India

India Dismisses Reference to PM Modi in Jeffrey Epstein Files as Baseless

India Dismisses Reference to PM Modi in Jeffrey Epstein Files as Baseless

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): India on Saturday firmly rejected a reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi contained in investigative documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, calling it unfounded and contemptible. Responding to reports about the mention, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government had taken note of an email cited in the recently released “Epstein files,” which alluded to the Prime Minister’s visit to Israel. “We have seen reports of an email message from the so-called Epstein files that makes a reference to the Prime Minister and his visit to Israel,” Jaiswal said in an official…
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Sunetra Pawar Sworn In as Maharashtra’s First Woman Deputy Chief Minister

Sunetra Pawar Sworn In as Maharashtra’s First Woman Deputy Chief Minister

Mumbai (Rajeev Sharma): Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar was sworn in on Saturday as Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister, marking a landmark moment in the state’s political history. The oath-taking ceremony was held in Mumbai, just days after the tragic death of her husband, senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash near Baramati. Following Ajit Pawar’s death on January 28, the NCP — a key ally in the BJP-led Mahayuti government — unanimously chose Sunetra Pawar to lead its legislature wing. The party’s decision was formally conveyed to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who forwarded…
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IMD Forecasts Fresh Spell of Rain and Snowfall in Himachal Pradesh From February 1

IMD Forecasts Fresh Spell of Rain and Snowfall in Himachal Pradesh From February 1

Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast another round of rain and snowfall across Himachal Pradesh starting February 1, with temperatures expected to fall sharply over the coming days. The Meteorological Centre in Shimla reported that the state witnessed dry weather during the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. Minimum temperatures largely hovered around normal levels, while maximum temperatures in several areas were recorded 2 to 3 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average. Among the recorded extremes, Tabo in Lahaul and Spiti was the coldest location with a minimum temperature of minus 10.2 degrees Celsius,…
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Chandigarh-Shimla Helicopter Service Launched, Travel Time Cut to 30 Minutes

Chandigarh-Shimla Helicopter Service Launched, Travel Time Cut to 30 Minutes

National Times Bureau :- Chandigarh and nearby areas are now connected to Shimla through a new helicopter taxi service, offering travelers a faster alternative to the usual 4–5 hour road or train journey. The initiative, launched following high demand, charges ₹3,169 per passenger and will also cover routes from Shimla to Kullu and Sanjoli-Reckong Peo. The daily service departs from Chandigarh Airport at 9:15 a.m., landing at Shimla’s Sanjoli helipad by 9:45 a.m., and returns from Shimla at 9:50 a.m., reaching Chandigarh by 10:20 a.m. The service will operate three days a week—Friday, Saturday, and Monday—and may expand depending on…
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Punjab to conduct Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls ahead of Assembly elections 2027

Punjab to conduct Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls ahead of Assembly elections 2027

National Times Bureau :- Ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections 2027, the Election Commission will carry out a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across the state to correct errors and improve voter data accuracy. The revision exercise in Punjab is scheduled to begin during February–March, officials confirmed. Preparations for the SIR have already started, with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Punjab issuing directions to district election authorities to address discrepancies in voter lists before the formal revision begins. According to official sources, the decision was discussed during a virtual meeting held by the Election Commission of India…
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India reports 2 Nipah virus cases; WHO dismisses need for travel and trade curbs | Symptoms to watch for

India reports 2 Nipah virus cases; WHO dismisses need for travel and trade curbs | Symptoms to watch for

National Times Bureau :- The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday stated that the current Nipah virus situation in India carries a low risk of wider spread, and there is no requirement for travel or trade restrictions, even as two confirmed cases have raised regional alert levels. The WHO’s assessment comes amid reports that several Asian nations have increased health screening for travellers arriving from affected areas, following concerns over the virus’s high fatality rate. WHO assessment on Nipah virus risk In a situation update released on its official platform, the global health body said there is no evidence of…
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Lok Sabha Sets Three-Day Debate on Union Budget 2026–27 from February 9

Lok Sabha Sets Three-Day Debate on Union Budget 2026–27 from February 9

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): The Lok Sabha is set to take up an extensive discussion on the Union Budget for 2026–27 starting February 9, days after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the budget on February 1. The debate in the lower House will span three days, continuing on February 10 and February 11. As per the schedule approved by the Lok Sabha’s Business Advisory Committee, 18 hours have been earmarked for the Budget discussion. The time allocation is intended to allow members to closely scrutinise key fiscal proposals, spending plans and revenue-related measures outlined for the upcoming financial year. Prior…
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PT Usha’s Husband V Srinivasan Dies at 67

PT Usha’s Husband V Srinivasan Dies at 67

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): V Srinivasan, husband of Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President and Rajya Sabha MP P T Usha, passed away early Friday morning, according to family sources. He was 67. Sources said Srinivasan collapsed at his home in the early hours and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The exact cause of death has not been officially disclosed. A former central government employee, Srinivasan was widely regarded as a steadfast support system in P T Usha’s personal and professional life. He stood by her during her legendary athletics career and continued to support…
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Virat Kohli’s sudden Instagram disappearance sparks speculation among fans

Virat Kohli’s sudden Instagram disappearance sparks speculation among fans

New Delhi, Jan 30: Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli has unexpectedly vanished from Instagram, setting off widespread curiosity and concern among fans worldwide. As of Friday, Kohli’s official account, followed by over 274 million users, was no longer visible on the platform, with searches for his handle returning messages indicating that the page is unavailable. The sudden development was first noticed in the early hours of Friday when followers attempting to access @virat.kohli found the profile missing. There was no prior indication of a planned social media break, making the move particularly puzzling for his massive online following. The timing…
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Supreme Court Stays UGC Equity Regulations, Asks Centre to Redraft Rules

Supreme Court Stays UGC Equity Regulations, Asks Centre to Redraft Rules

New Delhi, January 29, 2026: The Supreme Court on Thursday put on hold the implementation of the University Grants Commission’s recently notified regulations on equity in higher education, expressing concern over ambiguity in the provisions and the risk of their misuse. The court asked the Centre to reconsider and redraft the rules and scheduled the next hearing for March 19.The regulations, notified by the UGC on January 13 as the “Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026,” required universities and colleges to establish special committees, helplines and monitoring systems to prevent caste-based discrimination on campuses.Under the framework, grievance…
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