Congress accuses Modi government of compromising critical territorial interests with China amid growing economic ties.

Congress Criticizes Modi on China Relations

Congress challenges Modi's policies on China, citing territorial compromises and increasing economic reliance.

Indian Congress criticizes PM Modi's China relations amid territorial disputes and economic dependencies.

The Congress on Wednesday alleged that the celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties by India and China is a clear signal that the Modi government has decided to accept the "greatest loss of Indian territory in decades, surrendering over 2,000 sq km of land in Ladakh in the guise of disengagement".
In a statement, Congress General Secretary, Communications, Jairam Ramesh demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should take the people of the country into confidence and explain why he is normalising relations with China.
He said there is consistency in the prime minister's approach which started with his "clean chit" to China after the Galwan incident and alleged that the government has failed to assuage widespread concerns over the India-China agreement that represents a major "setback to India&rsquo;s territorial integrity and national interest".
"We reiterate our demand that the Prime Minister take the people into confidence on this issue of critical national importance and explain why we are normalising relations with China and deepening our economic dependence on them even as our territorial integrity remains so gravely compromised," Ramesh said in his statement.
He said yesterday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong jointly cut a cake to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and China and President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi exchanged greetings with their respective Chinese counterparts President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.
"What takes the cake is how this is a clear signal that the Modi government has decided to accept the greatest loss of Indian territory in decades, surrendering over 2,000 sq km of land in Ladakh in the guise of disengagement.
"There is a consistency in the PM&rsquo;s pusillanimous approach to China. It started with the infamous public clean chit he gave to China, when he declared 'Na koi hamari seema mein ghus aaya hai, na hi koi ghusa hua hai' on live television, only four days after 20 of our brave soldiers made the supreme sacrifice in Galwan on 15 June 2020," the Congress leader said.
"It continues today in the Modi Government&rsquo;s failure to safeguard our sovereignty while pursuing normalisation with China. More than four months after the signing of the disengagement agreement of 21 October 2024, the Indian government has failed to assuage widespread concerns that the agreement represents a major setback to India&rsquo;s territorial integrity and national interest," he said.
In this regard, he cited several "disturbing facts" that have been reported and alleged that the Modi government has emasculated the very idea of the patrol as a signal of territorial assertion.
Today, he said, Indian patrols need Chinese concurrence to access five locations in the strategically important Depsang Plains (Patrolling Points 10, 11, 11A, 12 and 13).
Chinese concurrence is also reportedly required for patrols in Demchok and Chumar.
"In Galwan, the 'buffer zone' that Indian troops are prevented from entering has been set 1 km inside the Indian claim line. This means Chinese troops are posted close to our claim line while Indian troops are more than 2.4 km away.
"In Hot Spring, the buffer zone has in effect moved the LAC 1-3 km inside the Indian claim line. In Pangong Tso, the &ldquo;buffer zone&rdquo; prevents our troops from going beyond Finger 3 when earlier they could go 10 km further to Finger 8," he said.
This, the Congress leader said, is nowhere close to the status quo that existed prior to April 2020 &ndash; which has been the consistent demand made by our Armed Forces and defence establishment.
Instead, it represents significant territorial losses for India vis-&agrave;-vis our position before April 2020, he claimed.
"Even amidst the Chinese incursions on our sovereignty, our economic dependence on China continues to grow. Chinese imports have exceeded USD 100 billion and are headed higher in 2024-25, with our trade deficit vis-&agrave;-vis China also hitting record highs...," Ramesh said.
India and China have made "promising" beginnings to repair their ties in the last five months and a "durable base" for rebuilding the relations depends on a threefold formula of mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Tuesday.
As two large neighbours in an important part of the world, a stable bilateral relationship between India and China would contribute to humanity as a whole, he said.
The foreign secretary was speaking at an event hosted by the Chinese embassy on the occasion of the establishment of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
It was for the first time that a high-level Indian official attended an event hosted by the Chinese embassy since the ties between the two neighbours came under severe strain following the clash at Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh in June 2020.
At the event, Misri said, "The path forward may be a difficult one, but it is the one that we are prepared to walk and it is on the basis of these steps that we have already taken in the last five months that we have seen promising beginnings, which we should turn into tangible benefit for the people of our two countries." "This will make today's celebration even more meaningful for the future," he had said.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi introduces Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament, focusing on transparent and efficient property management with tech enhancements.

PM Modi Drives Waqf Bill for Efficient Management

Prime Minister Modi elevates property management standards by proposing the Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament, incorporating technology for enhanced transparency and efficiency.

PM Modi advances Waqf Amendment Bill, aiming for transparent, efficient Waqf property management through tech-driven reforms.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a "bold step" by introducing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament.
Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju tabled the Bill in the Lok Sabha earlier in the day. It seeks to improve the administration of Waqf properties, introduce technology-driven management, address complexities and ensure transparency.
"The Waqf Bill was presented in Parliament today. This law was very necessary for India. PM Narendra Modi has taken a bold step after 75 years. I congratulate and express my thanks to him," Sarma told reporters in Jorhat. He expressed optimism that the law will be passed by both Houses of Parliament.
Tabling the Bill, which was examined and redrafted by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), Rijiju said the legislation has nothing to do with religion, but deals only with properties.
The minister also said the Waqf Bill will be renamed as Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) Bill.
According to the Bill, the Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be maintained, and a tenure will be fixed to ensure efficient dispute resolution.
It also proposes that non-Muslim members will be included in the central and state Waqf boards for inclusivity.
A centralised portal will automate Waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency, according to the legislation.

Punjab records an all-time high Excise revenue of Rs 10,743.72 crore in FY 2024-25, with total tax revenue reaching Rs 42,289.97 crore. Strong policies under CM Bhagwant Mann led to significant fiscal growth, supporting the 'Badlda Punjab' budget.

Punjab's Unprecedented Excise Revenue Growth Achieved

Under CM Bhagwant Mann's leadership, Punjab's Excise revenue reaches Rs 10,743.72 crore, up by 16.36%. Overall tax revenues hit Rs 42,289.97 crore, driven by transparent policies, effective enforcement, and new initiatives for economic growth.

Punjab hits fiscal milestone with Rs 42,289.97 crore revenue in FY 2024-25. Excise revenue surpasses Rs 10,743.72 crore. GST grows 12.99%, VAT rises 5.42%. Transparent policies and initiatives support economic growth and a historic budget.

Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise, and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday announced that the state's Excise and Taxation Department has reported a record-breaking Excise revenue of Rs 10,743.72 crore for the financial year 2024-25, marking an impressive annual growth rate of 16.36 percent compared to the previous fiscal year.
He said that the state&rsquo;s total revenue collection from VAT, CST, GST, PSDT, and Excise during FY 2024-25 stood at Rs 42289.97 crore, showcasing a growth rate of 12.47 percent crossing the Rs 40,000 crore threshold for the first time in the state's history.
Disclosing this in a press communiqu&eacute; issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema attributed the remarkable growth in Excise collection to the successful excise policies implemented by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government.
He said that the state witnessed a notable rise of Rs 598.72 crore in Excise revenue, surpassing the target of Rs 10145 crore for FY 2024-25.
In March 2025, Punjab achieved a remarkable 30.67 percent growth rate in Excise revenue, collecting Rs 1477.04 crore, a significant increase from Rs 1130.37 crore in March 2024. He said that this achievement marks the first time the state has crossed the five-digit mark in Excise revenue.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema further revealed that the state has also witnessed a net annual growth rate of 12.99 percent in Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections, with a net annual collection of Rs 23,642.15 crore compared to Rs 20,923.37 crore in the previous fiscal year. &ldquo;
In March 2025, the state recorded a net GST collection of Rs 1,913.82 crore, reflecting an 8.63 percent growth compared to Rs 1,761.70 crore in March 2024&rdquo;, said the Finance Minister while adding that Punjab has also achieved an annual collection of Rs 7,353.32 crore from Value Added Tax (VAT), up from Rs 6,975.3 crore in the previous fiscal year, registering a growth rate of 5.42 percent.
Finance Minister Cheema attributed these achievements to the transparent excise policies implemented by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government, and the enforcement activities of the Excise and Taxation Department which successfully curbed liquor smuggling from neighboring states.
He said that the department has also enhanced GST revenue by promoting tax compliance through initiatives such as the "Bill Liayo Inam Pao" scheme and by leveraging technological solutions, the Tax Intelligence Unit, and strengthened enforcement activities.
&nbsp;He said that the department has adopted a two-pronged strategy, which encompasses providing unwavering support to honest taxpayers while simultaneously cracking down on tax evaders, thereby ensuring a fair and transparent taxation system.
The Finance Minister emphasized that these efforts to boost the state's tax revenue have enabled the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government to present a historic "Badlda Punjab" budget, aimed at ushering in an era of economic and social development for the state.
He said that the state government would continue to opt for new initiatives to further improve the tax revenue without imposing any new tax burden on the people of the state.

Chairperson Raj Lali Gill of Punjab State Women's Commission condemns the assault on a minor in Patiala, demanding justice and enhanced student safety measures.

Punjab Commission Demands Justice for Assaulted Minor

Punjab State Women's Commission, led by Chairperson Raj Lali Gill, strongly condemns the assault on a 12-year-old in Patiala. Emphasizing a call for justice, the Commission urges prompt action against the accused while advocating for safety measures for student transport.

Raj Lali Gill, Punjab State Women's Commission Chairperson, condemns the assault on a minor in Patiala, ensuring swift justice and emphasizing preventive measures for student safety.

Punjab State Women Commission Chairperson Raj Lali Gill strongly condemns the horrific crime against 12-year-old girl in Patiala as reported in the media. She expressed deep dissatisfaction by this incident and stands in solidarity with the survivor and her family in this time of distress.&nbsp;
As per reports, an auto driver has been arrested for sexually assaulting and impregnating a minor. An FIR has been registered under Sections 65(2) and 68 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The Commission urges the law enforcement agencies to ensure a swift and thorough investigation so that the accused is brought to justice without delay.&nbsp;
Chairperson of the Punjab State Commission for Women, Ms. Raj Lali Gill has taken suo motu cognizance of the case and sought a detailed report from the concerned authorities.
"This is a grave violation of a child's rights and a brutal crime that cannot be tolerated in our society. We demand the strictest possible punishment for the accused. The Commission will closely monitor the proceedings to ensure that justice is served," said the Chairperson.&nbsp;
Additionally, the Commission is coordinating with local authorities to provide all necessary medical, psychological and legal support to the survivor.
The Commission urges the public to remain vigilant and report any instances of abuse or exploitation to the authorities immediately.&nbsp;
Furthermore, the Commission recommends that all vehicles used for student transportation be thoroughly checked and properly documented.
It is imperative that such vehicles be equipped with emergency kits, GPS tracking systems, speed monitors, fire extinguishers and emergency exits to ensure the safety of children.
Additionally, all drivers operating these vehicles must undergo mandatory police verification to ensure the safety and security of students. Regular inspection and monitoring should be conducted to maintain compliance with these safety measures.&nbsp;
The Punjab State Commission for Women remains committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of women and children. The Commission calls upon all stakeholders, including the police, judiciary and civil society to work together in creating a safer environment for our children.

PSPCL accomplishes a peak capacity of 70 lakh tonnes at Pachhwara Mine, enhancing Punjab's energy security and achieving significant cost savings.

PSPCL Achieves Peak Coal Capacity Milestone

Punjab State Power Corporation Limited hits a milestone by reaching peak coal capacity at Pachhwara Mine, saving Rs. 950 crore and ensuring energy security for Punjab.

PSPCL reaches peak coal capacity at Pachhwara Mine, saving Rs. 950 crore, enhancing energy security and power stability.

In a major advancement toward ensuring uninterrupted and cost-effective coal supply for Its thermal power plants, the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has reached a significant milestone by achieving the peak rated capacity of 70 lakh tonnes at its Pachhwara Central Coal Mine in Financial Year 2024-25, informed Power Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO in a press communique issued here today.
The Cabinet Minister S. Harbhajan &nbsp;Singh ETO said that the Pachhwara Mine, which had remained non-operational since March 31, 2015, was successfully revived in December 2022 under the proactive leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann. Since its revival, the mine has supplied 115 lakh tonnes of coal to PSPCL's thermal power stations, generating estimated savings of Rs.950 crore compared to Cost of coal procured from Coal India Limited (CIL), significantly reducing power generation costs.
The Cabinet Minister said, achieving peak rated capacity at Pachhwara Mine showcased that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is committed to energy security, operational efficiency and financial prudence, adding that this milestone will enhance self-reliance in coal procurement, diminishes dependence on external sources and stabilizes power supply for Punjab.
Commenting on the achievement, Power Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO said, "This remarkable success at Pachhwara Mine showing department's dedication toward enhancing Punjab's energy security. By ensuring a steady and economical supply of coal, we are committed to providing reliable and affordable electricity to consumers."
This achievement is expected to further strengthen the state's power infrastructure and help maintain stable electricity tariffs, he added.
The Cabinet Minister further said that with the operationalization of the mine, PSPCL has transferred its Coal India linkage to independent power producers (IPPs) at Talwandi Sabo and Rajpura under the flexi policy, eliminating the need for imported or alternative coal, which also had contributed to conserving to valuable foreign Exchange for our country.
The availability of high-quality coal has significantly improved the Plant Load Factor (PLF) of PSPCL's own thermal power plants.

Punjab Police's Counter Intelligence Unit arrested Sukhdev Singh, thwarting a heroin smuggling operation, seizing 3.5 kg of heroin. Authorities focus on dismantling the network, targeting Pakistani links.

Punjab Police Bust Major Heroin Smuggling Ring

In a major crackdown, Punjab Police arrested Sukhdev Singh, disrupting a cross-border heroin smuggling operation. 3.5 kg of heroin was seized. Investigations uncover links to a Pakistani smuggler, with efforts underway to dismantle the entire operation network.

Punjab Police arrested Sukhdev Singh, seizing 3.5 kg heroin. Ties with a Pakistani smuggler were found. The operation involved drones. Authorities are dismantling the network, targeting further arrests.

Amidst the ongoing war against drugs waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence (CI) Ferozepur has busted a cross-border drug smuggling racket with the arrest of a drug smuggler and recovered 3.5 kg heroin from his possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Tuesday.
The arrested accused has been identified as Sukhdev Singh alias Sukhi, a resident of Mohan Ke Uttar in Ferozepur. Apart from recovering heroin, police teams have also impounded his Hero Splendor motorcycle (PB-05-AM-5620), which he was riding.&nbsp;
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation revealed that the arrested accused was in direct contact with the Pakistan-based smuggler, who was using drones to drop the drug consignments from across the border.
Further investigation is undergoing to trace the forward and backward linkages in this case, he added.&nbsp;
Sharing operation details, AIG Counter Intelligence Ferozepur Gursewak Singh Brar said that following a reliable input about involvement of accused Sukhdev Sukhi in smuggling activities, police teams from CI Ferozepur launched an intelligence-based operation in the area of Village Lakho Ke Behram in Ferozepur and apprehended him along with seven packets of heroin, weighing 500 grams each, kept in a plastic bag.
He said that the accused was going to deliver the consignment to someone, when police teams apprehended him.
Efforts are being made to uncover the entire network of suppliers, dealers, and buyers, as well as to identify the person to whom accused Sukhdev Sukhi was to deliver the drug consignment, he said, while adding that more recoveries and arrests are likely in the coming days.
In this regard, a case FIR No. 10 dated 31.03.2025 has been registered under section 21-C of the NDPS Act at Police Station State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), Fazilka.
The accused will be produced before the Hon&rsquo;ble Court to obtain police remand for further investigation.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 in Lok Sabha, aiming to enhance transparency, include non-Muslim members in Waqf boards, and redefine property management rules.

Contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill tabled in Lok Sabha

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 in Lok Sabha, aiming to enhance transparency, include non-Muslim members in Waqf boards, and redefine property management rules.

Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday tabled the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha, which seeks to improve the functioning of Waqf properties, address complexities, ensure transparency and introduce technology-driven management.
Tabling the Bill, which was examined and redrafted by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), Rijiju said the legislation has nothing to do with religion, but deals only with properties.
"The government is not going to interfere in any religious institution. The changes made in the Waqf law by the UPA government gave it overriding effect over other statutes, hence the new amendments were required," Rijiju said amid noisy opposition protest, adding, "You (opposition) tried to mislead the people on issues which are not part of the Waqf Bill."
Rijiju also claimed the consultation process of the JPC was the largest ever exercise carried out by a parliamentary panel in India's democratic history.
The minister said more than 97.27 lakh petitions and memorandums were received by the JPC through physical and online formats and the JPC had gone through each of them before finalising its report.
As many as 284 delegations submitted their views on the Bill besides the Waqf boards of 25 states and Union Territories, he said.
Legal luminaries, charitable organisations, academicians and religious leaders, among others, also submitted their opinions, Rijiju added.
"Waqf is controlling the third largest pool of properties in the country after railways and defence. The railways and defence properties belong to the nation, but Waqf properties are private in nature. It is unfair to compare them with the land banks of railways and armed forces," he said.
The minister further alleged that ordinary Muslims were misled for vote-bank politics for 70 years as no benefits were received by them from such a large pool of land bank.
"Why the Waqf properties are not used for the benefit and welfare of the ordinary, poor and downtrodden Muslims? These properties will have to be used for the welfare of the common Muslims," Rijiju said.
As of 2004, a total of 4.9 lakh properties were held by the Waqf and their income was just Rs 163 crore, he said.
After the 2013 amendment, the minister said, the income has gone up by just Rs 3 crore to Rs 166 crore.
"We can't accept such meagre income from such a huge bank of properties. The income should have been at least Rs 12,000 crore. Waqf property has to be used for poor Muslims, and the Waqf Bill is needed to achieve this purpose," he said.
Stating that the law will be prospective, not restrospective, and will not snatch away anyone's property, Rijiju said that when the Citizenship (Amendment) Act was enacted in 2019, the opposition claimed the rights of the Muslims will be taken away, and their citizenship rights will be snatched.
"Tell me now, citizenship rights of how many Muslims were taken away ever since the CAA came into force? Not even one. You should apologise for misleading the people on the CAA. The country will remember for ages who is supporting and who is opposing the Waqf Bill," he said.
The minister also said the Waqf Bill will be renamed as Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) Bill.
As of now, the number of total Waqf properties is around 8.72 lakh and had they been managed efficiently, fortunes of not only the Muslims, but the whole country would have changed, Rijiju said.
"You will see the transformational impact just within a year. A new dawn will come. That is why the common Muslims are whole-heartedly supporting the Bill," he said.
Referring to the power to be vested in the state governments, Rijiju said the Waqf boards will be appointed by the states.
"The state governments will have full authority as land is a state subject. The boards will be fully under the state governments, and the Central government will have no control over them," the minister said.
He also said a special provision has been incorporated in the Bill that no properties in the tribal areas could be declared as Waqf property.
The minister went on to describe as "most draconian" Section 40 of the original Act, which empowers the Waqf Board to investigate and decide whether a property is a Waqf property.
Rijiju said there were many instances of the "misuse" of the earlier law, citing the examples of a gurdwara in Haryana which was declared as Waqf, and properties of 600 families in Kerala which were also declared the same.
"That is why many organisations, including Christian groups, have sought the act's immediate implementation," he said.
The Limitation Act, 1963, will now apply to Waqf property claims, reducing prolonged litigation, he said.
Rijiju also introduced another Bill -- The Mussalman Waqf (Repeal) Bill, 2024 -- for consideration and passage in the House.
According to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be maintained, and a tenure will be fixed to ensure efficient dispute resolution.
As per the Bill, while Waqf institutions' mandatory contribution to Waqf Boards reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, Waqf institutions earning over Rs 1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored auditors.
A centralised portal will automate Waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency.
The Bill also proposes that practising Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate their property to Waqf, restoring pre-2013 rules.
Also, women must receive their inheritance before Waqf declaration, with special provisions for widows, divorced women and orphans.
The Bill also proposes that an officer above the rank of collector will investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.
In case of disputes, the senior government official will have the final say on whether a property belongs to Waqf or the government.
This replaces the existing system where such decisions are made by Waqf tribunals.
The Bill also proposes that non-Muslim members will be included in the central and state Waqf boards for inclusivity.
Earlier, Speaker Om Birla rejected the opposition's objections that the government had no power to insert new provisions in the amended Bill.
Intervening in opposition's objections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the Bill was tabled after a long process of consultations carried out by the JPC.
Shah said the Bill was first introduced in August 2024 after which, as sought by the House, it was referred to the JPC, which held long consultations on it.
The JPC report was approved by the Union Cabinet before the Bill was tabled in the House.
"This is a democratic committee. This committee did not act like the Congress-constituted committee. It followed proper procedure and consultations," Shah said.

An early morning fire in Dwarka Sector-24, Delhi, led to the destruction of eleven cars in a garage. Delhi Fire Services acted promptly, ensuring no injuries. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with no casualties reported.

Fire Destroys Cars in Delhi’s Dwarka Garage

A severe fire in Dwarka Sector-24, Delhi, destroyed eleven cars. The Delhi Fire Services effectively managed the situation, ensuring no injuries occurred. The incident's cause is yet unidentified with investigations underway.

A fire in Dwarka Sector-24, Delhi, destroyed eleven cars early Wednesday. The Delhi Fire Services quickly controlled the blaze without reported injuries. Investigations to determine the cause are underway. The fire was extinguished by 4:30 am.

Eleven cars were gutted in a fire in a garage in Delhi's Dwarka Sector-24 in the early hours of Wednesday, an official said. No one was reported injured in the blaze.
Nine fire tenders were dispatched to control the fire, he said.
A call regarding the fire in a garage in Dhul Siras in the Dwarka area was received at 2.58 am on Wednesday, a Delhi Fire Services official said. The firefighting operation went on till 4.05 am, he said.
Eleven cars were gutted in the fire and some spare parts were damaged, he added.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Ankit Singh said they received information about the fire at 3.12 am at Dwarka Sector 23 Police Station.
Ritik, the owner of the garage that caught fire, said 10 to 12 cars parked near Shri Shyam Automobile caught fire, the DCP was quoted as saying in a statement.
"The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained and investigations on the incident are still on," the DCP said.
The fire was completely extinguished around 4.30 am and no one was injured, he added.&nbsp;

Punjab Police in Amritsar disrupted a potential attack by arresting Jaiveer Tyagi, linked to ISI, with a captured grenade.

Punjab Police Foil Terror Plot, Arrest ISI Operative

Punjab Police arrested Jaiveer Tyagi in Amritsar, seizing a grenade and averting a planned ISI-linked terror attack, highlighting effective law enforcement efforts.

Punjab Police arrested ISI-linked Jaiveer Tyagi, seizing a grenade and thwarting a terror plot in Amritsar.

In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has averted a possible terror attack in the state with the arrest of an operative linked to Pakistan&rsquo;s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency and recovered one hand grenade from his possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Tuesday.
The arrested accused has been identified as Jaiveer Tyagi alias Jawed, a native of Village Baroli in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh (UP) and currently residing in Ludhiana.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that CI Amritsar teams has received an input revealing about the Abroad-based individual identified as Sehlam, who is working for Pak-ISI agency, along with his cousin identified as Jaiveer Tyagi has been hatching a conspiracy to target the government infrastructure through terror attacks in various cities to disturb peace and harmony of the state.
The input further revealed that Jaiveer Tyagi has also retrieved the consignment of hand grenade from the area of Amritsar and is waiting for his other accomplices near Tara Wala Pul in Amritsar to commit a major crime, he said, while adding that acting swiftly on credible inputs, police teams from CI Amritsar launched an intelligence led operation and apprehended accused Jaiveer Tyagi after recovering one hand grenade from his possession.
The DGP said that further investigations revealed that arrested accused Jaiveer had been residing in Ludhiana for the last 14-15 years and was in contact with Sehlam through encrypted messaging apps.
Probe has also revealed that on Sehlam&rsquo;s instructions, accused Jaiveer had procured the grenade, he said, while adding that further investigations are on to establish forward and backward linkages in this case.
A case has been registered under section 25 of the Arms Act, sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act, and sections 61(2) and 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) in Amritsar.

India's manufacturing PMI soared to 58.1 in March, an eight-month high, fueled by robust demand. Strong new orders and optimism for future output underscore the sector's health.

India Manufacturing Growth: March PMI Peak

India's manufacturing PMI soared to an eight-month high of 58.1 in March, driven by robust new orders and strong demand. The sector's growth leads to optimistic forecasts for future output.

India's manufacturing PMI surged to 58.1 in March, marking an eight-month high due to strong demand. The New Orders Index fueled growth, prompting firms to boost production and draw down inventories.

India's manufacturing sector growth rose to an eight-month high in March, driven by quicker increases in factory orders and production amid buoyant demand conditions, a monthly survey said on Wednesday.
The seasonally adjusted HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) was at 58.1 in March, up from 56.3 in February, indicating a substantial improvement in the health of the sector that was above its long-run average.
In February, India's manufacturing PMI fell to a 14-month low amid softer increase in new orders and production.
In PMI parlance, a print above 50 means expansion, while a score below 50 denotes contraction.
Manufacturing sector growth in India recovered the ground lost in February, largely driven by a stronger contribution from its largest sub-component: the New Orders Index.
"March saw total sales expand to the greatest extent since July 2024, with companies remarking on positive customer interest, favourable demand conditions and successful marketing initiatives," the survey noted.
Accordingly, firms scaled up production volumes at the end of the 2024/25 fiscal year. The rate of expansion was sharp, above its historical average and the strongest in eight months.
Although new export orders continued to increase strongly in March, the pace of growth retreated to a three-month low. Panellists cited gains from Asia, Europe and the Middle East in terms of international sales.
"Although international orders slightly slowed, overall demand momentum remained robust, and the new orders index recorded an eight-month high of 61.5. Strong demand prompted firms to tap into their inventories, causing the fastest drop in finished goods stocks in over three years," said Pranjul Bhandari, Chief India Economist at HSBC, said.
Buoyant demand led companies to tap into their inventories to meet increased client appetite, resulting in the most rapid decline in finished goods stocks since January 2022.
The survey participants underpinned upbeat forecasts for output levels in the coming 12 months on favourable demand conditions, better customer relations and projects pending approval.
"Going ahead, business expectations remained fairly optimistic, with around 30 per cent of survey participants foreseeing greater output volumes in the year ahead, compared to less than 2 per cent that anticipate a contraction," Bhandari said.
The HSBC India Manufacturing PMI is compiled by S&amp;P Global from responses to questionnaires sent to purchasing managers in a panel of around 400 manufacturers.&nbsp;

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The Central government on Saturday announced that it will support the children orphaned by Covid-19 and will ensure their free education. In a release, it said that the children who lost parents to the&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;will get a monthly stipend once they turn 18 and a fund of Rs 10 lakh when they turn 23 from PM CARES. The government will also assist them to get higher education loans and the PM CARES will pay the interest.

Centre to assist kids orphaned by Covid-19 with higher education loan

The Central government on Saturday announced that it will support the children orphaned by Covid-19 and will ensure their free education. In a release, it said that the children who lost parents to the&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;will get a monthly stipend once they turn 18 and a fund of Rs 10 lakh when they turn 23 from PM CARES. The government will also assist them to get higher education loans and the PM CARES will pay the interest.

Covid-19: Centre to support orphaned kids, ensures free education
PM CARES to give a monthly stipend,&nbsp;₹ 10lakh&nbsp;at 23 to orphaned kids
Centre to help in higher education loans, interest to be paid via PM CARES&nbsp;

CM Mamata Banerjee announces TMC-led protests on April 4-5 against medicine price hike, urging public support and communal peace during Ram Navami.

Mamata Leads Protests Against Medicine Price Hike

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee announces statewide protests on April 4-5 against medicine price hike, urging peace during Ram Navami celebrations.

Mamata Banerjee announces TMC-led protests on April 4-5 against Central Government's medicine price hike, urging communal peace during Ram Navami.

In response to the Central Government's decision to raise medicine prices, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Wednesday that her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), will organize statewide protests on April 4-5.&nbsp;
Expressing her dismay, Banerjee urged an immediate reversal of the decision, stating, "I am shocked at the decision to hike prices of medicines. It cannot be accepted. I call for immediate withdrawal of the price rise." Her remarks came as she addressed reporters at the state secretariat.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the TMC's demonstrations will cover "every block and ward" across the state, aiming to voice strong opposition to the medicine price increase.
In addition, Banerjee appealed for communal harmony, urging people from all communities to ensure peace during the upcoming Ram Navami celebrations and to disregard any circulating rumors.&nbsp;
The protests highlight the TMC's stance against the Centre's policy changes as they seek to rally public support in opposition to the recent price hike.

An Instagram influencer and his driver in Thane, Maharashtra, face rape charges under the pretense of a job offer. They allegedly threatened and assaulted a 19-year-old woman. The case underscores online safety risks.

Instagram Influencer Charged with Rape in Thane

In a shocking case from Thane, an Instagram influencer and his driver are accused of raping a woman under the pretense of a job offer. Allegations include threats with a firearm and attempted extortion. Legal actions are underway.

Surendra Patil, an Instagram influencer, and his driver are accused of raping a woman under a false job promise at Mumbai airport. Patil allegedly threatened her with a gun, sought to release compromising media, and misused social media.

In a disturbing incident, a case has been registered by the police against an Instagram influencer and his driver for allegedly raping a 19-year-old woman from Nashik, under the pretext of offering her a job at Mumbai's international airport.
The incident allegedly occurred between February 16 and March 29, according to an official statement made on Wednesday.
The primary accused, Surendra Patil, a resident of Thakurli near Dombivli, is known for his social media presence through short videos on Instagram.
The victim, in her complaint at the Manpada police station, accused Patil of sexual assault, threats, and intimidation.
According to the FIR, the woman became acquainted with Patil via Instagram. She claims that Patil invited her to his office, where he allegedly assaulted her at gunpoint and threatened to harm her parents if she did not comply.
On March 29, Patil reportedly threatened to release incriminating audio and video recordings of her on social media, attempted to molest her when she resisted entry into his office, and subjected her to additional abuse with his driver.
The authorities have charged Patil and his driver under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including section 64 (rape), section 74 (assault or use of criminal force to outrage a woman's modesty), section 115 (2) (causing hurt), section 351(2) (criminal conspiracy), and section 3(5) (common intention), along with relevant sections of the Arms Act.
Patil, however, refuted the claims, labeling them as false and an attempt to extort money from him.
He is also currently under scrutiny for allegedly misusing a licensed firearm, filming videos while seated in a senior police officer's chair at the Manpada police station, and showcasing substantial amounts of cash in his online content, according to police sources.&nbsp;
The case shines a spotlight on the broader issues of online deception and the misuse of social media platforms for criminal activities.

The Rajasthan High Court has denied interim bail for Asaram, seeking more documentation. Allegations of breached bail conditions and medical needs are focal points as the legal process continues.

Rajasthan High Court Denies Bail to Asaram

Rajasthan High Court denies Asaram interim bail, requesting additional documents amid claims of breached bail conditions. Further legal proceedings are anticipated, focusing on the validity of past bail adherence and medical justifications.

Rajasthan High Court denies Asaram interim bail. Legal team asked to counter claims of breached conditions while on previous bail. His medical needs scrutinized as future hearings continue.

The Rajasthan High Court refused to grant interim bail to Asaram, who is currently serving a life sentence in a rape case. The court instructed his lawyer to file an affidavit addressing the alleged violation of bail conditions at the next hearing scheduled for April 7.
During the hearing, which lasted around 30 minutes, the government advocate argued against granting interim bail, claiming Asaram had violated the Supreme Court's conditions by preaching while on bail. Asaram&rsquo;s counsel, however, denied these allegations.
The court has also requested details about Asaram&rsquo;s medical treatment received during his previous interim bail and questioned the necessity for such care moving forward.
Asaram returned to Jodhpur Central Jail on April 1 at 1:30 PM after his bail period expired, only to be transferred to a private hospital later that night. No official explanation has been provided for his hospitalization.
Previously, Asaram was granted three months of interim bail by the Gujarat High Court. Despite this, he remains in custody as the Rajasthan High Court has not provided similar relief.
On Tuesday, after the reopening of the Rajasthan High Court, Asaram's lawyer, Nishant Bora, appealed for an urgent hearing of his bail application, leading to Wednesday&rsquo;s court session.
The court also requested affidavits from both Asaram and the victim concerning his bail application. The victim's lawyer opposed further bail, citing past violations of court conditions.
The case was heard by a division bench of Justice Dinesh Mehta and Justice Vineet Kumar Mathur. They specifically questioned whether Asaram had breached the Supreme Court&rsquo;s conditions by delivering sermons. Asaram&rsquo;s legal team was directed to provide an affidavit to address these accusations.
The Supreme Court initially granted interim bail on January 14, extended by the Jodhpur High Court until March 31.
Although the Gujarat High Court extended interim bail for three months concerning a case in Surat, Asaram remains incarcerated due to the pending Rajasthan case.
Asaram was convicted in two major sexual assault cases: the Jodhpur case in 2013, for raping a minor girl, and the more recent Gujarat case in Gandhinagar for repeated sexual assault, each resulting in life imprisonment.

India's Parliament approves the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 to unify immigration laws. The move faced opposition but targets global educational and economic standards.

India's 2025 Immigration Bill Approved

The Rajya Sabha passes the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, streamlining India's immigration laws for improved education and economic standards.

India's Parliament passes the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 to streamline laws. The bill faced opposition but aims for world-class education and economy.

Parliament approved a bill to regulate immigration, entry and stay of foreigners in India, with the Rajya Sabha giving its nod on Wednesday.
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 was passed in Lok Sabha on March 27, 2025. The Rajya Sabha passed the Bill by voice vote on Wednesday.
Replying to the discussion on the Bill, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai attacked the previous Congress government and the TMC dispensation in West Bengal for "aiding" illegal immigrants enter the country and "facilitating" their stay by including their names in voters' list and ration cards.
This was strongly objected to by the Congress and TMC members, who along with other opposition parties, staged a walkout from the Upper House.
Rai said, "As many as 26 members expressed their views on the Bill. It was necessary to bring this Bill to make our universities, education system and economy world class level." He explained that the law was scattered and the Bill will unified this legal framework.
About the suggestion on referring the Bill to the standing committee, he stated that this Bill was brought after deep study of three years.
Rai stated that the Immigration Bureau is already in existence which was questioned by members.
The bureau will be the only agency to deal with issues related to immigration and this is the system which is being followed worldwide.
He said that all those people are welcomed in the country who will come here for education and aiding research and development work.

SpiceJet restarts flights, Air India Express debuts in Nepal, increasing connectivity. Tribhuvan Airport extends hours for enhanced operations.

 Nepal has approved the operations of two Indian airlines

SpiceJet resumes flights, Air India Express launches new routes to Nepal. Enhanced India-Nepal connectivity with extended operational hours at Tribhuvan Airport.

SpiceJet resumes operations, and Air India Express launches new services to Nepal, enhancing connectivity. Tribhuvan Airport extends operational hours to support increased flight activities and maintenance.

Two Indian airlines have been allowed to operate regular flights to and from Nepal, according to the Himalayan nation's civil aviation authority.
SpiceJet, which had regular flights to Nepal before the COVID-19 pandemic, and Air India Express, making its debut in the country, have received scheduled approval and slots from Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), according to Hansa Raj Pandey, spokesperson at the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN).
SpiceJet, which mainly flew from Delhi to Kathmandu before its hiatus, will operate daily flights, while Air India Express has received approval for two flights per day.
Currently, Air India and Indigo conduct flights between Nepal and India. With the addition of SpiceJet and Air India Express, there will be four Indian airlines operating regular flights between the two countries.
Meanwhile, maintenance work on the taxiway at TIA, which previously required flight suspensions, continued its service without halting flights starting April 1.
The airport started operating for 18 hours daily, from 6 am to midnight, from Tuesday, according to Pandey.
Since the third week of October, the airport has been operating for 14 hours daily to allow maintenance work.

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