India

Comedy Under Threat: Maheep Singh’s Dehradun Show Cancelled Amid Protests

Comedy Under Threat: Maheep Singh’s Dehradun Show Cancelled Amid Protests

Dehradun (National Times): A scheduled performance by stand-up comedian Maheep Singh was cancelled in Dehradun after a group of protesters surrounded the mall venue, issuing threats over what they deemed his "vulgar" brand of comedy. In a video statement posted on social media, Maheep clarified that the protesters had never watched his act, yet targeted him and the venue's management with intimidation, compelling cancellation due to safety concerns.Maheep, known for his viral "Mummy Kaisi Hai" sketches and his role on India's Got Latent, revealed that the protesters were affiliated with a prominent group with a religious reference in its name,…
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Dalai Lama Excludes China From Successor Decision, Reasserts Gaden Phodrang Trust’s Sole Authority

Dalai Lama Excludes China From Successor Decision, Reasserts Gaden Phodrang Trust’s Sole Authority

Dharamshala (National Times): In a significant move with global religious and political implications, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, has reaffirmed that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the official office of His Holiness, will hold exclusive authority in selecting his reincarnation, effectively shutting out any Chinese role in the process of appointing the 15th Dalai Lama. The declaration came through an official statement released on Wednesday, just days ahead of the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday on July 6, reaffirming his long-standing position that the 600-year-old institution of the Dalai Lama will continue beyond his lifetime, but on his…
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PM Modi Departs on Five-Nation Tour to Strengthen Global South Ties and Multilateral Cooperation

PM Modi Departs on Five-Nation Tour to Strengthen Global South Ties and Multilateral Cooperation

New Delhi (National Times): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a significant five-nation diplomatic tour from July 2 to July 9, covering Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. The visit underscores India’s commitment to deepening ties across the Global South and enhancing cooperation in multilateral forums like BRICS, the African Union, ECOWAS, and CARICOM. In a departure statement, PM Modi said, “I am confident that my visits to the five countries will reinforce our bonds of friendship across the Global South, strengthen our partnerships on both sides of the Atlantic, and deepen engagements in multilateral platforms.” Ghana…
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Instagram Profiles of Mawra Hocane, Saba Qamar Become Visible in India Amid Diljit-Hania Row; YouTube Channels Also Accessible Again

Instagram Profiles of Mawra Hocane, Saba Qamar Become Visible in India Amid Diljit-Hania Row; YouTube Channels Also Accessible Again

New Delhi (National Times): In a surprising turn of events amid ongoing tensions over cross-border cultural exchanges, the Instagram accounts of prominent Pakistani actresses Mawra Hocane and Saba Qamar have reportedly become visible again to Indian users. This development comes weeks after a government-imposed digital blackout on Pakistani artists following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 Indian nationals. Several Indian social media users took to X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday to report that they could access the Instagram profiles of Mawra Hocane and Saba Qamar. The sudden reappearance of their accounts has sparked curiosity online, leading users to check…
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No link between COVID-19 vaccines and sudden deaths: ICMR and AIIMS’s Study

No link between COVID-19 vaccines and sudden deaths: ICMR and AIIMS’s Study

New Delhi (National Times): The matter of sudden unexplained deaths has been investigated through several agencies in the country. These studies have conclusively established that there is no direct link between COVID 19 vaccination and the reports of sudden deaths in the country. Studies by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) affirm that COVID-19 vaccines in India are safe and effective, with extremely rare instances of serious side effects. Sudden cardiac deaths can result from a wide range of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, pre-existing conditions, and post-COVID complications. The ICMR and NCDC…
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India, Pakistan Exchange Lists of Prisoners and Fishermen Amid Calls for Swift Repatriation

India, Pakistan Exchange Lists of Prisoners and Fishermen Amid Calls for Swift Repatriation

New Delhi, July 1, 2025 – India and Pakistan today exchanged the latest lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen held in each other’s custody, continuing a long-standing practice under the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access signed in 2008. The exchange took place simultaneously through diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad.According to official figures, India has shared details of 382 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody who are either Pakistani nationals or believed to be Pakistani. Conversely, Pakistan has provided information on 53 civilian prisoners and 193 fishermen believed to be Indian.The Government of India reiterated its call…
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Two Punjab natives held with Rs 1 lakh heroin in Navi Mumbai

Two Punjab natives held with Rs 1 lakh heroin in Navi Mumbai

Thane, Jul 1,2025: Police have arrested two men hailing from Punjab after seizing heroin valued at Rs 1.05 lakh from them in Maharashtra s Navi Mumbai township  an official said on Tuesday. Based on a tip-off  the police laid a trap near an under-construction bridge in Panvel area of Navi Mumbai late Sunday night. The two persons were apprehended and 35 gm of heroin  in ball and stone forms  was seized from their possession  Panvel City police station s senior inspector Nitin Thakre said. The accused have been identified as Satnam Singh Sukhdev Singh (31) and Sukhwinder Singh Muknar Singh…
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Himachal Minister Anirudh Singh Booked for Alleged Assault on NHAI Official in Shimla

Himachal Minister Anirudh Singh Booked for Alleged Assault on NHAI Official in Shimla

Shimla, July 1, 2025 — Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh has been booked for allegedly assaulting and verbally abusing a senior official of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) during an inspection in Shimla district.The FIR stems from a complaint lodged by Achal Jindal, Manager (Technical) at NHAI, who claims that Singh physically assaulted and abused him during a site visit on June 30 in the Bhattakufar area. The inspection was linked to the recent collapse of a five-storey building in the vicinity, which has raised safety and infrastructure concerns.According to the complaint, the…
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Commercial LPG Cylinder Price Cut by Rs 58.50 from July 1; No Change in Domestic Rates

Commercial LPG Cylinder Price Cut by Rs 58.50 from July 1; No Change in Domestic Rates

New Delhi (National Times): In a welcome move for the commercial sector, oil marketing companies have reduced the price of 19-kg commercial LPG gas cylinders by Rs 58.50 with effect from Tuesday, July 1. The revision offers relief to hotels, restaurants, and businesses that rely on commercial gas cylinders for daily operations. With the latest price cut, the retail price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder in Delhi now stands at Rs 1,665, down from Rs 1,723.50. The revised rates vary across other major cities, with prices now at Rs 1,616 in Mumbai, Rs 1,769 in Kolkata, and Rs 1,823.50…
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Railway Ministry Hikes Fares for Mail, Express and AC Trains Effective July 1

Railway Ministry Hikes Fares for Mail, Express and AC Trains Effective July 1

New Delhi, July 1 — Passengers travelling in mail, express, and AC trains will have to pay slightly more from July 1, as the Railway Ministry has officially announced a hike in fares across various classes.According to an official circular issued on Monday, fares for non-AC classes in mail and express trains will increase by 1 paisa per kilometre, while all AC classes will see a fare hike of 2 paise per kilometre.Ministry officials had signalled the proposed revision earlier on June 24, but the detailed fare table specifying rates for different trains and class categories was released only on…
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