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US Congressman Riley Moore criticized India's FCRA Amendment Bill, calling it an attack on Christians and a potential concern for US-India relations. The bill would allow the government to manage foreign contributions to religious organizations.US Congressman Riley Moore(X/@RepRileyMoore)US Congressman Riley Moore, a Republican from West Virginia, took to social media on Wednesday to slam the proposed amendments India is looking to make in the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill 2026, calling it a “clear attack against Christians.”In his post on X, Moore said, "Christians have been in India since St. Thomas the Apostle traveled to the Malabar Coast just decades after the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.""But despite this long Christian history, India’s Parliament is considering amending Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment (FCRA) rules to permit government takeovers of churches and religious charities," Riley continued, claiming that this is an attack on Christians and if it proceeds in this manner, can be a major point of concern when it comes to the bilateral relationship of the US with India."This is a clear attack against Christians. If this bill proceeds in this way, it would be a point of major concern in our bilateral relationship with India." Moore said.What is the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026?The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 has proposed to empower the central government to create a 'Designated Authority' that will take over how foreign contributions and assets created with foreign contributions are managed once an organisation's FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered, or is not renewed on time.The bill has also stated that in case these assets are a place of worship, the Designated Authority has to ensure that its religious character continues to be maintained.The bill has also proposed to reduce the maximum penalty for violation of this Act to be reduced to one year from the earlier five years.ANI cited the Ministry of Home Affairs to reveal that 13,520 organisations received ₹55,741 crore of foreign contribution between 2019 and 2022. As per the FCRA portal, as of 15 July 2026, there are around 14,449 FCRA certificates that are still active, while 22,498 have been cancelled and 15,212 have been deemed as expired.BJP ally MNF opposes FCRA Amendment BillThe Mizo National Front (MNF), the main opposition party in the state of Mizoram, has opposed the proposed amendments to the FCRA and has urged MPs from the country to vote against it in the Parliament, PTI reported.The MNF is an ally of the BJP-led NDA.There are concerns in the Christian-majority state that the FCRA Amendment Bill in its current form is detrimental to minority institutions, especially Christians and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).MNF vice president Lalchhandama Ralte has said that his party considers the proposed amendments a serious threat to churches, NGOs, educational institutions as well as charitable organisations that depend on foreign contributions, as per PTI."The MNF is firmly opposed to the FCRA Amendment Bill. We expect the state's MPs in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to strongly oppose it and not simply abstain during the voting," he was quoted as saying by PTI.With agency inputsStay updated with the latest Trending, India, World and US news. HomeNewsIndiaUS lawmaker says proposed FCRA amendments threaten Christian institutions in India, could affect bilateral tiesMore
New Delhi: A deep depression over west-central Chhattisgarh and adjoining parts of Vidarbha and southeast Madhya Pradesh is expected to trigger extremely heavy rainfall across parts of central and western India over the next three days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday. The weather office forecast isolated extremely heavy rainfall of 21 cm or more over Madhya Maharashtra on 31 July and the Gujarat region on 31 July and 1 August.The IMD also said monsoon rainfall is likely to remain normal to above-normal over northwest and west-central India over the next three to four days. In northwest India, fairly widespread to widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and winds of 30-40 kmph, gusting up to 50 kmph, is likely over Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand through 5 August. Similar conditions are expected over Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh during different periods between 31 July and 5 August.Central India, including Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh, is also expected to witness widespread rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds over the coming days, while northeastern states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura are likely to receive widespread rainfall until 5 August.Flash flood riskAmid heavy rainfall in these regions, the IMD warned of a low to moderate risk of flash floods in a dozen states over the next 24 hours, with the deep depression over central India expected to trigger intense rainfall, surface runoff and inundation in low-lying areas.The weather office said watersheds and neighbourhoods of met sub divisions in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand face the risk of flash floods until 11.30 am on 31 July.In central and western India, the alert covers districts in east and west Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra, the Gujarat region and southern Rajasthan, where heavy rainfall could lead to rapid runoff and waterlogging in saturated catchments.In the northeast, districts across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura and Manipur have also been placed under low to moderate flash flood risk as widespread rainfall continues across the region.The IMD also issued a similar alert for parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, warning that heavy rain over already saturated soils could cause localized inundation and increased runoff in vulnerable areas.The weather office advised residents and local authorities in the affected districts to remain alert as heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours may lead to flooding in low-lying areas and along small streams and watersheds.Downpours in past 24 hoursIn the past 24 hours, Chhattisgarh recorded extremely heavy rainfall and several states witnessed heavy to very heavy downpours. The IMD said:extremely heavy rainfall of 21 cm or more was recorded in parts of Chhattisgarh;very heavy rainfall, ranging between 12 cm and 20 cm, was reported from Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Odisha and Telangana; andheavy rainfall of 7-11 cm was recorded over Rajasthan, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and south interior Karnataka.About the AuthorVijay C RoyVijay C. Roy is a journalist with over 21 years of experience covering various news beats across different organisations such as Business Standard and The Tribune. In the past, he has covered beats such as finance, auto, MSME, commodities, FMCG, pharmaceutical, agriculture, IT/ITES, infrastructure and start-ups. He joined Mint in February 2025, and covers agriculture, food processing, fertilizers, environment and climate change, bringing over two decades of experience reporting on farm policy, food inflation, crop trade, and rural livelihoods. Vijay’s areas of reporting include
The activist also made an appeal to the central government wherein he asked the latter to keep the promises it had made both to Wangchuk as well as the Cockroach Janta Party.Sonam Wangchuk(Sonam Wangchuk X/ANI Video Grab)Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is travelling back to Ladakh via Srinagar in a Vande Bharat Express train after being released from a Delhi hospital where he ended his 26-day hunger strike, praised the Indian Railways while urging the central government to stick to promises it has made.Wangchuk, in a video shared on social media, also said that he had wished to see the rail bridge constructed over the Chenab river and that it was a wonderful experience when he did see it. Wangchuk also said that he is extremely proud of the Indian Railways.Wangchuk also said that he is happy that a new anti-paper leak bill has been taken up in the Parliament, and said that new changes should not only be limited to preventing paper leaks, but should attempt at making the education system better as a whole.The activist also made an appeal to the central government wherein he asked the latter to keep the promises it had made both to Wangchuk as well as the Cockroach Janta Party.He reiterated the promise the central government made that it would not be undertaking legal proceedings against students who participated in protests led by the CJP demanding the resignation of then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.States to not pursue casesNotably, the Supreme Court, on Tuesday, 28 July, ordered all state governments to release protesting students under 18 as well as those protestors who have no criminal record.The Bihar, Assam, as well as West Bengal governments have released statements saying that the would not be taking action against NEET protestors.CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said in a post on X, "After Bihar and Assam notifications, we have just been guaranteed that no authority will proceed against protesters in Rajasthan. No FIRs have been registered. None will be. We are continuously working to ensure all other risky BJP/NDA states release notifications in the required language in protesters' interest. We will never let any youth fight this alone!""After due consideration, the government has decided that no coercive measures shall be taken against the students participating in the protests relating to the alleged irregularities in the NEET (UG) Examination," the statement by the West Bengal government said, adding that the protection would not extend to "persons having criminal antecedents, as mandated in the order of the Hon'ble Court."The CJP has warned that if cases are pursued against students, they would be forced to launch another protest.CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said in an X post on Tuesday, "If the harassment of students at the hands of the police continues, the Cockroach Janta Party will respond with a massive peaceful protest soon."Get Latest real-time updatesStay updated with the latest Trending, India, World and US news. Follow CJP Protest LIVE updates as Sonam Wangchuk ends his 26-day hunger strike following government assurances, while the Jantar Mantar protest continues. Get the latest updates on talks between the CJP delegation and the Centre, the demand for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, possible arrests, Delhi security measures and developments in Parliament.HomeNewsIndiaSonam Wangchuk hails Vande Bharat Express as he travels to Srinagar from New Delhi, reminds Centre to fulfil promisesMore
Hyderabad weather today: According to the latest IMD bulletin, Hyderabad is expected to witness a generally cloudy sky, with the maximum and minimum temperatures likely to hover around 28°C and 22°C, respectively.Several districts in Telangana remain on orange alert (representative image)(Pexels)The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rain and thundershowers for Hyderabad over the next 24 hours, while issuing heavy rainfall alerts for several districts across Telangana.According to the latest IMD bulletin, the city is expected to witness a generally cloudy sky, with the maximum and minimum temperatures likely to hover around 28°C and 22°C, respectively.The IMD has issued an orange warning for Adilabad, Kumaram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, Nirmal, Nizamabad, Vikarabad, Sangareddy, Medak and Kamareddy, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places on Thursday.A yellow alert has also been issued for Jagtial, Rajanna Sircilla, Karimnagar, Peddapalli, Jayashankar Bhupalpally and Mulugu, with heavy rainfall expected in isolated areas.Stay updated with the latest Trending, India, World and US news. Follow CJP Protest LIVE updates as Sonam Wangchuk ends his 26-day hunger strike following government assurances, while the Jantar Mantar protest continues. Get the latest updates on talks between the CJP delegation and the Centre, the demand for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, possible arrests, Delhi security measures and developments in Parliament.HomeNewsIndiaHyderabad weather today: IMD forecasts rain, thunderstorms in city; nine Telangana districts on orange alertMore
India's primary market is set for another busy month, with more than a dozen companies, including Zepto, Shiprocket, and Elevate Campuses, preparing to launch their initial public offerings (IPOs). The upcoming issues are reportedly expected to collectively raise more than ₹25,000 crore.India's IPO market is set for a busy month, with companies across sectors preparing to launch public issues. (Unsplash)The offering features a mix of fresh equity issues and offers for sale (OFS), reflecting healthy demand for new listings.Also read: Biggest public offering in India: NSE to file for IPO at nearly ₹30,000 crore; LIC to stay putZepto, Truhome and Shiprocket lead IPOAmong the biggest offerings, Zepto has planned an IPO comprising a fresh issue up to ₹8,010 crore along with an offer for sale of up to 11.34 crore. The company, which competes with Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket in India's quick commerce market, plans to use proceeds from the fresh issue to expand its dark-store network, strengthen technology infrastructure and support growth initiatives.Also read: Zepto co-founders got ED summons in FEMA case, firm's IPO draft documents say | What we knowHousing finance firm Truhome Finance is planning a ₹3,000-crore IPO, comprising a fresh issue of shares worth up to ₹1,500 crore and an offer for sale of an equal amount, news agency PTI reported.Education infrastructure company Elevate Campuses intends to raise ₹2,550 crore through an entirely fresh issue, while logistics platform Shiprocket plans for a ₹2,342.35-crore IPO, including a fresh issue of up to ₹1,100 crore and an offer for sale worth ₹1,242.35 crore.Other companies planning to enter the primary market include Innovatiview India, which aims to raise up to ₹2,000 crore entirely through an OFS, and Milky Mist Dairy Food, which has proposed a ₹1,553-crore issue.Dhoot Transmission, ARCIL (Asset Reconstruction Company India Ltd), Ardee Industries, Gaja Alternative Asset Management, Rays of Belief, Hy-Tech Engineers, Shankesh Jewellers and Learnfluence Education are also issuing IPO.Market sentiment improvesMerchant bankers believe companies that had delayed their listing plans are now returning to the market as investor confidence strengthens."With markets stabilising and investor sentiment improving, companies that were waiting on the sidelines are now moving ahead with their IPO plans," said Bhavesh Shah, MD & Head-Investment Banking at Equirus Capital, as cited by PTI.The strong IPO pipeline comes amid sustained activity in India's primary market this year. So far, 36 companies have launched IPOs in 2026, including nine that entered the market this month. Looking ahead, Manipal Health Enterprises and Juniper Green Energy are scheduled to start their public issues on July 29 and July 30, respectively, while MV Electrosystems is also set to launch its IPO next week.Also read: Why SpaceX shares are slumping after a blockbuster IPO: ExplainedOutlook remains strong despite volatilityInvestment bankers remain optimistic about the long-term outlook for India's IPO ecosystem, citing the growing preference among businesses to raise capital through public markets."The primary market has undergone a structural transformation, with equity becoming an increasingly preferred source of growth capital. While there will always be tactical pauses driven by market volatility, the underlying pipeline remains very strong. I continue to expect India to raise around USD 20 billion through IPOs this calendar year," he was quoted as saying.Shah also said investors are becoming increasingly selective while evaluating new listings and well-priced IPOs are likely to continue delivering healthy returns, while aggressively valued offerings may witness limited upside, as investors become increasingly selective rather than indiscriminately bullish.(With inputs from agencies)
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who ended his 26-day hunger strike on Friday, slammed critics after his decision to end the strike was questioned. His decision reportedly came after the Centre provided him with written assurance of resolving the standoff over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.File image of Environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk with his wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo(Image: ANI)Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk on Friday responded to critics who questioned his decision to end the 26-day hunger strike held in support of students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak.In a video message posted on social media, he questioned why his commitment to the cause needed a character certificate.Wangchuk's response to criticsWangchuk said, "After 26 days of fasting for the sake of students, losing 11 kilograms of body weight in which I have also lost muscle mass and my organs and brain reached the verge of irreversible damage, and doing all this in the scorching heat of Delhi after coming from the bitter cold of Ladakh, do I have to seek a character certificate from anyone about how sacred my fast was, about whose hands I broke it at, or whether I made a deal or not?... Shame on a country that produces such minds, from which such vile thoughts spring. I don't blame anyone because most of you lack knowledge of what circumstances I have been through, what my family has been through in the past week or two... So before listening to anyone, be sure to look at their background. Do they hold any grudges? Are they from a political party that has grudges against another political party, or are they a neutral person? If they are neutral, then definitely listen to them..."Quick answers to key questions•5 QUESTIONSSonam Wangchuk undertook a 26-day hunger strike to support students protesting against the alleged NEET paper leak and to demand systemic reforms in India's competitive examination framework.Wangchuk ended his hunger strike after receiving written assurances from the government regarding discussions about accountability in the failing examination system and financial compensation for families of students who died by suicide.The CJP demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, ₹1 crore compensation for families of deceased students, withdrawal of FIRs against peaceful protesters, and prosecution of police involved in violence.Wangchuk's health deteriorated significantly after 26 days of fasting, leading him to break the fast in light of potential irreversible damage to his organs and brain.Wangchuk obtained a formal written assurance from the government that there would be a thorough debate in Parliament about accountability in the education system and the implementation of measures to prevent future examination irregularities.Wangchuk ends hunger strikeHis remarks came roughly a day after he ended his indefinite hunger strike at Medanta Hospital in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. News agency ANI reported that Wangchuk ended his 26-day-long hunger strike after he received written assurance from the Centre regarding the NEET examination issue and systemic reforms in the country's competitive testing framework.He also revealed that while he was given verbal assurances at first, he insisted on a formal document, which led to a two-day delay in ending his protest.Pause before you rush to criticise: Wangchuk's wifeBefore Wangchuk posted the video, his wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, took to her social media account to hit out at critics who questioned the climate activist's decision to end his hunger strike, which he began on 28 June at Delhi's Jantar Mantar after joining the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)'s protest seeking the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and financial compensation for the next of kin of students who died by suicide.In a post, Angmo wrote, "Before you rush to criticise, first pause to earn the ethos of fasting for 26 days for a cause larger than
Protests backing Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike spread to New York, San Jose, London and Dublin, where demonstrators demand action over alleged NEET irregularities. The show of solidarity comes as the Centre holds fresh talks with CJP leaders over their demands.Wangchuk was shifted from Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram on Tuesday (Photo by Sanjeev Verma/ Hindustan Times)Activist Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing hunger strike over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination has drawn international support, with demonstrations being held in the United States, the United Kingdom and Ireland even as the Centre continues efforts to resolve the protest through dialogue.According to PTI, members of the US-based advocacy group Hindus for Human Rights staged demonstrations in New York and San Jose on Monday evening, expressing solidarity with Wangchuk and other protesters. Similar protests were also organised outside the Indian High Commission in London and the Indian Embassy in Dublin, the group said in a statement on Tuesday.Protesters demand Pradhan's resignationThe protesters gathered near Mahatma Gandhi's statue at Union Square in New York, carrying placards in support of Wangchuk. They also raised slogans against the Indian government and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.Quick answers to key questions•5 QUESTIONSSonam Wangchuk's hunger strike is in protest against alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, demanding accountability and reform from the government.Protests supporting Sonam Wangchuk are taking place internationally to express solidarity with his demands for fairness and accountability in India's educational system, particularly regarding the NEET exam.The Indian government has agreed to hold discussions in Parliament regarding the NEET examination allegations and is set to meet with the protesting students' representatives to address their demands.Yes, the protesters are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as part of their broader demands related to the NEET examination irregularities.The Cockroach Janta Party's key demands include the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, the release of Sonam Wangchuk, and the withdrawal of legal action against participants in the protests."Our protests sent a clear message, whether in New York or London, San Jose or Dublin: India's students deserve to be treated with fairness and dignity," the advocacy group said in a statement."The youth of India deserve honest answers and a future they can trust. The Indian citizenry deserves open dialogue and reform, and it is time for the Indian government to take accountability," it added.Wangchuk continues his hunger strikeThe demonstrations come as Wangchuk continues his indefinite hunger strike, which began on June 28, demanding action over alleged examination irregularities.Meanwhile, the Centre will hold another round of discussions with leaders of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which is spearheading the protest. Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh will meet CJP representatives.CJP spokespersons said the protesters remain open to dialogue and reiterated demands including the withdrawal of cases against participants in the July 20 demonstration and action on their broader demands related to the examination controversy.Centre agree to hold discussion on NEET in Lok SabhaEarlier in the day, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after the government agreed to hold a detailed discussion on the alleged NEET paper leak in the Lok Sabha. The Centre has also requested an all-party meeting to decide the rule, date and duration of the debate.Wangchuk was shifted from Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram on Tuesday following a Delhi High Court order. Later that evening, Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh visited him at the hospital to enquire about his health. Stay updated
Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has sparked a heated debate on social media. He claims Delhi protesters aim to plunge India into chaos.According to Vembu, the students’ “agenda” deliberately seeks to halt national progress. He alleges that the movement is aided by anti-India forces.“One thing is clear: the Delhi protesters want to plunge India into chaos and stop the nation's progress. We must defeat this malicious agenda, which is aided and abetted by powers that want to destroy India,” he wrote.Quick answers to key questions•5 QUESTIONSSridhar Vembu claims that the Delhi protesters are attempting to plunge India into chaos and halt national progress, alleging that their agenda is supported by anti-India forces.Vembu criticized the protesters for their perceived intent to disrupt national progress and called for the defeat of their agenda, which he believes is malicious and politically motivated.Social media users have reacted strongly, with many questioning Vembu's characterization of the protests and suggesting that he does not understand the struggles of common people.Many users argue that accountability from the government is necessary and that issues should not be sidelined until elections, indicating a need for immediate action.Social media has facilitated widespread support for the student protests, with users organizing food deliveries to protesters and sharing their perspectives on the situation.“We have a vibrant democracy, and elections are the proper way to express our collective judgment,” he added.Vembu’s tweet came while quoting S Gurumurthy's earlier post about the CJP. The social commentator called the CJP a “fake cover for anarchists”.He claimed the protest wasn't spontaneous but carefully preplanned. Gurumurthy argued that political crowds only joined during Parliament's opening. “It should be crushed with (an) iron hand,” he said.Vembu's remarks triggered a wave of strong reactions online. Many users directly challenged his characterisation of the protests. One user argued that students weren't stopping national progress.Another accused him of prioritising survival mode over improving democracy. Some questioned his privilege, citing his wealth and political connections. One user called it a fight between the "haves" and "have-nots".“It is easy to say for you as you have everything in life- wealth, political connection, a comfortable life, the option to leave India if you think so. What the common people of India have is nothing. This is a fight between Haves & Haves-not! So, your stand is quite understandable,” the user wrote.Others criticised the government's handling of the underlying issues raised. Users questioned why India must wait for elections to demand accountability.“With one resignation, everything will go away. How is asking for accountability stopping progress?” commented one user.One user asked why authorities showed such reluctance towards dialogue. Another argued that youth were essentially forced into street protests. Another user warned that failing education would eventually hurt companies.“Capitalists funding politicians are the root cause of corruption and unaccountability. Because why be accountable, you will anyway fund them. People only blame politicians, but capitalists hide laughing behind,” replied another user.'Hope you won't justify NEET leak'“Govt should make this protest ease just ask Dharmendra Pradhan to resign at least. Hope you won't justify NEET leakage and stuff,” commented one user.Some supporters, however, echoed concerns about biased social media narratives. One person claimed celebrities were lending false credibility to protesters.Others accused certain participants of spreading misinformation without solid evidence.“Sridhar, look at this anti-national father who is there to celebrate his son’s death. I am sure you are referring to such anti-nationals,” wrote one user.Elsewhere, users urged Vembu to reconsider his stance more carefully. One supporter warned that Vembu's
Civilian aircraft operating in or around conflict zones remain vulnerable to missile engagements, misidentification, GPS interference, electronic warfare and rapidly changing airspace restrictions. (Pixabay)SummaryRenewed tensions in West Asia have ignited a debate over the safety of civilian flights to the region. A section of Indian pilots has sought a suspension of flights, but the country's largest pilots' body argues airlines should continue flying as long as foreign carriers do.As renewed US-Iran hostilities raise concerns over the safety of civilian aircraft operating in West Asia, a section of India's commercial pilots wants flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other Gulf destinations suspended until the government completes a fresh threat assessment. The country's largest pilots' association, however, disagrees, saying Indian carriers should not stop flying and lose out while the war-hit region's own airlines continue with their services.The Airline Pilots' Association of India (Alpa India) has written to civil aviation minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), seeking immediate suspension of commercial flights to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) until authorities complete a comprehensive security assessment.Alpa India is a member association of the International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (Ifalpa), which represents over 100,000 pilots globally. In India, Alpa has over 2,500 members.The association's request comes as the US and Iran have renewed hostilities, with reports of fresh military escalation and threats directed at key Gulf cities over the past eight days."The security situation has now deteriorated further," Alpa president Sam Thomas wrote in a letter dated 20 July, a copy of which has been reviewed by Mint."Recent reports of explicit threats directed against Dubai and Abu Dhabi, coupled with the continuing military escalation in the region, significantly heighten the risk to civil aviation operations," it said.Thomas said civilian aircraft operating in or around conflict zones remain vulnerable to missile engagements, misidentification, GPS interference, electronic warfare and rapidly changing airspace restrictions. The consequences of a misjudgement in such an environment, he warned, could be catastrophic."Alpa India, therefore, respectfully reiterates its earlier request that the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the DGCA immediately suspend all commercial flight operations by Indian operators to the affected Gulf destinations, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, until a comprehensive and independent threat assessment has been undertaken," it said.The pilots' body said services should resume only after the government is satisfied that the threat has been independently assessed, airlines have implemented appropriate risk mitigation measures, pilots have been adequately briefed, and insurance and contingency arrangements remain valid under the current security situation.Contra viewHowever, not all pilot groups are aligned with Alpa's demand.The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP), the country's largest pilots' association with over 6,000 members, opposed any move to suspend flights, arguing that Indian airlines should not voluntarily cede operations while foreign carriers continue to fly."The Middle Eastern carriers are continuing their operations into India and elsewhere. So why should Indian carriers stop operations?" asked C.S. Randhawa, president of the federation.Randhawa said Indian airlines had already suffered significant disruption between late February and May, as operations in key West Asia markets were curtailed. "The Middle East carriers like Emirates or Etihad did not stop operations last time. But there were restrictions on Indian carriers, which impacted them," he said.Indian carriers are already taking a longer route to the Gulf countries in view of continued airspace closure over Pakistan since April last year. Tata Group-backed Air India has p
The development comes amid a protest led by the CJP, with sevThe development comes amid a protest led by the CJP, with several activists and youth assembling at Jantar Mantar to participate in the 'Sansad Chalo' march. eral activists and youth assembling at Jantar Mantar.Abhijeet Dipke, head of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) addresses supporters at a protest site ahead of a planned march to Parliament on the opening day of the monsoon session, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over exam paper leaks, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, India, July 20, 2026. REUTERS/Bhawika Chhabra(REUTERS)Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke ended his indefinite hunger strike at the request of activist Sonam Wangchuk and father of NEET student, Riya Thapa, who had died of suicide.Dipke had begun the fast after Wangchuk was hospitalised on July 18, when his own 21-day hunger strike necessitated medical intervention. Dipke broke the fast with a glass of juice.Quick answers to key questions•5 QUESTIONSAbhijeet Dipke ended his hunger strike at the request of activist Sonam Wangchuk and the father of NEET student Riya Thapa, who urged him to lead the march to Parliament.Sonam Wangchuk stated he would end his hunger strike if the government took accountability for education system failures, if CJP leaders were assured by MPs that education issues would be addressed, or if leaders visited him in the hospital with assurances.The CJP's march to Parliament aims to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and to press for accountability regarding recent failures in the education system following student suicides.The police enforced prohibitory orders and set up barricades to prevent the CJP march from proceeding toward Parliament, labeling the protest as illegal.CJP representatives Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka met Union Health Minister JP Nadda as part of discussions initiated by the government regarding the demands of the protesting students.In a post on X, the CJP said father of NEET student Riya Thapa, who died by suicide, persuaded Diple to end his hunger strike so that he can lead the march to Parliament.After breaking the fast, Dipke and other CJP members began the scheduled march towards the Parliament amid heavy police deployment. Around the sam etime, CJP representatives Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka left to meet Union Health Minister JP Nadda. Dipke asked his supporters to stay put and waur for the outcome of the meeting.Sharing the update on his official X handle, Saurav Das said the government had reached out for talks earlier in the day."It's 11:52 AM. Ashutosh Ranka and I, on behalf of the Cockroach Janata Party, are on our way to meet J.P. Nadda. The government had reached out for talks in the morning. Our demands are clear. The youth have gathered in huge numbers. We shall win!," Das wrote.Das had earlier signaled the organisation's willingness to engage in talks with the government regarding their long-standing demands for examination reforms. While noting that the administration's overtures came late, he stated that they remain open to discussions to resolve the impasse surrounding the education system.Das claimed that there is no clarity from the administration's side despite their recent attempt to open talks, adding that "the ball is in their court."Wangchuk seeks discharge from hospitalActivist Sonam Wangchuk on Monday urged the authorities at Safdarjung Hospital to discharge him, citing his stable health condition, so that he could participate in the ‘Sansad Chalo’ march to Parliament led by Dipke and other activists.Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital on July 18 after his fast entered its 21st day.In a note shared on his official X handle, Wangchuk stated he was feeling well and requested the hospital authorities to allow him to leav
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