New Delhi, June 23: Google restored instant messaging app Telegram on Tuesday morning as a temporary ban imposed by the government ended in the midnight of June 22. The platform was accessible to some existing users before Google restored it. The app continued to remain delisted on Apple's Appstore till around 10 am. An emailed query sent to Apple did not elicit an immediate response in this regard. The government had temporarily imposed a blanket ban on Telegram until June 22 and sources indicated that there is no change or extension of timelines in the order. The government had ordered the ban on Telegram following its failure to prevent the circulation of fake examination papers of NEET, dissemination of misleading information and other fraudulent activities that impacted the examination process. Before imposing the ban, government officials met Telegram representatives on June 3 where these concerns were flagged. Thereafter, the Centre decided to block the app and its associated web links, including the web version, till June 22. Telegram has also been directed to block its message editing feature till June 30. The NEET re-examination was conducted on June 21 and so far there has been no report of any fraudulent activity. Telegram Founder and CEO Pavel Durov had criticised India's IT ministry for banning Telegram for one week because some users shared leaked exam questions. He alleged that Reliance, in which Meta has a partial stake, may have lobbied, along with its competitor WhatsApp, to impose the ban on the company's app in the country.

New Delhi, Jun 23: Every file represents the aspirations, concerns and lives of countless citizens, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told young IAS officers on Tuesday, while asking them to place people at the centre of every decision and ensure that governance remains empathetic, responsive and inclusive. Interacting with 183 officer trainees of the IAS-2024 batch, who have been attached as assistant secretaries in various ministries and departments here, the prime minister also said major developmental challenges cannot be solved in silos and effective coordination across departments is essential for achieving meaningful and lasting outcomes. He told the young civil servants to dedicate themselves to nation-building with a strong sense of purpose, innovation and citizen-centric governance, and urged them to always remember the human impact behind every administrative file. Modi said every file represents the aspirations, concerns and lives of countless citizens, according to an official statement. Stressing the mantra of "Nagrik Devo Bhava", the prime minister called upon the young officers to place citizens at the centre of every decision and ensure that governance remains empathetic, responsive and inclusive, the statement said. He urged them to constantly evaluate their own contribution towards nation-building and derive satisfaction not from positions held, but from measurable outcomes achieved. Modi said after two years of field exposure and administrative learning, the officers now stand at a crucial stage where their decisions will shape not just their own careers, but the future of crores of citizens. He emphasised that the real test of public service begins by handling real-life situations with integrity, sensitivity and commitment. Highlighting the vision of "Viksit Bharat 2047", Modi noted that every policy and administrative decision over the coming decades must contribute towards building a developed India. Calling for a whole-of-government approach, he stressed that the country's priorities today include "Aatmanirbhar Bharat", "Make in India", manufacturing growth, energy security and creating opportunities for youngsters. The prime minister underlined the transformation in governance over the last 10 years, noting that administration has moved from a process-centric model to a result-oriented approach. He cited the growing role of digital governance, artificial intelligence and technology in improving service delivery, enabling citizens to access services with ease and transparency. Emphasising the importance of data-driven governance, Modi said data must not be viewed merely as numbers, but as a reflection of the collective lives, challenges and aspirations of millions of people. He asked the officers to regularly verify whether policies are effectively translating into outcomes on the ground. The prime minister also highlighted the growing role of women in nation-building, noting that more than 40 per cent of the current batch comprises women officers. He expressed confidence that their energy, talent and dedication would play a pivotal role in taking India's development journey to new heights. The young officer trainees also shared their experiences from their field training and attachment in ministries. Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Principal Secretaries to the Prime Minister P K Mishra and Shaktikanta Das, Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan, Director of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration Sriram Taranikanti, among others, were present on the occasion.

New Delhi, Jun 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called on President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan amid buzz over a reshuffle of the Union council of ministers. The president's office shared pictures of the meeting in a post on X. "Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan," the post said. The meeting, which took place soon after the civil investiture ceremony to confer Padma awards, assumes significance as political circles in the national capital are buzzing with the growing possibility of a cabinet reshuffle. Earlier in the day, veteran BJP leader from Kerala George Kurian resigned from the Union council of ministers following the expiry of his Rajya Sabha term. Kurian (65) was Union minister of state for minority affairs and also for fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying. President Murmu has accepted Kurian's resignation, a communique issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan said. The BJP had decided not to renominate Kurian, whose term ended on June 21, in the recent Rajya Sabha polls. Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh, whose Rajya Sabha term ended on June 21, has also not been renominated by the BJP to the Upper House. Singh, who had been a Rajya Sabha member from Rajasthan since August 2024, also holds the charge as the Minister of State for the Ministry of Food Processing Industries. Of late, a few Union ministers have been given key organisational responsibilities in their home states. Their appointment has also led to speculation of an imminent cabinet reshuffle. BJP national president Nitin Nabin had on May 28 appointed Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Harsh Malhotra as Delhi BJP chief. Malhotra (62) is also Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs. He currently holds both portfolios. Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary was in December last year named the new president of the BJP's Uttar Pradesh unit.

New Delhi, Jun 22:  National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Monday held wide-ranging talks with senior Iranian security official Ghadir Nezamipour focusing on the evolving security environment in West Asia. Nezamipour, the Deputy Secretary for Defence Affairs at Iran's powerful Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), is in New Delhi to attend a conclave of BRICS. "Both sides reviewed the ongoing situation in West Asia. They also discussed cooperation under the BRICS platform and India-Iran bilateral ties," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said on social media. It is the first visit to India by a senior official from Iran after it struck a peace agreement with the US. The NSAs of BRICS nations will hold extensive discussions on the security scenario in the region on Tuesday. The conclave officially begins on Monday. India to host key BRICS security conclave amid rising geopolitical tensions. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Russian NSA Sergei Shoigu, and other top BRICS security officials are set to be part of the deliberations. The conclave will be chaired by NSA Doval. New Delhi is hosting the conclave in its capacity as the current chair of the influential grouping. BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with Indonesia joining in 2025. BRICS has emerged as an influential grouping as it brings together 11 major emerging economies of the world, representing around 49.5 per cent of the global population, around 40 per cent of the global GDP and around 26 per cent of the global trade. The top BRICS security officials are expected to deliberate extensively on the overall regional security scenario including the situation in West Asia as well as the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Indian side is likely to raise its concerns over terrorism including cross-border terrorist activities targeting Jammu and Kashmir by terror groups based in Pakistan. The Pakistan-Afghanistan hostilities may too figure in the deliberations, people familiar with the matter said. The BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in May had ended without a joint statement as sharp differences between Iran and the UAE over the West Asia conflict were on full display. BRICS operates under a framework of consensus and India had issued a chair's statement and outcome document featuring two specific paragraphs where unanimity could not be reached.

New Delhi, Jun 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress on Monday for decades of unabated Maoist violence in the country and said the hands of those who are waving the Constitution now were trembling then. Addressing the "Republic Summit 2026" here, Modi also said Bharat is not only a fast-growing economy, but also a credible and reliable global power and the country is scripting the future of the next 1,000 years. He said the previous Congress governments had labelled Naxal-affected areas as backward regions but the NDA government undertook the challenge of transforming those areas, helping the people there rise above despair and igniting their aspirations for progress. To reflect this new approach, Modi said his government renamed those areas as aspirational districts and blocks and today, these aspirational districts and blocks are driving the growth of those regions. He said a significant proportion of the population in these regions lived in poverty but over the last few years, 25 crore people have overcome poverty, with aspirational districts playing a crucial role in this achievement and those areas that were once affected by Naxalism are seeing new rays of development now. The prime minister said even in the 21st century, terrorists had prevented any facility from being established in the tribal areas. He added that even a government vehicle could not pass through as it would be riddled with bullets. Governments came and went, generations came and went and it seemed that this misfortune of violence would persist just like that, Modi said. "Between 2004 and 2014, more than 17,000 violent incidents occurred due to Maoist terrorism and nearly 7,000 lives were lost. After 2014, we moved forward with the resolve of Nation First to change the situation. "Today, Maoist terrorism in the country is counting its final breaths. This became possible because it required total dedication. Today, those who are waving the Constitution, their hands were trembling to even show the Constitution then," he said. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been seen carrying a copy of the Constitution for different occasions, including while taking oath as an MP after the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

New Delhi, June 22: The Ministry of Minority Affairs on Monday announced the Haj Policy 2027, outlining a series of measures aimed at enhancing pilgrim services and streamlining the pilgrimage process. Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, formally released the policy and announced the commencement of applications for Haj-2027. As per the official handout, the prospective pilgrims can submit their applications online through the Haj Committee of India portal (hajcommittee.gov.in) and the Haj Suvidha mobile application. The government said the digital application process has been designed to make registration simpler, more accessible and transparent. Under the new policy, the allocation of the Haj quota between the Haj Committee of India and private operators is expected to remain unchanged at a 70:30 ratio. Of the total quota allotted to India last year, 1,22,518 seats were allocated to the Haj Committee of India and 52,507 to the private sector. The Centre, however, said it would continue efforts to secure an increase in India's Haj quota beyond last year's total allocation of 1,75,025 pilgrims. The policy was finalised following a Haj review meeting chaired by Rijiju on June 18, during which the arrangements for Haj-2026 were assessed and preparations for Haj-2027 were approved. The Ministry said the early release of the policy and opening of applications would facilitate timely planning in accordance with the schedule prescribed by the Saudi authorities. Building on several pilgrim-centric initiatives introduced during Haj-2026, the new policy seeks to further improve comfort, safety and convenience for pilgrims. Measures introduced last year included sofa-cum-beds in Mina, high-speed train travel between Makkah and Madinah, hotel-style accommodation in Makkah and a 20-day Short Haj Package. The Indian Haj Mission was also awarded two Labbaytum Awards by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in the category of "Best Haj Coordination and Communication" for Haj-2026. Among the major reforms announced for Haj-2027 is the enhancement of on-ground assistance through an improved State Haj Inspector-to-pilgrim ratio, which has been revised from one inspector for every 150 pilgrims to one for every 135 pilgrims. To address the growing waiting list, the policy provides preferential consideration to the top 20 per cent of applicants who remained on the final waiting list for Haj-2026. The Short Haj Package has also been retained, with Kolkata added as a new embarkation point following strong demand from the region. The policy further aligns medical screening procedures with Saudi health guidelines and introduces stricter checks to ensure that individuals suffering from chronic medical conditions are not cleared for the pilgrimage, citing health and safety concerns. In a significant push towards technology-driven management, the Ministry is planning to introduce artificial intelligence-based interventions across various stages of Haj operations. These include AI-assisted application and document verification, demand forecasting for flight allocation and real-time grievance monitoring. A key feature under consideration is a multilingual conversational AI assistant capable of providing round-the-clock support in Hindi, Urdu and other regional languages. The system is expected to assist pilgrims with applications, payments, travel details, accommodation, baggage-related information and grievance redressal through voice and text-based interactions. The Ministry said the proposed AI platform would reduce errors in applications, minimise dependence on intermediaries and improve access to accurate information, particularly for first-time and elderly pilgrims. Plans are also underway to integrate the system with Saudi Arabia's Nusuk platform to enable seamless coordination and real-time information sharing throughout the pilgrimage. Rijiju urged all eligible pilgrims to complete their applications within the stipulated timelines and directed the Haj Committee of India and other concerned agencies to ensure a smooth, transparent and efficient application process. He reiterated the government's commitment to providing every Indian pilgrim with a safe, comfortable and dignified Haj experience.

New Delhi, May 31: Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan on Sunday sad that the Indian Navy was deeply committed to jointness, Atmanirbharata, and indigenisation, and that will also be one of his key result areas. "I am extremely grateful to have this opportunity to work with the men and women of the Indian Navy, whom I consider the finest professionals anywhere in the world," he said. He said their welfare, well-being, professional performance, and personal growth shall be of the highest importance to him. "I shall remain invested in that very sincerely in the days to come. At this stage, I would  like to express the collective gratitude of the Indian Navy to Admiral Dinesh Tripathi for his highly meritorious and illustrious service to the nation," he said. Admiral Krishna Swaminathan said Tripathi, the outgoing chief of Navy has been an extremely effective CNS, "led us very successfully, and given us the benefit of his guidance and vision at every turn." "On behalf of a grateful Navy, I wish him the very best as he transits to a new phase of his life," he said Swaminathan said he will devote every single day of his life to making the Navy a better, stronger, sharper, and more impactful service so that it can serve the interests of national security, national development, and national economic prosperity to the best of its ability.

Pune, May 30: Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday said the armed forces were preparing for the possibility of “Operation Sindoor 2.0” while simultaneously transforming themselves into a future-ready force capable of fighting wars across multiple domains, including cyber, space and cognitive battlefields. Addressing media persons during his visit to review the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the 150th Course of the National Defence Academy (NDA) at the prestigious tri-services academy in Khadakwasla, Pune, the Army Chief said future conflicts would no longer remain confined to conventional battlefields and would increasingly involve land, air, sea, space, cyber, electromagnetic and cognitive domains. Referring to Operation Sindoor, General Dwivedi said the operation demonstrated India's resolve and the armed forces' capability to deliver a “calibrated, precise and purposeful response.” He said the operation highlighted the importance of integrated planning, real-time intelligence, precision targeting, robust air defence systems, secure communications and synergy among different military domains. “Operation Sindoor is still continuing. There is a temporary cessation of hostilities. The Indian Army and all three services are preparing well for Operation Sindoor 2.0, if it takes place,” he said. He added that the armed forces were enhancing interoperability and equipping themselves for the next generation of warfare. The Army Chief said that modern battlefields have become highly transparent, where movements are constantly monitored by adversaries. "Every movement is known to the other side, therefore we have to be very cautious in terms of our deployment, employment and the protection required to protect our troops as well as civilians in border areas,” he said. Emphasising the growing role of technology in warfare, General Dwivedi described Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a critical force multiplier. He said AI enables faster decision-making in high-velocity conflict environments where commanders must process vast amounts of information and manage multiple operational cycles simultaneously. “With numerous drones and counter-drone systems on the battlefield, automation and AI become essential for handling resources and making decisions quickly,” he said. Highlighting the Army’s ongoing transformation, General Dwivedi said several technology-enabled formations, including the 1st Regiment Battalions, Divyastha Batteries, Shaktimaan Regiments and Bharat Battalions, have been raised from existing resources as part of the Army’s “Decade of Transformation.” He also underscored the significance of drone warfare, stating that every soldier must acquire drone-operating skills. “Eagle on the Arms means every jawan should know how to fly a drone,” he said, noting that extensive drone training is being conducted at military academies and training establishments. According to the Army Chief, networking and data-centric warfare will be the next major leap for the armed forces. “Data has become a strategic resource and decision-making must be faster, smarter and more resilient,” he said. General Dwivedi further highlighted the government's push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing and innovation, saying the Army is working closely with DRDO, industry, start-ups, academia and national institutions to convert indigenous ideas into battlefield capabilities. Invoking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra of “JAI” (Jointness, Atmanirbharta and Innovation), he said these principles would continue to guide India’s military preparedness. On the proposed theatre command reforms, General Dwivedi said the process of military theatrisation is progressing steadily. He revealed that discussions within the Chiefs of Staff Committee have concluded and a comprehensive report has been submitted to the Defence Minister for review. He expressed confidence that the next leadership under the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) would advance the reforms and that theatre commands could become operational within the next two to three years. Under the proposed structure, service chiefs would focus on force sustenance and capability development, while theatre commanders would oversee operational deployment and joint force orchestration. The Army Chief also stressed the importance of public trust in the era of information warfare.  “Information warfare is only successful if the whole nation gets together and trusts the people who are giving the information,” he said. He added that nations united by trust and shared purpose are ultimately more likely to prevail in conflicts. Recalling his days as a cadet at the National Defence Academy (NDA), General Dwivedi expressed confidence in the capabilities of the younger generation. He said the confidence and enthusiasm displayed by today’s cadets assured him that the next generation of military leaders would surpass their predecessors and carry forward the transformation of the Indian armed forces.

Srinagar, May 14: Jammu and Kashmir Health and Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Thursday called for a transparent investigation into the alleged ‘NEET-UG paper leak’ incident. The minister said all those involved in the fraud must face strict punishment, irrespective of their influence or position. Talking to reporters, Sakina Itoo said the alleged fraud has deeply affected students who worked tirelessly for years to qualify one of the country’s most competitive examinations. “This is unfortunate because children work very hard and put immense effort into qualifying this examination,” she said. She said any malpractice in such examinations amounts to playing with the future and careers of deserving students. “The investigation should be conducted properly and in a transparent manner. Whoever is involved should face strict action and severe punishment,” she said. Responding to a question regarding downsizing of government vehicles and related measures announced by the administration, the minister said everyone should contribute if any step helps reduce the country’s problems. “If there is any problem in the country and if we can help in reducing it in any way, then we should also play our role,” she said. Asked about reports of a possible shift to virtual education in view of recent developments, the minister said no such decision has been taken so far.

New Delhi, May 12: A massive protest organised by the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) broke out near the Shastri Bhawan on Tuesday, against the alleged paper leak in NEET-UG this year. The exam was held on May 3, following which allegations of paper leak surfaced, triggering investigations by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) and central agencies. Earlier, the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026, and said the examination will be re-conducted on dates to be notified separately. In a statement, the NTA said the decision was taken with the approval of the Government of India in the interest of maintaining transparency and preserving trust in the national examination system.

New Delhi, May 12: The National Testing Agency on Tuesday announced the cancellation of the NEET (UG) 2026 examination conducted on May 3, citing serious concerns over the integrity and transparency of the examination process. In a post on its official X handle, NTA said the decision was taken with the approval of the Government of India (GoI) after inputs examined by the agency in coordination with central agencies and findings shared by law enforcement authorities indicated that the examination process “could not be allowed to stand.” In an official statement, NTA said the examination would now be re-conducted on fresh dates to be notified separately. The revised schedule, including issuance of fresh admit cards, will be communicated through the agency’s official channels in the coming days. The development comes days after NTA, on May 8, referred matters related to alleged irregularities in the examination to central agencies for independent verification and necessary action. The Government of India has also decided to hand over the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation for a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations surrounding the examination. NTA said it would extend full cooperation to the investigating agency and provide all records and materials required for the probe. NTA said the decision was necessary to safeguard the credibility of the national examination system and acknowledged that conducting the examination afresh would cause “real and significant inconvenience” to candidates and their families.  However, NTA said that allowing the present examination to stand would have caused “greater and more lasting damage” to public trust in the system. The exam conducting body further clarified that registration data, candidature details and examination centres selected during the May 2026 cycle would remain valid for the re-conducted examination. It said no fresh registration process would be required and no additional examination fee would be charged from candidates. In a significant relief to students, NTA also announced that the examination fees already paid by candidates would be refunded, while the re-conducted examination would be organised using the agency’s internal resources. NEET (UG), the country’s largest entrance examination for undergraduate medical courses, is taken annually by lakhs of students seeking admission to MBBS, BDS and allied medical programmes across India. NTA has advised candidates and parents to rely only on official communication channels for updates regarding the revised examination schedule and to avoid unverified information circulating on social media.

Bhubaneswar, May 7: A 19-year-old NEET aspirant in Odisha’s Bhadrak district was found hanging in his house on Thursday, police said. His family alleged that the teen took his life, fearing that he would not clear the exam he appeared on May 3. The deceased has been identified as Jyoti Prakash Barik, a resident of Nunda village under Tihidi block. According to police, he was found hanging from the ceiling of their rented house in Bhadrak town police station area. Though he was taken to Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital, doctors declared him dead on arrival, police said. While Bhadrak Town Police registered a case of unnatural death and launched an investigation into the matter, his family members said he was under intense mental stress after appearing in the exam on Sunday. Jyoti Prakash had failed to crack the NEET examination last year and was optimistic of clearing it this time. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) is a national-level entrance exam for undergraduate medical courses, including MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and BSc Nursing, conducted annually. His father runs a tea stall to earn his livelihood and spent around Rs 3 lakh for his son's coaching, family members claimed. "Fearing another failure, he might have died by suicide," his father said. Speaking to reporters, the family members said Jyoti Prakash was alone at home last night when the incident occurred. (PTI)