Kashmiri Student Brutally Ragged, Assaulted At Karnataka Medical College

A second-year MBBS student was allegedly assaulted at a medical college in Karnataka's Vijayapura. The victim, Hameem, a second-year MBBS student at Al-Ameen Medical College is from Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag. The student has alleged that he was subjected to brutal ragging and threats by senior students from the 2019 batch which reportedly began on Tuesday evening during a cricket match.

On Tuesday at around 4 PM Hameem was watching a match between the 2019 and 2022 batches on the college premises when a senior student ordered him to stay outside the boundary line. Hameem complied without protest, watching from a distance.

Tensions flared when a group of seniors confronted him. They questioned his presence and demanded that he leave but Hameem refused. Then a group of seniors forced him to sing songs, and dance for their amusement. The humiliation did not end there. The seniors allegedly tried to force him into a car. When he took out his phone to record the incident, they became even more aggressive.

Later that night, a group of 6-8 individuals stormed into Hameem's hostel room. They assaulted him, forcing him to record a video apologising under duress. "You have four more years here. We are locals-imagine how terrible we can make your life," the attackers warned him.  

They also told him he would not be allowed to play cricket for the remainder of his time at the college.

All the accused have been arrested now.

Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, condemned the attack in a statement, calling it a "deeply disturbing" case of ragging and violence. 

Kashmiri MBBS Student Brutally Ragged and Assaulted in Karnataka's Al-Ameen Medical College

In a deeply disturbing incident, Hamim, a second-year MBBS student from Anantnag, Kashmir, studying at Al-Ameen Medical College, Bijapur, Karnataka, was subjected to brutal ragging and…

— Nasir Khuehami (ناصر کہویہامی) (@NasirKhuehami) February 19, 2025

"We urge the Karnataka Chief Minister to personally intervene in this matter, ensure swift justice for the victim, and take strict action against those responsible to prevent such incidents from recurring in educational institutions," he said in a social media post. 

from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/8AMk5Er

Last Chance To Watch Planetary Parade Until 2040: Check Details

The so-called planetary parade which started last month is heading towards its grand finale. For a brief moment on February 28, all planets in our solar system will appear in the night sky - a celestial phenomenon that scientists have described as rare.

After Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune aligned in the night sky between January 21 and 29, it will be the last time until 2040 that all seven planets, including Mercury, will align to create a spectacular night sky.

What is planetary alignment?

Astronomers use planetary alignment to describe the phenomenon when planets gather closely on one side of the Sun at the same time. Any number of planets, ranging from three to eight constitutes an alignment. Five or six planets showing up together is known as a large alignment, with five-planet alignments significantly more frequent than six. However, seven-planet alignments are the rarest of all.

Unlike diagrams and illustrations, the planets will not be visible in a queue. Planets orbit the Sun in different orbits in three-dimensional space which makes it almost impossible for them to come together in a straight line.

"While it's true that they [planets] will appear more or less along a line across the sky, that's what planets always do. That line is called the ecliptic, and it represents the plane of the solar system in which the planets orbit around the Sun," NASA explains.

"This is, incidentally, why we sometimes observe planets appearing to approach closely to each other on the sky, as we view them along a line while they careen around the cosmic racetrack."

Also Read | Planetary Parade 2025: How And Where To See This Rare Celestial Event In India

How to view the planetary parade?

To witness the parade of planets, get far away from city lights to an open area or hill. If the weather is clear, you will be able to see most planets to the naked eye, bar Neptune and Uranus. A telescope might help you witness these two planets.

Notably, Mars will appear in the east, Jupiter and Uranus in the southeast, and Venus, Neptune, and Saturn in the west. While January was special due to the Quadrantid meteor shower and the partial planetary parade, February has the ingredients to be even more special, owing to the rare alignment.

from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/M1UWRot

Taiwan Considering Multi-Billion Dollar Arms Purchase From US: Report

Taiwan is exploring buying arms worth billions of dollars from the United States, sources briefed on the matter said, hoping to win support from the new Trump administration as China continues to apply military pressure on the island.

Three sources familiar with the situation, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation, told Reuters that Taiwan is in talks with Washington.

The package is meant to demonstrate to the United States that Taiwan is committed to its defense, one of the sources said.

A second source said the package would include coastal defense cruise missiles and HIMARS rockets.

"I would be very surprised if it was less than $8 billion. Somewhere between $7 billion to $10 billion," the source added.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. However, US national security adviser Mike Waltz has said he wants to speed delivery of weapons to Taiwan.

Taiwan's defense ministry declined to comment on specific purchases but said it is focused on building its defenses.

"Any weaponry and equipment that can achieve those goals for building the military are listed as targets for tender," it said.

China claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan strongly objects to China's sovereignty claims and says only the island's people can decide their future.

TRUMP-TAIWAN RELATIONS

US President Donald Trump unnerved chip powerhouse Taiwan on the election campaign trail by saying the island stole American semiconductor business. This month, he threatened tariffs on chip imports.

But his administration maintained diplomatic support for the Chinese-claimed island.

Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba issued a joint statement on February 7 opposing any attempt to change the current situation in the Taiwan Strait through force or coercion. The U.S. State Department also removed language on its website that it does not support Taiwan independence, a move praised by the island's government. China has urged the US to "correct its mistakes".

Taiwan plans to propose a special defense budget that prioritizes precision ammunition, air-defense upgrades, command and control systems, equipment for the reserve forces and anti-drone technology, a third source familiar with the matter said.

During his 2017-2021 term, Trump established regular arms sales to Taiwan, including multi-billion dollar deals for F-16 fighter jets. The Biden administration continued these sales, though often with smaller price tags.

Taiwanese officials see encouraging signs from Trump's administration even as tariff threats weigh on that optimism.

Taiwan does not believe Trump is looking to make a "grand bargain" with Chinese President Xi Jinping to sell out Taiwan's interests, one of the sources said. Trump is more concerned with putting tariffs on semiconductors, the source said.

In another sign of US commitment to Taiwan, the top US diplomat in Taiwan, Raymond Greene, will retain his post, three sources told Reuters, even as other US diplomatic postings undergo major reshuffles.

The US State Department did not immediately respond to a question about Greene's job status.

from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/JTFBUsZ

Overweight Doctor Loses 25 Kg In 42 Days, Wins Multiple Fitness Awards

A doctor who shed an impressive 25 kilograms in just 42 days has gone viral on Chinese social media platforms after he ended up winning multiple awards at a fitness contest, according to a report in South China Morning Post. 31-year-old Wu Tiangen, working as a surgeon at the Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University in central Hubei province, decided to embark upon the fitness journey after gaining weight due to the sedentary lifestyle often associated with hospital work.

Wu was diagnosed with a light fatty liver in 2023 with his weight reaching 97.5 kg last year. In his day job, Wu dealt with obese patients and helped them lose weight through surgery. However, after seeing his condition, Wu decided to shake things up.

"If I cannot save myself, how can I save others?" said Wu.

Wu hired Shi Fan, a top athlete who won the Overall Fit Model championship at the IFBB World Fit Model Championships in Lithuania last year, as his coach and started the weight loss journey.

The student-coach duo chalked up a plan to shed fat and increase muscle over a short period. The only non-negotiables in the process were two hours of exercise every day and consistent six hours of sleep.

Also Read | Man Loses 82 Kg After Struggling To Fit On Plane: "I Would Have Died Before 30"

The competition

His dedication was such that he managed to reduce his weight in roughly six weeks. As the competition approached, Wu intensified his training by spending close to four hours a day in the gym.

"Wu's training intensity exceeds that of many professional athletes," said Shi.

Weighing 73.5 kg and 182 cm tall, Wu took part in the Tianrui Cup Fitness and Bodybuilding Match in January. Being the only doctor in the fray, the challenge was intimidating but Wu managed to win the champion titles in the newcomer and fit models categories as well as the most popular participant.

Quizzed about his advice to those wanting to become healthy like him, Wu said: "You should make a long-term plan to lose weight and insist on it. I do not advocate drastic, short-term methods which require eating very little," said Wu.

As per the report, Wu has already helped about 100 people successfully reduce their weight in recent years.

from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/GXDZWOv

BRICS Summit Planned For July In Rio de Janeiro: Brazil

Leaders of the countries known as BRICS will hold a summit in Rio de Janeiro in July, the current chair Brazil announced Saturday.

Other members of the trading bloc include Russia, India, China and South Africa and others.

Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira said on the social media platform X that the summit will be held July 6-7 and feature leaders of 20 countries with full or associate status in the bloc.

At this meeting "we will make very important decisions for the development of all these countries, for cooperation and for improving the living conditions of all their inhabitants," Vieira said.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100 percent tariffs on the BRICS countries if they undercut the US dollar.

At a BRICS summit in October in Russia, the member countries discussed boosting non-dollar transactions and strengthening local currencies.

The government of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has said that under the Brazilian presidency the BRICS bloc will focus on strengthening cooperation with developing nations of the so-called Global South and on reforming multilateral institutions.

He said Brazil's priorities for the bloc include "developing means of payment" to encourage trade and investment among member states.

Last month, Brazil's chief negotiator for the BRICS group, Eduardo Saboia, told AFP there is no concrete plan to replace the dollar but rather talks on using local currencies in transactions.

The BRICS group has expanded significantly since its inception in 2009, and now includes countries such as Iran, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.

Altogether the BRICS coalition accounts for a significant minority of the world's economic output.

from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/0KW6tIl

Meeting Between Protesting Farmers, Central Team Held Cordially In Chandigarh

A meeting between a Central team led by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and farmers' representatives to discuss their various demands, including a legal guarantee for MSP on crops, was held in Chandigarh cordially on Friday and the next round of talks has been slated for February 22.

The over two-and-a-half-hour meeting with the 28-member delegation from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha was held after a year-long protest by farmers.

It was also attended by Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, the state's Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Lal Chand Kataruchak and other state government representatives.

The two outfits have been spearheading the ongoing farmers' protest at Shambhu and Khanauri on the Punjab-Haryana border for the past one year.

Following the meeting at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration here, the Union minister of consumer affairs, food and public distribution said the talks were held in a cordial atmosphere and another round of talks will be held on February 22.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will lead the central team in the next meeting, Pralhad Joshi said, adding that he would also be a part of that talk.

"Details about the steps taken by the Narendra Modi government for farmers' welfare were shared with their leaders in today's meeting," he added.

Talking to reporters separately, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on an indefinite fast, too said that the meeting was held in a positive atmosphere and another meeting will be held next week on February 22.

He was brought to the meeting venue from the Khanauri protest site in an ambulance. Farmer leader Kaka Singh Kotra said it took four hours for Jagjit Singh Dallewal to reach Chandigarh.

Jagjit Singh Dallewal, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) convenor, has been on an indefinite hunger strike at the Khanauri border point since November 26 to press the Centre on various demands, including a legal guarantee for MSP on crops.

About Friday's meeting farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said, "We discussed in detail the issue of legal guarantee to MSP for crops in the meeting." Another farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar said earlier in the day that the government should frame a law to give a guarantee for MSP. He also said the farmers are convinced that a law guaranteeing MSP on crops will benefit every section of the country.

Prominent leaders who were part of the farmer delegation are Sarwan Singh Pandher, Abhimanyu Kohar, Kaka Singh Kotra, Sukhjit Singh, PR Pandian, Arun Sinha, Lakhwinder Singh, Jaswinder Longowal, MS Rai, Nand Kumar, Balwant Singh Behramke and Inderjit Singh Kotbudha.

On January 18, a delegation of senior officials from the Union agriculture ministry, led by Joint Secretary Priya Ranjan, invited representatives from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha for a meeting to discuss their demands.

Jagjit Singh Dallewal had agreed to take medical aid following the invitation but refused to end his fast unto death.

Four rounds of meetings took place between central ministers and the protesting farmers in February 2024 but the talks remained inconclusive.

A panel of three Union ministers -- Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal and Nityanand Rai -- held talks with farmers' representatives on February 18 last year.

At that time, the farmers had rejected the Centre's proposal of buying pulses, maize and cotton crops at MSP by government agencies for five years.

Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Pandher on Thursday said they would make efforts to nudge the Centre towards resolving the farmers' issues.

Farmers, under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been camping at the Shambhu and the Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 last year after security forces did not allow them to march to Delhi to press for their various demands.

Besides a legal guarantee for crop MSP, the farmers are demanding a debt waiver, pension for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in electricity tariffs, withdrawal of police cases and "justice" for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.

Reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act 2013 and compensation to the families of farmers who died during a previous agitation in 2020-21 are also part of their demands

from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/nDbL0pc

"Life Bigger Than Exam": Gautam Adani After UP Student Dies By Suicide

Gautam Adani, the Chairman of the Adani Group, on Thursday said that failure is never the final destination, adding that life always gives a second chance.

He wrote a post on X about an 18-year-old girl in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur who suicide after failing to clear the JEE exams.

"I have just this request to all of you - never consider failure as the final destination. Because life always gives a second chance…!" the Adani Group Chairman said on X.

अपेक्षाओं के बोझ तले दबकर एक होनहार बेटी का यूं चले जाना हृदयविदारक है।

जीवन किसी भी परीक्षा से बड़ा होता है- यह बात अभिभावकों को खुद भी समझनी होगी और बच्चों को भी समझानी होगी।

मैं पढ़ाई में बहुत सामान्य था। पढ़ाई एवं जीवन में कई बार असफल भी हुआ, लेकिन हर बार जिंदगी ने नया… https://t.co/3s1WnINLcb

— Gautam Adani (@gautam_adani) February 13, 2025

Expressing sadness over the death of the student, Mr Adani said: "It is heartbreaking to see a promising daughter go away under the burden of expectations".

The teen had left a note for her parents stating that she was "sorry" for "not fulfilling their dreams".

Sharing the lesson of life, he also advised parents to keep pressures away from themselves and their children.

"Life is bigger than any exam – parents will have to understand this themselves and also explain it to their children," Gautam Adani said.

Further, the Adani Group Chairman also opened up about his personal failures and how he came out of them.

"I was very normal in my studies," he said, adding that he "failed many times in studies and life".

"But every time life showed me a new path," Gautam Adani said.

Meanwhile, to help students fare well in their lives and reduce their exam-related stress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the eighth edition of "Pariksha Pe Charcha' has also discussed mental health and wellbeing.

During the session, the Prime Minister shared valuable lessons on nutrition and wellness; mastering pressure; challenging oneself; the art of leadership; beyond books – 360-degree growth; finding positives and more.

from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/mAFk2NK

BJP Claims Gaurav Gogoi's Wife Has ISI Links, Congress Leader Hits Back

The BJP has claimed that the wife of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has links with Pakistan and its intelligence agency ISI, drawing a sharp retort from the leader. 

BJP Spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia alleged on Wednesday that Elizabeth Colebourn, the wife of Mr Gogoi, had ties with the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) while she worked with the Climate and Knowledge Development Network (CDKN) in Islamabad under Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, a former advisor to the Planning Commission of Pakistan. Ms Colebourn allegedly continues to hold British citizenship.

After similar allegations were also made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, without naming Mr Gogoi, the Congress' deputy leader in the Lok Sabha hit back with a movie reference and said sarcastically that he must then be a Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) agent. The Congress MP also said that the Assam chief minister was making the claims because of cases of alleged land grabbing against his family. 

Claiming that it was a matter of national security, BJP Spokesperson Bhatia posted on X, "Very disturbing and serious facts have come to light that the Deputy Leader of Opposition, Gaurav Gogoi and his wife have links with Pakistan and the ISI. I am saying this with some responsibility that Gaurav Gogoi's wife Elizabeth Colburn (sic), has links with Tauqir Sheikh (sic), who happens to be the advisor in the Pakistan Planning Commission."

"This is a serious issue which poses a threat to the national security of the country therefore we wish to ask Mr. Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge that Gaurav Gogoi needs to come out and give clear details of Elizabeth's association with ISI and Pakistan...Why is Elizabeth Colburn working with Pakistani ISI agents," he asked.

Referring to Mr Gandhi's remarks on "fighting the BJP, the RSS and the Indian state itself", Mr Bhatia continued, "Are they working in furtherance of the statement made by Mr Rahul Gandhi that the fight of Rahul Gandhi and Congress is with the Indian state? Will the Congress start supporting ISI and Pakistan to make their political ends meet... Why is it that the Congress party always turns out to be the best friend of Pakistan and ISI when it comes to conspiring against India?"

'Ecosystem Involved'

Without giving details or naming Mr Gogoi, Assam Chief Minister Sarma questioned if foreign powers - linked to US billionaire George Soros' "ecosystem" - had influenced a major decision of Assam Congress in 2014. 

In a series of posts on X, Mr Sarma wrote, "Serious questions need to be answered regarding allegations of ISI links, leading young individuals to the Pakistan Embassy for brainwashing and radicalisation, and the refusal to take Indian citizenship for the past 12 years. Additionally, participation in a conversion cartel and receiving funds from external sources, including George Soros, to destabilise national security are grave concerns that cannot be ignored. At some point, accountability will be necessary. Simply deflecting responsibility or attempting to shift the focus onto others will not serve as an easy escape route. The nation deserves transparency and truth".

The chief minister added, "During my interactions with an IFS (Indian Foreign Service) officer in Singapore, I learned that officers in the Indian Foreign Service cannot marry a foreign national without prior permission from the Government of India. Moreover, even when permission is granted, it comes with the condition that the spouse must acquire Indian citizenship within six months. Interestingly, this rule does not apply to our lawmakers. However, allowing a foreign spouse of a lawmaker to retain foreign citizenship for 12 years is far too long. Loyalty to the nation must always take precedence over all other considerations," he added. 

'Ploy To Save Himself'

Gaurav Gogoi counterattacked with a movie reference. 

"If Salman Khan's wife can be an ISI agent like in 'Tiger Zinda Hai', then I must be a RAW agent too," Mr Gogoi said. 
 
"It is something laughable, the BJP has nothing to do. Someone's land-grabbing cases are unearthed one after another, defamation cases are being filed one after another. These are baseless allegations without any substance. This shows their weakness and the fact that they are fast losing ground," he said. 
 
"Those who make such allegations must see their family is facing cases of land grabbing and engaged in the debate of setting up a resort. The Assam chief minister is tense that the new BJP president Dilip Saikia will become chief minister in another two or three months. The BJP leadership in New Delhi knows about the land cases of the Sarma family and he is worried about getting replaced. This is a ploy to save himself," the Congress MP alleged.

from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/MQzojS5

"Cut Down Larger States If India Wants 8% Growth": Montek Singh Ahluwalia

Former Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of India and economist Montek Singh Ahluwalia said on Wednesday that large states can be split so that new cities can emerge, giving impetus to urbanisation.

According to him, if India is going to grow at 8 per cent, then the urban population is going to grow more rapidly than cities' infrastructure .

"I'm not suggesting what you should do in Karnataka, but it's my general view. We should seriously consider cutting down many of the largest states into two or three," said Ahluwalia.

He was addressing a session on 'Resilient Pathways: Charting India's Economic Growth Amid Global Challenges' at Invest Karnataka 2025, being held here till February 14.

"Gandhiji said India lives in its villages, and many people still regard that as a sort of romantic vision. But I don't think he said India will continue to do so 100 years later," Ahluwalia added.

He said picking up some tier-2 towns and developing them into "near-metros" is the solution for over-saturated cities like Bengaluru, for instance. He said even though there "ought to be spilling over into other cities", this does not happen organically.

"The only known cases in India where this happens is when a new state is carved out and a capital has to be created," he added.

Ahluwalia recalled former UP Chief Minister and BSP leader Mayawati had suggested splitting her state into three.

"Had this been done, there would have been a political willingness instantly to create three new good cities," he added.

He also pointed out that people have said this could be done in many other states.

"In Maharashtra, for example, there are people who said the Vidarbha region should be made a separate state with Nagpur as its capital," he added.

While stating that tough decisions such as this are not politically easy, he said change happens only with interesting reforms.

"Don't go back to 1991 for inspiration, because those were no brainer reforms, really. The world was speaking one language then," he added.

"We started the reforms after Eastern Europe had abolished communism. There was only one thing to do which was integrating with the global market," he explained further.

According to him, this has become much more complex now, as India is faced with a world that is now fragmented.

"Geopolitical tensions are now rising, the US has its own problems not only with its closest allies, like Canada and Mexico, but also with China. China is cozying up to Russia. Russia is becoming more dependent on China. Europeans are very scared of Russia. They are not so bothered about China," he said.

Although he agreed that Bengaluru enjoys a lot of advantages, Ahluwalia added that making a city liveable is not just the result of getting a lot of companies to invest.

"There's a whole lot of urban management that has to be done. The first thing that should be done is that the Bengaluru city government should be made hugely more efficient. Now, unfortunately, in our country, city governments don't have much power, and that's true of all states," said Ahluwalia, apparently about city civic bodies.

Replying to a question by the moderator of the session, Salman Anees Soz, whether he wished he did something differently, Ahluwalia said when one does a reform, it's not like planning the trajectory of a rocket.

"When they shoot up a rocket, there's a nice trajectory drawn out. The slightest deviation from that trajectory is a problem. That's not what you do with economic reforms," he said.

According to him, when it comes to economic reforms, one has a broad idea, but one can't do everything and one ends up doing what comes first.

"I think it's very important to realise that in retrospect, it's always arguable what you should have done first," he added. 

from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/St7Xe4M

Amid Dissent In Karnataka Unit, BJP Stands By Party Chief Vijayendra

The BJP has backed its Karnataka leader amid massive infighting in the state unit, reprimanding one rebel and issuing a show cause notice to another. Snubbing those who have been pushing for the replacement of BY Vijayendra as the party chief, the BJP's central leadership has refused to entertain their complaints against him.

"The party has taken note of your continuing tirade and breach of discipline, in clear contravention of the discipline code in the party constitution," read the show cause notice to Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatmal, to which he has to reply within 72 hours.

The party chief has been facing challenge from hardliners since the Lok Sabha election and all factions of the party have gone to Delhi to meet the party high command. 

The rebel camp, including MLAs Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, BP Harish, former MLA Kumar Bangarappa and former Union Minister GM Siddeshwara,  had also planned to file a complaint against Karnataka state in-charge Radha Mohan Das Agarwal.

In Delhi, the central leaders, upset with the row in the only southern state where the party has a footprint, refused to meet the rebel group. 

The group managed to meet former Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai and asked him to take the lead. But reports said Mr Bommai had declined, saying he would abide by the party's decision regarding the leadership.

The senior leadership of the party expressed outrage against the rebel camp for tarnishing the party's image. The Delhi leaders have also reprimanded former minister and BJP MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi for making a false statement to the media, claiming that the group met party chief JP Nadda.

Last week, BJP MLA Suresh Gowda had said Vijayendra has been effectively leading the party and called for action against the rebel leaders.

"It is inappropriate to criticise former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa. If party leaders themselves make negative statements against him, it will deeply hurt party workers. Yediyurappa was instrumental in bringing the BJP to power in the state. Rebels like MLA Yatnal should address their concerns internally instead of making public statements," he said.

from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/95i2ZkV

Philadelphia Plane Crash: How Three Young Lives Were Changed Forever

At least seven people were killed and 24 injured when a medevac jet crashed into a northeast Philadelphia neighbourhood on January 31. The aircraft was up in flames and the debris flew into homes and vehicles. Among those affected were three young children, two barely escaped with their lives.

Ten-year-old Andre Howard Jr. was struck by debris while shielding his four-year-old sister. Eleven-year-old Valentina Guzman Murillo, who had just been discharged from the hospital after battling spina bifida, died in the crash alongside her mother. And nine-year-old Ramesses Dreuitt suffered severe burns after his father's car was engulfed in flames.

Andre Howard Jr had just left Dunkin' Donuts with his family when disaster struck. "We heard a boom, a really loud boom, and we saw a fireball that covered the whole entire sky," his father, Andre Howard Sr, recalled to CNN.

As debris rained down, young Andre instinctively covered his sister. He was knocked unconscious by a metal fragment that lodged in his head. His father rushed him to the hospital, where doctors feared he might never walk again. But after emergency surgery, he is now stable and expected to recover.

When he regained consciousness, his first question was, "Did I save her from the crash?"

Ramesses Dreuitt, 9, was in his father's car when the crash triggered a deadly fire. His grandmother, Virgen Viera, recognised him in a viral video - his small, burned body emerging from the flames. His father, 37-year-old Steven Dreuitt, did not survive.

The little boy, suffering burns on 90 per cent of his body, is now in a coma in a Boston burn unit. His family has asked for prayers as he fights to recover.

Valentina Guzman Murillo, 11, had just been released from Shriners Children's Philadelphia hospital after receiving treatment for spina bifida. She and her mother, Lizeth Murillo Osuna, were flying home to Mexico when their medevac jet crashed.

"The plan was to bring them home to live out the rest of her life surrounded with love and with her adoring family," said Susan Marie Fasino, who had been helping the family. Hospital staff gathered earlier that day to bid farewell to Valentina. "She will be remembered for her sweet spirit," Shriners spokesperson Mel Bower told CNN.

from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/nXCvKpx

CBSE Issues Guidelines For Private Students' Practical Exams 2024-25

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released guidelines for the conduct of practical examinations for private candidates appearing for Class 12 board exams in 2025. The practical exams will be held from February 15 to March 15, 2025, at the designated examination centres.

According to the requirement and the provisions contained in the examination bye-laws, practical examinations are required to be conducted in respect of the following categories of private students of Class 12: 

• Students of 2024 whose marks of practical subject(s) are not available due to repeat in practical (RP)/ repeat in theory & practical both (RB)/absent. 
• Students of 2023 whose marks of practical subject(s) are not available due to repeat in practical (RP)/ repeat in theory & practical both (RB)/absent. 
• Students of 2022 and before, who have applied in full subjects in the private category in their respective practical subject(s). 

"No project assessment/internal assessment will be conducted for the subjects not having practical components. The marks of project assessment/internal assessment will be computed pro-rata, based on marks obtained in the theory exam in the current examination i.e., 2025," the CBSE circular reads.

Examination Centres 

Practical exams will take place at the same centres assigned for theory exams.

CBSE's Regional Directors/Officers will appoint External Examiners, while internal examiners will be appointed by the centre superintendent from the school's faculty. If teachers are unavailable at the centre, faculty from nearby schools will be appointed.

Marking And Answer Books

• The practical answer books provided by CBSE must be used, with examiners ensuring correct and complete entries.
• Marks will be uploaded on the CBSE portal on the same day of the practical exam after verification by both internal and external examiners.

Instructions For Students

• Candidates must report to their examination centres with a copy of their previous result/mark sheet and the 2025 admit card.
• They should confirm their exam date and time with the centre and arrive on time.

Responsibilities Of Examination Centres And Regional Offices

Centres must prepare subject-wise student lists and coordinate with CBSE for external examiner appointments.
Regional offices will compile student lists, appoint examiners, and oversee the timely completion of exams, mark uploads, and submission of answer books.
The marks for all candidates must be uploaded on the CBSE portal by the final deadline.

CBSE has urged all stakeholders to adhere to these guidelines to ensure a smooth and fair conduct of the practical exams.

Check the detailed guidelines here.

from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/2YozTek

Want To Pursue Medical Education In US? Here's What You Need To Know

In India, students aspiring to become doctors must first clear the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). Every year, millions of students take this exam, competing for nearly one lakh medical seats. For many, NEET is a daunting challenge, and they fear that failing to score well could shatter their dream of becoming a doctor.

However, several countries do not require NEET for medical admissions, and the United States is one of them. With a growing number of Indian students opting to study MBBS abroad, the US remains a top choice. American medical schools do not mandate NEET scores for admission, though students must clear local entrance tests to qualify.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Doctor In US?

In the US, students must complete a four-year undergraduate degree before applying to medical school. Admission is based on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) score. Instead of an MBBS degree, students earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, which takes around 4 to 4.5 years to complete. Overall, becoming a doctor in the US typically takes 7 to 8 years.

Top US Universities Offering Admission Without NEET

Harvard University

Ranked as the top medical university in the US by QS World Rankings.

Offers a 4-year MD programme at its Cambridge campus.

Annual tuition fee: Rs 73 lakh (approx).

Stanford University School of Medicine

Integrates medicine, technology, and business in its curriculum.
Graduates are trained as both doctors and innovators.

Annual tuition fee: Rs 61 lakh (approx)

University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)

Offers a 4-year MD programme in San Francisco.

More affordable compared to other private US medical schools.
Annual tuition fee: Rs 46 lakh (approx)

For Indian students looking to pursue medicine abroad without NEET, the US provides a structured pathway with globally recognized degrees and opportunities in cutting-edge medical research.

from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/d0SZoNB

British Council Offers These Free Online Courses For Students And Teachers

The British Council, in collaboration with the UK-based platform FutureLearn, is offering some free online courses aimed at enhancing language skills, teaching methodologies, and workplace communication. Open for registration, these courses provide students and teachers with an opportunity to upskill and expand their knowledge.

Courses For Students And Teachers

Exploring English: Shakespeare

This six-week course delves into the life and works of William Shakespeare. It helps learners improve their English skills while exploring Shakespeare's literary contributions. Both students and teachers can enroll, with a weekly study requirement of two hours.

Courses For Students

English For Your Workplace

Designed for non-native English speakers at a pre-intermediate level (A2 CEFR), this four-week course helps students enhance their English proficiency for workplace communication and career development. Weekly study time is two hours.

Exploring English: Language And Culture

This four-week course introduces students to various aspects of British culture, including music, literature, and the countryside. Participants will also explore English as a global language while dedicating two hours per week to the course.

Courses For Teachers

Teaching For Success: The Classroom And The World

Targeted at English language teachers, this four-week course focuses on integrating technology and essential 21st-century skills, such as critical thinking, communication, and creativity, into EFL classrooms. Teachers will engage in three hours of study per week.

Teaching For Success: Lessons And Teaching

This four-week course helps teachers refine lesson planning, resource management, and professional development strategies. It requires three hours of study per week.

Language Assessment In The Classroom

Aimed at secondary and high school language teachers, this four-week course provides insights into effective language assessment strategies. Teachers will explore different types of assessments and their applications, with a weekly commitment of three hours.

Interested participants can register for these free courses on the British Council's official website and start learning at their own pace.

from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/xUD0shL

Journalist Rajat Sharma Praises Gautam Adani's Rs 10,000 Crore Donation Pledge At Son's Wedding

Adani Group Chairman, Gautam Adani's youngest son, Jeet Adani married Diva Jaimin Shah, daughter of diamond merchant Jaimin Shah, at a "small, private and traditional" wedding ceremony in Ahmedabad today.

Gautam Adani took to social media and shared the first pictures of the wedding and said, "With the blessings of Almighty God, Jeet and Diva tied the sacred knot of marriage today. The wedding took place today in Ahmedabad with traditional rituals and Shubh Mangal Bhaav among loved ones."

परमपिता परमेश्वर के आशीर्वाद से जीत और दिवा आज विवाह के पवित्र बंधन में बंध गए।

यह विवाह आज अहमदाबाद में प्रियजनों के बीच पारंपरिक रीति रिवाजों और शुभ मंगल भाव के साथ संपन्न हुआ।

यह एक छोटा और अत्यंत निजी समारोह था, इसलिए हम चाह कर भी सभी शुभचिंतकों को आमंत्रित नहीं कर सके,… pic.twitter.com/RKxpE5zUvs

— Gautam Adani (@gautam_adani) February 7, 2025

Renowned journalist and Editor-in-chief of India TV, Rajat Sharma, who has known Mr Adani for several years, congratulated Jeet Adani and Diva Shah and praised Gautam Adani's initiative to donate Rs 10,000 crore for social causes. Mr Sharma said, "Gautam Adani, one of the richest people in the world, got his son married in a very simple and traditional way. The marriage was not lavish or spectacular. A few guests were invited. But on this occasion, Gautam Adani announced a donation of 10,000 crores."

गौतम अडाणी के बेटे जीत अडाणी की शादी, इस मौके पर गौतम अडाणी ने डोनेट किए 10 हजार करोड़..सबसे ज्यादा इन सेक्टर्स में ये पैसे आएंगे काम, देखिए #AajKiBaat @RajatSharmaLive #GautamAdani #JeetAdani #DivaShah #wedding pic.twitter.com/KVduCK7BtU

— India TV (@indiatvnews) February 7, 2025

Mr Sharma added that he has known Mr Adani for several years and he is known for giving pleasant surprises and said, "This amount (Rs 10,000 crore) will be used to build low-cost hospitals, medical colleges, affordable schools and global skill academies."

"The simplicity with which he got his son married is commendable. It is a good thing that he donated Rs 10,000 crores," he said.

Sources close to Mr Adani said his cause list for his sizeable donation has been shaped by his social philosophy of "seva sadhana hai, seva prarthna hai aur seva parmatma hai."

The larger part of his donation is expected to go into funding massive infrastructure initiatives in healthcare, education and skill development. These initiatives will focus on giving all sections of society access to a network of affordable world-class hospitals and medical colleges, affordable top-tier K-12 schools and advanced global skill academies with assured employability.

He also appreciated Jeet and Diva's pledge to contribute Rs 10 lakh each for the wedding of 500 women with disabilities every year. "If a marriage starts with such auspicious work, it's a good sing," Mr Sharma said.

"When Gautam Adani came to your 'Aap Ki Adalat', he also gave a pleasant surprise. He said that he celebrated his 60th birthday differently. At the age of 60, Mr Adani donated Rs 60,000 crores for public welfare," he added.

Many top personalities praised how the private wedding was conducted and gave their best wishes to the couple.

"Gautam Adani's son Jeet got married today in a small, private wedding ceremony in Ahmedabad. The family's simplicity, values and humility shine through in this intimate celebration, setting an inspiring example of grace and grounded living," RPG Enterprises Chairman Harsh Goenka said in a post on X.

Gautam Adani's son Jeet got married today in a small, private wedding ceremony in Ahmedabad. The family's simplicity, values and humility shine through in this intimate celebration, setting an inspiring example of grace and grounded living. pic.twitter.com/0ky2HZFNGj

— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) February 7, 2025

At the Belvedere Club in Ahmedabad's Adani Shantigram township on Friday afternoon, Jeet Adani married Diva, daughter of diamond trader Jaimin Shah. According to family insiders, the wedding was a simple affair, with the usual religious rituals followed by a traditional Gujarati ceremony attended only by close relatives and friends.

Conspicuous by their absence were politicians, business leaders, diplomats, bureaucrats, film stars, entertainers and other celebrities.

from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/9gLEIKl

IIM Amritsar Launches Executive MBA Programme For Working Professionals

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Amritsar has introduced its first-ever Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) programme, aimed at helping working professionals develop leadership, strategic thinking, and data-driven decision-making skills.

This two-year blended-learning programme is designed to enhance participants' ability to navigate complex business environments and drive organisational transformation. It integrates global insights with local relevance, focusing on innovation, conflict resolution, and effective communication to help professionals adapt to evolving industry demands.

The global executive education market, estimated at $42.5 billion in 2023, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.7%, reaching $98.6 billion by 2030. This surge is driven by technological advancements, globalisation, and shifting leadership needs. The Future of Jobs Report 2023 predicts that 23% of current jobs will transform within five years, leading to 69 million new roles. In response, leaders must enhance emotional intelligence, adaptability, and technological proficiency.

An Asia-Pacific CEO survey further highlights that 97% of CEOs are redefining their business strategies, with 75% prepared to embrace change-underscoring the importance of upskilling to stay competitive in an evolving job market.

Dr Vartika Dutta, EMBA Chair at IIM Amritsar, said, "Our Executive MBA Programme is designed to shape professionals who bridge global perspectives with local insights. Tailored for working professionals and entrepreneurs, it equips learners to tackle complex challenges and make meaningful contributions to their organisations."

Sridhar Nagarajachar, Business Head - Executive Education, TimesPro, highlighted the programme's practical approach: "Our partnership with IIM Amritsar reflects TimesPro's commitment to providing transformative education. This EMBA programme offers a globally competitive curriculum that empowers professionals with leadership and industry-relevant skills to excel in today's dynamic business landscape."

Programme Structure And Learning Approach

The EMBA is structured into two phases:

Year 1: Core management subjects, including entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, strategy, organisational behaviour, and operations.

Year 2: Advanced topics like security analysis, portfolio management, and business intelligence, along with integrated field projects and capstone simulations.

Participants will also undergo three campus immersions and gain access to a state-of-the-art digital learning platform. The pedagogy incorporates case studies, role plays, simulations, and project-based learning, ensuring a practical, hands-on experience.

The programme caters to professionals from diverse sectors, including IT, HR, marketing, banking, manufacturing, consulting, and supply chain management. Upon successful completion, participants will earn IIM Amritsar alumni status, further enhancing their professional network and career prospects.

from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/c5aqI7h

Bengal Government Employee Attacks Colleagues With Knife, Arrested

At least four persons were injured when one of their colleagues attacked them with a knife following a disagreement at a West Bengal government office here on Thursday, police said.

Accused Asit Sarkar, a state government employee at Karigori Bhavan in the city's Newtown area, was arrested by the Techno City police station under Bidhannagar police commissionerate.

"Sarkar, a resident of Ghola in Sodepur, North 24 Parganas district, works in the technical education department. This morning, following a tiff with his colleagues over taking time off, he attacked them with a knife and then tried to flee. We have arrested him," a police officer said.

The injured were identified as Jaydeb Chakraborty, Santunu Saha, Sartha Late, and Sheikh Satabul. Two of them are in serious condition, police added.

"The accused was seen running through the streets of New Town with the knife. Police are investigating the incident to understand the motive behind his action," the officer added.

from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/CyDl0qB

Union Budget 2025 Provides For 200 Day Care Centres: PM's Big Announcement For Cancer Patients

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in parliament today in his response to the debate on the Motion of Thanks to President's address, made a big announcement about the government's plans for cancer treatment.

Speaking on the World Cancer Day, he said the government is planning to open Day Care centres for cancer patients, that would come as a huge relief to them and their families. 

"If today is cancer day, i would like to say all the MPs can take advantage of this for patients in their area," PM Modi said.

"You know patients face problems because there are not enough hospitals, especially those who come from out of town. This budget envisages creating 200 day care centres. These will be a big help to the patients and their families," he said.

Taking the initiative to provide relief to patients of cancer and rare diseases further, 36 life-saving drugs have been fully exempted from basic customs duty in the Union Budget 2025.

Additionally, 37 more medicines and 13 new patient assistance programmes have also been exempted from the basic customs duty.

"To provide relief to patients, especially those suffering from cancer and rare diseases, I propose 36 life-saving drugs in fully exempted custom duties," Union minister finance Nirmala Sitharaman said while presenting her eighth consecutive Union Budget.

In 2018, PM Modi had launched the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), which has emerged as a revolutionary initiative. 

The scheme is designed to offer health insurance coverage to over 500 million people, especially those who are from the economically vulnerable sections.

from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/4dtOobm

Speaking Marathi In Government Offices Made Mandatory In Maharashtra

The Maharashtra government on Monday made it mandatory for all officials in government and semi-government offices in the state to speak only in Marathi.

The Government Resolution (GR) issued to this effect also said that speaking Marathi is compulsory in local self-government, government corporations and government-aided establishments.

Errant officials will face disciplinary action, the GR cautioned.

The Marathi Language Policy, approved last year, had recommended the use of Marathi in all public affairs to further the steps taken for the preservation, conservation, promotion, dissemination and development of the language.

The GR also stated that PC (personal computer) keyboards in all offices should have Marathi Devanagari alphabets apart from Roman alphabets.

from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/blaRMV1

US Secretary Of State Meets Panama Leader Over Trump's Demand For Canal

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio entered talks Sunday with Panama's leader to press President Donald Trump's demand that the United States take back control of the Panama Canal.

Trump has refused to back down on threats to seize the vital waterway and it remains unclear what Rubio can achieve diplomatically that would please him, with Panama firmly rejecting any claims against its sovereignty.

Rubio, in his first meeting abroad as the top US diplomat, walked past an honor guard outside the whitewashed walls of President Jose Raul Mulino's official residence in the tropical capital's old quarter.

Rubio shook hands with Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha and flashed a thumbs-up sign before heading into talks with Mulino. They made no immediate comments to the press.

Rubio later in the day will tour the Panama Canal, the crucial link between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through which some 40 percent of US container traffic passes.

Trump and Rubio say that US competitor China has gained too much power around the canal and could shut it down in a potential conflict, with catastrophic consequences for the United States.

Mulino, in response to pressure, ordered an audit of a Hong Kong based company that controls ports on both sides of the canal.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump said it was not enough and that Panama has "totally violated" the understanding when the United States handed back the canal in late 1999.

"They've already offered to do many things," Trump said Friday of Panama, "but we think it's appropriate that we take it back."

Protests for sovereignty 

Scattered protests broke out in Panama ahead of Rubio's visit, with an effigy of him in a red, white and blue suit set on fire.

Diojenes Sanchez, a professor who took part in the protests, vowed to defend Panama's sovereignty.

"We firmly reject the claims of the United States to turn Panama into a protectorate and colony," he said.

The Panama Canal -- which Trump has dubbed as a modern "wonder of the world" -- was built by the United States at the cost of thousands of lives of laborers, mostly people of African descent from Barbados, Jamaica and elsewhere in the Caribbean.

The United States maintained control of the canal when it opened in 1914 but began to negotiate following deadly riots in 1964 by Panamanians angered over foreign control.

Jimmy Carter sealed the agreement that gave the canal to Panama at the end of 1999, with the late president seeing a moral imperative for the United States to respect a smaller but still sovereign country.

Trump takes a vastly different view and has returned to the "big stick" approach of the early 20th century, in which the United States threatened force to have its way, especially in Latin America.

In his first week in office, Trump prepared massive tariffs on Colombia to force the US ally to take back deported citizens on military planes, after the country's leftist president complained that they were not being treated in a dignified way.

Just as Rubio started his trip, Trump on Saturday signed off on sanctions on the top three US trading partners -- Canada, Mexico and China.

Rubio, the first Hispanic secretary of state and a devout Catholic, started his Sunday in Panama City attending Mass at a church built four centuries ago in the old city.

He will travel to four more Latin American countries -- El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic -- where he is expected to press for cooperation on Trump's key priority of deporting migrants from the United States.

from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/BHDdc6x