Tag: India

  • Professor suspended after proposing to student in class

    Professor suspended after proposing to student in class

    An assistant professor at a medical college in Karnataka, India, has been suspended after he proposed to a female student during a class, prompting a confrontation on campus.

    The incident surfaced online after videos recorded by students circulated on social media.

    In one of the clips, the professor is seen addressing the class and claiming that a student had expressed her feelings for him. He then says that he also loves her.

    The student objected to the claim and asked him to take the matter to the principal instead.

    The professor responded, “Didn’t you say ‘I love you’?” and claimed that CCTV footage existed to support his statement. The student asked him to present proof.

    He later left the classroom, stating that he would speak to her the next day.


    According to an Indian media outlet, the situation escalated on campus, where an argument led to a physical altercation. The student allegedly struck the professor with her slipper, while other students gathered around and shouted and assaulted him.

    The incident took place at Sri Siddhartha Medical College in Tumkur, Karnataka.

    The college administration has suspended the professor and a case has been registered. An investigation is underway.

  • US trade office pulls controversial India map after Pakistan’s protest

    US trade office pulls controversial India map after Pakistan’s protest

    The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has removed a map of India from its official X account following a strong diplomatic protest from Pakistan over its depiction of disputed territories, diplomatic sources told a private media outlet on Wednesday. 


    The map, posted alongside a USTR press release outlining a framework for an interim US-India trade agreement, showed the entire Jammu and Kashmir region — including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan as part of India. It also depicted China’s Aksai Chin region within Indian boundaries, despite its disputed status between China and India.


    The map went live on Friday evening and was taken down by Monday evening, the first working day after the weekend. Pakistani officials said they lodged protests both through the US Embassy in Islamabad and with the State Department in Washington, emphasizing that the map contradicted the longstanding US position that Jammu and Kashmir is a disputed territory whose final status should be determined according to United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

    Diplomatic sources familiar with the matter suggest that the map may have been sourced from Google Maps, similar to a previous instance where the USTR used a map in a trade press release on Bangladesh.
     


    While the map only showed territorial outlines and no labels, Pakistani diplomats stressed that even an outline carries significant political and diplomatic weight, especially on the sensitive Kashmir issue.

    Concerns escalated after Indian media highlighted the map, portraying it as a possible shift in US policy and an implicit endorsement of India’s territorial claims. Pakistani officials said this made it critical for Islamabad to immediately reaffirm Washington’s traditional position on Kashmir and prevent any misinterpretation.

    The USTR press release itself remains online, but the India map has been withdrawn. The map used for the Bangladesh trade release remains available, reinforcing the view that the India map was posted inadvertently.


    The controversy comes as Washington and New Delhi unveiled a framework for the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement, designed to boost two-way commerce. Under the agreement, the US will reduce tariffs on Indian goods to 18 percent, having already removed an additional 25 percent punitive duty, with reciprocal cuts expected for US exports to India.

  • British tourists asked to leave India over ‘Free Palestine’ stickers

    British tourists asked to leave India over ‘Free Palestine’ stickers

    According to reports, authorities said the action was taken after the couple was found to have violated the conditions of their tourist visas.

    The couple, identified as Lewis Gabriel D. and Anushi Emma Christine, went to India on tourist visas and were staying in Pushkar, a town in western Rajasthan known for its temples and as a popular destination for international visitors.

    Intelligence officials received information indicating their involvement in putting up stickers advocating for Palestinians. The stickers reportedly carried messages including “Free Palestine. Boycott Israel.”

    The intelligence department reviewed CCTV footage and local inputs to identify the suspects, and the district police were alerted after the matter was deemed serious.

    With a team led by Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Rajesh Meena interrogating the tourists, the couple reportedly admitted to engaging in political activities while on tourist visas, which authorities said violated the terms of their stay.

    “Engaging in activities that disrespect other nations while on Indian soil is a clear violation of visa rules,” Meena told Indian media.

    He said that action against the couple was taken under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, with their visas revoked and a “Leave India Notice” issued.

    The ASP added that if any foreign national was found violating the conditions of a tourist visa in the future, they too would be identified and strict action will be taken, including deportation and blacklisting.

    Indian authorities also said the incident highlights the monitoring of foreign nationals’ activities in the country, and the enforcement of visa regulations for visitors engaging in political acts.

  • Indian para-athlete beaten to death for confronting unruly behaviour by groom’s family at wedding

    Indian para-athlete beaten to death for confronting unruly behaviour by groom’s family at wedding

    Two days after being attacked by a group of men with iron rods and hockey sticks for confronting their unruly behaviour at a wedding, national-level Indian para-athlete Rohit Dhankar has succumbed to his injuries.

    As per the details, 28-year-old Dhankar on the night of November 27 went to attend a wedding at a family member’s residence in Haryana’s Rewari Khera village.

    As the ceremony took place, some guests from the groom’s side allegedly behaved in an unruly manner, to which Dhankar objected.

    Jatin, Dhankar’s friend who accompanied him, said that the initial confrontation was settled after his brother-in-law stepped in. However, while returning to Rohtak about an hour later, the same group intercepted their vehicle.

    “I told them, let’s talk tomorrow. But by then, they managed to open the passenger seat window where Rohit was sitting. They then smashed the window on my side with an iron rod. I drove away, but they started chasing after,” Jatin said.

    He said the attackers forced the car to stop at a railway crossing, surrounding it. “One of their cars was in front of us, and three were behind our car. They caught hold of Rohit while I managed to escape,” he added.

    While Dhankar was initially taken to Bhiwani General Hospital, he was later transferred to Rohtak where he succumbed to the injuries over the weekend.

    Authorities have so far detained six suspects and confiscated one of the vehicles used in the attack. The investigating officer, Devendra Kumar, said the group of men acted under the influence of alcohol and the assault took place around 11:30 pm.

    Rohit Dhankar was a two-time junior para national recordholder and a seven-time senior para national champion. He also represented India internationally in para powerlifting and worked as a gym trainer.

  • India interested in Israel’s LORA missile system: reports

    India interested in Israel’s LORA missile system: reports

    India plans to acquire and locally produce Long Range Artillery (LORA) ballistic missiles developed by the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), it has emerged.

    According to Israeli media reports, Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has signed with Israeli Defence Director General Amir Baram a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen defence collaboration between the two countries.

    India’s interest in Israel’s LORA was reinforced by the usage of the Rampage missile in recent military encounters with Pakistan, reports said. While Rampage, with a range near 250 kilometres and deployed from aircraft such as the Sukhoi-30 and MiG-29, is highly accurate, its shorter range exposes launch aircraft to advanced air-defence systems.

    LORA, developed by IAI’s MLM division, reportedly extends operational reach to about 400 kilometres, allowing strikes on enemy sites while keeping aircraft outside the threat envelope.

    The missile weighs 1,600 kilograms, flies at supersonic speeds, and uses satellite navigation protected against disruption. One of its outstanding features is that it is “fire and forget”, meaning that once it has been launched at the target, there is no need to guide it.

    It can carry various warheads for deployment against soft targets or against bunkers.

    India, which is the largest buyer of Israel’s defence industries according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), accounted for roughly 34% of Israel’s defence exports from 2020 to 2024.

    Reports said India is also interested in the “Ice Breaker” cruise missile, which is designed for attacks at ranges of about 300 km against land and sea targets. The missile is effective in all weather conditions, can function well in environments saturated with electronic warfare, and has infrared (IIR)-based navigation and missile guidance capabilities, which, through AI, can acquire and identify targets.

  • Despite Pakistan’s objections, Andy Pycroft returns as match referee for Super 4 India clash

    Despite Pakistan’s objections, Andy Pycroft returns as match referee for Super 4 India clash

    Andy Pycroft, the match referee at the centre of the controversy during the Pakistan-India clash on September 14, will once again officiate Sunday’s high-voltage Super Four encounter between the two arch-rivals.

    The Sept 14 Asia Cup clash had sparked a storm when Pycroft requested both captains, Salman Ali Agha and Suryakumar Yadav, to skip the customary handshake at the toss. It was a move that infuriated the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which promptly demanded his “immediate removal”.

    The fallout continued into Pakistan’s next match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with the team delaying their arrival and the match start time amid behind-the-scenes negotiations with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

    Tensions only eased after a last-minute meeting between Pycroft and Pakistan’s team management ahead of that match — a meeting that itself stirred further controversy over conflicting reports of an alleged apology by the referee.

    Now, with Pycroft officially retained as match referee for the upcoming clash, the high-octane rivalry resumes in a charged atmosphere. India, however, are steering clear of the off-field drama.

    “We’re just focused on our game,” Indian skipper Yadav said on Saturday. “Preparations have been good, and we’re sticking to our strengths. Past results don’t give us an edge… it’s a fresh game, and both teams will need to start strong.”

    India arrived back in Dubai early Saturday after their game against Oman, and will have an optional practice session. Pakistan are scheduled to have a full training session at the ICC Academy today.

    The match will be played at 7:30 pm, Pakistan Standard Time.

  • ‘Bhutto India mein bhi zinda hai’: Internet react as PPP’s Dilan Teer Bija takes over India

    ‘Bhutto India mein bhi zinda hai’: Internet react as PPP’s Dilan Teer Bija takes over India

    Music has no boundaries and this has been proven many times in the past. But this time, a Pakistani political song – Dilan Teer Bija of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) – is trending in India and they are loving it.

    While the song is being loved by the people of Indian Hyderabad who are dancing to it on wedding functions, content creators and the general public are taking to social media to talk about its virality, drawing reactions from netizens on either side of the border.

    “Bhutto India mein bhi zinda hai,” wrote a Pakistani user.

    One user on the Indian side revealed that the song was a hit in Mumbai too.

    Another wrote that music had no border and language barrier and the song is universal.

    The song Dilan Teer Bija [literally: an arrow to your heart] is a meaty ditty based on a funky, beat-heavy rendition of Baloch folk music, sung by Shabana Noshi and composed by Zahoor Khan Zeibi. The song was recorded in a music studio in Karachi’s Lyari at the height of what was called the ‘Lyari Disco Scene’ in the 1980s, as part of former Prime Minister (PM) Benazir Bhutto’s election campaign.

    This song, originally in Balochi, is one of the oldest anthems that are still played at every public gathering of the PPP.

    It was also played at the mehndi function of President Asif Ali Zardari and the late former PM Benazir Bhutto’s daughter Bakhtawar. Videos from the event showed the family and friends grooving to it.

    While many remixes have been produced over the years, the melody of the original track is unmatchable. Even if you are not a supporter of the party, you can’t stop loving the song.

  • First Pakistan-India collab since May conflict is breathtakingly beautiful

    First Pakistan-India collab since May conflict is breathtakingly beautiful

    In a landmark moment for cross-border cultural exchange, Pakistani singer Zeeshan Ali has released his latest track Ishqa Ve, marking the first Indo-Pak collaborative music video since the armed conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations in May 2025.

    The video, which beautifully bridges the emotional and cultural landscapes of India and Pakistan, was shot across Amritsar and Lahore, two cities steeped in history and shared heritage. The Amritsar segment was directed by renowned Indian filmmaker Gurpal Singh, while the Lahore portion was helmed by acclaimed Pakistani director Abu Aleeha.

    Zeeshan Ali, known for his soulful voice and versatile singing style, has once again delivered a bewitching song. With a background in classical music, Zeeshan has made a name for himself by fusing traditional South Asian melodies with contemporary sounds. Ishqa Ve continues this trend, blending rich vocals with poignant storytelling and visuals that symbolise love beyond borders.

    The release of Ishqa Ve is being hailed as a cultural breakthrough, with fans and critics alike praising the message of peace and harmony. In a time of heightened political tensions, this musical effort shines as a beacon of hope, proving once again that art knows no boundaries.

  • Pakistan is also ‘victim of terrorism’; Chinese Ambassador doesn’t back down in India

    Pakistan is also ‘victim of terrorism’; Chinese Ambassador doesn’t back down in India

    Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong has said that apart from India, Pakistan is also a victim of terrorism.

    Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2025 event organised by the Chintan Research Foundation (CRF) at the India International Centre on Thursday in New Delhi, he said, “In fact, terrorism is the enemy of the global world … So not only China and India but in fact Pakistan are also victims of terrorism.”

    The Ambassador stressed the need for a joint effort to fight against terrorists, emphasizing that the “most important thing is how to root out terrorism”.

    Pakistan remained a principal victim of terrorism, as it has sacrificed thousands of lives while combating it. The fact was also echoed by the Deputy Prime Minister (PM) Ishaq Dar during his press conference in Lahore earlier this week.

    He stated that the country has fought the global war of terrorism on the front foot and sacrificed 90,000 lives besides suffering colossal losses of $192 billion to its economy in the war on terrorism.

    The deputy prime minister stressed that the world had to recognize the huge sacrifices Pakistan had made.

    The most recent major terrorist incidents include the horrific Jaffar Express attack in Balochistan in April this year, which claimed dozens of civilian lives, and the May 21 bombing of a school bus in Khuzdar that tragically killed eight children and two adults.

    Earlier, in July, during an interview with Al Jazeera, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that India supports terrorist activities in the country aimed at destabilising Pakistan’s security, particularly in Balochistan.

  • ‘Self-amusement’: Chinese expert rubbishes Indian claim of downing Pakistani jets

    ‘Self-amusement’: Chinese expert rubbishes Indian claim of downing Pakistani jets

    Senior Research Fellow at the Charhar Institute, Prof. Cheng Xizhong, on Sunday, termed Indian Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh’s claim that India had shot down five Pakistani fighter jets and one large aircraft during the conflict in early May “self-amusement.”

    In a statement, Xizhong said, “The remarks by the Indian air chief marshal are comical, implausible, and unconvincing. We may call it self-amusement.”

    Cheng stated New Delhi’s allegations lacked strong evidence and have been “widely questioned by the international community, being considered groundless.” 

    “It is thus evident that no Pakistani fighter jet was hit or destroyed by the Indian side. On the contrary, the Pakistani side shot down six Indian fighter jets and destroyed S-400 air defence positions, among other achievements, which is an indisputable fact,” he added.

    Speaking at an event in Bengaluru on Saturday, the Indian air chief marshal had claimed: “We have at least five fighters confirmed killed, and one large aircraft,” adding that the large aircraft, which could be a surveillance plane, was shot down at a distance of 300 kilometres.

    He alleged that India’s Russian-made S-400 surface-to-air missile system was responsible for downing most of the Pakistani aircraft, citing electronic tracking data as evidence of the strikes.

    Without detailing the type of fighter jets that were downed, he claimed that airstrikes also hit an additional surveillance plane and “a few F-16” fighters that were parked in hangars at two air bases in Sindh and Punjab. “This is actually the largest ever recorded surface-to-air kill,” he added.

    Singh’s remarks came three months after the neighbouring countries’ severe military conflict in May. The statement raises eyebrows about the timing, and he did not present any evidence, such as photos of the fighter jet’s wreckage and radar monitoring data.

    Pakistan said it downed five Indian planes in air-to-air combat on the night of May 6-7, later stating that the figure had climbed up to six. India’s highest-ranking General has also acknowledged that its forces “suffered losses” in the air, and their air force was grounded for two days; however, he denied losing six aircraft.