Hindustan Times Delhi - March 08, 2025

In this issue

March 08, 2025

Michel cites security threat, tells court he prefers to stay in prison

British national Christian James Michel, the alleged middleman in the controversial AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, told a Delhi court on Friday that he feared for his safety if released on bail and preferred to remain in judicial custody.

1 min

Stalin writes to 7 CMs for support after Shah salvo

Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday underscored the Centre's commitment to regional languages and attacked Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin even as the latter wrote to his counterparts in seven states to form a wider front against the impending delimitation of Lok Sabha seats, as the two leaders upped the ante on two contentious issues.

5 mins

US apex court rejects Rana's last-ditch plea

The US Supreme Court has rejected 26/11 Mumbai attacks co-conspirator Tahawwur Rana's plea seeking an emergency stay on his extradition to India, people familiar with the development said.

3 mins

India, China Shouldn't Allow Border Dispute to Define Ties, Says Wang Yi

India and China, as important members of the Global South, have the responsibility to take the lead in \"opposing hegemonism and power politics\", Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said on Friday.

3 mins

Shoes and knee pad among items returned during Manipur amnesty

Around 17% of the arms looted from armouries around Manipur in May 2023 and the months that followed; country-made mortars and bombs; walkie talkie sets; shoes; airguns; a knee-cap and a sleeping bag: these are among the looted weapons surrendered during the two-week long amnesty offered by Manipur governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla between February 20 and March 6.

1 min

Younger adults facing more mental distress than older gen: Study

THE ANALYSIS IDENTIFIES ISSUES LIKE SCREEN TIME, AND EXPOSURE TO NEUROTOXIC CHEMICALS IN FOOD AMONG REASONS FOR THIS DETERIORATION

2 mins

US exits board of climate fund that aids poor nations

The US, the largest historical emitter of greenhouse gases, has withdrawn from the Board of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, a move that could significantly hamper an internationally agreed initiative to help poorer countries deal with the harms of the climate crisis.

2 mins

'Digitise legislative works in 100 days'

Delhi assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta on Friday directed officials concerned that the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) — an app-driven initiative aimed at making state legislative processes paperless and digital — should be implemented in the Assembly within the next 100 days.

1 min

Pressing lips without sexual intent not Pocso offence: HC

The Delhi high court has said that the act of touching, pressing lips, or lying down next to a minor girl in the absence of sexual intent will not amount to aggravated sexual assault under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act.

1 min

AQI slips into 'poor', Grap-1 reimposed

The Capital's seven-day streak of \"moderate\" pollution levels was snapped on Friday, as the average air quality index (AQI) reading slipped into the poor zone following a slowing down of wind speeds.

1 min

Reviving floodplains, greener Delhi: LG unveils Amrut Biodiversity Park

The Amrut Biodiversity Park, developed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) across 90 hectares of the Yamuna floodplains along the river's eastern bank, was formally inaugurated on Friday by lieutenant governor VK Saxena.

2 mins

Jan Aushadhi Kendras to be set up near every Delhi hospital: CM

Chief minister Rekha Gupta on Friday said her government will ensure that Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAK) — dedicated outlets that provide generic medicines at affordable rates — will be established within 500m of every hospital.

1 min

12 Minor Boys Trafficked From Bihar For Labour Rescued: Police

Twelve minor boys, allegedly trafficked from Bihar to Delhi last year, were rescued from different bag manufacturing units in north Delhi's Sadar Bazaar in a joint operation by the Delhi Police, subdivisional magistrate (SDM) staff, and NGOs on Monday.

1 min

Court Refuses to Junk 2020 Case Against Mishra Over Remarks

A Delhi court on Friday refused to junk proceedings against state law minister Kapil Mishra over his alleged inflammatory remarks ahead of the 2020 assembly elections, dismissing his plea challenging summons issued to him for making \"objectionable statements\" and violating the model code of conduct (MCC).

1 min

NDMC Attaches 7 Properties at Khan Mkt Over Tax Dues

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on Friday attached eight properties in Lutyens' Delhi, including seven in Khan Market and one large office complex on Bhai Veer Singh Marg near Gole market, as part of its ongoing drive against property tax defaulters, NDMC officials said.

1 min

Cabinet to Approve ₹2,500 Dole for Women at Secretariat Meet

The Delhi Cabinet is scheduled to hold a meeting at the Delhi Secretariat on Saturday — when International Women's Day will be observed — and during the gathering, chief minister Rekha Gupta and her council of six ministers will likely approve the Mahila Samridhi Yojana, a scheme under which the state government will give a monthly dole of ₹2,500 to poor women, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) functionaries said.

2 mins

Govt holds meetings on Budget estimates

THE SESSION FOR THE 'VIKSIT DELHI' BUDGET IS LIKELY TO BE HELD BETWEEN MARCH 24 AND MARCH 26, CM REKHA GUPTA HAD EARLIER SAID

2 mins

SC: Amrapali proceedings can't continue for an indefinite time

As such, we find much work has been done... Now we are on the way forward on how to wind up. These proceedings cannot continue for an indefinite time. SUPREME COURT

3 mins

Not only necessary to apply law but also to understand impact

The Delhi high court bid farewell to Justice Rekha Palli who reached superannuation on Friday.

1 min

Days After DU Student Killed In Hit-And-Run, Two Arrested

A 41-year-old man and his nephew, 21, were arrested on Friday after a 19-year-old Delhi University student was killed in a road accident in Rohini last Saturday.

1 min

67-yr-old man dies in stray bull attack

Police said the sexagenarian was tossed into the air multiple times, and the bull hurt him with its horns

1 min

Man kills his tenant over affair with wife

A 55-year-old man was arrested on Friday for allegedly bludgeoning his 27-year-old tenant to death in Indirapuram.

1 min

This way to Gali Captain Wali

As part of the Old Delhi street encyclopaedia

2 mins

Now, dreaded gangster's wife to be booked under MCOCA

ZOYA KHAN WAS ARRESTED ON FEB 19 WITH 225GM HEROIN, AND HAS SINCE BEEN NAMED IN TWO MURDERS THAT TOOK PLACE LAST YEAR

1 min

CISF Constable Dies by Suicide at T3 Washroom, Probe Ordered

A 37-year-old Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) head constable allegedly died by suicide at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) on Friday morning, police said.

1 min

Chanakyapuri: Sr IFS officer dies by suicide

POLICE, QUOTING THE MAN'S FAMILY, SAID THE 2011 BATCH OFFICER WAS DIAGNOSED WITH DEPRESSION, AND WAS BEING TREATED FOR IT

1 min

'India Concerned About Law And Order In B'desh'

India on Friday expressed concern at the deteriorating law and order situation in Bangladesh and reiterated its call for the interim government in Dhaka to protect Hindus and other minority communities.

1 min

US commerce secy calls for a 'special' treatment

India should treat America in a \"special way\" and find \"smarter ways\" to open up its farm sector to forge a comprehensive bilateral trade deal and unlock \"extraordinary an opportunity together\" instead of product-specific negotiations, the US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick said on Friday, advising New Delhi not to harp on an outdated multilateral trade model.

1 min

PM flags rising obesity, stresses on dietary cuts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday stressed the need to fight obesity, calling it the root cause of many diseases, and cited a report which claimed that nearly 440 million people in India may be obese by 2050.

2 mins

India calls on UK to act against those behind EAM's security breach

India on Friday urged the UK to act against pro-Khalistan elements responsible for breaching the security of external affairs minister S Jaishankar in London, pointing to Britain's \"indifference\" to acts of intimidation by the separatists.

1 min

India, Ireland Look to Boost Trade Relations

The Two Sides Also Exchanged Views on Recent Developments in Their Respective Regions and Globally

1 min

NewsClick gets relief for 10 more days in tax case

Sibal pointed out that this period lapsed on March 2.

1 min

SC to review Maha's award of Dharavi redevelopment project to Adani Group

The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to review Maharashtra government's decision to award the Dharavi Redevelopment Project in Mumbai to Adani Properties Ltd, even as it directed Adani Properties to maintain an escrow account for all financial transactions related to the project.

2 mins

2 Gram Panchayats Give Consent to Nicobar Project

Two of the three gram (village) panchayats in the area earmarked for the ambitious project in the Great Nicobar Island have consented to the development area notification, but highlighted that amenities and utilities being built should benefit locals and that fair compensation should be provided.

2 mins

Michel seeks to remain in jail citing security concerns

British national Christian James Michel, the alleged middleman in the controversial AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, told a Delhi court on Friday that he feared for his safety if released on bail and preferred to remain in judicial custody.

2 mins

Decide On C'garh Ex-Official's Role In Liquor Case By Apr 10: SC To State

The Supreme Court on Friday told the Chhattisgarh government that investigation into the liquor case cannot \"continue endlessly\" and ordered completion of probe into state's former excise official Arun Pati Tripathi by April 10, when he is to be produced before a trial court to be considered for release on bail.

1 min

All-Party Team From Nagaland To Meet Shah: CM

Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday said he would lead an all-party delegation to meet Union home minister Amit Shah to reconsider the Centre's decision to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with neighbouring Myanmar.

1 min

Waiting areas at 60 major railway stations to help control crowding

The Union railways ministry has approved the creation of permanent waiting areas outside 60 major railway stations across the country to control periodic surges in passenger flow and enhance station management.

1 min

Ministry ropes in OTT series to address the 'Sarpanch Pati' system

Manju Devi, the otherwise reluctant pradhan (head) of the picturesque Phulera village, is now a woman on a mission to resolve all the grievances that the fictitious village — of The Viral Fever's (TVF) successful OTT series Panchayat — faces.

1 min

Oppn looks to corner govt in Parl session over Waqf law, EPIC

Drawing the battle-lines for the second half of the Budget session of Parliament, which starts on March 10, various Opposition parties, including the Congress, are preparing to push a raft of notices seeking a debate on the duplicate voter I-card issue, with people aware of the matter saying the Opposition will try to stall the controversial Waqf law amendments in \"a democratic manner\".

1 min

Shoes, caps, boots 'surrendered' for Manipur's weapons amnesty

Around 17% of arms looted from armouries around the state in May 2023 and the months that followed; country-made mortars and bombs; walkie-talkie sets; shoes; airguns; and a knee-cap and a sleeping bag: these are among the looted weapons surrendered during the two-week-long amnesty offered by Manipur governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla between February 20 and March 6.

3 mins

Will address duplicate voter ID numbers soon

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday announced plans to replace all duplicate Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers with unique identifiers within the next three months, but reiterated that the duplication of the numbers did not mean there were fake voters.

3 mins

Infra, welfare schemes get lion's share in K'taka budget

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, who also holds the finance portfolio, on Friday presented the budget with an outlay of over ₹4 lakh crore.

3 mins

Women, tourism in focus as J&K gets 1st budget in 6 yrs

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Friday presented the Union territory's first budget in the assembly with a total outlay of ₹1.12 lakh crore for 2025-26, proposing a slew of multi-sector welfare and development initiatives focused on health, education, tourism, youth, and women empowerment.

3 mins

Women's development to women-led development

As the world celebrates the International Women's Day, I want to reflect on how India is embarking on an inspiring journey from the era of women's development to a new dawn of women-led development.

3 mins

The Blueprint for Becoming a Global Knowledge Power

For Make in India to work, marry it to Invent in India. To that end, India should step up its R&D spending by 1% of the GDP over the next decade

4 mins

Fear and Loathing in Assam

The Rainbow Runners is a novel about violence, trauma, life and rediscovery.

3 mins

'The truth is in my blood'

At the Jaipur Literature Festival, the memoirist recounted tales of royal betrayals and a life far from her roots

2 mins

Maintain sanctity of public exams: SC

The Supreme Court on Friday underscored the necessity of maintaining the sanctity of public recruitment examinations and called for a strict approach against those attempting to undermine their fairness.

2 mins

UP Mosques Will Defer Namaz Timings on Holi

Ahead of Holi next Friday, the imam of Lucknow Eidgah has asked the mosques to hold the Jumma namaz at 2 pm that day.

1 min

Lawyers Demand Apology From Kerala Judge

The Kerala High Court Advocates Association (KHCAA) wrote to chief justice Nitin Jamdar on Friday demanding an apology from justice A Badharudeen in open court for his \"insensitive\" comments on an advocate who recently lost her husband.

1 min

Goa Minister Acquitted In Mining Case

Goa tourism minister Rohan Khaunte has been acquitted by a Bengaluru court in a case related to illegal iron ore mining and transportation.

1 min

Centre Orders Probe Into Qualification of IIM Rohtak Director

THE PRESIDENT HAS GIVEN THREE MONTHS TO IIM MUMBAI DIRECTOR TO COMPLETE THE PROBE AND SUBMIT REPORT TO CENTRE

1 min

US CDC To Study Vaccines And Autism: Sources

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is planning a large study into potential connections between vaccines and autism, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters, despite extensive scientific research that has disproven or failed to find evidence of such links.

1 min

US to Use AI to Revoke Visas of Students Supporting Hamas

The US State Department will use artificial intelligence to revoke visas of foreign students who it perceives as supporters of Palestinian Hamas militants, Axios reported on Thursday, citing senior State Department officials.

1 min

'US, UKRAINE SET TO HOLD PEACE TALKS IN SAUDI ARABIA'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says talks between Ukraine and the US on ending the war will take place in Saudi Arabia next week.

1 min

Trudeau to step down as PM within a week

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has indicated he will demit office within a week so that his successor as leader of the ruling Liberal Party can take charge.

1 min

S Korean Court Says Impeached President Yoon Can Leave Jail

A South Korean court on Friday ordered impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol to be released from jail, a move that could allow Yoon to stand trial for his rebellion charge without being physically detained.

1 min

Trump Sends Letter to Iran's Supreme Leader

US President Donald Trump sent a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, seeking a new deal with Tehran to restrain its rapidly advancing nuclear programme and replace the agreement he withdrew America from in his first term in office.

2 mins

Will Hit Canada With Dairy, Lumber Tariffs Shortly, Says Trump

President Donald Trump said he may implement reciprocal tariffs on Canadian lumber and dairy products as soon as Friday, threatening again to disrupt crossborder trade.

2 mins

Trump threatens Russia with sanctions on Ukraine

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he is \"strongly considering\" imposing sweeping sanctions, including ones on banking, and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and peace agreement is reached with Ukraine.

2 mins

Difficult for Hamilton to win 8th title but not impossible

F1 legend Hakkinen has his say on what can be expected from Lewis joining Ferrari

3 mins

Aravindh Wins His 2nd Super Tournament Title

Roughly a decade ago, a teenage Aravindh Chithambaram was regarded as the most promising young Indian chess player on the horizon.

2 mins

Sunday to Sunday, Black Caps brace for a mystery test

Part 1 of the Varun Chakravarthy vs New Zealand series played out last Sunday.

3 mins

After impressing with ball, Axar's hidden batting talent comes to fore

Ahead of the Champions Trophy, India coach Gautam Gambhir had highlighted the value of having the option of Axar Patel at No.5 in the batting line-up.

3 mins

Harleen wins it for GG versus DC

Young Indian batter Harleen Deol struck her first half-century of the season on Friday to help Gujarat Giants seal a thrilling five-wicket win over Delhi Capitals and stay in the hunt for the playoffs in the Women's Premier League here.

1 min

After Dream Debut, Sakshi Focuses on Jr World Cup

Bolstered by a dream senior India debut at the FIH Pro League, young forward Sakshi Rana is now working on her speed as she sets her sights on defending the gold medal at the Junior World Cup in Chile later this year.

1 min

United draw in Spain, Spurs lose

Manchester United drew 1-1 away to Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie on Thursday while Tottenham suffered a 1-0 loss at Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.

1 min

Priya Mishra, the leg-spinner who likes to mix ice with fire

She may be a wily tweaker but that doesn't mean the 20-year-old reins in her aggressive streak

2 mins

India Set To Overcome Worst Cash Crunch On RBI Steps

India is heading toward plugging one of the worst-ever liquidity deficits in the financial system, following aggressive steps by the central bank to inject cash.

1 min

Beer, bites & cricket: Food chains eye 40% sales surge

As Team India prepares to face New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final this Sunday, restaurants, bars, and beer manufacturers across the country are gearing up for a demand surge.

1 min

DHFL Fraud Case: SC To Examine CBI Plea Against Wadhawan Bail

The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to examine the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)'s plea seeking the cancellation of bail for former Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Ltd (DHFL) promoter Dheeraj Wadhawan in the multi-crore bank loan fraud case.

1 min

Rebel Foods bets big on 15-minute food delivery service

Multi-brand restaurant operator Rebel Foods that is gearing up for a public-market listing in FY26, expects its new 15-minute food delivery service 'Quickies by EatSure' to be a major growth driver, EatSure's co-founder and CEO Sagar Kochhar told Mint in an interview.

1 min

Average Hike in India to Be Around 8.8% in 2025

As Indian companies are focused on optimizing compensation cost budgets while navigating global and local headwinds, the average increment is expected to be at 8.8% in 2025, Deloitte India said in a report on Friday.

1 min

Govt Plans To Double Digital Banking Units

DBUs may be allowed to offer more financial products, including insurance, pension

2 mins

Ibrahim and Khushi's film is a sign of Bollywood romance heading south

Candy floss is sweet and pink. Bubble gum is similar in colour and taste, but chewy. There's no logic as to why we are suddenly discussing them. The same can be said about the two-hour yawn fest that is Nadaaniyan.

2 mins

Madam Secretary: How Mitravinda is running the DUSU show

International Women's Day is a time to celebrate those who challenge norms and redefine leadership.

1 min

Robert 'immersed' in preparation for new villain role in Avengers: Doomsday

Actor Robert Downey Jr. is taking his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) very seriously, according to Avengers: Doomsday co-directors Joe and Anthony Russo.

1 min

Shawn Mendes Lands In Mumbai, Goes 'Chappal-Shopping'

The Canadian singer is set to perform at his maiden gig in India at the Lollapalooza festival

1 min

Rick to return as Louis Litt in Suits spin-off series

American actor Rick Hoffman is set to reprise his role as Louis Litt in Suits LA, the upcoming spin-off of the legal drama Suits.

1 min

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