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SC Refuses To Entertain PIL For Mandatory Biometric Attendance System In Schools

editor — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:13:19 +0000

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a PIL seeking direction to the Centre and States for a mandatory biometric-based attendance system for school students to dismantle dummy educational institutions.

A bench of Justices P Narasimha and Alok Aradhe asked the PIL petitioner advocate N K Goswami to approach the high court, while clarifying that this court was not inclined to entertain the petition filed under Article 32 of the Constitution.

“We are giving you liberty to approach the high court,” the bench said while dismissing the plea.

Goswami has also sought among other things, a statutory cap on coaching hours for school children and a binding Code of Conduct for coaching centres prohibiting the manipulation of success data and the use of topper photographs for misleading advertising etc.

Article 32 grants citizens right to approach Supreme Court directly to enforce their fundamental rights.

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Gen Subramani Takes Charge As India’s New Chief Of Defence Staff

editor — Sun, 31 May 2026 06:02:38 +0000

Gen NS Raja Subramani, widely known as an expert on Pakistan and China, on Sunday took charge as India’s new Chief of Defence Staff with a primary mandate to implement the ambitious military theaterisation plan and bolster tri-services synergy.
He succeeded Gen Anil Chauhan, who signed off after completing his tenure as the country’s senior-most military commander on Saturday.
Gen Subramani was serving as the Military Advisor at the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS). He retired as the Vice Chief of Army Staff on July 31 last year.
The military officer, shortly after taking charge, said transformation of the armed forces and organisational reforms to enhance tri-services synergy and integration will be his primary focus.
We will accelerate the development, induction and integration of indigenous weapons in our armed forces, he said in a brief media statement. “Our armed forces consistently demonstrated professionalism and operational decisiveness in safeguarding our national interests. We are committed to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country,” he said.

“I assure citizens of India that armed forces will continue to serve the nation with dedication, courage, honour and professionalism,” he added.
Gen Subramani also noted that he would also work towards accelerating the development, induction, and integration of indigenous weapon systems into the armed forces.
As Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Subramani’s primary task will be to implement the theaterisation model by rolling out integrated military commands. In his illustrious career spanning over 40 years, Gen Subramani served across a wide spectrum of conflict and terrain profiles and held a host of Command, Staff and Instructional appointments.
He served as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff from July 1, 2024 to July 31, 2025 and was General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command from March 2023 till June 2024.The officer is a graduate of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy. He was commissioned into the eighth battalion of the Garhwal Rifles on December 14, 1985.
Gen Subramani is an alumnus of the Joint Services Command and Staff College, Bracknell (UK), and the National Defence College, New Delhi. He holds a Master of Arts degree from King’s College, London, and an M Phil in Defence Studies from Madras University.
He commanded the 16 Garhwal Rifles in counter-insurgency operations in Assam as part of Operation Rhino, the 168 Infantry Brigade in Jammu and Kashmir, and the 17 Mountain Division in the Central Sector during a challenging operational environment.

He also distinguished himself by commanding two corps, including a premier strike corps of the Indian Army on the Western Front.
Gen Subramani’s staff and instructional assignments include Brigade Major of a Mountain Brigade, Defence Attache in Kazakhstan, Assistant Military Secretary in the Military Secretary’s Branch, Deputy Commander of a Rashtriya Rifles Sector in Jammu and Kashmir, and Deputy Director General of Military Intelligence at the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army).

He also held the posts of Brigadier General Staff (Operations) in the Eastern Command, Chief Instructor (Army) at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and Chief of Staff at Headquarters Northern Command. For his distinguished service, the General Officer has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal. (AGENCIES)

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India Turned Its Diversity Into Strength Of Its Democracy: PM Modi

editor — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 08:02:33 +0000

NEW DELHI, Jan 15: India has turned diversity into the strength of its democracy and shown the world that democratic institutions and processes give stability, speed and scale to its development.
Inaugurating the 28th conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth, Modi also said that Indian democracy is like a large tree supported by deep roots.
“When India gained Independence, many doubted whether democracy could survive amidst the country’s immense diversity. However, this very diversity became the strength of Indian democracy,” he said.
“There was also scepticism that even if democracy did take root, India would struggle to progress. Contrary to these doubts, India has demonstrated that democratic institutions and processes provide stability, scale, and speed to its development,” he said.
The prime minister said India has a long tradition of debate, dialogue and collective decision-making.
“In India, democracy means last mile delivery,” he said.
He also said that India is strongly raising the concerns of the Global South on every global platform.
“During its G20 Presidency as well, India placed the priorities of the Global South at the centre of the global agenda,” he said.
About 60 speakers and presiding officers are attending the event being held at the Samvidhan Sadan in Parliament House complex here from January 14 to 16.
It is deliberating on a wide range of contemporary parliamentary issues, including the role of speakers and presiding officers, in maintaining strong democratic institutions.
The use of artificial intelligence in parliamentary functioning, the impact of social media on Members of Parliament, innovative strategies to enhance public understanding of Parliament and citizen participation beyond voting, among others, are also being discussed at the conference.

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Zero Tolerance Against Criminals Operating From Foreign Lands, Says Amit Shah

editor — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 08:18:23 +0000

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said a ruthless approach must be adopted towards economic offenders, cyber criminals, those involved in terror activities and all other fugitives to ensure they are brought before the Indian justice system.
Addressing a conference on ‘Extradition of Fugitives – Challenges and Strategies’, organised by the CBI here, Shah also said that a zero tolerance approach must be adopted not only against against corruption, crime and terrorism, but also against those criminals who are operating from outside India.
Efforts must be made to bring all fugitives within the ambit of the law and to establish a definite mechanism for this, he said.
“Whether they are economic offenders, cyber criminals, those involved in terrorist activities or part of organised crime networks, a ruthless approach must be adopted against every fugitive to ensure they are brought before the Indian justice system. The time has come for this,” he said.
The home minister asserted that the Narendra Modi government has undertaken foolproof measures to ensure that no offender escapes the grip of law.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, a strong India is moving forward to ensure not only security of its borders but also strengthening rule of law,” he said.
Shah said no matter how swift the tactics of crime and criminals, the reach of justice must be even swifter.
He also asked all states to set up at least one prison cell of international standards in their respective state to counter plea of poor standards of jails given by fugitives in foreign courts.

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Gold Surge Rs 1,185 To Record Rs 1.28 Lakh/10g, Breaches Usd 4,250 An Ounce In Global Markets

editor — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 08:16:38 +0000

Gold prices on Thursday surged by Rs 1,185 to scale an all-time high of Rs 1,28,395 per 10 grams in the domestic futures trade, while the yellow metal crossed the USD 4,250 per ounce globally, driven by expectations of interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve, and persistent geopolitical tensions.
On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures for December delivery climbed by Rs 1,185, or 0.93 per cent, to reach a new peak of Rs 1,28,395 per 10 grams.
Extending the gains for the fifth consecutive session, the February 2026 contract for the yellow metal futures also rose sharply by Rs 977, or 0.76 per cent, to touch an all-time high of Rs 1,29,380 per 10 grams.
“Gold prices remain elevated at record levels, driven by expectations of more interest rate cuts from the US Federal Reserve (Fed) and ongoing tensions between Washington and Beijing,” Darshan Desai, Chief Executive Officer of Aspect Bullion & Refinery, said.
He added that the futures market now anticipates a larger rate cut from the Fed, possibly later this month or December, which could give gold prices another boost.
“Gold is also likely to remain a safe-haven asset, supported by concerns over rising and potentially unsustainable debt levels, a weakening US dollar, and continued buying by central banks,” Desai said.
Tracking yellow metal, silver prices also surged to new peaks on the MCX. The white metal for December delivery appreciated by Rs 2,454, or 1.51 per cent, to hit a record Rs 1,64,660 per kilogram.
Similarly, the March 2026 contract extended its winning streak for the fourth consecutive session by rising Rs 2,699, or 1.6 per cent, to hit a fresh peak of Rs 1,64,958 per kg on the commodities bourse.
The dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading lower by 0.17 per cent to 98.63, further aiding the appeal for bullion prices.
In the international market, Comex gold futures continued their upward march by climbing to a record of USD 4,254.80 per ounce.
“Gold prices rose above USD 4,250 per ounce on Thursday, continuing its rally to a new record, driven by safe-haven demand and growing expectations of a dovish US monetary policy,” Jigar Trivedi, Senior Research Analyst at Reliance Securities, said.
Trivedi added that the US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s recent remarks highlighted signs of a weakening labour market, which prompted investors to nearly fully price in a 25 basis points rate cut at this month’s meeting, with another likely in December.
Silver futures also followed suit in the global markets. The metal for December delivery rose to hit a lifetime high of USD 52.86 per ounce.
On Wednesday, US officials criticised China’s tightened restrictions on rare earth exports, warning they pose risks to global supply chains and hinting at potential countermeasures from Washington.
Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that Washington could consider imposing export limits or tariffs on China’s imports of Russian Oil if coordinated with European partners, a move that could further strain trade relations and add to market uncertainty.
Analysts said both gold and silver have been on a record-setting spree this week, driven by robust investor inflows into precious metals. Any confirmation of a rate cut by the Fed would likely push bullion prices to fresh records in the weeks ahead.

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Forces fully prepared at borders, retaliation will be decisive if provoked: Rajnath Singh

editor — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 17:25:29 +0000

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said India will respond more aggressively to any misadventure by Pakistan, whether along the International Border or the Line of Control. He said the nation knows how to defend itself against terrorism and other threats.

Singh further said that any aggression by Pakistan in the Sir Creek region would be met with a response strong enough to “change both history and geography”.

Speaking during Shastra Puja celebrations with soldiers at a military base in Bhuj, Gujarat, the Defence Minister, warned Islamabad against misadventures in the disputed border area, saying India is watching all recent military developments near the Sir Creek zone closely.

“Even after 78 years of independence, the Sir Creek border issue remains unresolved. India has tried to settle it through dialogue, but Pakistan’s intentions are unclear. If they try any misadventure now, the response will be so strong that it could change both history and geography,” he said.

Referring to the 1965 war, Singh reminded Pakistan of the Indian Army’s past achievements. “In 1965, our forces reached Lahore. In 2025, they must remember — one direct route to Karachi passes through Sir Creek,” he said.

Sir Creek, a 96-kilometre-long estuary in the marshy Rann of Kutch, has been a longstanding territorial dispute between India and Pakistan. India accuses Pakistan of trying to militarise the region, especially with recent reports of expanded military infrastructure near the sensitive area.

Rajnath said the Indian Army and the Border Security Force are fully alert and monitoring all activities along the border. “Our soldiers are guarding the borders with complete vigilance. Let there be no doubt — if provoked, the response will not be restrained,” he said.

He also spoke at length about Operation Sindoor, a four-day military action launched by India from May 7 to May 10, 2025, in retaliation to the terror attack in Pahalgam. The operation targeted terrorist camps inside Pakistan-controlled territory.

“Pakistan attempted to breach our defence system from Leh to Sir Creek. They failed. In response, our forces exposed their entire air defence network. We sent a clear message to the world, India can strike where and when it wants,” he said.

The Defence Minister clarified that the aim of Operation Sindoor was not to escalate into a full-scale war. “Our objective was to target terrorism, not to wage war. We exercised restraint. But we achieved every single military objective. The fight against terrorism will continue,” he added.

He attributed the swift and successful execution of the operation to the jointness of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. “It was the synergy between our three services that made Operation Sindoor a success. When all three work together, there is no challenge we cannot overcome,” Singh said.

Marking Dussehra, Singh performed the traditional worship of weapons, noting that in Indian tradition, weapons are seen not just as tools of war, but as instruments of righteousness. “Weapons are not for show. They are not just symbols of strength; they are used to protect dharma,” he said

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Interstate cybercrime racket busted in Punjab, 38 arrested

editor — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 09:25:14 +0000

Punjab Police has busted an interstate cyber fraud racket and arrested 38 people from a resort during a raid, officials said on Friday.

The raid was conducted jointly by teams of Kapurthala Cyber Cell and city police station, Phagwara, on Thursday night, they said.

The arrested accused, including some women, were taken to Kapurthala in a bus. The accused belong to Punjab, New Delhi, Nagaland, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, West Bengal, Haryana, Odisha, Jharkhand and Maharashtra, police said.

According to police sources, the group was defrauding people in the United States and Canada on the pretext of offering software solutions. They would hack electronic devices of unsuspecting people.

One of the accused, who allegedly ran the racket, leased the resort premises and engaged a few people to manage the illegal call centre, the sources said.

According to an FIR registered in the early hours of Friday, the arrests were made under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including cheating, and the Information Technology Act.

Police recovered 40 laptops, 67 mobile phones and Rs 10 lakh cash during the raid.

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LG Manoj Sinha, CM Omar Extend Birthday Greetings To PM Modi

editor — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 06:14:05 +0000

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday extended warm greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday.
The Office of LG J&K in a post on X, conveyed “Heartfelt birthday wishes to Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji. I pray for your long & healthy life. Under your visionary leadership, the nation is achieving unprecedented progress in every sphere. Your commitment & dedication to people’s welfare continue to inspire us all.”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in his message, posted on X, “Wishing the Hon PM @narendramodi Sb a very happy 75th birthday. May he be blessed with good health & a long life in the service of our nation & all its citizens.”

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Our Soldiers Did Not Kill Terrorists Based On Their Religion, But Because Of Their Deeds: Rajnath Singh

editor — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 16:36:48 +0000

JODHPUR, Aug 25: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday asserted that Indian forces gave a “befitting reply” to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor and “our soldiers did not kill terrorists based on their religion, but because of their deeds”.

Addressing an event Here, Singh also lauded the people of border areas for supporting the administration and the armed forces during the military operation to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack.

The Defence Minister said that after the incident, he called the service chiefs and asked if they were ready for the operation.

“The chiefs of all three armed forces unanimously replied, ‘We are ready for any operation.’ This is India. The prime minister gave the necessary directives,” he said.

“The target that was decided was hit precisely, just as planned. During Operation Sindoor, our forces received full support from all border regions. India is a country that not only considers people within its borders as members but also regards people across the world as part of its family, spreading the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”

“India does not discriminate based on caste or religion. However, terrorists killed people after identifying their religion. Our soldiers did not kill the terrorists based on religion but because of their deeds,” he said.

Under Operation Sindoor in May, precision strikes were carried out on multiple targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir linked to terror groups. The operation aimed at destroying terror infrastructure and neutralising key operatives following the April 22 Pahalgam attack.

Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts in the education sector, Singh said a significant transformation had taken place over the years that will help the country achieve new heights.

“There is a considerable difference between the education of our time and today’s education.

“I had also studied in a village primary school. When I used to look at the globe on the principal’s table, it felt like a magical ball,” he said.

He attributed the changes to decades of hard work, saying, “In recent years, there have been significant changes in education. Today, our children can access information on the internet. Such a huge transformation has taken place.”

Singh expressed gratitude toward Prime Minister Modi, saying, “I want to thank Modi for showing a strong resolve to improve the education sector. Bringing reforms in education was not an easy task. Several commissions were formed and recommendations were given but the kind of reform that was needed did not come.”

He said that today’s children can acquire information from an app about the entire world.

“In our time, science meant only the blackboard,” he said.

Singh said that the visible difference in the education sector is India’s real strength. “This is the real change and this is the future of India. This will take our country to even greater heights,” he said.

Elaborating on India’s history, he said that when people in other parts of the world were living in caves, Indian sages were writing the Natya Shastra.

“When the world did not understand the causes of diseases, India had doctors like Sushruta. Knowledge of medicinal plants like turmeric, neem and ashwagandha existed, which scientists now acknowledge,” he said.

Singh also touched upon the concept of spiritual growth, saying that the importance of balancing physical and spiritual development in children’s education was important.

He said that children’s development should not only be physical but also spiritual.

“Spiritual development can only happen through educational institutions. Give children education that will expand their minds,” he said.

He quoted former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, saying, “No one becomes great with a small mind. No one stands tall with a broken heart.”

“Indian sages’ minds were so vast that they considered everyone in the world as part of their family and spread the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” he said.

“Imagine the mind as a circle. As you expand its circumference, your experience of happiness increases in proportion. In the end, you will attain supreme bliss,” he said.

During the event, he inaugurated a sports academy in Jodhpur.

Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and other leaders were also present on the occasion.

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PM Modi hoists tricolor at Red Fort to mark 79th Independence Day

editor — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 04:49:52 +0000

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the Tricolour at Red Fort on Friday, as the nation marked the celebration of the 79th Independence Day.

Flying Officer Rashika Sharma assisted the Prime Minister in hoisting the flag, after which flower petals were showered from two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force – one carrying the national flag and the other ‘Operation Sindoor’ flag. Wing Commander Vinay Poonia and Wing Commander Aditya Jaiswal piloted the aircraft.

PM Modi was received at the Red Fort by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, MoS Sanjay Seth, and the Chiefs of the three services.

The Prime Minister also received the ceremonial guard of honour by the National Flag Guard, the Indian Air Force, Army, Navy, and Delhi Police, totaling upto 128 people. Wing Commander Arun Nagar led the interservices guard of honour.

Ahead of reaching the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Rajghat in the national capital and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi as the country marked its 79th Independence Day.
This year’s celebrations carry the theme ‘Naya Bharat,’ reflecting the government’s vision of achieving ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.Upon his arrival at the Red Fort, the Prime Minister will be received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, MoS Defence Sanjay Seth and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

A total of 2,500 cadets from the Army, Navy and Air Force, along with ‘My Bharat’ volunteers, are seated on Gyanpath, opposite the Rampart, forming the ‘Naya Bharat’ logo.

With the aim to increase ‘Jan Bhagidari’ in this festival of national fervour, around 5,000 special guests, from different walks of life, have been invited to witness the celebrations at the Red Fort this year, including the Indian contingent of Special Olympics 2025, the winners of international sports events, the Gold Medalists of Khelo India Para Games, and the best-performing farmers trained & financially assisted under the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission.Best performing farmers traders/cooperatives who availed credit under Credit Guarantee Scheme for e-Negotiable Warehouse Receipts, Best performing Sarpanches of Open Defecation Free Plus Villages, Best performing Sarpanches of Catch the Rain Abhiyan, Best performing young authors under PM YUVA (Youth Author Mentorship Scheme), Best performing Youth, skilled and trained under PM-VIKAS scheme, Best performing entrepreneurs under PM Van Dhan Yojana by TRIFED, Best performing entrepreneurs of SC/ST community under National SC/ST Hub Scheme, Best performing students under PM-DAKSH, SHREYAS and SHRESTA scheme, Best performing Self Help Groups under VISVAS scheme, Best performing entrepreneurs by NSTFDC, Best performing Interns of PM Internship Scheme, Best performing My Bharat Volunteers, Beneficiaries of PM Awaas Yojana Gramin among others have been invited.

For the first time, a number of band performances will be conducted pan-India on the evening of Independence Day celebrations to promote patriotic fervour among citizens and to celebrate the victory of Operation Sindoor.

The performances will be conducted by the bands of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, NCC, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, SSB, BSF, IDS, RPF and Assam Rifles at over 140 prominent locations throughout the country.

On the call of PM Modi, the Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan has proved to fill the citizens with a national patriotic spirit. Tiranga Yatra was carried out across the country.

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