Month: August 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday introduced the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha.

The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2025 seeks to amend section 54 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, to provide a legal framework for the removal of the Chief Minister or a Minister in case of arrest or detention in custody on account of serious criminal charges.

The government also introduced ‘The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025; the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025’ which have now been referred to the Joint Committee of Parliament.

The Lok Sabha was adjourned till 5 pm.

The lower house witnessed ruckus as several Opposition MPs opposed the bills amid huge sloganeering, prompting the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to adjourn the House earlier.

Opposing the Bills, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi said, “I stand to oppose the introduction of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill 2025, and the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill 2025. This violates the principle of separation of powers and undermines the right of the people to elect a government. It gives executive agencies a free hand to act as judge and executioner based on flimsy allegations and suspicions.”

“This government is hell-bent on creating a Police State. This will be the final nail in the coffin of elected governments. The Indian Constitution is being amended to turn this country into a police state. The Chief Minister and the Ministers will not be accountable to the people,” Owaisi added.

Congress MP Manish Tewari also claimed that the bill is destructive to the basic structure of the Constitution. (ANI)

A mishap took place during the Jan Sunvaai at Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s residence in Civil Lines on Wednesday, Delhi BJP said.

Delhi BJP president Virendraa Sachdeva condemned the “attack” on Delhi CM Rekha Gupta as the police inquiry into the matter is underway, the statement further mentioned.

“A mishap happened during Jan Sunvai at CM Residence, Civil Lines. Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva strongly condemns the attack on CM Rekha Gupta during the weekly Jan Sunvai. Police inquiry to reveal details”, Delhi BJP said in a statement.

Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav also condemned the alleged attack on Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, terming the incident “unfortunate”.

He said that the Chief Minister leads the entire Delhi. Yadav also questioned the security of the Delhi CM, stating that if she is not safe in the state, then who else is?

“This is very unfortunate. CM leads the entire Delhi, and I think that the more such incidents are condemned, the less it is. But this incident also exposes women’s safety. If the CM of Delhi is not safe, how can a common man or common woman be safe?,” Devender Yadav told ANI.

On Tuesday, CM Gupta visited the residential area at Yamuna Bazaar, where water from the overflowing Yamuna River has entered and assured that there is no flood-like situation in Delhi and the water level will drop within one to two days.

After assessing the affected area, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, “The situation is under control. The water level was close to 206 m in the morning, but it has not crossed this mark yet. The water should recede in a day or two. We are providing food and water, as well as a medical facility here. There is no flood situation in Delhi.”

She said that the administration has made arrangements in school for those who want to go to a safer location, providing them with a place to stay and food, as well as all the necessary help in the affected area. (ANI)

US White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday (local time) said that US President Donald Trump ruled out sending US troops to Ukraine as part of security guarantees.

Leavitt, during her press briefing, said that other options, however, remain open, including the skies.

“The president has definitively stated US boots will not be on the ground in Ukraine, but we can certainly help in the coordination and perhaps provide other means of security guarantees to our European allies. The president understands that security guarantees are crucial to ensuring a lasting peace. He has directed his national security team to coordinate with our friends in Europe and also to continue to cooperate and discuss these matters with Ukraine and Russia as well,” she said.

Upon being asked if the US would provide ‘air’ as a security option, Leavitt said that it was a possibility.

“It is an option and a possibility. I certainly won’t rule out anything as far as military options that the president has at his disposal. I’ll let him do that. I can tell you he’s ruled out boots on the ground,” she said.

Upon being pressed for further details on the security guarantees for Ukraine, she said, “President Trump has directed his team to come up with a framework for these security guarantees that can be acceptable to help ensure a lasting peace and end this war,” she said.

On being asked how US President Donald Trump guarantees the non-spending of the taxpayer money to Ukraine, Leavitt said that Trump proposed that NATO purchase the weapons for Ukraine.

“Well, the president is very sensitive to the needs of the American taxpayer. And immediately upon entering office back in January, he made it very clear that we’re not going to continue writing blank checks to fund a war very far away, which is why he came up with the very creative solution to have NATO purchase American weaponry, because it is the best in the world. And then to backfill the needs of the Ukrainian army and the Ukrainian people and their military. So that’s the solution the president has come up with. We’ll continue to see that forward. As for any additional sales, I’ll have to defer you to the Department of Defense,” she said.

Leavitt said that Trump has learnt a lot while solving the war crises, including how to move the ball forward with diplomacy.

“Well, the president has learned a lot, which is part of the reason he opened up this dialogue. the previous administration who oversaw the beginning of this war refused to talk and President Trump has always said in order to learn to move the ball forward with diplomacy and towards peace you have to have open dialogue and so that’s why the president has had several conversations by phone and of course an in-person meeting last Friday with President Putin,” he said.

Leavitt added that due to Trump, Russia and Ukraine have agreed to talk to each other after several years.

“He has also talked to President Zelenskyy dozens of times, had him here at the White House yesterday, and he’s understanding what both sides want. What both sides are going to have to give up, and he has always said that in order to get a good deal, both sides are going to have to walk away a little bit unhappy. So he continues to learn a lot throughout these conversations which is why we’ve seen progress from both sides and I would also just add when it come comes to learning and moving the ball forward look at how both Russia and Ukraine have actually talked directly for the first time in many years thanks to the efforts of this president and this administration,” she said.

Leavitt said that the US is gaining respect on the world stage, as Trump brokered peace on several occasions. She again falsely credited Trump with brokering a peace deal between India and Pakistan.

“Russia and all countries around this world actually respect the United States again, and the president is using the might of American strength to demand that respect from our allies, our friends, our adversaries all around the world. And we’ve seen that not just lead to progress with Russia and Ukraine, but also we’ve seen it in the closing of seven global conflicts around the world as well. We’ve seen it with the release of hostages in Gaza. You’ve seen it with the end of the conflict between India and Pakistan, which could have resulted in a nuclear war if we had not had a president who believed in the strength and the leverage that comes with the job of being the president of the United States of America,” she said.

Leavitt said that the US is willing to help Russia and Ukraine sit down and negotiate.

“Well, look, the president has spoken to both leaders about this and both leaders have expressed a willingness to sit down with each other. Our national security team will help both countries do that. Ultimately, the president has always said that there are areas of disagreement in this war that will have to be discussed and decided upon by these two countries. And so, he wants these two countries to engage in direct diplomacy. He’s said that from the very beginning, which is why he’s agreeable to the idea of having President Zelenskyy and President Putin get together and I understand accommodations for that meeting are underway,” she said.

“There are many options that are being discussed by our national security team right now with both parties,” she added. (ANI)

Heavy rains and floods have killed six people in various districts of Maharashtra in the last 24 hours, while five people are missing in Nanded district, as per the Maharashtra Disaster Management Department.

A total of 18 teams of NDRF are positioned in various parts of the state, along with six teams of SDRF. In Nanded’s Mukhed area, SDRF teams rescued 293 people.

In the last 24 hours, one person has died in Beed, one person has died and three people have been injured in Mumbai, and four people have died and five are missing in Nanded.

Mumbai experienced heavy rainfall over the past 21 hours, with some suburbs receiving more than 200 mm of rain.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Vikhroli recorded the highest rainfall at 223.5 mm, followed by Santacruz at 206.6 mm. Other areas such as Byculla, Juhu, Bandra, and Colaba also received significant rainfall ranging between 100 and 184 mm.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported that between 8:00 AM on August 19 and 6:00 AM on August 20, the eastern suburbs recorded 159.66 mm, while the western suburbs received 150.60 mm. Light rain was reported in all parts of the city between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM.

Meanwhile, 582 passengers stuck in the Mumbai Monorail near Mysore Colony between Chembur and Bhakti Park were rescued by the Mumbai Fire Brigade of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Out of 582 rescued passengers, suffocation of 23 passengers was treated onsite by the onboard doctor of the 108 ambulance and allowed to go.

Two patients were sent to Sion Hospital. According to information from Dr Mukesh, AMO, Sion Hospital, two individuals, Kismat Kumar, 20 years old, and Vivek Sonavane, 28 years old, were treated on an OPD basis and are currently stable.

A Mumbai Monorail train broke down between Bhakti Park and Chembur stations near Mysore Colony on Tuesday evening, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded. The breakdown occurred due to a power supply failure caused by overcrowding, which exceeded the train’s designed capacity. (ANI)

Another earthquake of magnitude 4.0 rocked Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba at 4:39 am on Wednesday, after the first quake of magnitude 3.3 jolted the Chamba district at 03:27 am.

This earthquake occured at 04:39:45 IST, with a depth of 10 Kilometres.

“EQ of M: 4.0, On: 20/08/2025 04:39:45 IST, Lat: 32.71 N, Long: 76.11 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Chamba, Himachal Pradesh,” informed the NCS on X.

Earlier, an earthquake of magnitude 3.3 jolted the Chamba district at 03:27:09 IST with a depth of 20 Kilometres.

“EQ of M: 3.3, On: 20/08/2025 03:27:09 IST, Lat: 32.87 N, Long: 76.09 E, Depth: 20 Km, Location: Chamba, Himachal Pradesh,” NCS posted on X.

Meanwhile, on the recent cloudburst incident in Lagghati in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, “Deputy Commissioner Torul S. Ravish said, “The road near Bhootnath Bridge has been damaged. The bridge at Hanumani Bag has been washed away. One cremation ground has been damaged.”

Adding more details, Torul said, “Two shops have suffered losses, and two vegetable shops have also been damaged. One house has also been damaged. The Ropdi Bhutthi Bridge has also been damaged. All departments are assessing the damage.”

In addition to this, the monsoon has wreaked large-scale havoc across Himachal Pradesh with the cumulative death toll rising to 276 since June 20, according to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) release on Tuesday evening.

Apart from loss of lives, the report highlighted widespread damage to houses, cattle sheds, agricultural land and crops. A total of 1,104 homes were fully damaged, 37 shops and factories destroyed, and 2,416 cowsheds and other rural structures lost. Over 27,552 livestock and poultry birds perished in the rains. (ANI)

US White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday (local time) said that US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on India to deter Russia from pursuing the Ukraine conflict. Trump has doubled India’s tariff to 50 per cent by imposing an additional 25 per cent levy on the previously announced 25 per cent.

Leavitt, during her press briefing, said that the intent behind the sanctions was to put secondary pressure on Russia.

“Look, the president has put tremendous public pressure to bring this war to a close. He’s taken actions, as you’ve seen, sanctions on India and other actions as well. He’s made himself very clear that he wants to see this war end, and he has scoffed at the ideas of others that have been raised that we should wait another month before any meeting takes place,” she said.

Earlier, Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, with the former signalling his openness to a trilateral meeting with Putin to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.

Trump said that he had a very successful day, while Zelensky noted that this was the “best conversation” he had with the US President so far.

Leavitt further said that Trump wishes to bring peace as soon as possible.

“The president wants to move and he wants to bring this war to an end as quickly as possible… With all of those European leaders leaving the White House, including the NATO Secretary General, they all agree that this is a great first step. And it’s a good thing that these two leaders are going to be sitting down together, and the president expects that to happen,” she said.

Leavitt further said, “I can assure you that the United States government and the Trump administration are working with both Russia and Ukraine to make that bilateral happen as we speak.”

Leavitt said that Trump’s relentless efforts at brokering peace led to the European leaders being present at the White House within 48 hours of his meeting with Putin.

“The President met with all of these European leaders at the White House 48 hours after sitting down with President Putin on American soil. In fact, there was so much progress in the readout that was given to these European leaders immediately following his meeting with President Putin that every single one of them got on a plane 48 hours later and flew to the United States of America,” she said.

“So these leaders who this war is in their backyard are very grateful that the president took that call and that he was there to provide them with a readout of Russia’s thinking on this, something that was not done by the previous administration at all,” she added.

Leavitt reinstated the White House’s claim that if Trump were the president, the war would have never happened when a reporter asked a question in that regard.

“The president often says that this war would not have started if he were in office and and Putin confirmed that,” the reporter asked.

Trump has repeatedly stated that the war wouldn’t have started if he were in office, and surprisingly, Putin seems to agree. When asked about this, Leavitt confirmed that Putin did indeed say that.

“True. Do you accept that as true? The European leaders do. Well, and President Putin himself said that, by the way,” Leavitt said.

A reporter asked what Trump plans to do to ensure security guarantees last beyond his presidency. Leavitt responded that Trump understands the need for lasting peace and is engaging in discussions with European leaders and NATO to achieve this goal.

Leavitt highlighted Trump’s dedication to bringing the war to an end, saying he has spent a significant amount of time and energy on this effort. Trump has been in talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders to brief them on the situation.

“Well, he understands the need for that, which he spoke to yesterday. It’s why he’s engaging in numerous discussions and conversations with both sides of this war with our European allies. The President himself was discussing with European leaders and NATO how to ensure lasting peace and bring an end to the conflict. He has expended an incredible amount of time, energy and effort into bringing this war to an end, and he remains determined to do that,” Leavitt answered. (ANI)

IndiGo issued a travel advisory for its passengers on Wednesday, amid prediction of heavy rains in Mumbai and its surrounding areas.

According to the advisory, the heavy rains could lead to air traffic congestion, which could impact flight operations.

“While we want your journey to be as hassle-free as possible, Mother Nature has her own plans. With heavy rains expected again in Mumbai, there’s a chance this could lead to air traffic congestion and impact flight operations,” the advisory said.

The airline informed that any changes to the flight schedule will be shared with passengers through their contact details.

“While we continue doing our best to keep operations smooth, we recommend planning ahead. Any changes to your flight schedule will be shared via your registered contact details, so do ensure they are up to date,” the advisory added.

The airline further advised its passengers to check the status of their flight before going to the airport and allow extra time for themselves for commutation due to likely slow traffic movement and waterlogging.

“Check your flight status on our website or app before heading to the airport. And with waterlogging and slow-moving traffic likely, allow some extra time for your commute,” the advisory said.

Earlier on Wednesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning for heavy rain and thunderstorms in several parts of India, particularly in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

IMD issued a red nowcast warning for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, and Ratnagiri districts, indicating intense to very intense rainfall spells accompanied by gusty winds of 40-50 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 60 kmph.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday informed that Mumbai received nearly 300 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, leading to some disruptions. However, he said the water level in Mithi River is gradually receding. (ANI)

With images of downed Pakistani drones, maps marking India’s precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), and a spotlight on Made-in-India defence systems, NCERT has rolled out new modules on ‘Operation Sindoor’, calling it a military success, a technological breakthrough, and a political message rolled into one.

The modules for secondary and middle school stages, written in conversation style between teachers and students, detail how India launched its decisive military campaign in May 2025 following a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

The module states that Operation Sindoor was “not just a military operation but a promise to protect peace and honour the lives lost.

Before explaining the operation, it reminds students about the Pulwama terror attack in February 2019, when “a suicide bomber named Adil Ahmed Dar rammed a car filled with explosives into one of the buses. The blast killed 40 CRPF personnel and injured many others.”

It also recounts the Balakot airstrike on 26 February 2019, when Mirage 2000 fighter jets destroyed a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp deep inside Pakistan.

The module also discusses the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, noting that peace and development have followed in Jammu and Kashmir, including the upgrade of schools, rail connectivity, and a record tourist inflow. The text states, “Pakistan was not ready to see peace in Kashmir after Article 370 abrogation.”

The two modules are titled “Operation Sindoor – A Saga of Valour” for students of Classes 3 to 8, and “Operation Sindoor – A Mission of Honour and Bravery” for students of Classes 9 to 12.

On 22 April 2025, terrorists from The Resistance Front, TRF, a known proxy of LeT, opened fire on tourists in Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam. In the gruesome attack, 26 men, including one Nepali citizen, lost their lives.

The module highlights Prime Minister Modi cutting short his Saudi Arabia visit to return home after terror strikes in Kashmir and strongly condemning them.

It recalls candlelight marches across India, Muslim communities wearing black armbands in protest, and villagers near the border demanding “strong action” in solidarity with the Armed Forces.

“The terror attack was meant to create fear and hatred between communities. But people chose unity and courage,” the module notes.

The turning point, as the module describes, was the launch of Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, at 1.05 am.

The operation was given its name as a tribute to the widows of the victims, “Sindoor which symbolises the marital bond. By naming the operation Sindoor, our country’s leadership and armed forces paid tribute to the widows of the victims. It was to show solidarity, empathy, and respect,” the Prime Minister is quoted as saying.

Conducted with meticulous planning, Operation Sindoor targeted nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including Muridke and Bahawalpur, key hubs of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

In just 22 minutes, precision strikes by the Indian Army and Air Force destroyed these camps. The operation’s success, the module notes, also came from the prowess of Made-in-India weapons, advanced jets like Rafale and Su-30MKI using indigenous missiles, including BrahMos, and drones providing real-time surveillance.

ISRO’s satellites gave constant monitoring support, proving the synergy of defence and science.

While Pakistan retaliated with drones, artillery, and even a major missile offensive, India’s multi-layered air defence grid, including S-400 and Akash systems, neutralised threats. “Not one critical Indian asset was damaged,” the module says, underlining the strength of India’s defence architecture.

The modules also highlight the Navy’s role in asserting maritime dominance in the Arabian Sea and the Border Security Force foiling infiltration attempts. The emphasis throughout is on coordination, discipline, and technological self-reliance, hallmarks of the ‘Make in India’ push. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is quoted as saying the operation showed “India can break through any enemy defence using what we’ve made ourselves.”

The text does not shy away from the human cost. It notes that Pakistan’s ceasefire violations targeted schools and religious sites, killing 14 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir, but stresses that India did not target civilians. Instead, the strikes were designed as “a precise and responsible answer to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.”

The modules close by reminding students that the terror attack aimed to create fear and communal hatred, but “people chose unity and courage.” They highlight India’s diplomatic outreach, noting that the US officially declared TRF a foreign terrorist organisation in July 2025 after India presented evidence.

Summing up the entire episode, the module describes Operation Sindoor as “a military success, a technological breakthrough, and a political message all rolled into one. A triumph of bravery, strategy, and innovation.” (ANI)

Condolences have been pouring in following the demise of veteran actor Achyut Potdar, known for his role as a professor in Rajkumar Hirani’s film ‘3 Idiots.’

A heartfelt tribute came from Aamir Khan, who shared screen space with Potdar in the 2009 film.

His production house, Aamir Khan Productions, shared a note on Instagram, remembering the actor as an “amazing actor.”

“I am very saddened to hear about Achyutji’s passing away. He was an amazing actor, a wonderful human being, and a great colleague. We will miss you, Achyutji. My heartfelt condolences to his family,” the note read, further concluding with the initial “a.”

Meanwhile, tributes were also shared by filmmakers Hansal Mehta and Sudhir Mishra and actor Jackie Shroff.

Boman Irani, who portrayed the iconic character of Professor Viru Sahastrabuddhe in the film, also paid tribute to Potdar on Instagram.

Achyut Potdar passed away on Monday, August 18, his daughter Anuradha Paraskar confirmed. The veteran actor, who was set to turn 91, was admitted to Jupiter Hospital in Thane at the time of his passing.

“He was getting old, but yesterday, what happened, he fell unconscious in the afternoon, and we admitted him to Jupiter Hospital and then within a matter of a few hours, by about 9 o’clock, his heart went into failure. They said there was an aorta dissection that happened, and then multiple organs. So, it was a quick but very peaceful end,” she told ANI.

Besides his memorable role in 3 Idiots, Potdar had an extensive filmography that included Aakrosh, Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai, Ardh Satya, Tezaab, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Dilwale, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Parineeta, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, and Dabangg 2, among others.

The actor also had a notable presence on television, featuring in shows such as Bharat Ek Khoj, All The Best, Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo, and Mrs Tendulkar. (ANI)

Hollywood actor Angelina Jolie is reportedly planning to sell her house in the United States and relocate abroad with her children.

According to a People magazine report, the actor is preparing to put her Los Angeles home on the market ahead of the move.

“Jolie never wanted to live in L.A. full-time. She didn’t have a choice because of the custody arrangement with her ex-husband Brad Pitt,” the source said, as quoted by the outlet.

The report added that Jolie may relocate as soon as her youngest children, twins Knox and Vivienne, turn 18 next year.

“She’s eyeing several locations abroad. She’ll be very happy when she’s able to leave Los Angeles,” the source added.

In an earlier interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Jolie briefly touched upon her personal life, involving her children and divorce from Pitt. Even though she grew up in Los Angeles, the actress remains in the city because of the legalities surrounding her divorce.

“When you have a big family, you want them to have privacy, peace, safety. I have a house now to raise my children, but sometimes this place can be… that humanity that I found across the world is not what I grew up with here,” she said.

Jolie and Brad Pitt finalised their divorce in December last year, citing “irreconcilable differences.”

“More than eight years ago, Angelina filed for divorce from Mr. Pitt. She and the children left all of the properties they had shared with Mr. Pitt, and since that time, she has focused on finding peace and healing for their family,” her lawyers told People at the time.

The former couple share six children, including Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne.

On the work front for Angelina Jolie, the actress will reunite with her ‘Mr and Mrs Smith’ director Doug Liman for the upcoming spy thriller, ‘The Initiative,’ reported Variety.

Details surrounding the film’s plot have been kept under wraps. (ANI)