National

EAM Jaishankar on Launch of New Indian Consulate in Manchester: ‘Addressing Past Oversights and Opportunities’

Published

11 months ago

March 9, 2025

On Saturday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar officially opened the new Consulate General of India in Manchester, UK. He emphasized that “India is addressing many aspects that should have been prioritized earlier.” The inauguration symbolizes the significance of the burgeoning Indian diaspora in the region and indicates positive developments ahead, including a potential India-UK Free Trade Agreement.

Jaishankar remarked on the timing of the new Consulate’s opening, highlighting the appointment of Vishakha Yaduvanshi as India’s Consul General on International Women’s Day. He noted this reflects the government’s commitment to prioritizing women’s issues in policy-making.

In a conversation with IANS, Jaishankar stated, “It is perfectly fitting for a Consul General to inaugurate her office on this significant day. This occasion is a nod to our past and to the steps we are taking now.” He pointed out that Manchester has a deep investment in India, with trade between the region and India reaching approximately £700 million and over 300 Indian firms operating locally.

The minister reminisced about India’s G20 presidency two years ago, which was marked by global polarization but resulted in notable achievements, including the African Union’s permanent membership and the promotion of women-led development within the G20 framework.

Following the inauguration, Jaishankar expressed his gratitude on social media, stating his pleasure in opening the fourth Consulate in the UK and acknowledging the contributions of various local leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and other officials.

Jaishankar further discussed bilateral relations, asserting the new Consulate is a step toward enhancing connections between India and the UK, with the Free Trade Agreement being a central focus. He characterized the FTA not simply as a trade agreement, but as a transformative partnership that elevates the bilateral relationship to new heights.

The minister acknowledged the significant role of the Indian community in strengthening India-UK relations, viewing the Consulate’s establishment as a commitment to that community’s needs and aspirations. He expressed hopes that the Consulate will foster deeper ties in trade, education, technology, and cultural exchanges between India and the Greater Manchester area.

Deputy Prime Minister Rayner echoed these sentiments, celebrating the longstanding connections between the local and Indian communities and stressing the importance of this partnership. Minister Catherine West praised the Consulate’s opening as a vital development in diplomatic ties, emphasizing its service-oriented mission.

This inauguration in Manchester follows Jaishankar’s earlier ceremony in Belfast, marking the conclusion of his tour through the UK and Ireland, which began in London earlier in the week.

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.