Month: September 2025

The oath-taking ceremony of Vice President-elect Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan will be held on Friday at Rashtrapati Bhawan in the national capital. President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath of office to Radhakrishnan.

According to a top NDA source, the morning of September 12 was chosen for the ceremony as the time was found to be “auspicious by the pandit ji,” said the NDA source.

Ahead of the ceremony, several political leaders have already arrived in Delhi to attend the event. Those present in the capital include Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar, and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.

Radhakrishnan, the NDA nominee, was elected as the 15th Vice President of India on Tuesday, securing 452 votes against Opposition candidate and former Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy, who received 300 votes.

Rajya Sabha Secretary General and Returning Officer PC Mody said that 767 out of 781 MPs cast their votes, recording a turnout of 98.2 per cent. Of these, 752 ballots were valid and 15 were invalid, lowering the required majority of first preference votes to 377.

While the NDA had the backing of 427 MPs on paper, 11 lawmakers from the YSRCP also supported Radhakrishnan. Interestingly, the NDA candidate received 14 votes more than expected, sparking speculation of cross-voting from the Opposition camp.

Furthermore, 13 MPs abstained from voting in the election. These include seven MPs from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), four from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), one MP from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and one Independent MP.

Following the announcement of results, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated CP Radhakrishnan and expressed confidence that the newly elected Vice President would strengthen India’s constitutional values and contribute positively to parliamentary discourse.

“Congratulations to Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji on winning the 2025 Vice Presidential election. His life has always been devoted to serving society and empowering the poor and marginalised. I am confident that he will be an outstanding VP, who will strengthen our Constitutional values and enhance Parliamentary discourse,” Prime Minister Modi wrote on X. (ANI)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday (local time) hailed India as “one of the top relationships that the US has in the world today” during the Senate confirmation hearing for Sergio Gor, US President Donald Trump’s nominee for US Ambassador to India.

Rubio, who appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to introduce Gor, underscored the pivotal role of India in shaping the global future, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, highlighting that India was at the “core of that”.

“Sergio Gor is the nominee to India (as US Ambassador), which is one of the top relationships that the US has in the world today, in terms of the future of what the world’s going to look like. I said it earlier when I held the position as a nominee… In the 21st century, the story is going to be written in the Indo-Pacific. It’s so important that we have changed the name of the combatant command in the Indo-Pacific. India is at the core of that. Rubio stated.

He noted an ongoing “extraordinary transition” in India-US ties, pointing to critical issues like the Ukraine conflict and regional security challenges that require close collaboration.

“We are in a period of extraordinary transition in that relationship with India; we have some really important issues coming up that we need to work with them on and work through. That implicates what’s happening with Ukraine and also in the region,” the State Secretary added.

Praising Gor’s qualifications, Rubio noted his long-standing acquaintance with the 38-year-old nominee and his unparalleled access to the President, underscoring that these qualities will help “get things done” between both nations.

“When you interact with these countries, having a representative in a place like India that has direct access to the Oval Office and to the President and who they know can get things done, both in the administration and through the Oval Office, is critically important. And I don’t know anyone better in the position to do that than Sergio Gor,” he said.

Gor, currently the Director of Presidential Personnel in the White House, was nominated by Trump to fill the vacancy left by former Ambassador Eric Garcetti in January.

If confirmed, the young Trump confidant would become the youngest US Ambassador to India.

Gor, during his hearing, also noted India was a “strategic partner” calling New Delhi as a key component of regional peace, prosperity, and the advancement both nation’s shared security objectives.

“India is a strategic partner whose trajectory will shape the region and beyond… India’s geographic position, economic growth, and military capabilities make it a cornerstone of regional stability and a critical part of promoting prosperity and advancing the security interests that our nations share. India is one of the most important relationships our nation has in the world,” he stated. (ANI)

The death toll from the ongoing Gen Z protests in the Kathmandu Valley has climbed to 34, as reported by The Himalayan Times, citing data released by the Ministry of Health and Population of Nepal.

According to The Himalayan Times, over 1,368 people have been injured amid the protests across the country.

The ministry spokesperson, Dr Prakash Budhathoki, stated that the majority of those injured have already received treatment and been discharged, with 949 people sent home from hospitals so far.

Currently, 58 patients remain at the Trauma Centre, 48 at Civil Service Hospital, 35 at Kathmandu Medical College, 25 at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH), and 26 at Birendra Military Hospital, The Himalayan Times reported.

Meanwhile, a high-level meeting between Nepal’s Army Chief, Ashok Raj Sigdel, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut and the CPN (Maoist Centre) leaders will take place at the President’s House on Friday. Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel is also expected to take part in the meeting.

Earlier on Thursday, the leaders of the Gen-Z protest in a press conference also collectively endorsed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as their nominee for interim Prime Minister, citing her integrity and independence, following the resignation of the Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli after widespread protests across the nation.

Youth leaders at the forefront of the demonstrations have also stated that the widespread corruption and political stagnation were the core reasons behind their mass mobilisation against the government.

“We are staging this movement against corruption, as it is rampant,” said Gen Z leader Diwakar Dangal, echoing the frustrations of thousands of young Nepalese who have taken to the streets in Kathmandu and other major cities since September 8.

Another Gen Z leader, Junal Gadal, emphasised the choice of leadership for the transition phase, stating, “We should choose Sushila Karki as the best option as the guardian of the country.” Karki, Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, is widely regarded for her stance against judicial and political corruption.

The Gen Z-led movement, which initially began as a peaceful protest, has seen moments of violence and chaos, which the leaders blame on political infiltrators.

“We had called for a peaceful protest, but the political cadres caused the arson and then vandalised the infrastructure,” said Gen Z leader Anil Baniya. “We are not trying to change the constitution, but to make necessary amendments to it. Through online surveys, the Gen Z leaders voted for Sushila Karki. Within six months, we will head to elections.”

Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah ‘Balen’ has also voiced his support for Karki, strengthening her standing as the probable candidate of the Gen Z movement.

The protests began on September 8, 2025, in Kathmandu and other major cities, including Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj, following the government’s imposition of a ban on major social media platforms, citing concerns over tax revenue and cybersecurity.

Curfew was imposed in several cities, including Kathmandu, to control the situation, which will continue till 5 pm today and will again be imposed from 7 pm until 6 am on Saturday, as per a statement issued by the Nepalese Army.

Protesters have been demanding an end to “institutionalised corruption and favouritism” in governance. They want the government to be more accountable and transparent in its decision-making processes.

Public frustration deepened further when the “Nepo Babies” trend on social media exposed the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children, highlighting the economic disparity between them and ordinary citizens. (ANI)

Four people have died and three remain missing after a landslide struck Upper Rimbi in Gyalshing district of Sikkim around midnight, officials said.

According to Gyalshing Superintendent of Police (SP) Tshering Sherpa, three individuals were killed on the spot following a landslide.

“Four dead and three missing after a landslide in Upper Rimbi under the Yangthang constituency in West Sikkim at midnight. Three individuals were killed on the spot when the landslide hit. The police team, in coordination with local villagers and SSB personnel, managed to evacuate two injured women from the affected area after constructing a temporary tree log bridge over the flooded Hume River,” SP Sherpa said.

Both women were rushed to the district hospital, but one of them succumbed to her injuries during treatment.

“The other remains in critical condition, and three are still missing,” the SP said.

Earlier on Monday, a joint Scuba and Combat Diving Exercise was conducted by the Indian Army PARA (Special Forces) and the Indian Navy MARINE COMMANDOS (MARCOS) in Sikkim at an altitude of 17,000 feet, from 30 August to 5 September, said a press release from Defence PRO.

During the training, participants carried out open circuit air diving, closed circuit pure oxygen diving, dives up to a depth of 17 metres in extreme cold-water conditions, and combat night diving.

Conducted amidst treacherous terrain and freezing waters, the exercise showcased the exceptional professionalism, adaptability and courage of the Special Forces of the Indian Army and the elite Marine Commandos of the Indian Navy. The high-altitude environment added unique challenges, reinforcing operational readiness and expanding the limits of combat diving capability.

Such training is essential to prepare soldiers for future battlefields where unpredictability is the only constant. Operating in rarefied high-altitude conditions, executing precision tasks in freezing waters, and integrating combat diving into joint operations strengthens resilience and versatility. Exercises of this nature also enhance jointmanship between the Services, sharpen specialised combat skills, and ensure that India’s elite forces remain mission-ready across diverse terrains–from the high Himalayas to the deep seas.

Speaking on the occasion, the Team Commander stated, “Training in these extreme conditions tests every aspect of a soldier’s endurance, skill and mental strength. It ensures that when called upon, our teams can operate effectively in any environment, no matter how harsh or demanding. This exercise reflects the spirit of jointmanship and the commitment of our elite forces to remain prepared for every challenge.” (ANI)

Several cases of African Swine fever have been detected in Ajnala, an offical said on Thursday.

According to officials, African Swine Fever (ASF) is not a flu but a viral disease that exclusively affects swine.

“It is not flu. It is African Swine Fever, and it infects swine only. Some swine died at a farm. We conducted tests, and some of them were positive. To keep it from spreading, the swine are killed and the farm is sanitised. This disease does not spread to other animals or humans,” Assistant Deputy Director (Animal Husbandry), Ravinder Singh Kang told ANI.

According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic and wild pigs, whose mortality rate can reach 100%. It is not a danger to human health, but it has devastating effects on pig populations and the farming economy.

The Punjab Government has launched an extensive fogging campaign in Ajnala and other flood-affected areas to curb the spread of dengue, malaria, and other vector-borne diseases. The initiative aims to protect public health in the wake of recent flooding, which has heightened the risk of disease outbreaks.

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that he would hold a review meeting on Friday to assess the flood situation in the state after heavy rains.

In a post on X, CM Mann wrote that discussions would focus on the medical facilities being provided to residents, compensation measures, and concrete steps to manage and mitigate the impact of the floods.

Following heavy monsoon rains that triggered floods across several districts of Punjab, doctors and healthcare staff from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, carried out a four-day relief mission from September 6 to 9, providing life-saving medical aid to thousands of affected people.

The team covered multiple districts, reaching remote and waterlogged villages where no prior medical camps had arrived. (ANI)

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has extended his support to the people of Punjab amid the ongoing floods. The actor’s Meer Foundation, in partnership with local NGOs, has stepped in to provide relief to families affected by severe flooding in Punjab, distributing essential kits and aiding their rehabilitation efforts.

In response to the crisis, his foundation joined hands with local NGOs to distribute critical aid to those in need. The relief kits include medicines, hygiene supplies, food items, mosquito nets, tarpaulin sheets, folding beds, cotton mattresses, and other essentials.

The initiative aims to reach 1,500 households across Amritsar, Patiala, Fazilka, and Firozpur districts, offering immediate support for health, safety, and shelter, while assisting families in rebuilding their lives with dignity.

Punjab is currently grappling with one of the worst floods in recent years, which has displaced thousands of families. Relief and rehabilitation operations are ongoing, with authorities and NGOs working on a war footing to restore normalcy.

An NGO, Roundglass Foundation, has expressed gratitude to SRK for his support, “Heartfelt gratitude to Shah Rukh Khan Ji for extending a helping hand to us through his Meer Foundation. His support gives us strength, hope, and fuels our belief that we will overcome this. With his support, we have been able to impact 5,000 people across several affected areas: Chak Aul in Amritsar; Ghanike Bet in Gurdaspur; Dhani Mohna Ram, Dhani Gurkha, Gatti No. 3, and Sabuana in Fazilka; and Gati Rajo Ke and Tendi Wala in Ferozpur,” reads the caption.

On September 3, Shah Rukh Khan expressed solidarity with flood-affected residents in a heartfelt post on X.

“My heart goes out to those in Punjab impacted by these devastating floods. Sending prayers and strength… The spirit of Punjab shall never break… may God bless them all,” wrote SRK.

Several Bollywood and Punjabi stars have actively contributed to relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has adopted ten of the worst-hit villages in Gurdaspur and Amritsar to support relief efforts, working with NGOs and the local administration. Ammy Virk also announced on Instagram that he and his team had adopted 200 homes for affected families.

Sonu Sood has also stepped forward to support relief efforts for the flood-affected communities in Punjab.

Bollywood actors Vicky Kaushal, Suniel Shetty, Sunny Deol and Kareena Kapoor Khan, as well as cricketers Yuvraj Singh, Shubman Gill and Harbhajan Singh, also showed support for victims of the floods in Punjab.

Relief operations include the provision of food, medical care, shelter, and rehabilitation support for displaced residents.

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated that he would hold a review meeting on Friday at 11 am to assess the flood situation in the state after heavy rains.

In a post on X, CM Mann wrote that discussions would focus on the medical facilities being provided to residents, compensation measures, and concrete steps to manage and mitigate the impact of the floods.”I will hold a meeting tomorrow at 11 am to review the flood situation. In this meeting, the Deputy Commissioners of the flood-affected areas will participate via video conference, and the Secretary and Chief Secretary will join by arriving at my Chandigarh residence.

The meeting will discuss the medical facilities being provided to the people, compensation, and concrete steps to deal with the flood situation,” CM Mann wrote. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Dehradun on Thursday and reviewed the flood situation and damage caused due to cloudbursts, rains and landslides in affected areas of Uttarakhand and announced a financial assistance of Rs 1200 cr.

PM Modi held a meeting in Dehradun to review the relief and rehabilitation measures undertaken as well as assess the damage that has occurred in Uttarakhand.

State Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd.) were also present in the meeting.

PM Modi expressed his condolences to the family members of those who have lost their lives in the natural calamity and stated that the Union Government will work closely with the State Governments at this difficult time and extend all possible assistance.

“Chaired a review meeting on the flood situation in Uttarakhand. The devastation caused by floods in the state has saddened us all. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. I pray that the people injured recover at the earliest. We are ensuring swift relief, rehabilitation and long-term measures to support those affected,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

The Prime Minister met families from Uttarakhand who had been affected by the recent natural calamities, including landslides and floods. He conveyed his solidarity with all those who had suffered and offered heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.

“Interacted with victims of the floods and landslides in Uttarakhand. We remain committed to standing by them with all possible support. Their courage in the face of such adversity is truly moving. We will work together to help them rebuild their lives,” PM Modi said.

PM Modi also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured in the floods and related disasters, according to a release from PMO.

PM Modi emphasised the need for a multi-dimensional approach to help the entire region and its people recover.

This would include measures such as rebuilding homes under the PM Awas Yojana, restoring national highways, reconstructing schools, providing relief through the PMNRF, and distributing mini kits for livestock.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin, financial assistance will be extended under “Special Project” submitted by the Government of Uttarakhand for the reconstruction of houses in rural areas to eligible households whose houses have been damaged due to floods.

The Union Government has already sent Inter-Ministerial Central teams to visit Uttarakhand to assess the extent of damage, and based on their detailed report, further assistance will be considered, the release added.

PM Modi declared that children orphaned by the recent floods and landslides will receive assistance through the PM CARES for Children scheme, ensuring their long-term care and welfare.

PM Modi also stated that the assistance under the purview of the Disaster Management Act and Rules, including advance disbursements to the States, being announced at this stage, are for the interim period.

The Central government will further review the assessment based on the memorandum of the State as well as the report of the Central teams. He appreciated the efforts of the personnel of NDRF, SDRF, Army, State administration and other service-oriented organisations for making efforts in immediate relief and response, the release added.

Uttarakhand CM Dhami expressed gratitude to PM Modi for the “invaluable” support to Uttarakhand in the time of disaster.

“Under the able leadership of the Honourable Prime Minister ji, our double-engine government is fully committed at every level to the relief, rehabilitation, and secure future of the disaster-affected people of the state. On behalf of all the people of the state, heartfelt gratitude to the Honourable Prime Minister ji for the invaluable support provided during this difficult time of disaster,” CM Dhami said on X.

CM Dhami also said that PM Modi appreciated the work of the NDRF and SDRF personnel.

“Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji held a dialogue with NDRF, SDRF, and the Aapda Mitra team in Dehradun. During this time, he appreciated the excellent work done by these teams in the disaster-affected areas of the state and listened to their experiences. to provide relief during the disaster,” Dhami said.

PM arrived in Dehradun earlier in the day, after concluding his engagements with Mauritian counterpart, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Uttarakhand CM Dhami welcomed him at the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.

In several parts of Uttarakhand, continuous rainfall has triggered ongoing land subsidence. Considering the extent of the damage, the state government has sought Rs 5,702 crore in relief assistance from the Centre. A central team has already visited the affected areas for inspection.

Since the Kedarnath tragedy, this year the state has witnessed the highest number of disasters, causing damage worth crores of rupees. Many villages have been severely affected, with not only loss of human lives but also livestock casualties, the press note said. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he would soon award conservative activist Charlie Kirk a Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honour.

Speaking at a ceremony outside the Pentagon marking the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Trump said the event honouring Kirk would be significant. “I can only guarantee you one thing: That will have a very big crowd,” he remarked.

Trump opened his address by remembering Kirk, describing him as a close ally and an inspiration. “Let me express the horror and grief so many Americans, at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk, have felt,” he said.

“Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions and millions of people. Our prayers are with his wonderful wife, Erika, and his beautiful children. Fantastic people,” Trump continued.

“We miss him greatly. Yet I have no doubt that Charlie’s voice and the courage he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on,” he added.

Kirk, a right-wing political commentator and conservative activist, was shot in the neck on Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University, The New York Times reported.

According to a Utah Valley University spokesperson, Kirk was approximately 20 minutes into his presentation when gunshots were heard from a nearby building.

The university informed students that “a single shot was fired on campus toward a visiting speaker,” and a suspect has been taken into custody.

A spokesperson confirmed that Kirk was the only person shot during the event. Video footage from the scene showed students fleeing after hearing gunshots.

In one clip, Kirk appeared to fall back as blood came from his neck. He was sitting under a tent with the slogan “The American Comeback” when the incident happened, as per The New York Times.

According to The New York Times, a spokeswoman for the FBI office in Utah said the office is aware of the reported shooting and agents are responding to the scene.

In a post on X, FBI Director Kash Patel said, “We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation.”

As per The New York Times, at least three videos posted on social media on Wednesday show Charlie Kirk being struck by apparent gunfire while giving a speech at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

Gov. Spencer Cox of Utah said on social media that he is being briefed by law enforcement “following the violence directed at Charlie Kirk during his visit to Utah today.”

He wrote on X, “I am being briefed by law enforcement following the violence directed at Charlie Kirk during his visit to Utah Valley University today. We will continue to share updates. Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life.”

Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina, called the apparent shooting of Charlie Kirk a “sick and despicable attack” in a post on social media. Graham and several other Republican senators, including Ted Cruz of Texas and Katie Britt of Alabama, said that they are praying for Kirk. (ANI)

The Nepal Army on Thursday issued a prohibitory order till 5:00 pm today, while the curfew has been extended nationwide till 6:00 am tomorrow.

According to the update, the prohibitory order will remain in force from 11 am to 5 pm (local time) on Friday, September 12. A curfew will also be imposed from 7 pm on September 12 until 6 am on September 13.

“Based on the analysis of the latest security situation, the District Security Committees of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur districts have made the following arrangements as it is necessary to continue the prohibitory orders and curfew orders issued for the safety of citizens and their property,” the Nepal Army said in a statement.

The continuation of restrictions comes as Nepal faces unrest. Against this backdrop, President Ram Chandra Paudel on Thursday appealed for peace, saying he is making “every effort” to find a way out of the current situation.

President Paudel said, “Respected Nepali brothers and sisters, I am making every effort to find a way out of the current difficult situation in the country within the constitutional framework and to protect democracy and maintain peace and order in the country. I appeal to all parties to be confident that a solution to the problem is being sought as soon as possible to address the demands of the agitating citizens and to cooperate with restraint in maintaining peace and order in the country.”

The statement comes amid ongoing unrest, as anti-establishment protests led by Nepal’s Gen Z continue across the country.

Youth leaders at the forefront of the demonstrations have stated that widespread corruption and political stagnation are the core reasons behind their mass mobilisation against the government, reflecting the very issues the President referenced in his call for dialogue and peace.

The protest leaders in a press conference on Thursday have also collectively endorsed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as their nominee for interim Prime Minister, citing her integrity and independence, following the resignation of the Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli after widespread protests across the nation.

“We are staging this movement against corruption, as it is rampant,” said Gen Z leader Diwakar Dangal, echoing the frustrations of thousands of young Nepalese who have taken to the streets in Kathmandu and other major cities since September 8.

Another Gen Z leader, Junal Gadal, emphasised the choice of leadership for the transition phase, stating, “We should choose Sushila Karki as the best option as the guardian of the country.”

Karki, Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, is widely regarded for her stance against judicial and political corruption.

The Gen Z-led movement, which initially began as a peaceful protest, has seen moments of violence and chaos, which the leaders blame on political infiltrators.

“We had called for a peaceful protest, but the political cadres caused the arson and then vandalised the infrastructure. We are not trying to change the Constitution, but to make necessary amendments to it. Through online surveys, the Gen Z leaders voted for Sushila Karki. Within six months, we will head to elections,” said Gen Z leader Anil Baniya.

Ojashwi Raj Thapa, another face of the youth uprising, addressed the challenges within the movement, warning against attempts by political actors to create division.

“We are not capable of taking full leadership yet, and it will take us time to mature into that role,” Thapa said, adding, “Some party members think they can infiltrate and divide us. This bloodshed is your doing, the doing of old leaders. We don’t want violence. We want the parliament dissolved, not the constitution scrapped.”

Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah ‘Balen’ has also voiced his support for Karki, strengthening her standing as the probable candidate of the Gen Z movement.

Meanwhile, 31 people have been killed and over 1000 injured in clashes with security forces during the anti-corruption demonstrations across the country, The Kathmandu Post reported.

The protests began on September 8, 2025, in Kathmandu and other major cities, including Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj, following the government’s imposition of a ban on major social media platforms, citing concerns over tax revenue and cybersecurity.

Curfew was imposed in several cities, including Kathmandu, to control the situation, which will continue till Friday morning, as per a statement issued by the Nepalese Army.

Protesters have been demanding an end to “institutionalised corruption and favouritism” in governance. They want the government to be more accountable and transparent in its decision-making processes.

Public frustration deepened further when the “Nepo Babies” trend on social media exposed the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children, highlighting the economic disparity between them and ordinary citizens. (ANI)

The India vs Pakistan clash in any sport is always a high-octane and pressure clash as there are emotions wired up with fans of both nations.

As India is set to take on Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 clash on Sunday, the match has attracted anger among opposition parties, who have termed it the “treason” and “shamelessness” of the Union Government.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Thursday slammed the Centre over the issue, calling for a protest with the name ‘Sindoor Raksha Abhiyaan’ against the IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 match.

Raut asked if the “blood” and “water” cannot flow together, then how can “blood” and “cricket” work together?

“We will protest against this India-Pakistan cricket match. Women will come on the streets and our campaign is ‘Sindoor Raksha Abhiyan’. You said that water and blood will not flow together. If water and blood will not flow together, then how will blood and cricket work together? This is treason, shamelessness,” Sanjay Raut told reporters.

Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi questioned the “double standard” policy of the Central Government over relations with Pakistan and stressed a “fishy” feeling about the India vs Pakistan clash.

“So many people were killed. Government said that they will teach Pakistan a lession and 140 crore people were standing in support of the government at that time but now I am not able to understand this double-standard policy. How can there be a match with Pakistan? I support the protest against the India-Pakistan cricket match…Something fishy is going on,” Azmi told ANI.

Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) MP Supriya Sule also expressed shock over the Union Government’s stance on the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match, asking if “blood and water” cannot flow together, then how “bat and ball” can come together.

“I’m shocked by the stand taken by the government on the India-Pakistan match. On one hand, they say ‘Blood and water cannot flow together’, then how come this match is happening? If blood and water cannot flow together, then how can bat and ball come together?” Supriya Sule told reporters.

Sule addressed the issue of Sanjay Raut’s protests on the India vs Pakistan match and said she is not aware of the matter.

“I am not aware if Sanjay Raut and Shiv Sena UBT are going to hold a protest. I’ll speak to the alliance members,” Sule added.

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to entertain a request to urgently list a plea seeking an interim stay on the cricket match between India and Pakistan, which is scheduled to take place in Dubai on September 14.

While rejecting the request, a bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi stated that the match should go on.

The counsel appearing for the petitioner sought that the plea be heard urgently on Friday as the said match is set to take place on Sunday this week. However, the Court declined the request.

The plea had been filed by one Urvashi Jain, who has challenged the scheduled match by contending that playing with Pakistan would send an opposite message and that the dignity and security of citizens come before entertainment.

“Cricket between nations is meant to show harmony and friendship. But after the Pahalgam Terror Attack and Operation Sindoor, when our people died and our soldiers risked everything, playing with Pakistan sent the opposite message that while our soldiers sacrifice their lives, we are celebrating sports with the same families of the victims who lost their lives at the hands of the Pakistani terrorist”, the plea stated.

It further asserted that the cricket match between India and Pakistan is detrimental to the national interest, to the morale of the armed forces and of the nation as a whole.

Additionally, the plea stated that the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports does not recognise any official cricket federation, while the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) operates like “a nation within a nation”, insensitive to the national problems, calamities, sorrows and so on.

The petitioner further contended that organising a cricket match with Pakistan amid ongoing tensions is sending out an unhealthy message to the armed forces and the public in general.

“Operation Sindoor is still ongoing against the terror base camps in Pakistan. When we still have infiltrations in a non-stop manner in the valley of Kashmir, our armed forces have been carrying out day & night search operations fighting the infiltrators from Pakistan, our soldiers are sacrificing their lives and citizens too falling prey to the bullets of Pakistan-sponsored terrorists”, the plea argued.

The India national cricket team is taking on Pakistan for the first time in an international cricket match after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.

Ahead of the clash, there had been a widespread demand from the opposition to boycott the match. However, the Centre had issued no objection from the Indian team to playing against Pakistan in any multi-nation tournament. (ANI)