Trump says PM Modi among world's 'toughest leaders'

IANS | June 19, 2026 6:20 PM

Washington, June 19 (IANS) US President Donald Trump has singled out Prime Minister Narendra Modi as one of the world's toughest leaders, a view he expressed both in a newly published Axios interview and during his recent bilateral meeting with the Indian leader in France.

Foundation days are not to erase or ignore pain, but to acknowledge history

IANS | June 19, 2026 4:57 PM

New Delhi, June 19 (IANS) While states in India usually observe foundation day to celebrate the moment of birth and glory, the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress chose "Poila Boisakh" (the first day of the first month on Bengali calendar) to mark "Paschim Banga Divas" or West Bengal Day.

'Go check what is in it': Pinarayi Vijayan as ED opens daughter's locker

IANS | June 19, 2026 4:43 PM

Thiruvananthapuram, June 19 (IANS) Kerala's Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday responded sharply to media queries on the Enforcement Directorate (ED) opening and examining the bank locker of his daughter Veena Vijayan in connection with the CMRL–Exalogic financial transaction case, saying there was nothing to hide.

NCW asks states, UTs to ensure mandatory POSH audits, robust workplace safety mechanisms

IANS | June 19, 2026 3:05 PM

New Delhi, June 19 (IANS) In a significant step towards strengthening workplace safety and safeguarding the dignity of women, the National Commission for Women (NCW) on Friday issued an advisory to all states and Union Territories, calling for the immediate and effective implementation of comprehensive measures under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act).

Pilots’ body claims electric failure led to Air India Boeing crash in Ahmedabad

IANS | June 19, 2026 2:57 PM

New Delhi, June 19 (IANS) The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has challenged the official narrative related to the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI 171, just seconds after take-off from Ahmedabad airport on June 12, 2025, claiming that new simulator data points to a massive systemic electrical failure that caused the Boeing plane crash rather than pilot suicide.

LoP Rahul Gandhi’s birthday celebrated in Varanasi with 'Parashuram' portrayal; BJP hits out

IANS | June 19, 2026 2:12 PM

Varanasi, June 19 (IANS) Congress workers marked the 56th birthday of Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi with a unique celebration on Friday. Members of the Youth Congress portrayed him as 'Lord Parashuram,' performed a milk abhishek, celebrated on the banks of the Ganga, cut a laddoo cake, and displayed his image holding a copy of the Constitution.