Month: September 2025

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday congratulated CP Radhakrishnan on being elected as the 15th Vice President of India, expressing confidence that his decades of experience in public life will contribute to the nation’s progress.

In a post on X, President Murmu wrote, “Congratulations to Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan on being elected as the Vice President of India! Your decades of rich experience in public life will contribute significantly to the nation’s progress. I extend my best wishes to you for a successful and impactful tenure.”

National Democratic Alliance-backed CP Radhakrishnan was elected as the 15th Vice President on Tuesday.

Radhakrishnan defeated the INDIA bloc nominee Justice B Sudershan Reddy by 152 votes in the Vice Presidential elections held between 10 am and 5 pm on Tuesday.

A total of 98.20 per cent voter turnout was found in the Vice Presidential elections, wherein 767 MPs cast their vote out of 781.

NDA nominee CP Radhakrishnan received 452 first preference votes, whereas the INDIA bloc candidate Justice B Sudershan Reddy received 300 first preference votes. Fifteen votes were considered invalid.

“NDA nominee and Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan got 452 first preference votes. He has been elected as the Vice President of India… Opposition’s vice-presidential candidate Justice Sudershan Reddy secured 300 first preference votes,” Rajya Sabha general secretary PC Mody said in his press conference.

A total of 13 MPs abstained from voting in the Vice Presidential elections. The list includes seven MPs from Biju Janata Dal, four from Bharath Rashtra Samithi, one MP from Shiromani Akali Dal and one independent MP.

The Vice President’s seat was vacant since July 21, 2025, as Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from his position, citing health reasons.

Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan was serving as the 24th Governor of Maharashtra from July 31, 2024, before being announced as the NDA’s Vice Presidential nominee.

He previously served as the Governor of Jharkhand from February 2023 to July 2024. He also held additional charge as the Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry between March and July 2024. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced financial assistance of Rs 1,600 crore for Punjab, in addition to the existing Rs 12,000 crore allocated to the state. There will be an advance release of the second instalment of SDRF and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.

As per the Prime Minister’s Office, 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.

Recognising the critical need to support the agricultural community, additional assistance will be provided specifically targeted at farmers who currently lack power connections. For bores which have been silted over or swept away, support for refurbishing would be extended under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana on a project mode, as per a specific proposal from the State Government, as per the PMO.

For bore pumps running on diesel, convergence with the MNRE for solar panels & support will be facilitated for micro-irrigation under the Per Drop More Crop guidelines.

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

Government schools damaged in the recent floods in Punjab will receive financial support under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. The State Government is required to provide all requisite supporting information as per guidelines.

Construction of recharge structures for water harvesting will be undertaken extensively in Punjab under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari program. This project will focus on repairing damaged recharge structures and constructing additional water harvesting structures. These efforts will enhance rainwater harvesting and ensure long-term water sustainability.

The Union Government has also sent Inter-Ministerial Central teams to visit Punjab to assess the extent of damage, and based on their detailed report, further assistance will be considered. (ANI)

Himachal Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the state’s recent flood devastation.

During the meeting, the State Chief Secretary presented an overview of the current situation, highlighting the urgent need for amendments to forest laws to support disaster-affected families.

Sukhu emphasised that approximately 68% of the state’s land is registered as forest land, making it crucial to revisit these laws to provide relief.

“The State Chief Secretary gave a presentation before the PM, the BJP MPs, and our state ministers and MLAs, on the current situation in the state. We told the PM that if disaster-affected families have to be saved, then forest laws need to be amended. Approximately 68% of the state’s land is registered as forest land…,” said the Himachal CM Sukhu.

Earlier, CM Sukhu stressed the need to amend forest laws to facilitate the allocation of forest land to those rendered landless due to the disaster and urged the Central Government to relax provisions of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.

He also Sukhu requested a timely special relief package for the state, citing estimated losses of around ₹5,000 crore, which could potentially rise to ₹10,000-12,000 crore.

“We have asked for a timely special relief package for the state. Initial estimate suggests a loss of Rs 5000 crore in the state. This could rise to Rs 10,000-12,000 crores…The PM has assured Rs 1500 crore assistance to the state…,” added the Himachal CM.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a financial assistance of Rs 1,500 crore for Himachal Pradesh after conducting an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas of the state.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, there will be an advance release of the second instalment of SDRF and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi for the state to deal with the situation.

PM Modi also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the seriously injured in the flood and natural calamity.

After conducting the aerial survey, PM Modi had an official meeting in Kangra to review the relief and rehabilitation measures undertaken as well as assess the damage.

These objectives would be achieved through multiple means, such as rebuilding homes through the PM Awas Yojana, restoring national highways, rebuilding schools, providing relief under the PMNRF, and releasing Mini Kits for livestock.

Recognising the critical need to support the agricultural community, additional assistance will be provided specifically targeted at farmers who currently lack power connections, as per the PMO.

Under the PM Awas Yojana, geotagging of damaged houses will be done. This will facilitate accurate damage assessment and expedite the delivery of aid to those affected.

To ensure uninterrupted education, schools will be able to report and geotag damages, enabling timely assistance under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.

Construction of recharge structures for water harvesting to help collect and store rainwater will be done. These efforts will enhance groundwater levels and facilitate improved water management.

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

Prime Minister Modi also met families who were affected by the calamity. He expressed his condolences and deep sorrow to the family members of those who have lost their lives. He stated that the Union Government will work closely with the State Government at this difficult time and extend all possible assistance. (ANI)

An avalanche struck an Indian Army camp in the Siachen Glacier area on Sunday, September 7, according to sources.

The bodies of three soldiers have been retrieved so far.

“GOC, Fire and Fury Corps and All Ranks salute Sepoy Mohit Kumar, Agniveer Niraj Kumar Choudhary and Agniveer Dabhi Rakesh Devabhai, who made supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in #Siachen on 09 Sep 2025 and offer deep condolences to the bereaved families in this hour of grief,” posted the official X Account of Fire and Fury Corps, Indian Army.

Notably, Siachen is the highest battlefield of the world, which sits on the nuclear tri-junction of India, Pakistan and China.

According to recent estimates and official figures, around Rs 6 crore is spent every day to keep a brigade–around 5,000 troops–in Siachen. “Siachen” means place of roses in the local Balti language.

Siachen has been a bone of contention between India and Pakistan ever since the Karachi Agreement of 1949, when the area was left undivided due to the hostile terrain and extremely rough weather.

Operation Meghdoot was India’s bold military response to what New Delhi calls Pakistan’s “cartographic aggression” in the uncharted territory of Ladakh, north of map reference NJ9842, where New Delhi and Islamabad had agreed the Line of Control (LoC) ran up to.

Intelligence inputs about impending Pakistani military action prompted India to secure strategic heights on Siachen, deploying troops via airlifts and air-dropping supplies to high-altitude airfields.

The primary objective behind this operation was to pre-empt the seizure of Sia La and Bilafond La passes by the Pakistan Army.

Launched on April 13, 1984, this military operation was unique as the first assault launched on the world’s highest battlefield.

It was launched under the leadership of Lieutenant General Manohar Lal Chibber, Lieutenant General PN Hoon, and Major General Shiv Sharma.

It is distinguished by being one of the greatest examples of seamless coordination and synergy between the Indian Army and the Air Force.

The military action resulted in Indian troops gaining control of the entire Siachen Glacier.

According to a press release from last year, the operation involved the IAF airlifting Indian Army soldiers and dropping them on the glacial peaks. Although the operation began in 1984, IAF helicopters have been operating in the Siachen Glacier since 1978, flying the Chetak helicopter, which was the first IAF helicopter to land in the Glacier in October 1978.

The Indian Army launched Operation Meghdoot to secure strategic heights on Siachen with the deployment of troops. Playing an irreplaceable role in this effort, IAF’s tactical and strategic airlifters, An-12s, An-32s, and IL-76s transported stores and troops and air-dropped supplies to high-altitude airfields, from where Mi-17, Mi-8, Chetak, and Cheetah helicopters ferried men and material to dizzying heights on the glacier, far above the limits set by the helicopter manufacturers.

It is located so strategically that while it dominates Shaksgam Valley (ceded to China by Pakistan in 1963) in the north, controls the routes coming from Gilgit Baltistan to Leh from the west, and at the same time, it dominates the ancient Karakoram Pass in the eastern side too. (ANI)

Bollywood actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has approached the Delhi High Court to safeguard her personality rights, raising concerns over the unauthorised use of her name, photographs, and public persona across various digital platforms and commercial products.

The court, presided over by Justice Tejas Karia, heard the matter and signalled its intent to issue injunctions to curb such misuse. The case has been officially scheduled for further proceedings on January 15, 2026.

Representing Rai, Senior Advocate Sandeep Sethi stated the rampant exploitation of her identity for both commercial gain and inappropriate content. He argued that numerous websites falsely presented themselves as her official platforms, misleading the public and infringing on her publicity rights. Sethi presented examples of merchandise–ranging from mugs and T-shirts to drinkware–bearing her image and name without any legal authorisation.

In a particularly troubling revelation, Sethi highlighted a company named Aishwarya Nation Wealth that had falsely listed Rai as its Chairperson on official documents, despite having no legitimate affiliation with her. He described this act as fraudulent and clarified that his client had no awareness of or involvement with such entities.

The misuse extended into digital manipulation, with Sethi informing the court that obscene, morphed, and AI-generated images of Rai had been widely circulated online. He condemned this as a gross violation of her dignity, stating that her likeness was being exploited for sexually explicit purposes, which he described as deeply disturbing and unacceptable.

Appearing for Google, advocate Mamta Rani addressed the procedural aspect of content removal, noting that specific URLs would need to be submitted for takedown. Justice Karia remarked that while a unified order would be ideal, individual injunctions might be necessary depending on the scope of the violations.

The Court observed that the plaintiff could provide specific URLs for takedown or approach the Blocking and Screening Instructions (BSI) process. It further stated that since the reliefs sought were broad, it would pass orders against each defendant individually. If a common order were possible, the court would issue it; otherwise, injunctions would be granted separately. (ANI)

As the voting for the Vice Presidential election began on Tuesday morning, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh exercised his franchise along with other NDA MPs in the Parliament.

Former Prime Minister and JD(S) MP in Rajya Sabha, HD Deve Gowda, arrived in a wheelchair to cast his vote for the Vice Presidential poll.

Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, JP Nadda, Arjun Ram Meghwal and Pralhad Joshi cast their votes. Nitin Gadkari was seen shaking hands with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge as they both arrived at the Parliament.

Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh, also cast his ballot. He chaired the Upper House of the Parliament in the absence of the Vice President during the Monsoon Session, after former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned, citing health reasons.

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut also took part in voting.

The polling for the Vice Presidential election began on Tuesday at 10 am with Prime Minister Narendra Modi being the first to cast his vote.

The contest is between NDA nominee CP Radhakrishnan and opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Jitan Ram Manjhi expressed support for CP Radhakrishnan and confidence in his victory.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, “NDA’s victory is certain. CP Radhakrishnan will be the new Vice President.”

“NDA candidate CP Radhakrishnan will surely win the Vice-President elections,” Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi told reporters.

Union Minister Suresh Gopi backed Radhakrishnan and called it an election aimed at “fairness, truthfulness, and effectiveness”.

Suresh Gopi said, “This election is not about choosing between anyone. It is an election aimed at selecting fairness, truthfulness, and effectiveness, which are most needed for the citizens of the country, whether they live inside or outside the country… As a person, I found CP Radhakrishnan to be the best worker or one of the best among thousands of workers in my ideological system.”

NDA hold a majority in the Parliament, and 424 MPs are likely to vote in favour of Radhakrishnan, which is above the majority mark of 391.

Counting of votes will be held later in the evening. (ANI)

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called an all-party meeting on Tuesday evening following intensifying nationwide Gen-Z led protests against the alleged corruption in the country.

“I am in dialogue with the relevant parties to assess the situation and find a meaningful conclusion. For that, I have also called an all-party meeting at 6 pm today. I humbly request all brothers and sisters to remain calm in this difficult situation,” theNepal Prime Minister said in an appeal.

Meanwhile, the Gen Z-led protests in Nepal against the government’s alleged corruption, intensified on Tuesday with protestors targeting the residences of political leaders and ministers, The Kathmandu Post reported.

As per The Kathmandu Post, protesters set fire to the house of Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung, pelted stones at the residence of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel, Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Biswo Paudel and attacked the house of former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.

Protesters made their way to the residence of former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba in Budhanilkantha but were prevented from carrying out an attack. They also hurled stones at the residence of main opposition leader and CPN-MC chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

Demonstrators have targeted residences of chief ministers, provincial ministers and other leaders in various districts despite local administrations stepping up security measures to take the situation under control, The Kathmandu Post reported.

Protesters pelted stones at security personnel in Kathmandu, in response to which police used tear gas shells to disperse them.

According to The Himalayan Press, the movement has intensified across Nepal, resulting in widespread injuries, and curfews in several districts of the country. Authorities have imposed curfews in multiple regions to contain the escalating unrest.

In Kathmandu and Lalitpur, curfew has been imposed in key areas, including Bhaisepati, Sanepa, Chyasal, and central Kathmandu locations, restricting all gatherings, protests, and movement without authorization.

In Kavrepalanchok, the curfew started at 12.15 pm following heightened violence and the main highways in the district have been completely closed, The Himalayan Press reported.

In Koshi Province (Biratnagar, Morang), the curfew has been imposed from 11.00 am to 10.00 pm, covering areas including Nepal Rastra Bank (East), Koshi Hospital Chowk (West), Roadshesh Chowk (North), and Jatuwa Chowk (South).

Curfew has been extended in Birgunj, Parsa from 11.00 am to 6.00 pm in the city’s market area; boundaries include Bypass Road (East), Sirsia Bridge (West), Gandak Chowk (North), and Shankaracharya Gate (South), according to The Himalayan Press.

In Makwanpur, protesters blocked the East-West Highway by burning tires, disrupting traffic. Authorities have deployed additional security personnel to manage the unrest.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs advised Indian nationals in Nepal to exercise caution and adhere to the steps and guidelines issued by the authorities in the neighbouring country.

The ministry also condoled the lives lost in the Nepal protests.

“We are closely monitoring the developments in Nepal since yesterday and are deeply saddened by the loss of many young lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with families of deceased. We also wish speedy recovery for those who were injured,” the MEA said in a statement.

“As a close friend and neighbour, we hope that all concerned will excercise restraint and address any issues through peaceful means and dialogue. We have also taken note that authorities have imposed curfew in Kathmandu and several other cities of Nepal. Indian nationals in Nepal are advised to exercise caution and adhere to the steps and guidelines issued by the Nepali authorities,” the statement read.

At least 19 people were killed and over 200 people were injured during ‘Gen Z’ protests across Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal triggered by a social media ban. The ban was lifted by the government late last night.

Protests however resumed this morning with agitators defying curfew.

Nepal’s Agriculture Minister Ram Nath Adhikari today resigned from his post, condemning Prime Minister KP Oli-led government’s crackdown. Adhikari, aligned with the Shekhar Koirala faction of the Nepali Congress, stepped down citing the government’s authoritarian response during Monday’s ‘Gen Z’ protests, according to Kathmandu Post.

His resignation follows that of the Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak who stepped down taking moral responsibility for the government’s handling of protests yesterday. (ANI)

India’s increased domestic production and consumption of steel are attracting Japan’s steel companies to expand their businesses in India through more and more joint ventures.

Speaking with ANI, on the side lines of ISA Steel conclave in New Delhi, Kazuo Mike Fujisawa, Representative, Japan Iron & Steel Federation told ANI, that many Japanese steel companies are showing interest in India.

“India has high steel production growth and its population is growing so it has high steel consumption per capita,” he said.

India and Japan are old trade partners when it comes to the steel industry.

“We have couple of joint ventures. JFE has major stake holding in JSW Steel…The latest joint venture between JEF and JSW was established over a year ago and expanding now. May be new ventures in near future cannot be ruled out,” he added.

Japan’s JFE Steel Corporation (JFE Steel) and JSW Steel Limited (JSW Steel) had established JSW JFE Electrical Steel Private Limited (subject to statutory approvals), a joint venture company for grain-oriented electrical steel in India and held a groundbreaking ceremony on February 12, 2024 at Bellary in Karnataka, India, where the new facility is proposed to be developed.

The joint venture was aimed to start full production in fiscal 2027, and to expand production in line with the growing market for grain-oriented electrical steel in India.

Similarly, Japan’s Nippon Steel and India’s Arcelor Mittal had a joint venture, they have plans to expand their capacity, Fujisawa said.

The ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel joint venture, known as AM/NS India, was formed in December 2019 following the acquisition of insolvent Essar Steel by the two major steel companies. It is an integrated flat steel manufacturer in India, offering a wide range of steel products for industries like automotive and infrastructure. The JV operates a large integrated steel plant in Hazira, Gujarat, and other facilities across India

However, he added, “Doing business in India is not easy we need well established domestic players to do business here in India.”

On US tariff, Fujisawa said, Japan government has recently signed a document with US to reduce the tariff on the East Asian country. On Friday, US inked an executive order slashing import tariffs on Japanese cars from 27.5 per cent to 15 per cent.

It was a major thrust to the Japanese industry where earlier threat of 27.5 per cent tariff was lurking.

“Auto industry is big industry in Japan not for exports but also local supply chain as well,” he said, adding that Japan exports around 1.3 million units of cars to US in a year.

The number of automobiles being shipped out from Japan to US are quite enormous.

“Japan is working hard to find middle ground. Tariff is really affecting us,” Fujisawa said. The current15 per cent tariff may still impact the industry to certain extent.

Major car producing companies in Japan are Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Suzuki.

For motor finance providers, the tariff rollback reduces uncertainty around vehicle pricing, residual value forecasting, and leasing volumes. (ANI)

Seven Baloch men have reportedly been forcibly disappeared by Pakistani security forces from different parts of Turbat and Zamuran in Kech district, according to local sources cited by The Balochistan Post.

According to The Balochistan Post, three individuals identified as Sadiq, son of Noorullah, Muslim, and Kaleem, were allegedly picked up late Sunday night from the Absar area of Turbat. All three hail from the Buleda region.

Their current location and condition remain unknown, as families report having received no communication from either law enforcement agencies or local authorities.

In a separate incident in the early hours of Monday, four more men were allegedly detained from the Nawano area of Zamuran. They have been identified as Mehran, Jeeyand, Ali, and Irshad. According to The Balochistan Post, family members have expressed deep concern over the lack of transparency and accountability from the state.

The issue of enforced disappearances continues to plague Balochistan, with human rights organisations repeatedly raising alarms. In a recent statement, Amnesty International described such disappearances as a “heinous crime that must end,” calling on Pakistani authorities to reveal the fate and whereabouts of all missing persons.

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) recently disclosed in a press briefing that over 1,000 cases of enforced disappearances have been reported in Balochistan in the first eight months of 2025 alone. Despite ongoing protests and sit-ins by affected families outside press clubs and courts, justice remains elusive. According to The Balochistan Post, many believe the judiciary has been unable to provide relief in the face of unchecked state power.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also warned that the practice continues “unabated,” contributing to rising alienation among the Baloch population, as reported by The Balochistan Post. (ANI)