In a scathing social media post, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra questioned the Indian government's decision to let Taliban's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi hold a 'male-only' press conference on Indian soil with full protocol. She called out External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and expressed outrage at the exclusion of women journalists from the event. Muttaqi, who is a part of the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan known for its repression of women, held talks with Jaishankar and saw India upgrading its technical mission in Kabul to an embassy. Women journalists expressed their dismay on social media for being barred from the event.
The safety of women in West Bengal is under scrutiny as an MBBS student is raped outside her college with no arrests made. The victim's father blames the college for negligence and the National Commission for Women is intervening. The state's track record on delivering justice for sexual assault victims has raised concerns. Stay informed on the latest updates on this case.
The exclusion of women journalists from a Taliban press conference in New Delhi sparked criticism from opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, who questioned Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to women’s rights and demanded clarification. Former Home Minister P. Chidambaram and TMC MP Mahua Moitra also expressed shock and called it "shameful". The Ministry of External Affairs clarified that India had no involvement in the press interaction, while the Taliban minister avoided direct answers about women's rights in Afghanistan.
The Kerala High Court delivered a stern warning against the practice of arbitrarily declaring land as waqf property, in a judgment on the Munambam waqf land dispute. The court cautioned against giving judicial approval to such declarations, in a case involving the State of Kerala and the Kerala Waqf Samrakshana Vedhi. The judgment was reported by legal news website Bar and Bench, and highlighted the need for caution and scrutiny in waqf-related disputes.
The Ministry of External Affairs clarifies its lack of involvement in the controversial press conference held by Afghanistan's Foreign Minister in Delhi, which saw the exclusion of women journalists. The Taliban, who have been accused of severe restrictions on women's rights, separately conducted the media interaction, leading to nationwide political outrage and calls for clarification from Prime Minister Modi. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra demands action against the discrimination, while former Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram expresses disappointment over the lack of solidarity from male journalists.
On the birth anniversary of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, BJP President JP Nadda paid a heartfelt tribute to the iconic political leader on social media platform X. Nadda hailed Narayan as a great freedom fighter and supreme devotee of democracy, who played a pivotal role in awakening the nation's democratic consciousness during the emergency. He also highlighted Narayan's contributions in forming the first non-Congress government in India and his fight against corruption and authoritarian rule.
The Supreme Court, in association with UNICEF India, is organizing a two-day National Annual Stakeholders Consultation with a focus on safeguarding the girl child in India. Coinciding with the International Day of the Girl Child, the Consultation will bring together key stakeholders to drive stronger coordination for protecting and advancing the rights of every child in the country. Sessions during the event will discuss measures for preventing violence, ensuring timely justice, and expanding access to education, healthcare, and social protection for girls.
The White House has spoken out against the Nobel Committee's decision to award Venezuelan pro-democracy activist, María Corina Machado, the Peace Prize instead of US President Donald Trump. The Committee recognized Machado for her work promoting democratic rights in Venezuela, but Trump has been vocal about his desire for the award. The White House communications director criticized the Committee for prioritizing politics over peace, while Trump's supporters continue to push for him to receive the prize for his role in diplomatic efforts, such as brokering a ceasefire in Gaza.
The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has appointed actor Deepika Padukone, founder of The Live Love Laugh Foundation, as the first-ever "Mental Health Ambassador." In her role, Deepika will work closely with the Ministry to raise awareness, promote de-stigmatization, and encourage help-seeking behavior for mental health care. This appointment comes as The Live Love Laugh Foundation celebrates its 10-year anniversary. Additionally, Deepika will collaborate with the Ministry in building other strategic interventions for equitable mental health care access.
As the government shutdown enters its second month, the Trump administration has started laying off federal employees in what is seen as a drastic move. A spokesperson for the Office of Management and Budget has confirmed that the layoffs, also known as RIFs, are significant and have already begun. This news further highlights the ongoing impasse between the Trump administration and Congress over funding for a border wall.