A boat carrying tourists, primarily from Punjab, capsized in the Yamuna in Vrindavan on Friday afternoon, leaving at least 10 people dead, 22 injured and five missing, officials said. The accident occurred near Kesi Ghat when the boat carrying over two dozen tourists moved into deeper waters and hit a floating pontoon, they said. Authorities noted that a pontoon bridge had recently been dismantled in the area due to rising water levels, leaving some pontoon drums in the river, one of which the boat is believed to have collided with. District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh reported six fatalities earlier and later rescuers recovered four more bodies, taking the toll to 10, the district administration officials confirmed. The deceased have been identified as Kavita Rani (49), Charanjit (40), Sapna Hans (55), Rikesh Gulati, Madhur Behl, Asha Rani, Pinki Behl, Anju Gulati, Ishan Kataria, Minu Bansal, according to an official statement. Those missing have been identified as Manik Tan
As we mark the beginning of his bicentenary year, the most fitting tribute to Mahatma Jyotirao Phule is about renewal
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday called on Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool and conveyed warm greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Our conversation reflected the warmth of our friendship and the steadfast commitment to further advancing India-Mauritius partnership," he said in a post on X after meeting President Gokhool. Jaishankar, who is in Mauritius to attend the 9th Indian Ocean Conference, also met Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, the former prime minister and leader of the MSM Party. "Value his strong commitment to India-Mauritius partnership," he said. The minister also met his counterparts from Nepal, Bhutan and Seychelles and discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interests. "Glad to meet FM Shishir Khanal @shisir of Nepal this afternoon. Congratulated him on his appointment. Discussed realising the full potential of the India-Nepal partnership by deeper collaboration in different sectors," he posted on X. Jaishankar, w
The Congress on Friday alleged that the Modi government's "U-turn" on the implementation of the women's reservation law is aimed at covering up his "monumental failures" in governance and "severe setbacks" to foreign policy. The opposition party claimed that the PM owes an "apology" to the women of India as he did not accept the Congress' demand of implementing the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, from the 2024 polls itself. "Actually he owes an apology to the women of India. When the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 was passed by Parliament in 2023 unanimously, the Indian National Congress had demanded its implementation from 2024 itself," Ramesh said on X. But this was not acceptable to the PM who made the reservation dependent on the delimitation and census exercises that he had failed to conduct and then dithered on for many years, the Congress leader said. Ramesh claimed that 30 months later, facing defeat in the assembly elections, in spite of the Election Commission ..
In a post on X, the Prime Minister highlighted the enthusiasm witnessed during the roadshow and expressed confidence in public support for the BJP
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday attacked the ruling TMC over alleged lawlessness and accused the ruling party of encouraging infiltration and unleashing 'maha jungleraj'. Addressing an election rally here in Birbhum district, he alleged the Trinamool Congress' slogan of 'Maa-Mati-Manush' (mother, land, people) has become nothing more than rhetoric. "Cottage industry has been declining in West Bengal, while the TMC has turned making crude bombs into a cottage industry," Modi said. The Bogtui carnage of 2022, in which around 10 women and children were burnt alive in the district, bears testimony to the TMC's 'maha jungle raj', the Prime Minister asserted. "Land grabbing by infiltrators under the TMC regime has reached dangerous proportions. Infiltrators are usurping the jobs of locals by accepting contract work for less money. They will be deported and their facilitators jailed after the BJP comes to power in Bengal," he said. Modi charged the TMC with insulting adivasis,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday slammed the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal for its alleged misrule and appealed to voters to oust the TMC from power in the upcoming assembly polls. Addressing a gathering in Haldia, the backyard of Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, Modi said that the ruling dispensation in the state was "pulling Bengal back". "The country is walking on the path of progress, while TMC's 'nirmam sarkar' is pulling Bengal back. To usher in 'Viksit Bengal', it's essential that the party is removed from power," he claimed. He also alleged that the "TMC cheated Bengal's youth on two counts -- destroyed the private sector and looted government posts for money". "Investment does not come in an atmosphere of fear, but in a climate of trust that the BJP will bring in Bengal," Modi said at the industrial hub. He accused the TMC of following a "religion-based reservation policy to secure its vote bank". "People's huge attendance at Haldia rally despite
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday appealed to the people of Assam, Kerala and Puducherry to exercise their franchise in large numbers in the assembly elections in the two states and the Union Territory. In separate messages in English, besides Assamese, Malayalam and Tamil -- the regional languages of Assam, Kerala and Puducherry respectively -- PM Modi particularly requested the youth and the women to step forward and vote in large numbers. "As polling begins for the Assam Assembly elections 2026, I appeal to the people of Assam to exercise their franchise in large numbers. I hope that the state's youth and women voters participate enthusiastically and make this election a celebration of democracy and public duty," he said in a post on X. Calling upon the people of Kerala to vote in large numbers, the prime minister said the record participation in the voting will add vigour to Kerala's democratic spirit. "I particularly request the youth and women of the state to step forw
While Modi's BJP seeks to expand its foothold in states dominated by regional parties, the elections come as India faces an uncertain growth outlook after a surge in oil prices following West Asia war
Amid festive celebrations, India stands at a historic moment to advance women's reservation and strengthen inclusive democracy
Prime Minister emphasised that providing the right opportunities is key to individual and national growth
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday said the use of "abusive" language by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge is "utterly shameful" and added Prime Minister Narendra Modi must clarify whether he endorses this "insult". Sarma had triggered a row on Tuesday when he hit out at Kharge, saying that he was "speaking like a mad man" due to old age, after the latter put the onus on central agencies to probe the charges made against the Assam chief minister. In a post in Hindi on X, Priyanka Gandhi said, "The kind of abusive and derogatory language used by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma against the Congress president and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, is utterly shameful and unacceptable." She said Kharge is one of the most senior leaders in the country and serves as an enlightened representative not only of the Congress party but also of the Dalits and the marginalised sections
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Rajasthan on April 21 to inaugurate a refinery at Pachpadra in Barmer district, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has announced. "It is a matter of pride that the prime minister will visit Rajasthan to inaugurate the Pachpadra refinery," Chief Minister Bhananlal Sharma said on X late Tuesday night. The Greenfield Refinery-cum-Petrochemical Complex at Barmer was set up by HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited, which is a joint venture between the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and the Government of Rajasthan, with 74 per cent and 26 per cent stakes respectively. The complex has a capacity of 9 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA), including 2.4 MMTPA of petrochemical products. Sharma said the refinery will play a key role in boosting the economy of the Marwar region as well as the entire state and will open new employment opportunities for the youth. The project would prove a "lifeline" for economic growth in Rajasthan, he said, extending
Talks between India and Bangladesh to focus on reviving stalled projects, boosting investments and potential visit of Bangladesh PM amid efforts to repair strained ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday wished for the excellent health of all fellow citizens and urged everyone to make all possible effort to keep themselves healthy. On the occasion of World Health Day, he also expressed gratitude to all those who dedicate themselves tirelessly to the service of others and work towards a healthier planet. "On World Health Day, I wish for the excellent health of all my fellow citizens. I urge everyone to make every possible effort to keep themselves healthy," he said in a post on X in Hindi. The prime minister also reaffirmed his government's commitment to building a healthier society. "Let us all keep working together to strengthen healthcare systems and prioritise well-being of every individual," he said. The World Health Day is celebrated annually on April 7, marking the anniversary of the founding of WHO in 1948. On this day, each year WHO draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world.
CM N Chandrababu Naidu welcomed the recognition of Amaravati as the state's sole capital, expressing gratitude towards President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday flagged the Uniform Civil Code and 'One Nation, One Election' as two of the unfinished agendas of the BJP, and said serious and positive discussions are taking place on them. Addressing virtually an event on the BJP's foundation day, Modi also targeted the Congress and said BJP workers endured many hardships like Emergency and also oppression under the grand old party. He said many BJP workers have even sacrificed their lives as was witnessed in states like West Bengal and Kerala, "where violence has been turned into a political culture". "Our mission is still ongoing. On Uniform Civil Code and 'One Nation, One Election', serious discussions are taking place in the country and we are moving in positive directions on them," he said. 'One Nation, One Election' system proposes to hold polls for assembly and Lok Sabha simultaneously. The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) seeks to create same set of laws for everyone regarding marriage, adoption etc. acros
Once fully commissioned, India will become only the second country after Russia to operate a commercial fast breeder reactor
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre have "failed" to address the concerns arising out of the ongoing West Asia conflict, which was affecting lakhs of Indians. Addressing a corner meeting at Peravoor in this northern district as part of the campaign for the April 9 Assembly polls, she claimed that no adequate provisions had been made for the safety and security of Indians in the region. Referring to the situation in the Middle East, the Wayanad MP said India could face more problems in the coming days as the conflict continues to escalate. Taking a dig at the Prime Minister, she alleged that, "Modiji is too busy bowing to the US and Israel." Similarly, she accused Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of being "too busy bowing to Modiji". According to her, fuel prices in the country were rising steadily and the Centre handed over the energy sector to the United States. "Today, the US decides where we should buy o
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that while his government has carried out Operation Sindoor on terror camps in Pakistan, the Congress keeps on "singing to the tune of" the neighbouring country. On the development front, he alleged that the Congress had always taken a myopic view on the matter, while the BJP works towards ensuring long-term development of the nation. "The party always took short-term measures so that they could indulge in corruption. But the BJP looks far ahead while taking decisions for all-around development of all sections of society," Modi said. Addressing an election rally here in Assam's Barpeta district, the prime minister said the Congress has "always sung to Pakistan's tune". "This Pakistan connection compromises with the nation's security, and we can never allow that," he said. He also accused the Congress of neglecting the army by refusing to implement 'One Rank, One Pension'. But the BJP ensured that those who protect the nation get justice,