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Hindustan Times
36 minutes ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Military action against Pak paused, not ceased: Rajnath
New Delhi: Operation Sindoor, India's military action against terrorism, has been paused, not ceased, defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday, pointing out that the Union government is committed to eradicating terrorism in all its forms and will not succumb to any threats of action or 'nuclear blackmail' by Pakistan. Defence minister Rajnath Singh speaks during the discussion on Operation Sindoor in the Rajya Sabha. (ANI) Participating in the special discussion on Operation Sindoor in the Rajya Sabha, Singh also urged the international community and organisations to reconsider giving financial aid to Pakistan, claiming that a large part of the funds is used to finance terrorism. After many Opposition leaders questioned the role of the US in the conflict, Singh underlined that the pause was not announced 'under any pressure'. US President Donald Trump has, on numerous occasions, claimed credit for the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. 'Our vision is that Operation Sindoor should carry on continuously. There can be a comma but no full stop,' Singh said, asserting that India paused the military action following a request from the Pakistani side. 'If Pakistan commits any terror incidents in future, we will relaunch Operation Sindoor without hesitation.' The minister credited the armed forces for carrying out the precision strikes against terror camps in Pakistan in May, without any collateral damage to civilians, and asserted India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership 'gives a befitting reply'. The military action, Singh said, was in 'self-defence' and it was 'not expansionist.' He also credited the forces for killing three terrorists on Monday who were involved in the April Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives. 'India wants terrorism to end in the whole world, including Pakistan... I had advised Pakistan earlier as well, and today I want to say again, that if you are unable to take effective action against terrorism in Pakistan, take India's help,' he said. 'Indian forces are capable of taking effective action against terrorism on this side of the border, as well as on the other side. Pakistan has already witnessed this during Operation Sindoor.' Targeting the Opposition, particularly the Congress, for questioning the government about the casualties on the Indian side, Singh said had the previous governments taken decisive steps after the 2008 terror attack, Pakistan would have been taught a lesson. 'Some people think we should only talk to Pakistan, since it has nuclear weapons…but this nuclear bluff has cost lives…we believe in giving a befitting response,' he added. He also expressed surprise over questions raised by some opposition leaders on why Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was not reclaimed during Operation Sindoor. 'The day is not far when PoK will become a part of India again,' he added. The minister underlined India's new strategy to strengthen national security and said Operation Sindoor was a demonstration of India's military capability, national resolve, morality and political acumen, which has turned a vulnerable citizen of a soft country into a proud citizen of a strong nation. Urging the international community to push for a permanent solution to terrorism, which he said was 'an epidemic', Singh said Pakistan is a nursery of terrorism, which must not be nourished. 'India is internationally recognised as Mother of Democracy and Pakistan as Father of Global Terrorism,' he said, drawing a comparison between the two neighbouring countries. Singh expressed concern over the appointment of Pakistan as the Vice-Chair of the Counter-Terrorism Panel by the United Nations Security Council, which was formed after the 9/11 attacks in the US. 'It is well-known that Pakistan had sheltered the mastermind of that attack… it is like putting the cat in charge of milk,' he said. Lashing out at Pakistan's continued support to terrorism, he said proscribed terrorists –Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar roam around freely in Pakistan and senior officers of the Pakistan Army are seen attending the funerals of terrorists. 'It is a mockery of the global fight against terrorism that Pakistan is expected to lead the global community against terrorism,' Singh said. Listing the strides made by India in the defence sector, he said in the last 11 years under the leadership of PM Modi, the defence budget, which was ₹2,53,346 crore in financial year 2013-14, has increased almost three times to ₹6,21,941 crore in FY 2024-25. 'In FY 2013-14, defence exports were only ₹686 crore, that have increased to ₹23,622 crore in FY 2024-25. Made in India defence products are being exported to about 100 countries. The exports target is to reach ₹30,000 crore this year and ₹50,000 crore by 2029. I am confident that we will definitely achieve this target,' he added.
Scroll.in
an hour ago
- Business
- Scroll.in
Trump says India may pay 20% to 25% tariff, trade deal not finalised
United States President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the trade deal with India had not been finalised and New Delhi could be hit with a tariff rate of 20% to 25%, Bloomberg reported. Trump added that the final rate of levy had also not been finalised as India and the US were negotiating the agreement ahead of the August 1 deadline. 'India has been a good friend, but India has charged basically more tariffs than almost any other country,' Trump said aboard Air Force One as he returned to Washington from Scotland. 'You just can't do that.' Trump made the comments while responding to reporters' questions about the so-called reciprocal tariffs Washington plans to reimpose on dozens of countries that have not negotiated separate trade agreements with the US by August 1. #WATCH | When asked if India is going to pay high tariffs, between 20-25%, US President Donald Trump says, "Yeah, I think so. India is my friend. They ended the war with Pakistan at my deal with India is not finalised. India has been a good friend, but India has… — ANI (@ANI) July 29, 2025 Trump announced higher levies in April, before pausing those tariffs at a reduced 10% rate to allow time for negotiations. Despite an extended deadline, Trump has only secured a handful of deals. On Monday, the US president had said that he would likely introduce a global baseline tariff between 15% and 20% for countries that had not negotiated trade deals with his administration. Trump's so-called reciprocal tariffs had taken effect on April 9. Hours later, however, he reduced the rates on imports from most countries to 10% for 90 days to provide time for trade negotiations. In February, Washington had already imposed a 25% tariff on a range of products from Canada, Mexico and China. The US president had repeatedly said that he intended to impose a reciprocal tax on several nations, citing high tariffs the countries imposed on foreign goods. The tariff plans have led to concerns of a broader trade war that could disrupt the global economy and trigger a recession. Earlier this month, Trump had also said that the US was very close to a trade deal with India. Trump had said on June 27 that New Delhi could sign a 'very big' trade deal with Washington soon. On July 2, the White House said that the deal was close to being finalised and would be announced soon. An Indian team led by Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had visited the US in May to negotiate the agreement. Following this, a team of negotiators from the US was in India for a week in June.
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Manoj Tiwary corners BCCI after India vs Pakistan scheduled in Asia Cup: 'PM Modi said Operation Sindoor is still on'
A contentious call was made by cricket's governing bodies to schedule an Asia Cup tournament in the wake of the violence along the India-Pakistan border. The upcoming tournament, slated to take place between September 9 and September 28, will be held in the UAE, with the official release of the schedule marking September 14 as the date for the India-Pakistan clash. Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Shaheen Afridi in action during the previous edition of the Asia Cup.(AFP) Many expected this match, if not the whole tournament, to be scratched off in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attacks in March, and the military response that followed from both sides. The cricketing boards and the Asian Cricket Council have come under further criticism for scheduling this match given the friction behind it. Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary, who now serves as a minister of state in West Bengal, came out in open criticism of the decision to hold this match. In an interview with ANI, the former batter made clear that the cricket match shouldn't go ahead. "I am against it. The India-Pakistan match should not be held. Especially after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in which civilians have been killed. After that, Operation Sindoor has taken place,' said Tiwary, citing India's military response to the attacks which included aerial targeting of military and terrorist camps inside Pakistan. 'Our Prime Minister is saying…' "The situation was so bad, how can we think of an India-Pakistan match. I feel that it should be considered again and the India-Pakistan match should not happen in such an environment,' continued the former Bengal batter. "Our Prime Minister is saying that the Operation Sindoor is still going on… How can we play a match with Pakistan?' Tiwary's comments follow from a last-minute cancellation of the match between legends from India and Pakistan in the ongoing World Championship of Legends taking place in the UK, which was called off after players such as Harbhajan Singh and the Pathan brothers made themselves unavailable, citing their unwillingness to play against Pakistan in the wake of pressure from fans at home. While the fate of this match and the Asia Cup as a whole remains uncertain and to be decided, India's desire to be accommodating and following the Olympic charter ahead of the planned bid for the 2036 Olympic Games is reportedly the reason for BCCI's agreement for the tournament to go ahead.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Shriya Pilgaonkar's parents Sachin and Supriya Pilgaonkar praise her performance in ‘Mandala Murders': ‘You elevate every role..'
Shriya Pilgaonkar is winning hearts and how! Her latest series ' Mandala Murders ' has created a buzz, and it's her standout performance that has everyone talking. While the show has a strong cast, Shriya's role as Rukmini has truly captured the audience's attention. Even more special? Her proud parents Sachin and Supriya Pilgaonkar can't stop gushing over her work. Shriya steals the spotlight as Rukmini 'Mandala Murders' is a gripping mythological-crime thriller created by Gopi Puthran and co-directed by Manan Rawat. The story takes place in the mysterious town of Charandaspur, where ritual killings connect to an old secret society. The show cleverly shifts between timelines, and Shriya appears in flashbacks from the 1950s. The series also stars Vaani Kapoor in the lead, along with Vaibhav Raj Gupta, Surveen Chawla , Jameel Khan, Raghubir Yadav, Manu Rishi Chadha and Monica Chaudhary. Sachin and Supriya Pilgaonkar's heart-warming reaction Her father, veteran actor Sachin Pilgaonkar , proudly shared his feelings on social media. Along with sweet pictures of him and Supriya watching 'Mandala Murders', he wrote a loving message for Shriya. He penned, 'Congratulations for all the love you are receiving @ You elevate every role you take on and your ability to transform is so admirable. We are so proud of you for your mesmerising performance as Rukmini in Mandala Murders 👍🏼 Very different from your other roles and you proved that even with a few scenes an actor can make a strong impression. Bless you always my cubby!' The post is filled with admiration and pride, showing how much Shriya's performance touched her father. His words highlight not just the power of the role, but also her journey as an actor. Shriya thanks fans for the love Shriya is equally grateful for the appreciation coming her way. In an interview with ANI, she shared her happiness and thanked everyone for their support. 'Those who have watched Mandala Murders have given good reactions to my character in the series. The love that has been given to 'Rukmani' (Shriya's character in Mandala Murders), I am so grateful for it.'
Economic Times
2 hours ago
- Climate
- Economic Times
Powerful 8.7 earthquake off Kamchatka triggers tsunami alerts across Pacific coastlines
ANI Powerful 8.7 earthquake off Kamchatka triggers tsunami alerts across Pacific coastlines One of the strongest earthquakes in recent memory hit off Russia's far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula early Wednesday morning. The quake was initially measured at magnitude 8.0 but later upgraded to 8.7 by the US Geological Survey. It struck at a shallow depth of 19.3 km, around 125 km southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a city with a population of around 165,000 along the Avacha Bay coastline."Today's earthquake was serious and the strongest in decades of tremors," said Kamchatka Governor Vladimir Solodov in a statement posted on Telegram. He added, "According to preliminary information there were no injuries, but a kindergarten was damaged."The Russian Ministry for Emergency Situations confirmed that tsunami waves measuring 3 to 4 metres had been recorded in parts of the Kamchatka region following the in the Sakhalin region swiftly ordered the evacuation of residents in the small town of Severo-Kurilsk. Governor Valery Limarenko confirmed the decision via Telegram after the tsunami threat became clear. Emergency services in Kamchatka also issued statements warning that waves of up to 32 cm could hit the region's eastern Japan, the Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory after the earthquake struck. It warned of waves reaching up to 1 metre on its Pacific coastline. The agency said the quake had occurred at 8:25 a.m. local time and estimated the magnitude at 8.0. Despite the size of the tremor, Japan's NHK reported it was only mildly felt in Hokkaido, the country's northernmost major island, about 250 kilometres away from the epicentre. No damage had been reported in Japan at the time of US Tsunami Warning System issued an alert just hours after the quake, warning of "hazardous tsunami waves" expected along some parts of the Russian and Japanese coastlines. The alerts didn't stop there. Watches and warnings were issued for Guam, Micronesia, and the US West US National Tsunami Warning Center in Alaska placed parts of the Aleutian Islands under immediate warning. Other alerts covered coastal areas in California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii. A tsunami watch extended to the broader Pacific region, including Alaska's southern to the US Tsunami Warning System: South Korea, North Korea, and Taiwan may see wave heights below 0.3 metres The Philippines, Marshall Islands, Palau, Kosrae, and Chuuk may experience waves between 0.3 and 1 metre Guam, Hawaii, and parts of Japan may see waves ranging from 1 to 3 metres Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and sections of the Russian coastline may face waves exceeding 3 metres Shinichi Sakai, a seismologist at the University of Tokyo, told NHK that such quakes can cause dangerous tsunamis even at long distances if the epicentre is shallow. He noted, "A distant earthquake can still cause a tsunami here if it's shallow and powerful enough." Japan, like Kamchatka, lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a highly active seismic zone known for producing frequent and powerful earthquakes. The region constantly faces the risk of tsunamis due to its tectonic setting. This isn't the first time Kamchatka has felt the impact of major seismic activity. Earlier in July, five significant earthquakes struck near the peninsula, the strongest registering at magnitude 7.4. That quake occurred 144 km east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at a depth of 20 further back, on 4 November 1952, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake off Kamchatka caused large-scale tremors and sent 9.1-metre waves crashing into Hawaii. Remarkably, no fatalities were reported despite the scale of quake has again brought global attention to the volatility of the Pacific Rim. While no casualties have been confirmed so far, the scale of the tremor and the extent of tsunami alerts reflect the serious potential risks for countries and territories across the response teams remain on standby, and monitoring continues.
