Top news of the day: July 19, 2025
In a fresh claim, U.S. President Donald Trump said 'five jets were shot down' during the conflict between India and Pakistan in May and repeated his assertion that the fighting ended following his intervention. The U.S. President did not specify whether the jets were lost by either of the two countries or whether he was referring to combined losses by both sides. In virtually rejecting Mr. Trump's claim of ending the conflict, New Delhi has been maintaining that the two sides halted their military actions following direct talks between their militaries without any mediation by the U.S.
India-EFTA trade pact to be implemented from October 1: Piyush Goyal
The Free Trade Agreement between India and the four-nation European bloc European Free Trade Association (EFTA) will be implemented from October 1, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Saturday (July 19, 2025). The two sides signed the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) on March 10, 2024. Under the pact, India has received an investment commitment of $100 billion in 15 years from the grouping while allowing several products, such as Swiss watches, chocolates, and cut and polished diamonds, at lower or zero duties. 'India-EFTA TEPA to come into effect from 1st October,' Mr. Goyal said in a post on X.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge accuses PM Modi of 'murdering' Constitution
Addressing the Sadhana Samavesha programme in Mysuru on July 19, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, 'In the Congress party, people perform, while in Modi's BJP, people only speak. Mr. Kharge accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of 'murdering' the Constitution, asserting that the people of India would not allow the BJP and RSS to alter it. 'BJP and RSS are talking about amending or rewriting the Constitution. You may try however much you want; the people of this country will not allow you to change the Constitution. If you (people) allow them to change the Constitution, you will not have any rights,' Kharge warned the gathering.
India a secular nation, minorities safest in this country, says Kiren Rijiju
India is a secular nation and minorities are safest in this country, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has said, asserting that minorities are enjoying absolute freedom and protection because of the Hindu majority. In an interview, the Minority Affairs Minister said he has not come across a single case where a member of the minority community is willing to migrate out of India because of being deprived of anything in the country. Asked about his predecessor Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi's statement when he was the Minister that India is heaven for minorities, Mr. Rijiju said India is a country where 'people are law abiding, we are secular, we have a Constitution', and so, whether in majority or minority, everybody is the same.
Congress' street protest over statehood foiled by L-G administration in Srinagar
The Congress on Saturday (July 19, 2025) accused the Lieutenant Governor administration of blocking their 'peaceful protests' in Srinagar over the restoration of 'full Statehood' to Jammu and Kashmir. The Congress leaders alleged the security forces blocked the gates of the Congress headquarters in Srinagar and allegedly detained several leaders, including elected legislators like Irfan Hafiz Lone, who were travelling from different districts to attend the protest rally.
Rahul Gandhi using his constitutional position to protect family crimes: BJP
The BJP on Saturday (July 19, 2025) accused Rahul Gandhi of misusing his constitutional position as the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha to 'protect' his family's crimes. The party made the allegations as part of its continued targeting of the Congress leader's defence of his brother-in-law, Robert Vadra, who has been charged by the ED with money laundering. Speaking to reporters, BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi claimed that the Opposition INDIA bloc is beset with internal conflict and faces disintegration ahead of Parliament's Monsoon Session beginning Monday (July 21, 2025). Mr. Gandhi has come out to protect Mr. Vadra's properties collected through corruption, he alleged, noting that the Congress leader is himself on bail in a corruption case.
NIA chargesheets top CPI (Maoist) leader for waging war against India
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) chargesheeted a senior leader of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) in connection with an anti-India conspiracy case. The supplementary chargesheet was filed before the NIA Special Court in Hyderabad, naming C.P. Moideen, alias Girish, under various provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). According to the NIA, Moideen was actively involved in the Maoist conspiracy to wage war against the Government of India. Evidence gathered during the investigation confirmed his central role in Maoist operations within the Western Ghats Special Zonal Committee (WGSZC) of the CPI (Maoist).
Miscreants set 15-year-old girl on fire in Odisha, victim under treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar
A 15-year-old girl was set on fire by unidentified persons in Odisha's Puri district on Saturday (July 19, 2025), officials said. The girl was rushed to AIIMS Bhubaneswar in a critical condition, and she has suffered 70% burn injuries, but she is able to speak, they said. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who is in charge of the Women and Child Development Department, said the government will bear the expenses of the girl's treatment and that the police have been asked to arrest the culprits as soon as possible .The incident took place at Bayabar village in the Balanga police station area around 9 a.m. when the girl was going to her friend's house.
India, U.S. teams conclude fifth round of talks for proposed trade pact: Official
India and the U.S. teams have concluded the fifth round of talks for the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA) in Washington on July 17, an official said. The negotiations were held for four days (July 14-17) in Washington. 'The Indian team is coming back,' the official said. India's chief negotiator and special secretary in the department of commerce Rajesh Agrawal leads the team for negotiations.
Pakistan claims terror network 'dismantled', denies LeT link to Pahalgam attack
Pakistan on Friday (July 18, 2025) claimed that it 'dismantled' the terrorist network and any effort to link the Pahalgam terror attack with the defunct Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was against the reality. The Foreign Office made the remarks in a statement, a day after the U.S. designated The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based terror outfit LeT, as a 'foreign terrorist organisation' and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist for its involvement in the Pahalgam attack. 'Pakistan has effectively and comprehensively dismantled concerned outfits, arrested and prosecuted the leadership, and deradicalised its cadres,' the statement said.
Syrian presidency announces comprehensive ceasefire after fighting in Druze area
Syria's Islamist-led government said its internal security forces began deploying in Sweida on Saturday (July 19, 2025) as the presidency called on all parties to respect a ceasefire following bloodshed in the predominantly Druze area that has left hundreds dead. In a statement, the Syrian presidency announced an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and urged all parties to commit to it and end hostilities in all areas immediately. The country's Interior Ministry spokesperson said earlier on Saturday (July 19, 2025) that internal security forces had begun deploying in Sweida, in southern Syria.
South Korea former President Yoon Suk Yeol indicted again as martial law probe continues
South Korea's jailed former President Yoon Suk Yeol was indicted on additional charges on Saturday (July 19, 2025) as a special prosecutor continues investigating him for his short-lived declaration of martial law in December. 'The new charges include obstruction of the exercise of others' rights by abuse of authority, ordering the deletion of records and blocking the execution of arrest warrants,' the prosecutor's office said in a briefing.
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Time of India
a few seconds ago
- Time of India
Congress issues whip for 3 days in Lok Sabha with Operation Sindoor debate slated in House
The Congress has issued a whip to its Lok Sabha MPs, requiring their presence for three days starting Monday, as Parliament prepares for a debate on the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. The ruling NDA and the opposition are expected to engage in intense discussions, with key ministers like Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and S Jaishankar slated to speak. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Congress has issued a whip to its Lok Sabha MPs, mandating their presence in the House for three days starting Monday, with a debate set to take place on the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation ruling alliance and the opposition are set to lock horns over the two issues steeped in national security and foreign policy BJP-led ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition parties are expected to field their top guns during the discussion in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.A whip has been issued by the Congress mandating the presence of its MPs in the House for three days starting said Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will speak on the issues amid indications that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may make an intervention to convey his government's "robust" stand against the first week of the Parliament's Monsoon session ended up in a virtual washout due to opposition protests over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar and other issues, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said on July 25 that the opposition has agreed to the start of a discussion on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor in the Lok Sabha on Monday and in the Rajya Sabha on two sides have consented to a marathon 16-hour debate in each House, which invariably stretches longer in practice.
NDTV
a few seconds ago
- NDTV
"Need To Relook At Our History": Economist As PM Offers Prayers At Iconic Cholapuram Temple
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Shiva temple, has put the spotlight on the Chola empire, especially on the time of Rajendra Chola, who stood tall when northern India was under Muslim rule. This, however, was not an area or a period that gets much attention -- the study of history being "Delhi-centric", said economist and historian Sanjeev Sanyal, pointing to the big takeaway from the Prime Minister's visit. "We need to begin to relook at our history and think about our great ancestors as a vigorous people," said Mr Sanyal, explaining that the popular conception of Indians as a passive people who are thankful to invaders -- from Muslim to British -- for bringing in technology, culture and cuisine. Our ancestors, he said, "built great temples, they built entire new cities when necessary". "This is a much more vigorous view of ourselves than, you know, we are waiting for somebody to conquer us and give us the railways," said Mr Sanyal, who is also the Principal Economic Advisor to the government. "These were vigorous, risk-taking people, happy to go to war with each other sometimes or with foreign invaders. But the point is, this were not a passive people. And instead, the only person in our history of our, you know, pre-Islamic history that we celebrate is Ashoka. And the only reason we celebrate him is because he was passive, because the empire collapsed under him," he added. He said he was "glad the Cholas are being celebrated," but they were not the only people who had left their mark on the history of southeast Asia. "Even Tamil Nadu itself has many others. The Pandyas, the Cheras, which are from next door in Kerala, the Pallavas, and then the Gajapatis and all the kings of Kalinga, who also had these great maritime linkages to Southeast Asia. The western coast of India has amazing history of links with the Roman Empire and so on," he said. Even in the north, there was more than what gets most attention. "Whether you have the Ahoms of Assam or the Pal dynasty and the Sen-s of Bengal or the Kadambas of Goa or the Chalukyas of Maharashtra and the Rashtrakutas, we all have amazing histories for every part of the country. But somehow we are obsessed with this Delhi-centric view that, you know, we should all be grateful to the Mughals for biryani," he added. The Cholapuram temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site built around 1030 by Rajendra Chola, stands as evidence of the affluence of the of the empire under him. It was built around two decades after the Tanjore temple and in the same style. The Prime Minister's visit comes ahead of next year's assembly election in Tamil Nadu, where the BJP is trying hard to carve out a niche.
New Indian Express
a few seconds ago
- New Indian Express
Kashmir is paradise on earth, sufsim promoted secularism: CJI Gavai
SRINAGAR: Praising Kashmir, the Chief Justice of India Justice B R Gavai on Sunday described Kashmir as 'Paradise on Earth' and said Sufism has truly promoted secularism in the country. While addressing the North Zone Regional Conference of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in Srinagar, the CJI started his address by famous Persian couplet, 'Agar firdaus bar roo-e zameen ast, Hameen ast-o hameen ast-o hameen ast' (If there is a paradise on Earth, it is here, it is here and it is only here).' 'I am happy that I am again getting the opportunity to meet you in Kashmir, which is known as paradise. Whenever I have visited Kashmir, I have got love from everybody,' he said. 'I feel like I have come to my hometown. I am thankful for all the love and affection showered on me. I have been to all parts of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh,' the CJI said. 'Kashmir's Valleys, mountains, rivers, streams and if we see these, it can be safely said that Kashmir is a true paradise.' The CJI spoke of Kashmir's 3,000-year-old civilisational heritage and rich culture. He credited Sufism for upholding the values of secularism written in our country's constitution. 'The Sufism has truly promoted secularism,' he asserted. Referring to secularism in J&K, the CJI said in Dargahs, every section of society including Hindus, Muslims or Sikhs go. 'Similarly, people of every religion go to Mandirs and Gurudwaras' CJO Gavai lauded efforts of NALSA and J&K Legal Services Authority for convening the interaction. He also reflected on the legal and administrative foundation laid in the region as early as 1846, calling it one of the oldest and most structured legal systems in India. 'From 1928 till before independence of the country, a high court had been established here and Maharajas here also respected the orders passed by the high court,' he said. 'In the country's Constitution, we have promised ourselves justice — political, social and economic. We are bound to see that justice is implemented in its true spirit. The legal fraternity needs to have a commitment to the true values of the Constitution,' he said. The CJI said that while Babasaheb B R Ambedkar brought about political justice by adopting the principle 'one person, one vote and one value', the author of the Constitution spoke about social compartmentalisation and the difficulty of moving from one compartment to another. 'Our society has been divided into different compartments. The entry from one compartment to another is nearly impossible. On the economic front, our wealth is concentrated in a few hands while the vast majority of the people find it difficult to have two meals a day. We will have to eliminate this inequality and bring about social and economic equality in the true sense. We have all to remain committed to this whether it is executive, legislature or judicial. We are bound to see to it that social and economic justice is implemented in true spirit in this country,' he said. Indirectly referring to the situation in Kashmir during the last 35 years, the CJI said there have been aberrations that need to be undone. 'There have been aberrations, but we have to work to remove these. This dialogue between judges and lawyers will give a new perspective. I am sure this programme will help in rebuilding the traditional and undivided Kashmir where all communities — Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs — used to live together,' he said. Asserting that lawyers and judges are like two wheels of the golden chariot of justice, CJI said, 'If you span one wheel, the efficacy of the entire chariot comes to a standstill. For this, lawyers and judges should work together to give justice to the people who live in the last village of this country. Unless people have the knowledge of their rights, the rights are of no use'. In a key policy suggestion, the CJI urged the Chief Justice of the J&K High Court to consider establishing a separate bench for the Union Territory of Ladakh, acknowledging the consistent demand raised by the Ladakh Bar. ===Ends===
