Politics / The Times of India
The Indian government is considering raising the safeguard duty on steel to 24% from the existing 12% due to concerns about potential circumvention by Chinese companies and the impact on domestic steelmakers. This move comes amid fears of trade diversion as Chinese goods face increased levies in other markets, potentially leading to dumping in India.
CDS Gen Anil Chauhan highlighted that India spent 15% of Operation Sindoor's time countering disinformation during the four-day conflict with Pakistan, which he termed a on-contact and multi-domain war. India maintained operational clarity and autonomy, detecting no unusual Chinese activity along the LAC. The nation relied on indigenous systems and drew a new redline against Pakistani terrorism, emphasizing fact-based communication.
A surrendered Maoist, Chhota Shyamlal Dehri, who was incarcerated in Hazaribag jail since 2021, allegedly committed suicide in his cell on Saturday. He used a rope and wire to hang himself from the ceiling fan. Jail authorities discovered the incident during the morning count, raising questions about how he obtained the rope.
Prime Minister Modi, addressing a women's empowerment rally in Bhopal, declared a new norm of disproportionate response to terrorist attacks, stating India will retaliate with greater force. He emphasized that the terrorists' challenge to India's 'nari shakti' in Pahalgam led to their destruction. Modi highlighted Operation Sindoor as a successful anti-terror operation, showcasing India's strength.
India has accused Pakistan of violating the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) due to persistent cross-border terrorism. At a conference in Tajikistan, Kirti Vardhan Singh condemned Pakistan's attempt to misuse the forum by raising IWT issues. Singh highlighted the need to reassess the treaty due to changed circumstances like technological advancements and climate change.
Valmik Thapar, a renowned conservationist, author, and documentarian, passed away at 73 after dedicating 50 years to tiger conservation in India. His encounter with Fateh Singh Rathore in Ranthambhore ignited a lifelong mission to protect tigers, leading to the establishment of the Ranthambhore Foundation and influencing national wildlife policy.
Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin visited his elder brother M K Alagiri at his Madurai residence on Saturday night, marking a significant reunion after years of estrangement. The visit, prompted by Alagiri's invitation, occurred after Stalin's roadshow in the city. This is the second time Stalin is meeting Alagiri in a long time, previously meeting in Vellore in 2024.
India's active Covid-19 cases have surpassed 3,000, with Kerala reporting the highest number. Recent data indicates a rise in cases over the past ten days, accompanied by a few deaths. Health officials are closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing that the infections appear mild and are primarily being managed at home, with genome sequencing identifying Omicron sub-variants as the cause.
A senior citizen couple successfully sued South Western Railway after being denied a refund for a train journey they couldn't undertake due to severe overcrowding. The consumer commission ruled in their favor, citing deficiency in service, and ordered a full refund along with compensation for mental agony and litigation costs.
The Bombay High Court declared Hemang Shah's arrest illegal due to the police's failure to produce him before a magistrate within 24 hours. Justices Gauri Godse and Somasekhar Sundaresan ordered his immediate release from Arthur Road Jail, citing a violation of Article 22(2) of the Constitution.
In a tragic incident in Bengal's Alipurduar, three members of a family, including a 35-day-old infant, lost their lives in an elephant attack. A herd of 20 elephants entered Kunjanagar village, and a stray tusker trampled Manoj Das to death. His mother, Makhanrani, and infant daughter, Manisha, were also killed in the attack as she rushed to help.
Vishnu Gupta, the Hindu Sena national president, has urged an Ajmer court to dismiss responses from the dargah committee and ASI denying the existence of a Shiva temple beneath the Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti dargah. Gupta, in his rejoinder, reaffirmed his claim and right to worship at the site, dismissing the respondents' replies as obstructing justice.
Shanti Ekambaram, Kotak Mahindra Bank's Deputy MD, will retire in October 2025 after three decades. Her departure follows Uday Kotak's exit and other senior leaders, including KVS Manian. Paritosh Kashyap is appointed as whole-time director, pending approval. Ekambaram's exit adds to the list of senior leaders who have exited since Uday Kotak's early retirement.
Kolkata's Iskcon Rath Yatra chariot, carrying Lord Jagannath, will roll on new Sukhoi fighter jet tyres, replacing the old Boeing 747 tyres. This change comes after a steering snag last year and a two-decade search for suitable replacements. The MRF-manufactured tyres will enhance manoeuvrability, safety, and stability, especially on Kolkata's tram-tracked roads, ensuring a smoother Yatra experience.
Salman Khurshid's recent remarks backing the nullification of Article 370 have stirred unease within the Congress party, especially after Shashi Tharoor's comments on surgical strikes. Khurshid, part of an all-party delegation, defended the abrogation in Indonesia, highlighting the subsequent elections and perceived prosperity in Jammu & Kashmir.
Following India's Operation Sindoor, Colombia initially expressed solidarity with Pakistan, drawing criticism. Shashi Tharoor led a delegation to Colombia, conveying India's firm stance against terrorism after the Pahalgam attack. Consequently, Colombia withdrew its statement and affirmed support for India's position, acknowledging India's right to defend its sovereignty.
In May, relentless shelling in Poonch near the LoC claimed 14 civilian lives and wounded over 65, leaving a trail of devastation and fear. Homes were destroyed, families displaced, and a seminary was attacked, resulting in casualties and false accusations against a religious teacher. While authorities offered support, the community grapples with loss, trauma, and lasting scars.
Amidst ongoing India-Pakistan tensions and a paused Operation Sindoor, Mehbooba Mufti, former J&K CM, urges an end to war's spectre for economic revival and peace. She criticizes the NC leadership for war-mongering, advocating dialogue and cautioning against escalating hostilities, emphasizing the suffering of J&K's people. Mufti also voiced concerns over crackdowns and the misuse of the Public Safety Act.
Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited the Akhnoor sector to assess operational readiness amidst Operation Sindoor, praising troops for their performance. He emphasized vigilance and acknowledged the BSF's integration with the Army, commending Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari's bravery. General Dwivedi also recognized ex-servicemen's contributions and reviewed the security situation in the Sunderbani sector.
Comptroller and Auditor General Sanjay Murthy announced the CAG's readiness to assist states in certifying municipal accounts to enhance transparency and attract private investment in urban infrastructure. The CAG will showcase best practices for municipalities, potentially assuring them of no audit objections if proven models are adopted.
India's active Covid-19 cases have surpassed 3,000, with Kerala reporting the highest infections. While new cases and deaths are recorded across states, health officials assure low severity and home care for most patients. ICMR confirms Omicron subvariants are driving the increase, urging vigilance but dismissing major concern.
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini honored Ahilyabai Holkar's 300th birth anniversary, urging citizens to emulate her service and promote girls' education, aligning with PM Modi's vision for a developed India. He announced a museum dedicated to Holkar and highlighted her reconstruction of pilgrimage sites.
The NIA conducted searches across 15 locations in 8 states, investigating a CRPF personnel, Moti Ram Jat, accused of sharing classified information with Pakistani intelligence officers. Jat, now dismissed and in custody, allegedly leaked sensitive data since 2023 in exchange for funds.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday announced that preparations for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra have been finalised, marking a significant milestone as the pilgrimage resumes after a hiatus of three years.
Relentless rainfall has triggered devastating landslides and flash floods across five Northeastern states, resulting in at least 18 fatalities and widespread displacement. Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and Sikkim are the most affected. The IMD has issued warnings for continued heavy rainfall, prompting disaster management authorities to ramp up relief efforts and evacuation measures.
Sharmishtha Panoli, an Instagram influencer, has been remanded to judicial custody until June 13 after being arrested by Kolkata Police for allegedly making communal remarks in a social media video criticizing Bollywood's silence on Operation Sindoor. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has criticized the arrest as appeasement politics, alleging selective action against Sanatanis while ignoring similar offenses by TMC leaders.
Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress president, criticized the Modi government. This followed CDS General Anil Chauhan's statements in Singapore. Kharge demanded a special Parliament session. He alleged the nation was misled. Chauhan dismissed Pakistan's claims about downed Indian warplanes. He spoke about Operation Sindoor. Jairam Ramesh echoed Kharge's concerns. He criticized the government's lack of transparency regarding the matter.
Jan Suraaj chief Prashant Kishore has intensified his criticism of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar after Kumar's recent gaffe of mixing PM Modi's name with Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Kishore accused BJP of imposing Kumar on Bihar's youth, citing concerns over his mental and physical health.
PM Modi commended BSF women's role in Operation Sindoor and asserted a firm stance against terrorism. General Chauhan refuted Pakistan's claims and Trump's nuclear conflict assertion at the Shangri-La Dialogue. An influencer was arrested for a communal video, while Indian metal exports face a US tariff hike. Jacob Bethell starred in an ODI, crediting Virat Kohli for his growth.
The demonstrations are part of the Indian Armys larger roadmap for a Decade of Transformation and aim to fast-track the absorption of emerging technologies, particularly those developed under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. A wide range of platforms is undergoing trials, showcasing the synergy between the Indian Army and indigenous defence manufacturers.
The Congress party is pressing the Centre for answers regarding the alleged loss of fighter jets, including Rafale aircraft, during Operation Sindoor, citing CDS General Anil Chauhan's remarks. They question the circumstances of the ceasefire with Pakistan and demand clarity on the Pahalgam terror attack.
The Delhi High Court has rejected Lalu Prasad Yadav's plea to halt trial court proceedings in the 'land-for-jobs' case. Yadav argued the CBI's investigation was invalid due to the lack of prior sanction under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The CBI countered, stating sanction was secured and Section 17A wasn't applicable, with the issue pending before the Supreme Court.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the BSF's women personnel for their bravery during Operation Sindoor, highlighting their crucial role in the successful counter-terrorism effort. He emphasized India's growing confidence in women's capabilities across various sectors, from defense to science. During the event, he released a commemorative coin for Ahilyabai Holkar and inaugurated development projects in Madhya Pradesh.
India is witnessing a resurgence of Covid-19, with active cases surpassing 2,500, led by Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi. Health Minister Prataprao Jadhav assures that the government is fully prepared with comprehensive measures and is closely monitoring the situation across all states.
CDS General Anil Chauhan met with his UK counterpart, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, to bolster defence cooperation, particularly in light of Operation Sindoor. Discussions centered on enhancing military collaboration and capacity building. General Chauhan is also set to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, engaging with defence leaders from numerous nations to address Indo-Pacific security challenges.
BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad criticized Pakistani protesters in Copenhagen, calling Pakistan a desperate country acting on handlers' orders. An Indian parliamentary delegation, promoting awareness of Operation Sindoor, faced the protests. The delegation, including MPs from various parties, highlighted Pakistan's alleged support for terrorism and misuse of IMF loans for anti-India activities, emphasizing cross-party unity against Pakistan's actions.
The MMRDA has decided to scrap tenders for the Mumbai Elevated Road and Road Tunnel Projects, valued at Rs 6,000 crore and Rs 8,000 crore respectively. This decision follows Larsen & Toubro's challenge to the rejection of its technical bids, with Megha Engineering initially declared the successful bidder.
The Supreme Court has instructed the National Board of Examinations (NBE) to conduct the NEET-PG exam in a single session for all 2.4 lakh candidates, instead of the previously planned two shifts. The court deemed the two-shift approach arbitrary, citing concerns about varying difficulty levels between question papers.
Chhattisgarh government has granted out-of-turn promotions to 295 police officers for their bravery in combating Maoists, aiming to eliminate Naxal insurgency by March 2026. These promotions recognize the exceptional courage displayed by lower and middle-rank personnel during anti-Naxal operations. Deputy CM Vijay Sharma emphasized the security forces' role in ending the era of Red terror in Bastar.
In a historic moment for the Indian Armed Forces, the first batch of 17 women cadets successfully passed out from the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune. These women marched alongside their male counterparts, showcasing their hard work and determination.