Union Minister K. Rammohan Naidu announced on Tuesday the establishment of a dedicated Helicopter Directorate under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This new body aims to provide single-window regulatory oversight and address chopper-specific safety and certification issues. The Minister for Civil Aviation was delivering a keynote speech at the 7th Helicopter & Small Aircraft Summit in Pune, an event organised by his ministry in collaboration with the Maharashtra government, Pawan Hans, and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). “Robust regional connectivity and logistics has laid the foundation for high growth and high opportunity. We are building a strong framework of regional connectivity through initiatives such as Bharatmala, Sagarmala, National Logistics Policy, National Civil Aviation Policy, the PM Gatishakti Master Plan and Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAAN) schemes for multimodal connectivity,” he stated, reported PTI. “And I would say that these efforts are not only enhancing connectivity but also reshaping our economic destiny,” he added. Naidu further emphasised that for the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, "'viksit aviation' (developed aviation) is set to play a key and pivotal role. For that, we all have to strategically build a future aviation system for the country which promotes helicopters and small aircrafts and makes it a very critical component in our vision,” he said. Announcing the creation of the Helicopter Directorate, the minister said: “The directorate will serve as a single‑window platform for providing oversight in regulation, addressing helicopter‑specific safety and certification issues, and assisting operators with procedural requirements.” He expressed confidence, stating: “And I am so assured that this is going to be a significant step in overcoming the administrative bottlenecks that many of you used to face before.” He also stressed the importance of building a robust safety culture. “Safety of the pilgrims must remain our top priority. There can be no shortcuts, no room for communication errors and no margin for poor decision‑making. We must build a culture of trust, dialogue and discipline which I feel is a shared responsibility between the Centre, the states and the operators,” he asserted. Discussing operations in places like Kedarnath and Chardham, he acknowledged that safety in mountainous terrain can be challenging. “While reviewing some of the incidents, you can see that it is quite challenging in the mountainous terrain,” he noted. However, Naidu firmly added that operational difficulties should never be an excuse. “So, that is something where we have to step up the game, create a much better safety system around the operations that we have today,” he concluded, according to PTI. Naidu shared his vision to promote helicopters and small aircraft as essential components of a futuristic aviation ecosystem. “I believe the next decade of aviation will be defined not just by large aircraft and mega airports but by modern and inclusive air solutions. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, helicopters and small aircraft are at the heart of our mission to democratise flying,” he added. (With inputs from PTI)
24 June,2025 10:38 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentTamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Tuesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention to address the grievances of mango farmers, who are suffering due to a drastic fall in prices. He sought the implementation of the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) under PM-AASHA (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan). In his letter to the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister also urged a cut in GST for mango pulp to 5 per cent, requested compliance with FSSAI guidelines, and sought procurement by Union government agencies directly from farmers, news agency PTI reported. He also sent an identical letter on the same issue to Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The Chief Minister requested the Centre’s approval for implementing the intervention scheme and proposed Rs 2,766 per tonne to farmers (representing the difference between the MIS price and the market price). He suggested a 50:50 cost-sharing model between the Centre and the state, as per PM-AASHA norms, with an estimated outlay of Rs 62.93 crore. Stalin explained that the price of mangoes has fallen drastically, in some cases even below Rs 5 per kilo, due to an increase in mango yield and a reduction in procurement by mango pulp manufacturers. Consequently, farmers have been forced to let mangoes ripen or sell them at very low prices. Farmers are unable to secure a fair price, and traders from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, who typically buy from Tamil Nadu, have refrained from procurement. He cited factors such as most pulp manufacturing units being privately run and the abundant availability of pulp in southern states, PTI reported. In Tamil Nadu, the mango yield stands at approximately 9.49 lakh tonnes, from cultivation across 1.46 lakh hectares, making the state a frontrunner in fruit production. Underscoring the need for fair compensation to mango farmers under the current circumstances, the Chief Minister urged the Union government’s intervention through the Market Intervention Scheme under PM-AASHA. The Chief Minister specifically requested direct compensation for farmers under the intervention scheme. Additionally, he urged that central procurement agencies be directed to commence purchases from farmers at a fair price, ensuring that they recover at least their minimum cultivation expenditure. CM Stalin also sought appropriate guidelines to ensure that FSSAI standards regarding mango pulp content are adhered to by mango juice manufacturing companies. He reiterated that GST on mango pulp should be reduced to 5 per cent from the current 12 per cent. An official release stated that Tamil Nadu Food Minister R. Sakkarapani would meet Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Delhi on Wednesday regarding this matter. MPs Tiruchi Siva, Kanimozhi, and legislators from mango-growing areas are expected to accompany him. According to the Centre, the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) aims to ensure remunerative prices for farmers. All agricultural or horticultural commodities for which a Minimum Support Price (MSP) is not fixed and which are perishable in nature are covered under the MIS component of the integrated PM-AASHA scheme. (With inputs from PTI)
24 June,2025 10:19 PM IST | Chennai | mid-day online correspondentLokendra Singh Tomar, the eighth accused in the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, was produced before a court in Gwalior on Tuesday and granted a three-day transit remand, reported news agency ANI. According to Meghalaya Police, Tomar is accused of disposing of the pistol and a bag full of money linked to the case, as well as destroying evidence. He will be transported to Meghalaya via Indore, Delhi, and Guwahati, reported ANI. Police Station In-Charge Rashid Khan stated, “Lokendra Kumar was presented in Court. A three-day transit remand has been approved. After his medical test here, he will be taken to Indore, from where he will be flown to Delhi, then to Guwahati, after which he will be taken to Shillong by road.” According to Assistant District Prosecution Officer (ADPO) Prashant Sharma, during the interrogation of the other accused in the case, it was found that Lokendra Tomar was also involved in tampering with evidence and misleading the investigation, based on which the police are continuing their inquiries. “The accused will be taken to Indore by road, after which he will be flown to Delhi,” said Sharma. Tomar was taken into custody by the Gwalior Crime Branch on Monday, reported ANI. Meanwhile, a team from Shillong Police, which is probing the Raja Raghuvanshi case, seized a CCTV DVR from the Indore residence of Shilom James late on Monday evening. James, a property dealer who had reportedly rented a flat to Raghuvanshi’s wife Sonam, was arrested on June 21. Sonam is one of the prime accused in the case. Meanwhile, Govind Raghuvanshi, Sonam’s brother, has called for strict punishment against his sister. Speaking to ANI, he said, “The police are doing their work. “She (Sonam) has confessed to her crime, so now punishment should be given. We have demanded that strict action be taken... According to me, the police have investigated the case. The police have taken our statements. If the police call us to Shillong, we will go.” On June 21, the District and Sessions Court in Shillong remanded Sonam and co-accused Raj Kushwaha to 13 days’ judicial custody in connection with the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case. “The court has remanded both the accused for 13 days of judicial custody. The police did not ask for custody. The Investigating Officer pleaded for judicial custody. The court granted 13-day judicial custody,” said Assistant Public Prosecutor Tushar Chanda, speaking on the developments. Until now, eight people have been arrested in the case. Newlyweds Raghuvanshi and Sonam had travelled to Meghalaya on their honeymoon in May. They were reported missing by their family a few days later. On June 2, Raghuvanshi’s body was discovered in a gorge near Sohra (Cherrapunji). Sonam was later found near a roadside dhaba along the Varanasi-Ghazipur highway. Apart from Tomar and Sonam, the others arrested include Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, Raj Singh Kushwaha, and Anand. (With ANI inputs)
24 June,2025 09:57 PM IST | Gwalior | mid-day online correspondentTrain services to Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, and southern Assam remained suspended for a second consecutive day on Tuesday. This disruption was caused by mud and stones, which had rolled down during "improper" road repair work undertaken by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), which continued to block tracks in the Lumding-Badarpur hill section of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), reported PTI. Several trains have been completely or partially cancelled, even as railway teams are working on a war footing under the supervision of senior officials to restore services, an NFR release stated. "In light of the recent landslide incident that led to the disruption of train services in the Lumding, Badarpur hill section, continuous efforts are underway by the railways and state authorities for early restoration," the NFR statement read. Top officials from NFR, the state government, NHAI, and other agencies held a meeting to review the situation and formulate immediate solutions, reported PTI. NFR is working round-the-clock, deploying heavy machinery, equipment, and manpower at the site to clear debris and restore the track as quickly as possible, the release added. Approximately 50,000 cubic metres of mud and stones had descended towards the railway retaining wall. Officials reported that at least 30,000 cubic metres still need to be cleared before work on the tracks can commence. "Railway teams are working on a war-footing and senior railway officials from Lumding division and headquarters are camping at the site to monitor and coordinate restoration efforts," the release further added. Train operations had to be suspended to ensure the safety of passengers and railway assets. Until restoration is completed, it has been decided to cancel or partially cancel certain trains. Passengers have been advised to check for the latest updates on train services via official railway websites, helplines, and social media channels. Among the trains cancelled are the Agartala - SMVB (Bengaluru) Express, Silchar-New Delhi Express, Rangiya-Silchar Express, Guwahati-Silchar Express, Guwahati-Badarpur-Guwahati Tourist Express, New Delhi-Guwahati PSK Express, and SMVT Bengaluru-Agartala Humsafar Express, affecting various dates, PTI reported. The Deoghar-Agartala Express, Sealdah-Sabroom Kanchanjunga Express, Silchar-Coimbatore Express, Silchar-Sealdah Kanchanjunga Express, and Agartala-Kolkata Garib Rath Express have been partially cancelled between different points. An NFR bulletin on Monday had stated that train services were suspended from the evening hours due to tracks being rendered unsafe owing to "improper" road repair work by NHAI in the area. "On account of boulders along with land mass falling over the railway track in the New Haflong-Jatinga Lampur section owing to improper construction work being undertaken by the NHAI for repairing of road, train services over the Lumding-Badarpur hill section had to be suspended from evening hours of today in order to ensure safety of railway passengers," the bulletin read. (With inputs from PTI)
24 June,2025 09:55 PM IST | Guwahati | mid-day online correspondentKarnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday to seek the Centre’s backing for a pro-growth approach in tax devolution among states by the 16th Finance Commission. During the meeting, Siddaramaiah informed Sitharaman about Karnataka’s substantial losses under the 15th Finance Commission award. He subsequently demanded a larger allocation for the state from the central tax pool under the upcoming 16th Finance Commission, which begins its term on 1 April 2026, news agency PTI reported. “I met the Union Finance Minister and informed her that Karnataka faced a cumulative loss of over Rs 80,000 crore due to the reduction in the state’s share of tax devolution by the 15th Finance Commission,” Siddaramaiah told reporters after the meeting. The Chief Minister also submitted an additional memorandum, urging the Centre to rectify a persistent imbalance in fiscal transfers from the Centre to the states. Under the 15th Finance Commission, Karnataka’s share in tax devolution decreased from 4.713 per cent to 3.647 per cent -- a reduction of over 23 per cent. Karnataka was also denied Rs 11,495 crore in special grants, resulting in a total loss of Rs 80,000 crore during the award period. According to PTI, the Chief Minister attributed this decline primarily to the over-reliance on the income-distance criterion, which received 45 per cent weightage under the 15th Finance Commission. The Karnataka government has requested the 16th Finance Commission to reduce the weightage for income-distance by 20 percentage points and reallocate it to fiscal contribution -- the state’s share in national GDP. The state has also proposed discontinuing Revenue Deficit Grants in their current format, arguing they contradict fiscal discipline principles outlined in the FRBM framework. Instead, Karnataka suggested redistributing the same amount -- 1.92 per cent of Gross Union Receipts under the 15th Finance Commission -- among all states using the horizontal devolution formula, PTI reported. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah highlighted the developmental challenges facing the Bengaluru, Kalyana Karnataka, and Malenadu regions, emphasising that fair and pro-growth devolution would accelerate the state’s growth trajectory. The Chief Minister clarified that Karnataka’s proposals were not a request for special treatment, but would improve overall national resource mobilisation and foster cooperative and competitive federalism. The meeting concluded with Siddaramaiah requesting the Finance Minister to include these proposals in the Union government’s memorandum to the 16th Finance Commission, arguing that growth-friendly devolution would empower all states to contribute effectively to India’s development journey. The Finance Commission provides recommendations on the financial relationship between the Centre and the states. The 16th Finance Commission, established in December 2023 under the chairmanship of Arvind Panagariya, is expected to submit its recommendations by 31 October 2025. These recommendations will apply for a five-year period beginning 1 April 2026, according to PTI. The 15th Finance Commission, led by N K Singh, had suggested that states receive 41 per cent of the Centre’s divisible tax pool for the five-year period from April 2021 to March 2026. (With inputs from PTI)
24 June,2025 09:46 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Indian Railways is considering a modest increase in train fares and is likely to hike the price from July 1, 2025, according to the officials. The proposed changes include a 1 paisa per kilometre rise for non-AC classes on Mail/Express trains and a 2 paise per kilometre hike for all AC classes, sources said. In a relief to regular commuters, fares for suburban trains and monthly season tickets are expected to remain unchanged. For Ordinary Second Class, there will be no increase for journeys up to 500 km. For distances beyond that, the fare may rise by half a paisa per km. The last fare revision took place in January 2020, when second-class fares for ordinary and Mail/Express trains increased by 1 and 2 paise per km respectively. Sleeper class and AC class fares were raised by 2 and 4 paise per km respectively at that time. Before 2020, the previous fare hike occurred in the the year 2013, which saw a more significant revision, at that time, ordinary second class fares were rose by 2 paise per km, Mail/Express train second class fares were increased by 4 paise, Sleeper class fares went up by 6 paise and all AC classes, except AC II tier, saw a 10 paise increase, while AC II fares rose by 6 paise per km.
24 June,2025 09:12 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarHours after US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire had been reached between Iran and Israel, India on Tuesday stated that it stands ready to play its part in resolving the conflict, reiterating that “dialogue and diplomacy” remain the only viable path forward, reported PTI. New Delhi expressed “deep concern” over the situation in West Asia, while also welcoming reports of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. Early on Tuesday (Indian time), President Trump announced the ceasefire. However, hours later, he accused both the countries of breaching it. “We have been following developments overnight relating to the conflict between Iran and Israel, including the US action against Iran's nuclear facilities and Iranian retaliation against US military bases in Qatar,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement, according to PTI. “While we remain deeply concerned about the prospects for overall and sustained regional security and stability, we welcome reports of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel and the role played by the US and Qatar in bringing it about,” it added. The ministry also reiterated India’s call for peaceful resolution through diplomatic means, reported PTI. “We wish to reiterate that there is no alternative to dialogue and diplomacy in order to address and resolve the multiple conflicts in the region,” the statement read. “India stands ready to play its part in these efforts and hopes that all concerned parties will work towards sustained peace and stability,” it emphasised. India’s latest position comes two days after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian dialled Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the conflict. During the conversation, PM Modi expressed “deep concern” over the ongoing conflict and urged immediate de-escalation via “dialogue and diplomacy”. The phone conversation came in the wake of US airstrikes on three major nuclear facilities in Iran — Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. “We discussed in detail about the current situation. Expressed deep concern at the recent escalations,” Modi said in a post on social media. “Reiterated our call for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward and for early restoration of regional peace, security and stability,” the PM added. (With PTI inputs)
24 June,2025 09:09 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe local weather office in Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday said the state is likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall over the low- and mid-hills until June 30, as the southwest monsoon has now covered the entire region. An orange alert for heavy to very heavy rains, thunderstorms, and lightning was issued for isolated places in seven districts—Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmaur—for Wednesday. Furthermore, a yellow warning for heavy rains was issued for nine of the state's 12 districts, excluding Kullu, Kinnaur, and Lahaul and Spiti, for Thursday, reported PTI. Meanwhile, police reported on Tuesday that flash floods in a stream, situated approximately two kilometres from Losar, blocked the Losar-Kunzum Road in Lahaul and Spiti, leaving two to four vehicles stranded. The office of the Director General of Police issued an advisory on Tuesday, urging people to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rains, especially near hillsides, rivers, and low-lying areas. The advisory also recommended monitoring weather forecasts and alerts, saving emergency contacts, keeping mobile phones charged, and storing essential items, reported PTI. The advisory warned that monsoon in Himachal Pradesh carries significant risks due to the state's hilly terrain and fast-flowing rivers. These conditions heighten the danger of floods, landslides, and cloudbursts, posing a threat to both life and property. Residents living near rivers, streams, dams, and waterfalls have been advised to stay away from water bodies during and after rainfall. The advisory also instructed authorities of hydropower projects to continuously monitor water levels in reservoirs and ensure coordination with respective district administrations. They were also told to verify that sirens and public announcement systems are functional to alert nearby communities before releasing water. Furthermore, tourists and water sports operators—especially in Kullu, Bilaspur, and Una districts—have been advised to suspend activities during inclement weather. Tourists, in particular, must adhere to government advisories and avoid river-based activities during periods of high flow. The advisory added that District Superintendents of Police must ensure emergency response teams are fully equipped and alert, and regularly inspect vulnerable sites. Light to moderate rains lashed several parts of the state since Monday evening. Nadaun recorded 63.5 mm of rain, followed by Kangra with 60.5 mm, Poanta Sahib with 49 mm, Hamirpur with 46.5 mm, Mandi with 44.2 mm, Guler with 42.4 mm, Neri with 39.5 mm, Bharari with 33.4 mm, Sujanpur Tira with 20.8 mm, Nahan with 17.2 mm, Dehra Gopipur with 17 mm, and Bilaspur with 14.1 mm, reported PTI. Gusty winds, with speeds ranging from 41-46 kilometres per hour, were observed in Kukumseri and Bajaura. Kukumseri recorded the lowest night-time temperature at 13.2 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, while Hamirpur was the warmest during the day at 36.5 degrees Celsius. (With inputs from PTI)
24 June,2025 08:39 PM IST | Shimla | mid-day online correspondentThe legal review of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is progressing at a brisk pace, with the deal expected to be signed by the end of July, a senior official confirmed on Tuesday, reported the PTI. It will remove taxes on the export of labour-intensive products such as leather, footwear and clothing, while making imports of whisky and cars from Britain cheaper, in a bid to double trade between the two huge economies in the world. India and Britain, the world's fifth and sixth-largest economies, concluded the deal after three years of on-off negotiations, as per the PTI. To accelerate the process, India’s Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal has travelled to London with his official delegation. During his two-day visit, Barthwal is scheduled to meet UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, along with other senior British officials, the news agency reported. Negotiations for the trade agreement were formally concluded on May 6, following nearly three years of intermittent discussions. The deal aims to eliminate tariffs on exports of Indian labour-intensive goods such as leather, clothing and footwear, while also reducing duties on imports of British whisky and cars. The agreement is seen as a major step towards doubling bilateral trade to USD 120 billion by 2030, the PTI reported on Tuesday. Once signed, the Free Trade Agreement between India and Britain will need to be ratified by the UK Parliament and approved by the Indian Cabinet before it can come into effect -- likely within a year of signing. "The agreement is expected to be signed by the end of July. India’s legal team is currently in London conducting the legal scrubbing of the text," the official stated. "The finalised text will be made public post-signing," the official said. Barthwal's visit is also focused on discussing the implementation roadmap for the agreement, according to the PTI. Earlier this month, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal was also in London, where he met with Jonathan Reynolds to review implementation aspects of the deal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has formally invited UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to visit India. (with PTI inputs)
24 June,2025 08:06 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAir India announced on Tuesday that it will progressively resume flights to the region starting today, as airspaces gradually reopened in certain parts of the Middle East amid tensions in West Asia. The airline also confirmed that flight operations to and from Europe will resume on Tuesday. In a statement, an Air India spokesperson said, "As airspaces gradually reopen in certain parts of the Middle East, Air India will progressively resume flights to the region starting today [Tuesday], with most operations to and from the Middle East resuming from June 25 [Wednesday]. Flights to and from Europe, previously cancelled, are also being progressively reinstated from today, while services to and from the East Coast of the US and Canada will resume at the earliest opportunity. Some flights may experience delays or cancellations due to consequential impacts and extended re-routings/flight times, but we are committed to minimising disruptions and restoring our schedule integrity. Air India will continue to avoid airspaces assessed as unsafe at any given time." The flight disruptions followed a major escalation on Monday after Iran reportedly launched multiple missiles targeting US military installations in Qatar and Iraq, including the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar—the largest US military installation in the region, according to a CNN report. Moreover the Air India Express also announced that it is gradually resuming flights to the Middle East, effective Tuesday, as the region's airspaces reopen. The airline stated: "Air India Express is progressively resuming its operations to the Middle East from today, 24th June, as airspaces in the region reopen. Our first flight to the region today will be on the Delhi–Muscat route, followed by services on the Mumbai–Muscat, Kozhikode–Muscat, Kozhikode–Riyadh, and Jaipur–Jeddah routes." Furthermore, flights connecting Air India Express to major cities in the UAE – such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain, and Ras Al Khaimah – along with other destinations in the Middle East, are scheduled to resume from Wednesday. The attacks by Iran, are believed to be a retaliatory move following US airstrikes on three of its nuclear facilities—Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow—in the early hours of Sunday, ANI reported. Two officials familiar with the situation confirmed to CNN that the US is tracking multiple missiles launched from Iran. A White House official stated that US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine are currently in the Situation Room, closely monitoring the unfolding events. Earlier, Iran's state TV reported that Iran had begun an operation against a US base in Qatar. Samaa TV, citing Iranian state TV, dubbed this operation against US bases in the region as 'Operation Basharat al-Fath'. According to CNN, US personnel at the embassies in Qatar and Bahrain are in "duck and cover" as Iran launches retaliatory missiles towards Qatar and Iraq. The Qatari foreign ministry also announced on X that its government had temporarily shut down its airspace amidst the heightened tensions. This move followed Iran's declaration of retaliation against the United States, which has significantly heightened security concerns across the Gulf region. The US Embassy in Doha has also issued alerts to its citizens, advising them to remain in secure shelters until further notice. (With inputs from ANI)
24 June,2025 06:46 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentWith Indians being successfully evacuated from Iran amid the war between Israel and Iran. In an exclusive interview with ANI, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti has expressed strong support for Iran. Mehbooba Mufti showed support for Iran in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict while sharply criticising the role of the United States and Israel in the region. The PDP chief called the ceasefire a welcome step and good news for the entire world. The PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti went on to say, "I would like to salute the people, the army and the government of Iran for the bravery they showed in the face of war and fought it, even after lacking weapons, an army and a nuclear bomb." The veteran Kashmir leader and PDP chief said that Iran's greatest weapon is "their faith and their willingness to sacrifice for their country." Mehbooba Mufti also noted that Iran's resilience had managed to "bring a country as great as America as well as Israel to their knees". She even stated that "even though America did not expect this, this war has given Iran a leadership position among the Islamic nations." As reported by ANI, while criticising the U.S. role in the Israel-Iran war, the veteran leader from Kashmir remarked, "There is not a single Islamic nation left that America has not destroyed. They targeted Iraq, Iran, Libya, Syria and Afghanistan and then masked the destruction under terms like 'democracy' or 'regime change'. She said, "America should take a lesson from this war," as their interference led to a loss of prestige. Mehbooba also targeted US President Donald Trump and stated, "The president of America is a big position, but since Trump has come to power, he has subverted and belittled that title." She further claimed, "He does not know what he is saying or going to do, and that is a red alert for the entire world." Mufti, while slamming Israel, also labelled them as a "villain country" and condemned the blind eye the world has turned towards its actions in Palestine. She also highlighted that America plays a role in every conflict, "whether directly or indirectly, as was the case between India and Pakistan as well." Mehbooba also mentioned that India has shared long ties with Iran, but in a time of need, they adopted a completely different policy. Still, this ceasefire is great news and is completely welcome. (With ANI Inputs)
24 June,2025 04:05 PM IST | Srinagar | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1750776502146_d.png "Officials reported that at least 30,000 cubic metres still need to be cleared before work on the tracks can commence. Representational pic")
