National

Congress: US Invitation to Pakistan Army Chief Poses Challenge to India’s Diplomacy, Requires Unified Response

Published

1 year ago

June 12, 2025

On Thursday, the Opposition Congress issued a warning to the Centre regarding the United States’ invitation to Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir for US Army Day, describing it as both a “warning and a challenge” to India’s diplomatic efforts. Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh emphasized the necessity for a united response from the country.

Reiterating the push for an all-party meeting, Ramesh criticized the “bizarre” statement made by General Michael Kurilla, head of US Central Command, who referred to Pakistan as a “phenomenal partner” in counterterrorism.

“Yesterday, India’s diplomacy faced three significant setbacks from the United States, raising serious doubts about their policy. This is a warning and a challenge. The first setback is General Kurilla’s characterization of Pakistan. Such a statement from an American General is indeed perplexing,” Ramesh noted on X.

The Congress MP also questioned the motivations behind the US’s special invitation to Munir, noting his controversial statements linked to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. “Asim Munir, whose remarks are closely associated with the Pahalgam attacks, is given this special invitation. What is the US agenda?” he stated.

Ramesh emphasized the need for a collective response to these challenges, which can only be achieved through all-party meetings and discussions within Parliament. “We are facing significant challenges. It’s essential we come together for a united response. This can only happen through all-party meetings and Parliament sessions. The Prime Minister should focus on governance and collaborate with political parties, rather than treating this as individual politics,” he urged.

He also pointed out the third setback involving the US State Department spokesperson’s comment regarding President Trump facilitating engagement between India and Pakistan. “These three events represent considerable setbacks for our diplomacy; they serve as both a warning and a challenge. The Prime Minister, despite being all-powerful, must convene an all-party meeting. He has engaged with various MPs; now he should consult with opposition leaders as well,” Ramesh concluded.

National

Marriage Turns into Alleged Fraud as Woman Flees with Jewellery

Published

7 hours ago

October 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

Chandigarh: A woman who allegedly posed as a PCS officer and married an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader in Punjab reportedly fled with gold and silver jewellery and other valuables just a few months after the wedding.

AAP Joint Secretary Amarinder Singh Mandofal has alleged that he was cheated by the woman, identified as Manwinder Kaur. The two got married in February 2026 after Kaur’s family introduced her to Amarinder as a PCS officer.

According to Amarinder’s complaint, the woman was also presented as unmarried. However, he later allegedly discovered that she had been married earlier and had a son aged around 18. He also claimed that she had provided false information about her age.

The woman allegedly left the house with gold and silver jewellery and other valuable items a few months after the marriage. Amarinder said he became suspicious and later gathered information about her past.

Based on his complaint, police have registered a case against six people, including Kaur, on charges of cheating and forgery.

The FIR names her brother Tarlochan Singh, mother Varinderjit Kaur, cousin Narinder Singh Goldy, sister-in-law Rupinder Kaur, and former village sarpanch Surinder Singh Rana as co-accused.

Police said all the accused are residents of Sur Singh village under the Bhikhiwind police station limits in Tarn Taran district.

The wedding had been attended by several prominent AAP leaders and public representatives, including Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh.

Videos and pictures from the wedding celebrations have also gone viral on social media.

Police have begun an investigation into the allegations and the background of the accused.

National

Man Dies by Suicide after Jumping from 43rd Floor

Published

3 days ago

October 4, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: A man died by suicide after jumping from the 43rd floor of the Supernova Tower in Noida on Saturday.

The incident took place at the Supernova complex in Sector 94. A video shows the man standing near the railing before jumping. Another person tried to stop him but could not prevent the incident.

Police identified the deceased as Sambhav Jain, a resident of Manesar, Haryana. He had reportedly checked into an Airbnb in the building on Friday and was scheduled to leave on Saturday.

Police said Jain had called his father several times before the incident. His family has been informed.

The police and forensic teams inspected the spot and collected evidence. CCTV footage is also being checked as part of the investigation.

Police said Jain was reportedly under severe financial stress. His body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.

The investigation is underway.

National

Captain Smit Machchhar Shares Ordeal with PM Modi

Published

4 days ago

October 3, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call and praised his courage after he helped prevent a major air disaster.

Captain Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly stabbed him during a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The Boeing 737 MAX reportedly lost nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.

Passengers and crew members entered the cockpit and overpowered the co-pilot. A second pair of pilots then took control and safely landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. More than 170 passengers and crew were on board.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Captain Machchhar told PM Modi that he was badly injured and had collapsed in the cockpit. He realised that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude and that he had to act.

“I could not let all those people die,” he told the Prime Minister.

Captain Machchhar said his 17 years of flying experience helped him understand what was happening to the aircraft. He managed to open the cockpit door, after which passengers and crew came to his help.

He also said he was chanting the Hanuman Chalisa while fighting the pain and fear.

PM Modi praised the captain’s courage, patience and presence of mind. He said Captain Machchhar’s actions helped save many lives and called his effort a “monumental task.”

Captain Machchhar, who is from Gujarat, has more than 9,750 flying hours and has served as a captain for 11 years.