National

Annpurna Devi to Head India’s Delegation at UNCSW Session Beginning Monday in New York

Published

11 months ago

March 9, 2025

An Indian delegation, headed by Union Minister for Women and Child Development (WCD) Annpurna Devi, will attend the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW), commencing on Monday at the UN Headquarters in New York. The Indian minister will present the National Statement at the Commission and engage in a Ministerial Roundtable to showcase the groundbreaking initiatives undertaken by the Government of India to promote holistic development and empower women and girls.

She will also be involved in discussions addressing various aspects of women’s and girls’ empowerment, such as enhancing resources and accelerating the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, as well as contributing to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The UNCSW serves as the primary global intergovernmental body focused exclusively on advancing gender equality, women’s rights, and empowerment. As a functional commission of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the upcoming session will take place from March 10-21. This year’s session holds special significance as 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the historic Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted during the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995.

The discussions will center on reviewing and assessing the implementation of the Declaration, examining global advancements and challenges in achieving gender equality, and fulfilling the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The minister will also serve as the guest of honor at a high-level side event at the UN Headquarters, featuring participation from Ministers and senior officials from various countries. This event, themed “Ministerial Roundtable on Digital and Financial Inclusion – A Catalyst for Women’s Empowerment and Leadership: Experiences from the Global South & Criticality of Core Resources,” is organized by the Government of India in collaboration with UN Women Headquarters and will take place on March 12.

The session is expected to attract extensive participation from all UN member states, intergovernmental organizations, the private sector, philanthropists, academia, civil society, women’s groups, and UN agencies. During her visit, the minister will also hold an interactive session with the Indian Diaspora in recognition of International Women’s Day.

National

Three Burned Alive as Car Falls from Bridge in Gujarat’s Rajkot

Published

2 weeks ago

January 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Gujarat: A tragic accident claimed the lives of three people in Gujarat’s Rajkot district on Monday.A car fell from a bridge and caught fire, killing all occupants on the spot.

The incident occurred on the Gondal–Atkot highway.The car was travelling from Chhota Udepur towards Gondal.

According to reports, the vehicle hit the bridge’s safety barrier.After the collision, the car fell nearly eight feet into a small stream below the bridge.

Soon after the fall, the car caught fire.The occupants were trapped inside the vehicle and were unable to escape.All three were burned alive and died at the scene.

Police and fire personnel rushed to the spot after receiving information.The fire was later brought under control.The bodies were recovered and sent for post-mortem examination.

The exact cause of the accident is under investigation. Further details are awaited.

National

Girl Records Reels Inside Jail, Video Sparks Debate

Published

2 weeks ago

January 30, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bhopal: A young woman has come under public attention after recording reels inside a jail while meeting her boyfriend.

The incident happened at Raipur Central Jail in Chhattisgarh, which is known for high security. Mobile phones are strictly not allowed inside the jail. Despite this rule, the woman carried her phone into the visitor room.

She recorded videos while talking to her boyfriend during the meeting. In the video, she speaks emotionally about visiting him on his birthday. She says she feels sad because she cannot stay with him on his special day.

After the meeting, she uploaded the video on her social media account. The video quickly went viral on different platforms. The inmate seen in the video is identified as Tarakeshwar.

He is currently lodged in Raipur Central Jail. He is an accused in a case under the NDPS Act. The incident has raised serious questions about jail security.

People on social media are criticising jail staff and officials. Many users are asking how a mobile phone was allowed inside the jail.

They are also questioning the checking process at the jail entrance. So far, jail authorities have not given any official reaction.

National

MBBS Student Alleges She Was Drugged, Raped by Friend in Delhi Hotel

Published

4 months ago

October 6, 2025

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: An 18-year-old MBBS student has accused a 20-year-old male friend of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area. The alleged incident took place on September 9, police officials said.

According to the complaint, the accused, who is also a medical student, invited the woman to “Hotel Apple” on the pretext of spending time together. Once there, he allegedly gave her a drink laced with drugs and then raped her.

The survivor told police that the accused recorded obscene videos and took pictures during the assault. He later threatened to make the content viral if she reported the incident.

The woman, a native of Jind in Haryana, is currently staying at the hostel of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Rohini, Delhi.

Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway to locate and arrest the accused, officials added.

In a separate case earlier this month, a school manager in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a Class 8 student. In February, a tuition teacher in Delhi’s CR Park area was accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old student over three years and threatening her with blackmail.