India News & Trends

Just moments before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, the United States issued a pointed message reaffirming its commitment to its relationship with India. The U.S. Embassy described the India-U.S. partnership as one of the most significant of the 21st century, underscoring Washington’s ongoing effort to keep its ties with New Delhi close amid shifting global alignments. The timing of the message drew attention, coming as Modi held talks not only with Putin but also with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The rare interaction between the leaders of India, Russia, and China was widely viewed as a moment of diplomatic engagement in a complex geopolitical environment. During the meeting, Modi and Putin reaffirmed their long-standing cooperation, particularly in the energy sector. Meanwhile, India continues to navigate international pressure over its oil trade with Russia. Washington recently raised tariffs on certain Indian exports in response to India’s growing energy imports from Moscow. Despite this, New Delhi has maintained its position, balancing its global partnerships while pursuing its national interests. The SCO summit has highlighted the fine line India walks between major global powers. While ties with Russia and China remain rooted in regional and historical contexts, the United States’ message served as a clear reminder that it values its strategic partnership with India—especially during moments when global alliances appear to be evolving.

A new video from the Air India crash shows a heartbreaking but powerful moment: the only known survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, walking away from the wreckage while the plane burns behind him. In the video, some bystanders are seen shouting as smoke billows in the background. Suddenly, Ramesh emerges from the burning wreckage and is spotted by one of the bystanders. The flight had just taken off from Ahmedabad for London when it crashed into a residential area, killing 241 people on board and dozens more on the ground. Somehow, Ramesh—who was sitting near an emergency exit—was thrown clear when part of the plane broke off. Injured and dazed, he managed to walk to help.   The video of him walking out of the flames has struck a deep chord with people around the world. It’s a rare glimpse of survival in the middle of so much loss. While investigators try to understand what went wrong—whether it was mechanical failure, pilot error, or something else—this single moment of survival has become a symbol of both the horror and the human strength in the face of tragedy.

Due to rising tensions after Israel’s recent strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities and Iran's decision to close its airspace, 16 Air India flights had to either turn back or take a different route on Friday, June 13. These changes mostly impacted flights heading toward Europe and the US, as they usually pass through that region. Air India shared a message saying they’re sorry for the disruption and are doing their best to help affected passengers. This includes offering hotel stays, full refunds for cancellations, or free rescheduling for those who need it. The airline also mentioned they’re working on other travel arrangements to get passengers to their destinations as smoothly as possible. Travelers are advised to check their flight status regularly as the situation is still developing.   What About Other Airlines? It’s not just Air India feeling the pressure. Other big airlines like Lufthansa, Emirates, and British Airways have also changed their routes or canceled flights through the region. This part of the Middle East is really important for flights going between Asia, Europe, and America, so this situation could affect a lot of global travel for a while. What Should You Do? If you have a flight coming up, it’s a good idea to double-check the status before heading to the airport. Air India has said they’ll refund tickets or help rebook flights if plans were thrown off by all this.

India's Pahalgam Terror Attack Tensions in Pakistan LIVE CHANGES: Amid concerns about India's military response to the terror assault in Pahalgam that murdered 26 people last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Tuesday.In light of the "new and complex threats" that have surfaced in the wake of the terror strike and the escalating tensions with Pakistan, the Union Home Ministry has requested that all states hold exercises on Wednesday. On Tuesday, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan will examine the plans for bolstering civil defense systems, which include cleaning bunkers and trenches, teaching citizens to defend themselves in the event of a "hostile attack," and practicing air-raid warning sirens. The events took place on Monday, the 12th consecutive night that cross-border gunfire has occurred. Following the terror attack on April 22, tensions between India and Pakistan have been on the rise. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to punish the attackers and anyone involved in the conspiracy "beyond their imagination" by pursuing them to the "ends of the earth."  

Murshidabad Violence: Three people have already died as a result of the violence surrounding the new Waqf law. Hargobindo Das, 72, and Chandan Das, 40, were slain after a crowd dragged them from their home.Murshidabad Violence Update: After communal violence erupted in West Bengal's Murshidabad last week, Saptami Mondol, 24, sat on a tarpaulin sheet in a high school classroom in Parlalpur with her eight-day-old infant on her lap. The school has since been turned into a shelter.Saptami, one of the 400 men, women, and children seeking safety at the school after escaping their houses, is not sure if she will ever make it back to her village, which is 60 kilometers away by road or across the Ganga.Three people have already died as a result of the violence surrounding the new Waqf law, including Hargobindo Das (72), a father, and Chandan Das (40), who were killed after being dragged from their home by a crowd.Those who left the troubled areas remain unsure, despite the fact that authorities say the situation is normalizing and that more than 200 arrests have been made. The mob threw stones at our house and set fire to our neighbor's on Friday. When the mob dispersed in the evening, my mom and I fled inside, hiding. By then, the BSF had begun patrolling. All we have is what we are wearing. With the assistance of the BSF, we managed to reach the ghat (makeshift jetty)," said Saptami, who resides in Dhulian and whose husband is a mason in Kolkata.We boarded a boat and crossed the river in the darkness. A family in this settlement on the opposite side provided us with clothing and overnight lodging. We arrived at this school the following day," recalled Saptami's mother, Maheshwari Mondol.While we were crossing the river, my infant got a fever. Others now control us," Saptami remarked. "We are now refugees in our own country." What if they assault us once more? We might never be able to return.  

During the horrifying Mumbai 26/11 assaults, Tahawwur Hussain Rana made sure his school mate David Coleman Headley prepared the plan but refrained from firing a shot himself. Rana had declared that the 26/11 terrorists "should receive Pakistan's highest military honor, the Nishan-e-Haider," and that "Indians deserved it."Rana is currently speaking within a National Investigation Agency (NIA) detention facility in the center of Delhi, seventeen years after the largest terror assault in Indian history. After much effort, India has finally apprehended a major conspirator in the 26/11 attacks and intends to reveal the Pakistani government's involvement in the plot. This extradition is the first one related to the 26/11 attacks. In the past, India successfully deported plotter Abu Jundal from Saudi Arabia and prosecuted and executed 26/11 shooter Ajmal Kasab.But Rana is much more knowledgeable than Kasab and Jundal, and she is more than just a gear in the wheel. Rana, a former doctor in the Pakistani Army who enjoyed showing off his Pakistani uniform, is seen by Indian establishment officials as having the ability to reveal clear connections between Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Pakistan's deep state.  

In order to confront the legal issues, the Shiv Sena leader invited Kunal Kamra to travel to Mumbai. Kamra is accused of making disparaging statements and has been granted temporary bail.When stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra visits Maharashtra, the party will greet him in "good Shiv Sena style," according to Rahool Kanal of the Shiv Sena's Yuva Sena (Shinde faction), who made the announcement on Monday. The comedian, a permanent resident of Villupuram town in Tamil Nadu, was asked to face the legal proceedings in Mumbai by Rahool Kanal, who was previously arrested and released on bail along with eleven other Sena workers for damaging Mumbai's Habitat studio where Kunal Kamra allegedly made a joke about Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde.Renowned for his caustic humor and candid opinions, Kunal Kamra has been in legal hot water after being accused of making disparaging remarks. The comedian has sought legal protection from arrest while he gets ready to fight the charges after the FIRs were filed in Maharashtra.Kunal Kamra was granted temporary anticipatory relief by the Madras high court on Friday, subject to his executing a bond satisfactory to the judicial magistrate at Vanur in Tamil Nadu's Villupuram district. Kamra had stated that he was "ordinarily a resident of this State (Tamil Nadu) since then" after relocating from Mumbai to Tamil Nadu in 2021 and that he was afraid of being arrested by Mumbai Police.Rahool Kanal told news agency ANI in response to the ruling of the Madras High Court, "We applaud the court's order that provides him relief, but it is only until April 7." He ought to appear before the law. Whatever protection he may have in Tamil Nadu, he will always be greeted with a warm "Shiv Sena style" when he visits Mumbai.  

On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, the Mumbai Police declined to comment on rumors that it had denied Kunal Kamra's request for an extension to appear in court. "We are looking into the situation. A senior police official informed The Hindu that it would not be prudent to remark at this time.The Mumbai Police have summoned Kunal Kamra in connection with the case, and he has asked for one week to appear before the authorities. According to sources cited by NDTV, the comedian has received more than 500 calls, some of which have threatened to murder and dismember him. His comments, which infuriated political workers, are said to be the source of many of these threats.After a video of Kunal Kamra's joke went viral, fans of the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) had strong reactions, sparking the dispute.The comic, who did not reveal his identity, appeared to make fun of Shinde at his recent performance at the Habitat comedy club in Khar, Mumbai, by altering a song from the movie "Dil Toh Pagal Hai."  

Manoj Jarange, an activist, stated on Monday that if the government does not declare Maratha reservation "within the legal framework" by Tuesday, he will go on to Mumbai to start an agitation.He stated that he has no interest in traveling to Mumbai for a "indefinite hunger strike," which he said would be a nonviolent protest, if the demand is met by Tuesday.Jarange has called for a protest to begin on August 29 in Mumbai's Azad Maidan, calling for the Maratha community to be given preference in government employment and education under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. He has been leading the push to recognize all Marathas as Kunbis, an agrarian caste that falls under the OBC category, so that they can be given preference in government employment and education.In order to demonstrate the Marathas' Kunbi identity, the activist has emphasized the community's need for the application of historical records, such as the Bombay, Satara, and Hyderabad gazettes."Give us reservation that fits in the legal framework," Jarange stated during a press conference held in the Jalna district's Antarwali Sarati hamlet, from which he intends to depart for the agitation on August 27. He claimed that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is purposefully adopting a "stubborn stand". 29 castes were been added to the OBC category by the government. According to the activist, this is akin to inciting the Maratha community. "Today and tomorrow belong to the government. Give us our reservation; we don't want to travel to Mumbai," he remarked.Jarange has been demanding the quota under the OBC category, despite the state government's announcement last year of a 10% reservation for the Maratha community under a different category. "A quota ought to be granted to the Maratha group since they have records of Kunbis. We don't want the 10% reservation to be canceled at any time," he stated. He stated, "We will also stand with him if reservation is given," if the chief minister believes that the OBC community supports the BJP.  

Google has introduced its latest foldable phone, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, offering a refined design and performance upgrades. The device features a large 8-inch main display and a 6.4-inch cover screen, both designed to deliver a smooth user experience whether folded or open.   Powered by Google's new Tensor G5 chip and 16 GB of RAM, the phone supports multitasking and demanding apps with ease. It includes a triple rear camera system—featuring wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses—along with dual front cameras tailored for both folded and unfolded use.   Google has also brought in subtle AI features across the phone, including smarter camera tools and on-device assistance, aiming to make everyday tasks feel more fluid without overcomplicating the experience.   With a starting price of ₹1,72,999 in India, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold targets users who want a flexible form factor without sacrificing power or reliability. It marks Google's most polished attempt yet in the foldable space.

The Nothing Phone 3 has officially arrived, positioning itself as a serious competitor in the premium smartphone market. It is easily the brand’s most advanced smartphone to date. Launched on July 1, 2025, the Phone 3 brings smarter software, stronger hardware, and a higher price tag—all wrapped in the same transparent design language that made the brand stand out in the first place. Based on Counterpoint's April report, Nothing shined as the fastest-growing brand in India during that quarter. It saw an impressive 156% increase compared to the previous year, mainly thanks to the launch of the 3a series. The research firm highlighted that this was the fifth straight quarter where Nothing held the top spot for growth in India. The entry into the premium segment might be a sign of the brand's hopeful outlook in the market. With this new chapter in its smartphone journey, Nothing is poised to be compared with the top brands in the premium smartphone range.   Nothing has refined its signature look with cleaner lines, a sturdier build, and now IP68 water and dust resistance. It still looks like a Nothing phone, but it now feels more like a proper flagship. The new Glyph Matrix on the back is a major update—489 small LEDs form a circle that lights up for notifications, calls, time display, and even games. It’s unique, fun, and functional.   Up front, the Nothing Phone 3 has a bright 6.67-inch LTPO AMOLED display, with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of nearly 4,500 nits. This makes it easy to see outdoors, whether you're watching videos or reading in direct sunlight. It’s powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, so everyday performance is fast, responsive, and future-proof.   For the first time, Nothing delivers a well-rounded camera setup. The triple 50MP rear camera system includes a main lens, an ultra-wide, and a 3x periscope zoom lens. You get sharper details, better low-light photos, and smoother 4K video at 60fps. There’s also a 50MP selfie camera, making it great for both content creators and casual users who want solid results without much effort.   The battery size has increased to 5,150mAh globally (and 5,500mAh in India), offering a full day of use with ease. It supports 65W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and even reverse wireless charging, so you can top up accessories or other phones on the go.   Running on Nothing OS 3.5 (based on Android 15), the software stays minimal and clean, but adds useful features like Essential Space, Essential Search, and Flip to Record for fast video capture. Nothing promises 5 years of Android updates and 7 years of security patches, which puts it on par with leading Android flagships in terms of long-term value.   The Nothing Phone 3 is no longer just about looking different—it’s about offering a complete experience. With stronger cameras, better performance, smarter software, and longer support, it feels like a proper flagship. However, with the price now in premium territory, it’s a choice for those who want a phone that’s both stylish and capable.   The Nothing Phone 3 is stylish, fast, and well-built. But with a higher price, it’s no longer just about being different—it’s about proving it can compete. If you value design and are ready to spend more, it could be a smart upgrade. Otherwise, earlier models might still offer better value. If you're upgrading from an older model or switching from another brand, the Nothing Phone 3 is worth considering, especially if you want to stand out without compromising on function.

Greater unity and command efficiency in the armed forces are made possible by the Center's notified regulations, which were developed under the Inter-Services Organizations Act.In accordance with the Inter-Services Organizations Act, the Center has issued regulations that improve military unity and command effectiveness. This measure avoids duplication of proceedings, speeds up disciplinary actions, and gives heads of ISOs more authority.The official notification states that personnel from any of the three services posted or attached to Inter-Services Organizations (ISOs) will now be subject to full disciplinary and administrative authority from the Commander-in-Chief of a Joint Services Command, the Officer-in-Command of an inter-services establishment, and the Commanding Officer of an inter-services unit.By facilitating quicker decision-making and effective treatment of disciplinary problems, the implementation of these rules completely operationalizes the Act and is anticipated to improve ISO effectiveness. Given the upcoming theater command structures, this development takes place against the backdrop of continuous efforts to encourage greater unity among India's military services. The action is regarded as a crucial reform in India's defense management system and enhances the power of ISO chiefs. Center Notifies Rules for Unified Command Under Inter-Services Act 1881764 https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/  

New Delhi: The Indian Gazette has announced a port restriction on the import of specific commodities from Bangladesh into India. Monday was the official date of the gazette notification, which was published today.Following contentious comments made by Bangladesh's interim chief advisor Muhammad Yunus regarding the northeastern region of India during his visit to China, India has placed restrictions on the entry of Bangladeshi ready-made garments (RMG) and other products through its northeastern land ports, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, as well as Fulbari and Changrabandha in West Bengal.In a lecture in China, Yunus, the chief adviser for Bangladesh, referred to the northeastern provinces of India as a "landlocked region with no access to the ocean." Since Indian officials see this remark as undercutting the region's status and connectivity, it has caused diplomatic tension. Bangladesh was forced to reroute exports, including ready-made garments (RMG), plastics, melamine, furniture, juices, carbonated drinks, bakery goods, confectionery, and processed foods, through Kolkata port in West Bengal or Nhava Sheva port in Maharashtra due to the new restrictions, which were imposed on May 17 and went into effect immediately. This resulted in a significant increase in logistics costs.Previously, 93% of Bangladesh's exports to India went via these land routes, so the impact on the country's ready-made clothing industry, which sends around USD 740 million worth of clothing to India each year, might be significant. It is anticipated that the action will upend Bangladesh's apparel sector, increasing prices and restricting access to markets while opening up new prospects for Indian producers.  

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, the company's flagship wristwatch with a revolutionary new design, made its debut last year. It is now rumored that the business will incorporate it into its array of next-generation watches. The alleged Galaxy Watch 8 series may forgo the existing circular shape in favor of a "squircle" design, according to a note found in the animation files of the leaked One UI 8 Watch. Additionally, it is said that the Classic model will gain a new Quick button, matching Samsung's high-end Watch Ultra.Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Series Design Change According to Android Authority, information included in the newly leaked One UI 8 Watch development revealed the design modification of the alleged Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 series. Two smartwatches with codenames "fresh8" and "wise8" are mentioned in the unreleased firmware; they are thought to be references to the Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, respectively. The animation files' accompanying graphics show a similar appearance to the Galaxy Watch Ultra, with both watches featuring a square dial and a circular display, a design sometimes referred to as a squircle. It is anticipated that other features of the Galaxy Watch 8 will not change, although the Classic model might. According to the source, a three-button arrangement for the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic might include an extra button. Additionally, it might have greater vibrations thanks to longer vibration pattern support, just like the flagship Ultra smartwatch.Although their precise measurements are still unknown, the basic Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is reportedly available in "small" and "large" sizes with model numbers SM-L32 and SM-L33, respectively. In the meantime, the leaked One UI 8 Watch build only showed one SM-L50 version of the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic.

ConfirmTkt launches a brand-new television ad. Rajat Patidar, Krunal Pandya, and Virat Kohli are featured in the advertisement. It advertises the Travel Guarantee. Refunds for unconfirmed train tickets are provided by this feature. Other travel choices are available for users to book. The promotional video will be accessible on internet, OTT, and television channels. The goal of the campaign is to make travel hassle-free.A dynamic television commercial featuring Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) players Virat Kohli, Krunal Pandya, and Rajat Patidar has been released by ConfirmTkt, a prominent online site dedicated to train utilities and ticketing. The #TravelKiFullGuarantee campaign highlights ConfirmTkt's special Travel Guarantee feature, which allows users to book last-minute alternatives like flights or buses by offering up to three times the return on unconfirmed train tickets. The commercial film will be released on digital, OTT, and television channels.For the 2025 T20 season, ConfirmTkt and RCB have extended their collaboration as the Official Train Ticketing Partner. The new campaign highlights ConfirmTkt's core feature, Travel Guarantee, which is intended to provide travelers with waitlisted tickets with more protection and flexibility. It includes the RCB power players in a humorous short film with a catchy song. Virat intervenes to unveil the true game-changer, ConfirmTkt's Travel ensure, after the commercial hilariously addresses the prevalent problem of unconfirmed train tickets by showing supporters donning player masks to "guarantee" a seat."Our renewed partnership with RCB for the 2025 T20 season is a celebration of two things that India is truly passionate about - cricket and train travel," said Dinesh Kumar Kotha, CEO of ConfirmTkt & ixigo Trains, who spoke at the launch. We are excited to bring the idea of hassle-free travel to life in a way that is enjoyable, relevant, and significant, with Virat Kohli, Krunal Pandya, and Rajat Patidar spearheading the effort in our new #TravelKiFullGuarantee campaign. The Travel Guarantee function was created to address uncertainty, a major problem for millions of train passengers. Our users can now make reservations with ConfirmTkt with the same degree of confidence as RCB supporters have in their team.  

Would you purchase a smartphone merely for its camera function? It's certain that many individuals do, particularly with regard to the flagship models from Samsung and Apple. Additionally, Xiaomi thinks it has a decent possibility of thriving in this market, just like a few other businesses. Despite being a flagship device in every way, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra may be attempting to pass itself off as a camera for artists with a lot of features. It's an intriguing idea, and I couldn't help but be tempted to look at this smartphone just to see how it looked from the camera.With its dual-tone silver and matte black rear finish and Leica branding, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is one of the most fashionable phones I've seen recently. In some respects, it looks like a vintage camera. The phone's camera is further highlighted by the oversized camera bezel and the rectangular main lens inside. There is a physical SIM tray at the bottom, and the power button and volume rocker are on the right side. Although it's one of the heavier phones I've used, it has a nice grip. Additionally, you can never lay the phone flat due to the large bulge of the camera module.In my opinion, this phone's true beauty lies in its included accessories, particularly the photography package, which comes with a gorgeous red metal back cover, an attachable camera grip with zoom and mode settings, and an extra battery.In addition to being more expensive, this unit offers a lot more, not to mention its ability to turn heads. I adored how the kit turned the phone into a real camera for all intents and purposes, allowing you to use the physical buttons on the phone to control every feature of the camera with one hand. Additionally, you may change a number of features of this attachment in the settings, such as how smoothly or jerkily the camera zooms. Even altering the rings surrounding the camera module will only have a cosmetic impact.