Month: August 2025

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday took a strong jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for following a “very dangerous track”, and accused the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha of working in coordination with “anti-India” George Soros.

The Union Minister reiterated that despite these conspiracies, the country remained secure under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

In an interview with ANI, the Union Minister said, “Rahul Gandhi is going on a very dangerous track. George Soros says that one trillion dollars are kept to destabilise the Indian government. The anti-India Khalistan force sitting in Canada, the US, the UK, and many Left organisations are conspiring to work against the country. Rahul Gandhi and Congress are working in coordination with them and weakening the country. This is very worrisome. But no one can destabilise the country under PM Modi’s leadership.”

The Union Minister alleged that the Congress party had worked with anti-India groups whenever it failed to win elections. “… When Congress cannot win elections, then they and the forces against India together start attacking the government and the institutions so that the public loses faith in this country’s institutions… They have repeatedly said that the judiciary and the Election Commission are sold, to weaken them…” Rijiju told ANI.

He further added that such actions were intended to create instability. “When they conspire to weaken the nation and the credibility of the government, then that results in agitation… They are working with the Leftist mentality…”

Rijiju hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying that his own party MPs “get uncomfortable” when he speaks in Parliament and are apprehensive that he will do “anap-shanap baatein” and the party will have to bear the consequences.

Rijiju alleged that Rahul Gandhi, who is Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, “does not listen to his own party members”.

“Rahul Gandhi kuch bolte hain, unke saare MPs bahot uncomfortable ho jaate hain. Wo darte hain ye anapshanap baatein karenge, uska khamiyaza party ko bhugatna padta hai…(When Rahul Gandhi speaks, his MPs get uncomfortable what nonsense he will speak, the party will have to bear its consequences,” he said.

Rijiju recalled the Supreme Court’s remarks over Rahul Gandhi’s “Chowkidar chor” allegations and his being rapped over his remarks pertaining to India-China border tensions during Bharat Jodo Yatra. (ANI)

UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, has issued a stark condemnation of the ongoing famine in Gaza, describing it as a preventable crisis fuelled by “systematic obstruction” by Israel and a collective global failure that will “haunt us all”.

During a press briefing on Friday, after the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a UN-backed initiative, confirmed that famine is currently occurring in Gaza, Fletcher urged immediate action, including a ceasefire and unrestricted aid access, to avert further catastrophe.

While pointing to findings of the IPC report, Fletcher noted the human toll, highlighting how food aid is piling up at borders due to Israeli restrictions, creating a famine “within a few hundred metres of food, in a fertile land.”

“Please read the IPC report, cover to cover. Read it in sorrow and in anger. Not as words and numbers but as names and lives. Be in no doubt that this is irrefutable testimony. It is a famine. The Gaza Famine. It is a famine that we could have prevented if we had been allowed. Yet food stacks up at borders because of systematic obstruction by Israel. It is a famine within a few hundred metres of food, in a fertile land,” he stated.

The UN official also painted a grim picture of the crisis, noting that it disproportionately affects the vulnerable, forcing harrowing choices like deciding which child to feed and risking lives for sustenance.

“It is a famine that hits the most vulnerable first. Each with a name, each with a story. That strips people of dignity before it strips them of life. That forces a parent to choose which child to feed. That forces people to risk their lives to seek food. It is a famine that we repeatedly warned of. But that the international media has not been allowed in to cover. To bear witness. It is a famine in 2025. A 21st century famine watched over by drones and the most advanced military technology in history. It is a famine openly promoted by some Israeli leaders as a weapon of war,” the UN Relief Chief added.

Fletcher underscored the global responsibility of the situation in Gaza, stating, “It is a famine on all of our watch. Everyone owns this. The Gaza Famine is the world’s famine. It is a famine that asks ‘but what did you do?” A famine that will and must haunt us all.”

He described the situation as “a predictable and a preventable famine. A famine caused by cruelty, justified by revenge, enabled by indifference and sustained by complicity,” calling for it to “spur the world to more urgent action” and “shame the world to do better.”

Calling for immediate action, he issued a direct plea to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and global leaders for a “ceasefire” and access to aid and supplies in the region.

“Enough. Ceasefire. Open the crossings, north and south, all of them. Let us get food and other supplies in, unimpeded and at the massive scale required. End the retribution. It is too late for far too many. But not for everyone in Gaza. Enough. For humanity’s sake, let us in,” Fletcher stated.

According to Al Jazeera, citing Gaza’s Health Ministry, a total of 273 people have died from malnutrition and starvation in the region, including 112 children.

Meanwhile, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 62,622 people and injuries to 157,673 following the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel by Hamas, which left 1,139 people dead and over 200 taken hostage, Al Jazeera reported. (ANI)

Heavy monsoon rains in Himachal Pradesh have claimed 298 lives since June 20, including 152 deaths in rain-related incidents and 146 in road accidents, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).

The SDMA’s cumulative report shows that rain-related fatalities were caused by landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, fires, snake bites, electrocution, and falls from steep terrain. Landslides and flash floods together accounted for 19 deaths, while drowning incidents claimed 31 lives.

Another 32 people died after falling from steep rocks or trees, and 25 deaths were recorded under ‘other’ causes linked to extreme weather.

Road accident deaths remained high during the monsoon, with Kangra district reporting 19 fatalities, Mandi 22, Chamba 21, Bilaspur 6, Kullu and Kinnaur 13 each, Shimla 15, Solan 14, Sirmaur 9, Una 9, Hamirpur 3, and Lahaul and Spiti 2.

The state has also suffered massive damage to infrastructure and property. Loss to public property is estimated at over Rs 2,34,739 lakh. The Public Works Department reported over Rs 1,31,079 lakh in damages, the Jal Shakti Department Rs 76,974 lakh, and the power sector Rs 13,946 lakh.

Private property damage includes 313 fully damaged pucca houses, 362 fully damaged kachcha houses, and 813 partially damaged pucca houses. Agricultural and horticultural losses are also substantial, with over 2,728 hectares of crops damaged.

The SDMA said 1,824 animals have died, while poultry losses stand at 25,755 birds.

Authorities have urged people to remain alert as the India Meteorological Department maintains a heavy rain warning for several districts. The risk of further landslides, flash floods, and road accidents remains high, particularly in hilly terrain and along saturated slopes. (ANI)

Veteran Punjabi actor Jaswinder Bhalla’s funeral was held in Mohali on Saturday.

Several politicians and prominent figures from the Punjabi film industry came together at the cremation ground to pay their heartfelt last respects to Jaswinder Bhalla.

Gippy Grewal, Jimmy Shergil, and Jasbir Jassi, among many others, were in attendance as they bid an emotional farewell to Jaswinder Bhalla, who was fondly known as Bhalla Saab.

Remembering Jaswinder Bhalla, popular singer Jasbir Jassi told ANI, “It is a huge loss for the Punjabi industry.”

Punjabi Singer Mankirt Aulakh also paid his condolences.

Speaking with media outside the cremation ground, Mankirt said, “Everyone should stand with the bereaved family in this difficult time. He was the pride of our industry. His presence alone made films superhit.”

Earlier in the day, actress Neeru Bajwa and several other colleagues visited Jaswinder Bhalla’s residence to offer condolences to the family.

Neeru Bajwa also expressed her sorrow over the demise of Jaswinder Bhalla via a post on Instagram.

“Saddened to have woken up to this tragic news. Bhalla Saab was truly respected and admired, and his contributions will be remembered with great honour. Rest in peace, Sir, my condolences to the family,” Neeru posted.

Jaswinder Bhalla died on Friday morning at Fortis Hospital in Mohali after battling illness for the past few months. Known for his flawless comic timing and satirical dialogues, Bhalla was a stalwart of Punjabi cinema who redefined comedy on screen.

The actor was loved by audiences for his memorable performances in films like Gaddi Chaldi Hai Chhalla Maarke, Carry On Jatta, Jind Jaan, and Band Baaje.

Jaswinder Bhalla, 65, is survived by his wife, Parmdeep Bhalla and their two children – son Pukhraj Bhalla and daughter Ashpreet Kaur. (ANI)

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi on Saturday targeted the government over the Constitution amendment bill that seeks the removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and ministers facing serious criminal charges and said the BJP has been targeting opposition leaders.

She said opposition parties will oppose the bill in the Joint Parliamentary Committee.

The MP said everyone wants cleanliness in politics but the government’s promise to tackle it has proved to be “jumla”.

“Everyone wants cleanliness in politics and that politicians stay away from corruption. The government has failed to deliver on its 2014 promise of a corruption-free India. Corruption is seen at every level of the government and this proves that this promise was also a ‘jumla’….And the way opposition leaders were put into jails by levelling corruption charges. ED, CBI and Income Tax are being operated from BJP headquarters. By bringing such laws they have shown their intentions that they want destroy opposition parties,” Priyanka Chaturvedi told ANI.

“JP Nadda talked about One Nation One Party during the Lok Sabha elections, and they are trying to implement it either through the Election Commission or through acts like this. It is shameful and we will oppose it in the JPC. It is against democracy,” she added.

Opposition parties have expressed their strong reservations on the Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.

RJD MP Manoj Jha echoed similar concerns, calling the bill part of a broader political design. “This is a project to create an opposition-free democracy, and that project will fail. I have said this repeatedly,” he asserted.

During the monsoon session of Parliament, Home Minister Amit Shah introduced in the Lok Sabha the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025, to further amend the Constitution of India and the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025, apart from the bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.

The bills were sent to the joint committee of Parliament.

The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025 seeks the removal of any Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or Minister who is detained for 30 consecutive days on charges punishable with at least five years of imprisonment.

If the arrested leader doesn’t resign, the office will automatically fall vacant after 31 days. Interestingly, the bill allows for re-appointment post-release, providing a degree of flexibility. (ANI)

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Saturday unveiled the model of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) in Delhi on the occasion of National Space Day.

The ISRO aims to launch the first module of the project by 2028 and the full station is expected to become operational by 2035. The BAS is set to be a significant platform for indigenous research, including microgravity studies and testing technologies for long-duration human space missions.

India’s journey to establish its own orbital laboratory marks a major leap in its space program and reinforces its position as a global leader in space exploration.

Earlier today, ISRO chief V Narayanan emphasised that by the year 2035, India will establish the “Bharatiya Antariksh Station” whose first module will be lifted off in the year 2035.

He stated that India will land on the moon by the year 2040 which will make India’s space program the top other than any country in the world.

The ISRO chairman also announced that India will launch the Chandrayaan 4 mission which will have the Venus Orbiter Mission.

“Based on his direction and vision, we are going to have a Chandrayaan-4 mission. We are going to have a Venus Orbiter Mission. We are going to have a space station called BAS (Bharatiya Antriksh Station) by 2035, and the first module will be lifted off by 2028. The Prime Minister has given approval for an NGL (Next Generation Launcher)… By 2040, India will land on the moon and we are going to bring back safely. Thereby by 2040, Indian Space Program will be at par with any other space program of the world…,” V Narayanan said.

Earlier Prime Minister Narendra Modi while virtually addressing the event, recalled the success of the Chandrayaan 3 mission, stating that India created history by becoming the first country to reach the south pole of the Moon.

He emphasised that achieving new milestones every day has become the nature of India and its scientists.

“Achieving new milestones one after another in the space sector has become the nature of India and Indian scientists. Just two years ago, India became the first country to create history by reaching the South Pole of the Moon,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister also lauded the success of the Axiom 4 mission, stating that Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla has filled India with pride by hoisting the tricolour at the International Space Station.

Referring to his meeting with Group Captain Shukla, the Prime Minister asserted on India’s immense courage and infinite dreams amongst its youth.

“We have also become the fourth country in the world to have the capability of docking and undocking in space. Just three days ago, I met Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. He filled every Indian with pride by hoisting the tricolour on the International Space Station. The moment, the feeling when he was showing me the tricolour, is beyond words. In my discussion with Group Captain Shubhanshu, I have seen the immense courage and infinite dreams of the youth of the new India,” PM Modi said. (ANI)

The Department of Posts has taken note of the Executive Order No. 14324 issued by the US Administration on July 30, under which the duty-free de minimis exemption for goods valued up to USD 800 will be withdrawn with effect from August 29.

According to the Ministry of Communications, consequently, all international postal items destined for the USA, regardless of their value, shall be subject to customs duties as per the country-specific International Emergency Economic Power Act (IEEPA) tariff framework. However, gift items up to the value of USD 100 shall continue to remain exempt from duties.

As per the Executive Order, transport carriers delivering shipments through the international postal network, or other “qualified parties” approved by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), are required to collect and remit duties on postal shipments.

While CBP issued certain guidelines on August 15, several critical processes relating to the designation of “qualified parties” and mechanisms for duty collection and remittance remain undefined.

Consequently, US-bound air carriers have expressed their inability to accept postal consignments after August 25, citing a lack of operational and technical readiness.

In view of the above, the Department of Posts has decided to temporarily suspend booking of all types of postal articles, destined for the USA, with effect from August 25, except letters/documents and gift items up to USD 100 in value. These exempt categories will continue to be accepted and conveyed to the USA, subject to further clarifications from CBP and USPS.

The Department is closely monitoring the evolving situation in coordination with all stakeholders, and every effort is being made to normalise services at the earliest possible opportunity.

Customers who have already booked articles that cannot be dispatched to the USA due to these circumstances may seek a refund of postage.

The Department of Posts deeply regrets the inconvenience caused to customers and assures that all possible measures are being undertaken to resume full services to the USA at the earliest. (ANI)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin took a sharp jibe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing the central government of creating “trouble for state administrations” and “refusing to allocate the rightful share” of funds.

The Chief Minister said that the politics in Tamil Nadu is the politics of social justice, and when compared with other Indian states, “Tamil Nadu stands foremost” in many fields.

Speaking at the National Seminar on Union-State Relations at Kalaivanar Arangam, the Chief Minister said, “I am happy to inaugurate the first National Conference on Union-State Relations in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu is one of the largest contributors of GST revenue to the Union Government. Yet, the Union Government, with narrow political motives, refuses to allocate to Tamil Nadu the rightful share of funds.”

Stalin asserted that Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Punjab, and Kerala are states not under BJP rule and have been given “problems and trouble” by the Union government.

The Chief Minister said that for over a decade, Tamil Nadu has implemented the policy of reservations and enacted several progressive laws and schemes. The foundation for this was laid by the Dravidian movement.

“Despite severe financial restrictions, Tamil Nadu has achieved a growth rate of double-digit with 11.19% in 2024-25, the highest after 14 years. After Tamil Nadu’s protests against the Union Government’s imposition of Hindi, similar anti-Hindi agitations have been taking place across various states of India,” Stalin added.

The Chief Minister further added that the principle of state autonomy within federalism is what strengthens both the unity and diversity of India. It is only through the efforts of self-reliant states that a united India can truly become strong.

“The Dravidian leaders worked tirelessly for noble principles such as equality, social justice, and women’s rights. Both Anna and Kalaignar implemented various important schemes that uplifted people in every sphere of life,” Stalin added.

Stalin said that the statehood of Kashmir was taken away, and opposition was raised against it. The Sarkaria Commission itself has stated that excessive centralisation of power causes anger at the Centre and despair in the States. (ANI)

Actor Raveena Tandon welcomed the Supreme Court’s revised order on stray dogs, which now allows them to return to their neighbourhoods after sterilisation and vaccination, except in cases where they are infected with rabies or show “aggressive behaviour.”

Sharing her thoughts on Instagram, the actor said that “better sense has prevailed” and also urged that the programmes and funds meant for vaccinations and sterilisation must be implemented properly.

“Dogesh bhai! Tum aage bahdo! Hum Tumhare saath hain! Better sense has prevailed. Thank you #cji #supremecourt. Now make sure the programmes and funds allocated for vaccinations and sterilisation are implemented correctly,” her Instagram post read.

Actor-comedian Vir Das also took to his X account to react to the decision, emphasising the importance of sterilisation, vaccination, and giving dogs a “safe return” to their areas. The comedian further urged local authorities to act swiftly in creating dedicated feeding areas. He also suggested that municipalities collaborate with trainers and behaviourists for “behavioural modification” and better integration of dogs into communities.

“Thank you to the Supreme Court of India for supporting the process of sterilisation, vaccination, and a safe return of our community dogs to their neighbourhoods. Hopefully, the municipality can act quickly in creating dedicated feeding areas and also work with multiple dog trainers and behaviourists in Delhi and nationwide for behavioural modification and community integration. It is nice to know our voiceless dogs can rely on your empathy and balance.”, Das’s post read.

The Supreme Court on Friday revised its earlier August 11 order on stray animals and ordered their release following sterilisation and immunisation. The Supreme Court clarified that stray dogs infected with rabies or showing aggressive behaviour will not be released back and will be kept separately.

“Stray dogs will be released back to the same area after sterilisation and immunisation, except those infected with rabies or exhibiting aggressive behaviour,” the court ordered.

The court ordered that no public feeding of dogs will be allowed, and dedicated feeding spaces for stray dogs will be created. It ordered the MCD (Municipal Corporation of Delhi) to create feeding areas in municipal wards. It also noted that animal lovers can submit an application to the MCD for the adoption of dogs. (ANI)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday extended greetings on the National Space Day, recalling the success of Chandrayaan 3.

He further congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), whose “dedication” made the achievement possible.

“On NationalSpaceDay, as we celebrate the historic moment when Chandrayaan-3 touched down on the Moon’s South Pole, every Indian heart swells with pride. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the brilliant scientists of ISRO, whose unwavering dedication made this achievement possible,” Amit Shah wrote on ‘X’.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chandrayaan 3 mission has opened up frontiers of new space exploration for India.

“Under the visionary leadership of Modi Ji, this landmark mission has opened new frontiers in space exploration and sparked a renewed spirit of innovation and purpose among our youth,” Shah saod.

The Union Minister said that India will continue to turn its “aspirations” to reality with “resilience, brilliance, and unmatched national pride”.

“From Chandrayaan-3 to Aditya, and the many missions ahead, ISRO continues to turn the aspirations of a rising India into reality — with resilience, brilliance, and unmatched national pride,” Amit Shah posted on X.

On 23 August 2023, India achieved a historic milestone when the Chandrayaan-3 lander completed a soft landing on the moon. This remarkable accomplishment made India the fourth country to accomplish this feat and the first to land on the lunar South Pole. In recognition of this achievement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared August 23 as National Space Day.

The maiden National Space Day was celebrated in 2024 with the theme “Touching Lives While Touching the Moon: India’s Space Saga”.

Meanwhile, this year, the theme for the National Space Day is “Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan: Ancient Wisdom to Infinite Possibilities”.

The theme celebrates the enduring journey of exploration, innovation, and imagination from the profound astronomical insights of our ancient scholars to the cutting-edge frontiers of human spaceflight. (ANI)