India welcomes UK-Mauritius treaty on Chagos, reaffirms support for sovereignty | India News

India welcomes UK-Mauritius treaty on Chagos, reaffirms support for sovereignty (AI)

NEW DELHI: India on Wednesday welcomed the signing of a treaty between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Mauritius on the return of Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia. In a press statement by the ministry of external affairs (MEA), India described the agreement as a milestone achievement and a positive development for the region. “We welcome the signing of the treaty between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Mauritius on the return of Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia. The formal resolution of the longstanding Chagos dispute through this bilateral treaty is a milestone achievement and a positive development for the region. This is further to the understanding between the two sides reached in October 2024, and marks the culmination of the process of decolonisation of Mauritius in the spirit of international law and rules-based order,” the statement said.India has consistently supported Mauritius’s legitimate claim over the Chagos Archipelago, reiterating its position on decolonisation, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The statement added, “India has consistently supported Mauritius’s legitimate claim over the Chagos Archipelago in keeping with its principled position on decolonisation, respect for sovereignty, and the territorial integrity of nations.As a steadfast and longstanding partner of Mauritius, India remains committed to working closely with Mauritius and other like-minded countries to strengthen maritime security and regional stability and ensure peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region.”Earlier in March, foreign secretary Vikram Misri reaffirmed India’s support for Mauritius on the Chagos sovereignty issue, stating, “We have supported Mauritius in its stance on its sovereignty over Chagos. And this is obviously in keeping with our longstanding position with regard to decolonisation and support for sovereignty and territorial integrity of our other countries. And its only fitting for us to articulate this support for partners such as Mauritius.” Misri emphasised that India had made substantial contributions to Mauritius’s maritime safety and security, and highlighted ongoing technical and development cooperation.During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier visit to Mauritius, multiple agreements were signed focusing on strengthening maritime security, technical collaboration, ocean monitoring, and capacity building. India has supplied vessels and extended support for maritime surveillance, while also backing various initiatives in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and the blue economy. “These facilities have also been assisting Mauritius in its maritime surveillance and patrolling of its vast Exclusive Economic Zone and in safeguarding the assets of its blue economy ecosystem from traditional and non-traditional maritime challenges,” Misri said.India reiterated its dedication to strengthening its ties with Mauritius and promoting peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region, in accordance with international law and its stance on decolonisation.

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Mann ki Baat | Operation Sindoor not just military mission, but reflection of changing India, says Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi. File.
| Photo Credit: ANI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (May 25, 2025) said that Operation Sindoor was not just a military mission, but “the face of a changing India” that reflects the country’s resolve, courage, and growing strength on the global stage.

Addressing the nation through his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister said, “Today the entire country is united against terrorism, filled with anger and determination.” Mr. Modi hailed Operation Sindoor as a turning point in the global fight against terror, describing it as a symbol of India’s growing strength and clarity of purpose.

“Operation Sindoor has infused new confidence and energy into the global fight against terrorism,” he said.

He lauded as “extraordinary” the precision with which Indian forces attacked the terrorist infrastructure across the border.

Mr. Modi emphasised that the operation was not a one-off military action, but a reflection of a changing and resolute India.

“Operation Sindoor is the picture of our resolve, courage, and a changing India,” he said, and delved on the impact of the operation that resonated deeply across the country.

The operation’s success was followed by a series of gestures in tribute to the armed forces, ranging from patriotic poems on social media to paintings by children and massive Tiranga Yatras.

“In many cities, youth volunteered for civil defence, wrote poems, sang songs of resolve, and children made paintings carrying powerful messages,” Mr. Modi said.

He talked about a recent visit to Bikaner where he was gifted paintings made by children.

“In cities like Katihar and Kushinagar, families named their newborns ‘Sindoor’ in honour of the operation,” he said.

The PM credited India’s home-grown defence capabilities for the mission’s success, following the spirit of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

“This was the ultimate bravery of our soldiers, backed by the power of weapons, equipment, and technology made in India,” he said.

Mr. Modi noted a renewed energy across the country towards the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign post-Operation Sindoor, saying the mission had not just inspired patriotism but also strengthened the spirit of self-reliance.

“This victory carries the sweat of our engineers, technicians, and every citizen who contributed,” he said.

Published – May 25, 2025 11:44 am IST

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India’s retaliatory strikes in Pakistan, PoK after Pahalgam terror attack reflect ‘new norm’, says Shashi Tharoor in US | India News

In the wake of a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam last month that left 26 civilians dead, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that India has ushered in a “new norm” in its posture toward cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

“There is now got to be a new norm,” Tharoor said during an interaction in New York with members of the Indian-American community, media, and think tanks. “No one sitting in Pakistan is going to be allowed to believe that they can just walk across the border and kill our citizens with impunity. There will be a price to pay — and that price has been going up systematically.”

Tharoor, who is leading a multi-party parliamentary delegation across the Americas as part of India’s diplomatic outreach following the April 22 attack, said the retaliatory strikes under Operation Sindoor had delivered a precise but restrained response to what he described as a “savage” act of terror.

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The Pahalgam attack targeted civilians — mostly tourists — in an attack by gunmen who identified victims based on religion. Responsibility for the attack was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a group India has long identified as a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based organization listed on US and UN terror sanctions lists.

India responded with targeted air and missile strikes on nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including facilities of Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke and Jaish-e-Mohammed in Bahawalpur.

#WATCH | US: Members of the all-party delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor paid tribute at 9/11 Memorial in New York

Next, they will be heading to their first destination, Guyana. pic.twitter.com/H6VRrlLnxB

— ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2025

“We didn’t want to start anything,” Tharoor said of the Indian response. “We were just sending a message to terrorists: you started, we replied. If you stop, we stop. And they stopped.”

The Congress MP described the brief military escalation as an “88-hour war,” and emphasized that it was not intended to mark the beginning of a prolonged conflict.

“India sent a clear message that it was not going to take terror lying down,” he said. “But equally, by delivering very precise, calibrated strikes on specific targets, we were also sending a message that this was not meant to be the opening salvo in a protracted war — just an act of retribution.”

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Tharoor also noted that even from the Opposition, he had publicly advocated for a firm but measured Indian response following the April massacre. Citing a piece he had written for The Indian Express, he said: “I myself authored an op-ed in one of India’s leading papers, within a couple of days, saying that the time had come to hit hard and hit smart. And I’m pleased to say that’s exactly what India did.”

Tharoor also noted that New Delhi had presented dossiers to the United Nations’ sanctions committee in 2023 and 2024, flagging TRF’s links to banned outfits. However, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, he said, a reference to TRF in a proposed UN Security Council press statement was removed — allegedly at Pakistan’s urging and with support from China.

“Sadly, Pakistan chose to follow its usual path of denial,” he said.

Despite the escalation, Tharoor reiterated that India harbours no desire for a long-term conflict. “We are not interested in warfare with Pakistan,” he said. “We would much rather be left alone to grow our economy and put our people into the world of the 21st century.”

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India, he added, seeks stability, not escalation. “We have a right to self-defense. We’ve exercised that right. We have not done so irresponsibly,” Tharoor said. “That’s really the message I wanted to give you all today.”

Tharoor’s remarks come amid a broader campaign by Indian lawmakers to present India’s narrative across the world. The government has said its recent conflict with Pakistan was a direct response to the Pahalgam killings, countering Islamabad’s claim that the escalation was initiated by Operation Sindoor.

The Tharoor-led parliamentary delegation — which includes lawmakers from across India’s political spectrum, including the BJP, Congress, TDP, JMM, and Shiv Sena — also includes former Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu. Their itinerary covers visits to Guyana, Panama, Colombia, Brazil, and the United States, returning to New York on June 3.

A visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum

On Saturday, the delegation visited the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in Manhattan, laying a wreath in honour of the nearly 3,000 victims of the 2001 terror attacks in the United States. Tharoor, speaking afterward, said the visit was not only a solemn tribute but also a symbolic gesture of global solidarity in the fight against terrorism.

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“It was a very moving moment for us,” he said. “But it was also meant to send a very strong message that we are here in a city which is still bearing the scars of that savage terrorist attack, in the wake of yet another terrorist attack in our own country.”

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Ex-Pak Minister Bilawal Bhutto's Speech Compared To 'Rosesh Sarabhai', Then Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai Actor Rajesh Kumar Does This

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Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed.

Actor Rajesh Kumar humorously mimicked Pakistan’s ex-foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Instagram, mocking his speech about India’s military actions. Social media users had compared Mr Zardari’s delivery to Mr Kumar’s iconic character, Rosesh Sarabhai.

New Delhi:

Actor Rajesh Kumar, known for his iconic role as Rosesh Sarabhai in the sitcom ‘Sarabhai vs Sarabhai’, has mocked Pakistan’s former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, leaving social media in splits. Mr Kumar posted the video “on public demand” on Instagram, days after a clip of Mr Zardari’s speech in the Pakistani Parliament on India’s Operation Sindoor became a meme with users comparing him to ‘Rosesh Sarabhai’.

Joining the laughs online, Mr Kumar playfully mocked the Pakistani politician by imitating his speech with a classic ‘Rosesh Sarabhai’ flair.

“Kon raat ke andhere me hamle karte hai, chor raat ke andhere me hamle karte hai, buzdil raat ke andhere me hamle karte hai…agar inme himmat hoti toh yeh subah aate (who attacks at night, robbers attack at night, cowards attack at night, if they had courage, they would have come in the day),” the actor imitated Mr Zardari’s speech.

“Ting tong karte aur kahte bhaiya aane do (would ring the bell and say brother, let me come),” Mr Kumar added before he burst into laughter.

Mr Kumar in the video also attached the former Pakistani foreign minister’s speech – which had a similar tone and style of delivery as ‘Rosesh Sarabhai’. The clip was split with ‘Rosesh Sarabhai’ reciting one of his poems.

Mr Kumar’s fans flooded his comments section with laughs and called it the “greatest reel of all time”.

“Wasn’t ready for this drop! Scrolling ends here, nothing’s topping this today,” another user said.

Last week, Mr Zardari delivered the speech in the Pakistani Assembly on India’s Operation Sindoor – an overnight targeted military strike on terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The strikes were in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed. However, Pakistan escalated the situation by attacking civilian areas in India with drones. In response, India hit selected military targets deep inside Pakistani territory such as radar installations, command and control centres, and ammunition depots in Rafiqui, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Bholari, and Sialkot among others. The two countries agreed to a ceasefire on May 10 after four days of crossfire.

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Delhi weather: 49 flights diverted, 200 delayed as severe storm hits city | Latest News India

A severe thunderstorm early Sunday caused major flight disruptions at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, with 49 flights diverted and about 200 delayed amid heavy rainfall and inclement weather conditions.

Harsh weather conditions led to delay of about 200 flights at Delhi airport(HT Photo)

The storm hit the national capital late Saturday night, and between 11:30 PM and 4:00 AM, 49 flights—including 17 international ones—were forced to divert to other airports. According to data from FlightRadar24, delays averaged around 45 minutes as planes were unable to land or take off safely during the storm.

Flight operations slowed down significantly because of lightning and strong winds.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Delhi experienced wind gusts reaching up to 82 kmph and received 81.2 mm of rainfall within a six-hour period between 11:30 PM on Saturday and 5:30 AM on Sunday, as recorded by the city’s main weather station.

IndiGo airlines updated passengers on the situation through posts on X (formerly Twitter). At 3:59 am, the airline said, “While the weather is gradually easing, some airside congestion remains. We assure you that flight movements are steadily resuming as conditions permit.” 

However, by 5:54 am, IndiGo confirmed that operations were back to normal, stating, “With clearer skies over Delhi, flight operations are back to normal.”

Delhi airport issues public advisory

Delhi Airport also issued a public advisory at 6:50 AM, warning of disruptions due to the storm. The advisory read, “Due to adverse weather conditions last night, some flights have been impacted. Passengers are advised to check their flight status regularly and stay in touch with airline staff for updates. Our on-ground teams are diligently working with all stakeholders to ensure a seamless and efficient passenger experience.”

The IGI airport is the busiest airport in India, handling both domestic and international traffic.

Heavy rain lash Delhi

Around 10.30 pm on Saturday, the IMD issued a red alert for Delhi and surrounding regions, warning of intense thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds expected to continue for two to three hours. The storm led to widespread waterlogging, uprooted trees, and power outages in several parts of the city. 

Footage from near Terminal 1 of Delhi Airport showed vehicles struggling to move through waterlogged roads. Areas such as Minto Road, Delhi Cantonment, and Dhaula Kuan were also affected by severe water accumulation.

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India welcomes UK-Mauritius treaty on Chagos, reaffirms support for sovereignty | India News

India welcomes UK-Mauritius treaty on Chagos, reaffirms support for sovereignty (AI)

NEW DELHI: India on Wednesday welcomed the signing of a treaty between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Mauritius on the return of Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia. In a press statement by the ministry of external affairs (MEA), India described the agreement as a milestone achievement and a positive development for the region. “We welcome the signing of the treaty between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Mauritius on the return of Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia. The formal resolution of the longstanding Chagos dispute through this bilateral treaty is a milestone achievement and a positive development for the region. This is further to the understanding between the two sides reached in October 2024, and marks the culmination of the process of decolonisation of Mauritius in the spirit of international law and rules-based order,” the statement said.India has consistently supported Mauritius’s legitimate claim over the Chagos Archipelago, reiterating its position on decolonisation, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The statement added, “India has consistently supported Mauritius’s legitimate claim over the Chagos Archipelago in keeping with its principled position on decolonisation, respect for sovereignty, and the territorial integrity of nations.As a steadfast and longstanding partner of Mauritius, India remains committed to working closely with Mauritius and other like-minded countries to strengthen maritime security and regional stability and ensure peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region.”Earlier in March, foreign secretary Vikram Misri reaffirmed India’s support for Mauritius on the Chagos sovereignty issue, stating, “We have supported Mauritius in its stance on its sovereignty over Chagos. And this is obviously in keeping with our longstanding position with regard to decolonisation and support for sovereignty and territorial integrity of our other countries. And its only fitting for us to articulate this support for partners such as Mauritius.” Misri emphasised that India had made substantial contributions to Mauritius’s maritime safety and security, and highlighted ongoing technical and development cooperation.During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier visit to Mauritius, multiple agreements were signed focusing on strengthening maritime security, technical collaboration, ocean monitoring, and capacity building. India has supplied vessels and extended support for maritime surveillance, while also backing various initiatives in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and the blue economy. “These facilities have also been assisting Mauritius in its maritime surveillance and patrolling of its vast Exclusive Economic Zone and in safeguarding the assets of its blue economy ecosystem from traditional and non-traditional maritime challenges,” Misri said.India reiterated its dedication to strengthening its ties with Mauritius and promoting peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region, in accordance with international law and its stance on decolonisation.

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Assembly bypolls to five seats in four states on June 19: Election Commission

Bypolls to five assembly seats in four states will be held on June 19, the Election Commission said on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
| Photo Credit: ANI

Bypolls to five assembly seats in four states will be held on June 19, the Election Commission said on Sunday (May 25, 2025).

While two assembly bypolls will be held in Gujarat, one each will take place in Kerala, West Bengal and Punjab. The counting of votes will take place on June 23, the poll authority said.

In Gujarat, the bypoll to the Kadi seat was necessitated following the death of sitting MLA Karsanbhai Punjabhai Solanki.

Another bypoll to the Visavadar seat in the state is taking place due to the resignation of sitting member Bhayani Bhupendrabhai Gandubhai.

In Kerala, the Nilambur seat will go to bypoll since P V Anvar has resigned, while byposs are to be held in Punjab’s Ludhiana seat due to the death of sitting member Gurpreet Bassi Gogi.

Byelection to the Kaliganj Assembly seat in West Bengal has been necessitated due to the death of sitting assembly member Nasiruddin Ahamed.

Published – May 25, 2025 10:21 am IST

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Liberian ship tilts further, raises environmental concerns as more containers fall into sea near Kerala coast | India News

After it first titled about 38 nautical miles off the Kochi coast, A Liberian-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3 further submerged Sunday morning, losing more containers into the sea, officials were quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Three crew members who were still onboard were rescued by the Indian Navy ship Sujata under hazardous conditions which have also raised concerns of environmental damage. “The three crew have been recovered by INS Sujata, under dangerous circumstances as some more containers have fallen into water and the vessel is further submerged”, a Defence PRO said on Sunday morning.

In a joint mission by the Indian Navy and coast guard, 21 of the 24 crew were earlier rescued on Saturday . Of the crew, the master was from Russia, 20 others from the Philippines, two from Ukraine and one from Georgia. The 184-metre-long vessel – -MSC Elsa 3 – – departed for Kochi from Vizhinjam port on Friday.

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As the mission continued to explore methods to assist in towing the vessel, another ship from the parent company reached the area on Sunday as part of the assistance efforts, a Defence PRO said.

A professional assessment is currently underway to determine whether the ship can be towed, he added.

Soon after the incident was reported, Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) issued an alert across the state coast about the containers with very low sulfur fuel likely to get washed ashore.

Warning that oil films could appear along parts of the Kerala coast, KSDMA urged people to immediately inform the police if they spot any containers or oil on the shore.

With PTI inputs

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Extortion Part Of China's Unconventional War On India

Extortion, armed violence and drugs – this is the deadly trio used by China to wage its unconventional war against India, using armed insurgent groups that it has funded for decades.

In some states in the northeast region, families live in debilitating fear – their children are at constant risk of either getting recruited into an armed insurgent group or of becoming drug addicts.

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Up to 22 per cent of the salaries of state government employees is deducted at the disbursal offices – this is an unofficial “sovereignty tax” imposed by armed insurgent groups like the National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) and the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA). The administration has bent over to keep the peace as these groups, armed with sophisticated Chinese-made weapons like AK 47s and rocket launchers, wield sway over most of the northeastern part of the country.

“Even the state government has been paying taxes to some of the bigger groups,” said KK Sema, a retired IAS officer who spearheaded a movement against Nagaland’s “sovereignty tax”.

“Development funds come to the department. That department is told to pay 5-6 per cent to the groups from the headquarters itself. The money is then disbursed to the field, the field officers and contractors are also taxed. The state government will deny this. The state government employees are paying 22 per cent of their salary. This is being deducted at the disbursement office before it is paid to them. The disbursement officer would negotiate with the armed groups to reduce the 22 per cent to 10-12 per cent and the remaining amount would be paid to the government employee,” he said.

Everyone and everything is “taxed” by these armed groups. From vegetables and small businesses, to trucks and farm produce, groups like the NSCN-IM and the ZRA get a cut from all trades and commodities.

The NSCN-IM’s “Budget”

NDTV got exclusive access to the NSCN-IM’s “Budget” for fiscal year 2025-26. The amounts are staggering as they are a record of extortion of the people of Nagaland.

This armed insurgent group plans to raise over Rs 158 crore in what they call “sovereignty tax”, a fancy term for extortion. Everything from food items to fuel to construction materials is “taxed”.

Small shop owners too have to pay the NSCN-IM cadre. They cough up, staring at the barrel of a gun.

Smuggling of cheap betelnut from Myanmar into India is also rife and provides a hefty sum for funding these armed insurgent groups. In this fiscal year, the NSCN-IM plans to raise Rs 2 crore from betelnut alone. Most of this betelnut from Myanmar heads to the factories of gutkha makers, according to highly placed sources. This fuels yet another illegal economy.

As a result of this wanton extortion, the prices of goods and food in Nagaland can rise sharply without warning.

“Because of the insurgency, there were many factions which were going out and taxing people. There is absolutely no reason for prices to rise. In the morning, a kilogram of tomatoes would cost Rs 30 and in the evening, it would cost Rs 60 without any real reason,” Mr Sema explained.

“Civil society started questioning why this price rise was happening. A few of us got together and sent out a group of youngsters to find out what was happening in the markets. They found that each commodity was being taxed in the market. They call it the ‘sovereignty tax. It is called tax. But it is nothing but extortion,” he added.

Top sources told NDTV in confidence that a section of the local police and administration too actively aid these armed insurgent groups.

Take for instance, the current Chairman of the Zomi Council, the mother organisation of the ZRA – Vumsuan Naulak. A retired Intelligence Bureau officer, he can be seen in this photograph awarding a child soldier at an undisclosed location in the Chin State of Myanmar.

The Assam Rifles and a section of the state police are attempting to control the influence of these violent groups. On May 16, the Assam Rifles neutralised 10 cadres of an unnamed group and recovered seven AK-47 rifles, one RPG launcher, one M4 rifle and four single-barrel breech-loading rifles. They also found ammunition and war-like stores in Chandel district of Manipur, along the India-Myanmar Border.

The Dimapur Police have stepped up efforts to file cases of extortion – 58 cases were filed between January 2024 and April 2025. 81 arrests were made and 78 weapons – from Chinese made AK 47s to Israeli Uzis – were seized. Special Operation Teams have also been set up to provide rapid action in cases of extortion.

Police sources also told NDTV that Ikato Chishi Swu, son of one of the late founders of NSCN-IM Isak Chishi Swu, is currently in China. He had released a letter in April stating that he was quitting the NSCN-IM and would head to Myanmar to “continue the struggle” as the NSCN-IM had become a “corrupt” organisation.

But flush with Chinese funding and sophisticated arms, these groups recruit more youth and the deadly cycle of violence continues unabated.

In the third part of this series, we will look at how China fuels drugs into India as part of its non-conventional warfare strategy.

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'I don't work for government': What Tharoor said on Pahalgam terror attack in US | Latest News India

Speaking at the Indian consulate in New York, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday talked about India’s measured response to the terror attack in Pahalgam and how the country stood united to counter Pakistan’s state-sponsored terrorism.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor visited the National September 11 Memorial in the US with his all-party delegation.(PTI)

Tharoor is in the United States, leading an all-party delegation as part of the country’s diplomatic outreach after Operation Sindoor and a military conflict with Pakistan. Apart from Tharoor, the delegation includes JMM MP Sarfaraz Ahmad, BJP MPs Tejasvi Surya and Bhubaneswar Kalita, and TDP MP Ganti Harish Madhur.

Talking about India’s response to the devastating April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people died, most of whom were tourists, Tharoor highlighted the fact that while he was in the Opposition, he believed that India needed to respond strongly and that is what it did.

Also read: Shashi Tharoor visits 9/11 memorial in US, says Pakistan’s terrorism ‘not acceptable to us’

“I don’t work for the government, as you know. I work for an opposition party, but I myself authored an op-ed in one of India’s leading papers, within a couple of days, saying that the time had come to hit hard and hit smart, and I’m pleased to say that’s exactly what India did,” said Tharoor.

He also said that while the intent behind the Pahalgam terror attack was to divide people, it brought people together in India, irrespective of their religion or any other divide.

“There was an extraordinary amount of togetherness cutting across religious and other divides that people have tried to provoke. The message is very clear that there was a malign intent… India, sadly, had no reason to doubt where it came from,” he said.

Shashi Tharoor on Operation Sindoor

India launched Operation Sindoor during the early hours of May 7 to avenge the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and targeted nine terror sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Speaking about the operation, Tharoor highlighted how precise and calibrated strikes took place on “9 specific known terrorist bases, headquarters and launchpads. Those included those of the Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke, Jaish-e-Mohammad in Bahawalpur, responsible amongst other things for the murder of Daniel Pearl.”

“India sent a clear message that it was not going to take terror lying down, it would answer, but equally that by delivering very precisely, calculated, calibrated strikes on very specific targets, it was also sending a message that this was not meant to be the opening salvo in a protracted war but just an act of retribution, that we were prepared to stop with that act,” he added.

With ANI inputs.

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India welcomes UK-Mauritius treaty on Chagos, reaffirms support for sovereignty | India News

India welcomes UK-Mauritius treaty on Chagos, reaffirms support for sovereignty (AI)

NEW DELHI: India on Wednesday welcomed the signing of a treaty between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Mauritius on the return of Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia. In a press statement by the ministry of external affairs (MEA), India described the agreement as a milestone achievement and a positive development for the region. “We welcome the signing of the treaty between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Mauritius on the return of Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia. The formal resolution of the longstanding Chagos dispute through this bilateral treaty is a milestone achievement and a positive development for the region. This is further to the understanding between the two sides reached in October 2024, and marks the culmination of the process of decolonisation of Mauritius in the spirit of international law and rules-based order,” the statement said.India has consistently supported Mauritius’s legitimate claim over the Chagos Archipelago, reiterating its position on decolonisation, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The statement added, “India has consistently supported Mauritius’s legitimate claim over the Chagos Archipelago in keeping with its principled position on decolonisation, respect for sovereignty, and the territorial integrity of nations.As a steadfast and longstanding partner of Mauritius, India remains committed to working closely with Mauritius and other like-minded countries to strengthen maritime security and regional stability and ensure peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region.”Earlier in March, foreign secretary Vikram Misri reaffirmed India’s support for Mauritius on the Chagos sovereignty issue, stating, “We have supported Mauritius in its stance on its sovereignty over Chagos. And this is obviously in keeping with our longstanding position with regard to decolonisation and support for sovereignty and territorial integrity of our other countries. And its only fitting for us to articulate this support for partners such as Mauritius.” Misri emphasised that India had made substantial contributions to Mauritius’s maritime safety and security, and highlighted ongoing technical and development cooperation.During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier visit to Mauritius, multiple agreements were signed focusing on strengthening maritime security, technical collaboration, ocean monitoring, and capacity building. India has supplied vessels and extended support for maritime surveillance, while also backing various initiatives in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and the blue economy. “These facilities have also been assisting Mauritius in its maritime surveillance and patrolling of its vast Exclusive Economic Zone and in safeguarding the assets of its blue economy ecosystem from traditional and non-traditional maritime challenges,” Misri said.India reiterated its dedication to strengthening its ties with Mauritius and promoting peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region, in accordance with international law and its stance on decolonisation.

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First cherry cargo train set to roll from J&K to Mumbai next month

Image used for representative purpose only.
| Photo Credit: IMRAN NISSAR

In a first-of-its-kind initiative to transport perishable produce outside Jammu and Kashmir, the Jammu railway division has gotten its first VP indent (a request for the allocation of a full parcel van for the shipment of goods) registered from Katra railway station to Bandra (Mumbai) for June 3, a senior railway official said on Saturday (May 24, 2025).

The effort, undertaken after extensive consultations with the Horticulture Department and fruit grower associations, is a welcome initiative if goes off successfully as it will offload the road traffic burden and will enable perishable goods like cherries reach its intended markets with minimal damage or deterioration in quality, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM), Northern Railway, Jammu, Uchit Singhal said.

He said a 24 tons of cargo will be moved in a VP attached to a goods train from Katra station to Bandra station in Mumbai. The cargo will reach its destination in 30 hours.

“It will be a win-win situation for both railways and fruit growers and in turn the economy of J&K region,” Mr. Singhal said.

Published – May 25, 2025 07:25 am IST

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In past 3 years, 50 SHOs faced action in Bihar ‘for taking bribes from sand, liquor mafia’ | India News

At least 50 police station heads in Bihar have either been suspended or sent to police lines in the last three years for their alleged collusion with private vehicle drivers in collecting bribes from the state’s liquor and sand mafia, The Indian Express has learnt.  The reason: a massive paucity of official police drivers, which compels the Bihar police to engage private vehicles.

Response to RTI application by activist Shiv Prakash Rai showed that against 10,390 sanctioned driver posts of the constable and head constable levels, only 3,488 posts are filled. This is despite the Bihar Police having 9,465 vehicles.

Consider this:

* In December last year, Buxar Police sent its Town police station in-charge Sanjay Kumar Sinha to police lines after a viral video showed him allegedly extorting money from vehicles. The purported video showed him in a private vehicle hired by a private driver. It was alleged the police station in-charge colluded with private drivers in extorting vehicle owners.

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* In April this year, Muzaffarpur Police suspended seven policemen for their alleged collusion with the sand and liquor mafia. Role of private vehicle drivers is also being probed.

* In Bhagalpur, 27 police station in-charges have engaged private vehicles with drivers, followed by 24 by Vaishali police station in-charge, 19 by Buxar police station in-charge and 10 by Munger police station in-charge.

*Two deputy superintendents of police in East Champaran (Motihari) and one deputy SP in Darbhanga have been also using private vehicles and drivers, as have four circle-inspectors in Lakhisarai and one circle inspector in Bagaha and Bhagalpur.

Patna has 704 sanction posts for constable drivers and 166 head constable drivers. But the state capital has only 252 constable drivers and 109 head constable drivers. Some of the massively under-staffed districts include Araria (56 against 166 sanctioned posts), Sitamarhi (57 against 203 posts), Buxar (40 against 138 posts) and Munger (59 against 122 posts).

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As a result, the Bihar Police has currently hired as many as 130 private vehicles, The Indian Express has learnt. According to sources, in many cases the police verification of these private drivers has not been done.

According to a senior police officer, filling up police driver posts “has seldom been a priority”. “The district police often have to hire private vehicles with private drivers, whose criminal antecedents are not often verified. This is where there are chances of police officers colluding with these drivers, who can work as collection agents,” the officer said.

Another police officer said that after prohibition was enforced in Bihar in 2016, police station in-charges have been under scanner.  “Private drivers working with police stations are often vulnerable to corruption,” he said.

When contacted, Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) Kundan Krishnan told The Indian Express: “Recruitment for these posts (police drivers) are underway. Advertisement will be out shortly”.

 

Santosh Singh is a Senior Assistant Editor with The Indian Express since June 2008. He covers Bihar with main focus on politics, society and governance. Investigative and explanatory stories are also his forte. Singh has 25 years of experience in print journalism covering Bihar, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.

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© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd

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Our Government Has Made Very Clear

Manama:

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi, part of the all-party delegation led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, referred to Pakistan as a “failed state” during an interaction with prominent figures in Bahrain.

During the interaction, Mr Owaisi said, “Our government has sent us over here…so that the world knows the threat India has been facing since last so many years. Unfortunately, we have lost so many innocent lives. This problem emanates from Pakistan only. Unless and until Pakistan stops promoting, aiding and sponsoring these terrorist groups, this problem won’t go away.”

He further added, “Our government has taken all the steps to protect the lives of every Indian. This government has made very clear next time you (Pakistan) take up this misadventure, it will be beyond what they are expecting…”

#WATCH | Manama, Bahrain: During an interaction with the prominent personalities, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi says, “…Our govt has sent us over here…so that the world knows the threat India has been facing since last so many years. Unfortunately, we have lost so many innocent… pic.twitter.com/ckukFxpGAc

— ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2025

Mr Owaisi noted that India has repeatedly exercised maximum restraint despite grave provocations. Recalling the Pahalgam attack in which 26 tourists were killed, he emphasised the human cost of terrorism. “Please reflect on the human tragedy of this massacre. A woman married six days ago became a widow on the seventh day. Another woman, married just two months ago, also lost her husband in this attack,” he said.

Asserting India’s defensive strength, Mr Owaisi added, “India has all the wherewithal, and we have every means necessary to ensure the safety of not only Indian citizens, but also every individual residing in India.”

AIMIM leader stated that India’s air defence systems had effectively intercepted threats emanating from across the border. “The government and the media, our air defence system, our technology and warfare capabilities, successfully intercepted and neutralised everything that was launched by a failed state like Pakistan,” he said.

Mr Owaisi stressed the need for international cooperation in curbing terror financing and urged the Bahrain government to support efforts to bring Pakistan back to the FATF grey list, stating that such funds have been used to support terrorist activities.

“There is unanimity in our country, irrespective of whatever political affiliations we belong to. We have our political differences, but when it comes to the integrity of our country, it is high time our neighbouring country understands…I request and hope that the Bahrain government will help us in bringing Pakistan back to the grey list of FATF because this money has been used to support those terrorists,” Mr Owaisi said.

The delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, includes Mr Owaisi, Nishikant Dubey MP, BJP; Phangnon Konyak, MP, BJP; Rekha Sharma MP, NJP; Satnam Singh Sandhu MP; Ghulam Nabi Azad; and Ambassador Harsh Shringla.

The delegation aims to brief international partners on India’s response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and its broader fight against cross-border terrorism while engaging with leaders in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Algeria.

The multi-party delegation, consisting of seven groups led by one MP each, has been initiated to counter global misinformation and highlight India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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SC upholds arrest in AP liquor scam | Latest News India

The Supreme Court on Friday found no fault in the Andhra Pradesh government’s action to arrest former chief minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy’s IT adviser in the ₹3,200-crore Andhra Pradesh liquor scam in April this year.

A bench headed by justice JB Pardiwala dismissed a petition filed by the father of Kessireddy Raja Shekhar Reddy, who is currently in jail. (HT PHOTO)

A bench headed by justice JB Pardiwala dismissed a petition filed by the father of Kessireddy Raja Shekhar Reddy, who is currently in jail, alleging that his son’s arrest was vitiated as no proper grounds were furnished by the Crime Investigation Department.

The petitioner referenced the Supreme Court’s February ruling in Vihaan Kumar v State of Haryana, which held that arrest grounds must be meaningful enough to enable the accused to seek bail and approach the high court against illegal detention.

“Having looked into the grounds of arrest which were supplied to the son of the appellant at the time of his arrest, it is difficult for us to take the view that the grounds do not make any sense or are not meaningful or are just an eyewash,” the bench, also comprising justice R Mahadevan, said while dismissing the petition as it found the Vihaan Kumar judgment’s requirements were fully complied with.

The court clarified that the accused retains the option of seeking regular bail from the competent court, directing that any pending application be taken up at the earliest.

Senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, representing Reddy, had challenged the Andhra Pradesh high court’s dismissal of his petition on May 8. He questioned the CID’s arrest on April 21, 2025, in connection with a first information report filed in September 2024 for offences of cheating, criminal breach of trust and criminal conspiracy punishable under sections 420, 409 read with section 120-B of the Indian Penal Code.

Jethmalani argued that Article 22 of the Constitution requires police to inform every detainee about arrest grounds and produce the person before court within 24 hours. He contended this constitutional right was violated as no effective ground of arrest was communicated to Reddy, and prior sanction under section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act wasn’t obtained before effecting the arrest.

Senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, defending the state, produced records demonstrating that arrest grounds were supplied to Reddy when he was arrested from Hyderabad Airport and served on his father as well. Subsequently, he was brought to Vijayawada and produced before the jurisdictional magistrate for remand within 24 hours of arrest.

As Reddy was the information technology adviser to the previous government led by Jaganmohan Reddy, Luthra argued that his responsibility had nothing to do with the excise policy scam in which he was arrested, hence there was no requirement for prior sanction.

“This is a case of conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust, corruption and money laundering which caused huge wrongful loss to the state exchequer, distilleries and wrongful gain to influential individuals, private distilleries, suppliers to a tune of more than ₹3,200 crores, that occurred between October 2019 and March 2024 in AP State Beverages Corporation Limited, Vijayawada,” the CID stated in its reply.

Informing the court about the alleged modus operandi, Luthra pointed said preferential or favourable allocation of orders were made to certain new brands in violation of existing norms, giving them undue market share and competitive advantage over existing brands. The procurement system was shifted to manual process, giving scope for such manipulation.

In the arrest grounds, the CID informed Reddy that he was one of the “key persons” in organising the kickback-driven liquor trade in Andhra Pradesh during 2019-2024. The conspiracy was hatched to suppress popular brands, promote blue-eyed brands and cause wrongful gain to the liquor syndicate through public servants by corrupt practices.

The bench found that the limited issue to be considered was whether the arrest grounds supplied to Reddy were “meaningful” and “sufficient” to give a broad idea of the accusations levelled and explain why he was being taken into custody. The court held that while authorities aren’t required to furnish full details of the offence, it must be adequate for an arrested person to understand why he has been arrested.

“The grounds to be communicated to the arrested person should be somewhat similar to the charge framed by the court for the trial of a case,” the court held.

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India welcomes UK-Mauritius treaty on Chagos, reaffirms support for sovereignty | India News

India welcomes UK-Mauritius treaty on Chagos, reaffirms support for sovereignty (AI)

NEW DELHI: India on Wednesday welcomed the signing of a treaty between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Mauritius on the return of Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia. In a press statement by the ministry of external affairs (MEA), India described the agreement as a milestone achievement and a positive development for the region. “We welcome the signing of the treaty between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Mauritius on the return of Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia. The formal resolution of the longstanding Chagos dispute through this bilateral treaty is a milestone achievement and a positive development for the region. This is further to the understanding between the two sides reached in October 2024, and marks the culmination of the process of decolonisation of Mauritius in the spirit of international law and rules-based order,” the statement said.India has consistently supported Mauritius’s legitimate claim over the Chagos Archipelago, reiterating its position on decolonisation, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The statement added, “India has consistently supported Mauritius’s legitimate claim over the Chagos Archipelago in keeping with its principled position on decolonisation, respect for sovereignty, and the territorial integrity of nations.As a steadfast and longstanding partner of Mauritius, India remains committed to working closely with Mauritius and other like-minded countries to strengthen maritime security and regional stability and ensure peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region.”Earlier in March, foreign secretary Vikram Misri reaffirmed India’s support for Mauritius on the Chagos sovereignty issue, stating, “We have supported Mauritius in its stance on its sovereignty over Chagos. And this is obviously in keeping with our longstanding position with regard to decolonisation and support for sovereignty and territorial integrity of our other countries. And its only fitting for us to articulate this support for partners such as Mauritius.” Misri emphasised that India had made substantial contributions to Mauritius’s maritime safety and security, and highlighted ongoing technical and development cooperation.During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier visit to Mauritius, multiple agreements were signed focusing on strengthening maritime security, technical collaboration, ocean monitoring, and capacity building. India has supplied vessels and extended support for maritime surveillance, while also backing various initiatives in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and the blue economy. “These facilities have also been assisting Mauritius in its maritime surveillance and patrolling of its vast Exclusive Economic Zone and in safeguarding the assets of its blue economy ecosystem from traditional and non-traditional maritime challenges,” Misri said.India reiterated its dedication to strengthening its ties with Mauritius and promoting peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region, in accordance with international law and its stance on decolonisation.

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