Natioanal – Page 17 – SD NEWS agency

Indian Leaders React as Bangladesh Holds Parliamentary Elections Amid Rising Concerns

13Feb

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Natioanal, Politics

Indian Leaders React as Bangladesh Holds Parliamentary Elections Amid Rising Concerns

New Delhi: As Bangladesh conducts parliamentary elections after a long gap, political reactions from India have begun to pour in. Leaders from various Indian political parties have expressed concern over the prevailing situation in the neighbouring country, particularly highlighting issues related to minority safety, extremism, and democratic stability. Several Indian leaders stated that Bangladesh’s current condition is no longer hidden from the international community, and urged that the election process should remain peaceful and transparent. BJP Leaders Express Concern Over Minority Safety BJP MLA Balmukundacharya extended wishes to the future government of Bangladesh but warned that the country has, in recent years, witnessed a rise in communal tension and extremist activitie...

Ahmedabad Air India Plane Crash Probe Still Ongoing, AAIB Rejects Claims Blaming Pilot

13Feb

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Natioanal

Ahmedabad Air India Plane Crash Probe Still Ongoing, AAIB Rejects Claims Blaming Pilot

New Delhi: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has clarified that the investigation into the Air India Flight AI-171 crash, which occurred in June 2025 in Ahmedabad, is still underway and no final conclusion has been reached so far. The AAIB strongly dismissed recent claims circulating on social media and in certain reports suggesting that the investigation has been completed and that the pilot has been held responsible for the tragedy. AAIB Urges Public to Avoid Speculation In an official statement, AAIB said that the probe is still in progress and warned against making premature assumptions. The agency emphasized that unverified speculation can create unnecessary anxiety among the public and may undermine the integrity of the investigation process. “Investigatio...

Government Revises Toll Rules: Incomplete Expressways Cannot Charge 25% Higher Toll

13Feb

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Natioanal

Government Revises Toll Rules: Incomplete Expressways Cannot Charge 25% Higher Toll

New Delhi: In a significant relief for commuters, the Government of India has amended the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008, introducing a new regulation that prevents incomplete national expressways from charging the full premium toll rate. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has clarified that National Expressways (access-controlled corridors) are generally permitted to charge toll rates that are 25% higher than those applicable on National Highways, as they offer faster, smoother and more efficient travel. However, under the newly amended rules, if a national expressway is not fully constructed from start to end, toll will no longer be collected at the higher expressway rate. 25% Discount on Toll Until Expressway is Fully Operational According to the revised ...

India Approves Proposal to Acquire 114 Rafale Fighter Jets Ahead of Macron’s Visit

13Feb

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Natioanal

India Approves Proposal to Acquire 114 Rafale Fighter Jets Ahead of Macron’s Visit

New Delhi: In a major defence development ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming visit to India, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the requirement for the Indian Air Force to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets. The move is being seen as a significant strategic step that further strengthens India’s military capabilities and deepens defence cooperation between India and France. For the first time, the Ministry of Defence has officially confirmed that the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) requirement of the Indian Air Force will be fulfilled through the Rafale platform. Until now, the MRFA project was discussed broadly, without officially naming the aircraft that would be selected. ₹3.60 Lakh Crore Defence Proposals Cleared The DAC meeting, chaired by Def...

Sarita Yolmo Becomes First Woman TTE in 145-Year History of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

13Feb

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Natioanal

Sarita Yolmo Becomes First Woman TTE in 145-Year History of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

New Delhi: In a historic milestone for the UNESCO-declared Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), Sarita Yolmo has become the first-ever woman Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) in the railway’s 145-year-long history. The 55-year-old has been appointed to the iconic heritage “Toy Train,” famously known as the Queen of Hills railway experience. Speaking to Navbharat Times in an exclusive telephonic conversation, Yolmo expressed immense pride and happiness over her appointment, calling it a moment beyond words. First Duty on the World Heritage Toy Train Sarita Yolmo revealed that she performed her first duty as a TTE on February 5, travelling from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Darjeeling aboard the world-famous Toy Train. She described the experience as unforgettable and deeply special. The...

UNSC Reforms: China Sidesteps India’s Bid for Permanent Seat

12Feb

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Natioanal

UNSC Reforms: China Sidesteps India’s Bid for Permanent Seat

New Delhi: India has long sought a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), but its efforts continue to face hurdles, with China once again refraining from explicitly endorsing India’s bid. The latest development followed a meeting in Delhi between India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and China’s Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, where both sides expressed satisfaction over progress in border peace and cooperation. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that China acknowledged and respected India’s aspirations for a UNSC seat. However, China’s official statement made no reference to India’s membership, signaling a cautious stance. China’s Stance China, a permanent member of the UNSC, has historically blocked India’s bid for permanent members...

Centre Objects to Comparing Sonam Wangchuk with Mahatma Gandhi in Supreme Court

12Feb

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Natioanal

Centre Objects to Comparing Sonam Wangchuk with Mahatma Gandhi in Supreme Court

New Delhi: The Supreme Court hearing on the detention of Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA) on Wednesday took an unexpected turn when the issue of Mahatma Gandhi arose in court. The Central Government, through Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, raised strong objections, urging that Wangchuk should not be portrayed or compared to Gandhi. Background of the Case Sonam Wangchuk is currently in preventive detention at Jodhpur Central Jail following allegations of inciting violence in Ladakh. His detention was challenged in court by his wife, Geetanjali Je Angmo, seeking his release. During the hearing, the bench comprising Justices Arvind Kumar and P.B. Varale observed that the government may be over-interpreting Wangchuk’s statements. Solicitor General M...

Government to Move Privilege Motion Against Rahul Gandhi; Opposition Leader Asked to Respond by 5 PM

12Feb

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Natioanal

Government to Move Privilege Motion Against Rahul Gandhi; Opposition Leader Asked to Respond by 5 PM

New Delhi: The political confrontation in Parliament during the ongoing Budget Session intensified further on Wednesday as the Union Government announced it would initiate a privilege motion against Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of misleading the House and making baseless allegations against the government. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the Centre is preparing to file a privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi and that the Congress leader has been asked to submit his response by 5 PM. Rijiju Accuses Rahul Gandhi of Misleading Parliament Addressing a press conference, Rijiju said both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha function under well-defined rules and procedures, and members are required to follow parliamentary protocol, ...

AAP MP Raghav Chadha Demands ‘Right to Recall’ for Voters to Remove MPs and MLAs; Says System Exists in 24 Countries

12Feb

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Natioanal

AAP MP Raghav Chadha Demands ‘Right to Recall’ for Voters to Remove MPs and MLAs; Says System Exists in 24 Countries

New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Wednesday raised a significant democratic reform proposal in Parliament, demanding the introduction of the “Right to Recall” system in India. The proposal aims to empower voters with the right to remove elected representatives such as MPs and MLAs if they fail to deliver on their promises or neglect their constituencies. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Chadha said that democracy should not end at the ballot box and argued that voters must have the power to withdraw their mandate if an elected representative does not perform satisfactorily. What is the ‘Right to Recall’? The Right to Recall is a democratic mechanism that allows voters to remove an elected representative before the completion of their term through a forma...

IMD Issues Heavy Rain Alert for Six States This Week; Dense Fog to Persist in North India Till February 14

12Feb

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Natioanal

IMD Issues Heavy Rain Alert for Six States This Week; Dense Fog to Persist in North India Till February 14

New Delhi: Weather patterns in 2026 continue to surprise, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh warning of heavy rainfall in several parts of the country, even as winter is expected to gradually recede. According to the IMD, rainfall activity over the coming days is likely to bring down temperatures again, intensifying cold conditions till February 14. The department has also warned that dense fog will continue to affect many districts in North India, creating difficult driving conditions during morning hours. Heavy Rainfall Alert in Six States The IMD has issued an alert for heavy rainfall in six states during the week. These include: Jammu & Kashmir Ladakh Arunachal Pradesh Lakshadweep Tamil Nadu Puducherry Additionally, the I...