A Lufthansa flight to Spain last year went without a pilot for 10 minutes after the co-pilot fainted while he was alone in the cockpit, German news agency dpa reported on Saturday.
During the flight from Frankfurt to Seville, Spain, on Feb. 17, 2024, the co-pilot of an Airbus A321 fainted while the captain was in the restroom, dpa reported, referring to a report by the Spanish accident investigation authority CIAIAC.
The aircraft, which was carrying 199 passengers and six crew members, flew for around 10 minutes without a pilot in command of the plane, according to the report.
Lufthansa told dpa that it was aware of the investigation report and that its own flight safety department had also conducted an investigation. The company didn't disclose its results, dpa said.
Although the unconscious co-pilot apparently operated controls unintentionally, the aircraft was able to continue flying in a stable manner thanks to the active autopilot. During this time period, the voice recorder recorded strange noises in the cockpit that were consistent with an acute health emergency, dpa reported.
The captain initially tried entering the regular door opening code, which triggers a buzzer in the cockpit so that the co-pilot can open the door. He did so five times without being able to enter the cockpit. A stewardess tried to contact the co-pilot using the onboard telephone.
Finally, the captain typed in an emergency code that would have allowed him to open the door on his own. However, shortly before the door would have opened automatically, the co-pilot opened it from the inside despite being ill, dpa reported.
The pilot then decided to make an unplanned landing in Madrid, where his colleague was taken to a hospital.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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Veteran pacer Ishant Sharma is backing Jasprit Bumrah to lead the Indian team on the tour of England and said Shubman Gill could be handed the job only if the peerless fast bowler is not fit to last the full five-match Test series. The captaincy debate has intensified following Rohit Sharma's retirement from Test cricket, weeks before the Indian team's departure for England for the series that will run from June 20 to August 4. "If Bumrah is fit, I would say Bumrah. That's first choice. He is the only one who has so much experience. But if he won't play all the five Tests matches, then obviously Shubman," Ishant said on Saturday in response to a PTI query on Star Sports Press Room.
Bumrah, 31, has previously captained India in the rescheduled fifth Test against England in 2022, and in the first and fifth Tests of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. However, concerns remain over his fitness.
The pacer had undergone a back surgery two years ago due to a stress-related injury and missed a major chunk of international cricket, including India's triumphant Champions Trophy campaign after he left the field on the second day of the Sydney Test in January. He returned to action for the IPL.
Gill, 25, has impressed as captain of Gujarat Titans in the IPL, leading them to the top of the table this year.
"I was surprised, Virat could've played till 40"
Last Monday, Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing down the curtains on a remarkable career in which he scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85 in 123 matches, including 30 centuries.
Reacting to the development, Ishant said he was taken aback by the decision, especially considering Kohli's incredible fitness and discipline.
"I think he is mature. He knows what he is doing. I didn't really talk to him after he took retirement. But everyone knows as long as you are playing, it is important to be as normal as you can be. And that is why I have friendship with Virat. We have never tried to put anything on our head," Ishant said on the eve of their IPL match against Delhi Capitals.
"At the end of the day, we are human beings. And we are good friends. He knows what he wants in life and he must have talked to someone. That's why he made such a big decision. Yes, I was surprised. Because he could have played for at least 2-3 years more. He could have played till 40." Speaking further on Kohli, Ishant said, "And right now, the kind of routine he follows and everything... I am not talking about numbers that he should have scored 10,000. That is a different thing.
"Talk about fitness first. If you are fit, you can score 10,000. You can take 500 wickets. You can play as long as you want. But his fitness is the answer even at 36."
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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A tiger killed a man in Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat district on Friday and ate a sizable part of the body, a forest department official said.
The incident took place in Katangi forest, some 45 kilometres from the district headquarters, when Anil Aghansingh (33) was collecting tendu leaves used to make 'bidis' (cigarettes in which unprocessed tobacco is wrapped in leaves), he said.
"Half his body was eaten by the tiger. Local staff have been directed to patrol the area, and residents have been asked not to venture out of their homes at night. After getting the post-mortem report, his family will be provided financial assistance as per rules," Chief Conservator of Forests Gaurav Chaudhary told reporters.
According to Kasturabai, a woman who had gone with Aghansingh to collect tendu leaves, the tiger attacked suddenly.
She said she heard a faint noise and found Aghansingh's body when she went to check, following which the forest department was informed.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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India's hunt for the next Test captain seems to be over, with multiple reports suggesting that Shubman Gill is set to succeed Rohit Sharma in the longest format. Gill, who is already India's vice-captain in ODIs and T20Is, seems to be beating the favourite Jasprit Bumrah to the role, leaving many unimpressed. While Bumrah was India's vice-captain in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, leading the first Test in Rohit Sharma's absence, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee reportedly prefers Shubman Gill because of the pacer's poor injury record.
Gill's impressive show as a leader in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign has also impressed many, instilling confidence in the decision-makers to give the baton to the top-order batter.
As per a report in the Times of India, Gill held a lengthy discussion with Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir at the latter's residence when the Gujarat Titans had arrived in the national capital for a match against Delhi Capitals.
The two reportedly spoke for four to five hours, with Test captaincy, understandably, being the biggest point of discussion. When GT took on the Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium on May 6, Agarkar is said to have also had a discussion with Gill.
As per the report, the selection committee is convinced to give long-term captaincy responsibility to Gill, having been impressed by his development as a leader.
"He has shown impressive leadership qualities in the way he has led GT, who are currently topping the table this season," the paper quoted a source as saying.
The timing of these discussions paints an interesting picture. It is to be noted that Rohit Sharma quit as India's Test captain on May 7, well after the first discussion between Gambhir and Gill took place in Delhi. The DC vs GT match took place in the Capital on April 19, well before even the rumours of a Test captaincy change started to float.
As for Gambhir, his next assignment is the India A tour of England, where the senior team's head coach is keen to observe the gen-next of cricketers who are knocking on the national side's doors.
"He wants to observe a few India A players who will be in action against the England Lions," an official had said.
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The role of the Director General of Military Operations is in focus after the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan was declared following a call between officers holding the rank in both countries.
The position, which also involves planning and overseeing military operations, was equally important - if not more so - when India and Pakistan fought the Kargil war in 1999. The man occupying the post at the time was Nirmal Chander Vij, who went on to become the Army chief in 2005 and was instrumental in the decision to construct a 740-km fence along the Line of Control.
In an exclusive interview with NDTV on Friday, General Vij (retired) said that, after Operation Sindoor - during which India struck terror bases in Pakistan, including the headquarters of the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed - Islamabad has been sent a clear message that its nuclear bluff will not work anymore and that India will go to any extent to make sure its national integrity is safeguarded.
General Vij also said his experience has taught him that Pakistan is incorrigible and lying is part of its ethos.
State-Sponsored Terror
Asked about the recent hostilities, the former Army chief, who has written a new book, 'Alone In The Ring - Decision-Making In Critical Times', said, "In many ways, I think this book has turned out to be prophetic. Because I have written that our western neighbours are so incorrigible and so untrustworthy that you really cannot say anything about them for sure. And despite all the efforts by India to maintain peace, they have been indulging in terrorism promoted by the state."
General Vij recalled his interactions with General Tauqir Zia, who was the Pakistani DGMO during the Kargil war, and said that's when the country's propensity for lying and obfuscating became very apparent to him.
"You could make out that telling lies is a part of their very ethos and ecosystem... Once, I told him, after point 5140 was captured (during the Kargil war), that we have found lots of maps which were duly marked, all he could say in reply was 'ahmaq', which means 'fool' or 'stupid'. That's the problem with them... they will not speak the truth," he said.
'India Will Stay Alert'
The former Army chief said that despite the understanding being reached with Pakistan, India will maintain a state of alertness for "quite some time", until it's clear what line the other side will adopt. This, he said, was also important since PM Narendra Modi has made it clear that any act of terror originating in Pakistan will be seen as an act of war.
On Operation Sindoor, which was carried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people were killed, General Vij said some very important messages had been sent out to Pakistan.
"All along, we have been worried about nuclear responses. Our anti-terror operations were restricted to an extent. Even during the Kargil war, we didn't cross the Line of Control... Now, the PM has said your nuclear bluff is off... We will not take it as a serious thing. We have upgraded our response, attacked nine targets and gone into (Pakistan's) Punjab, which we have never done earlier. So, now they know that we will go to any extent to make sure that our national integrity is taken care of and safeguarded," he emphasised.
The former Army chief said the fact that all three forces - Army, Air Force and Navy - were involved was also a key part of the messaging.
"They have been told that we won't hesitate to go to any extent to make sure that they are put into great difficulty. As it is, the country is, economically, totally broke and they are taking loans to pay off their debts. So, they have to learn some place, sometime. The problem in Pakistan is... when Kargil happened, the then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said, he didn't even know... so we don't know who to believe," he said.
War An Option?
Asked how things have changed between Kargil and now and whether war is an option, the former Army chief said he thinks India could have "gone to any extent" if the Pakistani DGMO had not called and approached his Indian counterpart last week.
"If you ask a soldier, I don't think war is an option, even though it is our job to fight and we will perhaps be itching to fight at times. But war never solves much. Ultimately, you have got to get to the negotiating table. But to bring the other man to his senses - as Napoleon said, if you put a gun to the other's head, his rationale gets improved and he becomes far more sensible to talk to. So war is an option to bring the other man to a reasonable level of understanding and to get (him) talking more sense," he explained.
General Vij also pointed out that predicting anything about Pakistan is very difficult because it is unclear whether it is the government controlling the Army or vice versa.
"We are a far stronger country and we have shown the world that we are very reasonable. The first briefing, which was given by the foreign secretary and the two lady officers - who did a very good job - it was made clear that it was proportionate. We had gone after the terrorist targets and we had nothing against Pakistan as a country and did not want to escalate. But they escalated... And, in any case, for Pakistan to remain together, I think Kashmir has been a weapon to unite the country. So, it is very difficult to understand their mechanics of functioning," he said.
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Congress's Rahul Gandhi landed in controversy today after he went to meet students in Bihar at a hostel in Darbhanga, disregarding police barriers. The state government said he was not granted permission for a meeting at the hostel and a couple of cases were filed against him. Mr Gandhi, though, said he has 30-32 such cases against him and he regards them as "medals".
The police had allegedly stopped Mr Gandhi's car from going to the event, but he walked to the hostel and addressed the students there as the Congress launched its "Shiksha Nyay Samvad" programme.
With assembly elections in the state due at the end of this year, the Congress has alleged that the government's move was politically motivated.
"I came here to meet and talk to students who belong to marginalised communities but government officials are not allowing us to go inside," Mr Gandhi told reporters outside the Ambedkar Hostel.
"I only have three questions -- we want the government to put money in education, break down the wall of 50 per cent education, and introduce reservation in private schools as well. We want to peacefully go inside. They don't want us to meet you all so your requirements can be met. But they won't be able to stop us," he added.
Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary alleged that Mr Gandhi had "resorted to hooliganism" even though he was given an alternate venue for that meeting.
"It is painful that where the Leader of Opposition was not allowed to go, his party leaders had booked the town hall, but still he (Rahul Gandhi) forcibly conducted the programme by resorting to hooliganism and using force," he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
"It is very unfortunate that the country's Leader of Opposition is speaking in such a way, has resorted to hooliganism like this... We only go to the hostel for the Bihar government's scheme. No one is allowed to go there for any political meeting," he said, demanding that Mr Gandhi apologise to the people of Bihar.
Regarding the police cases filed against Mr Gandhi, the Darbhanga district administration, in a statement, said: "The first FIR has been registered based on a complaint filed at Laheriasarai police station by the District Welfare Officer (holding magisterial powers). It states that no permission was granted for the programme at Ambedkar Hostel, yet it was conducted in violation of prohibitory orders." The second case was filed against dozens of unidentified people for flouting the prohibitory orders.
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Washing and wiping the feet of Miss World 2025 contestants by women from Telangana before their entry into a temple has triggered outrage with the opposition BRS and BJP terming it an insult to the self-respect of Telangana.
The feet of contestants from 109 countries were washed and wiped by women volunteers before their entry into the ancient Ramappa temple in the Mulugu district on Wednesday.
The visit of contestants to the temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was part of the ongoing beauty pageant.
National Insult ❗️
Red carpet for foreigners.
Red face for Indian women.
The Telangana government made Indian women wash the feet of Miss World contestants and then wipe them with towels.
Is this women empowerment or royal servitude?”
The video of this went viral on social media, drawing the ire of many. Some called this act 'colonial' and 'racist'.
Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy termed it a humiliating act that reeks of a colonial-era mindset.
"In a shocking display of servility, the Telangana Congress government made local women wash and wipe the feet of Miss World contestants, a humiliating act that reeks of a colonial-era mindset. Further, this was done within the sanctity of the Ramappa Temple and in an area in close proximity to the place where the divine Goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma are revered," said Kishan Reddy, who is also the state BJP president.
"Congress party's century-old legacy of making Indians kneel before foreigners to appease their high command is evident. Revanth Reddy, in his desperate bid to impress Delhi bosses, has trampled on the dignity and self-respect of Indian women," he said in his post on 'X'.
"The Congress national leadership of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi should tender an unconditional apology to Telangana women for blasphemy and for surrendering the dignity, culture and self-respect of our NariShakti," Kishan Reddy added.
Main opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has slammed the Congress government saying it shattered Telangana's self-respect. BRS leaders appealed to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi to intervene.
BRS leaders alleged that local Dalit, tribal, and economically disadvantaged women were forced to wash and wipe the feet of foreign beauty pageant participants.
In a letter to Sonia Gandhi, former ministers and public representatives from the BRS urged her to intervene immediately to restore the dignity of the state's women and address the mounting public discontent.
The BRS leaders, including former ministers Sabitha Indra Reddy, Satyavati Rathod, Sunita Laxma Reddy, and MLA Kova Laxmi, demanded an apology from Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.
The BRS leaders expressed profound anguish over what they termed a "disgraceful and humiliating act", accusing the Congress government of insulting Telangana's women and tarnishing the state's cultural heritage.
They called on Sonia Gandhi to ensure the Chief Minister issues an unconditional public apology to Telangana's women and takes corrective measures to prevent further erosion of the state's pride.
The letter warns that such actions, if unaddressed, risk alienating Telangana's four crore people and could spark a fierce backlash from the state's women against the Congress party.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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Operation Sindoor was a true showcase of India's indigenous competencies developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) deep capabilities, said Dr V.K. Saraswat, a missile scientist, who is a member (S&T) of NITI Aayog. All efforts to demolish DRDO should be buried once and for all, he asserted.
The morale at DRDO, which is home to 5,000 scientists, was hit since two high-powered committees tried to restructure it at a mega level. In 2016, a government-mandated committee headed by Dr P Rama Rao, former secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, was constituted to conduct a comprehensive review of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It led to the creation of seven technology domain-based clusters headed by separate Directors General. It only added to more bureaucracy, said Dr Saraswat.
Subsequently, in 2023, another nine-member committee was set up to "reform" the DRDO, headed by Dr K Vijay Raghavan, a basic science researcher by training and former Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India. The report was never made public, but experts said it had suggested dismembering the DRDO and hiving off its units to other ministries. "It was a futile exercise", asserts Dr Saraswat.
Successful test-firing of Quick Reaction Surface To Air Missile (QRSAM)
Photo Credit: drdo.gov.in
In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Dr Saraswat said, "Operation Sindoor has demonstrated the capacity and capability of DRDO to build the modern weapon systems in the strategic, air defence, air surveillance system and integrated command and control system sectors for air defence of the country. The success of missiles like Akash, BrahMos, hitting the Pakistani targets in pinpoint accuracy, engaging the Chinese aircraft, demonstrates that DRDO has the capability and capacity to build such a system."
Dr Saraswat, a well-known missile scientist, added, "DRDO has the capacity and capability. And all the talk, which normally people keep saying that DRDO is not performing, has been completely denied and debunked today by the performance of what its weapon system has done."
There was a time when the DRDO acronym was expanded as "Defenceless Research and Dud Organisation" by some critics.
Dr Saraswat said, "I think it's time that all the criticism of the DRDO, which has been going on for so many decades, should be put to rest today because DRDO has demonstrated its capability in all fields of military technology. This was an Atmanirbhar war fought by India with the indigenous weapon systems and technologies developed by DRDO."
"I think people who have been carrying this message through different reports, which have been done, the first report was done by Prof. P Ramarao when I was the secretary of DRDO and the latest report, which has been done by Prof. K VijayRaghavan, former Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, completely shows that their thinking, their process of looking at how DRDO should perform, is completely out of tune."
"DRDO has a very robust system of managing research and development along with industry, academia and within the 39 laboratories of the country. We have a very cohesive method of doing things. We have no regimentation. We have a democratic process of doing research and development, and we are in a position to do all that with the Indian industry," Dr Saraswat said.
"You see the example of Akash. When we realised that Akash had to be manufactured in large numbers to meet future requirements, we went to two production agencies, Bharat Electronics Ltd and Bharat Dynamics Ltd. A large number of subsystems of Akash were coming from the private sector," he added.
"I think Operation Sindoor and many past events have demonstrated that DRDO scientists can design, develop, and manufacture state-of-the-art weapon systems, whether they are ground-based, missiles, aircraft or electronic warfare systems. There is no segment of weaponry which is not handled by DRDO. Such a wide spectrum, I don't think anywhere it is available."
"DRDO is the only organisation which covers every aspect of it, with the support of the armed forces to fight battles at sea, in high altitudes and cold climates. I don't think that there is an organisation equal to DRDO in the country which can provide that kind of a canvas," he said. "Since I am part of the DRDO, and will remain always, we feel that scientists of DRDO should feel very-very proud that they have done a great service to the nation by working relentlessly together in a harmonious manner for the last 50-60 years and brought our country to this level of excellence," Dr Saraswat further said.
After a period of flagging spirits, Dr Saraswat added that after Operation Sindoor, the "josh" is back, and it is also high at the premier defence research organisation. He added that if India has to become a developed country, it has to protect itself through atmanirbhar defence systems
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In a big reveal, the Government of India on Wednesday, said that the Indian Air Force had successfully jammed Chinese air defence systems that Pakistan had installed all along its border and Line of Control with India. In another significant revelation, India said it carried out its mission in under 23 minutes, showing India's defence superiority over the terror-sponsoring nation.
A statement released by the government gave a closer look at the operational details of Operation Sindoor - India's response to the Pakistan-linked terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, in which 26 civilians, all tourists, were killed in a religiously-motivated attack.
'INDIAN ASSETS SAFE'
Amid a deluge of misinformation and false claims emanating out of Pakistan, India's statement asserted the fact that "All strikes were executed without loss of Indian assets, underscoring the effectiveness of our surveillance, planning, and delivery systems. The use of modern indigenous technology, from long-range drones to guided munitions, made these strikes highly effective and politically calibrated."
"India's offensive strikes targeted key Pakistani airbases - Noor Khan and Rahimyar Khan with surgical precision. Loitering munitions were used to devastating effect, each finding and destroying high-value targets, including enemy radar and missile systems," it highlighted.
Loitering munitions are also known as "suicide drones" or "kamikaze drones". These weapon systems hover over or circle a designated target area, searching for a suitable targets before attacking.
'JAMMING CHINA-MADE AIR DEFENCE SYSTEM'
Explaining how India's drone and missiles were so successful during the operation and also mentioning why Pakistan's air defence systems failed miserably in detecting them, the statement revealed that the Indian Air Force had managed to bypass their security system and jam the China-made defence equipment.
Once these systems were down, India managed to carry out its mission within 23 minutes, showcasing the technical edge New Delhi has in the region. "Indian Air Force bypassed and jammed Pakistan's Chinese-supplied air defence systems, completing the mission in just 23 minutes, demonstrating India's technological edge," the statement read.
Meanwhile, the 100 per cent 'Made in India' air defence system used by the Indian armed forces performed exceptionally, the statement mentioned. "Operation Sindoor produced concrete evidence of hostile technologies neutralized by Indian systems," it said, mentioning how Chinese-made PL-15 missiles, Turkish-made UAVs called 'Yiha' or 'Yeehaw', as well as long-range rockets, quadcopters, and commercial drones sent by Pakistan were all intercepted and destroyed by the Indian air defence systems.
To back this by evidence, India has showcased parts and pieces recovered and identified forensically from the wreckage of these projectiles. "This shows that despite Pakistan's attempts to exploit advanced foreign-supplied weaponry, India's indigenous air defence and electronic warfare networks remained superior," the statement read.
ISRO'S ROLE IN OPERATION SINDOOR
Indian Space Agency ISRO also played a crucial role, the statement noted. ISRO Chairman V Narayanan had mentioned on May 11 that "at least 10 satellites are working round-the-clock solely for the strategic purpose of ensuring the safety and security of the citizens of the country."
Reiterating that India's response to Pakistan-linked terrorism was "deliberate, precise, and strategic", the statement made special mention of the fact that India managed the entire mission "without crossing the Line of Control or international border".
INDIA-MADE WEAPONS' STELLAR PERFORMANCE
Giving more details about Operation Sindoor and India-made defence equipment, the statement said, "Beyond tactical brilliance, what stood out was the seamless integration of indigenous hi-tech systems into national defence. Whether in drone warfare, layered air defence, or electronic warfare, Operation Sindoor marks a milestone in India's journey towards technological self-reliance in military operations."
Detailing the equipment used by India, the statement said, "Battle-proven AD (Air Defence) systems like the Pechora, OSA-AK and LLAD guns (Low-level Air Defence guns) were used. In addition to that, indigenous systems such as the Akash demonstrated stellar performances."
In conclusion, the statement asserted that "Operation Sindoor is not just a story of tactical success. It is a validation of India's defence indigenisation policies. From air defence systems to drones, from counter-UAS capabilities to net-centric warfare platforms, indigenous technology has delivered when it mattered most", adding that India has successfully "asserted its role as a hi-tech military power in the 21st century".
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The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued notices to several e-commerce companies, including Amazon India and Flipkart, over the sale of Pakistani flags and related merchandise, Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Wednesday.
In its notices, also issued to Ubuy India, Etsy, The Flag Company, and The Flag Corporation, the regulatory body said the sale of Pakistani flags and merchandise would not be tolerated. It further directed the firms to remove such items from their platforms, Mr Pralhad said.
In a post on X, the Union Minister said: "The CCPA has issued notices to @amazonIN, @Flipkart, @UbuyIndia, @Etsy, The Flag Company and The Flag Corporation over the sale of Pakistani flags and related merchandise. Such insensitivity will not be tolerated. E-commerce platforms are hereby directed to immediately remove all such content and adhere to National laws."
The CCPA has issued notices to @amazonIN, @Flipkart, @UbuyIndia, @Etsy, The Flag Company and The Flag Corporation over the sale of Pakistani flags and related merchandise. Such insensitivity will not be tolerated.
E-commerce platforms are hereby directed to immediately remove all… pic.twitter.com/03Q4FOxwCX
On the intervening night of May 7 and 8, India launched Operation Sindoor to target terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, in response to the Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives on April 22. The operation escalated bilateral tensions as it led to strikes and counter-strikes between the two nations. On Saturday, India and Pakistan reached an agreement to stop all firing and military action on land, air and sea, with effect from 5pm. Pakistan, however, violated the agreement within hours of it coming into effect.
An Amazon spokesperson, however, said the platform is engaging closely with various stakeholders to ensure compliance of laws and regulations.
Besides Amazon and Flipkart, Meesho, OLX, TradeIndia, Facebook, Indiamart, VardaanMart, Jiomart, Krishnamart, Chimiya, Talk Pro Walie Talkie and MaskMan toys were issued notices by the government watchdog.
The crackdown focused on the sale of walkie-talkies without proper frequency disclosure, licensing information, or Equipment Type Approval (ETA), constituting a violation of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Mr Joshi earlier said the sale of non-compliant wireless devices not only breaches statutory obligations but may also pose significant risks to national security operations. These violations contravene multiple legal frameworks, including the Consumer Protection Act, Indian Telegraph Act, and Wireless Telegraphy Act, he said.
The minister said the CCPA will issue formal guidelines under Section 18(2)(l) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, aimed at strengthening compliance and consumer safeguards in digital marketplaces. Sellers have been directed to adhere strictly to all applicable regulatory standards to uphold consumer rights and prevent unlawful trade practices, he added.
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A young Mexican social media influencer, known for her videos about beauty and makeup, was brazenly shot to death during a TikTok livestream, in an incident that sent shockwaves through a country that faces high levels of gender-based violence.
The death of Valeria Marquez, 23, is being investigated according to protocols for femicide - the killing of women or girls for reasons of gender - the Jalisco state prosecutor said in a statement released on Tuesday evening.
Femicide can involve degrading violence, sexual abuse, a relationship with the murderer, or the victim's body being exposed in a public space, according to Mexican authorities.
Marquez was killed on Tuesday in the beauty salon where she worked in the city of Zapopan by a man who entered and shot her, the statement said. The prosecutor's office did not name a suspect.
Seconds before the incident, Marquez was seen on her TikTok livestream seated at a table clutching a stuffed toy. She was heard saying, "they're coming," before a voice in the background asked "Hey, Vale?"
"Yes," Marquez replied, just before muting the sound on the livestream.
Moments later, she was shot to death. A person appeared to pick up her phone, with their face briefly showing on the livestream before the video ended.
Marquez, who had nearly 200,000 followers across Instagram and TikTok, had said earlier on the livestream that someone came to the salon when she was not there with an "expensive gift" to deliver to her. Marquez, who appeared concerned, said she was not planning to wait for the person to come back.
Mexico is tied with Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia as the countries with the fourth-highest rates of femicide in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to the latest data from the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, at 1.3 such deaths for every 100,000 women in 2023.
Jalisco is ranked sixth out of Mexico's 32 states, including Mexico City, for homicides, with 906 recorded there since the beginning of President Claudia Sheinbaum's term in October 2024, according to data consultancy TResearch.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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OnePlus 13s, the company's first compact smartphone ever, is all set to launch in India soon. Now, OnePlus is a brand that doesn't have a launch every month and has a very streamlined smartphone line-up catering to consumers in almost every price segment, starting at as low as Rs. 17,999 for the Nord CE 4 Lite to all the way to the OnePlus 13 at Rs. 69,999. With the 13s, OnePlus says it is addressing a key demand where, lately, consumers want a smartphone delivering flagship-level performance in a smaller form factor. However, OnePlus emphasises that "compact" doesn't mean sacrificing features.
Additionally, Counterpoint published a consumer survey last month capturing the gaps in the market when it comes to compact smartphones. While OnePlus commissioned the survey, it was still a great way to gauge consumer reaction and check demand. Ahead of the company's big launch, Gadgets 360 got to speak to Robin Liu, CEO - OnePlus India, to understand why 13s and why now. We also got a chance to talk to Counterpoint's Research Director, Tarun Pathak, on the recent survey.
OnePlus has been positioning the OnePlus 13s as a strategically placed device in their lineup, offering a balance between flagship performance and affordability in a compact design. We asked Robin about potential demand and observation of OnePlus as a smartphone manufacturer; he explained, "Basis early projections of where the market is headed, 2025 truly looks like the year of the compact smartphones being the popular need of the hour. While bigger screens do have their advantages and have been loved by one and all, consumers and our community members are now also increasingly looking at the convenience of usage as a key aspect when choosing a phone."
Referring to the recent Counterpoint survey stated that users are now seeking smartphones that better align with everyday usability. It said 88% of Indian smartphone users expressed willingness to switch to compact smartphones without compromising performance. We wanted to understand if it was an excellent time for the 13s launch. "It is interesting to see that compact smartphones are yet again gaining popularity amongst a segment of our community owing to the form factor and ease of use they provide, like casual gaming and social media activities, making it a favourable solution for some. This signals an exciting opportunity to reimagine compact flagships that don't just fit into smaller pockets — but into evolving lifestyles," Robin said.
"The demand is clear: people want a compact phone that fits comfortably in their hands and in their lives. This presents an exciting opportunity to reimagine compact flagships that deliver the best of both worlds: portability and power. At OnePlus, we hear you. And we're ready for what's next," he added.
The 13s will be powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite
OnePlus 13s to be placed between 13 and 13R
We also wanted to clarify the naming of the upcoming 13-series phone. Why was the "s" chosen for this particular model, and where does it fit in the company's product line-up? Robin clarified, "OnePlus 13s signifies our pursuit for excellence and is born from our unwavering commitment to the 'Never Settle' philosophy. This device proudly carries forward the legacy of our flagship OnePlus 13 series - in a smaller, smarter and more powerful form factor. The device has been tailor-made especially for the Indian audience, keeping in mind their needs and is aimed at being their daily driver. It will be sweetly placed between the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R for those who do not wish to compromise on flagship-grade performance while not burning a hole in their pocket."
It will be sweetly placed between the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R, said Robin Liu
Next, we wanted to understand that OnePlus isn't the only brand exploring the compact segment. Several brands are exploring different approaches to compact design, for example, slimming bezels, reducing overall size, and decreasing display dimensions. Which of these approaches do you believe will resonate most strongly with the Indian consumer, and why?
Robin started by setting context about the entire compact smartphone ecosystem in India. "In markets like India, where the phone is often the primary device for entertainment and work, consumers are not willing to compromise on performance. Often, when they hear the word 'compact', they think it means compromise - because a small form factor may mean compromises in battery, performance, display, etc. With OnePlus 13s, our aim is to equate compact with powerful. A device that is the perfect balance of software and hardware integration and stands for the signature fast and smooth experience that consumers expect of us. And with OnePlus 13s, we have worked on a design philosophy that ensures users don't have to compromise usability for size."
Robin Liu, CEO, OnePlus India
Compact smartphones: The essentials
When asked if there's a significant gap in the Indian market for a truly high-performance compact smartphone that doesn't compromise on key features, Robin excitedly answers, "Absolutely. Around 68% of Indian users feel the market lacks sufficient options for compact smartphones that deliver flagship-grade specifications, quoting from the recent Counterpoint survey. Most compact options today tend to scale back on critical aspects like processing power, charging speed, or camera quality."
"We are at an intriguing space where we are witnessing that the Indian consumer is evolving rapidly and expects a premium, all-round experience regardless of form factor. When looking at the insights of the Counterpoint report that focuses on compact smartphones, while there is a gap and if worked on, about 74% of the respondents will opt for a compact smartphone as their next purchase, which is a forward-looking statement even when the momentum is currently building and progressing. The task then falls to brands like OnePlus to work on building compact propositions such as the OnePlus 13s that ensure ease of use through its form factor, seamless software integrations that enable ease of high-performance use cases like that of gaming, content creation on-the-go and multitasking," he added.
Considering that 13s will enter a segment with less competition, we asked Robin how OnePlus sees the current competitive landscape for compact smartphones in India and some factors that influence the R&D of the phone. "Currently, the compact smartphone segment in India has yet to realise its full potential. While some devices in a compact form factor are available, consumer preferences indicate an ideal screen size of <6.5 inches when considering a compact phone, hinting at a significant opportunity for innovation. There is a clear demand for a device that strikes the perfect balance between performance and size. Although pricing remains a consideration, consumers increasingly expect flagship-level experiences from their compact smartphones. These insights heavily influenced the R&D behind our latest offering, the OnePlus 13s," he said.
"At OnePlus, it is our ongoing pursuit to 'Never Settle' in finding the best solution and provide the best user experience and thus was conceptualised the OnePlus 13s. We see the compact smartphone space as a perfect opportunity for leadership — developing a device that caters to both local users' needs and delivers global performance standards. The OnePlus 13s embodies our commitment to burdenless design, camera capabilities optimised for selfies and groupfies, and meaningful AI innovations that elevate the overall user experience," he added.
When asked about the biggest challenges in achieving this "smart yet powerful" proposition in a smaller form factor, Robin simplified, "The challenge lies in engineering excellence. Smaller devices constrain internal space, making it harder to accommodate high-end processors, cooling systems, and larger batteries—all without adding bulk. Thermal management, in particular, becomes critical. With the OnePlus 13s, we've approached this challenge with precision towards design, rethinking internal architecture and leveraging material innovation to strike the right balance between compact size and uncompromised performance."
The new button is placed on the left side of the phone chassis
Understanding the changing consumer preferences (ft. Counterpoint)
In an email conversation with Tarun, we asked about the key drivers behind this potential shift towards compact smartphones in the Indian market in 2025. Tarun breaks it down for us, "The shift towards compact smartphones in the Indian market in 2025 is largely driven by changing consumer preferences and evolving usage patterns. As smartphones have become central to daily life—used not just for communication or entertainment but also for banking, health tracking, and productivity—users are now seeking devices that are both powerful and practical for extended, on-the-go use."
He continues, "After years of growing screen sizes, many consumers are now experiencing fatigue with large, bulky phones that are difficult to handle. A compact form factor offers a more comfortable grip, reduces the chances of accidental drops, and enables easier one-handed use—especially valuable for multitasking in transit or during long usage periods. This growing desire for portability, without compromising on performance, is becoming a major purchase driver."
On being asked about the primary pain points of consumers using large-screen smartphones, Tarun added, "A lot of users are starting to feel the requirement for a compact smartphone device. In fact, 53% say they struggle to operate them with one hand, and 47% mention they've had issues with grip or even dropped their phones. On top of that, 46% find these phones too bulky to carry around, and 41% say they cause strain on their fingers or wrists. It's no surprise then that, according to a Counterpoint Research survey, 88% of people would consider switching to a compact smartphone—as long as it offers the same level of performance as a big flagship.
Beyond just size, what specific use cases are driving the demand for compact smartphones in India? Tarun responded, "The demand for compact smartphones in India stems not just from their smaller size, built from the convenience they offer in everyday life. Users find them easier to manage during crowded metro rides, for quick one-handed texting while walking, or when taking calls while multitasking at home or work. They're easy to slip into a small bag or pocket—ideal for travel and jogging. Whether it's comfortably using the phone while standing in a bus or metro, making UPI payments on the go, or snapping a quick selfie with one hand, these real-life scenarios highlight how a phone that fits well in the hand can make daily interactions smoother and more seamless."
"Alongside these practical use cases, there is a growing niche of users who are often influenced by digital wellness and minimalistic lifestyle trends. They may opt for the compact smartphone to avoid distractions and focus on the essential tasks on their smartphone. For them, the smaller form factor is a conscious choice to encourage more mindful and intentional use of technology," he added.
The company has teased the full design of the OnePlus 13s in India. It will feature a new physical button, which can be synced for particular tasks. Powering the phone will be Qualcomm's top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, and the screen size is 6.32-inch, making this the company's smallest offering in India in terms of screen size.
Stay tuned to Gadgets 360 for the launch of the OnePlus 13s.
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Standing in front of the advanced S-400 air defence system in Punjab's Adampur, which Pakistan claimed it had destroyed with its China-made JF-17 fighter jets, Prime Minister Narendra Modi exposed Islamabad's blatant lies when he made a televised address to the troops at that forward air force base.
In a stern message, PM Modi said Pakistan's army, and terrorists that it shelters, have nowhere to run or hide anymore. Crediting the Indian armed forces for sending a decisive message to Pakistan's military, the prime minister said, "You all (soldiers) have shown the Pakistan Army that there is not a place left in Pakistan where it can shelter terrorists."
"There is no corner left in Pakistan where terrorists can sit in peace. We can hit them no matter where they are in Pakistan," he added.
He went on to say that going forward, "India will not spare even one chance (to Pakistan's Army) to save the terrorists."
Speaking about the precision strikes that targeted terror camps in Pakistan, PM Modi said, "The thought of our drones and missiles haunt them. They have been having sleepless nights."
Shortly after his visit to the airbase, PM Modi wrote on X, saying, "Earlier this morning, I went to Air Force Station (AFS) Adampur and met our brave air warriors and soldiers. It was a very special experience to be with those who epitomise courage, determination and fearlessness. India is eternally grateful to our armed forces for everything they do for our nation."
Earlier this morning, I went to AFS Adampur and met our brave air warriors and soldiers. It was a very special experience to be with those who epitomise courage, determination and fearlessness. India is eternally grateful to our armed forces for everything they do for our nation. pic.twitter.com/RYwfBfTrV2
In another claim by Pakistan, that was proven to be a lie, PM Modi landed at the Adampur air force station, which underscored that the runway at the air field is perfectly fine. Pakistan has claimed that its missiles hit the runway at the airbase. It also claimed that the impact was so severe that the air base would be out of action for at least a year.
To back their false claim, sources have said that Pakistan's Army used morphed satellite images of Adampur Air Force Station to lie to the Pakistani public and the world at large. PM Modi's visit today has laid those claims to rest.
In his nearly-30-minute speech, PM Modi sent several warnings to Pakistan, reiterating the fact that Operation Sindoor marks a shift in India's doctrine to combat terrorism emanating from Pakistan. Strikes on terror camps located throughout Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is now "the new normal" he said.
PM Modi, who addressed the nation about Operation Sindoor last night, has said Pakistan now has only two option - terrorism or annihilation. Either dismantle terror infrastructure and take action against terrorists or perish as a nation.
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