India, Russia agree to fast track early mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccination certificates

India and Russia on Monday expressed confidence that early mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccination certificates will further facilitate movement of persons between the two countries and agreed to fast track the formalities for it. The two countries also agreed to consider the resumption of direct passenger and cargo flights to their pre-pandemic capacity, said a […]

There were examples of judiciary’s ‘insensitivities’ during COVID-19 period, alleges Congress MP Tharoor

NEW DELHI: Expressing concern over long pendency of court cases, Congress Lok Sabha member Shashi Tharoor Tuesday alleged there were examples of judiciary’s “insensitivities” including rejection of several applications on the plight of migrant labourers during the COVID-19 period. Initiating a debate on the High Court and Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) […]

India, Russia sign AK-203 rifle deal worth Rs 5,000 crore; extends military cooperation till 2031

India, Russia sign AK-203 rifle deal worth Rs 5,000 crore; extends military cooperation till 2031

New Delhi: India is faced with challenges arising out of “extraordinary militarisation” in its neighbourhood and “completely unprovoked aggression” on the northern border, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said at the inaugural Indo-Russia ‘2+2’ dialogue even as the two nations inked a pact for joint production of over six lakh AK-203 rifles and extended military cooperation […]

8,306 new COVID cases in India; active infections in country lowest in 552 days

8,306 new COVID cases in India; active infections in country lowest in 552 days

NEW DELHI: With 8,306 people testing positive for coronavirus infection in a day, India’s total tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 3,46,41,561, while the active cases declined to 98,416, the lowest in 552 days, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday. The death toll climbed to 4,73,537 with 211 fresh fatalities, according […]

Rajya Sabha adjourned amid Opposition protest over 12 MPs’ suspension, Nagaland firing

NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned twice during the pre-lunch period on Monday after Opposition members created uproar in the house over the suspension of some of their colleagues. The house was first adjourned soon after it met and then again a few minutes after the house met at 12 for the Question Hour. […]

Police file murder case against security forces; confusion prevails over Nagaland firing death toll

Kohima: Nagaland Police on Monday lodged a murder case against the 21st Para Special Force of the Army for its alleged involvement in firing on civilians, even as several tribal bodies called for shutdowns in protest against the action of security forces. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC have been clamped in Mon […]

Nagaland firing incident: Left parties slam Centre, demand repeal of AFSPA

New Delhi: The Left parties on Monday hit out at the Union government over the killing of 14 civilians by security forces in Nagaland’s Mon district and demanded the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. Security forces opened fire on civilians killing 14 and injuring 11 more in Nagaland’s Mon district in three […]

Look forward to continue working with B’desh PM to further deepen ties: Modi

New Delhi: As India and Bangladesh commemorate ‘Maitri Diwas’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said he looks forward to continue working with his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina to further expand and deepen bilateral ties. ‘Maitri Diwas’ is being observed on Monday to mark India recognising the newly-formed country Bangladesh in 1971. “Today India and […]

7,476 posts of officers lying vacant in Army, 1,265 in Navy, 621 in IAF: Govt

NEW DELHI: The Army has 7,476 vacant posts of officers while the Navy and Air Force have 1,265 and 621 such vacancies, Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt said on Monday. In his written response to a question in Rajya Sabha, the minister also said that for “airmen, sailors, junior commissioned officers and other […]

What exactly is Home ministry doing: Rahul Gandhi slams Modi govt over Nagaland civilians’ deaths

What exactly is Home ministry doing: Rahul Gandhi slams Modi govt over Nagaland civilians’ deaths

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Sunday attacked the Centre over the killing of civilians during an anti-insurgency operation in Nagaland, with Rahul Gandhi saying the government must give a “real reply” as to what is the home ministry doing when “neither civilians nor security personnel are safe in our own land”. At least 13 civilians […]