Sunday, July 5

Nation

“Why Were Our Farmers Sacrificed to Please Americans?” Rahul Gandhi Targets PM Modi Over US-India Trade Deal
Nation, Politics

“Why Were Our Farmers Sacrificed to Please Americans?” Rahul Gandhi Targets PM Modi Over US-India Trade Deal

New Delhi: Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has once again launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the recently announced India–US trade agreement, calling it a “shameful surrender” that could compromise India’s farmers, energy security, and economic sovereignty. In a strongly worded post on social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi questioned the intent and implications of the deal, alleging that the United States had gained significantly while India received little in return. “A Surrender, Not a Negotiation” Gandhi said he deliberately used the metaphor of “Jiu-Jitsu” in Parliament while speaking about the trade pact, suggesting that India had been strategically overpowered. “Why were our farmers sacrificed to please Am...
Cash Toll Collection at NHAI Plazas May Be Completely Discontinued from April 1
Nation

Cash Toll Collection at NHAI Plazas May Be Completely Discontinued from April 1

New Delhi: Commuters travelling on national highways across India may soon have to rely entirely on digital payment modes at toll plazas. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is considering phasing out cash transactions nationwide to promote transparency, efficiency, and smoother traffic flow. According to officials, preparations are underway to make toll payments fully digital at more than 1,150 toll plazas operated by the NHAI from April 1. If implemented, cash payments will be completely discontinued. The move aims to reduce congestion, eliminate long queues, prevent disputes at toll booths, and ensure seamless vehicle movement. By shifting entirely to electronic payments, authorities expect to enhance operational transparency and minimize delays caused by cash handling...
France to Ban Social Media for Children Under 15; Macron Asks if India Is Ready
Nation

France to Ban Social Media for Children Under 15; Macron Asks if India Is Ready

New Delhi: The French government is set to ban social media usage for children under the age of 15. French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted this initiative during his keynote address on the fourth day of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, and posed a question to India: Is the country ready to take similar steps to protect its young citizens? Macron Highlights Child Safety Speaking at the summit, Macron emphasized that safeguarding children online is not just a matter of law, but a matter of protecting civilization itself. He stated: “There are no rules or laws specifically for children’s safety, but this is entirely about protecting our society. Will India take steps in the same direction to ensure that young citizens are truly safe?” Macron stressed that protecting children...
BJP Leader Slams Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, Calls Him “Pakistan Miyaan” After Assam CM Labeled “Jinnah”
Nation, Politics

BJP Leader Slams Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, Calls Him “Pakistan Miyaan” After Assam CM Labeled “Jinnah”

New Delhi: Tensions are escalating in Assam ahead of the likely Assembly elections in April, with a political slugfest between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress. The controversy began when Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi referred to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as “Assam’s Jinnah.” In response, BJP leaders struck back strongly, with national spokesperson Shehzad Jai Hind calling Gogoi a “Pakistan agent” and “Pakistan Miyaan.” BJP Hits Back at Gaurav Gogoi On Thursday, Shehzad Jai Hind posted on X (formerly Twitter), attacking Gogoi for his remark. He wrote: “Pakistan Miyaan Gaurav Gogoi says ‘Himanta is Assam’s Jinnah.’ Himanta is an Assamese. You are a Pakistan agent and a Miyaan.” He further accused Gogoi of avoiding major questions while targeting the ...
Sundar Pichai Sips Indian GI Coffee at AI Impact Summit 2026 in Delhi
Nation

Sundar Pichai Sips Indian GI Coffee at AI Impact Summit 2026 in Delhi

New Delhi: The AI Impact Summit 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital, witnessed the presence of Google CEO Sundar Pichai, who was seen enjoying a cup of Indian GI Coffee. The moment was captured and shared by Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on social media. During the summit, Pichai visited the India GI Coffee Lounge, part of the newly launched ‘India GI’ initiative, a national program promoting India’s Geographical Indication (GI) products. These products are recognized for their unique regional heritage and craftsmanship. Sharing the video on X (formerly Twitter), Minister Goyal wrote, “When Sundar Pichai takes a sip, you realize it’s truly worth it! The world is raising a cup to Indian GI Coffee at the AI Impact Summit 2026.” The event is bei...
Gandhi Family Faces Fresh Trouble, Delhi HC to Hear ED Plea in National Herald Case on March 9
Nation

Gandhi Family Faces Fresh Trouble, Delhi HC to Hear ED Plea in National Herald Case on March 9

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court will hear the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) petition against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others in the National Herald money laundering case on 9 March 2026. Hearing Date Fixed on ED PetitionOn Thursday, the High Court granted the Gandhi family and other respondents time to file their replies and listed the ED’s petition for hearing on 9 March. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta objected to granting additional time, noting that notices were issued two months ago. Notice Previously Issued by High CourtOn 22 December 2025, the High Court had issued notices to the Gandhi family and others regarding both the main petition and the ED’s plea seeking a stay on the trial court’s 16 December order. The ED has challenged the lower court’s refusal to take cogniz...
Congress Claims Threat to Rahul Gandhi in Video Shows Planned Attack
Nation, Politics

Congress Claims Threat to Rahul Gandhi in Video Shows Planned Attack

New Delhi: Congress on Thursday alleged that a video showing a person threatening to kill Rahul Gandhi in Rajasthan is part of a deliberate conspiracy targeting the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Party media head Pawan Khera said that just as Nathuram Godse was groomed in the past, “another Godse is being prepared today.” Khera shared a video on X in which a man can be heard threatening to shoot Rahul Gandhi and 25 other MPs in the Lok Sabha. He claimed that the entire RSS-BJP machinery is a “Godse factory,” and the threats issued against Rahul Gandhi and other MPs by the so-called Karni Sena are not isolated incidents but part of a planned and malicious scheme. Khera also criticized BJP claims that Congress MPs had insulted Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, calling them false. “Av...
Humans vs. Machines: AI Is Intelligent, But Not That Intelligent
Nation

Humans vs. Machines: AI Is Intelligent, But Not That Intelligent

New Delhi, February 19, 2026: As discussions at the AI Impact Summit intensify, debates over Artificial Intelligence (AI) often focus on whether machines could surpass humans. While AI demonstrates remarkable capabilities, experts caution that its intelligence is limited compared to human cognition. What Is Intelligence? Large Language Models (LLMs) and generative systems can write essays, translate languages, create code, diagnose diseases, compose music, and even mimic voices. Machines can outperform humans in specific tasks, but whether AI truly matches human intelligence depends on how we define intelligence itself. The Limits of Traditional Measures Comparisons between AI and humans often rely on outdated notions, equating intelligence with performance on tests or specific...
Supreme Court Slams Freebies Culture, Asks “What Kind of Culture Are We Developing?”
Nation

Supreme Court Slams Freebies Culture, Asks “What Kind of Culture Are We Developing?”

New Delhi, February 19, 2026: The Supreme Court expressed strong concern over the proliferation of free schemes in India, warning that such policies could undermine economic growth and create a culture of dependency. During Thursday’s hearing, a bench led by Chief Justice Suryakant questioned the logic of providing free electricity, food, and other benefits without distinguishing between those who can pay and those who cannot. Bench Criticizes Blanket Freebies The matter came up during a petition filed by Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDC), which proposed supplying free electricity to all consumers, regardless of financial capacity. The bench, comprising CJI Suryakant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi, raised concerns about the financial p...
Supreme Court Questions Free Schemes: “Free Food, Electricity, Bicycles – Who Will Work?”
Nation

Supreme Court Questions Free Schemes: “Free Food, Electricity, Bicycles – Who Will Work?”

New Delhi, February 19, 2026: The Supreme Court has expressed strong reservations over government schemes providing free facilities, warning that such policies could hinder the country’s economic growth. During a hearing on Thursday, the Court criticized blanket free distribution of electricity, food, and bicycles, asking, “If everything is provided for free, who will work?” The matter arose when Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDC) proposed providing free electricity to all consumers, without differentiating between those who can pay and those who cannot. A bench comprising Chief Justice Suryakant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi highlighted that while most states face revenue deficits, they continue offering such free benefits, neglecting de...