
June 23, 1985, Forty Years Ago: Pakistan's N-Bomb
The US Government had assured the Indian leaders during the visit of the Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi that Pakistan was nowhere near making a nuclear bomb. The assurance was given on repeated apprehensions expressed by India on Pakistan's continuing efforts to acquire nuclear capability.
Death in Custody
Dalip Singh, editor of local Punjabi weekly Sacho Sach, died in judicial custody. The 70-year-old editor was arrested on June 6 after he published two 'inflammatory' letters allegedly written by Sirmanjit Singh, former SP of Fandkot district, now under detention under NSA, to President Zail Singh after Operation Blue Star.
Centre-Akali Talks
The Akali Dal high command held a second round of meeting in Chandigarh amid reports that a central government 'feeler for resumption of talks has been received by the party leadership.' The party chief, Harchand Singh Longowal, arrived in Chandigarh for 'urgent consultations' with senior party colleagues.
Nepal Blasts Probe
Political leaders and newspapers called for a national consensus to end the crisis in the Himalayan kingdom following the death of at least seven people in the first major terrorist bombings in Nepal's history. The police, meanwhile, launched an investigation into an underground revolutionary organisation that claimed responsibility.
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India.com
30 minutes ago
- India.com
'Gajar ka halwa aur aamras lekar aaya hoon': Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla carries India's spirit to space
'Gajar ka halwa aur aamras lekar aaya hoon': Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla carries India's spirit to space In a truly historic moment for India, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to travel to the International Space Station (ISS). He is now the second Indian ever to go to space, and his achievement has made the entire country proud. While orbiting 400 kilometres above Earth, Captain Shukla had a live video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The conversation was full of warmth and emotion and was watched by people all over the country. 'India look bigger than the map' One of the most touching things Captain Shukla said during the chat was: 'When I saw India from space, it looked much bigger than how it appears on the map.' This simple line moved many people. From space, there are no borders or divisions, just one land, one country, one identity. It was a powerful moment showing how far India has come. A New chapter for India PM Modi praised Shukla for making history and said that his journey marks the beginning of a new era for India in space. 'Even your name has 'shubh' (auspicious) in it, and your journey is a 'shubh aarambh' (a good start) to a new age,' the Prime Minister said. He also added with emotion: 'Right now, 140 crore Indians are feeling proud and connected to you. I am not speaking to you just as a Prime Minister, but as a voice for every Indian's pride and hope.' A Dream Come True Captain Shukla, calm and smiling from the ISS, replied: 'I'm safe, healthy, and thankful to be here. This is the start of a new era for India.' He also shared that he never imagined going to space would be possible for him. 'But under your leadership, India has not only learned to dream big but also found the courage to make those dreams come true.' Gajar Ka Halwa Travels to the ISS In the middle of a historic space mission, there was a warm and unexpected surprise aboard the spacecraft: gajar ka halwa, India's famous carrot dessert, along with aamras (mango pulp). Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, speaking with a smile, said: 'I brought gajar ka halwa and aamras with me… it's not just about taste, it's a piece of home and memories.' 'Main gajar ka halwa aur aamras lekar aaya hoon… yeh sirf swaad nahi, yeh ghar ki yaadon ka ek hissa hai,' Captain Shukla said in Hindi. This small but heartfelt gesture brought a bit of Indian culture and comfort to space. His fellow astronauts, Peggy Whitson from the US, Sawosz Uznanski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary — got their first taste of Indian hospitality, floating 400 km above Earth. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, clearly pleased by the gesture, praised the cultural moment and gently reminded Captain Shukla of the great responsibility he carries, representing India not just in science, but in spirit. (With IANS inputs)


NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
Himanta Sarma Launches 'Emergency Diaries', Calls For Removing 'Secularism, Socialism' From Constitution
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while addressing the media on Saturday at Vajpayee Bhawan, the state BJP headquarters in Guwahati, launched a book titled 'Emergency Diaries', highlighting the resistance and struggle during the Emergency, particularly emphasizing the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Today, we have launched the book Emergency Diaries, which is basically about the struggle and resistance movement during that time organised by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Mr Sarma said. He added that it is now time to erase the legacies of the Emergency period, comparing it with PM Modi's ongoing efforts to remove remnants of colonial rule from Indian systems. "In the same spirit, we must work to wipe out the legacies of the Emergency. Two important legacies from that time are the insertion of the words secularism and socialism into our Constitution," he said. "I believe the word secularism contradicts Sarva Dharma Samabhava, which is a truly Indian concept. Similarly, socialism does not reflect our economic philosophy, which has always been about Sarvodaya and Antyodaya," he said. Launched the book 'Emergency Diaries' which chronicles Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji's life during the emergency and how he resisted the draconian regime and its unlawful practices. 📍 Guwahati — Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) June 28, 2025 Calling the terms foreign impositions, Mr Sarma urged the government of India to consider removing them. "These two words were not part of the original Constitution but were inserted later by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Therefore, I request the government of India to delete the words socialism and secularism from the Preamble of our Constitution," he said.
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First Post
an hour ago
- First Post
India, Madagascar discuss boosting defence ties with focus on maritime security
Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth held a bilateral meeting with Minister of Armed Forces of Madagascar Lt Gen Sahivelo Lala Monja Delphin and discussed ways to further enhance defence cooperation, especially in maritime security and capacity building areas. read more Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth held a bilateral meeting with Minister of Armed Forces of Madagascar Lt Gen Sahivelo Lala Monja Delphin and discussed ways to further enhance defence cooperation, especially in maritime security and capacity building areas, officials said on Saturday. Seth led a high-level Indian delegation on an official visit to Antananarivo, Madagascar, from June 25-27, the Defence Ministry said in a statement. During the visit, he represented India at the celebrations of the 65th anniversary of Independence Day of Madagascar and the creation of Malagasy Armed Forces. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Seth held a 'bilateral meeting with Minister of Armed Forces of Madagascar Lt Gen Sahivelo Lala Monja Delphin and discussed ways to further enhance bilateral defence cooperation, especially in maritime security and capacity building', the statement said. He also called on Madagascar Prime Minister Christian Ntsay and conveyed warm greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the 65th anniversary of the Independence of Madagascar. Seth also took part in an Indian community reception organised by the Embassy in Antananarivo. He told the members of the Indian diaspora in Madagascar on the recent developments in India and about the economic transformation currently underway under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, it said. As close neighbours and fellow developing countries in the Indian Ocean Region, India and Madagascar share long-standing bonds of friendship and people-to-people linkages, the statement said. India will remain a 'reliable and committed partner' in the developmental journey of Madagascar, the ministry said. The Union minister's visit has reaffirmed India's desire to further strengthen its partnership with Madagascar in line with the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), it added.