NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath took a ride on Japan’s high-speed Maglev train in Yamanashi on Thursday during his official visit to the country. The futuristic train, which uses magnetic levitation technology and can travel up to 600 km per hour, gave the chief minister a first-hand experience of advanced transport infrastructure.CM Yogi arrived in Tokyo on Wednesday as part of his five-day visit to Singapore and Japan aimed at attracting global investment and strengthening industrial growth in Uttar Pradesh. His tour focuses on building partnerships in manufacturing, mobility, technology, urban development and smart infrastructure.Before reaching Japan, CM Yogi held an investor roadshow in Singapore where he pitched Uttar Pradesh as a secure and fast-growing investment destination. He said that the state has received investment proposals worth Rs 1 lakh crore, with Memorandums of Understanding worth Rs 60,000 crore already finalised. Calling it a milestone, he said that these investments would help transform Uttar Pradesh into a one trillion-dollar economy.Assuring global investors, CM Yogi said every investment in the state is secure and highlighted how Uttar Pradesh connects “scale with skill and speed.” He added that the state has developed a new identity focused on transformation and rapid growth.Highlighting economic progress, CM said that Uttar Pradesh’s Gross State Domestic Product has grown from Rs 13 lakh crore to Rs 36 lakh crore in nine years and now contributes 9.5 per cent to India’s GDP. He described the state as a “dream destination” for investment and a top performer in Ease of Doing Business rankings.In Japan, CM Yogi visited Yamanashi, Osaka and Kyoto and interacted with senior officials and leading corporations. A key event during the visit is the Japan–Uttar Pradesh Partnership Conference focused on manufacturing, mobility and technology, where discussions will be held with companies in sectors such as electric vehicles, electronics, railways, engineering, chemicals and logistics.Meanwhile, the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority has proposed developing a ‘Japan City’ and ‘Singapore City’ in Uttar Pradesh, identifying land for dedicated investment zones. During his visit, CM Yogi is expected to invite further investment proposals for these projects.

‘Thank you, Japan!’: CM Yogi posts a photo with Mt Fuji

Uttar Pradesh chief minister also shared a photo of him with Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest peak and a Unesco World Heritage site. In a post on X, he wrote:. In a post on X, he wrote: Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest peak and a Unesco World Heritage site, rises as a timeless symbol of perseverance, discipline and spiritual balance. With the majestic Mount Fuji in the backdrop, a symbol of Japan’s timeless beauty and cultural pride, it is my good fortune to witness it on a bright and sunny day. Thank you, Japan!

Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday unveiled new reforms for Indian Railways as part of the ‘Reforms Express’ that PM Narendra Modi has spoken of. The two reforms unveiled today focus on a new rail tech policy, and reforms in disposal of railway claims tribunal cases.Indian Railways aims to engage innovators, startups, industry, and institutions to promote innovation. The new policy simplifies selection of innovators and a new ‘Rail Tech Portal’ for innovation is being launched. The innovation challenge can be initiated by any innovator or departmental user.

Rail Tech Portal:

• Single-stage detailed submission of proposals by the Innovator
• Scale-up grant increased more than 3 times
• Maximum grant doubled for prototype development and trials
• User friendly interface

Innovation Challenges Listed by Railway Minister• AI based Elephant Intrusion Detection System (EIDS)• AI based fire detection system in coaches• Drone based broken rail detection system• Rail stress monitoring system• Sensor based load calculation device on parcel vans (VPUs)• Solar panel on coaches• AI based coach cleaning monitoring system• Obstruction detection in foggy environment• AI based pension, dispute resolution

Disposal of railway claims tribunal cases

• A citizen centric reform and a digital solution designed to streamline and modernize processing of court cases in Railway Claims Tribunal (RCT)
• It aims to improve efficiency, accessibility, and transparency in all 23 RCT benches to be connected digitally across India
• It will benefit litigants to file their cases from anywhere electronically easily with 24/7 availability

Last month, Vaishnaw had convened a meeting with senior railway officials, during which he unveiled a roadmap to introduce 52 key reforms over 52 weeks in 2026.Deliberations centred on expanding infrastructure, improving maintenance practices, and increasing network capacity. Officials observed that wide-ranging changes are required within Indian Railways to enhance passenger facilities and strengthen operational safety.The “52 Reforms in 52 Weeks” initiative is intended to bring structural improvements in efficiency, administration, and service standards.The press note also pointed to a strong emphasis on safety, with a target of bringing railway accidents down to a single-digit figure from 11 recorded in 2025-26.Additional measures proposed under the reform agenda include greater use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies, modernisation of talent development and training systems, and improvements in food and catering services.

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday continued its sharp criticism of the NCERT over the newly introduced Class 8 social science textbook, with Chief Justice of India Surya Kant lambasting NCERT over a chapter discussing “corruption” and “backlogs” in the judiciary, calling it a “deep-rooted and well-planned conspiracy.”However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta tendered an unconditional and unqualified apology on behalf of the education ministry.CJI Surya Kant reprimanding NCERT for the second consecutive day, said, “There appears to be a deep-rooted, well-planned conspiracy to defame the judiciary.”“It is my duty to find out who is responsible; heads must roll,” the CJI said on the NCERT book row.The top court also observed, “There is not a single word of apology in NCERT’s communication. Instead, they have sought to justify it.” The Supreme Court also called to have a “deeper probe”.A day earlier, the Supreme Court had also come down heavily on the NCERT over the introduction of the new textbook, which outlined the country’s judicial system in chapter titled — “The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society”, including references to corruption, a heavy backlog of cases, and an inadequate number of judges.Following the top court’s sharp remarks, the NCERT moved to withdraw the revised textbook.The NCERT also began retrieving the 38 copies that had been sold out of the 2.25 lakh printed, sources confirmed to news agency ANI.In a late-night development, the board announced that it had put the distribution of the newly released textbook on hold after noticing “inappropriate textual material and an error of judgment” in the chapter on the judiciary. It said the issue was flagged both internally and by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the education ministry.

NEW DELHI: India on Thursday slammed Pakistan at the UN Human Rights Council, saying Islamabad must be “hallucinating” or living in “La-La land” if the nation finds it hard to believe that Jammu and Kashmir’s development budget is more than double the recent bailout package it sought from the IMF.India also rejected allegations made by Pakistan and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), stating that the group had itself allowed to be used as an “echo chamber” for one member state, further adding that Islamabad’s “incessant propaganda reeks of envy.”“India is compelled to exercise its right of reply in response to the references made during the high-level segment by Pakistan and the OIC. We categorically reject these allegations,” first secretary Anupama Singh said, exercising India’s Right to Reply during the High-Level Segment of the 55th Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. “We have no desire to dignify it, but we will make a few points to dismantle it with facts,” she added.Reiterating New Delhi’s long-standing position, Singh asserted that “Jammu and Kashmir was, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India.” “Jammu and Kashmir was, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India. No amount of wishful rhetoric or audacious propaganda by Pakistan can alter the immutable fact that the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India was completely legal and irrevocable, in accordance with the Indian Independence Act of 1947 and international law,” Singh said.She added that “the only outstanding dispute regarding this region is the illegal occupation of Indian territories by Pakistan,” and called on Islamabad to vacate areas under its control.Highlighting infrastructure and economic progress in Jammu and Kashmir, Singh referred to the Chenab Rail Bridge, describing it as the world’s highest railway bridge inaugurated in the region last year. “If the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest bridge, inaugurated in Jammu and Kashmir last year, is fake, then Pakistan must be hallucinating or living in the ‘La-la-land'”, she said.“Or perhaps it finds it unbelievable that the developmental budget of Jammu and Kashmir is more than double the recent bailout package it sought from the IMF,” she added.Responding to criticism on democratic processes, Singh said it was “hard to take lectures on democracy from a country where civilian governments rarely complete their terms.”She pointed to voter turnout in recent general and assembly elections in J&K as evidence that people in the region have “rejected the ideology of terrorism and violence” and are moving ahead on the path of development.Singh further accused Pakistan of attempting to destabilise the region through “relentless state-sponsored terrorism,” while maintaining that J&K continues to make political, economic and social progress.“Pakistan would do well if it focuses on fixing its deepening internal crisis rather than masking it with grandstanding at such a platform,” she said, adding that “the world can certainly see through its charade.”The exchange marks the latest round of sharp diplomatic sparring between India and Pakistan at multilateral forums such as the UNHRC over the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

NEW DELHI: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday shared a video of himself wearing traditional Indian attire ahead of a joint dinner with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it a surprise gesture for his “friend”.“Before our joint dinner, I surprised my friend Prime Minister Modi by wearing traditional Indian attire,” Netanyahu wrote in a post on X.The gesture came during Modi’s visit to Israel, where the Prime Minister addressed a Special Plenary session of the Knesset, becoming the first Indian prime minister to address the Israeli parliament.At the Knesset, Netanyahu described PM Modi as a friend and praised India’s support for Israel after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks.“Prime ministers and heads of state come to the Knesset and it’s always an exciting moment for all of us. But my dear friend Narendra, I’m especially moved by your visit. You are a great friend of Israel and a great leader at the world stage….Narendra, you are more than a friend. You are a brother,” Netanyahu said.Recalling Modi’s visit to Israel in 2017, he said, “We took off our shoes, and waded in the ocean. We didn’t walk on water but have done miracles,” referring to the widely shared image of the two leaders walking barefoot along the Mediterranean coast.Highlighting India’s support after the Hamas attack, Netanyahu said PM Modi was among the first world leaders to condemn the violence.“Right after the horrific attack on October 7, you supported Israel so morally. You didn’t flinch or waver, you stood by Israel and stood by the Jews. Thank you,” he said.“Today at the airport we embraced each other. It’s called a Modi hug. I want to return a hug here from every Knesset member. It represents the warmth between us,” he added.PM Modi, in his address, thanked the Knesset for the honour and dedicated the Speaker of the Knesset Medal to the enduring friendship between the two countries. He highlighted civilisational links and expanding cooperation in areas such as innovation, agriculture, water management and security.The Prime Minister also reiterated India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and offered condolences for the victims of the October 7 attacks, saying there can be no justification for such brutality.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared a car ride on Wednesday after delivering speeches at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament. The two leaders were en route to a technology exhibition highlighting advancements and innovation, following their official engagements at the parliament.Israeli PM Netanyahu shared the picture and wrote in Hindi, “हम साथ आगे बढ़ रहे हैं-और तकनीक व नवाचार में भारत-इज़राइल साझेदारी को और मजबूत बना रहे हैं।” (We are moving forward together—and strengthening the India-Israel partnership in technology and innovation.”)Earlier, PM Modi addressed the Knesset and interacted with its members, emphasising the longstanding friendship between India and Israel. He highlighted the strong goodwill shared by the people of India toward the people of Israel.“It’s been an honour to address the Knesset. It was also a delight to interact with distinguished members of the Knesset. My address covered the deep-rooted friendship between our nations and the goodwill of the people of India towards the people of Israel,” PM Modi said through a post on X.The Knesset on Wednesday conferred the “Speaker of the Knesset Medal”, its highest honour, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.The award was presented in recognition of his “exceptional contribution through his personal leadership” in strengthening strategic relations between India and Israel. It was conferred following his address to the Israeli Parliament.“Long before we related to each other as modern States, we were linked by ties that go back more than two thousand years. The Book of Esther refers to India as Hodu. The Talmud records trade with India in ancient times,” PM Modi said in his speech addressing the parliament. PM Modi said the foundation of the India–Israel partnership lies in the strong bonds between their people.Recalling his 2006 visit to Israel, he noted that yoga had since gained widespread popularity across the country, with centres now common in many neighbourhoods. He also observed growing interest in Ayurveda and encouraged young Israelis to visit India to experience its cultural vibrancy and traditions of holistic wellness.The strongest applause from those present came when Benjamin Netanyahu recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unequivocal condemnation of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and his expression of solidarity with Israel in its aftermath.“There is another reason for the love for you here in Israel: Right after the horrific attack on October 7, you supported Israel so morally. You didn’t flinch or waver, you stood by Israel and stood by the Jews. Thank you”, Netanyahu said.The visit, undertaken at the invitation of Netanyahu, marks Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second trip to Israel. His first, in 2017, was a landmark occasion as he became the first Indian prime minister to visit the country.

LUCKNOW : A licensed rifle. A close-range shot to his father’s head. A plastic drum. Knives, saws, kerosene. And six days later, a soft apology — “Sorry Papa… galti se ho gaya .”The 19-year-old son of a Lucknow pathologist showed fleeting remorse when presented before the media at Aashiana police station in Lucknow on Wednesday, after allegedly shooting his father and dismembering the body. “I made a mistake.” He repeated the line later while being taken for a medical examination at Lokbandhu Hospital, lowering his gaze when pressed on motive.Police said the teen shot his 49-year-old father following an argument over pressure to prepare for NEET, though a parallel family rift — linked to the victim’s alleged plans for a second marriage — is also under investigation. The accused stayed silent when asked whether pressure to clear the medical college admission test, instead of pursuing a career as a restaurateur, pushed him over the edge.The pathologist was cremated at Baikunth Dham on Wednesday. His nephew performed the last rites as the victim’s father was unwell.Police said his minor daughter — the accused’s sister — is the sole witness. A Class XI student, she saw the argument, the firing and what followed, officers said. She was allegedly threatened into silence. Her statement is being recorded under procedures for minors and, if corroborated by forensics, could prove decisive at trial.SHO Chhtarpal Singh said the teen shot his father with the latter’s licensed .315 bore rifle at their home in the early hours of Feb 20. He allegedly bought a blue drum that morning via an online delivery platform, procured knives and saws through e-commerce, and dismembered the body.Investigators said he packed his father’s severed limbs in plastic and dumped them near a canal on the city outskirts in Nadarganj. The torso was concealed inside the drum at home. To deflect suspicion, the accused filed a missing complaint at Aashiana police station on Feb 23.The plan unravelled a day later. Sub-inspector Agrachari Yadav spotted the teen throwing a bag, grew wary of his body language and questioned him. Police said the accused faltered, grew nervous, then broke down, allegedly confessing and detailing how he disposed of the body parts.A police team took him into custody on Feb 24 evening. Recoveries followed: the remaining body parts from the drum, severed limbs from the canal in Nadarganj. Two knives and two saws from near railway tracks in Transport Nagar. A burnt woollen blanket and ashes from a forested patch in Sarojini Nagar. The rifle and cartridges. Twenty litres of kerosene, suspected to have been used in disposal.Doctors said the cause of death was a point-blank gunshot to the head. A large, irregular wound extended from the nose to the back of the head. Dismemberment occurred after death — cuts consistent with heavy, sharp tools.A private university in Lucknow where the teen is pursuing a BBA degree issued a statement distancing itself from the crime, calling the case a personal family matter and expressing condolences.

TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains references to alcohol and drug addiction.Robert Cosby Jr., the son of ‘The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City’ star Mary Cosby, has sadly passed away. He was 23. Authorities confirmed to TMZ that Salt Lake City police responded Monday night to a call regarding a “full arrest/medical emergency” involving a 23-year-old man in Utah. Three units of fire and paramedics were dispatched to the residence. However, upon arrival, the medical emergency turned into a death investigation.

Robert Cosby Jr. dies in ‘possible overdose’

Although an official cause of death is still unknown, TMZ reports that authorities acknowledged that they initially responded to a ‘possible overdose’.

Mary Cosby releases statement on son’s death

Mary Cosby and her husband, Robert Cosby Sr., released a joint statement to the media that read, “Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord. Though our hearts ache, we take comfort in God’s promise and in knowing he is finally at peace. We are grateful for your prayers and trust in the Lord to carry us through this time of sorrow.”

Robert Cosby Jr’s death comes after wife files for divorce

Robert secretly married Alexiana Smokoff back in August 2022 at a Utah courthouse. News of his death also comes a couple of months after his wife reportedly filed for divorce.

Robert Cosby Jr opens up on substance abuse

Robert Jr. had appeared on several episodes of ‘RHOSLC’ over the years. In recent seasons, the show also addressed his battle with addiction and suicidal ideation. At the time, he revealed that he began experimenting with prescription medications and recreational drugs since he was 16 after trying the anxiety medication Xanax at a party. He also shared that he had been abusing other prescription drugs, including the ADHD medication Adderall and the opioid painkiller OxyContin, taking as many as 10 at once. “I couldn’t even feel it,” he recalled. “I couldn’t feel it at all.”

Robert Cosby Jr completes rehab

In December 2024, Mary shared that her son had completed a month-long stay in rehabilitation. “He completed it. He did an excellent job. He came out a new person,” Mary said.News of Robert Jr’s demise comes after a tough year. He faced legal issues when he was arrested in Utah in September on charges including trespassing and assault. In 2022, he was arrested for driving under the influence and later pleaded guilty.

‘RHOSLC’ producers on Robert’s demise

Executive producer of the Real Housewives franchise and host of Watch What Happens Live, Andy Cohen, reacted to the news on social media, writing, “Devastatingly sad news out of SLC. This is every parent’s worst nightmare. My heart is broken for Mary, and I am sending all my love to her and Robert Sr.”DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or substance abuse, please seek help from available helplines or support organizations.