INDIA

Sonu Nigam, the acclaimed Bollywood playback singer, is set to perform a monumental live concert at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar on October 26, 2025. This event marks a significant cultural milestone for the Kashmir Valley, being the first large-scale Bollywood concert in the region since the Pahalgam attack in April. Curated by NDTV Good Times, the concert will feature a blend of Sonu Nigam's iconic Bollywood hits alongside a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Mohammed Rafi, commemorating his centenary. Nigam, known for his deep admiration of Rafi, expressed his excitement, stating, “Celebrating his legacy at Dal Lake in Kashmir, celebrating the zest of Kashmir, is going to be really wonderful and special.” The SKICC, situated on the s...

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said that the Narendra Modi-led government has dismantled every barrier protecting terrorism, from the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir to the recent Operation Sindoor. Speaking at the 41st Raising Day of the National Security Guard (NSG) at its headquarters in Manesar, Shah said that the government’s counter-terrorism policy is guided by “zero tolerance” and comprehensive reform. He highlighted several measures taken under this policy, including amendments to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the introduction of clearer definitions of terrorism in criminal laws, and the banning of organisations such as the Popular Front of India (PFI). Shah said that Operation Sindoor successfully targeted Pakistani terror base...

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued an alert against three “substandard” oral cough syrups identified in India — Coldrif, Respifresh TR and ReLife — and urged national regulatory authorities worldwide to immediately notify it if these are detected in their country. It has also advised healthcare professionals to report the detection of these substandard products and any incident of adverse effects, or lack of expected effects to their national regulatory authorities or National Pharmacovigilance Centre. The alert comes after at least 22 children, mostly under the age of five, have died due to suspected kidney failure after being administered Coldrif in Madhya Pradesh. Besides, at least three children have allegedly died in Rajasthan after consuming cough syrup in different d...

Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh on Friday claimed that the IAF destroyed 9 to 10 Pakistani fighter jets, including U.S.-made F-16s and Chinese-Pakistani JF-17s, during Operation Sindoor conducted in May 2025. The operation was launched in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam and targeted multiple strategic sites across Pakistan. The IAF chief stated that the strikes achieved all military objectives efficiently and decisively, describing the operation as a significant success for India’s defense capabilities. According to him, the destroyed aircraft included some of Pakistan’s most advanced fighters, highlighting the effectiveness of India’s air and ground defense systems, including the S-400 air defense system. Addressing Pakistan’s claims ...

Haryana IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar, a 2001-batch officer, was found dead at his residence in Chandigarh on October 7, 2025. The incident occurred in a soundproof basement of his home, and preliminary reports suggest a gunshot wound as the cause of death. A nine-page note and a will were recovered from the scene, though authorities have not released details about their contents, as per multiple reports. The circumstances surrounding his death have prompted widespread concern and discussions about administrative pressures and caste-based discrimination in government services. Kumar was widely known for his outspoken stance against caste-based discrimination and administrative irregularities within the police force. During his career, he repeatedly raised concerns about delayed promo...

A disturbing case of alleged custodial torture has emerged from Muzaffarnagar, where a 13-year-old boy reportedly lost vision in one eye after being allegedly beaten while in police custody. The boy’s father, Showkat Ahmad, said the incident occurred after his son made an announcement at a local mosque about the reopening of their chicken shop, which had been closed for two weeks. “He went to the mosque and told people that chicken would be sold at ₹140 per kg. Someone complained, and he was picked up by police,” he said. Neighbours later informed the family about the boy being taken away, a claim supported by nearby CCTV footage. “When I went to the police station, my son was behind bars with his feet tied. The police told me it was a small matter and asked us to return later,” the fath...

On Monday, Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai narrowly escaped an attack in the Supreme Court when a lawyer, Rakesh Kishore, approached the dais, removed his shoe, and attempted to strike him. The incident took place during hearings related to the restoration of a beheaded Lord Vishnu idol. Security personnel intervened immediately, preventing the assault. Kishore reportedly declared that insults to Sanatan Dharma “will not be tolerated,” framing the act as a protest in defense of Hindu religious sentiments. Prime Minister Modi condemned the incident as an "utterly condemnable" act that "angered every Indian." He expressed his appreciation for CJI Gavai's composure during the incident, stating that it highlighted his commitment to the values of justice and the Constitution. PM Modi al...

In a major development in Chhattisgarh, 103 Maoists, including 23 women, surrendered in the Bijapur district of the Bastar division. Among them, 49 cadres carried bounties totaling over ₹1.06 crore, reflecting their prominence within the Maoist ranks. Officials said the surrendered cadres cited disillusionment with Maoist ideology and a desire for a peaceful life. Each individual received immediate financial assistance of ₹50,000 under the state’s Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy, aimed at facilitating reintegration into mainstream society. Since December 2023, approximately 1,476 Maoists have surrendered in the state, including senior cadres and women members of militia and cultural wings. Recent instances also include 29 cadres in Narayanpur and 16–33 in Sukma, many carrying ...

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday called upon the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to play a leading role in building a peaceful and progressive Union Territory, saying it was essential to fulfill Mahatma Gandhi’s vision. Speaking at the Gandhi Jayanti programme at SKICC Srinagar, Sinha said, “Bapu used to say, be the change you want to see in society. In 1921, he urged people to face challenges with courage. Over the last 11 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has transformed the nation on that path.” He highlighted several achievements of the country, including extending life insurance coverage to over 51 crore people and India becoming the world’s second-largest smartphone manufacturer. "The Swadeshi spirit that Gandhiji promoted is once again gaining momentum in India,” he s...

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday increased Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) by 3 per cent for about 49.19 lakh central government employees and 68.72 lakh pensioners. The DA/DR increase of 3 per cent over the existing rate of 55 per cent of the basic pay/pension to compensate against the price rise is effective July 1, 2025. The combined impact on the exchequer on account of an increase in DA and DR will be Rs 10,083.96 crore per annum, I and B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said while briefing on decisions taken in the Cabinet meeting. The increase is in accordance with the accepted formula based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission.–(PTI)