Delhi bomb blast case: NIA gets 3-day custody of Dr Shaheen Saeed, four others

Suhail Muzzammil Qadri, whose child studies in Iran, says, "...It's an emergency. We have received a call from our children stating that they have been approached by the Embassy (Iranian Embassy in Tehran) to leave Iran immediately on their own. When they asked them about any evacuation process, they said that once they have done the evacuation, they do not have any funds. So, they have to evacuate on their own. We appeal to the Govt of India and the UT Govt, Governor and CM to set up an emergency control room here and provide live updates to parents. Secondly, if evacuation has to be started by them, it should be done and help should be extended. Do not leave them on their own in these times..."

He says, "... A major natural calamity recently struck Punjab. The government here made big promises to win the people's votes, but when the people of Punjab faced hardship, they were nowhere to be seen... The person they voted for to become Chief Minister also ended up in the hospital. Arvind Kejriwal went back to Delhi... I went to the hospital myself to find out about CM Bhagwant Mann's condition..."

The Prime Minister today also highlighted the significance of Pongal as a festival that encourages gratitude towards nature, urging citizens to integrate sustainability into their daily lives.

Speaking from the national capital, PM Modi said, “Pongal inspires us to ensure that our gratitude towards nature is not limited to mere words, but becomes an integral part of our lifestyle. When this earth gives us so much, it is our responsibility to cherish it. Keeping the soil healthy, conserving water, and using resources judiciously are crucial for the next generation.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised the efforts of Tamil youth in promoting natural and sustainable farming, urging them to expand their initiatives to drive a wider agricultural transformation.

PM Modi said, “Just a few months ago, I attended a conference on natural farming in Tamil Nadu, where I saw the excellent work being done by our Tamil youth. They are leaving behind lucrative professional careers to work in the fields. I met them. I urge my young Tamil friends involved in agriculture to further expand this campaign to bring about a revolution in sustainable farming.”

Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi also highlighted the growing role of technology in the National Cadet Corps (NCC), saying drone training has become a key component of preparing cadets for modern challenges.

Speaking in the national capital, General Dwivedi said, “Drone training is the latest technology frontier in the NCC, moving beyond traditional training, and the same is meant to equip the cadets with skills for modern challenges.” He also lauded the NCC’s coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), noting that under the Yuva Aapda Mitra scheme, approximately 94,400 cadets across 315 districts in 28 states are being trained in disaster preparedness and response.

The Yuva Aapda Mitra initiative aims to equip young cadets with skills in disaster management, civil defence, and community service, strengthening India’s youth capacity to respond effectively to natural and man-made emergencies.

Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi this morning said Operation Sindoor was a defining example of India’s resolve combined with restraint, underscoring the moral strength and professional excellence of the country’s armed forces and youth.

Speaking at an event in the national capital, General Dwivedi said the operation reflected India’s commitment to national security while maintaining responsible conduct. He highlighted the significant contribution of National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets during the operation, noting that more than 75,000 cadets volunteered across the country.

“They worked tirelessly in areas such as civil defence, hospital management, disaster relief and community services,” the Army chief said.

General Dwivedi also lauded the achievements of NCC cadets beyond operational support. He said that in 2025, a team of 10 NCC cadets, five boys and five girls, with an average age of just 19,  successfully scaled Mount Everest.

“I was privileged to interact with them,” he said, praising their determination, discipline and spirit, which he described as emblematic of India’s youth and future leadership.

Mumbai Police have arrested two Bangladeshi nationals for allegedly residing in the city without valid travel or immigration documents, officials said on Wednesday.

The arrested women have been identified as Bilkis Begum Sirmiya Akhtar (30), who was apprehended from the Cuffe Parade area, and Julekha Jamal Shaikh (38), who was arrested from Nagpada.

Police said both women had earlier been deported to Bangladesh in August 2025 by the Mumbai Crime Branch after being found illegally residing in India. However, they allegedly re-entered the country illegally through forest routes in the Goja Danga area and later made their way to Mumbai.

Following their re-arrest, cases have been registered against both under relevant sections of the law, and further investigation is underway to ascertain how they managed to re-enter India and whether others were involved, police said.

Prayagraj, UP witnessed a huge gathering at the Sangam Ghat for the ongoing Magh Mela, with thousands of devotees taking a holy dip on the occasion of Ekadashi. Drone footage captured the scale of the crowd, highlighting the spiritual fervour of the festival. Authorities have stepped up arrangements to manage the influx and ensure safety during the religious event.

Gangster Abu Salem, convicted in the 1993 serial bomb blasts case, sought 14-day emergency parole following his elder brother’s death, but the Maharashtra government told the Bombay High Court he can be granted only two days with police escort, citing his status as an “international criminal.” The matter is listed for further hearing next week.

Tej Pratap Yadav visited his parents Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi, and met his younger brother Tejashwi, personally handing over an invitation for the Makar Sankranti Dahi-Chura feast. The meeting, marked by warm gestures including lifting his niece Katyayani, reflects a visible reconciliation and has stirred optimism among RJD workers. The upcoming feast is expected to further showcase family unity.