RSS Chief Performs Key Ritual At Wedding Of 125 Women On Akshaya Tritiya

On the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat performed mass kanyadaan of 125 women in the Akshaya Kanyadan Mahotsav organised at Shankul Dhara in Varanasi on Wednesday.

घर पर भी इज्जत नहीं बचा पाई धोनी की CSK, पंजाब ने हराकर IPL 2025 से किया बाहर

CSK vs PBKS Highlights: पंजाब किंग्स ने चेन्नई सुपरकिंग्स को चार विकेट से हराते हुए टूर्नामेंट से बाहर कर दिया. इस तरह 10 मैच में 13 पॉइंट के साथ पंजाब अब पॉइंट्स टेबल में दूसरे नंबर पर आ चुकी है.

After Pak Airspace Closure, San Francisco-Delhi Flight Time Up 4 Hours

After India unveiled a slew of diplomatic measures following last week's terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, in which 26 people were killed, Pakistan responded by - among other steps - closing its airspace to Indian airlines.

A Look At The Key Constituencies In Canada's Crucial Parliamentary Election

Canadians are voting in large numbers on Monday to elect a new government, possibly with a decisive mandate, in order to give their country a better chance to push back against Donald Trump's offensive in order to make Canada the 51st state of the US

क्रुणाल-कोहली के दम पर आरसीबी ने मारी बाजी, 14 अंकों के साथ किया टेबल टॉप

DC vs RCB Match Result: मेजबान दिल्ली कैपिटल्स ने पहले बैटिंग करते हुए 8 विकेट पर 162 रन बनाए. दिल्ली की ओर से विकेटकीपर बल्लेबाज केएल राहुल ने सबसे ज्यादा 41 रन की पारी खेली जबकि ट्रिस्टन स्टब्स 18 गेंदों पर 34 रन बनाकर आउट हुए. आरसीबी के लिए भुवनेश्वर कुमार ने 3 विकेट चटकाए. आरसीबी ने विराट और क्रुणाल पंड्या के अर्धशतकों की मदद से लक्ष्य हासिल कर लिया. इस जीत से आरसीबी 14 अंकों के साथ अंक तालिका में टॉप पर पहुंच गई. कोहली ने 45 गेंदों पर अर्धशतक पूरा किया. कोहली इस आईपीएल में सबसे अधिक रन बनाने वाले बल्लेबाज बन गए हैं. उनके 10 मैचों में 434 रन हो गए हैं और ऑरेंज कैप अब उनके सिर पर आ गया है.

BJP Expels Ex-Rajasthan MLA From Party Amid Temple Purification Row

The ruling BJP in Rajasthan on Sunday expelled its former MLA Gyan Dev Ahuja, who was recently at the centre of temple "purification" controversy, from primary membership of the party.

KKR vs PBKS: मैच रद्द होने से पंजाब को फायदा, मुंबई इंडियंस को हुआ नुकसान

Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders: बारिश के कारण पंजाब किंग्स और कोलकाता नाइट राइडर्स का मैच रद्द हो गया. दोनों टीमों को 1-1 अंक से संतोष करना पड़ा.

"I Kill You": Student, 21, Held For Sending Threat Mails To Gautam Gambhir

The Delhi Police has arrested a 21-year-old engineering student with alleged mental health issues for sending threat mails to the head coach of men's cricket team and former BJP MP Gautam Gambhir, an official said on Saturday.

As US Reinstates Revoked Student Visas, Its Impact On Indians, Others

The terminations, which were made from a database used by universities and the federal government to track foreign students in the US, had caused panic among the affected students.

In Madhya Pradesh, A Quota Blackhole For Other Backward Castes

The Other Backward Classes or OBC community, despite comprising over half the population of Madhya Pradesh, remains entangled in a web of administrative delays and broken promises when it comes to reservation.

वन मैन आर्मी बने हेजलवुड, पलटा मैच का पासा, आरसीबी ने राजस्थान को घर में पटका

विराट कोहली और देवदत्त पडीक्कल के शानदार अर्धशतकों की मदद से आरसीबी ने पहले बैटिंग करते हुए 5 विकेट पर 205 रन बनाए. विराट ने 70 रन की पारी खेली जबकि पडीक्कल 50 रन बनाकर आउट हुए. आरसीबी ने आखिरी ओवर में राजस्थान को 11 रन से हराकर घर में सीजन की पहली जीत दर्ज की. आरसीबी जीत से 12 अंक लेकर पॉइंट टेबल में तीसरे नंबर पर पहुंच गई. जोश हेजलवुड में अपने दो ओवर में मैच का पासा पलट दिया.

"Leave In 48 Hours," India Tells Pakistanis On SAARC Visa

Announcing a series of big steps a day after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in which 26 people were killed, the Centre said on Wednesday that Pakistani nationals will not be allowed to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme.

How 'Operation Zeppelin' Helped Adani Group Make Mega Comeback After Hindenburg

Hindenburg Research, the forensic financial firm that challenged the Adani Group, took its name from the infamous airship that burst into flames upon arriving in New Jersey in 1937.

List Of 15 Potential Candidates Who Could Be The Successor To Pope Francis

Whether diplomats, theologians, mediators or Vatican insiders, here are 15 cardinals who are among the potential favourites to become the next pope, known as the "papabili", divided by region.

IPL25: गुजरात टाइटंस प्लेऑफ में पहुचंने वाली पहली टीम... KKR को घर में हराया

IPL 2025 GT beats KKR: गुजरात टाइटंस की टीम कोलकाता नाइटराइडर्स को हराकर आईपीएल प्लेऑफ में बेहद करीब पहुंच गई है. गुजरात टाइटंस अब 6 मैच जीतकर पॉइंट टेबल में 12 अंक के साथ पहले नंबर पर है.

Mumbai Court Judge's iPhone Stolen During IPL Match At Wankhede Stadium

An iPhone of a Chief Judicial Magistrate was stolen at the Wankhede Stadium where he had gone to watch an IPL (Indian Premier League) match, police said on Sunday.

एमए धोनी को ये क्या हो गया... IPL 2025 से ज्यादा अगले साल की बात कर रहे माही

MS Dhoni on CSK defeat: पांच बार की चैंपियन चेन्नई सुपरकिंग्स को आईपीएल 2025 में छठी हार का सामना करना पड़ा है. इस हार के बाद चेन्नई सुपरकिंग्स के कप्तान एमएस धोनी अगले साल के टीम कॉम्बिनेशन की बात करने लगे हैं.

Iran Says To Hold More Nuclear Talks With US After Latest Round

The United States and Iran on Saturday concluded a second round of high-stakes talks on Tehran's nuclear programme, agreeing to meet again in a week's time, the Iranian foreign ministry said.

6 गेंद पर चाहिए थे 9 रन, आवेश खान ने पलट दी बाजी, राजस्थान के मुंह से छीनी जीत

राजस्थान रॉयल्स की ओर से वैभव सूर्यवंशी ने मैदान पर उतरते ही इतिहास रच दिया. 14 वर्षीय क्रिकेटर वैभव सूर्यवंशी आईपीएल में खेलने वाले सबसे युवा खिलाड़ी बन गए.सिर्फ 14 साल और 23 दिन के सूर्यवंशी उस समय दर्शकों के चहेते बन गए जब उन्होंने यशस्वी जायसवाल के साथ राजस्थान रॉयल्स की पारी की शुरुआत की.लखनऊ सुपर जायंट्स ने आखिरी ओवर में बाजी मारी ली. आवेश खान ने आखिरी ओवर में कसी हुई गेंदबाजी कर राजस्थान के जबड़े से जीत छीन ली.

"Want Justice": Flyers Complain Of Long Delays In Jammu Due To Bad Weather

Jammu airport saw chaotic scenes with hundreds of passengers complaining of inconvenience after bad weather led to flight cancellations in Srinagar and affected connecting flights.

Canada Polls: Gujaratis Make Electoral Debut In Canada As Punjabis Seek Re-Election

Gujaratis have emerged as a major bloc, even as Punjabis remain a force to be reckoned with in Canada's political sphere, as immigrants of Indian origin steadily gain ground in the North American country which will hold federal elections this month.

3 Dead After Cable Car Crashes To The Ground In Italy's Naples

A cable car crashed to the ground near the southern Italian city of Naples on Thursday, killing at least three people, local authorities told AFP.

Top Court Issues Directions To Implement Rs 2 Lakh Cap On Cash Transactions

When there is a law in place, it has to be enforced, the Supreme Court said on Wednesday while expressing concern over the unsatisfactory implementation of provisions of the Finance Act 2017 which capped the limit of cash transactions to Rs two lakh.

"Unless Somebody Screams...": Nitin Gadkari On Highway Projects Execution

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday asked officials to take decisions swiftly to speed up the implementation of highway projects.

Video: Congress MLA Grabs BJP Leader By Collar, Slaps Him In Rajasthan

Congress MLA Indira Meena had an altercation with a local BJP leader in Sawaimadhopur district over the installation of a commemorative plaque at the site of a statue of Dr B R Ambedkar.

मुंबई ने नई गेंद मंगाकर पलट दी बाजी, दिल्ली कैपिटल्स से कुछ यूं छीना मैच

MI vs DC Turning Point: दिल्ली कैपिटल्स की टीम मुंबई इंडियंस के खिलाफ जीता हुआ मैच हार गई. एक समय लग रहा था कि वह आसानी से जीत जाएगी. लेकिन गेंद बदलने के बाद उनकी टीम ताश के पत्तों की तरह बिखर गई.

Ignored India Star Slams IPL Fifty After 7 Years. Internet Says "What A Story"

Karun Nair smashed his first IPL half-century in seven years, taking Jasprit Bumrah to the cleaners in the process, as Delhi Capitals (DC) aimed to chase 206 against Mumbai Indians (MI). Brought in as an impact player and playing his first game of the season, Karun slammed his fifty in just 22 balls. He hit two boundaries off Bumrah in the latter's first over, before thrashing him for two sixes and 18 runs in his second. Nair's innings propelled DC to 72 in the powerplay alone.

Nair had been in excellent form for Vidarbha in domestic cricket, and seems to have translated his form into the biggest T20 league in the world.

His incredible knock sent social media into a frenzy.

What a story Karun Nair is making a statement.

Continuing his form from domestic #DCvMI https://t.co/w6OLxj8ufh pic.twitter.com/Ioz8LxFWT8

- Aditya (@NameisAditya_) April 13, 2025

Karun Nair is showing all of us why playing domestic cricket & current form is so so important

- Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 13, 2025

"Spare a moment to salute Karun Nair. Shouldn't we acknowledge his relentless hard work and dedication?" #KarunNair | #DCvMIpic.twitter.com/ONSBl8UwJx https://t.co/0E5hihLduU

- Harsh 17 (@harsh03443) April 13, 2025

The way Karun Nair Cameback from this situation is outstanding.
What a player. Toying Bumrah like a gully cricket bowler #KarunNair #DCvsMI pic.twitter.com/E7rfhbsTyz

- (@Naneyidupakka) April 13, 2025

Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians, IPL 2025: MI post 205/5

Tilak Varma's half century and impactful innings by Surya Kumar Yadav and Naman Dhir powered Mumbai Indian (MI) to post 205/5 in their 20 overs against Delhi Capitals (DC).

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel won the toss and opted to bowl against the Mumbai Indians in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on Sunday.

Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton opened the innings for MI, both the batters counter-attacked DC bowlers, scoring 45/0 in just four overs Ryan Rickelton 27 (15) and Rohit Sharma 17 (9). Vipraj Nigam removed Rohit Sharma in the 5th over for 18 (12), Rohit's dry IPL season continues, and Surya Kumar Yadav joined Ryan Rickelton in the middle.

SKY started off his innings in style hitting the first ball for a six over fine leg. The Veteran spinner Kuldeep Yadav cleaned up Ryan Rickelton in the 8th over for 41 (25), including five fours and two sixes. Tilak Varma joined Surya in the middle.

Surya and Tilak took their time in the middle and rotated the strike at regular intervals, because of a good power-play MI batters played risk-free cricket in the middle overs.

Tilak and Surya took on Mohit Sharma in his first over hitting him for 14 runs, followed by a six on the first ball of the next over by Surya. The duo added 50 runs in 29 balls Surya being the aggressor. Both the batters made 17 runs in Vipraj's 3rd over, where a catch of Tilak Varma also went down at deep mid-wicket by Tristan Stubbs.

Kuldeep Yadav showed his experience by removing Surya Kumar Yadav in the 14th over for 40 (28), his innings included five fours and two sixes. MI skipper Hardik Pandya joined Tilak in the middle.

Vipraj Nigam took another dream wicket as he removed Hardik Pandya in his last over for 2 (4), MI has been struggling to make partnerships throughout this IPL season. Naman Dhir joined Tilak. After 15 overs MI posted 146/4 Tilak Varma 38* (19) and Naman Dhir 1 (2).

Tilak Varma brought up his second fifty on the trot in the 17th over, he took 26 balls to reach the feat. DC showed brilliance on the field Axar Patel saved a six in the 18th over at long-on.

With ANI inputs

40 गेंदों पर शतक... अभिषेक शर्मा की पर्ची सेलिब्रेशन का क्या है सीक्रेट

सनराइजर्स हैदराबाद के युा ओपनर अभिषेक शर्मा ने पंजाब किंग्स के खिलाफ मुकाबले में सिर्फ 40 गेंदों में अपना पहला आईपीएल शतक पूरा किया. सेंचुरी जड़ने के बाद अभिषेक ने अपनी जेब से एक कागज का टुकड़ा दिखाया. आइए जानते हैं उस कागज पर क्या लिखा था और किसके लिए स्पेशल मैसेज लिखा था.

Watch: Shreyas Iyer Left Fuming At Punjab Kings Teammate Over DRS Call vs SRH

Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer was left fuming during their IPL 2025 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). PBKS' Glenn Maxwell thought he had dismissed Travis Head caught behind by wicket-keeper Prabhsimran Singh. However, upon seeing the umpire giving it not out, signalled for a DRS review straight away. Moments later, though, Shreyas Iyer was shown to be angry at one of his teammates. Iyer pointed at himself, with his teammates vying for a review. Eventually, Iyer decided to go up with a DRS review upon Maxwell's insistance.

As it turned out, Travis Head remained not out after the whole saga. NDTV could not verify which teammate Iyer seemed to be frustrated on. While what Iyer said was not audible, It was quite apparent that he said: "Pehle merese puch na (Ask me first)"

Watch: Shreyas Iyer angry after DRS saga

Shreyas Iyer's angry reaction over DRS call. pic.twitter.com/huZBhbDn4F

— CricAsh (@ash_cric) April 12, 2025

Earlierm Punjab Kings unleashed an all-out assault against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Match 27 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, riding on a blazing half-century from Shreyas Iyer (82) and late fireworks from Marcus Stoinis, who scored 34 in eleven deliveries to reach 245/6 in 20 overs, here at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

While the innings had contributions across the board, it was Iyer's calculated aggression that stood out, giving PBKS the perfect launchpad for a mammoth total.

Stoinis finally announced his arrival in IPL 2025 with a sensational finish, smashing four consecutive sixes to close out Punjab Kings' innings in stunning fashion. The Australian all-rounder, who had struggled to make an impact with the bat so far this season, turned on the heat in the final over, propelling PBKS to a commanding total of 245.

Unfortunately for Mohammed Shami, it was a night to forget as the seasoned pacer bore the brunt of Stoinis' onslaught. Shami's final over went for 27 runs, capping off a rough spell that read 4-0-75-0 — second most expensive in IPL history.

After electing to bat, PBKS came out swinging from the very first over. Prabhsimran Singh set the tone with a flurry of boundaries off Mohammed Shami, charging at the veteran seamer and carving him through mid-off and cover with disdain. He was in no mood to show respect and gave PBKS a flying start.

Harshal Patel bowled a game-changing over in the 18th, conceding just five runs and removing both Shreyas Iyer and Maxwell in quick succession. Iyer's 82 off 36 had anchored PBKS' innings but his departure meant PBKS had to rebuild in the final overs and Stoinis did it perfectly.

Putin Labels Russia's 1st Foreign Minister As "Foreign Agent", His Response

Russia has designated its first post-Soviet era foreign minister Andrei Kozyrev as a "foreign agent" over his views on President Putin and his fierce criticism of Moscow over the Russia-Ukraine war. The announcement was made by Russia's Ministry of Justice, which accused Mr Kozyrev of spreading fake news about the country.

Andrei Kozyrev had served as foreign minister under Boris Yeltsen - Russia's first primer minister after the collapse of the Soviet Union (USSR) in 1991. At the time Russia was under severe economic stress, and in order to liberalize the economy, had to maintain close and friendly ties with the West - US and its allies in Europe).

Years later, when Vladimir Putin became President, Mr Kozyrev, who by then had demitted office, opposed much of Putin's policies. For more than a decade, the disgruntled former diplomat stayed in Moscow, but in 2010, decided to move permanently to the United States, who welcomed him.

Since his departure from Moscow, Mr Kozyrev turned into an outspoken and staunch critic of Vladimir Putin, often voicing his unwavering disapproval of his policies. From the very beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war, Mr Kozyrev slammed Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.

In the first few weeks of the war, Mr Kozyrev contacted his former colleagues in the Russian foreign ministry to resign in protest. Over the months and years, he built a campaign against the Russian government and continued to actively criticize Moscow's offensive.

Russia's current foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, used to be Mr Kuzyrev's deputy when the latter was foreign minister of Russia between 1990 and 1996. After the war in Ukraine broke out in 2022, Mr Kuzyrev had written, "There was a time when Lavrov used to have my back. Today, I would watch my back if he was behind me."

On Friday, Russia's Justice Ministry released a statement accusing its former foreign minister of distributing "false information" about the Russian government and its policies, as well as the Russian military. It noted Mr Kozyrev's persistent opposition towards the Kremlin and for Moscow's "special military operation" in Ukraine.

Labeling him a "foreign agent", the statement accused the former top diplomat of cooperating "with foreign platforms" to build an anti-Russia narrative in the United States and beyond, but did not specify the details of this claim.

Russia's "foreign agent" designation carries a negative Soviet-era connotation and makes it mandatory for people to identify themselves as a 'foreign agent' on all social media platforms as well as publications, both offline and online. It also makes it compulsory for them to declare their financial transactions and its trails within Russia.

In response to the Russian government's move to label him "foreign agent", Mr Kozyrev mocked the decision, saying it reflected Kremlin's mindset, which highlights "the stupidity of the regime".

"I am glad to join all those noble people who have likewise been designated foreign agents by Russia," he said.
 

"Night Of Horror": Nurse Who Saved 20 Pregnant Women During 26/11 Attacks

The extradition of 26/11 plotter Tahawwur Rana has ripped the band-aid off the wounds of many who lived through the three-day mayhem in Mumbai 16 years ago. For others, it was an occasion to remember the massive pressure they came under to save the lives of others -- at great risk to themselves. 

One such hero is nurse Anjali Kulthe, who managed to save 20 pregnant women admitted at Mumbai's Cama hospital and ensured safe delivery for one of them -- a high-risk patient of hypertension.  

It was around 9.30 pm on November 26, when they got information that terrorists who were attacking the CST station were moving towards the Cama hospital, Ms Kulthe told NDTV in an exclusive interview. Minutes later, they heard gunshots from a lane at the back of the hospital. 

"Looking out of the window, we could see two terrorists running and the police firing at them. Then the terrorists vaulted over the low gate and entered the hospital premises. I saw they had shot the two security guards, who were lying in a heap. When they spotted us at the window, they opened fire at us and one of our workers got injured. I took her to the casualty and informed everyone that the terrorists had entered the hospital," she said. 

On her return, the nurse shut the main doors of the ward and took the 20 patients to a 10x10 pantry. Cellphones and lights were switched off and they sat in the dark. 

Soon after, the hypertension patient started getting labour pain. The doctor refused to come to the ward, for by now, the gunbattle was raging inside the hospital. 

Ms Kulthe said she took the patient to the labour room by the staircase, going up one step at a time, staying close to the wall.  By the morning, she had given birth to a baby girl, who was named 'Goli' in the memory of that night, Ms Kulthe said.

The hospital was under attack for five hours that night. Besides the two security guards, one more hospital worker died. 

Asked if she had got over the fear and trauma of that night, Ms Kulthe said, "not a single one of us who worked at the hospital - doctors, nurses or other staff -- will ever forget that night".

"The way they threw hand grenades, opened fire, killed people, none of us can ever forget it. For the whole country, it was a night of sadness and horror," she added.    

Tahawwur Rana, who was extradited, is accused of playing a key role in the 2008 attacks that cost 166 lives. Pakistani-American terrorist and prime accused in the case, David Coleman Headley, said Rana had extended logistical and financial support for the terror operation. He has been charged with criminal conspiracy, waging war against the government of India, murder and forgery and under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The three-day attack that devastated India's financial capital in 2008 had seen hotels, a train station, a Jewish center, and other spots targeted.

Of the 10 terrorists who took part in the attack, only one, Ajmal Kasab, was caught alive and was hanged on November 21, 2012. India has said Pakistan-based terror group  Lashkar-e-Taiba had orchestrated the attacks.

Bullet Implanted In Body: UP Woman's Plot To Frame Man In Rape, Firing Case

It was a case to trump all detective stories and left the Bareilly police scratching their heads. A woman came in complaining that her aunt was gangraped and shot. But a day's investigation left the police with a completely different picture - that of a cooked-up story. What astounded them was the length to which the alleged victim - Shamouli - could go to establish it. It needed a bullet, a coin, a quack and extensive imagination. 

On the night of March 29, the Bareilly police received information about a woman being shot near Gandhi Udyan, said Manush Parikh, the city police chief.

The next day, her niece lodged a complaint, saying the woman was coming out of a medical store near a 300-bed hospital after making a purchase, when five men in a black car kidnapped her. She was later gang-raped, shot and thrown near Gandhi Udyan, she alleged.
 
It got the police force of the entire city to sit up and get busy with a manhunt - till the medical report came in.

The report made it clear that the bullet in the woman's body was not the result of a firearm injury. It was inserted through an operation and the surgical scars were still there. 

To confirm their growing suspicion, the police checked all the footage from roadside CCTVs. It turned out that woman was travelling in an auto-rickshaw at the time when she was supposed to have been kidnapped.

The police said during interrogation, the woman confessed that she had earlier blackmailed a public representative and his son. The case was in court and a judgment was expected soon. To avoid that, she had come up with this plan, which had this added advantage of trapping her adversary again.

The police said the woman got an employee of the district hospital and a quack from Sanjaynagar to insert the bullet. She then singed the area with a hot coin to mimic the powder burn from a bullet.

The police said at least three people were involved and the police are investigating the matter further. 

Two of the accused have been arrested and are in custody. The possibility of more people being involved cannot be ruled out, the police said.

'Tahawwur Rana May Reveal More Names': Ex Anti-Terror Agency Official

A former top official of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) termed the successful extradition of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks mastermind Tahawwur Hussain Rana to India "extremely important" as his interrogation could help in filling the blanks left behind from earlier investigations.

NIA's former inspector general Loknath Behera told NDTV the case against Rana which is being handled by the anti-terror agency is related to a larger conspiracy and is pending before a special NIA court in Delhi. The NIA filed a chargesheet against Rana in 2011.

In a second case, the Mumbai Police filed a chargesheet against Rana in 2023 for plotting the 26/11 terror attacks, he said.

"There are differences [between the two cases]. The NIA case is related to a conspiracy much larger and beyond the Mumbai attack cases because these people were also wrecking other places, including National Defence College, etc. And there were probably bigger game plans. Some of them are yet to be revealed. Therefore, this extradition assumes more importance because we never got access to Rana to be interrogated just like we did in respect of Headley," Mr Behera said, referring to David Headman Coley, a Pakistan-born US citizen who ran reconnaissance of civilian targets.

Mr Behera said unless the Supreme Court merges these two cases and transfers to a special court, there will be two trials - one in Delhi, the other in Mumbai.

"... I'm sure he [Rana] knows certain things which we do not know. And probably that will be actually more revealing. And I will not be surprised to see that more names come out. For example, we know the handlers of David Coleman Headley, but who are the handlers of Rana? Maybe they are the same or they are different. So all these questions were there during our investigation, but we could not answer them because of lack of access to this person [Rana]," the former NIA officer said. "Today, we are in a better position and it is actually a victory of diplomacy, the concerted effort of all the agencies, the government and various departments."

To a question about whether David Coleman Headley got away, Mr Behera said Indian investigators could question Headley owing to effective diplomacy and good ties with the US, and he did not go scot-free.

"These two were arrested by the FBI in 2009... Thanks to the good work, we actually could examine David Coleman Headley and get some information. But that did not happen in respect of Rana. So that is the one part of this. But in the process, what happened is that Headley invoked plea bargaining with the court concerned in America.

"And on the basis of that plea bargaining, he will not be extradited to any country, including India, or in Denmark, or some other places, wherever there is a case. So anything you want to do, it has to be done on American soil. He cannot be extradited as on date, as per the law now. If something changes subsequently, I do not know.

"Whereas Rana was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment in the Denmark case, and acquitted in the Mumbai case... I believe, I personally am very convinced that Rana will tell something which will be very relevant, and maybe more information than we know. So it is important," Mr Behera told NDTV.

After arriving in Delhi, Rana was taken for a medical test and produced before the court of special NIA judge Chander Jit Singh, who heard his custody proceedings.

Senior lawyer Dayan Krishnan and special public prosecutor Narender Mann represented the NIA. Lawyer Piyush Sachdeva from Delhi Legal Services Authority represented Rana.

26/11 Attacks Survivor Recalls Horror, How He Escaped Death

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a terrorist who was jailed in the US for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, has been extradited to India and will be put to trial for his role in the attacks that shook the nation to its core in 2008. 

Sixteen years after the attacks, survivors recounted the horror they experienced on the night of November 26. Ajay Bagga, a startup mentor and a long-term investor, recalled what happened inside the Taj Hotel when he and his wife, Rajita Kukarni, were caught in the line of fire. 

"Rajita and I were at the Taj at the Masala Craft restaurant. One of our friends, a German member of the European Parliament, was visiting with a big parliamentary delegation."

"We were just starting dinner at about 9:30 pm, the first firing started, and I just looked out and I saw somebody shooting into the Golden Dragon restaurant, which is about 30 meters from where we were. Luckily, that door used to look like a steel wall, and there was no latch inside. I just tied up the door with napkins, tableware, and people were not ready to move. We were told there is a shooting outside."

Read more: "Bringing Back Memories": Survivor Spots Herself In NDTV's 26/11 Footage

Mr Bagga told NDTV that his friend had been in a terror hostage situation in Sri Lanka earlier. So she was well trained and told them that "It is now becoming a hostage situation."

'People Killed On Both Sides'

Mr Bagga and his wife were spotted in the NDTV footage from 16 years ago, which was taken shortly after the firing began.

"On both sides, there were people killed. On the right was the Shamiana 24/7 coffee shop, and on the left was Golden Dragon. There was nobody who survived. Everyone was killed there," Mr Bagga told NDTV. 

"We were providentially safe in Masala Craft. And then after two hours, the hotel moved us to the chambers through the basement area of the staff entrance. We were moved out to the chambers, and we were there. About 200 people were there.  A politician gave a media interview, and he said 200 CEOs and very senior people of Mumbai are trapped here in chambers... They entered chambers and opened fire," he recalled.

"Just then, our evacuation started from the fire escape. One old woman fell. I bent down to pick her up, and I told my wife that we would not push. People were pushing and running down. I said, we'll not push. We'll wait for our turn, and all of a sudden, in front of us, there was nobody alive."

'Taj Staffer Saved Our Life'

Mr Bagga, who was stuck in the Chambers and was awaiting his turn to get rescued, said a staff member from the Taj saved his and his wife's lives. Mr Bagga said, the staffer "Took bullets in his back and we hid in a conference room, lying on the ground for the next about seven hours. Through the night, he (the staffer) was crying. We had nothing but aspirin and whatever people had. There were two doctors with us.

"We tied up his wounds as well as we could, and he made it to the hospital, but he did not survive."

"We were all lying down in the room and the other conference rooms. I thought it was over because huge smoke started coming in. They were throwing grenades from the top to try to break the building...very heavy smoke came in, and we couldn't breathe. I thought it was over because there was a flimsy door between us and them,"

"The National Security Guard (NSG) came at 10," Mr Bagga said, adding that the gunfight continued between the commandos and the terrorists, and "somehow the god was kind" and he was out of the danger zone by 10 pm.

'We Hugged Taj Employees Who Survived'

Mr Bagga said he had to go back to the Taj hotel after a month since he was a member of the chambers and relive the near-death experience he had inside the hotel.

"I went through the entire route that we had taken, right from Masala Craft, through the basement, the staff entrances, and to the chambers. And we went and hugged all the employees who survived. A lot of Taj employees gave up their lives to save us."

He recalled that when the NSG came to their rescue, they didn't know if it's the terrorists pretending to be "the Black Cat commandos or it's really the NSG but then they said, stand back. We are breaking through."

"They (NSG) had to break the door because we had tied it up with all the tablecloths. There were no latches in any of the doors," he added.

Mr Bagga's wife, Ranjita Kulkarni, also spoke to NDTV and said, The extradition of Rana is a "monumental achievement for our country". She thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, US President Donald Trump and the US Supreme Court for making this possible. "I am quite sure it will bring justice. This is a huge day for all martyrs who sacrificed their lives, survivors and their families," she said.

Tahawwaur Rana's Role In 26/11 Attacks

The former Pakistan Army doctor provided logistic, financial and other assistance to David Headley -- a key conspirator in the terror attack. Rana is charged under sections relating to criminal conspiracy, waging war against the government of India, murder and forgery and relevant sections under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. He also travelled to various places in India as they identified targets to strike, the chargesheet says.

Exclusive: Ex-Navy Chief On Rafale Jets And Chinese Threat In Indian Ocean

The Indian Navy will soon get 26 Rafale-M fighter aircraft, a significant upgrade in its fighter fleet in over a decade. Sources told NDTV that a government-to-government deal of Rs 63,000 crore will be signed soon between India and France to finalise the deal.

The Navy currently operates the MiG-29K fighter jets for its two aircraft carriers - INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. The Navy will induct 26 Rafale-M fighter jets - 22 single-seater fighters and four double-seater trainer aircraft. 

"Rafale - A Kinetic Push" 

Former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Arun Prakash, spoke to NDTV on the induction of the Rafale fighter jets, explaining how it will add a "kinetic push in the Navy's striking power". The former Navy chief also spoke on Chinese aircraft carrier deployments in the Indian Ocean and on the debate over whether aircraft carriers are more vulnerable to attacks than they have ever been.

On a question about what the Rafale addition means for the Navy, Admiral Prakash said, "It's going to add a huge punch, kinetic punch to Indian Navy's striking power in many dimensions, air defense, anti-shipping strike, electronic warfare, you name it. The Rafale is a fine and capable aircraft. It's a welcome addition. The Rafale is probably half a generation or a generation ahead of the MiG-29K. So it's going to add a punch to the fleet at sea."

To a follow-up question on how it adds a punch to the fighter fleet, Admiral Prakash explained, "The MiG-29K was an adaptation of a land-based fighter, the MiG-29. And when we got it, it was virtually in a prototype state. It took a few years to sort out all the bugs to achieve stable operations. But the Rafale comes about 10 years after the MiG-29. So it's electronics, it's data fusion, and the weapons it carries will certainly make it a more capable aircraft than the MiG-29." 

"It will certainly add to the kinetic punch of the fleet at sea, to the aircraft carriers. When we acquired the Vikramaditya and the Vikrant, we hadn't factored in the acquisition of the Rafale, or for that matter, any other fighter other than the MiG-29K, perhaps the Tejas."

The Indian Air Force operates 36 Rafale fighter jets in two squadrons -  The 17 Squadron (the Golden Arrows) and the 101 Squadron (The Falcons), based in Ambala and Hashimara, respectively. The 4.5 generation multi-role fighter aircraft is capable of conducting all combat aviation missions like air superiority, close-air-support, ground attack missions, electronic warfare, etc. 

According to its manufacturer, Dassault Aviation, all the variants - Rafale C (Air Force) and Rafale-M (Marine) have the maximum airframe and equipment commonality.

'MiG-29 Was A Hobson's Choice For Us'

Admiral Prakash, who was closely involved during the induction of the INS Vikramaditya, further explained the reason behind the induction of the MiG-29 into the Navy and said it was more of a "Hobson's choice for us".

INS Vikramaditya was a Kiev-class aircraft carrier and was named Admiral Gorshkov in Russia. The acquisition of Gorshkov had been under consideration since 1994, and 10 years later, in 2004, a deal was signed between India and Russia. 

Admiral Arun Prakash oversaw the induction of the aircraft carrier into the Navy. Speaking to NDTV, the former Navy chief said, "When we were negotiating for the Gorshkov, which later became the Vikramaditya. That was the late 1990s. Then, firstly, there were no ski-jump capable aircraft available other than the Sea Harrier, which we already had. And the Russians were just developing the MiG-29 and the Sukhoi-27. We went to the French; we sent a team to France to evaluate the Rafale, and they said, Sorry, at this point, we cannot offer you the Rafale-M. And of course, those days, the political situation did not allow us to even contemplate acquiring, say, an F-18 or something. Of course, apart from the fact that the F-18 had not been proved off the ski-jump."

"Our choices were limited. And then, when we started negotiating for the Vikramaditya-Gorshkov, the MiG-29 was more or less a Hobson's choice for us. So we had to take it. It's only subsequently that the Americans offered the F-18; they proved it off the ski-jump, the French proved the Rafale off the ski-jump, and they came to India to go out to do it. And then we had these options available." The MiG-29K fighter jets were inducted into the Naval fighter fleet in 2013, and in 2016, India phased out the last remaining Sea Harriers after almost 30 years of years.

The Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet underwent operational demonstration tests at the ski-jump facility at INS Hansa in Goa in 2022. However, with India's decision to opt for the Rafale, the US fighter jet failed to secure a place in the Indian Air Force or Navy.

Admiral Prakash said the Rafale fighter jets will be an addition to the naval variant of the India-made Tejas fighter jet, which is still in trials for the sea and the future Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF).

In its 2015 report, the Comptroller Auditor General (CAG) highlighted issues with the MiG-29K's airframe, its RD MK-33 engine and its fly-by-wire system, and said the "Aircraft were being technically accepted despite having discrepancies/anomalies." 

Chinese Threat In The Indian Ocean?

To a question on whether it's just a matter of time before Chinese carrier battle groups deploy in the Indian Ocean region, Admiral Prakash said, "Yes, the fact that we've not seen a Chinese task force cruising around in our waters is because they lack air cover, integral air cover. But as soon as they have three aircraft, they've already got two, and a third one is doing trials. But as soon as they can spare an aircraft carrier, which will provide air cover, organic air cover to their forces, maritime forces, I do not doubt that they will put in an appearance in our waters."

"The fact that they've got birthing facilities in Djibouti, where they set up their first overseas base, means that they've got logistic support of their own, not just in Pakistan (Gwadar port), which is an ally."

China has commissioned two aircraft carriers - Liaoning and Shandong - the former is a Soviet-era aircraft carrier, which Beijing commissioned in 2012, and the latter is its first domestically built carrier. The third aircraft carrier, Fujian, is China's largest and most advanced aircraft carrier ever built, with a potent aircraft launching system. Fujian underwent sea trials and is yet to be commissioned.

The US Department of Defence, in its latest report on Chinese naval modernization, said Beijing is reportedly building a fourth aircraft carrier similar to Fujian and is expected to be nuclear-powered

Admiral Prakash said if China comes into our waters, then the nearest base is at least 3,000 nautical miles away in Hainan, leading to an extended logistical
 Chain for them. So if a need arises for them for technical assistance and logistical support, then "Djibouti is a great reassurance" for the Chinese Navy and "if they get Gwadar, it will be a bonus."

Aircraft Carriers More Vulnerable To Attacks?

Admiral Arun Prakash was a naval aviator and a gallantry award recipient. He was one of the two pilots who were deputed to the Indian Air Force during the 1971 war, where he flew the Hawker Hunters and was awarded a Vir Chakra for action in the air.

Admiral Prakash disagreed with the argument that aircraft carriers are vulnerable, especially after the attacks in the Black Sea in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and drone attacks from Houthis on naval platforms in the Red Sea. 

"Well, inherently, an aircraft carrier is possibly the most protected warship there is. It has its fighter cover. It has radar coverage. It has anti-submarine helicopters. So, an aircraft carrier protects the rest of the fleet. It's the wrong logic to think that it needs escorts. It does need escorts, but it's a mutual sort of relationship. And I think we must focus on the recent events," the former Navy chief said.

"Firstly, the Houthis have been firing ballistic missiles, I don't know how capable those missiles are, at American aircraft carriers. They've all been shot down. No US Navy carrier has so far been affected by that."

"Secondly, Iran launched a few hundred missiles at Israel in the recent past. Most of those missiles were shot down, not just by the Israeli Iron Dome system, but by US Navy ships which were parked in the eastern Mediterranean. Their anti-ballistic missile defense shot down most of the ballistic missiles fired by Iran," he said.

"This scare of aircraft carriers being overly susceptible to missile attacks has now, I think, been more or less proved otherwise. Aircraft carriers can defend themselves...So, let's not frighten ourselves overly about the vulnerability of aircraft carriers. They have so much more," Admiral Prakash said.

IPL में आधी रात भारी बवाल, क्या बेईमानी से हारी RR, रियान के विकेट पर विवाद

GT vs RR Highlights: गुजरात टाइटंस ने साई सुदर्शन (82) और प्रसिद्ध कृष्णा (3 विकेट) के शानदार प्रदर्शन से राजस्थान रॉयल्स को 58 रन से हराया. सुदर्शन ने 53 गेंदों में 82 रन बनाए.

"RN Ravi Should Resign": Margaret Alva After Top Court Judgment On Governor

Margaret Alva, former Union minister who occupied the Raj Bhavans in four states - Goa, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand - today said the Supreme Court's landmark verdict on power of Governors was "much needed" and absolutely "on time".  Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, she said, now "should resign and go home" for he would be "persona non grata" in the state.

Mr Ravi withheld assent to MK Stalin government's 10 bills for three years. The government went to court and the Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that the Governor's decision to withhold assent was "illegal" and "arbitrary" and he did not act in 'good faith".

Setting aside the decisions of the Governor, the court said the bills shall be "deemed to be cleared" from the date they were presented to the Governor for a second time.

The court also presented a timeline for Governors: A one-month deadline to withhold assent to a Bill and reserve it for the President's review with the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers; when a Bill is reserved without the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, this deadline will be three months; if a Bill is presented to a Governor after reconsideration by the state Assembly, he/she must clear it within a month.

Ms Alva said the court had "stepped-in in time and with a heavy hand" and it was necessary in view of the "atrocious" situation in states like Kerala, Delhi and Tamil Nadu.

"For years now, we have watched Raj Bhavans functioning on their own with no regard to constitutional provisions, to legislative procedures and considering themselves -- if I may say so -- as some kind of dictators in Raj Bhavans," she said.

"A Governor cannot sit on 10 bills for three years... It is unheard of... The term of the government is five years and assent is withheld for four years," she said, referring to the rules that provide only four options for Governors - signing off on a bill, raising doubts and concerns, signing off on a bill if the state resolves concerns and presents it for a second time and referring it to the President.  

Asked about the judgment setting a precedent and how it would sit if a Congress or opposition government comes to power in the coming years, she said there is no cause to worry. 

"I don't think any of our Governors behaved this way. I had two states with BJP Chief Ministers. But you are supposed to be a friend philosopher and guide of the state government," she said.  

In this context, she also cited the case of Buta Singh, who in 2005, had dismissed the then government in Bihar. "He was told to go. That was the Congress government which told its Governor to go," added Ms Alva, who for decades, was part of the Congress.

मां-बाप टीचर, ऑक्शन में नहीं बिके तो 2 दिन तक उदास रहे, प्रियांश आर्य की कहानी

Punjab Kings के लिए अपने आईपीएल डेब्यू में 47 रन की तेज पारी खेलने वाले प्रियांश ने पांच बार की चैंपियन सीएसके के खिलाफ बीती रात नौ छक्के और सात चौके की मदद से 42 गेंद में 103 रन बनाए.

"We Will Take Back Panama Canal...": Pentagon Chief Meets Panama President

The US will take back the Panama Canal, ending China's influence in one of the world's most important waterways, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth said today after a rare visit to the Central American nation.

Marking the first visit by a US defence secretary to Panama in decades, Mr Hegseth held a closed-door meeting with Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino. He also got a close-up look of the canal as Washington reiterated its deep concern over China's investments and involvement in and around the crucial waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Following talks with Panama's government, the Pentagon chief vowed to deepen the US military's security cooperation with Panamanian forces. China, he said, would "not be allowed to weaponize" the canal by using Chinese firms' commercial relationships as a guise for espionage.

"Together, we (Panama and the US) will take back the Panama Canal from China's influence," Secretary Hegseth said in Panama City. Given Donald Trump's tough rhetoric, the stakes were high for Secretary Hegseth's visit.

The new arrangement with Panama, a first since 1999, will effectively end China's operations in the Panama Canal, he suggested. "China did not build this canal. China does not operate this canal and China will not weaponize this canal. Together with Panama in the lead, we will keep the canal secure and available for all nations," he said.

The Pentagon chief also praised President Mulino, saying his government understood "the threat from China". His remarks about Panama being in the "lead" on addressing the canal's security concerns appeared to be a nod to Panamanian sensitivities.

While Secretary Hegseth spoke about removing Chinese influence from Panama, President Trump has spoken in broader terms and not ruled out using military force, if necessary. Even before Mr Hegseth reached Panama, the Trump Administration had reportedly requested options from the US military to ensure access to the Panama Canal.

The United States had built the Panama Canal more than a century ago and handed its complete operations over to Panama in 1999. Today's development changes that dynamic with the US military likely to start patrolling and accessing the canal frequently, and in coordination with Panama's security agencies.

According to news agency Reuters, several current and former US officials and strategic experts say that the United States has found a willing partner in tackling Chinese influence in Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino.

In February, President Mulino had announced Panama's formal move to exit China's Belt and Road Initiative. He has also aided Donald Trump's crackdown on migrants in the United States. He did so by accepting US' deportation flights of non-Panamanians and worked to curb migration from South America by those crossing illegally through his country's dangerous Darien jungle.

In a significant move last month, US firm BlackRock led a deal to buy out most of the $22.8-billion ports business of Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison, including its ports on either end of the Panama Canal. At the time President Trump celebrated the deal, saying that the purchase was an example of how the United States was "reclaiming the Panama Canal".

China however, had slammed the deal. The markets regulator has said that it will carry out an antitrust review of the deal.

Military experts have pointed out that in the event of a war in Asia, the Panama Canal plays a critical role as US naval ships cross from the Atlantic to the Pacific to support war efforts. With China's vast presence in and around the canal, it could hinder the passage of ships, they said, adding that even if Beijing would not be able to stop American naval vessels in such a scenario, it would be in an advantageous position by being able to surveil vessels passing through it.
 

Prince Harry's Lawyer Cites Threats From Al-Qaeda, Media In UK Security Plea

A lawyer for Britain's Prince Harry on Tuesday slammed an "unjustified" decision to downgrade his police protection, telling a London court the prince had recently faced threats from paparazzi and even Al-Qaeda.

Following Harry's split with the royal family in 2020 and move to America with his wife Meghan, the government decided his security during visits to Britain would be decided on a case-by-case basis.

King Charles III's youngest son made a rare visit to London for the latest stage of the long-running legal saga, watching his appeal unfold from inside the Royal Courts of Justice.

Dressed in a dark suit with a blue patterned tie, he looked on in the courtroom, occasionally whispering to his solicitor and wrote in a notebook.

After Harry, 40, stopped being considered a working royal in 2020, the government decided he would not receive the "same degree" of publicly funded protection when in Britain.

The prince took legal action against the interior ministry in 2021, and after his initial case was rejected last year, he brought a challenge before the Court of Appeal.

Lawyer Shaheed Fatima told the court the prince had been "singled out for different, unjustified and inferior treatment."

In a written submission, his lawyers highlighted threats made against the prince.

"Al-Qaeda recently called for (Harry) to be murdered," and he and Meghan were "involved in a dangerous car pursuit with paparazzi in New York City" in May 2023, the submission said, without providing full details.

Harry was widely criticised when in his autobiography "Spare" he claimed to have killed 25 people in Afghanistan, sparking ire from the Taliban.

Harry has long been haunted by the death of his mother, Princess Diana, who was killed in a high-speed car crash in Paris in 1997 as she tried to escape paparazzi photographers.

Harry and Meghan have started a new life in California and are now largely estranged from the royal family. 

But the prince has said security concerns have hampered his ability to visit Britain, and his trips have usually been fleeting. 

In a written submission, Harry's lawyers said the prince and Meghan "felt forced to step back" from frontline royal duties because "they considered they were not being protected by the institution". 

Failure to assess risk

The prince's legal battle centres on the February 2020 decision to downgrade his security, made by the interior ministry and a committee that deals with the protection of royals and public figures.

In early 2024, the High Court ruled against Harry's case, saying the government had acted lawfully. 

The prince's initial bid to appeal was refused in April last year and he was ordered to pay about £1,000,000 ($1.27 million) in legal costs, according to The Times newspaper. 

However, the following month, a judge said Harry could challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.

On Tuesday, Harry's lawyer argued the committee had failed to carry out an assessment of the risks to the prince and that the High Court had been wrong to overlook this.

As a lawyer representing the interior ministry set out the government's case, the prince shook his head.

James Eadie said the basis for Harry's security arrangements had been adjusted due to "his change of status and because he was now going to live abroad for the majority of his time."

In its written submission, the government insisted Harry's security "would be considered depending on the circumstances."

The two-day hearing is to end on Wednesday with some parts held in private due to security concerns. A decision is expected in writing at a later date.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

बुमराह का ऐसा स्वागत... कोहली ने पहली गेंद पर लगाया छक्का, बूम-बूम को ऐसे कौन

RCB vs MI IPL 2025: मुंबई इंडियंस पर रॉयल चैलेंजर्स बेंगलुरू की जीत में विराट कोहली ने सबसे अधिक रन बनाए. उन्होंने अपनी बैटिंग से जसप्रीत बुमराह की वापसी के जश्न को भी फीका कर दिया.

Twenty Years On, This US Couple's Disappearance Is Still A Mystery

Twenty years ago, on a Saturday night, Richard Petrone Jr and his girlfriend Danielle Imbo, accompanied by their friends, went out to a bar in Philadelphia. Once the outing was over, Mr Petrone Jr was supposed to drop Ms Imbo off at her home in New Jersey and head back to his apartment in Philadelphia. Their friends or anyone else never heard back from them after they left the bar, CNN reported.

Investigators found no forensic evidence of the couple's whereabouts after they were last seen at the bar, retired FBI special agent Vito Roselli, who was the case's first lead investigator, said.

Their truck was not spotted on any of the area's toll bridge cameras and the couple's credit cards and bank accounts registered no activity, he added.

The couple, along with Mr Petrone Jr's 2001 black Dodge Dakota pick-up truck, just disappeared into the night. 

His mother Marge Petrone said she knew something was wrong when she didn't immediately hear back from him. "His phone was never off - it was always in his hands," she told CNN.

To this day, there are no leads in the case. No one in the family thinks the couple planned their disappearance and relocated to a different area to start a new life. At the time, they were parents to a teen and a toddler, respectively. According to their families, they would never just abandon their kids.

Mr Roselli, who now works in cybersecurity for an international company in Miami, says, "It stays with me. Like, 'What did I miss?' ... is constantly living rent-free in my head. But also because you want to see closure for the two families."

FBI's Philadelphia office says the matter remains a top priority. According to one of the statements, following the couple's disappearance, the FBI collaborated with law enforcement from other jurisdictions in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

They dispatched divers to investigate the Delaware River and other bodies of water between Philadelphia and Mount Laurel. Investigators followed leads in many states and examined financial, phone, and road toll data. They also looked into a flurry of theories, but nothing brought any fruitful results. 

Technology was less developed in the early 2000s than it is now, which limited the scope of the investigation. While forensic science has advanced much since then, in this instance, it hasn't had much of an impact, as there is no physical evidence.

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in the case. 

Market Panic Deepens As World Scrambles To Temper Trump Tariffs

Asian markets took a huge plunge Monday as US futures pointed to significant losses on Wall Street over Donald Trump's punishing tariffs, even as countries sought compromise with the defiant president.

Trump denied Sunday he was intentionally engineering a selloff and insisted he could not foresee market reactions, saying he would not make a deal with other countries unless trade deficits were solved. 

"Sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something," he said of the market pain that has seen trillions of dollars wiped off the value of US companies since the beginning of his tariff rampage.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he added that he had engaged with world leaders on the issue to seek resolution over the weekend, claiming "they're dying to make a deal."

China retaliated against the United States on Friday, announcing it would impose tit-for-tat tariffs of 34 percent on all US goods from April 10 after Asian markets closed last week. 

With the trade war escalating, stocks in Asia took a heavy hammering when trading resumed. 

In early trade on Monday in Japan the Nikkei 225 was off more than seven percent and the broader Topix was down almost eight percent, while in Seoul South Korea's Kospi was down close to five percent. Australia's main stock index fell around six percent.

Futures contracts for the New York Stock Exchange's main boards were sharply down Sunday, suggesting more pain for battered Wall Street stocks when markets open Monday, while US oil dropped below $60 a barrel for the first time since April 2021.

'Deals And Alliances'

Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel -- which has been hit with 17 percent tariffs, despite being one of Washington's closest allies -- will fly in for crunch talks with Trump Monday on the levies.

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned in a newspaper op-ed that "the world as we knew it has gone," saying the status quo would increasingly hinge on "deals and alliances."

Trump's staggered deadlines have left space for some countries to negotiate, even as he insisted he would stand firm and his administration warned against any retaliation.

"More than 50 countries have reached out to the president to begin a negotiation," Kevin Hassett, head of the White House National Economic Council, told ABC's This Week on Sunday, citing the US Trade Representative.

Vietnam, a manufacturing powerhouse that counted the US as its biggest export market in the first quarter, has already reached out and requested a delay of at least 45 days to thumping 46 percent tariffs imposed by Trump.

Hassett said countries seeking compromise were doing so "because they understand that they bear a lot of the tariffs," as the administration continues to insist that the duties would not lead to major price rises in the United States.

"I don't think that you're going to see a big effect on the consumer in the US," he said. 

'Markets Bloodbath'

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also told NBC's Meet the Press that 50 countries had reached out.

But as for whether Trump will negotiate with them, "I think that's a decision for President Trump," Bessent said. 

"At this moment he's created maximum leverage for himself... I think we're going to have to see what the countries offer, and whether it's believable," Bessent said. 

Other countries have been "bad actors for a long time, and it's not the kind of thing you can negotiate away in days or weeks," he claimed.

Despite hopes for negotiations to avert the worst economic carnage, in Asia the markets bloodbath continued into the new trading week.

In Saudi Arabia, where the markets were open Sunday, the bourse was down 6.78 percent -- the worst daily loss since the Covid-19 pandemic, according to state media.

Larry Summers, formerly Director of the National Economic Council under president Barack Obama, said "there is a very good chance there's going to be more turbulence in markets the way we saw on Thursday and Friday."

Peter Navarro, Trump's tariff guru, has pushed back against the mounting nervousness and insisted to investors that "you can't lose money unless you sell," promising "the biggest boom in the stock market we've ever seen."

Russia has not been targeted by the latest raft of tariffs, and Hassett cited talks with Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine as the reason for their omission from the hit list.

On Wednesday a White House official suggested the reason for Russia's omission was because trade was negligible thanks to sanctions.

Trump has long insisted that countries around the world that sell products to the United States are in fact ripping Americans off, and he sees tariffs as a means to right that wrong.

"Some day people will realize that Tariffs, for the United States of America, are a very beautiful thing!" Trump wrote on Truth social Sunday.

But many economists have warned that tariffs are passed on to consumers and that they could see price rises at home.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Men Carrying Saffron Flags Climb UP Dargah, Raise Slogans: Cops

Members of right-wing groups in Prayagraj created a ruckus on the occasion Ram Navami today by climbing on the dargah of Salar Masood Ghazi Miyan in the Sikandra area. A video of the incident is being widely circulated online.

Reports say some people carrying saffron flags suddenly climbed on the roof of Ghazi Miyan's dargah -- located in Ganganagar zone of Prayagraj -- in the afternoon. 

They raised slogans and waved the flags near the dome of the dargah. 
In the video, three men carrying saffron flags are seen reaching the dome, while dozens gathered below raise slogans. 

The group had reached the dargah on bikes. They made off before the police arrived at the spot.

Manendra Pratap Singh, who leads the right-wing group, has described himself as a student leader of Allahabad University, former state president of Karni Sena and a leader of BJP in his Facebook profile. 

Singh uploaded the video in a Facebook post. The caption said that Salar Masood Ghazi was an invader and his dargah should not be there in the pilgrim city of Prayagraj. He demanded that the dargah be demolished immediately.

The police are investigating the matter.

Deputy Commissioner of Police DCP (Ganga Nagar) Kuldeep Singh Gunawat said some miscreants waved saffron flags and raised slogans at the dargah, reported news agency Press Trust of India.

Departmental action is being taken against the policemen who were responsible for maintaining order at the spot, he said.

The DCP said there are five shrines at the Ghazi Miyan Ki Dargah. Both Hindu and Muslim devotees come to offer 'chadar' at the dargah, he said.

Legal action will be taken after investigating this matter, the officer added. 

(With Agencies)

टी20 में गेंदबाज हैं गेम चेंजर्स, तीसरी जीत के बाद गरजे गिल, बोले- हमारी...

शुभमन गिल ने सनराइजर्स हैदराबाद पर जीत के बाद कहा कि इस फॉर्मेट में गेंदबाज गेम चेंजर्स हैं. गुजरात टाइटंस के लिए मोहम्मद सिराज ने 4 विकेट लेकर मैन ऑफ द मैच का अवॉर्ड ले गए. गिल ने नाबाद 61 रन की पारी खेली.

To PM's Tamil Nadu Funds Remark, P Chidambaram's 'Economic Metric' Reply

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Sunday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his remark that the Centre allocated for Tamil Nadu's development three-time higher funds compared to the period before 2014.

The former Union finance minister said even a first-year economics student would be able to tell that the "economic metric" would always be higher when compared to previous years.

"Hon'ble prime minister and central ministers constantly say that they have given more money to Tamil Nadu in 2014-24 than was given in 2004-14. For example, Hon'ble prime minister said that his government has given for railway projects in Tamil Nadu seven times more money than before," Chidambaram said in a post on X.

Hon'ble PM and Central ministers constantly say that they have given more money to TN in 2014-24 than was given in 2004-14

For example, Hon'ble PM said that his government has given for railway projects in TN seven times more money than before

Ask a first year student of…

— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) April 6, 2025

"Ask a first-year student of economics. She will tell you that the 'economic metric' will always be higher than in the previous years. The GDP's size is bigger now than before. The size of the central budget is bigger every year than in the previous year. Government's total expenditure is bigger every year than in the previous year," he added.

"You are one year older than in the previous year. In terms of 'numbers', the number will be bigger but is it higher in terms of proportion of GDP or in terms of proportion of total expenditure?" the former Union finance minister asked.

Against the backdrop of the ruling DMK crying foul over the allocation of funds, PM Modi -- during his visit to the state on Sunday -- said the central government allocated three times more money for Tamil Nadu's development over the past decade compared to the period before 2014.

He noted that this increased funding had greatly contributed to Tamil Nadu's economic and industrial growth.

Despite the increased allocation, some "cry" over funds, the prime minister said, referring to beneficiaries from the state in respect of several initiatives. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

USAID Team Laid Off While In Myanmar Earthquake Zone: Report

Three US aid workers were laid off while in Myanmar helping the rescue and recovery from the country's massive earthquake, a former senior staffer said, as the Trump administration's dismantling of foreign aid affects its disaster response.

After travelling to the Southeast Asian nation, the three officials were told late this week they would be let go, Marcia Wong, a former official at the US Agency for International Development, told Reuters.

"This team is working incredibly hard, focused on getting humanitarian aid to those in need. To get news of your imminent termination - how can that not be demoralising?" said Wong, former deputy administrator of USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, which oversees Washington's disease response efforts overseas.

President Donald Trump's government has pledged at least $9 million to Myanmar after the magnitude-7.7 quake, which has killed more than 3,300. But his administration's massive cuts to USAID have hindered its ability to respond, while China, Russia, India and other nations have rushed in assistance.

The Trump administration has moved to fire nearly all USAID staff in recent weeks, as billionaire Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency has slashed funding and dismissed contractors across the federal bureaucracy in what it calls an attack on wasteful spending.

The three USAID workers have been sleeping on the streets in the earthquake zone, Wong said, adding that their terminations would take effect in a few months. Residents have been sleeping outside for fear of aftershocks and further building collapses, 

Wong said she is in contact with the remaining USAID staff and that she heard about the terminations after an all-staff meeting on Friday.

Former USAID staff say most of the people who would have coordinated the response have been let go, while third-party implementing partners have lost contracts.

The US State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday rejected criticism that Washington was slow to respond to the March 28 earthquake because USAID was dismantled.

Rather, he told reporters in Brussels, Myanmar was not "the easiest place to work", saying the military government does not like the United States and prevents it from operating in the country as it wants to.

The United Nations has said the junta was limiting humanitarian aid.

Rubio said the US would no longer be the world's top humanitarian donor, calling on other wealthy nations to step up in assisting Myanmar.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Tilak Retired Out During MI's Run Chase vs LSG. Shocking Decision Explained

Mumbai Indians decided to retire out Tilak Varma with seven balls remaining in their run chase against Lucknow Super Giants during IPL 2025 match on Friday. Tilak, who was batting on 25 off 23 deliveries, suddenly went off the pitch before the final ball of Shardul Thakur's over and was replaced by Mitchell Santner. MI need 24 off 7 balls at that moment but Avesh Khan successfully defended 22 runs in the final over to clinch the match for LSG. "It was obvious that we needed some hits and he was not getting... in cricket, one of those days come when you really try but it does not happen. I think the decision speaks for itself why we did it," Hardik Pandya said after the defeat. 

Retired out in the IPL

R Ashwin vs LSG, Wankhede, 2022

Atharva Taide vs DC, Dharamshala, 2023

Sai Sudharsan vs MI, Ahmedabad, 2023

Tilak Varma vs LSG, Lucknow, 2025*

Suryakumar Yadav's fighting half-century went in vain as Lucknow Super Giants defeated Mumbai Indians by 12 runs in an Indian Premier League match on Friday.

Batting first, LSG, riding on half-centuries from openers Mitchell Marsh (60 off 31 balls) and Aiden Markram (53 off 38 balls), scored 203/8 despite MI skipper Hardik Pandya (5/36) taking his maiden five-wicket haul in T20 cricket.

In reply, MI were restricted to 191 for five despite Suryakumar scoring a 43-ball 67, studded with nine boundaries and a six.

Shardul Thakur, Akash Deep, Avesh Khan and Digvesh Rathi took a wicket each for LSG.

Former MI skipper Rohit Sharma sat out of the contest after being hit on the knee during nets.

(With PTI inputs)

पिता पंजाब के किसान, केला खाकर किया कमाल, कौन हैं मुंबई की नई जान अश्वनी कुमार

Who is Ashwani Kumar: अपने डेब्यू मैच में चार विकेट लेने वाले बाएं हाथ के तेज गेंदबाज अश्वनी कुमार और 41 गेंद में नाबाद 62 रन बनाने वाले रियान रिकेलटन की पारी के दम पर मुंबई इंडियंस ने कोलकाता नाइटराइडर्स को आठ विकेट से हराया.

PM, Bangladesh's Yunus Sit Next To Each Other At Summit Dinner In Bangkok

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of the interim government in Bangladesh, sat side by side during the official dinner hosted by the Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for the visiting Heads of States and Head of Governments on Thursday attending the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok.

The official X handle of Chief Advisor of the Government of Bangladesh posted screen grabs of both leaders sitting side by side at the dinner table as the Thai PM welcomed the BIMSTEC leaders.

Local media in Bangladesh quoted Chief Advisor's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad as saying that both leaders "met each other" during the official dinner.

The interim government has been keen on holding first-ever bilateral talks between the two leaders on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok.

The BIMSTEC chairmanship will be officially handed over to Bangladesh on Friday.

Chief Advisor's High Representative on Rohingya and Priority Issues Khalilur Rahman said on Wednesday that the leaders of BIMSTEC member states will discuss their future works with Yunus and there is a scope to hold the meeting between Yunus and PM Narendra Modi.

"We requested India to hold this talk (between the leaders of two countries)...there is enough possibility of holding this meeting," Rahman said, addressing a press briefing in Bangladesh ahead of the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand.

Last week, PM Modi had written a letter to Yunus on the occasion of the National Day of Bangladesh, highlighting the significance of mutual sensitivity while referring to the Bangladesh Liberation War as a "shared history".

"We remain committed to advancing this partnership, driven by our common aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity, and based on mutual sensitivity to each other's interests and concerns," wrote PM Modi.

New Delhi has been worried about the deteriorating law and order situation in Bangladesh under the current interim government. The Yunis regime has been criticised severely for acquitting extremist elements and exonerating many Islamists since the fall of the Awami League government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.

"We support a stable, peaceful, inclusive and progressive Bangladesh in which all issues are resolved through democratic means and by holding inclusive and participatory elections. We remain concerned about the deteriorating law and order situation, which has further been exacerbated by the release of violent extremists who were sentenced for serious crimes," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has stated on several occasions.

As Bangladesh slid into abyss following the fall of Awami League government, the Yunus-led regime has been accused of giving a free hand to the Islamist forces in the country and also relaxing comprehensively the policy of mandatory security clearance required for Pakistani citizens seeking visas, thus facilitating easy return of many notorious terror suspects who had earlier fled to the safe havens in Pakistan.

With no end still in sight to attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, particularly on members belonging to the Hindu and Ahmadiyya communities, the MEA has repeatedly highlighted the serious issue and the interim government's botched up investigations that have so far been just an eyewash.

"We have repeatedly underlined that it is the responsibility of the interim government of Bangladesh to protect Hindus and other minorities, as well as their properties and religious institutions. As seen so far, only 1254 out of 2374 reported incidents between August 5, 2024, and February 16, 2025, have been verified by the police. Further, 98 per cent of these 1254 incidents were deemed political in nature. We expect Bangladesh to thoroughly investigate and bring all perpetrators of killings, arson, and violence to justice without making such distinctions," the MEA spokesperson has mentioned in the past.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, during his meeting with Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain in Muscat, conveyed that it is important that Bangladesh should not normalise terrorism.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

'Fabricated Video, Lookalike': Woman Techie's Note Before Suicide

A 28-year-old woman software engineer allegedly took her own life in Nagpur after leaving behind a purported suicide note, claiming she was the victim of a conspiracy involving a fake video and threats to her life, police said on Thursday.

The engineer, who worked for a company in Pune, had returned to her hometown Nagpur, where she lived with her father, brother, and sister-in-law, around 15 days ago.

On Tuesday morning, when only her father was at home located in Mankapur locality, she asked him to step out to buy breakfast and later hanged herself, according to the police.

After police was called to her residence, they recovered an identical suicide note written in English and Marathi, in which she accused two individuals named Ritesh and Pratim of being responsible for her death, they said.

She also alleged that her roommate had issued threats to kill her. Additionally, she mentioned that her mobile phone was stolen from the Indore airport on March 5. Despite her attempts to lodge a complaint, the police allegedly refused to register it, citing the lack of a mobile bill, they said.

In the note, the techie also claimed she was being framed through a fabricated video featuring a lookalike. She denied making any religious comments, suggesting certain individuals were trying to falsely implicate her, informed the police.

Her family members revealed she had travelled to Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) from Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) before returning home. Since then, they had observed a change in her behaviour. She appeared to be under immense mental stress, refused to eat food prepared by others, and preferred cooking her own meals or staying hungry, said the police, quoting her family members.

A case of accidental death has been registered and an investigation was underway, they added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Asked To Wait A Year To Get Married, Man Stabs Woman, Kills Her Mother

Enraged at being asked to wait a year to get married, a man barged into a 20-year-old woman's home in Visakhapatnam, stabbed her and killed her mother when she tried to intervene. 

Visakhapatnam Commissioner of Police Shanka Brata Bagchi said the man, Naveen, was in love with Nakka Deepika, 20, for the past six years. He wanted to marry the woman, but her father had asked him to wait for a year as he did not like his behaviour. 

Around 12.30 pm on Wednesday, Naveen barged into Deepika's house in Swayamkrushi Nagar in Visakhapatnam's Kommadi area with a knife. He stabbed Deepika and also attacked her mother, Lakshmi, 43, when she intervened to try and protect her. 

Lakshmi died on the spot while Deepika was rushed to a hospital, where her condition is said to be critical. Naveen fled immediately after attacking the women. After neighbours called the police, they began investigating, and a team arrested Naveen near Srikakulam district.

After they were informed about the incident, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Home Minister V Anitha spoke to police officials. The Chief Minister asked the officials to provide the best possible treatment to the injured woman and take stringent action against the accused.

Ms Anitha also directed the police to ensure that the culprit got the harshest punishment. 

'Many Incidents Every Day'

The opposition YSR Congress accused the Chandrababu Naidu-led government of not being able to curb the rising cases of crimes against women

"Such incidents prove how alarming the situation is in the state when it comes to the safety of women. On average, 70 incidents against women take place every day. The accused in the Visakhapatnam incident must be caught and severely punished," said YSR Congress Party leader and Member of Legislative Council Varudu Kalyani.

"Like Mahatma Gandhi, I Tear This Bill": A Owaisi During Waqf Bill Debate

Asaduddin Owaisi, chief of AIMIM and the MP from Hyderabad, today held a symbolic protest against the Waqf Bill, citing the example of Mahatma Gandhi. Participating in the debate on the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, Mr Owaisi had cited the example of Mahatma Gandhi while he was in South Africa.

"If you read history, you would see that he (Mahatma Gandhi) said about the laws of white South Africa, 'My conscience doesn't accept this' and he tore it up. Like Gandhi, I am also tearing up this law. This is unconstitutional. The BJP wants to create divisiveness in this country in the name of temples and mosques. I condemn this and I request you to accept the 10 amendments," he said.

His outburst was a response of sorts to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who, during the debate, had said, "A member even said the minorities won't even accept it. Who are you trying to scare? It's the parliament's law, everyone will follow and accept it".

Mr Owaisi was speaking towards the end of a marathon debate that had started at noon after the Waqf Amendment Bill was presented in parliament. 

The Opposition had rallied against the bill and had been arguing their case without yielding ground to the government, which already has the numbers. Unlike other times, there have been no slogan-shouting, protests or walkouts.

The Opposition has contended that the bill is unconstitutional and violates the fundamental right to practice religion, Article 14, which guarantees equality before law and Article 15, which bars discrimination on basis of religion. 

Senior Congress leader KC Venugopal has contended that Waqf Amendment Bill "is a dangerous, divisive law".

"I expected so many legislations to come during this period. For last several years, farmers have been on the street, they are demanding legal guarantees for MSP. But the Bill is not coming. Youngsters of this country are unemployed and in despair. So, the country expected legislation for drastic change for the youth of the country. But it didn't come...You can see the legislation that has been given priority by this government. This is to have only one agenda - to divide Bharat Mata in the name of religion," Mr Venugopal said.  

Sections of the Muslim community have maintained that the amendments in the Waqf bill are geared to help the government gain control of the Waqf properties -- arguments the BJP speakers rubbished today.  

"Break Up Bangladesh...": Tripura Ex-Royal On "Extension Of China" Remark

Bangladesh leader Mohd Yunus' comments about the seven northeastern states - which he called "an extension of the Chinese economy" and which he seemed to urge Beijing to take over - have triggered fierce reactions from Indian politicians, including one to "break up Bangladesh". The comment was made by Pradyot Manikya, the founder of Tipra Motha, the second-largest party in Tripura.

In a post on X, Mr Manikya, a member of the state's erstwhile royal family. suggested Delhi "rather than spending billions" on ways to establish and maintain physical control of, and communications with, the northeast, simply take control of parts of Bangladesh that have "always wanted to be part of India".

This, he declared, would also give the northeastern states "our own access to the sea", something the Bangladesh interim government head told China is lacking at present.

"The Chittagong hill tracts were always inhabited by indigenous tribes that have always wanted to be part of India... there are lakhs and lakhs of Tripuri, Garo, Khasi, and Chakma people who reside in Bangladesh (but) in terrible conditions in their traditional lands," he noted on X.

"This should be utilised for our national interest and their well-being," he said.

The Chittagong Hill Tracts have been a problem for Bangladesh since the nation was created, with protests taking place under the leadership of MN Larma and the 'Shanti Bahini', or 'Peace Force', which was the armed wing of a political group representing the indigenous people there.

Rather than spending billions on innovative and challenging engineering ideas we might as well break up Bangladesh and have our own access to the sea . The Chittagong hill tracts were always inhabited by indigenous tribes which always wanted to be part of india since 1947 . There… https://t.co/rcjs6msae7

— Pradyot_Tripura (@PradyotManikya) April 1, 2025

The group sought autonomy and recognition of the indigenous identities of the various tribal communities in the region. Eventually, a peace deal was signed by Sheikh Hasina in 1997.

The X post drew criticism from certain quarters but the Tipra Motha chief was unfazed, insisting "Bangladesh was never our friend... so let's not be fooled".

The only 'friend' India had in that country, he said, was the late Sheikh Mujiur Rahman, whose daughter, Sheikh Hasina, was Prime Minister till last year's revolution.

READ | "No Response Yet": Mohd Yunus On Sheikh Hasina Extradition

Ms Hasina is now in India and the subject of an extradition request by the Yunus administration.

"Let us not fool ourselves... I live here in the northeast and we see clear and present danger every day. I understand your Left leanings makes it difficult... but appreciate our views too."

Mr Manikya's suggestion has some basis in history but its significance but the current context is equally important, for it follows comments by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Mr Sarma had called Mr Yunus' remarks "offensive" and "strongly condemnable", and called on the union government to develop rail and road links between the rest of the country and the northeast, land access to which is only through the Siliguri, or 'Chicken's Neck', Corridor.

This corridor is only 22km wide at its narrowest.

NDTV Explains | Dagger To Chicken's Neck? Why Yunus' Remarks Enrage

The Bangladesh leader's remark, the Chief Minister also said, "underscores the persistent vulnerability narrative associated with the corridor". He pointed further to comments by "internal elements (that) have dangerously suggested severing this critical passageway..."

The row broke after Mr Yunus had invited China to take advantage of his country's position as "the guardian of the ocean" in the region, referring to three major sea ports - Chattogram (formerly Chittagong), Mongla, and Payra - and an under-construction fourth - Matabari.

READ | Dhaka Asks For China's "Extension" In Veiled Threat To Northeast India

The Chattogram Port has enormous strategic importance. Not only is it the largest in Bangladesh, but it was also being considered by Delhi as a transhipment hub to move goods to Tripura capital Agartala.

A paper by the Asian Development Bank noted that transportation costs from the Kolkata Port to Agartala is between Rs 6,300 and Rs 7,000 per ton. Costs for the Chattogram route - i.e., from Kolkata to the Bangladeshi port and then on by rail - are much less

But the change of government in Bangladesh has complicated issues.

Meanwhile, there are also concerns over Bangladesh inviting China to be part of the Teesta Water Management project. During Mr Yunus' trip to China, Dhaka said talks with Beijing on this had moved forward. If this happens, it will give China a presence south of districts like Bengal's Jalpaiguri.

This, coupled with China already building a military presence to the north, would have very grave implications for security of the Chicken's Neck Corridor, necessitating India keep strategic countermeasures ready to tackle threats to the corridor or the northeast.

Democrat Cory Booker Sets Record With 25-Hour Senate Speech, An All-Nighter

In a feat of determination, New Jersey Democratic Senator Cory Booker held the Senate floor with a marathon speech that lasted all night and into Tuesday night, setting a historic mark to show Democrats' resistance to President Donald Trump's sweeping actions.

Booker took to the Senate floor on Monday evening, saying he would remain there as long as he was "physically able." It wasn't until 25 hours and 5 minutes later that the 55-year-old senator, a former football tight end, finished speaking and limped off the floor. It set the record for the longest continuous Senate floor speech in the chamber's history. Booker was assisted by fellow Democrats who gave him a break from speaking by asking him questions on the Senate floor.

It was a remarkable show of stamina as Democrats try to show their frustrated supporters that they are doing everything possible to contest Trump's agenda. Yet Booker also provided a moment of historical solace for a party searching for its way forward: By standing on the Senate floor for more than a night and day and refusing to leave, he had broken a record set 68 years ago by then Senator Strom Thurmond of South Carolina, a segregationist and southern Democrat, to filibuster the advance of the Civil Rights Act in 1957.

"I'm here despite his speech," said Booker, who spoke openly on the Senate floor of his roots as the descendant of both slaves and slave-owners. He added, "I'm here because as powerful as he was, the people are more powerful."

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the first Black party leader in Congress, slipped into the Senate chamber to watch Booker on Tuesday afternoon. He called it "an incredibly powerful moment" because Booker had broken the record of a segregationist and was "fighting to preserve the American way of life and our democracy."

Still, Booker centered his speech on a call for his party to find its resolve, saying, "We all must look in the mirror and say, 'We will do better.'"

"These are not normal times in our nation," Booker said as he began the speech Monday evening. "And they should not be treated as such in the United States Senate. The threats to the American people and American democracy are grave and urgent, and we all must do more to stand against them."

Booker warns of a 'looming constitutional crisis'

Shifting his feet, then leaning on his podium, Booker railed for hours against cuts to Social Security offices led by Trump adviser Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. He listed the impacts of Trump's early orders and spoke to concerns that broader cuts to the social safety net could be coming, though Republican lawmakers say the program won't be touched.

Booker also read what he said were letters from constituents. One writer was alarmed by the Republican president's talk of annexing Greenland and Canada and a "looming constitutional crisis."

Throughout the day Tuesday, Booker got help from Democratic colleagues, who gave him a break from speaking to ask him questions. Booker yielded for questions but made sure to say he would not give up the floor. He read that line from a piece of paper to ensure he did not slip and inadvertently end his speech. He stayed standing to comply with Senate rules.

"Your strength, your fortitude, your clarity has just been nothing short of amazing and all of America is paying attention to what you're saying," Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said as he asked Booker a question on the Senate floor. "All of America needs to know there's so many problems, the disastrous actions of this administration."

As Booker stood for hour after hour, he appeared to have nothing more than a couple glasses of water to sustain him. He later told reporters that he had fasted for days before the speech and stopped drinking fluids the night before.

He suffered through cramps as the day wore on, he said. Yet his voice grew strong with emotion as his speech stretched into the evening, and House members from the Congressional Black Caucus stood on the edge of the Senate floor in support

"Moments like this require us to be more creative or more imaginative, or just more persistent and dogged and determined," Booker said.

Booker's cousin and brother, as well as Democratic aides, watched from the chamber's gallery. Senator Chris Murphy accompanied Booker on the Senate floor throughout the day and night. Murphy was returning the comradeship that Booker had given to him in 2016 when the Connecticut Democrat held the floor for almost 15 hours to argue for gun control legislation.

His Senate floor speech breaks Thurmond's record

Still hours away from breaking Thurmond's record, Booker remarked Tuesday afternoon, "I don't have that much gas in the tank."

Yet as anticipation in the Capitol grew that he would supplant Thurmond, who died in 2003, as the record holder for the longest Senate floor speech, Democratic senators filled the chamber to listen and the Senate gallery filled with onlookers. The chamber exploded in applause as Schumer announced that Booker had broken the record.

Booker told reporters afterward that he had thought of Thurmond's speech ever since he arrived in the Senate, calling it a "strange shadow to hang over this institution."

Throughout his determined performance, Booker repeatedly invoked the civil rights leader Rep. John Lewis of Georgia on Tuesday, arguing that overcoming opponents like Thurmond would require more than just talking.

"You think we got civil rights one day because Strom Thurmond - after filibustering for 24 hours - you think we got civil rights because he came to the floor one day and said, 'I've seen the light,'" Booker said. "No, we got civil rights because people marched for it, sweat for it and John Lewis bled for it."

Booker's speech was not a filibuster, which is a speech meant to halt the advance of a specific piece of legislation. Instead, Booker's performance was a broader critique of Trump's agenda, meant to hold up the Senate's business and draw attention to what Democrats are doing to contest the president. Without a majority in either congressional chamber, Democrats have been almost completely locked out of legislative power but are turning to procedural manoeuvres to try to thwart Republicans.

Can his speech rally the anti-Trump resistance?

Booker, serving his second Senate term, was an unsuccessful presidential candidate in 2020, when he launched his campaign from the steps of his home in Newark. He dropped out after struggling to gain a foothold in a packed field, falling short of the threshold to meet in a January 2020 debate.

But as Democrats search for a next generation of leadership, frustrated with the old-timers at the top, Booker's speech could cement his status as a leading figure in the party.

On Tuesday afternoon, tens of thousands of people were watching on Booker's Senate YouTube page, as well as on other live streams. A small group gathered outside the Capitol to cheer him on.

Booker said he was ultimately calling on all Americans to respond not just with resistance to Trump's actions but with kindness and generosity for those in their communities.

He said, "I may be afraid - my voice may shake - but I'm going to speak up more."

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)