Jammu & kashmir / The Times of India
India and France have finalized a significant deal. The agreement involves the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy. The deal is worth Rs 63,000 crore. These jets will operate from INS Vikrant. The contract includes weapons, training, and support. Deliveries are expected between 37 to 65 months. This acquisition enhances India's maritime capabilities.
Pahalgam police are re-verifying pony guides and locals. This follows the Baisaran meadow attack on April 22. Initial tourist statements and social media videos prompted the action. Twenty pony handlers are being questioned. Hundreds of pony owners were called for verification. Police are also verifying shawl sellers, Maggi vendors, and villagers near Baisaran. Even local police are recording statements.
Indian Muslims for Secular Democracy and other organizations have condemned the terrorist attack near Pahalgam, Kashmir, claimed by The Resistance Front. They offered condolences and urged compensation for victims, demanding accountability for security lapses. Despite the tragedy, Kashmiri Muslims displayed communal harmony, with mosques offering assistance and widespread condemnation of the attack.
Following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 27 tourists, the Civil Aviation Ministry directed airlines to add more flights from Srinagar and waive cancellation fees to aid stranded travelers. Tourism bodies condemned the attack and reassured safety in Jammu & Kashmir, vowing support for the regions tourism industry, which they say must remain resilient and united.
CBFC has ordered 17 changes to the Malayalam film 'Empuraan' starring Mohanlal due to backlash over its portrayal of the 2002 Gujarat riots. The changes were requested after criticism from BJP and RSS members, with the film's producers agreeing to make necessary edits to address concerns.
The controversy surrounding the Mohanlal-starrer 'L2: Empuraan' has sparked political exchanges in Kerala, with Congress accusing BJP of intolerance due to right-wing criticism of the film. The BJP, while not officially commenting, faces accusations of hypocrisy for welcoming movies critical of Congress but opposing this one.
India Meteorological Department (IMD) has become a significant revenue generator for the Ministry of Earth Sciences, earning over Rs 226 crore since 2022-23. This income largely comes from aviation meteorological services provided to the Airports Authority of India. Additionally, revenue is also generated through the sale of meteorological data, weather reports, and testing/calibration of equipment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sent an 80-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team to Myanmar for rescue operations in earthquake-hit regions. India also dispatched naval ships and plans to send a field hospital from Agra, underscoring its commitment as a first responder in regional crises.
India has intensified its relief operations in Myanmar following a catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake. Two C-17 aircraft, carrying 60 tonnes of supplies and a 118-member medical unit, have been deployed. Additional aircraft with personnel and supplies are also en route, as Myanmar faces substantial casualties and damage.
India and the US completed their initial discussions on a bilateral trade agreement, aiming to finalize the first part by fall 2025. The negotiations focus on lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers to enhance market access and deepen supply chains, aligning with shared goals of growth and job creation.
The Congress party protested in Jammu against the Central governments handling of terrorism and the delay in restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The march was sparked by the recent killing of four police officers in an encounter with Pakistani terrorists. Party leaders called for immediate action to ensure peace and job opportunities in the region.
The Uttar Pradesh government, led by CM Yogi Adityanath, has issued strict directives to shut down illegal slaughterhouses and ban meat sales within a 500-meter radius of religious sites. A state-wide ban on animal slaughter and meat sales will also be enforced on April 6, 2025, during Ram Navami.
Shiv Senas Sanjay Nirupam has urged Mumbai Police to close street-side Shawarma and non-vegetarian stalls during Navratri, citing respect for Hindu sentiments. The Nationalist Congress Party criticized the request, calling it a distraction from genuine issues.
West Bengal's opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari has accused CM Mamata Banerjee of treason over her remarks during a UK visit where she appeared to downplay India's economic growth. Adhikari urged EAM Jaishankar to ban Banerjee's foreign visits and investigate her statements.
Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah linked the rise in terrorist attacks in the Jammu region to the redeployment of army troops to Ladakh due to Chinese incursions. He highlighted the need for better counter-terror strategies and expressed gratitude for police bravery in preventing further harm.
India and the US are set to finalize the first part of their Bilateral Trade Agreement by the end of 2025 after four days of productive talks in New Delhi. The agreement aims to expand trade to $500 billion by 2030, focusing on market access, reducing trade barriers, and integrating supply chains. Both nations are committed to ongoing collaboration.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar urged farmers to repay crop loans by March 31, emphasizing that election promises like loan waivers depend on future decisions and current circumstances. He assured 0% interest loans to ease the burden and highlighted the significant financial commitments the state faces.
Rahul Gandhi met Manipur leaders amid ongoing violence and criticized PM Modi for not visiting the state. He urged for a national priority in resolving the crisis. Manipur has been under President's rule since February after the chief minister resigned due to ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo tribes, resulting in over 250 deaths.
MPs Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi have accused the central government of preventing parliamentary discussions and undermining democratic processes. Rahul Gandhi expressed frustration over being blocked from addressing key issues, while Speaker Om Birla reminded him to uphold parliamentary decorum. The opposition claims government tactics are sabotaging legislative functions.
Prime Minister Modi expressed condolences to Myanmar after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake caused widespread damage. India has launched 'Operation Brahma' to provide immediate relief, including tents, food, and medical supplies. Myanmar's military junta reports over 1,000 deaths and thousands injured, with rescue operations ongoing.
The Centre has criticised social media platform X for calling the 'Sahyog' portal a censorship tool, describing the claim as unfortunate and condemnable. It emphasized Section 69A's authority for blocking orders under specific conditions and defended the portal's role in addressing unlawful content.
Sanjay Raut demands special protection for comedian Kunal Kamra, who faces multiple legal cases over remarks about Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde. He compares Kamra's situation to that of Kangana Ranaut, who received security after a dispute with Shiv Sena, and calls for government intervention.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed concern over the worsening treatment of minorities in Pakistan, highlighting disturbing incidents involving the Sikh, Ahmadiyya, and Christian communities. He emphasized the lack of dialogue between India and Pakistan, making it difficult to address these issues directly.
An Indian-American student at Houston University has accused a Hinduism course of bias, alleging it misrepresented aspects of the Hindu religion and politically branded PM Narendra Modi as a Hindu fundamentalist. The university defended its course as academically rigorous and committed to exploring complex religious and political issues.
ISRO has made significant progress in developing a semi-cryogenic engine, successfully conducting a hot test of the Engine Power Head Test Article. This engine, set to power the LVM-3 launch vehicle, uses non-toxic propellants and is expected to boost payload capacity. The breakthrough follows the establishment of a dedicated testing facility, with further tests planned to optimize performance.
The Supreme Court has emphasized the necessity of precise circle rates for good governance and efficient living and business conditions. Accurate circle rates prevent under-valuation and ensure fair revenue collection, yet this critical aspect has often been overlooked by authorities.