National

Six-Day Capacity Building Program for Global South Rights Organizations Kicks Off in Delhi

Published

11 months ago

March 3, 2025

The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) capacity-building program for National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from the Global South commenced on Monday. This six-day initiative is being organized by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The program is attended by 47 delegates representing 14 countries in the Global South, including Madagascar, Uganda, Samoa, Timor Leste, DR Congo, Togo, Mali, Nigeria, Egypt, Tanzania, Mauritius, Burundi, Turkmenistan, and Qatar, according to the NHRC.

In his inaugural speech, NHRC Chairperson Justice V Ramasubramanian highlighted India’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, comprising various castes, communities, art forms, and languages, unified by shared values and traditions throughout the centuries. He acknowledged that while diversity is a source of strength, it also presents unique challenges that demand tailored solutions. “Every nation has its socio-cultural, political, and economic realities, and addressing human rights issues often requires customized approaches beyond the standardized frameworks of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” he noted.

Ramasubramanian referenced ancient Indian texts that emphasize human values and ethics, asserting their enduring relevance worldwide. He expressed appreciation to the senior officials from the NHRIs of the Global South for accepting the NHRC’s invitation to participate.

NHRC member Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi remarked on the commission’s pivotal role in shaping India’s human rights landscape through various initiatives. He contrasted India’s approach, which balances individual and collective rights, with several Western models that prioritize individual freedom. Sarangi emphasized that India’s engagement in international human rights discussions underscores its commitment to fostering a just and equitable global order. He further stated that capacity-building efforts like ITEC are vital for expanding knowledge and enhancing skills.

Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, another member of the rights body, pointed out that by pooling our collective wisdom and resources, we can significantly bolster the protection and promotion of human rights in light of the continually evolving global landscape. She also outlined key thematic focuses of the NHRC, including women’s rights, achieving gender equality, and safeguarding marginalized and vulnerable populations in the context of development and displacement.

NHRC Secretary General Bharat Lal conveyed India’s longstanding aspiration to share its cherished knowledge and wisdom for the greater good of humanity, stating that this training is organized with that spirit in mind, fostering a mutual learning environment among participants.

Senior officials from both the NHRC and the MEA were present during the event.

National

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

Published

1 week 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

1 week 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.