Articles by PTI

Technology

Delhi STF seizes 10 tonnes of red sandalwood smuggled from Tirupati; 2 arrested

New Delhi: A Special Task Force (STF) of Delhi Police has seized around 10 tonnes of red sandalwood allegedly smuggled in from Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh and arrested two suspected smugglers, an official said on Tuesday. "A team of STF from south-east district has arrested two smugglers. Further investigation is underway," a Delhi Police officer said. A press briefing on the recovery is scheduled at Delhi Police headquarters at 12 noon. Further details are awaited.

18 hours ago

Technology

‘What I said was very effective, they stopped’: Trump claims credit for ending India-Pakistan conflict

New York/Washington: US President Donald Trump on Monday described his use of tariffs as a measure to stop wars, and said that his communication to India and Pakistan during the recent conflict was "very effective", repeating his claim of ending the battle between the nuclear-armed neighbours using trade. "Tariffs are very important for the United States. We are a peacekeeper because of tariffs. Not only do we make hundreds of billions of dollars, but we're a peacekeeper because of tariffs," Trump said in the Oval Office on Monday. The US president said that if he did not use the "power of tariffs", four wars would still be raging. "I use tariffs to stop wars. If you look at India and Pakistan, they were ready to go at it. Seven planes were shot down. They were ready to go at it. And they are nuclear powers. "And I don't want to say exactly what I said, but what I said was very effective. They stopped. And that was based on tariffs. It was based on trade,” he said. India has consistently denied any third-party intervention. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to end the conflict after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes. India has consistently maintained that the understanding on cessation of hostilities with Pakistan was reached following direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two militaries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it clear in Parliament that no leader of any country asked India to stop Operation Sindoor. Trump has repeated several times that he ended seven wars in the second term of his administration so far, including India and Pakistan, Cambodia and Thailand, Kosovo and Serbia, the Congo and Rwanda, Israel and Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia and Armenia and Azerbaijan. Since May 10, when Trump announced on social media that India and Pakistan had agreed to a “full and immediate” ceasefire after a “long night” of talks mediated by Washington, he has repeated his claim dozens of times that he “helped settle” the conflict between India and Pakistan. The US president added that of the seven wars he ended, at least half of them were because of his "ability at trade and because of tariffs. If I didn't have tariffs to throw around a little bit, you would have at least four wars raging right now, with thousands of people a day being killed."

19 hours ago

Technology

Texas man arrested for killing Indian student in US

Houston: A 23-year-old Texas man has been arrested over the murder of an Indian student at a Fort Worth gas station on Friday night, leaving the local Indian-American community shocked and fearful. The suspect allegedly shot Chandrashekar Pole, 28, while he was working a part-time shift, then fled the scene before being apprehended by officers, police said. The suspect, identified as Richard Florez from North Richland Hills, allegedly shot Chandrashekar at a gas station on Eastchase Parkway. After the shooting, Florez fired at another vehicle about a mile away without injuring anyone, and later crashed into a gate while attempting to enter a nearby residence on Meadowbrook Drive, police added. Officers arrested him shortly afterwards and recovered a firearm from his vehicle. “They also recovered a gun inside the vehicle at that scene… suspect is currently in the hospital, but he has been booked for the homicide,” Officer Brad Perez, a Fort Worth Police spokesperson, was quoted as saying by NBCDFW on Monday. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed Pole's identity and said he was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials from Fort Worth and Tarrant County noted that a formal statement and further investigative details have been delayed due to a local government shutdown. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing, and the motive behind the shooting has not yet been determined. The Consulate General of India in Houston said they are in contact with Chandrashekar's family to assist in repatriating his remains. Several Indian-American community members and students expressed shock at the killing, saying the recent spate of violence targeting Indian students in the US has left them fearful and grieving. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the repatriation of Chandrashekar Pole's remains to India and to assist his grieving family. Chandrashekar had completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery in Hyderabad and had gone to the US two years ago for an MS, his brother Damodar told reporters after the incident. He was enrolled in a Master's in Data Analytics at the University of North Texas, Denton. He completed the degree six months ago and was looking for a job, his brother said, adding that Chandrashekar was working part-time at the gas station to support himself. The incident has brought attention to safety concerns for international students working part-time jobs in the US, especially in roles that may expose them to risks during late hours. Past incidents involving Indian students in the US, including shootings and unexplained deaths, have underscored safety concerns and the complexities involved in repatriation. In January this year, a 26-year-old student from Telangana, who was living in Connecticut in America, was allegedly shot dead by unidentified persons, while another man from Ranga Reddy district was found dead with bullet wounds in the US. In September, a 30-year-old man from Mahabubnagar district died in California after allegedly being shot by police following a scuffle with his roommate. Various cases have seen Indian consulates actively assisting families, often after lengthy legal and bureaucratic processes.

20 hours ago

Technology

Bihar to vote in two phases on November 6 and 11, counting on November 14

New Delhi: The Assembly elections in Bihar will be held in two phases, polling for which will be held on November 6 and 11 while the counting of votes will be done on November 14, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced on Monday. The entire election process will be concluded by November 16. "Bihar elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. Counting of votes will be done on November 14," Kumar said at a press conference. "It is mandatory to complete the counting of postal ballots before the last two rounds of counting of votes," he added.

1 days ago

Technology

Naidu reaffirms commitment to revive Visakhapatnam Steel Plant

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday said the state government remains committed to strengthening and protecting the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP). The chief minister noted that over the past year, with the support of the Centre and cooperation from the state government, significant progress has been made in the steel plant's production, calling it a welcome development. “The state government is committed to strengthening and protecting the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant,” Naidu said in a press release following a review of the industry at the Secretariat. The review meeting focused on strengthening VSP and driving it towards maximum production capacity, it added. Naidu assessed the steps taken in the past year and the outcomes achieved. He emphasised that the management, workers, employees, and both the Centre and state governments must continue working together to pull the plant out of losses and further strengthen it. “The progress being seen today is the result of measures taken, collective decision-making and coordination over the past year,” he said. According to the press release, as a result of the coalition government's efforts, the Centre sanctioned financial assistance of Rs 11,440 crore for the plant, with the majority allocated to reviving operations and bringing the plant back on track. Over the past year, with Central assistance and continued cooperation from various state departments, production capacity has increased significantly, the release said. In September last year, only 25 per cent of the plant's capacity was being utilised, whereas by this September it had reached 79 per cent. Describing this as a highly positive development, Naidu instructed steel plant authorities to push further. He directed that by the end of the third quarter of FY26, the plant should reach a production capacity of 92.5 per cent, stressing that all stakeholders must work in unison to achieve this goal.

1 days ago

Technology

Gold price jumps Rs 9,700 to over Rs 1.3 lakh/10 g in Delhi

New Delhi: Gold prices skyrocketed by Rs 9,700 to scale a fresh peak of Rs 1,30,300 per 10 grams in the national capital on Monday, lifted by safe-haven buying in the overseas markets and depreciation in the rupee. According to the All India Sarafa Association, the yellow metal of 99.9 per cent purity had closed at Rs 1,20,600 per 10 grams on Friday. In the local bullion market, gold of 99.5 per cent purity jumped by Rs 2,700 to hit a record high of Rs 1,22,700 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes) on Monday. It had settled at Rs 1,20,000 per 10 grams in the previous market session. Silver prices also witnessed robust gains. The white metal bounced by Rs 7,400 to hit a new peak of Rs 1,57,400 per kilogram (inclusive of all taxes). It had ended at Rs 1,50,000 per kg on Friday. In the international markets, spot gold rose nearly 2 per cent to touch an all-time high of USD 3,949.58 per ounce, while silver went up over 1 per cent to hit a high of USD 48.75 per ounce.

1 days ago

Technology

Zubeen Garg death probe: Only one person responds to SIT summons, seven others remain silent

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said that barring one, seven others present with singer Zubeen Garg during his last moments in Singapore were yet to respond to the CID summons. Sarma said that Rupkamal Kalita, who was present on the yacht when Garg died while swimming in the sea on September 19, has responded to the summons of the SIT probing into his death. Kalita will come to Guwahati on Tuesday, the CM said. However, the seven others have not said anything about coming to Assam to help in the investigation, Sarma said at a media briefing. 'We will maintain pressure on them... the sooner they come, we can finish the investigation. We will motivate them to cooperate with us,' he said. 'We believe that if one comes, the others will also follow,' Sarma said. He also said that the Assam Police was not required to go to Singapore for the investigation, as under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT), 'whatever evidence the Singapore Police gathers will be shared with us'. "Our request has already been sent to Singapore, but no foreign country will allow the police of another country to investigate on their soil,' the Chief Minister added.

1 days ago

Technology

IIT-Madras Pravartak becomes first Indian lab authorised to test 5G core network

New Delhi: The Telecom Security Testing Lab (TSTL) of the IIT-Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation has become the first laboratory in the country authorised by the Centre's Department of Telecommunications to test 5G core-network function, Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), and 5G Group-I devices, officials said. The certification empowers the laboratory to conduct cutting-edge security assessments of 5G mobile-telecom equipment, enabling rapid deployment of secure and resilient 5G infrastructure across the country. The TSTL obtained the landmark certification from the National Centre for Communication Security (NCSS) to test AMF and 5G Group-I devices, covering 21 vital core-network functions under common security requirements. The NCCS has been mandated to operationalise the framework of security testing and certification for telecom and ICT products in India under a scheme called the Communication Security Certification Scheme (ComSec), which falls under the broader Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) rules. "This certification reduces our dependency on foreign testing laboratories, thereby strengthening national security and promoting indigenous technological capabilities. By bridging academia and industry, the certified TSTL enhances collaborative research and innovation, empowering IIT-Madras Pravartak to actively contribute to developing secure telecom solutions tailored specifically to meet India's strategic requirements," IITM Director V Kamakoti said. Pravartak Technologies is a company registered under Section 8 of the Indian Companies Act, housing a technology-innovation hub on sensors, networking, actuators, and control systems. MJ Shankar Raman, CEO, IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation, informed that the TSTL's certification represents a significant validation of India's capability in robust and secure telecommunications infrastructure. "This is the first lab in India authorised to test 5G core-network function -- Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) and 5G Group-I devices, which cover 21 core-network functions under common security requirements. This certification underscores the lab's critical role in ensuring the security and resilience of telecom networks by rigorous security testing and evaluating telecom equipment against the Indian Telecom Security Standard Requirement (ITSAR)," Raman said.

1 days ago

Technology

Navy enhances coastal defence with commissioning of ASW vessel Androth

Visakhapatnam: The Indian Navy on Monday commissioned 'Androth', the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft during a ceremonial event at the Naval Dockyard. According to the Navy, the induction of Androth will enhance its overall Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capabilities, particularly for operations in coastal and shallow waters. The event was presided over by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC), in the presence of senior naval officers and shipyard representatives. “The commissioning of Androth marks another major step in the Navy's ongoing efforts toward indigenisation and capability enhancement,” said an official press release from the ENC. Indigenously built by Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE), the vessel embodies India's growing shipbuilding prowess with over 80 per cent locally sourced components.

1 days ago

Technology

SC seeks response from Centre, Ladakh UT on Wangchuk wife’s plea

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday sought a response from the Centre and Union Territory of Ladakh on a plea filed by Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, challenging the climate activist's detention under the National Security Act, and seeking his immediate release. However, a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria refused to pass any order on providing grounds of detention to Wangchuk's wife and posted the matter for hearing on October 14. Wangchuk was detained under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) on September 26, two days after protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh left four people dead and 90 injured in the Union territory. Wangchuk is lodged in Jodhpur jail in Rajasthan. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Wangchuk's wife, sought directions from the apex court that the grounds of detention should be served on her. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that the grounds of detention have been served on the detenue (Wangchuk). Mehta stated that there is no legal requirement for the grounds of detention to be given to the wife. Sibal pressed for an interim order for the supply of grounds, saying a detention order cannot be challenged without a copy. Justice Kumar then said, "At this stage, we will not say anything." The bench, however, noted the submission of the Solicitor General that he would examine the feasibility of the supply of grounds of detention. Mehta stated that the petitioner was trying to create a "hype" and an "emotive issue" that Wangchuk was denied medical relief and meetings with his wife. In her plea filed through senior lawyer Vivek Tankha and lawyer Sarvam Ritam Khare, Angmo has also questioned the decision to invoke the NSA against Wangchuk, which allows detention without trial for up to 12 months. Filing the habeas corpus (bring the person) writ, the spouse of the detained activist sought urgent listing of the plea and a direction to the Ladakh administration to "produce Sonam Wangchuk before this court forthwith". It also sought immediate access to the detainee and quashing of the preventive detention order. The plea, which named the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ladakh UT administration, the deputy commissioner of Leh, and the Jodhpur jail superintendent as parties, also sought a direction to them to "allow immediate access of the petitioner to her husband, both telephonic and in person". The plea alleged that Wangchuk's detention was "illegal, arbitrary, and unconstitutional", violating the fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14, 19, 21, and 22 of the Constitution. "Wangchuk, who has been an internationally acclaimed innovator, environmentalist, and social reformer, has always espoused Gandhian and peaceful methods to highlight the ecological and democratic concerns of Ladakh," it said. On September 26, Wangchuk was detained by the deputy commissioner of Leh under Section 3(2) of the NSA, as he was recovering from a prolonged fast to highlight Ladakh's demand for constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule. He was swiftly shifted to the Central Jail in Jodhpur without being provided medicines, personal belongings, or access to his family and counsel, the plea said. No grounds of detention have been furnished to date, either to Wangchuk or to his family, the petition submitted. His wife alleged that she has been kept under virtual house arrest in Leh, while students and staff of the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), founded by Wangchuk, are facing harassment, intimidation, and intrusive investigations. "The arbitrary transfer of Wangchuk to Jodhpur, the harassment of students and staff of HIAL, the virtual house arrest of the petitioner herself, and the false propaganda linking Wangchuk to foreign entities clearly demonstrate mala fide state action intended to suppress democratic dissent and peaceful environmental activism," the plea submitted. Wangchuk's detention has also inflicted severe mental pain and anguish on the people of Ladakh, who revere him as their leader, it stated. "A recent tragic incident has been reported where a member of the Ladakh Buddhist Association committed suicide, allegedly depressed after his (Wangchuk's) detention, underscoring the devastating psychological impact on the community," it said. "Direct respondents to ensure that Sonam Wangchuk is provided with his medicines, clothes, food, and other necessities forthwith," the plea said. It also sought a direction to the authorities to place before the top court "the order of detention along with grounds of detention and all records pertaining thereto". It sought a direction to the respondents to produce a medical report of Wangchuk, after immediate doctor consultation, before the court. "Stop immediate harassment of HIAL and its members/students who have not harmed and are tirelessly working for the benefit of the ecology," the plea said.

1 days ago