AAP MP Ashok Mittal, also Chancellor of Lovely Professional University, has announced that the university will provide permanent jobs to one family member of each of the 43 individuals who lost their lives in the recent Punjab floods. Mittal praised the efforts of the Punjab government and various volunteers and organizations involved in relief and rescue operations. He has also appealed for collective efforts and support in the long-term rehabilitation process. AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal has lauded this initiative by MP Ashok Mittal.
The External Affairs Minister of India, Dr S Jaishankar, has reaffirmed Prime Minister Modi's appreciation for the partnership between India and the United States in response to US President Donald Trump's softened tone towards India. PM Modi had expressed his gratitude for Trump's positive assessment of the relationship, stating that the two countries have a "very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership." Trump, who had previously made concerning comments about India, has now adopted a more conciliatory stance, admitting his disappointment with India's continued oil purchases from Russia but also calling Modi a "great Prime Minister" and saying he will always be friends with him.
A 51-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh, identified as Ashwini Kumar, has been arrested for sending a threat to the Mumbai Traffic Police's official WhatsApp number. The threat stated that multiple bombs were planted across Mumbai and warned of a large-scale attack involving 400 kg of RDX. Kumar claimed to be a member of a Pakistan-based jihadi group and also alleged that 14 terrorists had entered the city.
With the state assembly elections around the corner, a Marathi video song praising deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis as the "creator of modern Maharashtra" is gaining popularity in political circles. The four-minute long video showcases Fadnavis' achievements and developments in the state, along with his popularity among the youth and his dedication towards Maharashtra's festivals and communities. The song not only endorses Fadnavis as the leader of the BJP in the upcoming elections, but also draws comparisons to Prime Minister Narendra Modi being known as the "creator of modern India". With millions of views and likes, this video is stirring up the election buzz in Maharashtra.
In a surprising turn of events, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be speaking at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) debate this month. Instead, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar will be addressing the Assembly on behalf of India on September 27. This decision marks a departure from the earlier plan of PM Modi addressing the UNGA on September 26. The revised speaker list for the UNGA debate was released on Friday, with US President Donald Trump scheduled to speak on September 23.
As floods continue to devastate Punjab, Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney has pledged Rs 5 crore for relief efforts, using his MPLADS allocation and personal funds. Meanwhile, the state remains on high alert as water levels in the Bhakra dam and Pong dam have almost reached maximum capacity. With authorities urging immediate evacuation and central aid, the disaster has claimed 43 lives and affected over 3.84 lakh residents. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan have announced measures to aid affected farmers and villagers.
The US is making its stance on India clear with its recent actions and statements. From imposing 50% tariffs on Indian goods to making demands for India's foreign policy decisions, the US is not leaving any room for compromise or negotiation. India's leaders and experts are speaking out against the US's arrogant attitudes and calling for a response to protect the country's sovereignty. Read more about Trump's and Lutnick's disregard for India's sovereignty in the latest issue of Fortune India magazine.
A group of unidentified individuals were captured on camera vandalizing a plaque with the Ashoka Emblem at the revered Hazratbal mosque in Jammu and Kashmir. The incident has caused controversy and sparked outrage among political leaders, with the J&K Waqf Board chief demanding strict action against the perpetrators. While some argue that the plaque goes against the beliefs of Islam, others view the act as an attack on the national emblem and the Constitution.
The installation of an inauguration plaque with an Ashoka emblem at the revered Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar has sparked a political and religious row. While political leaders have accused each other of fueling the controversy, protesters have raised concerns over the placement of a sculpture in a holy site. The controversy has brought up debates about the belief of 'Tawheed' and the use of idols in Islam.
Dr Darakshan Andrabi, the Chairperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, has demanded strict action against those involved in breaking the inauguration plaque at Hazratbal shrine, which carried the national emblem. This act has sparked a political and religious controversy with leaders like Tanvir Sadiq objecting to the emblem's presence in a religious space. Andrabi has called for FIRs to be filed against those responsible, including Sadiq, whom she called "not worthy of being called a leader" for his actions. The Waqf Board chief has also warned against the influence of "militants" who openly operate and disrupt peace.