India Archives - Page 246 of 265

14 Apr

Air Passenger Traffic Between India and Singapore Hits Record 5.5 Million in 2024

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaIndia, Singapore

New Delhi (National Times): In a landmark development, air passenger traffic between India and Singapore has soared to an all-time high, crossing the 5 million mark in 2024, according to data released by Singapore Changi Airport. The total traffic reached 5.5 million passengers, representing a 12% year-on-year increase and a 15% rise over pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2019. India now ranks as Changi Airport’s sixth-largest market. Currently, six airlines, including Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, DrukAir, Scoot, and Singapore Airlines, operate approximately 280 weekly flights connecting 16 Indian cities to Singapore. Major Indian metros such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru,…

13 Apr

India Likely to Ditch ‘Zero-for-Zero’ Tariff Model in Trade Talks with US

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiabilateral trade, India-US trade pact, zero-for-zero tariff

National Times Bureau: India is expected to avoid adopting the “zero-for-zero” tariff strategy in its trade negotiations with the United States, according to senior government officials. This strategy, where both nations eliminate tariffs on select categories of goods, is typically suited for economies with similar development levels—something India and the US don’t share.Instead, India is leaning toward a broader trade package that balances reductions in tariffs with discussions on non-tariff barriers, investment flows, and services. The country is particularly cautious about giving up agricultural protections due to the sector's critical role in rural livelihoods.The trade negotiations aim to significantly boost…

13 Apr

Actor Vijay Moves Supreme Court, Challenges Constitutional Validity of Waqf Act

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaSupreme Court, Vijay, Waqf Act, Waqf Board

National Times Bureau; Tamil superstar Vijay has approached the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf Act, stirring a new legal and political debate nationwide. The actor, known for his outspoken views and growing influence beyond cinema, filed a petition arguing that the Waqf Act gives "arbitrary and unchecked powers" to Waqf Boards, allowing them to claim properties without due process.Vijay’s petition states that the current provisions violate citizens’ fundamental rights, especially the right to equality and property. He specifically questions how Waqf Boards are able to list lands as Waqf properties without informing or hearing the actual…

12 Apr

ED Moves to Seize Rs 661 Crore Worth of AJL Properties Linked to National Herald Case

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaED property takeover, National Herald case, Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi

New Delhi, April 12, 2025 — The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated the formal takeover of immovable assets worth Rs 661 crore tied to the National Herald case, escalating its probe into alleged money laundering involving Congress leaders.In a statement issued Saturday, the ED said it had served possession notices to registrars of properties in Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow, and physically posted the same on buildings owned by the Associated Journals Limited (AJL), publisher of the National Herald newspaper. These include Herald House on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg in Delhi, a property in Bandra East, Mumbai, and another in Bisheshwar…

12 Apr

Mamata Banerjee Says Waqf (Amendment) Act Won’t Be Implemented in Bengal Amid Widespread Protests

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaMamata Banerjee, Waqf Act protest, West Bengal Violence

Kolkata, April 12, 2025 — West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday declared that the state will not implement the Waqf (Amendment) Act, distancing her government from the central legislation amid ongoing violence in several districts.Addressing the unrest, Banerjee urged people across religions to maintain peace. “Do not engage in irreligious behavior in the name of religion. Every human life is precious,” she said on social media, condemning the riots as politically motivated.Violent protests flared up across Malda, Murshidabad, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly districts on Friday. Police vans were torched, stones were thrown at security personnel, and roads…

12 Apr

Operation Chhatru: Army Eliminates Two More Pakistani Terrorists in Kishtwar, Recovers Heavy Arms

nishuthapar10 CommentsIndiaJammu and Kashmir, Operation Chhatru

Kishtwar (National Times): In a decisive move against cross-border terrorism, Indian security forces have taken down two more Pakistani terrorists in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army’s White Knight Corps confirmed on Saturday. This brings the total number of terrorists eliminated during Operation Chhatru to three. The anti-terror operation, now in its fourth consecutive day, has pushed forward relentlessly despite treacherous terrain and poor weather. Launching after a strategic intelligence-based search, the operation has uncovered not only militant hideouts but also significant weaponry, including an AK rifle and an M4 carbine, indicating the serious threat level…

11 Apr

PG Medical Duty During Char Dham Yatra to Count as DRP: NMC

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaChar Dham Yatra, District Residency Programme, NMC, PG medical students, Uttarakhand healthcare

New Delhi, April 11, 2025 — The National Medical Commission (NMC) announced on Friday that voluntary participation of postgraduate medical students in providing healthcare during the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand will be considered as part of their mandatory District Residency Programme (DRP).The DRP, introduced in 2021, requires PG students to serve three months in district health systems to gain practical experience. NMC chairman Dr. B.N. Gangadhar clarified that participation in the yatra-related duty is entirely voluntary and not an alternative imposed on students.The Char Dham Yatra — covering Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath — begins April 30 and continues…

11 Apr

PM Modi Orders ‘Strictest Action’ After 19-Year-Old Woman Gangraped by 23 Men Over 6 Days

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia19-year-old survivor, PM Modi action, Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi gangrape

Varanasi, April 11, 2025 — A horrifying case of gangrape involving 23 men and a 19-year-old woman has shaken the country, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to personally intervene and demand the “strictest action” against the accused.According to police, the survivor was repeatedly raped at multiple locations between March 29 and April 4. Her ordeal came to light when she returned home and her family filed a complaint on April 6.Twelve men have been arrested so far: Raj Vishwakarma, Sameer, Ayush, Sohail, Danish, Anmol, Sajid, Zahir, Imran, Jaib, Aman, and Raj Khan. The case has been filed under several sections…

11 Apr

Gold Prices Touch Record Highs in India and Worldwide

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaGold Prices

New Delhi (National Times): Gold prices surged to unprecedented levels on Friday, April 11, as global investors turned to the precious metal amid escalating economic tensions and geopolitical uncertainty. In India, 24-karat gold reached a historic high of Rs 93,390 per 10 grams. The price of 22-karat gold climbed to Rs 85,610, while 18-karat gold, commonly used in jewelry, was priced at Rs 70,050 per 10 grams, as per data from Goodreturns. On the global front, spot gold breached the $3,200-per-ounce mark for the first time ever, reaching $3,219.84. US gold futures moved even higher, trading at $3,237.50 per ounce.…

10 Apr

SC to Hear 10 Petitions Challenging Waqf (Amendment) Act on April 16

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaSupreme Court petitions, Waqf Amendment Act 2025

New Delhi, April 10, 2025: The Supreme Court will on April 16 hear a batch of 10 petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The Act, which came into force on April 8, is facing stiff opposition from several political leaders, civil rights groups, and religious organisations.The petitions, listed as item No. 13 on the Supreme Court’s cause list, will be taken up by a Bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, along with Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan.Among those who have moved the top court are AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind president Arshad…