Month: September 2025

US President Donald Trump, in yet another display of his grandiose posturing, has taken to the stage to defend his tariff policy, this time dubbing it the ultimate ‘war settler’ while claiming it hands Washington a ‘great negotiation ability’.

Speaking to reporters as he announced the move of the US Space Command headquarters to Huntsville, Alabama, Trump on Tuesday (local time) touted tariffs as a magical negotiating tool, claiming that tariffs not only boosted the US economy but also helped him “settle seven wars”.

He conveniently ignored the economic frictions he has created with certain countries at the global level while taking yet another swipe at the Biden administration in a bid to keep the shine on his tariff policy.

“Without the United States, everything in the world would die. It’s true. It’s so powerful. It’s so big. And I made it really big in the first four years. Then it started to degenerate with what this Biden administration did. But we’ve built it up to a level that I never thought we could be at this quickly. We’re the hottest. We’re the best. We’re the best financially. The money coming in is so big because of tariffs and other things, but because of tariffs. Tariff gets us even those other things. Plus, it makes us great negotiators,” the US President declared.

“I settled seven wars and numerous of those wars were because of trade. And numerous of the trade deals that I made were because of tariffs. It gives you a great negotiating ability,” he added.

Trump has also justified the 50 per cent tariffs imposed on Indian imports, claiming that the business ties between the two nations had been “one-sided” for many years, while stating that New Delhi was getting along with Washington “very well”.

Responding to queries about reconsidering the tariffs on India at the White House, Trump claimed that New Delhi had been charging the US some of the highest tariffs in the world, creating an imbalanced trade scenario.

“We get along with India very well. But India, for many years, it was a one-sided relationship… India was charging us tremendous tariffs. They were the highest in the world… And we, therefore, were not doing business with India, but they were doing business with us because we weren’t charging them foolishly… So they sent in everything they made and poured it into the country… But we would not send in anything, as they were charging us with 100 per cent tariffs,” the US President said.

He gave the example of the American motorcycle company Harley Davidson, highlighting the challenges faced by it due to what he claimed was a 200 per cent tariff on motorcycles imported into India.

“Harley Davidson couldn’t sell in India, as there was a 200 per cent tariff on a motorcycle… Harley Davidson went to India and built a motorcycle plant, and now they don’t have to pay tariffs,” he added.

New Delhi is facing global uncertainties due to heightened economic tensions following the US imposition of a 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports, which was supplemented by an additional 25 per cent due to its purchase of Russian crude oil. (ANI)

Indian Police Services (IPS) officers in Punjab will contribute a day’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for relief operations in flood-affected areas, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said.

Sharing an X post on Tuesday, the Punjab DGP wrote, “In solidarity with the people of Punjab affected by the devastating floods, all IPS officers of the state have resolved to contribute one day’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. This contribution is a humble gesture to support ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts.”

He added that the Punjab Police is committed to extending assistance to affected people in the state.

“Beyond policing, we see it as our humanitarian duty to stand with our fellow citizens in this hour of distress. @PunjabPoliceInd remains committed not only to ensuring law and order but also to extending every possible assistance to ease the suffering of those affected. Together, with compassion and collective effort, we will overcome this challenge and help rebuild lives,” the X post read.

Earlier on Tuesday, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal announced that every AAP MP and MLA will donate one month’s salary to the Punjab CM Relief Fund.

Kejriwal stated that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, along with his ministers, MLAs, and thousands of AAP workers, were working round-the-clock on the ground to deliver food, medicines, and rescue services, while ordinary Punjabis themselves were exemplifying humanity by helping each other in this dark hour.

In a video message, Kejriwal said, “Punjab is not just a state of our country, it is a strong shield of Hindustan. History bears witness that whenever any foreign invader advanced towards our nation, Punjab bore the first blow on its chest. In all the attacks that India faced, Punjab absorbed the strikes on its own body and protected the rest of India. In every difficult time, Punjab always stood at the forefront.”

Several parts of Punjab continue to reel under floods, with 30 lives lost and people across a large part of the state facing difficulties and suffering losses due to water entering fields and homes.

The flood caused damage in 23 districts in Punjab, affecting 1,400 villages and over 3.5 lakh people, according to official data.

Pathankot reported the highest number of deaths at six, followed by Ludhiana with four. Three individuals are reported missing in Pathankot. (ANI)

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has announced a statewide bandh in Bihar on September 4 against the opposition over abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother during a joint event in Bihar.

BJP’s Bihar state president, Dilip Jaiswal, said the five-hour bandh will be observed from 7 am to 12 noon.

However, essential services, including emergency facilities and rail operations, will remain unaffected during the shutdown.

Also, the BJP Mahila Morcha will be leading the protest.

The statewide bandh is in protest against objectionable comments made by Congress workers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his mother last week in Darbhanga during the Voter Adhikar Yatra.

Following the announcement, Janata Dal (United) leader Umesh Kushwaha said, “During the opposition’s rally in Darbhanga, abusive words were used against Prime Minister Modi and his mother. This is wrong, both morally and politically.”

“Using such language is highly inappropriate, and so far, the Mahagathbandhan leaders have not apologised. This shows how arrogant they are. They have insulted our mothers and sisters, and now we will retaliate. Therefore, the NDA has called for a Bihar bandh, and the women’s wing will hold protests across Bihar,” he said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday took an indirect jibe, likely at INDIA bloc leaders Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav, calling them “namdaars”, people born with a silver spoon who, he said, cannot understand the struggles of poor mothers or the suffering and pain of their children, as for them, “power” is “inheritance”.

Referring to alleged derogatory remarks made during the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar last week, PM Modi said, “The struggles (Tapasya) of a poor mother, the suffering of her son–these young princes born into royal families cannot understand. These ‘naamdaar’ people were born with a silver spoon in their mouths. The power of the country and Bihar seems like an inheritance of their family to them.” (ANI)

The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on Sunday night has risen to 1,411, officials said, according to Al Jazeera.

Rescue efforts are ongoing as teams search for survivors following the magnitude 6.0 quake, which has left over 3,000 people injured, with the majority of casualties reported in Kunar province.

Aid workers are facing major challenges in reaching remote, mountainous areas that have been cut off from roads and mobile networks.

In response to the disaster, India has extended urgent humanitarian assistance to support relief operations in the affected region. In a post on X on Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs stated that, “India extends humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan in the wake of the earthquake.” The post featured images of trucks loaded with sacks of rice and other food supplies, symbolising India’s commitment to stand by Afghanistan during this critical time.

The earthquake struck early Monday morning with a magnitude of 6.3 on the Richter scale, and tremors were felt across the region, including parts of Pakistan, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). A series of aftershocks, ranging in magnitude from 4 to 5, followed the initial quake.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), the earthquake’s epicentre was in the Kama district of Nangarhar Province, near the Pakistan border. Preliminary reports indicate that at least 800 people have been killed across four provinces, Kunar, Laghman, Nangarhar, and Nuristan–while around 12,000 people have been directly affected.

Earlier, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi to convey India’s condolences over the tragic loss of lives. He also confirmed that India has already dispatched relief materials, including 1,000 family tents to Kabul and 15 tonnes of food supplies being moved from Kabul to Kunar by the Indian mission.

“Spoke with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi today. Expressed our condolences at the loss of lives in the earthquake. Conveyed that India has delivered 1,000 family tents today in Kabul. 15 tonnes of food material is also being immediately moved by Indian Mission from Kabul to Kunar. Further relief material will be sent from India starting tomorrow. Wish early recovery of those injured. India stands by Afghanistan at this difficult time,” Jaishankar stated in a post on X. (ANI)

Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi, actor Anil Kapoor on Monday visited Mumbai’s iconic Lalbaugcha Raja pandal and offered prayers there.

He was joined by his wife, Sunita.

The couple looked extremely happy as they sought Lord Ganesha’s blessings and met with other devotees.

A few days ago, ‘Param Sundari’ co-stars Janhvi Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra also paid a sacred visit to Lalbaugcha Raja to seek Lord Ganpati’s blessings.

The iconic Lalbaugcha Raja, a renowned Ganesh idol with deep historical importance, is hosted by the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, located in Putlabai Chawl.

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Vinayak Chavithi, is a festival that marks the worship of Lord Ganesha as the god of new beginnings and remover of obstacles.

The festival culminates on Anantha Chaturdashi and is celebrated with decorated homes and pandals, prayers, music, and vibrant processions. (ANI)

As Punjab reels under devastating floods, 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.

Taking to Instagram, his team said they were focusing on essentials such as food, water and medical aid, while also planning rehabilitation and long-term reconstruction.

“Together, we can rebuild,” the caption reads.

Other celebs also extended their support.

Taking to the Instagram handle, actor Sonam Bajwa wrote that she is doing everything possible to help those affected by the flood, “In these difficult times, my heart goes out to Punjab and everyone affected by the floods. The images and stories coming from there are truly heartbreaking, but what keeps me hopeful is the spirit of unity and resilience that Punjab has always shown. I am doing my part to help by donating to organisations actively working on ground as rescue teams, and I humbly urge you to do yours too. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference in someone’s life right now. Let’s come together and stand by Punjab in this crucial time. “

Actor Sanjay Dutt also expressed his support, writing on X, “The devastation caused by the floods in Punjab is truly heartbreaking. Sending strength and prayers to everyone impacted. I will support in every way I can. May Babaji bless and protect all in Punjab.”

On Monday, singer-actor Ammy Virk also announced on Instagram that he and his team had adopted 200 homes for affected families.

“Our heart aches seeing the devastation the floods have caused in Punjab. Seeing our people without a roof over their heads has left me devastated. In our small effort to bring comfort and stability, we are adopting 200 houses to support those who have lost everything. This is not just about shelter — it’s about giving hope, dignity, and strength to start again,” she said.

Punjabi actor-singer Himanshi Khurana also joined the relief efforts. She promised to help resettle 10 families.

In an Instagram note, she said, “Today, seeing Punjab in such a condition, every Punjabi’s heart is crying. We will make our Punjab like it was before, and according to my capacity, I will contribute to helping resettle 10 families in flood affected areas. In this devastating flood situation, we all need to come together and look for solutions. All celebrities, leaders, media, social media personalities and the public should unite and help each other. We Punjabis are with Punjab.”

Earlier, the Punjab government ordered the closure of all 43 centres associated with the Punjab Skill Development Mission (PSDM) until September 3, citing inclement weather conditions and prevailing flood-like situations in the state.

Meanwhile, Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said floods have affected over 2.56 lakh people in 12 districts, displacing thousands and causing widespread damage to lives, property, crops and livestock.

He said 15,688 people have been evacuated so far, with the highest numbers reported from Gurdaspur (5,549), Ferozepur (3,321), Fazilka (2,049), Amritsar (1,700), Pathankot (1,139), and Hoshiarpur (1,052).

The state government has set up 129 relief camps sheltering 7,144 people. Ferozepur has the highest number of inmates at 3,987, followed by Fazilka (1,201), Hoshiarpur (478), Pathankot (411), and Gurdaspur (424). (ANI)

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday appealed for nationwide support to Punjab, announcing that party MPs and MLAs will contribute one month’s salary to the Punjab Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

The AAP leader’s appeal comes as Punjab battles the aftermath of heavy rains and floods that have caused widespread damage and displacement across several districts.

In a post on X, Kejriwal said, “Punjab has always stood tall in the face of any crisis that has befallen the nation. Today, Punjab itself is in crisis. I appeal to all my fellow countrymen to extend every possible help to the people of Punjab in this difficult time.”

He further added, “All Members of Parliament and MLAs of the Aam Aadmi Party are donating one month’s salary to the Punjab Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Let us all come together to help Punjab overcome this terrible tragedy.”

The floods have affected more than 2.56 lakh people across 12 districts, displacing thousands and causing heavy losses to human lives, property, agriculture, and livestock, according to Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S Hardeep Singh Mundian.

To provide immediate relief, the state government has established 129 relief camps, which are sheltering 7,144 people. Ferozepur accounts for the maximum with 3,987 inmates, followed by Fazilka (1,201), Hoshiarpur (478), Pathankot (411), and Gurdaspur (424).

A total of 1,044 villages have been affected so far, with Gurdaspur reporting the highest number at 321, followed by Kapurthala (115), Hoshiarpur (94), Amritsar (88), and Pathankot (82).

Gurdaspur remains the worst-affected district with nearly 1.45 lakh people impacted. Other severely affected districts include Amritsar (35,000), Ferozepur (24,015), and Fazilka (21,562). To aid relief and rescue operations, the state has mobilised multiple agencies.

To intensify relief and rescue operations, multiple agencies have been mobilised. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 20 teams, while the Army, Navy, and Air Force have deployed 10 columns, with eight on standby, along with their respective engineer units. More than 35 helicopters are engaged in rescue efforts, supported by 114 boats and one state helicopter. The Border Security Force (BSF) has also been deployed in affected border regions. (ANI)

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed the bail pleas of Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and seven other individuals accused in the Delhi riots Conspiracy case of 2020.

The High Court reserved its order on July 9 after hearing the arguments of counsel for the accused persons, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, and Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Amit Prasad.

The division bench, comprising Justice Navin Chawla and Shalinder Kaur, dismissed the appeals moved by nine accused in the Delhi riots Conspiracy case.

While opposing the bail pleas on July 9, the Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta had submitted that in UAPA cases related to National security, bail cannot be granted on the ground of delay in trial.

On the other hand, the counsel for the accused had earlier argued that there was a long delay in the trial, and the charges had not even been framed, and the matter was at the stage of arguments on charges.

SG Tushar Mehta, during his submissions, referred to an accused who had stated that they were ready for riots, if necessary, to protest against the CAA and NRC.

He had also referred to the portion of the speech where Sharjeel Imam had said that “we can separate the chicken neck (North East) from the rest of India forever. If not forever, then for at least a month”.

Sharjeel, during one of his alleged anti-CAA speeches, had also said that “you are aware of the condition of muslims in Assam. Assam is of muslims”, SG submitted.

It was also submitted that Sharjeel Imam, in his speech, had allegedly said that “nothing would happen unless 100-200 people died”.

It was further submitted that the conspiracy was to organise a chakka jam leading to violence during the visit of US President Donald Trump, so that India could be defamed at the international level.

It was also stated that riots took place as per a conspiracy and were covered by the media.

He also referred to the statement of a protected witness who attended a meeting with Umar Khalid. This meeting was also attended by other accused persons.

SG further argued that all the accused are connected. SG also referred to a statement of protected witnesses, and one of the witnesses stated that there was a plan to dislocate or shut down the CCTV. The report related to this fact is enclosed in the charge sheet.

SG further referred to the use of a catapult to throw stones, bricks, and petrol bombs.

SG had said that these riots were financed by 5 accused, namely Tahir Hussain, Ishrat Jahan, Abdul Khalid Saifi, Shifa ur Rehman and Meeran Haider.

He had also submitted that Tahir Husain converted his white money into black money to finance the riots. It was also submitted that the accused persons were not onto protest, they were planning something else.

SG Mehta had also mentioned that the Delhi High Court denied bail to Umar Khalid, and it had referred that it was a ‘terrorist act’.

The High Court is dealing with bail pleas of Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Athar Khan, Abdul Khalid Saifi, Mohd. Saleem Khan, Shifa Ur Rehman, Meeran Haider, Gulfisha Fatima and Shadab Ahmed. They had challenged the trial court orders dismissing their bail, citing the embargo under UAPA.

Devangana Kalita, Natasha Narwal, and Asif Iqbal Tanha were granted regular bail by the Delhi High Court on June 15, 2021, after their appeals against the trial court order were allowed. The accused, Ishrat Jahan, was granted bail by the trial court.

This case pertains to the allegations of a larger conspiracy for riots hatched by the accused persons.

In this case, 18 accused have been charge sheeted under UAPA, and two accused are absconding.

As per the Delhi police, 53 people died and hundreds were injured in the North East Delhi Riots in February 2020. More than 700 FIRs were registered against several accused in different police stations of North East Delhi and other areas.

Delhi police have filed a charge sheet and supplementary charge sheets in a larger conspiracy case. This case is at the stage of arguments on charges. (ANI)

Reacting to the suspension of K Kavitha from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) chief Bomma Mahesh Kumar Goud on Tuesday alleged that the entire KCR family has looted public funds.

Speaking to ANI, Goud said, “This is a part of a big drama. K. Kavitha commenting on T. Harish Rao, and he commenting on K. Kavitha. The entire KCR family has looted public funds. They are one but are pretending to be different.”

Earlier today, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) suspended MLC K Kavitha from the party with immediate effect due to her alleged “anti-party activities.”

The decision was taken by the party president, K Chandrasekhar Rao, who stated that her recent behaviour and actions were “damaging” the party’s reputation.

In a social media post on X, the official handle of BRS wrote, “The party leadership is taking this matter seriously as the recent behaviour and ongoing anti-party activities of party MLC Smt. K. Kavitha are damaging the BRS party. Party President Sri K. Chandrasekhar Rao has taken a decision to suspend Smt. K. Kavitha from the party with immediate effect.”

On September 1, BRS MLC K Kavith, while reacting to the Telangana government’s decision to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Kaleshwaram project, alleged that any taint on KCR’s image regarding the Kaleshwaram issue is due to BRS leaders Harish Rao and Santosh Rao, accusing them of conspiring against her and KCR.

She stated, “In the CBI probe, KCR will emerge spotless, like a pearl washed clean…If KCR’s image is tainted in the Kaleshwaram issue, the reason is Harish Rao and Santosh Rao. Despite several conspiracies against me by them, I endured. Behind Harish and Santosh Rao, it is certainly Revanth Reddy. KCR is facing a CBI probe because of Harish Rao and Santosh Rao.”

Sharpening the attack, she said, “I am not a puppet to play to the tunes of the BJP or the Congress…KCR never thinks about food or money. But false accusations are being hurled at KCR. People will remember the Kaleshwaram project for 200 years to come. It is tragic that a great leader like KCR is now facing a CBI probe.”

The Telangana government has decided to order a CBI probe into the Kaleshwaram project issue. The government has already constituted a commission, led by former Supreme Court judge Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose, to investigate alleged irregularities, misuse of public funds, and corruption in the construction of the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages in the Kaleshwaram project. (ANI)

The Meteorological Department has issued an alert for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, accompanied by thundershowers and lightning, in multiple districts of Uttarakhand over the next 24 hours.

According to the Meteorological Department, in the next 24 hours, there is a possibility of heavy rainfall at some places and very heavy rainfall/thundershowers/lightning/very heavy to extremely-heavy rainfall at some places in different places of Dehradun, Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar, along with other districts of the state, such as Haldwani, Rudrapur, Bajpur, Kashipur, Lohaghat, Ramnagar, Khatima, Doiwala, Chakrata, Mussoorie, Raiwala and their surrounding areas.

Earlier today, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red nowcast warning, forecasting heavy rainfall exceeding 15 mm per hour, accompanied by thunderstorms, in multiple districts across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab.

According to the IMD, the districts of Pilibhit, Lakhimpur, and Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh were placed under a red alert. In Haryana, the warning covered Fatehabad, Jind, Hisar, Gurugram, Rewari, and Mewat.

In the hill states of Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kangra, and Kullu in Himachal Pradesh, a red alert was issued.

In Punjab, the affected districts included Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Moga, and Barnala.

“Heavy spells (>15 mm/hr) accompanied by thunderstorms are likely in these districts. People are advised to take precautionary measures and avoid vulnerable areas,” the Met centre said.

The department also issued an orange nowcast warning for moderate rainfall between 5-15 mm per hour, accompanied by thunderstorms, in some districts of East Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Leh, and north Chhattisgarh.

“Thunderstorms accompanied with lightning and heavy rainfall can cause local flooding, traffic disruption, and damage to weak structures. Residents are advised to remain indoors, avoid waterlogged areas, and follow safety guidelines,” IMD advisory wrote.

All districts of Uttarakhand are currently under either a red alert or an orange alert. The government is monitoring the heavy rain situation.

Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand government announced on Tuesday that due to rainfall in the catchment area of the Gaula River in Haldwani, the water level in the Gaula Barrage is increasing continuously. Currently, 44124 cusec water is flowing downstream of the Gaula Barrage.

The state government further said, “The Gaula River is flowing 20cm above the danger level. Therefore, please be careful in the Gaula River downstream of the Gaula Barrage”.

On Monday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister’s Secretary and Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey announced that the Char Dham Yatra and Hemkund Sahib Yatra have been postponed until September 5.

The decision came amid the red and orange alerts for heavy rain issued by the Meteorological Department. (ANI)