Sonam Wangchuk Arrested Under Stringent NSA

LEH, Sept 26: Ladakh statehood activist Sonam Wangchuk, who faces allegations of inciting a mob with provocative statements, has been arrested a day after he said he would be "happy to be arrested anytime for this cause".

He has been charged under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), which provides for long preventive detention without any scope for bail.

Internet service has been snapped internet services in Leh following the activist's arrest to prevent the spread of misinformation.

The arrest comes a day after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) cancelled the registration of Wangchuk's non-profit 'Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh' (SECMOL) to receive funds from abroad under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act or FCRA, 2010.

The activist from the mountainous region who won the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2018 has denied all the allegations made by the Centre and the Union Territory's administration, following the violence two days ago that left four dead and over 50 including security personnel injured.

He said on Thursday that his non-profit did not take foreign contributions, but has done business transactions with the UN, Swiss and Italian organisations and paid all taxes.

4 killed, 50 hurt as Ladakh stir turns violent

LEH, Sept 24: At least four people were killed and over 50 were injured after a massive agitation over demands for statehood and other things turned violent in Leh on Wednesday. The situation worsened when some youth pelted stones at the headquarters of the BJP and the Hill Council. Police and paramilitary forces, deployed in strength across the town, lobbed teargas shells to bring the situation under control.

Groups of youth set ablaze a security vehicle and some more, and also targeted the BJP office. They set fire to furniture and papers within the complex and one of the buildings.

The MHA said that at least 30 police and CRPF personnel were injured in the violent protest and that police had to resort to firing in self-defence. The ministry also accused Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike over the issue, of instigating the mob.

The protestors have been demanding statehood for Ladakh and advancing the proposed talks with the Centre on the extension of the Sixth Schedule.

Wangchuk has called off his 15-day hunger strike and issued an appeal for peace.

What we know about the protest in Ladakh:

-The movement for extending the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh has been gathering pace for some time in the region.

-The Constitution's Sixth Schedule, meant for the tribal population of the four northeast states of Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Assam, makes special provisions in terms of governance, powers of president and the governor, type of local bodies, alternate judicial mechanisms and financial powers exercised through autonomous councils.

-A fresh round of talks between the Ministry of Home Affairs and members of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) is scheduled for October 6.

-The two bodies have been jointly spearheading an agitation over the past four years in support of their demands and have held several rounds of talks with the government in the past.

-In response to a protest call, Leh town was shut down on Wednesday, and large crowds gathered at the NDS memorial ground before marching through the streets, chanting slogans in support of the Sixth Schedule and statehood.

-The situation worsened when some youth pelted stones at the headquarters of the BJP and the Hill Council.

Modi Government Approves Over 10,000 New Medical Seats In Government Colleges

NEW DELHI, Sept 24: In a significant move to strengthen medical education and healthcare infrastructure, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, approved 5,000 new postgraduate (PG) seats and 5,023 undergraduate (MBBS) seats in government medical colleges.

The approval came as part of Phase-3 of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), which focuses on strengthening and upgrading existing state and central government medical colleges, standalone postgraduate institutes, and government hospitals.

Under the scheme, the cost ceiling per seat has been raised to Rs 1.50 crore to ensure improved infrastructure and facilities. The total estimated expenditure is Rs 15,034.50 crore, with the central government contributing Rs 10,303.20 crore and state governments providing Rs 4,731.30 crore.

The initiative is expected to significantly expand the availability of doctors in the country by creating a steady flow of both general physicians and specialist doctors.

By introducing new specialties in government institutions, the move is designed to improve access to quality healthcare, particularly in underserved rural and remote areas.

It also leverages existing infrastructure for cost-effective expansion, while ensuring that healthcare resources are distributed more equitably across states and union territories.

India's healthcare education and workforce infrastructure has expanded significantly in recent years, driven by a sustained policy focus on increasing access and enhancing quality. At present, the country has 808 medical colleges, the highest in the world, with a total intake capacity of 1,23,700 MBBS seats. Over the past decade alone, 69,352 MBBS seats have been added, marking a growth of 127 per cent. During the same period, 43,041 postgraduate seats were added, witnessing a remarkable 143 per cent increase.

GST Reforms Will Boost Growth, New Middle-Class Rising In India: Modi

NEW DELHI, Sept 21: Hours ahead of the rollout of GST 2.0 reforms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation this evening and said two festivals are set to begin tomorrow -- Navratri and a GST savings festival.

The Prime Minister began his much-awaited address to the nation by extending Navratri greetings to the country. "Tomorrow, the festival to worship Shakti, Navratri, is starting. My greetings to all of you. On the first day of Navratri, the country is taking a big step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat," he said.

"Tomorrow, next-generation GST reforms will be rolled out. A GST savings festival is going to begin. Your savings will go up and you can buy your favourite items easily," he said, adding that the poor, the middle class, youngsters, women and traders would benefit immensely from the GST reforms.

"I congratulate crores of Indians over these reforms. These reforms will accelerate Bharat's growth story, enhance ease of doing business, attract greater investment, and ensure that every state becomes an equal partner in the nation's development," the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister said that his government had made the "historic" move to bring in GST in 2017. "For decades, our people were entangled in a web of different taxes. So, we made GST a priority in the national interest. We spoke to every stakeholder and addressed concerns of the states. With the support of all states, this massive tax reform could be implemented," he said.

Reform, he said, is an ongoing process. "When the time changes, the country's needs change and next-generation reforms are required. Keeping the country's current reforms in mind, new reforms are being implemented," the Prime Minister said.

GST 2.0 removes the tax slabs of 12 per cent and 28 per cent, retaining only 5 per cent and 18 per cent. These two slabs now cover all items and services, barring luxury products or "sin goods".

Daily essentials such as coffee, ghee, biscuits and oil are set to become cheaper from tomorrow. New cars will become cheaper, and premiums for medical insurance coverage will also come down. The move is expected to boost public consumption during the festive season.

The Prime Minister said the income tax benefits announced earlier this year and the GST reforms now comprise a "double bonanza". "If we add up the exemption in Income Tax and savings due to GST, the decisions made in the past one year will save Rs 2.5 lakh crores of public money," he said.

In a big push for Make in India, the Prime Minister said, "We have to make every home a Swadeshi symbol, decorate every shop with Swadeshi products. Proudly say, 'I buy Swadeshi, I sell Swadeshi'. This should be every Indian's mood."

CP Radhakrishnan Elected India's Next Vice President

NEW DELHI, Sept 9: Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, the NDA candidate for the post of the Vice President, will succeed Jagdeep Dhankhar in the post. The 68-year-old sailed through the election today, scooping up 452 first preference votes, leaving Opposition candidate and retired Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy trailing with 300 first preference votes.

While 754 votes were cast, 15 were found to be invalid. Of the valid votes, Radhakrishnan got 452 first preference votes, Justice Reddy got 300, said Returning Officer for the election PV Mody.

The 150-vote margin, however, is one of the lowest in the Vice-Presidential polls. In 2022, Jagdeep Dhankhar had beaten Opposition candidate Margaret Alva with the highest margin in the six last Vice Presidential elections. He secured 528 votes to her tally of 182.

The voting figures also made it clear that there has been considerable cross-voting - presumably from Opposition MPs. At least 15 MPs are expected to have voted for the NDA candidate.

India will ‘undoubtedly’ keep buying Russian oil: Nirmala Sitharaman

NEW DELHI, Sept 5: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said India will continue to import Russian oil as it remains cost-effective, despite steep tariffs imposed by the United States on Indian goods.

“We will have to take a call which (supply source) suits us the best. So we will undoubtedly be buying it,” she said. Sitharaman further stressed that India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, must act in its economic interest.

The minister added that crude oil and refined fuels account for a major share of India’s foreign exchange spending. “Whether it is Russian oil or anything else, it's our decision to buy from the place which suits our needs whether in terms of rates, logistics, anything,” said the finance minister.

The remarks come after US President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian imports last month, alleging that New Delhi’s oil purchases were funding Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

Mumbai on high alert after 'Lashkar-e-Jihadi' claims 34 ‘human bombs’, 400kg RDX in city

MUMBAI, Sept 5: Mumbai Police on Friday said it is on high alert after a threat call was received in which the caller claimed that 34 “human bombs” carrying “400 kg of RDX” have been planted in 34 vehicles for a blast that will “shake the entire city”. The threat call was received on traffic police helpline.

The threat was issued by an organisation called Lashkar-e-Jihadi on the eve of Anant Chaturdashi, Mumbai Police said, adding that security across the state has been enhanced.

Police said the threat message claims that 34 cars carrying human bombs will be used to detonate 400 kg of RDX, killing one crore people.

The bomb threat comes as Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations conclude, with the immersions (visarjan) beginning on Friday. Lakhs of people take part in visarjan across the city to witness idols will being immersed in water, marking the end of the grand celebration.

'GST Biggest Reform Of Independent India': Modi

NEW DELHI, Sept 4: The rationalisation of Goods and Services Tax -- which is expected to put money in the pockets of the middle class by slashing tax on multiple items and scrapping it altogether for crucial items including bread and life saving drugs -- is the "biggest reform since Independence," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today.

The two tax slabs which would be operational instead of the current four, will come into effect from September 22 -- the first day of Navratri.

"People will start benefiting from first day of Navratri. This time, Dhanteras will be more vibrant. This is the biggest reform of independent India," Modi said.

During his address at the National Teachers Awards, Modi said he had promised "double dhamaka" of next-generation GST reforms before Diwali and Chhath from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

"Without timely changes, we cannot give our country its rightful place in today's global context. I had said from the Red Fort on 15 August this time that it is crucial to undertake next-generation reforms to make India self-reliant. I had also promised the countrymen that there would be a double blast of happiness before this Diwali and Chhath Puja," he said.

He said the GST reforms incorporated "Panch Ratna" (five gems) - simpler tax system, better quality of life for citizens, boost for consumption and growth, encouraging investments and job creation through ease of doing business and strengthening cooperative federalism for developed India - to the country's economy.

He also attacked the Opposition Congress, pointing out that when they were in power at the Centre, they taxed anything and everything -- daily essentials, food and medicine.

The rationalization of GST, announced yesterday by the GST Council, has slashed taxes on multiple items -- including food, medicines, essential items, farm goods, green energy, small cars and bikes.

Crucial items including life and medical insurance, life saving drugs and food items including dairy products and bread have been made tax free.

Delhi Streets Turn Into Streams, Markets Under Water Amid Yamuna Flooding

NEW DELHI, Sept 3: Streets turned into streams and marketplaces into pools of murky water as residents of low-lying areas in Delhi rushed to save their lives and belongings as the Yamuna continued to swell. From shopkeepers in Majnu ka Tila to families in Madanpur Khadar and Badarpur, many now live in makeshift shelters, waiting for the waters to recede.

The Yamuna was flowing at 207 metres on Wednesday at 1 pm. Authorities evacuated people from low-lying areas and closed the Old Railway Bridge for traffic. However, for displaced families, the real struggle will begin once the river recedes, as they piece together their homes and livelihoods that were washed away by the flood.

At Majnu ka Tila, the busy market fell silent after water entered the lanes. Shopkeeper Anup Thapa said he evacuated his store around 11 pm. "We shifted most of our goods, but some still got spoiled. Even after the water goes, we will have to repair the shop, which will cost us," he said.

Thapa, who lived with his wife and a three-year-old daughter beside the shop, has moved to a roadside camp. "This is the second time after 2023. I urge the government to clean the streets and fix the area so that such incidents don't happen again," he added, pointing to electric wires hanging dangerously low above the floodwater.

In Madanpur Khadar, families who lost their jhuggis are staying under old plastic sheets tied along the roadside. "All our belongings are inside. We could barely take out a few things. Women are facing a lot of problems as there are no toilets," said Tayara, a resident.

Even stray dogs climbed staircases of deserted homes to escape the rising waters.

Another person said, "Families had no food or utensils and were surviving only on biscuits and buns. We could not bring our cooking essentials, and now we have no facilities to cook - we are surviving on whatever we can buy from the kiosk." People were seen helping elderly parents wade through waist-deep water, while others sat in small roadside tents with whatever they had managed to save. Cars, motorcycles and furniture were submerged, while many residents stood far away, helplessly watching their homes getting submerged.

"Our shop has been closed since yesterday. The whole family depends on it. It will take days for the water to recede, and till then we have no income," said Sachin Yadav, a shopkeeper at Monastery Market.

At Yamuna Bazaar, the scene looked as if homes and shops were standing in the middle of the river.

"The month has just started, and our earnings are already gone. We still have to pay rent and resettle everything once the water reduces," said Rohit Kumar, a shopkeeper.

Similarly, in Badarpur, the roofs of houses were barely visible above the floodwater. Asif, a resident, stood with belongings balanced on his head. "I built this house with years of hard work to live with my wife and children, and now it is underwater. Where should we go? There are still people stuck inside," he said.

Maratha Quota Activist Ends 5-Day Fast After Breakthrough

MUMBAI, Sept 2: In signs of a breakthrough in the Maratha quota agitation, the Maharashtra government has agreed to Maratha leader Manoj Jarange Patil's primary demand to implement the Hyderabad Gazette that identifies Marathas as belonging to the Kunbi peasant community.

The government has also agreed to withdraw all cases filed against those protesting in demand for the reservation. Following a meeting with a cabinet sub-committee, Patil said that once the government issues a resolution, his supporters will vacate Mumbai by 9 pm.

Hours after the announcement, he ended his 5-day fast, saying, "We have won". He was seen having water offered by Maharashtra minister Radhakrishna Vikhepatil to end his hunger strike.

Patil was on a hunger strike in Mumbai's Azad Maidan to demand reservation in jobs and education for Marathas belonging to Marathwada and western Maharashtra region. The government has said it is taking proactive steps to address the reservation issue.

A cabinet sub-committee today met Patil at the protest site in Mumbai's Azad Maidan. Ministers Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Manikrao Kokate, Shivendra Raje Bhosale are among those present in the meeting, which was the first such communication between the state government and the quota agitation leader.

Patil has said the cabinet sub-committee has agreed to implement the Hyderabad Gazette to fulfill the Maratha reservation demand. Patil has been insisting on the Hyderabad Gazette because he considers it undeniable proof that Marathas in the Marathwada region were officially recorded as Kunbis, a peasant caste. This document helps him position the reservation not as a political move, but as a restoration of a historical identity. In Maharashtra, the Kunbi community enjoys reservation under the OBC category.

For the Maratha reservation issue, the Hyderabad Gazette is relevant because the Marathwada region of present-day Maharashtra was part of the Hyderabad State.

Addressing his supporters after the meeting with the ministers, Patil said, "We won with your strength, today I understood the power of the poor."

Patil, meanwhile, came under fire from the Bombay High Court today after thousands of his supporters disrupted normal life near Azad Maidan in Mumbai, where they are protesting in demand of reservation in jobs and education under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota.

Earlier in the day, the bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Aarti Sathe told Patil's lawyer that if normalcy on the streets is not restored by 3 pm, the judges will hit the streets. The bench also warned the Maratha leader of exemplary cost and contempt action if its orders are not heeded. By 3 pm, his supporters were seen heading to a spot in Navi Mumbai.

Patil approached the High Court after Mumbai Police rejected his request to continue the agitation at Azad Maidan. The quota agitation leader has been on a hunger strike since August 29.

During the hearing today, Patil's lawyer Satish Manshinde Patil apologised for the inconvenience caused by the protests. The bench replied that the details of all the vehicles part of the agitation must be provided. It also noted that it was not happy with the state government's response.

The court asked Patil why so many people turned up for the protests when permission was given only for a 5000-strong gathering. "When you came to know that over 60,000 people had come into the city, what steps did you take?" the bench asked, adding that it would also question the state government.

River water enters homes as Yamuna rises above danger mark in Delhi

NEW DELHI, Sept 2: The Yamuna rose above the danger mark on Tuesday, sending floodwater into homes across parts of Delhi’s Trans-Yamuna belt after overnight rain. Families in low-lying pockets such as Yamuna Bazaar reported inundated ground floors and damaged belongings as the river swelled.

According to the Central Water Commission (CWC), at 9 am, the river was flowing at 205.81 metres at the Old Yamuna Bridge (OYB), surpassing the danger level of 205.33 metres. This level is expected to rise further, reaching 206.41 metres by 8 pm.

According to an 8 am update, heavy releases upstream and within the city added to the surge: 1.76 lakh cusecs from the Hathni Kund Barrage, 69,210 cusecs from the Wazirabad Barrage and 73,619 cusecs from the Okhla Barrage. All gates at Okhla were opened in the morning with the Yamuna in full spate, officials said.

Residential clusters in Mayur Vihar and nearby areas and adjacent localities on the eastern bank were among the worst affected, with lanes turning into channels and water seeping into houses. In the Yamuna Bazaar area, the river reportedly breached its banks, pushing water into nearby colonies and forcing residents to move to relief camps set up on higher ground.

Authorities intensified public announcements from boats, asking people settled along the floodplains to evacuate. “We are constantly urging residents to vacate areas at the risk of flooding. All district magistrates have been directed to remain prepared for any flood-like situation,” an official said, adding that teams were patrolling vulnerable stretches and coordinating with agencies for rapid response.