Month: July 2025

Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has successfully restored train services in the Lumding-Badarpur Hill section following a landslide that occurred on Thursday at KM 51/2-3 between Dihakho and Mupa stations.

The landslide resulted in the disruption of train movement, as large boulders and debris fell onto the tracks, temporarily suspending operations.

“Train operations through the section resumed this morning from about 09:42 hours. The first train to pass through the restored section was Train No. 12520 (Agartala-Lokmanya Tilak Terminus) Express,” Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, CPRO of Northeast Frontier Railway, said.

It may be mentioned here that senior railway officials immediately reached the site and continued the restoration work on a war footing.

“Continuous efforts throughout the night ensured the debris was cleared and the track was safely restored. Help desks that had been set up at Guwahati, Lumding, Silchar, Badarpur and Agartala stations to assist passengers during the disruption continued to provide updated information until normalcy was fully restored. Necessary food items and water were also provided to the stranded passengers,” Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said.

He further stated that the trains that were rescheduled or delayed at various locations have resumed their scheduled onward journeys.

Passengers are requested to check train running information through official railway enquiry channels for the latest updates.

Earlier, on June 23, NFR took a significant step to enhance passenger experience by adding a ‘Vistadome coach’ to two important train services and an AC 3-tier coach to another.

“This initiative is part of NFR’s continued commitment to addressing growing passenger requirements, improving onboard amenities and elevating the overall quality of travel across its network,” Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Northeast Frontier Railway, said.

New Jalpaiguri Junction to Howrah Junction Shatabdi Express, which operates six days a week, has been permanently augmented with one ‘Vistadome coach’ to enrich the travel experience, particularly for those journeying through scenic routes. With this addition, the train will now run with a total of 15 coaches. (ANI)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday stated that the best place to establish a memorial for Maratha warrior Peshwa Bajirao was the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasia.

Speaking at the unveiling of the warrior’s statue in Pune, Shah stated that Bajira had the traits of a good soldier.

“He has done incredible work for the country and for our independence… The best example of an individual who had the qualities of a good soldier was Peshwa Bajirao… In 21 years, he fought 41 wars, and no one can break that record…” Shah said while addressing the people at the unveiling ceremony.

He further stated that if the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj had not been taken forward by Peshwa Bajirao, the country’s original character would have been lost.

“If the legacy continued by Shivaji Maharaj wasn’t taken forward by Peshwa Bajirao, the country’s original character would have been lost. He fought not just for our country but also for our ‘Swaraj’, Shah further stated.

He further stated that it was the responsibility of 140 crore Indians to take forward a vision of the country that Bajirao had.

“It is the responsibility of the 140 crore Indians to take forward a vision that Peshwa Bajirao had for the country, and we are doing it. One of the best examples is our Operation Sindoor…” he further added.

Shah was welcomed by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the airport for his two-day visit in Pune.

The visit is expected to include several high-level meetings, public addresses, and organisational reviews across the state. “Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri @AmitShah ji arrived in Pune for a two-day visit to Maharashtra. At the airport, Chief Minister Shri @Dev_Fadnavis ji and senior workers welcomed him,” read a post from the Office of Amit Shah on X. (ANI)

PM Modi Gifts Holy Water From Mahakumbh, Replica Of Ram Mandir to PM of Trinidad & Tobago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted holy water of Sangam and Saryu River from Mahakumbh and a replica of Ram Mandir to the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, on Thursday (local time).

During his address to the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday, PM Modi underlined Bihar’s historic and cultural importance, praised the courage of the Indian diaspora, and called Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar “daughter of Bihar”, as he recalled her ancestral ties to the state and requested her to offer water from the Sarayu and the Mahakumbh to the Ganga Dhara in the Caribbean nation.

“Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s ancestors lived in Buxar, Bihar. Kamala ji herself has visited there. People consider her a daughter of Bihar,” PM Modi said.

“You all know that earlier this year, the world’s largest spiritual gathering, the Mahakumbh, took place. I have the honour to carry water from the Mahakumbh with me. I request Kamala ji to offer the holy waters of the Sarayu river and Mahakumbh to the Ganga dhara here,” he added.

Kamla Persad-Bissessar addressed the Indian community event in Trinidad and Tobago. She had earlier visited her ancestral village, Bhelupur, under Itarhi block in Buxar district, in 2012.

PM Modi began his first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday (local time) with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Piarco International Airport, where he was received by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar along with 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament of the Caribbean nation.

This is PM Modi’s first visit to the country as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Caribbean nation since 1999. The visit comes at the invitation of Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted India’s close ties with Trinidad and Tobago, noting that 45 per cent of their population is of Indian origin.

“India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached the capital of this country, Trinidad and Tobago, on a historic visit. Today, he was welcomed at the airport by the Prime Minister Kamala Prasad Bissessar and her other Cabinet ministers. This visit is historic from India’s side because after 26 years, a PM-level visit is taking place. A total of 13 lakh people live in this country, out of which 45 per cent are of Indian origin,” Jaiswal said.

Jaiswal noted that among the 45 per cent people of Indian origin, most have come from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

“The relationship between India and T&T is very strong and special. Among the 45 per cent of people who live here, most are those who have come from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Most of these people are those who have come from Bhojpuri-speaking districts like Chhapra, Ara, Ballia, Siwan, Gopalganj, Banaras, Azamgarh, etc,” Jaiswal added. (ANI)

As the US Congress passed Republicans’ ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’, President Donald Trump expressed his elation over this significant legislative win, announcing a bill signing celebration at the White House.

Noting that almost all representatives of the Republican party voted in favour of the bill, resulting in a final vote of 218-214, Trump said, “The Republicans in the House of Representatives have just passed the ‘ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL ACT.” Our Party is UNITED like never before, and our Country is “HOT.”

Trump invited all the US Congressmen/women and Senators to join the bill signing celebrations.

“We are going to have a Signing Celebration at the White House tomorrow, at 4 P.M. EST. All Congressmen/women and Senators are invited. Together, we will celebrate our Nation’s Independence and the beginning of our new Golden Age. The people of the United States of America will be Richer, Safer, and Prouder than ever before,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“Thank you to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and all of the wonderful Republican Members of Congress who helped us deliver on our Promises, and so much more. Together, we can do things that were not even imagined possible less than one year ago. We will keep working, and winning — CONGRATULATIONS AMERICA!” Trump added.

‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ was passed with a final vote of 218-214, with two Republicans, Representative Thomas Massie and Brian Fitzpatrick, voting against it, The Hill reported.

The landmark bill, which includes tax cuts and funding boosts for the Pentagon and border security, will now head to President Donald Trump’s desk to be signed into law.

Donald Trump is expected to sign the bill in a “big, beautiful signing ceremony” on Friday evening, CNN reported, quoting White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

“The one ‘big, beautiful bill’ has passed the House of Representatives and will be at the president’s desk for signature at a big, beautiful signing ceremony tomorrow at 5 p.m. on the Fourth of July, just as the president always said and hoped it would be,” Leavitt announced on a press call shortly after the bill’s passage.

The bill was passed in the US Senate on Tuesday, with a 51-50 vote, with Vice-President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. The Hill, in its report, added. (ANI)

Pilot Shubhanshu “Shux” Shukla, part of the international Axiom Mission 4 crew aboard the International Space Station, completed a week in orbit on Wednesday, spending the day off-duty speaking with family back on Earth and preparing to resume his packed research schedule the next day, Axiom Space said in its official blog

The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew, Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot Shubhanshu “Shux” Shukla, and Mission Specialists Slawosz “Suave” Uznanski-Wisniewski and Tibor Kapu, has now spent a full week aboard the International Space Station, as per a blog by Axiom Space.

By the end of Wednesday, since docking on June 26, the astronauts will have completed approximately 113 orbits around Earth, covering over 2.9 million miles. To put that into perspective, that’s nearly 12 times the distance between Earth and the Moon, the blog further read.

On Wednesday, the crew enjoyed a well-earned off-duty day, giving them a chance to recharge and connect with family and friends back on Earth. On Thursday, they’ll dive back into a packed schedule of scientific research and technology demonstrations that will continue through the weekend.

In just seven days, the Ax-4 astronauts have already made significant contributions to scientific research. Peggy has been involved in cancer research using microgravity to study how tumour cells behave in space, work that is helping develop new therapeutic targets for metastatic cancers, the Axiom blog added further.

“Shux” has been conducting experiments that explore how microgravity affects the growth and genetic behaviour of algae and how tardigrades, hardy microscopic creatures, survive and reproduce in space. The findings could reveal new insights into the molecular mechanisms of cellular resilience which could translate into clinically relevant knowledge on Earth.

Suave has been testing a wearable acoustic monitoring device designed to improve how sound levels are tracked aboard the space station. This technology could enhance astronaut health and inform the design of future spacecraft. Meanwhile, Tibor has been monitoring radiation levels using a Hungarian-developed dosimeter, while also leading a project to grow microgreens on orbit — a step toward sustainable food production in space.

This mission is historic for its international significance. It marks the first time astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary have conducted a mission aboard the space station and represents these nations’ return to human spaceflight after more than four decades. The Ax-4 crew is conducting over 60 experiments during their two-week stay, highlighting the growing role of commercial and international partnerships in space exploration.

With more than a hundred sunrises and sunsets witnessed from orbit, the Ax-4 mission is advancing science progress in space and inspiring a new generation of explorers. After a day of rest, the crew will be ready to resume their packed research and outreach agendas.

Axiom Mission 4 was launched at noon IST on June 25 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The Dragon spacecraft successfully docked with the ISS on June 26 at 4:05 pm IST, ahead of schedule, connecting to the space-facing port of the station’s Harmony module. (ANI)

Keeping the door open for diplomacy, Iran has stated that any negotiation process with the US is meaningless until Washington provides a “credible guarantee” to prevent future acts of aggression by Israel and the US.

In an email interview with ANI, Iran’s Ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi emphasised Tehran’s conditions for resuming dialogue with Washington.

“As for negotiations with the United States, considering their betrayal of diplomacy and complicity with the Zionist regime in launching illegal attacks on Iran — while a diplomatic process was still ongoing — there will be no meaning or value in any talks unless a credible guarantee is provided to prevent the recurrence of such acts of aggression by the US and Israel in future negotiations,” he said.

The ambassador was referring to two major military operations carried out last month. On June 13, Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion”, conducting widespread airstrikes on Iranian soil targeting nuclear sites at Natanz and Fordow, missile production centres, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) command bases. Several top IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists were reportedly assassinated during the operation.

This was followed by US strikes on June 21-22 under “Operation Midnight Hammer”, which also targeted Iranian nuclear infrastructure. Iran has strongly condemned both operations, calling them a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter.

“The Israeli regime, which possesses nuclear weapons and has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), attacked our country under the pretext of preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. There is no evidence of such intentions, and our nuclear program is under the strictest IAEA inspections,” Elahi stated.

He further added that the US attacks lacked any legal justification and described them as “a crime of aggression.”He also claimed that the operations involved cyber and terrorist elements, resulting in the deaths of several scientists, professors, military figures, and innocent civilians.”These attacks represent an unprecedented and flagrant violation of Article 2, Paragraph 4 of the UN Charter, the non-proliferation regime, resolutions of the IAEA Board of Governors, and UN Security Council Resolution 2231,” Elahi said.

The envoy also accused the US and Israel of undermining diplomacy. “The Zionist regime’s attacks, in collusion with the US, occurred just two days before the sixth round of Iran-U.S. negotiations. It was a betrayal of diplomacy and a clear indication of America’s lack of seriousness in dialogue.

“Dismissing Israel’s justification of the attack as a preemptive act to neutralise an existential threat, Elahi asserted, “This claim is entirely baseless and has no foundation in international law. Iran has never attacked any country in its history. Even though we do not recognise Israel and view it as an occupying and apartheid regime, our position on the Palestinian issue is peaceful — a referendum involving all original inhabitants.”

On the nuclear issue, the ambassador reiterated that Iran’s programme remains peaceful. “According to IAEA reports, Iran’s nuclear activities show no deviation toward weaponisation. The justification by Israel and the US for attacking peaceful facilities is both illegal and illogical.”

Responding to questions about Iran’s recent decision to limit cooperation with the IAEA, Elahi said Tehran remains a member of the NPT and is committed to its provisions. However, he blamed the Agency’s politicisation for the current situation.

“The Parliament’s decision to suspend cooperation reflects public dissatisfaction with the IAEA’s biased behaviour, especially its Director General’s silence on the attacks. The expectation was that he would either help prevent such aggression or at least condemn it — he did neither,” Elahi said.

While reiterating Iran’s willingness for diplomacy, the envoy stressed that meaningful negotiations are only possible if the US ensures there will be no repeat of such attacks in the future. (ANI)

Anshula Kapoor has officially announced her engagement to her boyfriend, Rohan Thakkar.

On Thursday, Anshula, who was recently seen on the reality show ‘The Traitors,’ took to her Instagram account to share a series of beautiful pictures from the proposal, which took place in New York City’s Central Park.

Along with the pictures, Anshula wrote a long note expressing how she and Rohan met and fell in love.

“We met on an app. Started talking on a random Tuesday at 1:15 AM. We spoke until 6 AM that morning. And somehow, even back then, it felt like the beginning of something that mattered. Three years later, in my favourite city, in front of the castle in Central Park, he proposed! At exactly 1:15 AM India time! And somehow, the world paused just long enough for the moment to feel like magic. Just the quiet kind of love that feels like home,” she wrote.

“I’ve never been the girl who believed in fairytales, but what @rohanthakkar1511 gave me that day was better because it was intentional. Thoughtful. Real. Us. I said yes. Through ugly tears, shaky laughs, and the kind of happiness I can’t put into words. Because since 2022, it’s always been you. I’m engaged to my best friend!!! My safe place. My person. Favorite boy, favorite city… and now, my favorite YES! (First meal after had to be Shake Shack because our first conversation was around the love of the shroom burger! IYKYK),” she added.

Take a look

https://www.instagram.com/p/DLppHrsNoYC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Anshula is the daughter of producer Boney Kapoor and the sister of actor Arjun Kapoor.

She made her relationship with Rohan, a screenwriter, public in 2023. Since then, she has often posted moments from their life together.

Anshula recently made headlines for being a contestant on The Traitors, hosted by Karan Johar. Her aunt, Maheep Kapoor, was also a part of the show. (ANI)

Foreign Affairs Advisor to Bangladesh’s Interim Government, Md Towhid Hossain, on Thursday, indicated that the country’s interim government is actively pursuing the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India, a year after her ousting from the country.

Responding to questions about the lack of progress on the extradition process and whether the current interim government had any regrets about not being able to bring Hasina back to the country, Hossain stated that they had sent a letter to India requesting the same and noted that necessary follow-ups would also be made.

“We have sent a letter. We will follow up if necessary,” he stated.

Sheikh Hasina was ousted on August 5 last year, after a student-led uprising. She is now living in India in self-imposed exile.

After Sheikh Hasina’s fall, an interim government was formed under the leadership of Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus.

Earlier on Wednesday, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), a Bangladesh court designated for the trial of international crimes, sentenced Hasina to six months in prison in a contempt of court case.

A three-member tribunal led by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder gave this order.

Earlier, AY Moshiuzzaman, a senior lawyer, was appointed as amicus curiae (friend of the court) by the ICT for a full hearing of the contempt of court case.

The Chief Prosecutor filed a contempt of court complaint against Sheikh Hasina and Awami League leader Shakil Alam Bulbul on April 30, in light of their statements regarding the case related to the July mass uprising incident.

The formal charges stated that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was the mastermind behind the inhumane acts, such as crimes against humanity, murders, and the burning of bodies across the country during the movement to overthrow the government in 2024. These crimes were organised on her orders.

“There are 227 cases against me, so I have a licence to kill 227 people,” Sheikh Hasina said in an alleged audio clip that went viral a few months ago.

Later, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the police conducted a forensic examination of the conversation and found its authenticity. After that, a contempt of court application was filed with the tribunal.

The prosecution said that Sheikh Hasina did not appear in person or provide an explanation through a lawyer even after the notice was published in the newspaper. In this situation, the tribunal can now punish those involved by the law.

Earlier in the day, anti-national and anti-independence forces had staged a mock trial against Sheikh Hasina in a kangaroo court formed to implement their political objectives in Bangladesh, the Awami League said in a statement. (ANI)