World's top nuclear watchdog warns of unusual activity at Russian-occupied Ukrainian nuclear plant
The International Atomic Energy Agency said in its statement that the large number of shots, repeatedly fired for about an hour from 10 pm local time, was unusual and that it was seeking further information about the incident.
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Time of India
36 minutes ago
- Time of India
Shivakumar's early exit casts shadowon Karnataka chief minister's show of strength in Mysuru
Mysuru: A high-profile Congress convention meant to showcase chief minister Siddaramaiah 's political might in Mysuru was marred by the conspicuous early departure of deputy CM DK Shivakumar , adding fuel to ongoing speculation about growing rifts within the party's state leadership. Held at the historic Maharaja's College Grounds Saturday, the Sadhana Samavesha was intended to be a grand celebration of the Congress govt's two and a half years of performance. However, Shivakumar's abrupt exit—soon after delivering a brief speech and before Siddaramaiah's address—drew attention away from the event's message and onto the internal dynamics of the governing party. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Though Shivakumar had travelled from Bengaluru specifically to attend the event, he left the venue just moments after the programme began. His exit came while Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge was addressing the crowd, and before Siddaramaiah took the centrestage. The move left many party workers and attendees surprised and disappointed. Siddaramaiah made no effort to conceal his displeasure. When the audience shouted for Shivakumar to be named during his speech, the chief minister responded curtly: "I will only take the names of people who are on the dais, not those who have left. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dementia Has Been Linked To a Common Habit. Do You Do It? Memory Health Learn More Undo I have referred to the names of the dignitaries who are on the dais. Since Shivakumar has left for Bengaluru, I have left out his name," Siddaramaiah said in a pointed remark that underlined the simmering tensions within the state's Congress leadership. Adding to the intrigue, Shivakumar was also scheduled to attend a dinner hosted by Chamarajanagar MP Sunil Bose. However, he cancelled that plan too. "Shivakumar planned to visit our home for lunch. He informed me that he needed to return to Bengaluru early," Bose told TOI. According to sources close to the deputy chief minister, Shivakumar was suffering from a mild fever. Still, his sudden departure and failure to inform the crowd about it did not go unnoticed. Despite the distraction, Siddaramaiah appeared in full command of the stage. In a dramatic entry, he walked down a specially erected ramp at the centre of the venue—departing from the usual protocol of entering from the left side of the dais. He was showered with flower petals as he moved through cheering supporters holding up his portraits. Though Shivakumar and Kharge, were also present earlier, Siddaramaiah hogged all the limelight as he led the walk alone, soaking in the crowd's enthusiasm. BJP, JD(S) spreading lies: Siddaramaiah Addressing a massive gathering that consisted largely of minority supporters, Siddaramaiah launched a scathing attack on BJP and JD(S), accusing them of spreading misinformation about his govt. Highlighting the Congress' five guarantee schemes, he alleged that all BJP-governed states are copying them. He also threw the gauntlet to the opposition BJP-JD(S), challenging them to a public debate on the Congress govt's achievements. "Let them come and debate openly. The development under our govt is the ultimate rebuttal to their web of lies," Siddaramaiah said. The CM's rally echoed a similar event held on Aug 9 last year at the same venue. The 2024 event was intended to counter the BJP-JDS padayatra over the Muda scam and to reassert Siddaramaiah's political clout in his home turf of Mysuru.
Time of India
39 minutes ago
- Time of India
Bihar: India's path to becoming developed nation by 2047 will be led by women, says Union minister Dr Jitendra Singh
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Saturday said India's journey toward becoming a fully developed nation by 2047 will be led by empowered women and youth, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of women-led development. The Union minister of state (independent charge) for science and technology, earth sciences, and MoS in the PMO made the remark while addressing a conference titled 'Viksit Bihar: Envisioning a Developed Bihar through Women's Participation.' Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Data Science Degree Finance Operations Management Data Analytics Digital Marketing PGDM Management Product Management Design Thinking Others Project Management Public Policy Technology Data Science Cybersecurity Artificial Intelligence Leadership CXO others healthcare Healthcare MBA MCA Skills you'll gain: Strategic Data-Analysis, including Data Mining & Preparation Predictive Modeling & Advanced Clustering Techniques Machine Learning Concepts & Regression Analysis Cutting-edge applications of AI, like NLP & Generative AI Duration: 8 Months IIM Kozhikode Professional Certificate in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Data Analysis & Interpretation Programming Proficiency Problem-Solving Skills Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT MSc in Data Science Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details He said around 76,000 startups in India are currently women-led, many of which are based in tier-2 and tier-3 towns. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like What Happens When You Massage Baking Soda Into Your Scalp Read More The conference was jointly organised by Bihar's department of rural development and the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), of which Singh is co-chairperson. "In the last 11 years, the Modi government has focused its governance architecture around four pillars - the poor, farmers, youth, and women. Women-centric governance has not only empowered people, but reshaped society. What began as targeted welfare has now evolved into institutional leadership", he said. Live Events The minister launched the Jeevika E-Learning Management System app, aimed at providing accessible learning for women, and unveiled the publication titled 'Shashakt Mahila, Samriddh Bihar', which celebrates women's contributions to the state's progress. The Union minister elaborated on the Modi government's comprehensive approach to women empowerment , built across four key pillars. "The first phase - access and inclusion in institutions - marked a historic shift in India's educational and military landscape. Girls were admitted for the first time into sainik schools and the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA), breaking age-old barriers. Combat roles in the armed forces were opened to women, with the country now anticipating its first woman army chief, an unprecedented milestone in gender-inclusive leadership", he said. According to the minister, the second phase - scientific and technological empowerment - has empowered women through targeted schemes such as WISE (Women in Science and Engineering), GATI (Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions), CURIE, and the Women Scientist Programme. "These initiatives are designed to help women re-enter STEM careers, especially after career breaks. In a focused effort, Patna Women's College in Bihar is set to be adopted under the CURIE scheme for financial and technological support, further advancing the state's leadership in women's empowerment," he added. Singh said the third phase - economic and social empowerment - has witnessed a massive scale-up of women's access to financial resources. "Over 48 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened for women, while more than 60 per cent of Mudra Yojana beneficiaries are women entrepreneurs. The creation of over three crore 'Lakhpati Didis' through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) is transforming rural economies. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, homes registered in women's names are providing not just shelter but also financial and social dignity," he added. The fourth phase - Workplace Reforms and Legal Sensitivity - has introduced compassionate and inclusive governance measures, he added. Singh reiterated that these four pillars collectively represent the Modi government's unwavering commitment to making women not just beneficiaries, but leaders of India's growth story. Singh commended Bihar for its pioneering reforms in advancing women's empowerment, highlighting initiatives such as 50 per cent reservation for women in panchayats and urban local bodies, and 35 per cent reservation in the state police and civil services. He noted that over 30 lakh women in the state have been financially empowered through targeted schemes, with cumulative support exceeding Rs 5,000 crore. He urged the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) to document Bihar's successful women-centric governance model into a replicable manual, so that other states across the country can draw inspiration and implement similar transformative reforms.
Time of India
39 minutes ago
- Time of India
India-US trade deal: Fifth round over, India is not budging
India has once again signaled its steadfast approach to international trade negotiations , as the fifth round of talks for the proposed India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) concluded in Washington this week. Led by Rajesh Agrawal , India's chief negotiator and Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce, the Indian delegation engaged in four days of deliberations with their American counterparts from July 14 to 17. The return of the negotiating team marks a critical juncture in the ongoing dialogue, which seems to remain mired in unresolved issues. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal 's firm remarks on Saturday, following the conclusion of this latest round, make it unequivocally clear that India will not be rushed or coerced into finalizing a trade deal that does not align with its national interests. Speaking at a function hosted by ASSOCHAM (Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India), Goyal asserted, 'If India gets a good trade deal, we will go ahead with it. If not, we won't. India always keeps the country's interest first.' Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category MBA Project Management Data Analytics Data Science PGDM Digital Marketing Leadership healthcare Others others MCA Operations Management Cybersecurity Public Policy Degree Finance Technology Design Thinking Healthcare Product Management Artificial Intelligence Data Science CXO Management Skills you'll gain: Financial Management Team Leadership & Collaboration Financial Reporting & Analysis Advocacy Strategies for Leadership Duration: 18 Months UMass Global Master of Business Administration (MBA) Starts on May 13, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Analytical Skills Financial Literacy Leadership and Management Skills Strategic Thinking Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT Online MBA Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details Strategic patience over speed This declaration reiterates a central theme that has characterized India's approach under the current administration: strategic patience over external pressure. Earlier this month, on July 5, Goyal had emphasized that India negotiates from a "position of strength," not according to imposed deadlines, a clear response to the July 9 timeline previously set by US President Donald Trump, which was later pushed to August 1. Goyal's consistent messaging suggests India is uninterested in symbolic or hurried agreements driven by political timelines in Washington. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ringing in The Ears? Do This Immediately! Live Happier Click Here Undo This approach is particularly significant in the current global trade environment , where developed economies, including the US, are looking to restructure key trade relationships in the wake of changing geopolitical dynamics and economic realignments post-COVID and amid ongoing global supply chain shifts. India's posture underscores its growing economic self-assurance. While the US seeks deeper market access in areas such as agriculture, digital trade, intellectual property rights and medical devices, India is focused on securing greater access for its IT services, textiles and pharmaceuticals, while protecting sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy from potential disruption. Live Events In line with this, India's trade negotiators have reportedly resisted US attempts to extract concessions in sectors where India remains cautious, particularly on agriculture and dairy. By refusing to compromise prematurely, India appears to be echoing its broader trade philosophy which is balancing globalization with the protection of domestic industry and livelihoods. Goyal's recent remarks further reinforce this narrative, portraying a government that remains keen to avoid repeating past mistakes of asymmetrical agreements. 'No negotiation through media' Adding to his resolute tone, Goyal also took a swipe at attempts to influence public opinion during sensitive negotiations. 'I've already mentioned that we don't negotiate through media, we negotiate in the negotiating room. Talks are ongoing, and once the team is back, we will get feedback on the response and the progress,' he told reporters, highlighting New Delhi's disciplined and professional handling of the talks. This was likely in response to leaked or unofficial reports attempting to project the US as driving progress while India remains hesitant. This statement can be interpreted as a subtle critique of Washington's pressure tactics, including setting public deadlines and possibly shaping narratives through the media. India's choice to avoid reactive diplomacy and instead stick to official channels is consistent with its desire to maintain autonomy and dignity in international dealings. What lies ahead While the fifth round of talks has concluded, both sides seem to have left the door open. India is expected to analyze the outcomes internally and recalibrate its strategy accordingly. Yet, what is increasingly clear is that India is not desperate for a deal. As Minister Goyal's statements suggest, the current government is not interested in optics but in substance, a fair and mutually beneficial agreement. In a world increasingly shaped by economic nationalism and realpolitik, India's measured and self-assured stance may set a template for other emerging economies negotiating with larger powers. By refusing to blink in the face of deadlines and media narratives, India is not just negotiating a trade deal, but reaffirming its position as a sovereign and assertive player in the global economic order. India's response after the fifth round of the India-US BTA talks reflects a firm, principle-driven approach to trade negotiations. Minister Goyal's reiteration that 'India always keeps the country's interest first' is not just rhetoric but a policy stance backed by a clear track record. Whether or not a deal is signed by August 1, India's message is clear: deals will be made on its terms, not under pressure.
