National

India Collaborates with China to Secure Rare Earth Element Supply Chains: MEA

Published

1 year ago

June 12, 2025

On Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that India is actively engaging with China to ensure a stable supply of rare earth metals, which have recently come under export controls by the Xi administration. During his weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We are coordinating with the Chinese team, both in Delhi and Beijing, to achieve predictability in the trade supply chain, in accordance with international standards.”

Jaiswal was responding to inquiries about India’s dialogue with China concerning rare earths, noting that these controls impact various sectors, including the automotive industry in India. He mentioned, “We have established communication with the Chinese side. In early April, the Chinese ministry of commerce, along with the general administration of customs, announced export controls on specific rare earth-related items.”

Amidst these supply chain concerns, US President Donald Trump confirmed a “deal” with China following extensive trade discussions. As part of this agreement, he indicated that the US will continue to receive rare earth supplies from China.

CCommerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal referred to China’s restrictions on rare earth exports as a global “wake-up call,” stating that India is working on developing alternative supply chains and positioning itself as a reliable partner for international companies looking to lessen their reliance on Chinese suppliers.

During his visit to Switzerland, where he interacted with Swiss government officials and business leaders, Goyal acknowledged that China’s export limitations would pose short-term challenges to India’s automotive and white goods industries. Nonetheless, he expressed optimism that coordinated efforts among the government, industry, and innovators would turn these challenges into long-term opportunities.

Effective April 4, the new Chinese regulations mandate special export licenses for certain rare earth elements and their associated magnetic products.

Additionally, India and Central Asian nations recently expressed mutual interest in jointly exploring rare earths and critical minerals during the recent India-Central Asia Dialogue. This renewed interest in collaboration comes in light of China’s restrictions on the export of essential industrial inputs.

A joint statement by India and the Central Asian countries—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—highlighted the achievements of the first India-Central Asia Rare Earth Forum held in September 2024 in New Delhi, urging relevant authorities to convene the second forum meeting at the earliest possible opportunity.

National

Couple Uses Dupatta to Rescue Biker from Flash Flood

Published

2 weeks ago

September 1, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: A family in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba risked their lives to rescue a biker trapped in a flash flood following heavy rainfall.

The incident occurred on the Kakiara-Tunuhatti road in the Bharmala area of Bhatiyat. Heavy rain caused water to flood the road, creating a strong and dangerous current.

The biker struggled to stay safe as he was caught in the fast-flowing water. Two women, including a newlywed woman, quickly used a dupatta as a makeshift rope to rescue him.

The biker held onto the dupatta while the family members pulled him towards safety. Another person also joined the rescue effort.

A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. The family’s courage and quick thinking have received widespread praise online.

National

Two Arrested for Alleged Assault on Minor Girl in Moving Bus

Published

2 weeks ago

August 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: Two men, including a bus driver and conductor, have been arrested for allegedly gang-raping a 16-year-old girl on a moving sleeper bus in Greater Noida.

Police said the incident occurred on August 4 when the girl boarded an empty bus while travelling to Noida Sector 63.

The accused allegedly assaulted the girl and later abandoned her near Kashmere Gate in Delhi, around 40 kilometres away.

Following the survivor’s complaint, police launched an investigation and arrested both accused from Timarpur in North Delhi.

The bus has been seized, and CCTV footage and forensic evidence are being examined.

Further investigation is underway.

National

21-Year-Old Model Murdered Inside Home, Gym Trainer Accused

Published

3 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: A 21-year-old woman was allegedly stabbed to death inside her home in West Delhi on Wednesday. The police suspect her gym trainer, identified as Imran, in the case.

The victim, identified as Muskan, was a student and model. She was reportedly alone at her home on the second floor of a building in Tilak Nagar when the incident took place.

According to the police, Imran allegedly attacked Muskan with a knife. He then fled from the spot.

Neighbours heard Muskan’s screams and rushed to her house. They found her lying in a pool of blood.

The neighbours immediately took her to a nearby hospital. However, she died while undergoing treatment.

Police teams have launched a search for the accused. Investigators are also checking CCTV footage from the area to trace his movements.

Muskan’s friend Aman said she was the youngest of three sisters. He said her elder sister, who is in Chandigarh, called him after learning about the attack.

Aman said he immediately asked another friend to reach the house and take Muskan to the hospital. By the time he arrived, an ambulance had already taken her away.

He also claimed that Muskan’s sisters had earlier told him that Imran used to harass her. He said Imran had allegedly behaved in a similar manner in the past.

The police are investigating the exact motive behind the murder. Further details are awaited.