India

Supreme Court Directs States to File Jail Reform Reports, Sets March 4 Deadline

Supreme Court Directs States to File Jail Reform Reports, Sets March 4 Deadline

New Delhi, February 19, 2025: The Supreme Court has granted two more weeks to states and Union Territories (UTs) to submit compliance reports on the removal of discriminatory provisions in their jail manuals, ensuring equal treatment for all prisoners regardless of caste, gender, or disability. SC Pushes for Prison Reforms A bench led by Justice JB Pardiwala, while hearing a suo motu petition, emphasized the need to eradicate caste-based discrimination inside prisons. The petition stems from an October 2024 judgment, which directed the removal of discriminatory provisions from prison manuals across India.Senior advocate S. Muralidhar, acting as amicus curiae, informed…
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Qatar Announces $10 Billion Investment in India, Explores Free Trade Agreement

Qatar Announces $10 Billion Investment in India, Explores Free Trade Agreement

New Delhi, February 18, 2025: Qatar has pledged an investment of $10 billion (approximately ₹85,000 crore) in India, marking a significant boost in economic ties between the two nations. The announcement came following a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, in New Delhi on Tuesday.The two sides also agreed to explore the possibility of an India-Qatar Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to strengthen economic cooperation. As part of its investment strategy, Qatar aims to expand its presence in India’s infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, food security, logistics, and hospitality sectors. To facilitate this, the…
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Mamata Banerjee Slams BJP Over Maha Kumbh Stampede, Calls It ‘Mrityu Kumbh’

Mamata Banerjee Slams BJP Over Maha Kumbh Stampede, Calls It ‘Mrityu Kumbh’

Kolkata, February 18, 2025: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticized the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government, alleging that the Maha Kumbh had turned into a "Mrityu Kumbh" due to multiple stampede incidents. She accused authorities of suppressing the actual death toll and failing to ensure public safety. Allegations of Cover-Up At least 30 people were killed and 60 injured in a stampede in Prayagraj last month. Another 18 people died in a similar tragedy at an overcrowded railway station in New Delhi. However, Banerjee claimed that the actual numbers were much higher.“They have hidden hundreds of bodies to…
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Dr. Vivek Joshi Appointed as India’s New Election Commissioner

Dr. Vivek Joshi Appointed as India’s New Election Commissioner

Chandigarh, February 18, 2025: Dr. Vivek Joshi, a senior IAS officer from the 1989 Haryana cadre, has been appointed as the new Election Commissioner of India. His selection was approved by a committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A Seasoned Administrator Joins the Election Commission Dr. Joshi will join Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Prakash and Election Commissioner Sukhbir Singh Sandhu in overseeing the country’s electoral process.Before this appointment, he served as Haryana’s Chief Secretary since November 2024, following the retirement of TVSN Prasad. His leadership in governance and administration spans decades, including significant roles at both state and…
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Costa Rica agrees to accept Indian migrants deported from US, first batch arrives Wednesday

Costa Rica agrees to accept Indian migrants deported from US, first batch arrives Wednesday

San Jose, Feb 18 (PTI): Costa Rica has agreed to serve as a "bridge" to repatriate illegal immigrants in the US, including from India and Central Asia, according to an official release on Tuesday.The first group of 200 migrants will arrive at the Juan Santamaria International Airport on a commercial flight on Wednesday, according to a statement by Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves Robles' office."The Government of Costa Rica agreed to collaborate with the United States in the repatriation of 200 illegal immigrants to their country. These are people originating from countries in central Asia and India," said the statement.The…
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1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Case: Death Penalty Sought for Sajjan Kumar

1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Case: Death Penalty Sought for Sajjan Kumar

New Delhi (National Times)– The prosecution has urged the court to hand down the death penalty to former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar, convicted for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The Rouse Avenue Court had found him guilty of orchestrating the murders of Jaswant Singh and Tarundeep Singh in Delhi’s Saraswati Vihar on November 1, 1984. Prosecution Calls for Maximum Punishment During the sentencing hearing, Additional Public Prosecutor Manish Rawat pressed for capital punishment, stating that this was a "rarest of rare" case, in which innocent civilians were massacred solely due to their religious identity. Rawat argued that the…
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Supreme Court Criticizes YouTuber Ranveer Allahabadia’s Remarks, Grants Temporary Relief in Obscenity Case

Supreme Court Criticizes YouTuber Ranveer Allahabadia’s Remarks, Grants Temporary Relief in Obscenity Case

New Delhi (National Times): In a case that has sparked heated debates on freedom of expression versus public decency, the Supreme Court on Tuesday (February 18) granted interim protection to YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia (Beer Biceps) in multiple FIRs filed over alleged obscene remarks in an episode of "India’s Got Latent." A bench led by Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh stayed Allahbadia’s arrest but imposed conditions, including cooperation with the investigation and a temporary ban on airing further shows. He was also required to submit his passport. The court further ruled that no new FIRs would be registered for…
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Communal Clash in Bihar’s Jamui; Internet Suspended, Nine Arrested

Communal Clash in Bihar’s Jamui; Internet Suspended, Nine Arrested

Jamui (Bihar), February 18, 2025: A violent clash erupted between two communities during a religious procession in Jhajha, Bihar, leading the state government to suspend internet services in the district. Officials confirmed that three people were injured in the incident on Sunday, and nine individuals have been arrested so far.Jamui District Magistrate Abhilasha Sharma stated that the clash began when members of both communities engaged in stone-pelting, prompting swift police intervention. “The situation was brought under control, and all injured individuals were taken to the nearest government hospital,” she said.In response to the violence, a local police officer was suspended…
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Gautam Malhotra Calls for Personalized Learning in Indian Education System

Gautam Malhotra Calls for Personalized Learning in Indian Education System

February 17, 2025 (National Times Bureau): Gautam Malhotra is highlighting a crucial issue in the Indian education system. The idea that each child has unique learning needs is often overlooked, leading to unnecessary stress. Traditional methods that prioritize rote learning and cramming can stifle creativity and deep understanding. Using technologies like Brainwave Tech could provide a more personalized approach, allowing students to learn in ways that suit their individual cognitive patterns. This could foster a deeper, more practical understanding of subjects, equipping students with knowledge and skills that would be more beneficial for their careers in the long run.
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Jaishankar Warns of Global Shake-Up: ‘Something Big Is Coming’

Jaishankar Warns of Global Shake-Up: ‘Something Big Is Coming’

Muscat, Oman, February 17, 2025 – External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference, addressed growing anxieties about global political shifts, particularly in the United States. He urged nations to assess these changes pragmatically rather than reacting emotionally. Uncertainty in the U.S. and Global Anxiety Jaishankar acknowledged that recent developments in the U.S. had caused concern worldwide. However, he stressed the need for a calm and rational approach to assess the situation. "Change is upon us whether we like it or not," he said, adding that while some aspects may cause anxiety, others present new opportunities.…
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