May 18, 2026
After Rahul Gandhi’s attack, government defends Great Nicobar project

After Rahul Gandhi’s attack, government defends Great Nicobar project

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Government on Friday released a detailed clarification on the Great Nicobar Project, calling it a strategic initiative to strengthen India’s presence in the Andaman Sea. It said the project sought to “balance port-led growth with calibrated environmental safeguards” while keeping protection of indigenous communities at the core of its overall planning.The clarification, in…

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Representative image NEW DELHI: USTR has retained India on its Special 301 priority watch list, along with five other countries including China, and said it will engage with New Delhi, including through Bilateral Trade Agreement negotiations. The annual report said India remained “inconsistent in its progress” on protection and enforcement of intellectual property (IP).Vietnam was identified as a Priority Foreign Country, marking the first time in 13 years that a country is listed in that category. Over the next 30 days, USTR will decide whether to initiate an investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 against Vietnam based on the grounds identified in the report. Argentina has moved out of the priority watch list, while the European Union has been added to the watch list due to US concerns over geographical indications and the recent provisional agreement on the EU General Pharmaceutical Legislation.Apart from India and China, others on the priority watch list included Russia, Indonesia, Chile and Venezuela.In the case of India, the USTR noted steps taken by govt to strengthen its IP regime, but also said that there was a “a lack of progress” on several long-standing concerns raised in earlier reports. “India remains one of the world’s most challenging major economies with respect to the protection and enforcement of IP,” the latest report released Thursday said.The chief concern is over the Indian Patents Act, which often questions applications filed by American companies, especially pharma majors, as well as the flexibility it allows govt. Long pendency has been a pet peeve in successive reports, and the latest one is no different.“Stakeholders also continue to raise concerns as to whether India has an effective system for protecting against the unfair commercial use, as well as unauthorised disclosure, of undisclosed test or other data generated to obtain marketing approval for pharmaceutical and agricultural chemical products,” the report said.It was also critical of India’s high customs duties directed to IP-intensive products such as information and communications technology (ICT) products, solar energy equipment, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and capital goods. The Trump administration has repeatedly attacked India on tariffs.The other concerns were familiar — weak enforcement of copyrights, trademarks & high levels of counterfeiting.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFuel Prices May Go Up Soon As Oil Firms Face Losses Amid Global Crude SpikeNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway TravelTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | Watch123PhotostoriesHow to make South Indian Tamarind Rice for summer lunchMaharashtra Day 2026: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor honours the culinary heritage of the stateBest time to do yoga: Morning vs evening; What works better for your body?How Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dogSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwaveFeeling anxious or low? These common vitamin deficiencies could be the hidden reason123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap

Representative image NEW DELHI: USTR has retained India on its Special 301 priority watch list, along with five other countries including China, and said it will engage with New Delhi, including through Bilateral Trade Agreement negotiations. The annual report said India remained “inconsistent in its progress” on protection and enforcement of intellectual property (IP).Vietnam was identified as a Priority Foreign Country, marking the first time in 13 years that a country is listed in that category. Over the next 30 days, USTR will decide whether to initiate an investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 against Vietnam based on the grounds identified in the report. Argentina has moved out of the priority watch list, while the European Union has been added to the watch list due to US concerns over geographical indications and the recent provisional agreement on the EU General Pharmaceutical Legislation.Apart from India and China, others on the priority watch list included Russia, Indonesia, Chile and Venezuela.In the case of India, the USTR noted steps taken by govt to strengthen its IP regime, but also said that there was a “a lack of progress” on several long-standing concerns raised in earlier reports. “India remains one of the world’s most challenging major economies with respect to the protection and enforcement of IP,” the latest report released Thursday said.The chief concern is over the Indian Patents Act, which often questions applications filed by American companies, especially pharma majors, as well as the flexibility it allows govt. Long pendency has been a pet peeve in successive reports, and the latest one is no different.“Stakeholders also continue to raise concerns as to whether India has an effective system for protecting against the unfair commercial use, as well as unauthorised disclosure, of undisclosed test or other data generated to obtain marketing approval for pharmaceutical and agricultural chemical products,” the report said.It was also critical of India’s high customs duties directed to IP-intensive products such as information and communications technology (ICT) products, solar energy equipment, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and capital goods. The Trump administration has repeatedly attacked India on tariffs.The other concerns were familiar — weak enforcement of copyrights, trademarks & high levels of counterfeiting.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFuel Prices May Go Up Soon As Oil Firms Face Losses Amid Global Crude SpikeNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway TravelTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | Watch123PhotostoriesHow to make South Indian Tamarind Rice for summer lunchMaharashtra Day 2026: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor honours the culinary heritage of the stateBest time to do yoga: Morning vs evening; What works better for your body?How Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dogSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwaveFeeling anxious or low? These common vitamin deficiencies could be the hidden reason123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: USTR has retained India on its Special 301 priority watch list, along with five other countries including China, and said it will engage with New Delhi, including through Bilateral Trade Agreement negotiations. The annual report said India remained “inconsistent in its progress” on protection and enforcement of intellectual property (IP).Vietnam was identified as…

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‘Failure to provide support’: US to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany amid widening Iran war rift

‘Failure to provide support’: US to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany amid widening Iran war rift

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

The United States will withdraw around 5,000 troops from Germany, the Pentagon announced on Friday, in a move that shows the growing tensions between Donald Trump and European allies over the Iran conflict.The drawdown follows a sharp exchange between Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who earlier criticised the handling of negotiations with Iran, saying…

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Special Supreme Court bench to hear today TMC plea on counting staff

Special Supreme Court bench to hear today TMC plea on counting staff

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress on Friday moved Supreme Court, challenging the additional chief electoral officer’s decision mandating “at least one among the counting supervisor and counting assistant at each counting table shall be a central govt/central PSU employee” for counting of votes for the recently concluded assembly elections.The party sought an urgent hearing, as the…

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Brian Harpole sues Candace Owens over Charlie Kirk claims as lawsuit exposes alleged false accusations and records

Brian Harpole sues Candace Owens over Charlie Kirk claims as lawsuit exposes alleged false accusations and records

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Brian Harpol, Candace Owens and Charlie Kirk (Image Via Getty) A serious legal fight has now started, and it is pulling big names into the spotlight. Brian Harpole, who once handled security for Charlie Kirk, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Candace Owens. The case is about claims Owens made after Kirk’s killing. According to…

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West Asia conflict a ‘war’, government firms can invoke ‘force majeure’ clause

West Asia conflict a ‘war’, government firms can invoke ‘force majeure’ clause

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

The clause allows relief in extraordinary circumstances beyond human control, such as war, and frees parties from contractual liability NEW DELHI: The West Asia conflict should be treated as a “war” to invoke the ‘force majeure’ clause in public contracts where obligations have been impacted by disruptions, the finance ministry has said.It has allowed govt…

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Not just venom, the surprising metals inside scorpions’ structure make their sting stronger

Not just venom, the surprising metals inside scorpions’ structure make their sting stronger

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

Why scorpions have metal in their stingers and claws. Image credit – Wikimedia Scorpions are always judged for their venom. Their distinctive curved tails and stingers make these species among the most recognisable predators in the animal world. For years, researchers have focused on the chemical properties of scorpion venoms. However, new studies demonstrate that…

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Pawan Khera vs Himanta a political battle, says Supreme Court, gives relief to Congress neta

Pawan Khera vs Himanta a political battle, says Supreme Court, gives relief to Congress neta

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Citing the verbal duel between Congress’s Pawan Khera and BJP’s Himanta Biswa Sarma in the surcharged build-up to the recent polls, Supreme Court said the allegations against the Assam CM’s wife and counter-allegations made by her appear to be politically motivated, reports Amit Anand Choudhary.The court granted anticipatory bail to the Congress spokesperson,…

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Scientists discover light can slow plant growth; here’s how it works

Scientists discover light can slow plant growth; here’s how it works

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

It’s factually correct that light is crucial for photosynthesis, but research from Osaka Metropolitan University uncovers an intriguing contradiction: it also slows down plant growth. The study, published in the Physiologia Plantarum journal, shows that white light exposure triggers biochemical modifications; this reaction makes the bond between a plant’s internal tissues and outer layer stronger….

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File photo NEW DELHI: Many parts of the country may not be hotter than usual this month due to ‘above normal’ rainfall, but certain states, especially those along the Himalayan foothills such as southern Himachal and Uttarakhand, along the eastern coast, and some parts of Maharashtra and Gujarat, are likely to face ‘above normal’ heatwave days (an additional 3 to 8 days), according to IMD’s May forecast released Friday.The Met department also predicted warmer nights (above normal minimum temperatures) across many parts of the country, a phenomenon IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said is linked to climate change.’Above normal’ rainfall during the month is attributed to increased frequency of western disturbances and thunderstorm activity due to favourable troughs and upper air cyclonic circulations. These are likely to bring down day temps to ‘below normal’ in certain regions.”Maximum (day) temperatures are expected to be normal to below normal across many parts of the country. However, above-normal temperatures are likely in many parts of southern peninsular India, some parts of the northeast, and northwest India,” said Mohapatra.He said minimum (night) temperatures are, on the other hand, expected to be above normal across many parts of the country. “However, many areas of northwest India, along with some parts of central India and adjoining areas of peninsular India and southern parts of northeast India, are likely to experience normal to below-normal minimum temperatures.”Southwest monsoon is expected to arrive over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands around May 14-20. A forecast for its onset over Kerala, which marks arrival of monsoon over India’s mainland, is expected around May 15.The Met department has already predicted ‘below normal’ monsoon rainfall this year amid the risk of El Nino, the warming of ocean surface temperatures in central and eastern equatorial Pacific, often linked to depressed rainfall over Indian subcontinent.Increasing frequency of WDs – moist air and low-pressure systems over Mediterranean region that enter India and affect local weather – led to seven such events in April, causing thunderstorms, rain, winds and lightning in northwest and adjoining central and east India.Extreme weather events linked to WDs claimed 24 lives last month. Lightning alone killed 10 people in Andhra, UP, Maharashtra and Odisha.About the AuthorVishwa MohanVishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India. He writes on environment, climate change, agriculture, water resources and clean energy, tracking policy issues and climate diplomacy. He has been covering Parliament since 2003 to see how politics shaped up domestic policy and India’s position at global platform. Before switching over to explore sustainable development issues, Vishwa had covered internal security and investigative agencies for more than a decade.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFuel Prices May Go Up Soon As Oil Firms Face Losses Amid Global Crude SpikeNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway TravelTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | Watch123PhotostoriesHow to make South Indian Tamarind Rice for summer lunchMaharashtra Day 2026: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor honours the culinary heritage of the stateBest time to do yoga: Morning vs evening; What works better for your body?How Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dogSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwaveFeeling anxious or low? These common vitamin deficiencies could be the hidden reason123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap

File photo NEW DELHI: Many parts of the country may not be hotter than usual this month due to ‘above normal’ rainfall, but certain states, especially those along the Himalayan foothills such as southern Himachal and Uttarakhand, along the eastern coast, and some parts of Maharashtra and Gujarat, are likely to face ‘above normal’ heatwave days (an additional 3 to 8 days), according to IMD’s May forecast released Friday.The Met department also predicted warmer nights (above normal minimum temperatures) across many parts of the country, a phenomenon IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said is linked to climate change.’Above normal’ rainfall during the month is attributed to increased frequency of western disturbances and thunderstorm activity due to favourable troughs and upper air cyclonic circulations. These are likely to bring down day temps to ‘below normal’ in certain regions.”Maximum (day) temperatures are expected to be normal to below normal across many parts of the country. However, above-normal temperatures are likely in many parts of southern peninsular India, some parts of the northeast, and northwest India,” said Mohapatra.He said minimum (night) temperatures are, on the other hand, expected to be above normal across many parts of the country. “However, many areas of northwest India, along with some parts of central India and adjoining areas of peninsular India and southern parts of northeast India, are likely to experience normal to below-normal minimum temperatures.”Southwest monsoon is expected to arrive over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands around May 14-20. A forecast for its onset over Kerala, which marks arrival of monsoon over India’s mainland, is expected around May 15.The Met department has already predicted ‘below normal’ monsoon rainfall this year amid the risk of El Nino, the warming of ocean surface temperatures in central and eastern equatorial Pacific, often linked to depressed rainfall over Indian subcontinent.Increasing frequency of WDs – moist air and low-pressure systems over Mediterranean region that enter India and affect local weather – led to seven such events in April, causing thunderstorms, rain, winds and lightning in northwest and adjoining central and east India.Extreme weather events linked to WDs claimed 24 lives last month. Lightning alone killed 10 people in Andhra, UP, Maharashtra and Odisha.About the AuthorVishwa MohanVishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India. He writes on environment, climate change, agriculture, water resources and clean energy, tracking policy issues and climate diplomacy. He has been covering Parliament since 2003 to see how politics shaped up domestic policy and India’s position at global platform. Before switching over to explore sustainable development issues, Vishwa had covered internal security and investigative agencies for more than a decade.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFuel Prices May Go Up Soon As Oil Firms Face Losses Amid Global Crude SpikeNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway TravelTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | Watch123PhotostoriesHow to make South Indian Tamarind Rice for summer lunchMaharashtra Day 2026: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor honours the culinary heritage of the stateBest time to do yoga: Morning vs evening; What works better for your body?How Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dogSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwaveFeeling anxious or low? These common vitamin deficiencies could be the hidden reason123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Many parts of the country may not be hotter than usual this month due to ‘above normal’ rainfall, but certain states, especially those along the Himalayan foothills such as southern Himachal and Uttarakhand, along the eastern coast, and some parts of Maharashtra and Gujarat, are likely to face ‘above normal’ heatwave days (an…

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Oscars 2027: The Academy changes rules for nominations, International film eligibility; AI actors and writers ‘not eligible’

Oscars 2027: The Academy changes rules for nominations, International film eligibility; AI actors and writers ‘not eligible’

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

The organization behind the Oscars is for the first time addressing the use of artificial intelligence in performances and scripts for the 2027 Academy Awards. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday released updates across many categories, stressing the importance of human authorship while not banning AI.The new rules also include significant…

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R Madhavan recalls Saala Khadoos struggles, says failure is his biggest teacher: ‘I thought I must be terribly wrong’

R Madhavan recalls Saala Khadoos struggles, says failure is his biggest teacher: ‘I thought I must be terribly wrong’

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

R Madhavan has opened up about dealing with failure in showbiz, using his experience on Saala Khadoos as a key reference point. In a recent chat, the actor spoke about public scrutiny, self-doubt, and why he considers failure his biggest teacher. ‘Everything is out there for the public to see’ Speaking to Sonia Shenoy about…

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