funded through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships with private firms, ensuring that there is no direct financial burden on the government.

The air purifiers use a unique system to capture and store polluting particles, operating 24/7 with minimal maintenance requirements.

Earlier today, Sirsa and PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma inspected Nehru Park on Sunday. Delhi recorded a ‘satisfactory’ AQI of 84 today, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

Nehru Park attracts hundreds of walkers, joggers, and yoga enthusiasts daily, making it an ideal location for testing air purification technology.

By reducing pollution levels in public spaces, the initiative aims to create healthier environments for citizens.

Earlier on June 15, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked the already enforced Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect after AQI was recorded at 140.

The Sub-Committee on GRAP further reviewed the air quality scenario in the region, as well as the forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the air quality index of Delhi, during its meeting.

“AQI of Delhi has shown consistent improvement due to favourable meteorological conditions, and the AQI of Delhi has been recorded as 140 for June 15, 2025 (in ‘Moderate’ category). Further, the forecast by IMD/IITM also predicts AQI to mainly remain in the ‘Moderate’ category in the coming days,” the order issued by the CAQM read.

Accordingly, the subcommittee decided to revoke its order, which invoked actions under Stage-I (‘Poor’ Air Quality) of the extant GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect.

“All the agencies of the concerned State Govts./GNCTD in the NCR, in an effort to sustain the better AQI levels as being experienced currently and not to let the air quality slip to the “Poor” category, however need to ensure that all statutory directions, advisories, orders etc. issued by the Commission are followed and implemented in right earnest, including the rules/ regulations/ guidelines issued by MoEFCC and the Central Pollution Control Board and related instructions/ guidelines issued by the respective State Govts./GNCTD and Pollution Control Boards/DPCC, across all contributing sectors,” the order read. (ANI)

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has apologised and sought forgiveness from devotees, following a stampede during the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, in which at least three people died. He further directed the authorities to initiate action against those responsible.

Posting on social media platform X, Chief Minister Majhi said, “Due to the intense eagerness among devotees to have a glimpse of Mahaprabhu at Sharadhabali, an unfortunate incident occurred because of the resulting jostling and chaos. Personally, my government and I seek forgiveness from all Jagannath devotees. We express our condolences to the families of those devotees whose lives were lost at Sharadhabali and pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannath to grant them the strength to bear this profound sorrow.”

He added that an investigation will be conducted into the security lapse and action will be taken against those responsible.

“This negligence is unforgivable. An immediate investigation into the security lapse will be conducted, and I have directed that necessary steps be taken to initiate exemplary action against those responsible,” Majhi’s X post read.

Earlier on Sunday, speaking to ANI over the phone, Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said that the state DGP has been sent to the site of the incident.

The Odisha Minister said, “It is an unfortunate incident. We are taking note of that. I spoke with the CM this morning. We are taking stringent action. DGP has been sent to the spot.”

“Three people have passed away because of suffocation in the huge gathering. Six to seven people are injured. I am moving to Puri. I am monitoring the situation over the phone. We are trying our best to manage the crowd. Additional police have been deployed. The reasons for the incident are being investigated,” Harichandan said.

“The situation is now under control and the people are having darshan…”, he added.

“The situation is being monitored,” the minister said, adding that he is rushing to Puri himself and that stringent action will be taken against those responsible.”

Around six to seven people were injured and they are alright now,” Harichandan further said.

Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania rushed to the Gundicha Temple to assess the situation at the spot.

The mishap took place early this morning near the Gundhicha Temple in Puri. During the annual Rath Yatra, massive crowd of devotees pull the holy chariots of the three deities – Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Shubhadra which are taken to the Gundicha Temple, a short distance from the Jagannath Temple. The three deities spend a week at the Gundicha Temple before returning to Jagannath Temple. this year the Rath Yatra commenced on Friday. (ANI)

A severe landslide caused by heavy rainfall struck a labour camp at Silai Band on the Yamunotri Highway on Sunday, resulting in nine workers missing while ten others were rescued.

Officials confirmed that a 10-12 meter stretch of the highway was completely washed away, severely disrupting road connectivity and delaying immediate rescue operations.

According to officials, teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police rushed to the site and initiated relief and rescue operations immediately.

“Ten workers have been safely rescued and evacuated from the site. However, nine others are still missing and efforts are underway to locate them,” said Uttarakhand police.

The disaster management department issued an advisory to all travellers and pilgrims, stating, “Request to travellers: Stay at safe locations.”

Furthermore, the Char Dham Yatra has been suspended for 24 hours amid a heavy rain alert. Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey told ANI that the pilgrimage has been temporarily halted as a precaution.

“I have given instructions to the police and administration officials to stop the pilgrims in Haridwar, Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Sonprayag and Vikasnagar,” Pandey told.

The suspension follows the cloudburst at Silai Band and the ongoing heavy rainfall, which has disrupted travel.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that State Disaster Response Forces (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other teams are actively engaged in relief and rescue operations at the landslide-hit Silai Band area in Uttarkashi district.

In a post on social media X, the CM wrote, “In the tragic incident of a landslide in the Silai Band area of Barkot Tehsil, Uttarkashi district, it has been reported that some workers are missing.

Teams including SDRF, NDRF, and others have reached the site and are engaged in intensive relief and rescue operations,” the post read.

The CM further stated he was in constant contact with the concerned authorities. “I am in constant contact with the concerned authorities regarding this matter. I pray to God for everyone’s safety,” the post further read. (ANI)

The Israel Defense Forces has announced that they eliminated Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa–one of the founders of Hamas’ military wing.

The IDF in a late Saturday night post said that Issa was one of the masterminds of the October 7, 2023 attack.

In a post on X, the IDF said, “ELIMINATED: eliminated Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa–one of the founders of Hamas’ military wing. Issa led Hamas’ force build-up, training, and planned the October 7 massacre. As Head of Combat Support, he advanced aerial & naval attacks against Israelis. The IDF & ISA will continue to locate and eliminate all terrorists involved in the October 7 massacre.”

Meanwhile, as per Al Jazeera, Israel continued its attacks across the Gaza Strip, including an attack that killed at least 20 people, including nine children, in Gaza City’s Tuffah neighbourhood.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he believes a ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas could be reached within a week.

Trump came out with the surprise comment while speaking to reporters on Friday, saying he was hopeful after speaking to some of the people involved in trying to get a truce.

“I think it’s close. I just spoke to some of the people involved,” Trump said, as per Al Jazeera.

“We think within the next week we’re going to get a ceasefire,” the president said, without revealing who he had been in contact with, as per Al Jazeera.

There is an understanding, according to many reports, that Netanyahu would have to agree to some sort of ceasefire in exchange for normalisation deals with Arab states, which the Trump administration has promoted. Hamas, on the other hand, requires that Israel stop its war on Gaza and for the Israeli military to withdraw from areas it seized in Gaza after breaking the last ceasefire in March.

Trump’s ceasefire prediction comes at a time of mounting killings by Israeli forces in Gaza and growing international condemnation of Israel’s war amid the latest revelation that soldiers said they were ordered to shoot unarmed Palestinian civilians seeking humanitarian aid in the territory, as per Al Jazeera. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (US local time) called the continuation of the trial against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “political witch hunt”.

The remarks come as the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is currently on trial for three separate alleged corruption charges, known as Case 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000, involving allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, as reported by Anadolu Agency. However, Netanyahu had consistently denied all accusations, dismissing them as “fake”.

Expressing anguish in a post on Truth Social, the US President stated that it is a terrible situation where the Israeli PM has to spend time in the courtroom while he is in the middle of negotiating a deal with Hamas.

“It is terrible what they are doing in Israel to Bibi Netanyahu. He is a War Hero and a Prime Minister who did a fabulous job working with the United States to bring Great Success in getting rid of the dangerous Nuclear threat in Iran. Importantly, he is right now in the process of negotiating a Deal with Hamas, which will include getting the Hostages back. How is it possible that the Prime Minister of Israel can be forced to sit in a Courtroom all day long, over NOTHING (Cigars, Bugs Bunny Doll, etc.). It is a POLITICAL WITCH HUNT, very similar to the Witch Hunt that I was forced to endure,” Trump wrote.Underscoring the unjust nature of the action, Trump said that the travesty of “Justice” will interfere with both Iran and Hamas negotiations.

“This travesty of “Justice” will interfere with both Iran and Hamas negotiations. In other words, it is INSANITY doing what the out-of-control prosecutors are doing to Bibi Netanyahu. The United States of America spends Billions of dollars a year, far more than on any other Nation, protecting and supporting Israel. We are not going to stand for this. We just had a Great Victory with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu at the helm — And this greatly tarnishes our Victory. LET BIBI GO, HE’S GOT A BIG JOB TO DO!” he wrote.

Netanyahu’s trial, which began in May 2020, marks the first time a sitting Israeli prime minister has taken the stand as a criminal defendant and under Israeli law, Netanyahu is not obligated to resign unless convicted by the Supreme Court, Anadolu Agency reported.

In addition to that, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague had also issued arrest warrants against the Israeli PM, accusing him of “crimes against humanity and war crimes”.

The charges include allegations of targeting civilians and enforcing policies of starvation in Gaza.

Earlier on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump has called for the “immediate” cancellation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial, denouncing the proceedings as a politically motivated “witch hunt” by the Israeli judiciary, noting that it will be the US that will ‘save’ Israeli PM.

According to Trump, the charges against Netanyahu, which include bribery and fraud in multiple cases, are politically motivated and based on trivial allegations, including “cigars, a Bugs Bunny doll, and numerous other unfair charges”.

He characterised the case as a “horror show” that has dragged on since 2020, making Netanyahu the first sitting Israeli Prime Minister ever to face trial while in office, as per Anadolu Agency. (ANI)

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), has said that India looks “very big and grand” from Space.

“Jab pehli baar Bharat ko dekha, Bharat sach mein bohat bhavya dikta hain, jitna ham map pe dekhten hain, usse kahin jyada bada (When we saw India for the first time, we saw that India looks very grand, very big, much bigger than what we see on the map),” Group Captain Shukla said during his interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“.A short while ago, when I was looking out of the window, we were flying over Hawaii. We see sunrise and sunset 16 times a day from the orbit…Our nation is moving forward at a very great pace,” he added.

Speaking aboard the ISS, Group Captain Shukla also said that it looks from space that no borders exist on Earth.

“The first view was of the Earth and after seeing the Earth from outside, the first thought and the first thing that came to mind was that the Earth looks completely one, no border is visible from outside. When we see the Earth from outside, it seems that no border exists, no state exists, no countries exist. We all are part of humanity, and the Earth is our one home, and all of us are in it,” he said.

Group Captain Shukla, who is the second Indian to reach Space, said he feels very proud as India has reached the International Space Station and it is a collective achievement of the country.

He said he is feeling very emotional and happy after conversation with PM Modi.

He urged youth to work hard, never stop trying and said “the sky is never the limit”.

“I am feeling very emotional and happy after having a conversation with you and 140 crore Indians. I feel very proud as India has reached the International Space Station…I have learnt a lot in the entire journey. This is a collective achievement of the whole nation…I want to send a message to the younger generation that if you work hard, the future of the nation will be good. The sky is never the limit,” Group Captain Shukla said.

“The message I would like to give our young generation is that India has seen very bold and high dreams and to fulfil those dreams, we need all of you. There is no single way to success, but one thing that is common in every path is that you should never stop trying. If you adopt this basic mantra, then success may come today or tomorrow, but it will definitely come,” he added.

With India’s first human Space mission “Gaganyaan” programme having entered its final phase, Shubhanshu Shukla said he is absorbing all the lessons and experience like a sponge.

“I am confident that these lessons will be highly valuable for us and that we will apply them effectively in the coming missions,” he said, with the Tricolour prominently placed in the ISS.

“India is progressing at a swift pace…India will have its stations in space…Mindfulness plays a significant role in maintaining calmness, as there are many stressful situations during training and launch. Mindfulness and meditation help a lot in making good decisions,” he added.

PM Modi said that after the success of Chandrayaan, the youth of the country have developed a new interest towards science.

“There is a new enthusiasm to explore space… Today, children not only look at the sky, but they think they can reach it. This spirit is the base of our future space missions… We have to take Mission Gaganyan forward, we have to make our own space station, and we have to ensure that an Indian astronaut lands on the Moon,” PM Modi said.

Group Captain Shukla said Indian scientists have prepared seven unique experiments for the mission.

“I can say with great pride that for the first time Indian scientists have prepared seven unique experiments which I have brought here to the station. The first experiment, which is scheduled today, is on stem cells…My experiment focuses on how we can prevent or delay muscle loss in space by taking a specific supplement. We will also see if these supplements can be beneficial for older people on Earth as well,” he said.

PM Modi asked him about the conditions in space and how he is adapting to it., “Everything is different here. We trained for a year and I learnt about different systems…but after coming here, everything changed…Here, even small things are different because there is no gravity in space…Sleeping here is a big challenge…It takes some time to get used to this environment,” Group Captain Shukla said.

PM Modi congratulated Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla for hoisting the Tricolour in space and said while “you are away from our motherland, you are the closest to the hearts of Indians”.

“Today, you are away from our motherland, but you are the closest to the hearts of Indians…Aapke naam mein bhi shubh hai aur aapki yatra naye yug ka shubharambh bhi hai,” PM Modi said.

“At this time only the two of us are talking, but the feelings of 140 crore Indians are also with me. My voice contains the enthusiasm and excitement of all Indians. I extend my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to you for hoisting our flag in Space. Is everything fine there? Are you well?” he asked.

During the interaction, PM Modi asked Group Captain Shukla if he had ‘Gajar ka halwa’ he took along.

Group Captain Shukla said that astronauts from other countries on ISS joined him for enjoying rich Indian culinary.

“Yes, I bought gajar ka halwa, moong dal ka halwa and aam ras. I wanted everyone who has joined me from other countries to enjoy the rich Indian culinary. All of us had it together and everyone liked it,” he said.

The Axiom-4 Mission, carrying Group Captain Shukla and three other crew members, docked with the ISS on June 26. (ANI)

The sudden death of actor and dancer Shefali Jariwala has left her fans and loved ones in deep shock.

Amid the many tributes pouring in for the ‘Kaanta Laga’ fame, her ex-husband, singer Harmeet Singh of the Meet Bros duo, shared a heartfelt post on Instagram remembering her, expressing grief over the news, and also sharing his regret at not being able to attend her funeral, as he is currently in Europe.

Calling it “one of the most shocking moments” of his life, Harmeet said he was “absolutely shattered and in disbelief.”

Along with an old picture of Shefali, he wrote an emotional message: “One of the most shocking moments of my life. I’m absolutely shattered and in disbelief after hearing about Shefali’s sudden and untimely demise. We shared a few beautiful years together a long time ago–memories I’ll always hold close to my heart. My deepest condolences to her parents, Satish ji and Sunita ji, her husband Parag, and her sister Shivani. Being away in Europe right now, it’s painful for me not to be there for the last rites. Gone far too soon. I pray to the Almighty for her soul to rest in peace and for strength to her family during this unimaginable time. Jai Shree Krishna.”

Shefali and Harmeet were married in 2004 but parted ways in 2009. Their relationship reportedly faced emotional struggles during its course. After their separation, Shefali married television actor Parag Tyagi.

Shefali Jariwala, whose career skyrocketed after her appearance in the hit 2002 music video ‘Kaanta Laga’, was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital in Mumbai on June 27, where she was declared dead upon arrival. She was 42.

Shefali was also featured in the 2004 film ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi’, alongside Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar. Additionally, she gained recognition on television with appearances in popular reality shows, including Bigg Boss 13 (2019) and Nach Baliye (seasons 5 and 7), where she participated alongside her husband, actor Parag Tyagi. (ANI)