PSLV-C51 carrying AMAZONIA-1, 18 co-passenger satellites lifts off from SHAR Range

United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him the “nicest looking guy,” even as he once again claimed credit for brokering peace between India and Pakistan earlier this year.

Speaking at a luncheon for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) business leaders in South Korea, Trump recounted his version of events from May, saying he had "used trade pressure" to stop what he described as a potential war between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. 

"Two nuclear nations were fighting with each other. They said, no, no, no, you should let us fight. They are strong people. Prime Minister Modi is the nicest looking guy. He is a killer. He is tough as hell. But after a little while, they called up and said we would end fighting," Trump said.

He also hinted at achieving a trade deal with India soon. "I am going to do a trade deal with India," Trump said.

The President went on to describe his "great relationship" with both New Delhi and Islamabad.

"I am doing a trade deal with India and I have love and great respect for Prime Minister Modi. Likewise, the Prime Minister of Pakistan is a great guy and his Field Marshal is a great fighter," he added.

Further in his address, Trump said he had told both leaders that the United States would not pursue trade deals with them while the two countries were in conflict.

"I called Prime Minister Modi and said we can’t make a trade deal with you as you are fighting with Pakistan. Then I called Pakistan and said the same thing," he said.

Trump has made similar claims in the past of mediating between India and Pakistan following a brief military conflict in May this year, a claim that New Delhi has unequivocally denied, reiterating that the ceasefire between the two countries was reached bilaterally with no third-party involvement.

Mangaluru, Oct 27. The School Education and Literacy Department in Dakshina Kannada is implementing a rigorous plan to recover approximately 20 lost working days this academic year. Following time lost due to heavy monsoons and the recent extension of Dasara holidays for the socio-economic census, schools will soon see mandatory extra classes and classes scheduled even on certain government holidays.

The district’s Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI), G. S. Shashidhar, confirmed that a target of 244 working days must be met in every academic year. "We are now charting out detailed plans to compensate for the significant loss of days," he stated.

The compensatory measures, for which an official circular is expected shortly, will involve extending the school day by one hour for both primary and high school students across the district.

Furthermore, the DDPI mentioned that there is a proposal to conduct classes on certain government holidays, particularly those marking 'Jayantis' (birth anniversaries). However, he clarified that Sundays will remain holidays to ensure adequate rest for both students and teachers. Full-day classes on Saturdays have already been implemented as part of the initial strategy.

The move has been largely welcomed by school administrators, who see it as a necessary step to ensure the comprehensive coverage of the syllabus. A government high school headmistress pointed out, "Post-Dasara, many academic days are dedicated to co-curricular activities like sports meets and Prathibha Karanji events. These extra classes will significantly help us to complete the curriculum on time."

The practice of holding special classes is not new to the region; several government and aided schools had already begun conducting extra classes for SSLC students on holidays even before the Dasara break. These new, district-wide measures aim to systematize the recovery process, ensuring all students catch up on lost instructional time and maintain academic momentum.

A 24-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar district allegedly died by suicide in Saudi Arabia during a video call with his newly married wife in India, police said on Wednesday, October 29.

A police official said Aas Mohammad Ansari allegedly hanged himself from the ceiling of his residence in Riyadh on October 26 following a heated argument with his wife Sania (21) during a video call.

After the incident, his wife informed relatives living in Saudi Arabia, who rushed to his residence and found him dead, according to his family.

A relative, Amjad Ali, said efforts are under way to bring the body back to Muzaffarnagar for burial.

The family on Wednesday said the couple had married on April 7 this year at Bhopa village.

Ansari had travelled to Saudi Arabia around two-and-a-half months ago for work.

The family said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh has been informed and necessary documentation is being arranged to repatriate the mortal remains.

Police said they are probing the details of the matter, including the issue over which the couple had the argument.