New Delhi, July 30 (IANS) The nine-member all-women crew
of IASV Triveni has completed Samudra Pradakshina, a 314-day Tri-services circumnavigation sailing expedition covering nearly 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans.
The Ministry of Defence said the crew crossed all meridians, the Equator twice, the International Date Line, and rounded the Three Great Capes, including
India, China agree to enhance mutual cooperation and communication in trade and economic ties
Beijing, July 30 (IANS) India’s Ambassador to China, Vikram Doraiswami, and Yan Dong, Member of the CPC Leadership Group of the Ministry of
Commerce and Vice Minister, met on Thursday and agreed to enhance mutual cooperation and communication on trade and economic ties.
"Ambassador Vikram Doraiswami met H.E. Mr Yan Dong, Member of the CPC Leadership Group of the Ministry of Commerce and Vice Minister, today. They exchanged views on enhancing bilateral trade and economic
the formidable Drake Passage, earning membership in the prestigious fraternity of Cape Horners.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh felicitated the nine women officers of the Army, Navy, and Air Force in New Delhi, praising their courage and determination.
United Nations, July 30 (IANS) The process of electing the next United Nations Secretary-General kicked off on Thursday with a
Reducing dependence on foreign suppliers, India rapidly expanding its naval capabilities: Report
Hong Kong, July 30 (IANS) As India aims to expand its navy to more than 200 ships over the next
decade to counter China's rapidly growing naval fleet and Pakistan's induction of advanced Chinesebuilt attack submarines, analysts see this month's commissioning of the stealth frigate INS
Mahendragiri and submarine hunter INS Malvan into the Indian Navy as a significant development.
The two indigenously built warships underscore New Delhi's ability to expand its naval capabilities while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers, a report has stated.
Mahendragiri, designed by the
straw poll of the Security Council to get an initial assessment of the support levels of the seven candidates, Council President Zenon Mukongo Ngay said.
But Ngay, who is the permanent representative of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that holds the Council presidency for the month, said the Council decided not to announce the results.
The results will be conveyed to
New Delhi, July 30 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired the fourth special meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to review India’s preparedness amid the escalating West Asia conflict, focusing on energy supplies, fertiliser availability, and the safety of citizens and seafarers.
the missions of the nominating countries and General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock, he said.
He said the ballot had three options for each candidate: Encourage, Discourage, and No Opinion.
The secret poll is one of a series that will continue till a candidate emerges with the consensus of the five permanent Council
Cairo, July 30 (IANS) India’s Ambassador to Egypt Suresh Reddy met the country's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for African Affairs Mohamed Abu
Bakr Saleh on Thursday as both sides explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in Africa.
"Ambassador Suresh Reddy met H.E. Amb. Mohamed Abu Bakr Saleh, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for African
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Isha Koppikar hits back at trolls: ‘Yes, I’m an Andh Bhakt, I’m a Bharat Bhakt’
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IASV Triveni completes ‘Samudra Pradakshina’ with all-women crew
Continued from page 1
He described the expedition as a testament to Nari Shakti and an outstanding example of Triservice jointness and synergy. The officers shared their experiences, noting that their commitment to making the nation proud kept them motivated despite immense physical and mental challenges. Singh remarked that their dedication had inspired him, adding that their achievement demonstrated how conviction and determination can help accomplish any goal.
He said the successful completion of Samudra Pradakshina
shattered stereotypes about women in arduous military missions. “You have proven that physical capability, mental toughness, and leadership qualities are not bound by gender. Every daughter in India can look at you and believe that she, too, can cross oceans and conquer the world,” he told the officers. Singh termed the expedition a shining example of Tri-service jointness, noting that officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force sailed together under one flag in pursuit of a shared mission. He also commended the team for showcasing India’s engineering excellence and
indigenous capabilities during their port calls abroad.
Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, and other senior officers were present. The Ministry said the mission’s success was made possible through meticulous planning, two years of intensive training, a 24x7 shore-based support network, and the commitment of numerous organisations. The expedition fulfilled all internationally recognised criteria for circumnavigation.
India, China agree to enhance mutual cooperation and communication in trade and economic ties
Continued from page 1
ties, including the need for sustainable trade and enhanced market access for Indian products like pharmaceuticals. Towards this end, the two sides agreed to enhance cooperation and communication," the Embassy of India in Beijing wrote on X.
On Wednesday, Pratik Mathur, Consul General of India in Shanghai, met CPC Party Secretary Shi Huifang and discussed Shi’s recent visit to India, where he visited Delhi and Bengaluru.
"Consul General Shri Pratik Mathur was welcomed by CPC
Party Secretary HE Shi Huifang on an official visit to Shaoxing prefecture-level city in Zhejiang province today. Both sides had an engaging discussion on Party Secretary Shi’s recent visit to India, where he visited Delhi and Bengaluru," the Consulate General of India in Shanghai wrote on X.
According to the Consulate, the Consul General thanked the city’s leadership for the support extended to the Indian athletics team during the second Asian Relay Championships last month when Indian athletes won multiple medals, highlighted by a
historic gold in the 4x100 metre women’s relay event.
"Consul General also used the opportunity to interact with the vibrant Indian diaspora and, at the invitation of Lu Xun Foundation, visit the home of China’s poet laureate, paying tribute to his strong friendship with Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore," the Consulate highlighted.
Earlier this week, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri paid an official visit to China, during which he held discussions with Hua Chunying, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of China.
Process for electing next UN chief starts with preliminary UNSC poll
Continued from page 1
members, which in effect means that the US, Russia and China will not block the candidate.
While the first straw polls are totally secret, during the later stage the votes of the vetowielding permanent members will be shown separately, but without identifying the country, to assess which candidate will not
face a veto.
Four of the candidates have leadership experience with UN organisations: Argentina’s Rafael Grossi, who heads the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); Michael Bachelet, the former High Commissioner for Human Rights and president of Chile; Rebeca Grynspan, the head of UN Trande and
Development (UNCTAD), who was also a former vice president of Costa Rica, and Olara Otunnu, a former UN under-secretarygeneral and Uganda’s foreign minister, who has done a stint as the president of the Council.
Maria Fernanda Espinosa is a former president of the General Assembly and Ecuador’s foreign minister.
India and Egypt explore opportunities to deepen cooperation in Africa
Continued from page 1
Affairs. They exchanged views on the steadily expanding IndiaEgypt Strategic Partnership and explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in Africa, building on India’s demanddriven development partnership and Egypt’s leadership in the continent," the Embassy of India in Cairo stated on X. The Ambassador also met Khaled Hashem, Minister of Industry, Egypt, and discussed avenues to further strengthen India-Egypt cooperation in the
industrial sector.According to the Embassy, the discussions focused on industrial development, enhancing the framework for collaboration, facilitating investments, and extending support to Indian companies seeking opportunities in Egypt. "Both sides explored ways to promote greater engagement between industries, encourage technology partnerships, and create a more conducive environment for investors," the Embassy noted. Last week, the Ambassador met Waleid Gamal El-Dien, Chairman
PM Modi chairs meeting to review situation in West Asia
Continued from page 1
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the Cabinet Secretary briefed the CCS on the current geopolitical situation and outlined measures taken to ensure adequate supply of petroleum products, including LNG, LPG, and fertilisers. He said procurement sources for LPG had been diversified and refineries were operating at utilisation levels exceeding 100 per cent, ensuring continued production of petrol, diesel, and other petroleum products. The meeting also reviewed initiatives to expand Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections, which have seen a substantial increase. Fertiliser requirements for the forthcoming Rabi season were assessed, with alternate sources discussed. PM Modi directed that all measures be taken to ensure uninterrupted supply of fertilisers.
Reducing
of the Suez Canal Economic Zone Authority, and discussed opportunities to deepen IndiaEgypt investment cooperation, strengthen the bilateral economic partnership, and enhance investment facilitation. According to the Embassy, the meeting highlighted the growing presence of Indian companies in SCZONE, with recent investments across textiles, chemicals, ferro-manganese, and other manufacturing sectors, reflecting the expanding economic ties between India and Egypt.
The situation of seafarers serving on domestic and foreign-flagged vessels in conflict zones was deliberated. PM Modi instructed the establishment of a mechanism to provide timely information, emergency assistance, and counselling to seafarers and their families.
He emphasised that all efforts must be made to safeguard citizens and the Indian diaspora from the impact of the conflict.
Stressing the importance of energy independence, he called for greater focus on renewable energy sources, including solar and other non-fossil fuels.
The PMO statement said the Prime Minister directed that a “whole-of-government approach” be continued, with a unified coordinated mechanism for regular monitoring of developments to ensure expeditious implementation of measures to safeguard citizens’ interests.
dependence on foreign suppliers, India rapidly expanding its naval capabilities: Report
Continued from page 1
Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders with 75 per cent indigenous content, reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push for Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) across key industries, particularly in the critical defence sector.
The warship is the sixth to join the Nilgiri-class fleet. The seventh and final ship in the class, Vindhyagiri, is expected to join the fleet within months, while seven or eight next-generation warships under the proposed Project-17 Bravo are already in the pipeline, a report in South China Morning Post (SCMP) detailed. It noted that India's navy currently comprises around 150 vessels, including an estimated 135 frontline combat platforms such as frigates, destroyers and submarines, while nearly 50 additional ships are under construction. “Considering that composition is largely made up of indigenously supported ships, the target of a 200-ship navy by 2035 is well within reach. Given the right impetus, we could even exceed this figure,” SCMP quoted Sanjay Misra, a former Rear Admiral turned defence analyst, as saying. Last year, Delhi unveiled a US$8.4 billion maritime revival package aimed at making
India one of the world’s top five shipbuilding nations by 2047 marking the 100th anniversary of country's independence.
Srinivasan Balakrishnan, Director of Strategic Engagements and Partnerships at the Delhi-based Indic Researchers Forum think tank, said that the goal of over 200 ships was ambitious but achievable.
He cited the recent achievements, including the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier, delivered in 2022; the indigenous Kalvariclass submarines; and, the 10 domestically-built destroyers, the SCMP report mentioned.
According to Balakrishnan, the pipeline for domestic manufacturing has expanded to cover corvettes, frigates and patrol vessels, noting that domestic manufacturing still faced capacity constraints, a shortage of skilled workforce and supply chain bottlenecks affecting critical systems.
“India will likely need selective collaboration and technology transfers with foreign partners, such as France, Russia, Israel and the US for propulsion, sensors and weapons integration,” he told SCMP, adding that ships’ hull and systems integration could largely be done domestically, balancing self-reliance with timely delivery. Looking ahead, Balakrishnan said that building a strong navy would be vital for India to secure its sea lanes, protect trade and maintain credible deterrence.
“With focused investment and pragmatic partnerships, India is well positioned to meet this goal and bolster regional stability,” he said.
Rajasthan receives nearly 68,000 suggestions on Uniform Civil Code
Jaipur, July 31 (IANS) Rajasthan has received nearly 68,000 suggestions on the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) through various channels, including digital platforms, reflecting growing public
engagement in the consultation process. Officials said fresh suggestions are being submitted daily as the government continues its outreach campaign to gather wider public opinion before framing the legislation.
Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Bhaskar Sawant shared the update during a review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary V. Srinivas at the Secretariat on Thursday. He said feedback has been pouring in from across the state through multiple modes,
with digital platforms playing a significant role in enabling citizen participation.
The state government has urged people to continue sharing their views to ensure that the consultation process is broad-based and inclusive. To facilitate greater participation, departments have been asked to make extensive use of digital communication tools such as WhatsApp, QR codes and SMS, making it easier for citizens to submit suggestions.
President Murmu marks four years in office with new initiatives at Rashtrapati Bhavan
New Delhi, July 28 (IANS)
President Droupadi Murmu marked the completion of four years in office with a series of significant initiatives launched at Rashtrapati Bhavan and the President’s Estate on July 28, 2026.
The occasion was celebrated with the inauguration of projects that reflect her vision of inclusivity, sustainability, and cultural pride.
Among the highlights was the launch of an e-Audio Guide for visitors, available in Hindi, English, and 14 other Indian languages, including a sign language module to make the Rashtrapati Bhavan experience
TN
imposes
more accessible.
She also unveiled the third edition of e-Upahaar, which will put 300 curated presidential gifts up for public auction between August 5 and September 5. The President inaugurated Bachpan ‘Bal Parisar’ for children in the President’s Estate, which includes a play zone called Kilkari and an Anganwadicum-Palna named Samarth to provide a nurturing environment for young residents.
Another notable initiative was the launch of RAAHI, a fare-free electric bus service operated by women drivers and conductors, designed to promote green mobility and ensure safe transport for women, children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. She also laid the foundation stone for a new service block as part of the Net Zero Energy Strategy and inaugurated accommodation facilities at Rashtrapati Niketan
in Dehradun and Rashtrapati Nilayam in Secunderabad, while announcing redevelopment of staff quarters in the President’s Estate. Speaking at the event, President Murmu said that Rashtrapati Bhavan must remain a vibrant symbol of India’s traditions, democratic values, and national ideals. She recalled initiatives taken over the past year, including unveiling the bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, inaugurating Param Vir Dirgha and Granth Kutir, and Indianising State Rooms to highlight the country’s civilisational ethos.
Later, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan released a set of publications chronicling her four years in office, with titles such as Rashtrapati Bhavan: Rashtra Ka Bhavan, Seva Aur Samvedana, Samaveshi Sahbhaghita, and Bharatiyata Ka Utsav, along with Ama Rashtrapati – Ama Gourav in Odia.
three-month ban on transport of construction stones to other states
Chennai, July 28 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu government has imposed a three-month temporary ban on the transportation of gravel, cut stones, M-sand, metal jelly and other construction materials from the state to neighbouring states, citing rising domestic demand, shortages, escalating prices and concerns over illegal mining and road safety.
The order was issued by Prabhu Shankar, Director of the Department of Geology and Mining, who said the decision was taken to ensure the uninterrupted supply of essential construction materials for infrastructure and housing projects currently
underway across Tamil Nadu. The ban will apply to the movement of these materials to all neighbouring states except the Union Territory of Puducherry.
According to the government, the state has witnessed a sharp increase in demand for construction materials due to the rapid execution of public infrastructure and housing projects. At the same time, large quantities of gravel, stones, M-sand, ballast, mill stones and related materials have been transported to neighbouring states, creating shortages within Tamil Nadu.
Officials said this imbalance has resulted in artificial scarcity, price escalation and disruptions to both government and private construction works.
The order also highlighted the impact of heavy transportation on public infrastructure. Authorities
20 projects in protected areas given green nod since 2024: MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh
New Delhi, July 31 (IANS) During the financial years 2024–25 and 2025–26, environment clearance was granted to 20 infrastructure projects/activities, wholly or partly, in a Protected Area or Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ)/EcoSensitive Area (ESA), the Centre told the Rajya Sabha.
Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh, in reply to a query, said on Thursday that the existing provisions prescribe project-specific environmental safeguards as part of the environmental clearance conditions to avoid, minimise and mitigate adverse environmental impacts.
The safeguards include measures relating to wildlife protection, habitat conservation, pollution control, compensatory plantation and environmental monitoring, he added.
These also include scientific appraisal process and scrutiny at the approval stage, ensuring that adequate safeguards are incorporated for the protection of
ecologically sensitive landscapes, he said.
Kirti Vardhan Singh added that proposals requiring Wildlife Clearance for projects located within Protected Areas or EcoSensitive Zones or Forest areas are scrutinised through a multitiered mechanism involving the State Chief Wildlife Warden and the State Board for Wildlife. "Thereafter, the cases are scrutinised by the Ministry and the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SCNBWL), which examines the ecological sensitivity of the area, cumulative and specific impacts on wildlife habitats and corridors, and the proposed mitigation measures on a case-to-case basis," he said.
The proposals for Wildlife Clearance are recommended by SCNBWL only after due consideration of the impacts, mitigation measures and incorporating appropriate safeguards, he added.
The Minister of State said that proposals are granted Environmental Clearance after due consideration of the environmental impacts and incorporation of project-specific environmental safeguards, including mitigation measures prescribed in the Environmental Management Plan.
India’s defence ministry denies reports of cybersecurity breach at DRDO
New Delhi, July 28 (IANS) The Ministry of Defence on Tuesday rejected recent media reports claiming a cybersecurity incident involving the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
noted that the continuous movement of heavy-duty trucks and multi-axle vehicles carrying construction materials has caused extensive damage to local roads and contributed to an increase in road accidents and fatalities. The government further observed that neighbouring states such as Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh do not face any significant shortage of construction stones. Despite this, the large-scale transportation of materials from Tamil Nadu has widened the gap between demand and supply within the state.
Officials warned that the growing demand has encouraged illegal quarrying and extraction of minerals beyond the permitted limits, posing a serious threat to the environment and ecological balance.
Officials clarified that the reports are both incorrect and unverified, and that a thorough investigation has revealed no evidence of any active cyberattack, unauthorised network intrusion, or ongoing data exfiltration.
According to the Ministry, most of the data being circulated as part of the alleged leak is unclassified and bears no confidentiality.
Some of the material being portrayed as critical is linked to an old breach dating back to 2020–2022.
Investigators found that threat actors have deliberately fabricated and manipulated these documents to make them appear recent and sensitive.
The Ministry emphasised that all the documents referred to in the alleged leak are outdated, having undergone multiple revisions, and are no longer representative of current configurations or operations.
The investigation also revealed that the same set of outdated data is being offered for sale by several threat actors, with no current relevance to DRDO or the Ministry of Defence.
Officials said the actors appear motivated by financial gain, attempting to cause panic and inflate the perceived value of the data by presenting it as authentic and confidential.
The Defence Ministry's statement aims to reassure the public and counter speculation that India's premier defence research body had suffered a fresh breach. By highlighting the fabricated nature of the claims and the irrelevance of the outdated documents, the Ministry underscored that DRDO's systems remain secure and that no sensitive or classified information has been compromised.
The clarification comes at a time when cybersecurity concerns are increasingly in the spotlight.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to safeguarding national security and maintaining robust cyber defences, while urging media outlets to verify information before publication. With the official denial, the narrative of a major breach at DRDO has been firmly dismissed, reinforcing confidence in the resilience of India's defence infrastructure against cyber threats.
Govt has adequate resources to handle spike in petroleum, fertiliser subsidy bills: FM Sitharaman
Mumbai, July 26 (IANS) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Sunday that while the Middle East conflict has led to an increase in the country’s petroleum and fertiliser subsidy bill due to the spike in global prices, the government has an adequate resource buffer to manage the situation without any changes in the Budget estimates for 2026-27. Speaking at the NDTV Profit Business Leadership Awards function here, the Finance
Minister said, "I have kept buffers which can take care of it and therefore at this stage, I don't think I'll look at my budget number for readjusting," as she referred to the government support for oil and fertiliser imports at higher prices.
The government has "some resources kept aside" to meet challenges arising from rising risk insurance premia as ships pass through war zones, she added.
The Finance Minister further stated that the deficient monsoon rains due to the El Nino effect were adding to existing inflation risks.
"Inflation therefore cannot be just imported. It is also our own want of rain and the monsoon being less-than-normal that could also
add to price pressures,” she said. Sitharaman highlighted that several indicators, including goods and services tax collections, pointed to resilient economic growth in the country.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has also projected a robust 6.6 per cent growth rate for the economy during 2026-27 despite the supply chain disruptions due to the Iran war and the adverse impact expected on the country’s agriculture sector due to the deficient monsoon.
India's fiscal burden is growing as the fertiliser subsidy bill faces a massive surge alongside major financial support extended to petroleum and fuel retailers due to ongoing geopolitical shocks in West Asia.
TN faces worsening drinking water crisis as several reservoirs dry up
Chennai, July 27 (IANS) Tamil Nadu is facing a deepening drinking water crisis as prolonged failure of the southwest monsoon has left reservoirs, lakes and groundwater sources severely depleted across large parts of the state.
With water levels falling rapidly, complaints are mounting that the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage (TWAD) Board has failed to put in place adequate alternative arrangements to
ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply in the worstaffected districts.
According to official data, the Water Resources Department, which manages 90 major dams and over 14,000 irrigation tanks across Tamil Nadu, has reported an alarming decline in available water. Of the State’s 90 dams, 59 have already dried up completely, while another 16 retain only between 25 and 50 per cent of their storage capacity.
The situation has been compounded by the drying up of irrigation tanks, with 3,489 tanks completely dry and another 6,158 nearing depletion.
The impact of the failed monsoon
has not been confined to Tamil Nadu alone, with neighbouring southern states also witnessing below-normal rainfall. As a result, inflows into reservoirs have dropped sharply, affecting both irrigation and drinking water supplies.
Water bodies under the control of the Municipal Administration Department and the Rural Development Department have also witnessed significant depletion. The TWAD Board operates several combined drinking water supply schemes that draw water from rivers, reservoirs and lakes to cater to urban and rural areas across the state.
President Murmu discusses bilateral partnership with Romanian counterpart
Bucharest, July 23 (IANS)
President Droupadi Murmu and her Romanian counterpart Nicusor Dan on Thursday discussed major dimensions of India-Romania partnership as the former is on a state visit to the European state.
"President Droupadi Murmu was warmly received by President Nicusor Dan of Romania at Cotroceni Palace in Bucharest. She was accorded a ceremonial welcome and guard of honour. The two leaders held productive and forward-looking discussions covering the major dimensions of our bilateral partnership. They also exchanged perspectives on regional and global developments,
and on multilateral cooperation," the President's Secretariat wrote on social media platform X.
Three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for bilateral cooperation in the field of science and technology, sports and the establishment of a Chair of Indian Studies at the University of Bucharest were signed on the occasion.
President Murmu arrived in Romania's capital Bucharest earlier in the day as part of her three-nation visit.
This is the first State Visit by an Indian President to Romania in nearly three decades. Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, and Members of Parliament Dinesh Sharma and Vijay Baghel are accompanying the President in this visit.
The President visited Cotroceni Palace, the official residence and office of the President of
Indian govt to introduce bill with tougher anti-paper leak measures
New Delhi, July 27 (IANS) The Union government will introduce the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in Parliament on Monday as part of its legislative agenda to further strengthen the legal framework against paper leaks and examination malpractices.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh will table the Bill, which seeks to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. A government notification regarding its introduction has already been issued.
The proposed amendment aims to enhance transparency and integrity in the examination system through stricter legal provisions while ensuring that the future of students remains fully protected. Among the key features are stringent penalties, including imprisonment of up to 10 years, a fine of up to Rs 10 crore, confiscation of assets
of those found guilty, and the establishment of a mechanism to ensure verdicts are delivered within three months.
The move follows the Union Cabinet’s approval on Friday of a Bill and related provisions designed to establish fast-track courts and provide harsher punishment in cases involving paper leaks and examination fraud, according to official sources. The proposed legislation is expected to be taken up in Parliament next week.
The initiative comes shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that a comprehensive Bill containing provisions for strong action against paper leaks would be introduced in Parliament.
As per the proposal, the fasttrack courts will be mandated to complete trials and deliver judgments within three months, ensuring swift justice in examination-related offences. Earlier, in a video message posted on his official X account, Prime Minister Modi said the Central government had prepared a comprehensive draft Bill to introduce stricter provisions and severe punishments for those involved in paper leak cases. He also posted, “More strict actions against paper leaks to come in tomorrow’s Cabinet!”
Gujarat: 100-foot Tricolour hoisted, Sardar Patel statue unveiled in Surat on Kargil Vijay Diwas
Romania. During one-to-one meeting and delegation-level talks, the two leaders held productive and forward-looking discussions covering all major dimensions of India-Romania bilateral partnership. They agreed to further deepen cooperation across areas of priority for the two countries.
"The President said that India and Romania have shared a warm and enduring friendship for over seven decades, founded on mutual trust, respect and strong people-to-people ties. Over the years, our partnership has steadily grown stronger and is now entering a new phase marked by greater ambition, stronger cooperation and a shared vision for the future," stated the President's Secretariat. She also said that economic cooperation remains an important pillar of the IndiaRomania partnership.
Surat, July 26 (IANS) A 100-foot national flag was hoisted and a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was unveiled at Ram Chowk in the Mota Varachha area of Surat during the Kargil Vijay Diwas programme led by Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Sunday.
The event, organised to commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas, brought together public representatives, local leaders, students and residents to pay tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1999 Kargil War.
The newly installed 100-foot Tricolour at Ram Chowk, near Sudama Chowk, has been erected
as a permanent landmark in the Mota Varachha area.
Addressing the gathering, Sanghavi said that the installation of the national flag represented more than a physical structure and reflected the values of patriotism, national unity and courage.
"This is not merely the installation of a flag, but a living symbol of patriotism, national unity, valour and unwavering faith in glorious India. This historic initiative has become a moment of pride for the entire area and will continue to inspire future generations with the spirit of patriotism," he said.
Congratulating those who attended the programme on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Sanghavi said that he was pleased to see citizens, students and families gather to witness what he described as a historic moment of national pride.
Following the flag hoisting ceremony, Sanghavi and other dignitaries unveiled a statue of "architect of a united India" Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Floral tributes were then offered to the country's fallen soldiers in remembrance of their sacrifice during the Kargil War. Participants also collectively took a pledge to uphold the dignity of the national flag and strengthen the spirit of patriotism.
Over 22,000 people evacuated as Gujarat steps up flood response
Gandhinagar, July 23 (IANS)
More than 22,000 people have been shifted to safer locations in Gujarat as authorities intensified rescue and relief operations following extremely heavy rainfall that has battered large parts of South and Central Gujarat over the past 24 hours.
According to the state government, more than 12,000
Rajasthan
amid extreme rainfall
people have been evacuated in Valsad district and over 10,000 in neighbouring Navsari district, while rescue teams have brought more than 200 stranded people to safety in Valsad and over 50 in Navsari.
Government spokesperson and Minister Jitu Vaghani said the state and central governments were working together to respond to the situation and that the entire administrative machinery had been mobilised to safeguard residents.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel by telephone today to obtain a detailed
tops India in
assessment of the situation and assured all necessary assistance from the Central Government.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also remained in constant contact with the Chief Minister and the state administration while monitoring developments," he said.
The Chief Minister, along with Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Dr Jayanti Ravi, Relief Commissioner Gaurang Makwana, Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) Chief Executive Officer Dhaval Patel and other senior officials, has been monitoring the situation in real time from the State Emergency Operations Centre.
expressway construction with 1,192 km corridors
Jaipur, July 23 (IANS) Rajasthan has emerged as the leading state in the country in the construction of high-speed corridors and greenfield expressways, with 1,192 kilometres of expressways completed so far, according to information shared by the Central Government in the Rajya Sabha. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, in a written reply, said Rajasthan has recorded the
highest length of completed high-speed corridors and greenfield expressways among all states.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma welcomed the achievement and expressed gratitude to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for the Centre's support in strengthening Rajasthan's road infrastructure. According to Gadkari, the Central Government has approved 10,389 kilometres of high-speed corridors and greenfield expressways across the country. Of these, 4,809 kilometres have been completed so far. With 1,192 kilometres completed within the state, Rajasthan
accounts for nearly 25 per cent of all high-speed corridors and greenfield expressways constructed in India to date, making it the top-performing state in this category.
The expansion of the expressway network has significantly improved connectivity across Rajasthan, reducing travel time between major cities and strengthening links to industrial hubs, border regions, and neighbouring states.
The improved road infrastructure is expected to enhance the movement of people and goods while supporting economic activity across the state.
PM Modi announces strict anti-paper leak legislation; to be tabled in Parliament next week after today’s Cabinet decision
New Delhi, July 24 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the Central government has prepared a comprehensive draft Bill to introduce stricter provisions and stringent punishments for paper leak cases. The proposal will be discussed in the Union Cabinet meeting on Friday and is expected to be introduced and passed in the ongoing session of Parliament next week.
Taking to his official X account, PM Modi in a video message said: "More strict actions against paper leaks to come in tomorrow’s Cabinet!"
Addressing the deep distress
caused by paper leaks to students and their families, the Prime Minister said on Thursday that the Union government has taken multiple measures over the past two-and-a-half months, leading to the arrest and imprisonment of those responsible.
"I am aware that paper leaks cause immense distress to students and their parents," he added.
Highlighting the Union government's priority to safeguard the future of examinees, PM Modi on his X account said that all resources were mobilised to conduct examinations without delay for nearly 22 lakh (2.2 million) students.
"The results were declared just five days ago on July 19, and we are receiving news of the joy felt by successful students across the country," he added.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the Union government will not rest on its laurels.
He personally worked tirelessly to prepare a strong proposal for fast-track courts and stringent punishments for those involved in examination malpractices.
India reaffirms commitment to WTO-consistent trade regime
New Delhi, July 23 (IANS) India reaffirmed its commitment to an open, transparent and WTO-consistent multilateral trade regime at the country’s Eighth Trade Policy Review (TPR), which concluded on Thursday at the World Trade Organization in Geneva.
In his closing statement to the WTO Membership, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal highlighted India’s commitment to an open, transparent and predictable trade and investment regime. He underlined that India’s tariff reforms, customs simplification measures and ambitious Free Trade Agreement (FTA) strategy have steadily strengthened the country’s integration with the global economy while supporting domestic development objectives.
He also emphasised that India remains a major engine of global demand, according to a Commerce Ministry statement.
The Trade Policy Review is a key transparency and monitoring mechanism of the WTO under which Members’ trade and related
policies are periodically examined to enhance transparency, strengthen adherence to WTO rules and facilitate constructive dialogue among Members. Responding to issues raised by Members, the Commerce Secretary reiterated that India’s trade policies are guided by WTO-consistent principles while balancing the developmental needs of a large developing economy. He emphasised that India’s agricultural tariff structure is designed to safeguard the livelihoods of millions of small, low-income and resource-poor farmers, ensuring fairness and equity, while industrial tariffs support supply chain resilience, diversification and domestic manufacturing capabilities in an evolving global economic environment, the statement said. On sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical regulations and trade remedies, the Commerce Secretary reaffirmed India’s commitment to transparency, stakeholder consultations and adherence to WTO rules. He noted that India’s Quality Control Orders are intended to achieve legitimate public policy objectives, while trade remedy investigations are conducted transparently, based on objective evidence, due process and judicial oversight.
Sonam Wangchuk ends hunger strike after 26 days
"This matter is likely to be discussed in the Cabinet tomorrow, and the proposal will be finalised after incorporating suggestions from Cabinet colleagues," he told.
"As the second week of the Parliamentary session begins on Monday, we will strive to have the Bill passed in the House as quickly as possible," PM Modi asserted. The proposed legislation is being viewed as a decisive step to deter future incidents of paper leaks and ensure the integrity of competitive examinations.
Sources indicate that the Bill will include harsher penalties, time-bound trials through fast-track special courts, and stronger accountability measures for institutions and individuals involved in such crimes.
The announcement comes amid growing public concern over recurring leaks in major entrance and recruitment examinations. By promising swift legislative action, the Union government aims to restore confidence among millions of aspirants who prepare rigorously for these exams every year.
July
on Friday ended his 26-day hunger strike in the presence of Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh, doctors, family members and supporters.
Wangchuk, who had been fasting to press for Ladakh’s autonomy and environmental safeguards, expressed gratitude as he broke his fast.
“So with that being fulfilled, I am grateful, and I’ll be happy to break my fast. Thank you,” he said, before sipping liquid offered by medical staff and accepting a ceremonial scarf.
He acknowledged the presence of leaders from the Apex Body of Ladakh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), thanking them for travelling from Ladakh to support him.
Family members blessed him as he sat upright with assistance, while doctors confirmed his condition was stable.
In a post on his X handle, Wangchuk said: “Just now in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda & Dr. Jitendra Singh and the senior leaders of Apex Body of Leh Ladakh I finally broke my fast after 26 days. Earlier 65 members of parliament from different political parties had visited or signed letters urging me to break the fast. This was done after a long negotiation on various conditions and in view of possible violence in the country. I will explain the conditions in detail in a separate video very soon. Meanwhile I urge you all to stay very vigilant about not allowing violence of any kind anywhere.” The activist also thanked his family, describing them as a source of strength and support throughout the prolonged fast. The conclusion of the fast followed weeks of appeals from political leaders and civil society groups, with concerns mounting over Wangchuk’s health and the potential for unrest.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that the Central government has prepared a comprehensive draft Bill to introduce stricter provisions and stringent punishments for paper leak cases.
New Delhi,
24 Activist Sonam Wangchuk
Nepali PM urges calm as communal violence spreads across southern districts
Kathmandu, July 30 (IANS)
Nepal's Prime Minister Balen Shah on Thursday appealed for calm following deadly violence in several districts of the southeastern Madhesh Province, triggered by communal clashes between Hindu and Muslim communities that began in Sunsari district on Sunday.
In a televised address to the nation, Shah said the government was treating the situation with the
utmost seriousness and expressed condolences over the deaths of three people—Jay Prakash Mehta, Om Prakash Mehta, and Ganesh Yadav—during the clashes with police.
Prime Minister Shah assured the public that those responsible for the recent incidents in Sunsari, Siraha, and other affected districts would face legal action following a fair and transparent investigation.
"I want to assure everyone that the investigation will be conducted in a completely fair and transparent manner," the prime minister said.
"The government is committed to bringing all those responsible, whoever they may be, within the ambit of the law."
He said the Ministry of Home
Affairs had already formed an investigation committee to probe the incidents and instructed health authorities to ensure prompt treatment for those injured.
Calling on the public to act responsibly, Prime Minister Shah urged people not to spread rumours, unverified information, or content that could incite communal hostility through social media or other platforms.
Shah's address came amid mounting criticism over his government's alleged inaction as communal violence spread across several Tarai districts.
Opposition leaders accused him of failing to provide national leadership during the crisis.
Heads of Ukrainian, Iranian foreign ministries hold phone call after vessel attack
Kyiv, July 29 (IANS) Ukraine's acting Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that he called Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi by phone.
In a post on X, Sybiha wrote that during the "frank conversation" he stressed that Ukraine's goal is "to avoid unnecessary escalation."
Iran accused Ukraine of attacking an Iranian commercial ship in the Caspian Sea on Saturday, leading to the vessel's explosion
US
and a sailor's death, Xinhua news agency reported.
Sybiha said he had reiterated that all of Ukraine's actions were "aimed solely at defending our country" and "never intended to target civilian vessels or people." "This is also true with regard to Iran's statements about their national who died and a civilian vessel that was targeted in a recent incident," he noted. "I emphasised the necessity to refrain from any escalatory steps," he added.
Araghchi said on Tuesday that his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, has assured him that Ukraine's Saturday attack on an
Iranian commercial ship was "unintentional" and that Ukraine "does not seek escalation."
In a post on social media platform X following a phone call earlier in the day with Sybiha, Araghchi said that "Iran does not seek escalation either, but made clear any attack on our citizens or interests is unacceptable. There must be restitution for losses."
In a post on X earlier in the day, Sybiha confirmed the call, calling it "a frank conversation." He noted that, "Diplomacy is about direct conversation, even when it's difficult" and stressed that "our goal is to avoid unnecessary escalation."
stages walkout against France at UNSC, clashing
over human rights chief election
United Nations, July 28 (IANS) Washington and Paris have clashed over the reelection of Volker Turk as the UN human Rights chief, and it boiled over in the Security Council with the US staging a dramatic walkout when France began to speak.
Dan Negrea, a senior US diplomat, accused France of “disingenuous grandstanding” on human rights after he walked out on Monday as France’s Permanent Representative Jerome Bonnafont began speaking during a discussion Ukraine.
The public spat between the two Western allies had its origin in the General Assembly vote giving Turk a second term as UN High Commissioner for Huran Rights on Friday when the US and Russia
tried unsuccessfully to stop it and then voted against Turk’s reelection.
He won resoundingly for the term that starts in October with the votes of 144 countries, while ten voted against him and 13 abstained.
Even though Turk has criticised it, India voted for his re-election.
The walkout against an ally was unusual – probably unprecedented – and showed the depth of the rift emerging between US President Donald Trump and many of the US allies.
France earned the ire of Trump’s administration with a post on X by its UN mission in Geneva on Saturday needling Washington for aligning with Russia and North Korea against Turk.
From Geneva, where the UN human rights office is based, the French mission said, “The US used to be a beacon of human rights. Not anymore. Today, it stands alongside North Korea, Nicaragua, Mali & Russia, isolated. And the world no longer listens to it”.
824 incidents of violence against minorities across Bangladesh in first six months: Rights body
Dhaka, July 30 (IANS) As attacks on minority communities continue unabated in Bangladesh, a leading minority rights organisation on Thursday documented 824 incidents of human-rights violations targeting religious and ethnic minority communities across 63 of the country’s 64 districts during the first half of this year.
In its latest report titled ‘The Persecution Continues: Minority Communities Under Sustained Attack in Bangladesh’, the Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) said that the 824 incidents recorded between January and June include murders and mysterious deaths, kidnappings and physical assaults, rape and other forms of sexual violence, attacks on temples and religious institutions, land grabbing, arson, looting, attacks on minority-owned
property, and blasphemy-related persecution.
"The geographic breadth, frequency, and recurring nature of these incidents demonstrate that the insecurity facing Bangladesh’s minority communities cannot reasonably be characterised as a collection of isolated local disputes or ordinary criminal acts. Similar patterns of violence and intimidation have been documented across rural and urban areas alike, affecting individuals and families, women and girls, religious institutions, minority- owned homes and businesses, ancestral land, and Indigenous communities," the HRCBM stated.
As per the findings, the documented incidents revealed a geographic pattern of insecurity and vulnerability affecting minority communities across Bangladesh.
"Property attacks, land grabbing, arson, and looting were documented in 57 districts; kidnapping and physical assault in 55 districts; murders and mysterious deaths in 53 districts; and attacks on temples and religious institutions in 49 districts.
US lawmakers sound alarm over China’s Wi-Fi push
US Permanent Representative Mike Waltz shot back on X: “France voted for someone who has been lecturing, free, sovereign democracies like the United States, the UK, and Israel, while cozying up to the world’s worst oppressors”.
“It is disappointing – though not surprising – that this is how France deflects on its shameful vote to coddle some of the worst human rights abusers”, he added.
Negrea said at the Security Council that the US will not be “listening to their politicised drivel until they renounce their condescending and disrespectful rhetoric and behave in a manner commensurate with their seat on this Council”.
He said France “will feign moral outrage and pretend to lecture the rest of us about every topic, whether it’s about the very conflict we’re discussing yet again today, or even those unrelated to international peace and security, like human rights”.
Washington, July 29 (IANS)
A bipartisan group of 19 US lawmakers has sought a detailed update from the Trump administration on its strategy for a major global radio conference in China, warning that Beijing could seek to reshape international spectrum rules governing WiFi and other next-generation technologies.
Representatives April McClain Delaney and Jay Obernolte led the letter to the State Department, Commerce Department and Federal Communications Commission. It focuses on preparations for the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference, or WRC-27, in Shanghai.
The lawmakers said decisions at the conference could influence the international environment for 6G, satellite systems and advanced Wi-Fi. They called for a unified US position and closer coordination with allies.
“As other nations, including the People’s Republic of China, work to shape global spectrum policy, the United States must lead—not
react,” McClain Delaney said.
“Strong coordination across our federal agencies and close collaboration with our allies are essential to protecting American innovation, strengthening our economic competitiveness, and ensuring the technologies that power our homes, businesses, and communities continue to be built on U.S. leadership,” she said. The letter was sent to Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg, National Telecommunications and Information Administration chief Arielle Roth and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
The lawmakers asked the agencies to explain how preparations are being coordinated at senior levels. They also sought information on staffing, resources and the selection of a US ambassador for the conference.
A central concern is continued unlicensed access to the 6 GHz spectrum band. The lawmakers described it as essential for WiFi capacity, innovation and US technological competitiveness. They said almost 90 per cent of smartphone data usage in the United States travels over Wi-Fi, depending on the operator. Adequate unlicensed spectrum capacity is needed to keep pace with demand, the letter said.
Nearly 70,000 foreign nationals processed amid South Africa’s repatriation drive
Johannesburg, July 26 (IANS) A total of 68,138 foreign nationals have been processed in South Africa between June 14 and July 24, with the majority repatriated to their native countries, a government official said on Sunday.
Mmamoloko Kubayi, Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, made the remarks at a media briefing in Pretoria on the government's latest progress in dealing with the migration challenges in the country.
The repatriations come amid a recent rise in attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, which has prompted some migrants to opt for voluntary return.
Kubayi said the government has been working with representatives of countries of origin to facilitate the repatriation process, Xinhua news agency reported.
"Regarding deportations and repatriations, we can confirm that since Malawian nationals
assembled at Sherwood in KwaZulu-Natal from June 14 to July 24, a total of 68,138 foreign nationals have been processed, the majority repatriated following processing at the Musina Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre," said Kubayi, who is also Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development.
According to Kubayi, the Border Management Authority processed 72,906 repatriations involving various nationalities at ports of entry between June 7 and July 14, including those handled at the temporary repatriation centre.
She said dedicated immigration courts finalised 28,736 immigration-related cases, mainly involving deportations, between April 1 and the end of June.
Kubayi also warned against unauthorised identity checks targeting foreign nationals, saying migration management remains the responsibility of state authorities and must be conducted in accordance with the law.
"To date, law enforcement authorities have registered 354 cases of arrests and prosecutions against individuals who are in contravention of the law related to the issue of migration.
Mass shooting in US food festival; several injured
Seattle, July 27 (IANS) Several people were injured in a shooting near Seattle Center in the US during the annual Bite of Seattle food festival, police have said in a statement.
"Police are investigating a shooting. Multiple shooting victims. Shots fired at the Seattle Center. More information to come. Please avoid the area," Seattle Police said in a post on X on Sunday night (local time). The shooting triggered panic among the visitors at the food festival. A massive emergency response was launched after police received the information about the incident.
However, the number of people injured was not immediately disclosed. The police also did not reveal whether any suspects had been taken into custody.
Seattle Center is a hub for entertainment and culture, featuring multiple attractions such as the Climate Pledge Arena and the famous Space Needle. At that time, the venue was hosting the Bite of Seattle, which is one of the city's longest-
UN warns funding shortfall threatens nutrition support programmes in Afghanistan
Kabul, July 26 (IANS) The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has said that a funding shortfall in 2026 is threatening nutrition programmes that support 5.7 million children and mothers in Afghanistan, local media reported on Sunday.
In a statement, the OCHA said that millions of vulnerable Afghans could lose access to
essential health and nutrition services until humanitarian organisations receive urgent funding.
The agency said that financial constraints have already reduced the capacity of humanitarian partners to respond to increasing needs, especially among children and mothers, who are at risk of malnutrition, Afghanistan-based news agency Khaama Press reported.
The UN OCHA's statement comes as Afghanistan continues to face one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, triggered by poverty, food insecurity, weak public services and limited access
to healthcare.
Years of conflict, restrictions on humanitarian and development activities and economic disruption have resulted in millions of Afghans now reliant on international assistance.
The UN agency's latest warning showcases the potential consequences of reducing international humanitarian funding at a time when needs remain high in Afghanistan. Funding shortages could force aid agencies to reduce the coverage of nutrition programmes, resulting in vulnerable people remaining without timely assistance, Khaama Press reported.
India-funded college building opens, school project begins in Nepal
Kathmandu, July 26 (IANS) A new college building was inaugurated, and the foundation stone for a school building was laid in two districts of Nepal's western Sudurpaschim Province on Saturday under a scheme funded by the Indian government, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu said on Sunday.
running and most beloved food festivals, according to WBAL-TV.
According to a report by CNN, citing affiliate KOMO, some witnesses attending the festival reported that they heard 7-8 shots inside the venue. They mentioned that people panicked upon hearing the shots and started running everywhere.
The police have not released any information on arrests or a possible motive.
The investigation is underway, and further details are awaited.
This comes close on the heels of another such incident when ten people, including the suspect, were injured in an overnight mass shooting in Tucson, the US state of Arizona, on July 19.
The shooting occurred around 2 a.m. local time on July 19 in a crowded area of downtown Tucson, the second-most populous city of Arizona, said officials with the Tucson Police Department.
Police officers patrolling the area heard gunshots and immediately ran towards the sound of the gunfire, local media reported, citing police.
When the police arrived at the scene, they saw a man running away. Officers gave orders to the suspect several times before a uniformed officer shot him.
The building of Kedar Surya Multiple Campus in Badikedar Rural Municipality of Doti district, constructed with financial assistance from the Indian government, was jointly inaugurated by Basist Nandan, First Secretary at the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, and Bhairav
Bahadur Saud, Chairperson of Badikedar Rural Municipality.
The campus, formerly known as Shree Kedar Jyotipunja Multiple Campus, was renamed Kedar Surya Multiple Campus before its inauguration.
The double-storey campus building, featuring seven rooms on each floor along with allied facilities, was constructed under the Indian government's High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) programme.
The project was implemented through Badikedar Rural Municipality.
Affiliated with Tribhuvan University, Kedar Surya Multiple Campus offers Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) and Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) programmes.
According to the Embassy, Rural Municipality Chairperson Saud, the campus management,
and other stakeholders appreciated the development support provided by the Indian government. They said the new infrastructure would help strengthen educational facilities in the region.
Meanwhile, the foundation stone for a new building at Shree Maheshwar Secondary School in Bhimdatt Municipality of Kanchanpur district was laid on Saturday.
The foundation stone was jointly laid by First Secretary Nandan and Nilam Lekhak Joshi, Deputy Chief of Bhimdatt Municipality, according to the Embassy.
The school building will be constructed with financial assistance of around NPR 19 million from the Indian government under the HICDP programme. The project will be implemented through Bhimdatt Municipality.
South Korea closely monitoring Russia’s reported preparation for more North Korean troops: Foreign ministry
Seoul, July 27 (IANS) The foreign ministry said Monday it is closely monitoring military cooperation between North Korea and Russia following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's claim that Moscow is preparing to receive another 30,000 North Korean troops for its war against Ukraine.
In a recent post on X, Zelenskyy said Russia is preparing to bring in an additional 30,000 North Korean troops, with preparations under way since June in Russia's Voronezh region to receive them.
The Ukrainian president also claimed Pyongyang was preparing to transfer additional ballistic missile launchers to Russia. He did not offer any intelligence or
specific details supporting his claims.
"The government is closely monitoring developments related to military cooperation between North Korea and Russia," the foreign ministry said in a brief statement, while declining to comment on intelligence matters.
"The government maintains the position that military cooperation between North Korea and Russia in violation of UN Security Council resolutions must be stopped immediately," it added.
According to government sources, there have been no confirmed signs so far of an additional deployment of North Korean troops.
North Korea is believed to have already deployed about 20,000 troops and military engineers to support Russia's war efforts, with around 14,000 estimated to be currently serving on the
front lines, Yonhap news agency reported.
Last week, North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui visited Moscow, where she met Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, fueling speculation about further military ties between the two sides.
North Korea began sending troops to Russia in October 2024 after Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty in Pyongyang four months earlier. Ukraine and its allies estimate that North Korea has deployed about 14,000 combat troops to Russia's Kursk region. Additional engineering and military construction units have reportedly increased the total number of North Korean personnel sent to Russia.
World leaders express solidarity with victims of Berlin Pride attack
Paris, July 26 (IANS) Leaders across the world are expressing their solidarity with the victims of the attack in Germany, where a car rammed into a large Pride celebration in Berlin, killing one person and injuring 17 others.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his solidarity with the victims and their loved ones through a post on social media on Sunday.
"Deep emotion and solidarity
following the heinous attack on the Christopher Street Day event in Berlin. Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and the German people. In the face of hatred and violence, our response will always be unity, freedom, and firmness," Macron wrote on social media platform X.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that he stands with the German people and those who gathered to celebrate Christopher Street Day.
"Today, we have received alarming reports about the horrific incident in Berlin. My thoughts are with those affected and their families.
I have been in contact with Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Sweden stands together
with the German people – and with all those who had gathered to celebrate Christopher Street Day and the values of a free and open society," the Swedish Prime Minister wrote on X.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her sympathy for the victims of the attack, saying: "Every person should be able to live, love, and stand up for their rights without fear."
"My deepest sympathy goes to the victims of the attack on the Berlin's Christopher Street Day Parade and their relatives and friends. The CSD stands for freedom, dignity, and equality— the fundamental values of the EU.
India slams Pakistan for exploiting
ASEAN forum to amplify
falsehoods,
New Delhi, July 23 (IANS) India on Thursday slammed the "baseless and unwarranted" comments made Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Kashmir and Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) at the 33rd Regional Forum meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Manila, terming them as yet another "futile attempt" by the Pakistani establishment to deflect attention from its own internal crisis and its well-proven role as a safe haven for global terrorist networks.
New Delhi highlighted that a
peddle disinformation
multilateral forum was once again "cynically exploited" by Pakistan to amplify falsehoods and peddle state-sponsored disinformation.
"India categorically rejects the baseless and unwarranted comments made by the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan. It is no surprise that a multilateral forum has once again been cynically exploited by Pakistan to amplify falsehoods, peddle state-sponsored disinformation, and divert attention from its own welldocumented record of sponsoring cross-border terrorism," said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in response to media queries regarding comments made by Dar.
India made it clear once again that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh
"have been, are and will always remain integral and inalienable parts of India" with Pakistan having no locus standi to comment on the same.
"Similarly, India's position on the Indus Waters Treaty remains consistent. IWT stands in abeyance in response to Pakistan's continued sponsorship of cross-border terrorism, including the dastardly Pahalgam attack. IWT will continue to be held in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism," the MEA statement added.
India said that, instead of pointing fingers at its neighbours and misusing international platforms, Pakistan would serve itself and its people far better by dismantling the infrastructure of terrorism on its soil and putting its own house in order.
Canada will do ‘whatever it takes’ to defend interests in trade talks with US: Canadian PM
Ottawa, July 24 (IANS) Canadian
Prime Minister Mark Carney said that his government will do "whatever it takes" to defend national interests in response to recent US tariff threats, local media reported. Carney made the remarks on Thursday at a meeting of provincial and territorial leaders in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, stressing that Canada will protect and support its workers, farmers, businesses and
families amid trade pressure from Washington, Xinhua news agency reported.
"We are in a stronger position than we were when this trade war started 18 months ago," Carney said. "We're in a stronger position because of the determination of Canadians themselves, and the focus of the premiers around this table."
US President Donald Trump on Monday signed proclamations to impose an additional 50 per cent tariff on certain Canadian goods, saying Canada was discriminating against US commerce.
Invoking Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, Trump signed three separate proclamations imposing the new duties on selected Canadian imports. The White House said the action was aimed at offsetting "the burden and
AU warns Houthi attacks in Red Sea pose threat to
regional security
Addis Ababa, July 23 (IANS) The African Union (AU) on Thursday strongly condemned attacks claimed by Yemen's Houthi group against commercial oil tankers in the Red Sea, warning that these actions represent a dangerous escalation with serious implications for regional peace and security.
In a statement, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed the union's "unwavering support for the security, sovereignty, and stability" of the country.
Youssouf stressed that attacks against commercial vessels and any attempt to obstruct the free movement of maritime traffic "constitute a grave threat to international maritime security and to the stability of one of the world's most strategic waterways."
Underscoring that freedom of navigation and the safety of commercial shipping must be fully respected in accordance with international law, he emphasised that the security of maritime routes in the Red Sea is of vital strategic importance to Africa,
Xinhua News Agency reported. "Any disruption of commercial shipping risks undermining regional maritime connectivity, global supply chains, energy security, and the economic interests of numerous African states whose trade depends on safe, secure, and uninterrupted access to these sea lanes," Youssouf said. He called on the Houthi group to "immediately cease all attacks against commercial shipping, refrain from any action that could further escalate tensions, and fully respect international law governing maritime navigation."
On Thursday, Yemen's Houthi group said that it carried out a military operation targeting two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, claiming that the vessels violated its recently announced maritime restrictions. The group stated the ships were targeted for breaching an embargo imposed by its armed forces on vessels calling at Saudi ports.
Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump warned that Yemen's Houthi group and Iran would face "major military punishment" if the Houthis continue attacking ships.
In a Truth Social post, Trump said he was "very disappointed" with the Houthis, accusing the group of "shooting at two Saudi Arabian ships last night."
The United States would hold Iran responsible if the attacks continue, he said.
India levels diplomatically-worded criticism of OIC over Kashmir
disadvantage on US commerce from Canada's discriminatory treatment of US commerce" and "levelling the playing field" for American exports, particularly cars, alcohol and dairy products. The additional 50 per cent ad valorem duties on certain dairy products, alcoholic beverages, motor vehicles and related goods will take effect on August 19, according to documents posted on the White House website.
In response, Carney on Monday described the new US tariffs as "the latest in a series of unilateral US trade actions in direct violation of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement." Carney said on Tuesday that he had spoken with Trump and the two sides had agreed to intensify trade negotiations.
United Nations, July 24 (IANS) India has levelled a diplomatically worded criticism of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for raising the Kashmir issue, questioning its locus standi in the matter.
“Cross-regional groups that are neither bound by geography nor common issues, with no direct linkage to international peace and security, may not get involved in disputes and conflicts,” India’s Permanent Representative P Harish said on Thursday.
“Such groupings lack domain expertise and regional knowledge that are critical to resolution of disputes”, he said.
He did not name the OIC, but it was clear to whom the remarks were directed.
The OIC has mentioned the Kashmir issue at several levels within its organisation, a recent one by its general secretariat last October.
Harish made the remark while
speaking at the Security Council Open Debate on “Strengthening the Mechanisms for Peaceful Settlement of Disputes” in the context of Pakistan raking up the Kashmir issue.
While “established regional and sub-regional organisations could play an enabling role in resolving disputes and conflicts” and “could complement the functions of the UN”, he said, “cross-regional groups” do not fit the role.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmad had asserted that the “Kashmir dispute” was “the core issue bedevilling peace and stability in South Asia”.
The 57-member OIC spans four continents and is focused on religious solidarity without a focus on international peace and security, therefore not fitting the criteria for involvement in regional disputes like Kashmir. In the October statement, the OIC General Secretariat recalled the statements of the group’s various bodies like the Islamic Summit and the meeting of foreign ministers and said it “reiterates its full solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their legitimate quest for the right to self-determination".
Trump holds talks on Iran, Ukraine
Washington, July 28 (IANS) US President Donald Trump held separate White House talks on Tuesday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the United States confronted two wars and difficult diplomatic choices.
Both meetings took place behind closed doors in the Oval Office.
The White House did not open either session to the press.
“President Trump has concluded his meetings in the Oval Office with President Zelensky and Prime Minister Netanyahu. Both meetings were positive and productive!” White House Press
Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on X.
Zelenskyy arrived at the White House at about 9:40 a.m. and entered through a side entrance of the West Wing. Netanyahu departed shortly after 12:25 p.m., according to reports.
The Israeli prime minister’s office later released photographs showing Netanyahu and Trump
together. An Israeli official described their meeting as “very positive”.
Their talks were expected to focus on the war with Iran, negotiations involving Lebanon and efforts to expand the Abraham Accords, according to a White House official.
Netanyahu was also expected to present intelligence about alleged Iranian activity at Pickaxe Mountain, an underground facility believed to be connected to Tehran’s nuclear programme. Trump, however, appeared irritated that the Israeli leader had publicly signalled his plan.
“I heard Bibi announce that,”
Trump told Fox News, using Netanyahu’s nickname. “I said, ‘Why don’t you just tell it to me? Why do you have to announce it to the world?’”
The US president has signalled that he favours renewed diplomacy with Tehran, while Israel has pushed for sustained pressure on Iran. Trump acknowledged differences between the allies on Monday.
“We have a little difference, but pretty close,” he said.
Trump again warned Iran on Tuesday that the United States could strike bridges and power plants if Tehran failed to reach an agreement.
Iran says exchange of messages with US continues through mediators
Tehran, July 27 (IANS) Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the United States is exchanging messages with Iran through mediators, including Pakistan and Qatar, according to Iranian media reports, citing his remarks in an interview with Austrian broadcaster ORF. Baghaei stressed in the interview that for any dialogue to be formed, the "proper ground" must be prepared, noting that the United States has destroyed such a ground, Xinhua news agency reported quoting Iranian media. He accused Washington of violating "all its provisions" in practice under the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States.
The spokesman said Iran's current priority "is to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity and protect its people against the war crimes that are being perpetrated by the United States."
Under the MoU signed on June 18, the United States and Iran were scheduled to hold talks within a period of 60 days to reach a final
‘Our turn to hit them’: Trump vows retaliation after missile attack
Washington, July 30 (IANS)
President Donald Trump has said that the United States would retaliate forcefully following what he described as another attack by Iran-backed forces, declaring that "it's our turn to hit them" after American forces intercepted five incoming missiles.
Speaking at the White House after announcing plans to redevelop Washington Dulles International Airport on Wednesday (local time), Trump said he had been briefed on the reported drone attack on an LNG tanker off Egypt and indicated that Washington was preparing a military response, even as he left open the possibility of a future agreement.
"I've been briefed. It's a little more of the same, but it's going to be straightening out," Trump said when asked about the attack.
"In the meantime, we're going to be hitting them very hard because it's our turn to hit them. They
know it's coming; they're asking us not to do it, but they tried shooting it last night."
Trump said five rockets had been fired towards US forces but were intercepted.
"So, we had five rockets shot going 8,500 miles an hour, and all five rockets were knocked down to the ground. But they nevertheless took a shot, so it's our turn, and we'll see if we get there with an agreement at some point, but we're going to hit them very hard."
Later in the exchange with reporters, Trump suggested the attempted strike involved ballistic missiles.
Iranian, Russian FMs discuss Ukraine’s attack on Iran’s ship in Caspian Sea
agreement, but the talks' fate is hanging in the balance following renewed clashes between the two over the past two weeks.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that Iran was seeking talks with Washington but insisted Tehran would never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon, using the White House Correspondents' Dinner to reiterate his administration's position on one of its top foreign policy priorities.
"They are talking to us right now. They'd love to make a deal," Trump said. "I don't think they're ready to. I don't think it's time yet. But I'm willing to listen."
He said the United States would not compromise on Iran's nuclear ambitions. "They cannot have a nuclear weapon," Trump said.
"We don't want to see Washington D.C. or any of our cities or Israel or, frankly, the Middle East destroyed with a nuclear weapon."
"And they would use it if they had it."
Trump also claimed recent US military action had significantly degraded Iran's military capabilities, although he offered no evidence during his remarks.
"We've hit Iran very hard," he said, adding that Iran's navy and air force were "gone" and claiming the country had lost "250 jets", "159 boats", radar systems and much of its drone capability. "They don't have much left," he said.
Tehran, July 27 (IANS) Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov condemned Ukraine's "illegal" attack on an Iranian commercial ship in the Caspian Sea during a phone call on Sunday, according to Iran's foreign ministry. Araghchi condemned Ukraine's move as a "dangerous adventurism and clear violation of the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter," stressing that Iran would decisively defend
its national security and interests, the ministry said in a statement.
Lavrov, for his part, denounced the attack as an "action in violation of international law and a threat against the trade routes between Russia and Iran," the statement added.
The two ministers also discussed regional developments following what Tehran described as the U.S. "breach of promises and imposition of insecurity on the Strait of Hormuz," according to the statement.
According to Iran's foreign ministry, the attack took place at 3:00 a.m. local time on Saturday (2330 GMT on Friday), and led to the vessel's explosion and a sailor's death, Xinhua news agency reported.
The semi-official Mehr news agency on Sunday reported that three sailors were also injured in the attack.
Earlier, Araghchi also called on the EU to take "decisive" action against Ukraine's targeting of an Iranian commercial ship in the Caspian Sea.
He made the remarks on Saturday in a phone call with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, in which the two sides discussed the latest regional developments, according to a statement by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
Araghchi condemned the Ukrainian attack, urging the EU, UN Security Council, and international community to hold its "perpetrators" and supporters to account, according to the statement.
Iran’s FM says Ukraine’s attack on Iranian ship ‘cannot go unanswered’
Tehran, July 27 (IANS) Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on said Ukraine's attack on an Iranian commercial ship in the Caspian Sea "cannot go unanswered."
In a post on the social media platform X, Araghchi accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of ordering "a blatant UN Charter violation done at Israel's behest to drag Europe into its war."
He said he had "made clear that what the freeloader in Kyiv did CANNOT GO UNANSWERED" in phone calls with European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Saturday and
Sunday respectively, Xinhua news agency reported.
He made the remarks on Saturday in a phone call with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, in which the two sides discussed the latest regional developments, according to a statement by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
Araghchi condemned the Ukrainian attack, urging the EU, UN Security Council, and international community to hold its "perpetrators" and supporters to account, according to the statement.
The two sides also addressed developments in the Strait of Hormuz, stressing the need for diplomatic initiatives to manage regional tensions, it added.
In a separate statement, the ministry said it summoned Ukraine's charge d'affaires in Tehran on Saturday over the attack, formally delivering a note of protest condemning the "hostile and criminal" act.
According to the Iranian foreign ministry, the attack took place at 3:00 a.m. local time on Saturday (2330 GMT on Friday) and led to the vessel's explosion as well as a sailor's death.
The semi-official Mehr news agency on Sunday reported that three sailors were also injured in the attack.
Citing the Governor of Iran's northern Gilan province Hadi Haghshenas, it said that the steelladen vessel was en route from Russia's Astrakhan Port to Iran's Anzali Port in Gilan when it came under attack.
The ship's bridge was destroyed, leaving it unable to continue its voyage, Haghshenas said, adding that the incident would be pursued through domestic and international legal channels. Zelensky said on Saturday that his country's forces had hit a Russian warship and vessels used for transporting Iran-linked military cargo in the Caspian Sea.
Seven new suspected H5N1 bird f lu cases reported in Australia
Canberra, July 27 (IANS)
Authorities in South Australia (SA) on Monday reported seven new suspected cases of the deadly H5N1 bird flu strain.
Clare Scriven, SA's minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, told reporters that all seven new suspected cases were found in greater crested terns located on the state's southeast Limestone Coast. Of the suspected new cases, she said five were found in the same town over two days. Samples from all seven birds were initially tested by local authorities and have now been sent for confirmatory testing by the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness to determine if local transmission has occurred. Once confirmed, it would take the total number of H5N1 cases in Australia to 27 after the highly pathogenic strain was first detected on the mainland in midJune.
SA's Chief Veterinary Officer
Skye Fruean said while speaking alongside Scriven that local authorities would increase surveillance in areas where they expect to see seabirds considered high-risk species for carrying the deadly strain, including crested terns.
Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said earlier on Monday that there have been no H5N1 mass mortality events in Australia and there has been no evidence of the strain in poultry or agricultural systems.
She said that the risk to human health remains low, Xinhua news agency reported.
H5N1 is a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus that is easily transmitted between birds. It is a zoonotic disease (a disease that transmits from animals to people), that is less well-adapted to mammals. However, mammalian infections are increasing and mammal to mammal transmission has occurred.
Between 2003 and December 2025, the World Health Organization reported 477 deaths from 993 confirmed human cases of H5N1 avian influenza globally.
India’s expanding defence sector creates opportunities for
Canberra, July 18 (IANS) The rapid growth of India's defence production and exports is opening new avenues for countries seeking to diversify their strategic partnerships. India's ability to manufacture affordable arms and ammunition makes it an attractive partner for developing economies. For Australia, which is balancing fiscal pressures with capability requirements, collaboration through joint production with India's defence sector is “real and worth pursuing”.
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Australia last week grabbed headlines for a large-scale Indian diaspora event in Melbourne, it also delivered substantive outcomes in investment, energy, sports, education, and defence cooperation, according to a report in Australia-based ‘The Interpreter'
“The announcement of a wideranging India–Australia Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation tended to be undervalued in Australian commentary with the focus
Canberra, July 21 (IANS) The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during the opening ceremony of Exercise Pitch Black 2026 at Darwin. The Exercise Pitch Black 2026 is a biennial multinational air combat exercise that brings together Air
Forces of 19 nations. It provides a unique opportunity to enhance interoperability and strengthen operational cooperation. "From the seabed to the sky - the India Australia defence relations are set to touch the sky with glory! Our Indian Air Force contingent had a privilege to interact with Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese during the opening ceremony of Exercise PITCH BLACK 2026 at Darwin," the Indian High Commission in Australia posted on X. "Four Rafale aircrafts with around 100 Air Warriors from the IAF are honing their air combat skills along side participants from 20 other countries in Exercise PITCH BLACK 2026, the largest
Australia
on domestic debates around AUKUS, China’s growing military capabilities, and the implications of the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. Yet over the past decade, security cooperation between India and Australia has broadened and deepened more than many appreciate,” the report stated.
The new joint defence declaration sets out a more ambitious agenda, where both sides agreed to deepen cooperation by increasing the complexity of military exercises, accelerating interoperability, broadening professional military education and workforce development, and expanding aircraft deployments from each other’s territories.
“The two countries have pledged to conclude a Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap – which will presumably build on ongoing cooperation on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), logistics evacuation operations, and undersea domain awareness. They also included a heavy defence and cybersecurity component (under Pillars 3 and 5) to their new Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS),” the report detailed.
“A new space tracking terminal has been commissioned on Australia’s Cocos (Keeling) Islands for India’s human spaceflight programme,” it noted.
India emerges as trusted capacity building partner for Southeast Asia IAF contingent meets Australian PM Albanese during Exercise Pitch Black 2026
Canberra, July 18 (IANS) India has emerged as a valuable partner for ASEAN by focusing its cooperation on areas where the regional bloc seeks support, while remaining least concerned about dependence. When disaster strikes maritime Southeast Asia — whether a typhoon across the mainland, an earthquake in Myanmar, or a vessel in distress in the Andaman Sea — the true measure is not who is most powerful, but who responds first, how quickly, and at what cost, a
report has stated.
Highlighting India’s rapid humanitarian response during major disasters in South-east Asia, a report in Australiabased ‘The Interpreter' said, “When Typhoon Yagi tore across mainland Southeast Asia in September 2024, India launched 'Operation Sadbhav', sending relief to Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar within days. Six months later, when a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, India was among the first responders, launching 'Operation Brahma' with naval ships, airforce lift, a search-and-rescue team and a field hospital that treated more than 2,500 patients." It noted that operations like these have reshaped regional perceptions, with the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute survey
international air combat exercise in the Southern hemisphere, hosted by Australia," it added. Earlier on July 17, the IAF contingent arrived in Australia for Exercise Pitch Black 2026. The exercise will sharpen operational synergy and facilitate the exchange of best practices, according to the statement released by the Indian Air Force.
"Scheduled from 20 July 26 to 07 August 26, Exercise Pitch Black is the RAAF's premier biennial multinational air combat exercise. The exercise derives its name from its emphasis on night flying over the vast un-populated areas of northern Australia," the Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Sunday.
ranking India as a rising partner in the region and indicating that the country is increasingly seen as a provider of practical security rather than a claimant of regional leadership.
“Southeast Asia is crowded with outside powers offering help at sea. But for a region whose guiding instinct is to avoid being trapped in anyone else’s rivalry, help is rarely free. The United States brings unmatched capability, and with it the entanglements of alliance politics. China brings proximity and resources, alongside the very coercion in the South China Sea the region needs protecting from. Both, in different ways, ask Southeast Asian states to edge towards one pole of a contest they would rather avoid,” the report detailed.
Two people shot by police in Australia’s Queensland, investigation underway
Sydney, July 26 (IANS) Two people have been shot by police in Australia's Queensland state, with authorities launching an investigation into the circumstances.
According to a statement released by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) on Sunday, officers were called to Benjamina Street in Mount Sheridan, a suburb of Cairns, at about 5:10 pm local time on Saturday following reports of an attempted armed robbery involving a man who fled the scene on foot, Xinhua News
Agency reported.
Police said officers located the 28-year-old man at a roundabout upon arrival, and as officers attempted to engage with him, he was shot on Foster Road.
During the altercation, a civilian woman also sustained a gunshot wound, police said.
Officers immediately provided first aid to both the man and woman before both were transported to Cairns Base Hospital for treatment.
No police officers were injured in the incident, according to the QPS statement.
A crime scene has been established, and police said there is no ongoing risk to public safety.
The QPS said its Ethical Standards Command is investigating the incident, with oversight from the Crime and Corruption
Commission.
Earlier on January 22, three people died following a shooting west of Sydney in Australia's eastern state of New South Wales (NSW).
The NSW Police Force said in a statement that emergency services were called to reports of a shooting in the small town of Lake Cargelligo, 450 km west of Sydney.
Police confirmed that three people, two women and a man, had died.
A second man has been taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition.
A crime scene was established, and police have urged members of the public to avoid the area and local residents to stay indoors.
From the editor’s desk
When disaster tests democracy
The devastating earthquakes that have struck Venezuela are first and foremost a humanitarian tragedy. Lives have been lost, communities displaced and infrastructure reduced to rubble. Yet, as often happens after major natural disasters, the crisis has also exposed something less visible but equally consequential: the strength—or weakness—of a nation's institutions. For Australia, watching events unfold from afar, the lessons extend well beyond expressions of sympathy. They reinforce why disaster preparedness is as much about governance as it is about emergency response. Natural disasters are impartial. They do not distinguish between political systems or economic ideologies. Their aftermath, however, is shaped almost entirely by the quality of public institutions. The effectiveness of relief operations, the transparency of aid distribution and the speed of reconstruction depend on governments that enjoy public trust and possess the administrative capacity to respond decisively. Where institutions are weak, disasters often become prolonged humanitarian and political crises. Venezuela's experience illustrates this reality. Years of economic instability and political division had already placed severe pressure on public institutions before the earthquakes struck. Reconstruction therefore demands far more than rebuilding damaged buildings and transport networks. It requires restoring confidence that public institutions can deliver assistance fairly, transparently and without political favour. When citizens begin to question whether relief is being distributed according to need or political loyalty, recovery itself becomes more difficult.
The situation also highlights an important democratic principle. Emergencies inevitably require governments to exercise extraordinary powers and make rapid decisions. That may be necessary during the immediate response phase. Yet democratic accountability cannot become a casualty of disaster management. Public confidence is sustained when governments remain transparent, communicate honestly and subject their decisions to appropriate scrutiny. Stability achieved by weakening accountability rarely proves durable.
The responsibility does not rest with governments alone. Political opposition, civil society organisations and humanitarian agencies also have important roles
during national emergencies.
Constructive criticism strengthens democratic systems, but crises should not become opportunities for political opportunism. National disasters demand cooperation wherever possible, particularly when lives remain at risk and reconstruction will take years rather than months.
For Australia, these developments offer timely lessons. The country is no stranger to natural disasters.
Bushfires, floods, cyclones and severe storms have become more frequent and more intense, placing growing pressure on governments at every level. The Black Summer bushfires, repeated flooding across Queensland and New South Wales, and recent cyclone events have demonstrated both the strengths of Australia's emergency management system and the areas requiring continued investment.
Australia's comparative advantage lies in its institutions. Federal, state and local governments generally work within clear legal frameworks, supported by professional emergency services, transparent public administration and active community organisations. Independent media, parliamentary oversight and scientific agencies help maintain public confidence during periods of crisis. These institutional safeguards do not eliminate hardship, but they significantly improve the nation's capacity to recover. That advantage should never be taken for granted. Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, placing greater demands on infrastructure, disaster funding and emergency planning.
Population growth in vulnerable regions, ageing infrastructure and growing social inequality all present new challenges. Investing in disaster resilience therefore requires more than stronger buildings; it demands stronger institutions, better coordination across jurisdictions and sustained public trust.
The Venezuelan experience also reminds Australia of the importance of social cohesion during emergencies.
Community organisations, volunteers and multicultural networks often become indispensable in reaching vulnerable populations, translating official information and ensuring that no section of society is left behind. Their contribution demonstrates that resilience is built not only through government capacity but through community participation and public confidence.
The U.S.–Iran confrontation
Why the Middle East stands at a dangerous crossroads
By Sumit Sharma
The Middle East has witnessed wars, proxy conflicts and diplomatic crises for decades, but the latest confrontation between the United States and Iran represents something more unsettling. The conflict that intensified in July 2026 is no longer confined to military installations or strategic missile sites. Instead, it has evolved into a campaign targeting ports, bridges, power stations, shipping lanes and energy infrastructure— the very arteries that sustain modern economies.
The collapse of the Islamabad Memorandum, signed only weeks earlier in an attempt to halt hostilities, has transformed what many hoped would be a temporary flare-up into a conflict with profound regional and global implications.
What makes this phase particularly dangerous is not simply the exchange of missiles between Washington and Tehran. It is the growing realization that every strike now carries consequences far beyond the battlefield, threatening the economic stability of the Gulf, the security of global energy supplies and the political equilibrium of an already volatile region.
From diplomatic breakthrough to renewed conflict
When the United States and Iran agreed to the Islamabad Memorandum in June 2026, many observers viewed it as a rare diplomatic achievement. Mediated with the support of Pakistan and Qatar, the understanding sought to halt military operations and create space for technical negotiations. Yet the agreement rested on fragile trust between two adversaries whose relationship has been defined by nearly five decades of hostility. That trust evaporated within weeks.
Following renewed attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, Washington accused Tehran of violating the agreement and responded with a sustained aerial campaign against Iranian targets. President Donald Trump declared that the ceasefire was effectively over, signalling a return to military coercion rather than diplomacy. Iran, in turn, argued that the United States had itself undermined the agreement through sanctions and military actions, insisting that it was responding to aggression rather than initiating it.
The diplomatic framework that briefly offered hope has now become another casualty of the conflict.
Infrastructure becomes the battlefield
The defining characteristic of this confrontation is its emphasis on infrastructure warfare.
American strikes have reportedly expanded beyond conventional military targets to include transport corridors, bridges, ports and facilities supporting Iran's logistics network. Iranian retaliatory attacks have similarly focused on Gulf infrastructure, including energy installations, utilities and military facilities hosting U.S. forces. Reports of civilian casualties and damage to power networks underline how quickly such operations affect ordinary people rather than only soldiers.
This marks a significant shift in modern conflict.
Destroying infrastructure does not merely reduce military capability. It interrupts electricity, disrupts healthcare, limits access to clean water, hampers humanitarian assistance and weakens economic activity.
Reconstruction often takes years, while civilian populations bear the immediate burden.
History suggests that infrastructure wars rarely produce decisive political victories. Instead, they deepen humanitarian suffering and create long-term economic instability that persists long after the fighting ends.
The Gulf's strategic lifeline under pressure
No discussion of the conflict can ignore the Strait of Hormuz. Roughly one-fifth of global oil consumption normally passes through this narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to international markets. Even temporary disruptions create immediate anxiety across financial markets because the global economy remains deeply dependent on Gulf energy exports.
Insurance costs for commercial shipping have risen sharply as companies reassess the risks of operating in contested waters. Shipping schedules have become increasingly unpredictable, forcing traders to seek alternative routes that are both longer and more expensive.
The consequences extend far beyond oil producers.
Higher transportation costs feed directly into inflation, increasing the price of fuel, food, manufactured goods and consumer products worldwide.
Countries already struggling with inflation and slow economic growth may find themselves facing renewed financial pressure because of a conflict thousands of kilometres away.
Regional powers face an impossible balancing act
Perhaps the greatest strategic challenge lies not with Washington or Tehran, but with the countries caught between them.
Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Iraq have all found themselves increasingly exposed as missiles, drones and proxy groups expand the geographical scope of the conflict.
Reports indicate that several Gulf states have intercepted incoming projectiles while others have suffered attacks on military or civilian infrastructure.
For these governments, neutrality has become increasingly difficult.
Many host American military facilities while simultaneously maintaining important economic or diplomatic ties with Iran. Every escalation forces them to make delicate strategic calculations that risk alienating one side or the other.
This balancing act grows even more complicated if non-state actors such as the Houthis or Iranian-backed militias intensify operations across the Red Sea, Iraq or Syria. Such developments could transform a bilateral confrontation into a genuinely regional conflict.
The economic shockwaves
The military dimension of the crisis dominates headlines, but its economic consequences may ultimately prove even more enduring.
The Gulf accounts for a significant share of global hydrocarbon exports. Persistent instability discourages investment, raises borrowing costs and delays infrastructure projects across the region. Tourism, aviation and international trade—all vital sources of revenue for many Middle Eastern economies—also become vulnerable when security deteriorates.
For energy-importing nations such as India, Japan and many European countries, prolonged disruptions could widen trade deficits and place additional pressure on domestic inflation. Developing economies would be especially vulnerable. Rising fuel prices increase transportation costs, which eventually affect agriculture, manufacturing and essential public services. What begins as a regional military confrontation can therefore translate into higher living costs for millions of people far removed from the battlefield.
A humanitarian crisis in the making
Lost amid discussions of missiles and military strategy are the civilians whose lives are increasingly shaped by uncertainty.
Families living near strategic installations face repeated displacement. Interruptions in electricity affect hospitals, schools and water treatment facilities.
BJP
to launch ‘Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan’ to mark Guru Ravidas’ 650th birth anniversary
New Delhi, July 29 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will roll out its nationwide 'Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan' from Wednesday to commemorate the 650th birth anniversary of Sant Ravidas Maharaj.
The nationwide campaign, to be observed till February 20 (Magha Purnima) under the guidance of the BJP national leadership, aims to spread Guru Ravidas's timeless message of equality, dignity, social harmony and social justice across Punjab.
Punjab BJP President Kewal Singh Dhillon said on Tuesday that the campaign will commence with the Shri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Samrasta Deep Mahotsav, during which lamps will be lit at Guru Ravidas temples across the state, accompanied by bhajans, religious discourses, cultural programmes and community langars.
This will be followed by the Shri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Kalash Vandan Abhiyan from July 29 to September 10, under which a sacred Kalash carrying holy soil from Guru Ravidas's birthplace in Seer Govardhanpur in Varanasi will be ceremonially received and taken across Punjab before being handed over to Guru Ravidas temples.
The Punjab BJP President said
the campaign will also include the Sant Sampark Abhiyan until August 31, during which BJP leaders and workers will seek the blessings of saints associated with the Guru Ravidas tradition.
The Shri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Samrasta Yatra, from October 5 to November 5, will carry Guru Ravidas's message of equality, social harmony and national unity from Dera Sach Khand Ballan in Jalandhar to Seer Govardhanpur in Varanasi. This will be followed by the Shri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Chhatrawas Sampark Abhiyan from November 26 to January 15, 2027, featuring Samrasta Samvaad programmes in hostels to acquaint students with Guru Ravidas's teachings and the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
Delhi: 430 school students, teachers join plantation drive at Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary
New Delhi, July 28 (IANS)
Marking World Nature Conservation Day on Tuesday, over 430 students and teachers from five schools participated in a plantation drive at Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, reaffirming
the Delhi Government's commitment to environmental conservation, an official said.
The participants planted saplings as part of the Delhi government's ambitious mission to expand the Capital's green cover while promoting environmental awareness among the younger generation, said Environment, Forest and Wildlife Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa. He said young people play a pivotal role in shaping Delhi's green future.
“They are ambassadors of
environmental conservation and inspire their families and communities to actively contribute towards making Delhi a clean, green and world-class metropolis,” he said.
Through sustained public participation, he said, the Delhi Government is committed to building a healthier, greener and more environmentally resilient Capital for generations to come. The plantation drive forms part of the Delhi Government's year-long campaign to plant 70 lakh trees and saplings across the Capital.
Nagaland: IAF rescues over 100 stranded civilians during relief operations
Kohima, July 28 (IANS) The Indian Air Force (IAF), in close coordination with the Nagaland government, on Tuesday continued large-scale rescue and relief operations in landslideaffected areas of the state, safely evacuating more than 100 stranded civilians from Kohima and Dimapur while airlifting essential relief supplies to remote districts cut off by heavy monsoon rains.
Officials said the ongoing operations are focused on rescuing stranded people, extending aerial support to the civil administration, and reaching inaccessible areas where road connectivity has been severely
disrupted due to landslides and incessant rainfall.
The IAF also carried out aerial relief operations to Longleng district headquarters in eastern Nagaland, delivering essential supplies to the affected region.
The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) officials said the state government has intensified its response as heavy monsoon rains continue to trigger landslides and disrupt road connectivity across several districts. With the road links to Mon and Longleng districts remaining cut off, the NSDMA requisitioned Indian Air Force aircraft to evacuate stranded passengers and airlift essential relief materials. A state government helicopter was also deployed to supplement the evacuation and relief efforts. Among those evacuated were candidates appearing for the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) Combined Education Services Examination (CESE), whose travel plans had been severely affected due to the closure of highways and other road networks.
Gujarat accounts for nearly one-third of India’s wind power output
Gandhinagar, July 28 (IANS)
Gujarat has emerged as India’s leading state in wind energy, with an installed capacity of 16,086 MW as of June 30, the highest among all states, according to data released by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
The state also recorded the country’s highest wind power generation during the financial year 2025-26, producing 33,706 million units (MUs) of electricity. This accounted for nearly onethird of India’s total wind energy generation during the year, highlighting Gujarat’s significant contribution to the country’s renewable energy expansion.
India’s total installed wind energy capacity stood at 57,443 MW as of June 2026, while overall wind power generation reached 106 billion units during FY 2025-26. Gujarat’s share in both installed capacity and generation has played a major role in strengthening India’s renewable energy portfolio.
The growth of wind energy in Gujarat has been supported by various initiatives aimed at improving transmission infrastructure, encouraging investment and increasing renewable energy integration into the national grid.
The Green Energy Corridor Scheme has enabled the development of dedicated transmission lines and substations for efficient evacuation of renewable power. Other measures supporting the sector include waivers on Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) charges to encourage renewable energy investments, the National Repowering and Life Extension Policy for Wind Power Projects, 2023, which focuses on upgrading existing wind projects, and the Offshore Wind Energy Lease Rules, 2023, along with the Viability Gap Funding Scheme for Offshore Wind Projects, which have created opportunities for future offshore wind development.
Gujarat’s renewable energy expansion has been driven by its focus on strengthening infrastructure, improving policy support and creating conditions for greater participation in the clean energy sector.
Air Chief interacts with IASV Triveni crew; commends their courage
Relief materials transported by air to the affected districts included food items, medical kits, clothing, and other essential supplies required for immediate humanitarian assistance. The NSDMA said similar aerial evacuation and relief operations would continue as and when required, depending on the evolving ground situation and weather conditions.
Apart from air operations, relief distribution has also been expanded to several other affected districts. Trucks carrying relief materials were dispatched from Mokokchung to Tuli, while ration assistance was distributed among stranded and displaced families in Changtongya.
District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) have also stepped up financial assistance to affected households under the Emergency Relief Fund (ERF).
In Wokha district, emergency financial assistance was provided to families whose houses and retaining walls were damaged by landslides triggered by continuous rainfall.
Delhi, July 28 (IANS) Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh interacted with the nine-member crew of IASV Triveni on Tuesday.
The crew comprised four women officers from the IAF, four from the Indian Army, and one from the Indian Navy. They successfully completed Samudra Pradakshina, the historic tri-service allwomen circumnavigation sailing expedition.
During the expedition, the crew sailed nearly 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans in 314 days.
ACM Singh congratulated them on their landmark achievement, commending their courage, resilience, professionalism, and exemplary tri-service spirit.
The expedition was flagged in on July 22, 2026, through video conferencing by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. It had been virtually flagged off by the Defence Minister on September 11, 2025, from Mumbai.
After flagging off the expedition, Singh described it as a testament to India’s Nari Shakti, a symbol of the nation’s resolve, proof of tri-service synergy and jointness, and a celebration of ‘New India’
that overcomes challenges to script history.
The success of the mission was made possible through meticulous planning, nearly two years of intensive training, a dedicated 24x7 shore-based support network, and the commitment of numerous organisations and support agencies.
The expedition fulfilled all internationally recognised criteria for circumnavigation by crossing all meridians of longitude, crossing the Equator twice, crossing the International Date Line, and rounding the Three Great Capes, Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and the Cape of Good Hope.
The successful passage through the formidable Drake Passage and rounding of Cape Horn earned the crew membership of the prestigious fraternity of Cape Horners, an honour reserved for sailors who conquer one of the world’s most demanding maritime passages.
The Defence Minister commended the courage and determination of the crew, stating that the expedition proved human courage is greater than any storm.
“Ocean waves may rise high, but the spirit of India’s daughters soars higher,” he said, highlighting that women are creating opportunities, leading from the front, and writing their names in history.
New
CBDT issues guidance note on crypto tax to be paid in India
New Delhi, July 26 (IANS) The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has issued a detailed guidance note for Indian crypto platforms and foreign exchanges operating in the country to explain in a simple manner the issues related to reporting taxes and transactions under the provisions of the Income Tax Rules, 2026.
The guidance note reiterates that the primary compliance burden falls on Reporting Crypto-Asset Service Providers (RCASPs), not directly on individual investors. It further explains reporting mechanisms for entities transacting across different jurisdictions which have kicked in with the Union Budget introduced in February 2026.
The Guidance Note is intended to explain the reporting obligations of Reporting Financial Institutions (RFIs) contained in the relevant Rules notified by the Government of India in a simple manner. Given that the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) is
developed jointly by participating jurisdictions, including India, working with the OECD, the Commentary on CRS and other relevant materials have also been cited, so as to facilitate their reference by the RFIs, where so required, according to the CBDT statement.
The guidelines further clarify that crypto service providers should not treat a ‘crypto asset user’ as an individual user, if it benefits or accounts for another individual or entity as an agent, custodian, nominee, signatory, investment advisor, or intermediary.
“Instead, the individual or entity on whose behalf the CryptoAsset User relationship is in place should be treated as the CryptoAsset User, and identification should be carried out on that basis,” the guidance note states.
The note also makes it clear when a crypto service provider transfers payments made in crypto assets from a customer to the merchant for a value greater than $50,000 and acts as an agent for the customer, it should report such transfer as a ‘Reportable Retail Payment Transaction’.
In the case of the service provider is acting as an agent of the merchant, the transfer will be reported as such and not as a retail transaction.
Indian govt allows FDI in inventory-based e-commerce model exclusively for exports
New Delhi, July 23 (IANS) The government on Thursday allowed foreign direct investment (FDI) in the inventory-based model of e-commerce exclusively for exports, a move aimed at boosting outbound shipments of Indianmade products by providing domestic sellers easier access to global markets without affecting the interests of small retailers.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), in a Press Note, said it has reviewed the existing FDI policy to facilitate greater exports through enhanced market access for Indian sellers.
Under the revised policy, the restrictions on the inventorybased model of e-commerce will no longer apply for the export of goods that are manufactured or produced in India. Accordingly, the DPIIT has inserted a new provision in the consolidated FDI policy allowing e-commerce entities to engage in the inventory-based model exclusively for the export of domestically manufactured or produced goods. The exports must comply with
Experts chart roadmap for strengthening project execution across energy and mining CPSEs
Vadodara, July 26 (IANS) The three-day third edition of Bharat CPSEs' Consultative Conclave 2026 on Project and Asset Management successfully concluded on Sunday here with experts charting out a roadmap for strengthening project execution, asset management and organisational excellence across Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) in the energy and mining sectors a day before at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya
(GSV) Vadodara, after insightful deliberations on strengthening project execution, asset management and organisational excellence.
The event was organised jointly by the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) and the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) under the Union Ministry of Finance with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) as the strategic knowledge partner. The conclave brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academia as well as senior CPSE executives to exchange best practices and chart the way forward in support of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Detailed discussions were held on
planning, detailed project report, contracting, land acquisition, asset life cycle management, deep tech technology adoption and use of PM Gati Shakti platform in formulating an implementable CPSE Reform Agenda.
A total of 39 delegates from NTPC, Coal India, Bharat Coking Coal, BPCL, HPCL, Indian Oil, ONGC, ONGC Videsh, Oil India, MRPL, GAIL, SAIL, MECON, NMDC, Hindustan Copper, NALCO, NHPC, SJVN and Power Grid Corporation of India participated in the Conclave.
Mangu Singh (Former DMRC Managing Director) was the Chief Guest during the inauguration and focused on contract management as an important aspect for success of the projects.
Global crude oil prices plunge up to 7 pc as US-Iran pause strikes
the provisions of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 and the Foreign Exchange Management (Export of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2015.
Under the existing FDI framework, foreign investment is permitted in business-tobusiness (B2B) e-commerce and the marketplace model, where the platform acts as an intermediary connecting buyers and sellers. However, FDI is not permitted in the business-to-consumer (B2C) inventory-based model, under which an e-commerce entity owns the inventory of goods and sells them directly to consumers. Meanwhile, earlier this month, India has improved its position by two ranks to become the world’s 11th largest recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI), with inflows surging nearly 44 per cent to $38.89 billion in 2025, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) 'World Investment Report'.
The country was placed at the 13th position among global FDI recipients in 2024, with inflows of $27.09 billion.
“India continued to strengthen its position as a major investment destination in 2025, supported by an active policy agenda aimed at broadening its investment base beyond services and accelerating advanced manufacturing,” the UNCTAD report states.
New Delhi, July 27 (IANS) Global crude oil prices witnessed heavy selling pressure on Monday, with key oil benchmarks plunging up to 7 per cent after the United States and Iran paused military strikes over the weekend. International benchmark Brent crude fell more than 7 per cent or about $7 to hover around the $91-a-barrel mark.
On the other hand, US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also declined over 7 per cent, shedding around $6.4 to trade below $85 a
barrel.
The sharp decline came after Iran indicated it would refrain from further attacks as long as the US also halted military operations, fuelling expectations that the conflict could move towards a diplomatic resolution.
The latest correction follows a sharp rally in oil prices over the past three weeks, during which Brent briefly crossed the $100-a-barrel mark amid fears that the conflict would disrupt crude supplies through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait -- two of the world's most critical energy shipping routes.
According to market experts, attacks claimed by Iran-backed Houthi forces on Saudi Aramco facilities at the Red Sea ports of
Jizan and Yanbu underscore that geopolitical risks remain elevated. Despite Monday's sharp correction, experts pointed out that crude oil prices are still nearly 40 per cent higher this month as supply disruptions spread from the Strait of Hormuz to the Red Sea, a vital route for Saudi oil exports, they said. They also cautioned that supply chain risks have not completely disappeared, with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz yet to return to normal.
Moreover, the Indian rupee appreciated 41 paise at opening on Monday -- its biggest gain in almost two months -- to open at 96.15 against the US dollar, compared with the previous close of 96.56.
FCNR (B) deposits may have surpassed 2013 level of $26 billion in just 45 days: SBI report
New Delhi, July 27 (IANS) India may receive FCNR (B) deposits in the range of $65-70 billion by the end of the RBI scheme on September 30, and overall $80-$85 billion, an SBI Research report said on Monday.
The RBI figure of $20 billion inflows (till July 17) came as a positive reprieve, chiefly with a smart FCNR (B) corpus of $17.4 billion.
“We now estimate that FCNR (B) since then has already crossed 2013 level of $26 billion in just 45 days,” said Dr. Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Group Chief Economic
Adviser, SBI.
The RBI data indicates that FCNR (B) deposits worth $17.4 billion have been mobilised till July 17, 2026 and trend suggests that PSBs are major drivers of this mobilisation.
“We also believe that significant majority of existing FCNR deposits which are going to mature in August/September 2026 will be renewed under the new scheme (gravitated by higher interest rates) and will boost the FCNR (B) inflows,” the report mentioned.
Preliminary estimate indicate that amount worth $10 billion on a conservative basis in addition to base line estimates are going to be mobilised mostly through those economies where tax concessions are available.
“Nevertheless, given the current trend we believe that total
amount mobilised so far in 45 days has easily crossed the total amount mobilised in 2013 in three months,” the report noted. However, broader markets are still wrestling with the co-relation of these flows with first FCA position and why the exchange rate has continued to weaken even after such strong capital inflows.
Public Sector Banks, front led by larger banks, are apparently anchoring the drive, ensuring incremental flows by leveraging not only the deposits, but also the trust built with materially significant clientele (credit worthiness and risk profile duly factored) spread across various geographies and remaining tacitly agile by shifting their strategy to an optimally blended OnshoreOffshore game plan.
Washington, July 15 (IANS)
US President Donald Trump has threatened to target Iran’s power plants and bridges next week unless Tehran returns to negotiations, saying American strikes would intensify over the coming days.
“We’re going to hit them very hard tonight. We’re going to hit them very hard tomorrow night. We’re going to hit them very hard the night after, and then next week it gets really bad for them,” Trump told Fox News in an interview.
Trump said energy infrastructure would be among the last targets attacked in the expanding US campaign.
“I’ll save the energy targets for last, but ultimately we’ll hit energy targets, yeah,” he said.
“Next week comes the power plants. Next week comes the
bridges.”
“We’re gonna knock out all their power plants. We’re gonna knock out all their bridges unless they get to the table and negotiate,” Trump said.
Asked whether he believed Iran was serious about reaching an agreement, Trump replied: “I think they have no choice.”
Trump said the strikes would continue until he determined that the campaign had achieved its purpose.
“They’ll continue until I say, it’s enough,” he said. “They have some fight left, but they don’t have much.”
The president declined to say whether the United States intended to seize Kharg Island, a key centre for Iranian oil exports. He also refused to rule out a limited ground campaign.
“I would say no, if I thought it was appropriate,” Trump said when asked whether he was ruling out ground action. “Sometimes you need a ground campaign, but we have other people that will do the ground campaign for us.”
Trump says Iran wants deal, rules out nuclear weapon Trump threatens to target Iran’s power plants, bridges unless Tehran returns to talks
Washington, July 25 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said that Iran was seeking talks with Washington but insisted Tehran would never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon, using the White House Correspondents' Dinner to reiterate his administration's position on one of its top foreign policy priorities.
"They are talking to us right now. They'd love to make a deal," Trump said.
"I don't think they're ready to. I don't think it's time yet. But I'm willing to listen."
He said the United States would not compromise on Iran's nuclear ambitions. "They cannot have a nuclear weapon," Trump said.
"We don't want to see Washington D.C. or any of our cities or Israel or, frankly, the Middle East destroyed with a nuclear weapon." "And they would use it if they had it."
Trump also claimed recent US military action had significantly degraded Iran's military capabilities, although he offered no evidence during his remarks.
"We've hit Iran very hard," he said, adding that Iran's navy and air force were "gone" and claiming the country had lost "250 jets", "159 boats", radar systems and much
Trump hits Canada with 50 per cent tariffs
Washington, July 21 (IANS)
President Donald Trump imposed an additional 50 per cent tariff on hundreds of Canadian products, accusing Ottawa of discriminating against American exports of automobiles, alcoholic beverages and dairy products, in a major escalation of trade tensions between the two North American neighbours.
Invoking Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, Trump signed three separate proclamations imposing the new duties on selected Canadian imports. The White House said the action was aimed at offsetting "the burden and disadvantage on US commerce from Canada's discriminatory treatment of US commerce" and
"levelling the playing field" for American exports, particularly cars, alcohol and dairy products.
According to the White House, the tariffs will take effect 30 days after signing and will apply regardless of whether goods qualify for preferential treatment under the United States-MexicoCanada Agreement (USMCA). The measures will not cover energy, potash, products already subject to Section 232 tariffs, fish, critical minerals and certain other specified goods.
The administration said the new tariffs cover a broad range of Canadian imports, including products ranging from wine and hockey sticks to cement and consumer goods. The accompanying annexes list hundreds of tariff classifications that will be subject to the additional 50 per cent duty.
The White House said Canada had maintained policies that discriminated against American exporters while giving more favourable treatment to other
trading partners.
It said Canada imposed tariffs and quota restrictions on US motor vehicles that were not applied to imports from other countries and administered quotas in a manner that encouraged American manufacturers to invest in Canadian production instead of expanding facilities in the United States.
Canadian imports of US motor vehicles fell by approximately 22 per cent, or $5.6 billion, between April 2025 and March 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier, while imports from other countries increased to replace American exports, the White House said in a fact sheet.
The White House also cited restrictions on American alcoholic beverages, saying all but two Canadian provinces and territories halted the purchase, distribution or retail sale of US alcohol while maintaining access for products from other countries.
White House Correspondents’ Association defends press freedom before Trump
of its drone capability. "They don't have much left," he said.
The President described preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon as the central objective of US policy.
"This is all about we will not let them have a nuclear weapon," he said.
The comments were among the few substantive foreign policy remarks in an hour-long speech that otherwise focused on humour, media criticism and political attacks.
Trump also argued that the United States had regained global standing during his second term.
"We're on the cusp of something," he said. "This is the golden age of America."
He claimed foreign leaders had told him the United States had undergone a dramatic turnaround.
"We were a dead country two years ago," Trump said, adding that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Saudi leaders had told him the United States had become "the hottest country anywhere in the world." The White House Correspondents' Dinner was rescheduled after the original April event was interrupted by a shooting. Trump opened his remarks by condemning political violence, praising the Secret Service and law enforcement officers who responded to the attack, and thanking the White House press corps for returning to the annual event.
Washington, July 25 (IANS) The White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) used its annual dinner on Friday (local time) to deliver a forceful defence of the First Amendment and the role of a free press, telling President Donald Trump that while criticism of journalists is legitimate, efforts to undermine press freedom threaten a cornerstone of American democracy.
Addressing the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Dinner before introducing Trump, outgoing WHCA President
Weijia Jiang said the relationship between presidents and the press was often contentious but ultimately rooted in constitutional protections that serve the American public.
"There is a difference, though, an existential difference between criticizing the press and trying to undermine it," Jiang said.
"One is healthy, and it makes all of us better."
"The other is exactly what the founders hoped to prevent."
Speaking directly to Trump, Jiang described the interaction between presidents and journalists as part of the democratic process.
"When we ask questions, you push back. You give us answers, and we push back."
"You have always been a deal guy."
"Well, that's the deal." "The First Amendment is a done deal," she added.
She concluded by inviting the audience to "raise a glass to what makes ours a beautiful country." The remarks came three months after an armed attack interrupted the original White House Correspondents' Dinner, forcing organisers to postpone the event. Jiang said the shooting had reinforced rather than weakened the commitment of journalists to continue their work.
"That night tested all of us and revealed something worth fighting for," she said, recalling how reporters, photographers and television crews continued gathering and transmitting information during the emergency.
Trump says he has ‘given up’ on traditional press, predicts they will struggle without him
Washington, July 25 (IANS) US President Donald Trump declared that he had "given up" on traditional news organisations in favour of social media, while telling journalists gathered at the White House Correspondents' Dinner that they would struggle for audiences once he leaves office.
Speaking before hundreds of reporters and media executives,
Trump mixed criticism of mainstream news outlets with praise for direct communication through digital platforms.
"I gave up on traditional press," Trump said.
"I'm number one on TikTok."
Claiming enormous online engagement, Trump said his social media strategy had proved more effective than relying on conventional media coverage. He also argued that news organisations depended heavily on him for readership and television ratings.
"You people have no idea how lucky you are. When I'm gone, you're all going to be broke."
"There's not going to be anybody to report on," he said, adding,
"Nobody gives a damn about anybody else."
Trump also offered an unusual glimpse into how he now deals with reporters, saying he had once complained that journalists were no longer contacting him after he returned to the White House.
He said that changed after he personally distributed his mobile phone number.
"I said, 'You know what? I'm going to give the press my phone number.'"
"That was the stupidest thing I ever did."
According to Trump, reporters now contact him constantly. "I'm getting a call every 3.7 minutes."
Consul General inspects Sydney VFS application centre
Sydney, July 24(Australia India News Newsdesk)
Consul General of India in Sydney Dr S. Janakiraman visited the newly established VFS Centre in Sydney to review its operations and assess arrangements for passport, visa and consular services.
During the visit, Dr Janakiraman inspected the centre's upgraded facilities and interacted with VFS
staff to discuss measures aimed at ensuring efficient, transparent and applicant-friendly service delivery.
The Consul General also met applicants using the centre and sought their feedback on the new facilities and the quality of consular services being provided.
According to the Consulate General of India in Sydney, the visit formed part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen consular
services and enhance the overall experience of applicants across New South Wales.
The Consulate said the new VFS Centre is designed to provide streamlined, customerfocused passport, visa and other consular services, reflecting its commitment to delivering accessible and citizen-centric services to the Indian community and other applicants.
Annual showcase celebrates Kuchipudi heritage
Brisbane, July 30(Australia India News Newsdesk)
The ARVI School of Kuchipudi Dance celebrated its annual day with an evening of classical dance performances, showcasing the talent of its students and reaffirming its commitment to preserving India's cultural heritage in Australia.
The event highlighted the school's growth into a recognised centre for Kuchipudi training, bringing together students, families and members of the Indian community to celebrate the achievements of its dancers.
The programme featured performances by students across different age groups, reflecting months of training and dedication while presenting the richness
and elegance of the Kuchipudi classical dance tradition.
The celebration also recognised the efforts of the school's founder, Arthi Jayaraj, whose vision and commitment have helped nurture young dancers and promote Indian classical arts in Queensland.
Parents and supporters were acknowledged for their continued encouragement, which has played an important role in the school's development and the success of its students.
The annual event underscored the growing interest in Indian classical dance in Australia and the ARVI School's ongoing efforts to inspire the next generation of performers while preserving the traditions of Kuchipudi.
Music evening brings Gold Coast community together
Gold Coast, July 30 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Asold-out Mehfil-e-Sangeet organised by GOPIO Gold Coast brought members of the Indian community together for an evening of live music, dining and cultural celebration.
According to a social media post by business personality and philanthropist Pushpinder Oberoi, the event was marked by a warm atmosphere, quality entertainment and strong community participation, making
it a memorable success.
Oberoi thanked guests for attending the programme and congratulated the organisers, volunteers and performers for contributing to the event's success. He said the evening reflected the growing spirit of unity and engagement within the Indian Australian community on the Gold Coast.
The cultural programme featured a live performance by Vatsal Thakkar and Band, with guests enjoying a variety of musical performances throughout the
evening.
According to Oberoi, the overwhelming response to the sold-out event has encouraged organisers to continue hosting similar programmes that celebrate Indian culture while strengthening community bonds. GOPIO Gold Coast regularly organises cultural and social events aimed at fostering connections among Indian Australians and promoting community participation across the region.
Indian govt allows FDI in inventory-based e-commerce model exclusively
Brisbane, July 24 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Consul General of India in Brisbane Neetu Bhagotia met University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) ViceChancellor Professor Paul Mazerolle to discuss ways to strengthen academic cooperation and expand education partnerships between India and the university.
During the meeting, Bhagotia congratulated Professor Mazerolle on his recent appointment as Vice-Chancellor and wished him success in his new role.
According to the Consulate General of India in Brisbane,
for exports
the discussions focused on enhancing collaboration between Indian educational institutions and UniSQ through student and faculty exchanges, joint research, skills development and other areas of shared interest. Both sides also explored opportunities to broaden institutional partnerships and promote greater academic engagement, reflecting the growing demand for international education and research collaboration between India and Australia.
According to the Consulate, Bhagotia and Professor Mazerolle reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening ties between India and UniSQ, recognising higher education as an important pillar of the Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and a key driver of innovation, knowledge exchange and people-to-people links.
Australia, India strengthen sporting cooperation
Canberra, July 23(Australia India News Newsdesk)
High Commissioner of India to Australia Nagesh Singh met Australian Sports Commission Chief Executive Officer Kieren Perkins OAM at the Australian Institute of Sport to discuss expanding sports collaboration between Australia and India.
The meeting reviewed progress on the Australia-India sports cooperation roadmap, announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the recent Prime Ministerial visit to Australia.
Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in sports science, high-performance coaching, sports technology, athlete development and the organisation of major sporting events. Both sides also explored opportunities to deepen institutional partnerships and
encourage greater exchange of expertise between sporting organisations in the two countries.
The engagement highlighted the growing role of sport in the Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with both countries recognising its contribution to fostering innovation, excellence and stronger people-to-people links. The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of Australia and India to expanding collaboration across the sporting sector and creating new opportunities for athletes, coaches and sports institutions in both countries.
Consul General inspects Brisbane application centre
Brisbane, July 30 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Consul General of India in Brisbane Neetu Bhagotia visited the Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) in Brisbane on July 29 to review its functioning and reaffirm the Consulate's commitment to delivering efficient and applicantfriendly consular services.
According to the Consulate General of India in Brisbane, Bhagotia interacted with staff members and applicants during the visit to gain first-
hand feedback on the centre's operations and the delivery of passport, visa and other consular services.
The Consulate said the visit formed part of its ongoing efforts to ensure smooth, hassle-free and efficient services for members of the Indian community in Queensland and neighbouring regions.
Bhagotia reviewed operational procedures at the application centre and discussed measures to further enhance service quality and streamline the processing of applications.
According to the Consulate, regular assessments of consular facilities help strengthen service standards and improve the overall experience of applicants.
The Indian Consular Application Centre processes passport, visa, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) and other consular applications on behalf of the Consulate General of India in Brisbane. The Consulate said it remains committed to providing accessible, responsive and citizen-centric consular services to the Indian diaspora.
Indian Air Force wins Pitch Black football trophy
Indian trade fair seeks Queensland buyers
The Consulate General of India in Brisbane has invited Queensland businesses to take part in the 62nd Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair (IHGF) Autumn 2026, to be held from October 13 to 17 at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi NCR.
According to the Consulate General of India in Brisbane, the fair will offer Queensland buyers access to more than 3,000 verified Indian manufacturers and exporters, providing opportunities to source products
directly from producers and build long-term business partnerships.
The Consulate said the event will showcase over 2,000 product styles across 16 categories, including handicrafts, home décor, furnishings, furniture, gifts, fashion accessories and lifestyle products.
According to the Consulate, the fair will also enable Australian buyers to explore sustainable and handcrafted products, identify private-label and custom manufacturing opportunities, and network with sourcing professionals and international buyers.
The Consulate encouraged importers, wholesalers, retailers and sourcing professionals from Queensland to participate in the event to strengthen commercial ties with Indian manufacturers and expand their product offerings.
The Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair is regarded as one of India's leading sourcing exhibitions, bringing together exporters and buyers from across the world to promote trade in handicrafts,
Canberra, July 24(Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 has emerged victorious in the intercontingent football tournament, adding a sporting achievement to its participation in the multinational military exercise in Australia.
The football competition brought together personnel from participating air forces, promoting teamwork, friendship and camaraderie alongside the exercise's operational activities.
The Indian contingent, comprising around 100 Air Warriors and four Rafale fighter aircraft, is taking part in the biennial exercise in Darwin, Northern Territory, alongside air forces from across the IndoPacific and partner nations.
Congratulating the team, the
Indian Air Force said its Air Warriors had demonstrated excellence not only during air operations but also on the football field, describing them as "Top Gun" in both arenas.
Exercise Pitch Black provides participating nations with opportunities to enhance interoperability, strengthen combat readiness and deepen defence cooperation, while sporting and cultural activities further foster professional relationships and goodwill among military personnel.
Consul General of India in Brisbane Neetu Bhagotia attended the welcome reception for the Australia India Youth Dialogue (AIYD), currently being held in Brisbane and Perth from July 28 to 31, highlighting the role of young leaders in strengthening bilateral ties.
According to the Consulate General of India in Brisbane, Bhagotia congratulated AIYD
on completing 14 years as a flagship Australia-India initiative and praised its contribution to promoting leadership, innovation and lasting people-to-people connections between the two countries.
The Consulate said the 2026 edition of AIYD has brought together 15 emerging leaders from Australia and 15 from India for discussions, collaboration and leadership development.
According to the Consulate, the dialogue has become an
important platform for nurturing future leaders who are committed to advancing the Australia-India partnership across business, public policy, academia and civil society.
The four-day programme provides participants with opportunities to exchange ideas, build professional networks and explore new avenues for cooperation, further reinforcing the growing strategic and community links between Australia and India.
High Commissioner inspects upgraded Canberra consular facility
Canberra, July 24(Australia India News Newsdesk)
High Commissioner of India to Australia Nagesh Singh visited the upgraded Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) in Canberra to assess its operations and review the delivery of passport, visa and consular services.
During the visit, Singh interacted with the ICAC staff and reviewed the centre's enhanced facilities,
emphasising the importance of providing efficient, transparent and applicant-friendly consular services to the Indian community and other service users across Australia.
The High Commissioner also discussed operational procedures with the centre's team and commended their efforts to improve service standards and meet the increasing demand for consular assistance.
The upgraded facility forms part
of the High Commission's broader initiative to modernise consular infrastructure, streamline service delivery and enhance the overall experience for passport, visa and other consular applicants.
The visit reaffirmed the High Commission's commitment to continually improving consular services and ensuring accessible, efficient and citizen-centric assistance for the growing Indian diaspora in Australia.
India, RMIT discuss expanding academic collaboration
Canberra, July 20(Australia India News Newsdesk)
High Commissioner of India to Australia Nagesh Singh met RMIT University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Alec Cameron in Melbourne to explore new opportunities for strengthening higher education and research cooperation between India and Australia.
The discussions focused on expanding collaboration in higher education, research, innovation, skills development and student mobility, reflecting the growing educational partnership between the two countries.
Singh and Professor Cameron also exchanged views on promoting joint research projects, increasing academic exchanges and developing stronger institutional linkages to support innovation, workforce readiness and knowledge sharing.
The meeting highlighted the importance of universities in advancing the Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and fostering closer people-to-people connections through education.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration between Indian institutions and RMIT University, recognising higher education as a key driver of bilateral cooperation and future-focused partnerships.
India, Vietnam discuss expanding strategic partnership
Canberra, July 17(Australia India News Newsdesk)
High Commissioner of India to Australia Nagesh Singh met Vietnam's Ambassador to Australia Pham Hung Tam to discuss ways to further strengthen the India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The meeting focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in areas including trade, investment, education, technology and people-to-people exchanges, reflecting the growing depth of engagement between the two countries.
The two diplomats also explored opportunities to enhance
collaboration in sectors that promote economic development, innovation and regional connectivity, while encouraging closer institutional and commercial partnerships.
The discussions highlighted the shared commitment of India and Vietnam to broadening diplomatic, economic and cultural ties and advancing cooperation across a range of mutually beneficial sectors.
The meeting reaffirmed the importance both countries place on strengthening their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and working together to promote stability, prosperity and sustainable growth in the Indo-Pacific region.
Albanese greets Indian Air Force team at Pitch Black
Canberra, July 22(Australia India News Newsdesk)
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met members of the Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent during the opening ceremony of Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Darwin, reaffirming the growing defence partnership between Australia and India.
The Indian contingent, comprising four Rafale fighter aircraft and around 100 Air Warriors, is participating in
the multinational exercise alongside personnel from 20 other countries. Hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force, Exercise Pitch Black is the Southern Hemisphere's largest international air combat exercise. Albanese's interaction with the Indian contingent highlighted the expanding defence and strategic cooperation between the two countries and the importance of regular military engagement in strengthening bilateral ties. During the exercise, the Indian Air Force is participating in
advanced air combat training and complex multinational missions aimed at enhancing interoperability, operational readiness and coordination with partner air forces.
India's participation in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 reflects the deepening Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the shared commitment of both countries to strengthening defence cooperation and supporting a secure, stable and open IndoPacific.
Devotees invited to Sri Raghavendra Mahotsava
Brisbane, July 30 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Sri Raghavendra Bhakta Mandali (SRBM) Brisbane Inc. will organise the 355th Sri Raghavendra Swamigala Aradhane Mahotsava on August 29, inviting devotees from across Queensland to participate in the annual religious celebration.
According to Kannada Sangha Queensland, the programme will be held from 8.45 am to 1.30 pm at Shree Laxmi Narayan Mandir, Burbank, and will commemorate the life and teachings of the revered Hindu saint, Sri Raghavendra Swami.
The organisers said the
Mahotsava will feature traditional religious rituals, devotional prayers and spiritual observances, providing devotees with an opportunity to come together in worship and celebrate a significant occasion in the Hindu calendar.
According to Kannada Sangha Queensland, the annual event also serves to strengthen community bonds by bringing together families and devotees to preserve and promote India's spiritual and cultural traditions.
The organisers have invited members of the community to attend the celebrations and requested participants to register in advance to assist with planning and event arrangements.
India, Legacy Iron Ore discuss mining collaboration
Perth, July 30(Australia India News Newsdesk)
High Commissioner of India to Australia Nagesh Singh visited Legacy Iron Ore Limited in Perth to discuss opportunities for strengthening Australia-India cooperation in the mining and resources sector.
According to the Consulate General of India in Perth, Singh was welcomed by Legacy Iron Ore Chief Executive Officer Dr Ranajit Das and the company's leadership team during his visit. Legacy Iron Ore presented an
Naresh Kumar highlighted the expanding Australia-India partnership in science and technology while addressing the 24th IETE Australia International Symposium and Annual Day at Murdoch University.
The annual symposium brought together academics, engineers, researchers, industry experts and students to exchange ideas on emerging technologies, innovation and opportunities for international collaboration. Among those attending the event were Professor Don Klinger,
Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Murdoch University, Katy Mair, Mayor of the City of Melville, and Patrick Hall, Mayor of the City of Canning. Around 90 participants attended the symposium in person and online from across Australia and overseas.
During his address, Kumar emphasised the growing cooperation between Australia and India in higher education, research, advanced technologies and skills development. He noted that stronger collaboration in these sectors would support innovation while deepening economic and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
The symposium featured
discussions on technological advances, research partnerships and innovation, with participants exploring opportunities to strengthen cooperation between Australian and Indian institutions and promote greater knowledge sharing.
Organised by IETE Australia, the event reaffirmed the importance of international collaboration in engineering and technology while providing a platform for professional networking and closer engagement among researchers, industry leaders and technology professionals across the Indo-Pacific region.
Sharad Milan celebrates Bihar, Jharkhand heritage in Perth
overview of its operations in Western Australia and highlighted its contribution to advancing Australia-India collaboration in the resources industry through its strategic partnership with NMDC Limited, India's premier iron ore producer and a Government of India enterprise. The discussions focused on the growing importance of collaboration in mining, mineral resources and investment, reflecting the expanding economic partnership between Australia and India.
According to the Consulate, the visit underscored the shared commitment of both countries to strengthening cooperation in the resources sector and fostering long-term partnerships that support trade, investment and sustainable economic growth.
Perth, July 28(Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Bihar Jharkhand Sabha Australia & New Zealand (WA Chapter) brought together families and community members for Sharad Milan 2026 (Litti Chokha Utsav) at Woodman Point Reserve, Coogee, celebrating the cultural and culinary traditions of Bihar and Jharkhand.
The event featured the region's signature dish, litti chokha, along with a range of recreational
activities, games and community interactions, creating a festive atmosphere for attendees of all ages.
Consul General of India in Perth Kajari Biswas attended the celebrations and interacted with members of the Indian community, recognising the contribution of regional organisations in preserving India's diverse cultural heritage in Australia.
Organisers said the annual gathering provided an
opportunity for families to strengthen community ties, celebrate their shared heritage and introduce younger generations to the customs, traditions and cuisine of Bihar and Jharkhand.
The event also highlighted the role of cultural associations in promoting regional identity and fostering a sense of belonging among Indian Australians in Western Australia.
Perth, July 28(Australia India News Newsdesk)
TAAI wraps up 2025–26 term at annual meeting
Brisbane, July 30(Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Telugu Association of Australia Inc. (TAAI) has concluded the tenure of its Navataram – The VIBE Committee 2025–26 following a well-attended Annual General Meeting, with members reflecting on the committee's achievements and welcoming a new leadership team.
According to TAAI, the AGM witnessed a record turnout of Life Members, who participated actively in discussions, offered suggestions, shared feedback and exercised their voting rights, highlighting the community's strong engagement with the organisation.
The association said the outgoing committee completed a year marked by fresh initiatives, stronger member participation, learning opportunities and
programmes designed to foster a greater sense of community among Telugu Australians.
TAAI thanked its members, volunteers and supporters for their trust and encouragement throughout the committee's tenure, acknowledging that their contributions played a vital role in the success of the organisation's activities.
The association also extended its best wishes to the incoming Executive Committee, expressing confidence that the new team would continue to build on the organisation's progress and introduce new ideas for the benefit of the community.
According to TAAI, the conclusion of the 2025–26 committee's term marks the beginning of a new chapter for the organisation, with a continued focus on strengthening community ties and expanding opportunities for Telugu Australians.
Community leaders, police deepen engagement
Brisbane, July 30(Australia India News Newsdesk)
Community representatives from across South Brisbane met with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) at a Community Consultative Group Meeting, reinforcing cooperation between police and multicultural communities.
The meeting brought together community leaders and QPS officers to discuss shared priorities, strengthen partnerships and exchange ideas on initiatives aimed at improving community safety and inclusion. Discussions focused on enhancing communication between police and culturally diverse communities, encouraging
TAAI supports Telugu musical extravaganza in Melbourne
Melbourne, JULY 22(Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Telugu Association of Australia Inc. (TAAI) has announced its support for Sruthilayalu's "Tollywood Rewind", a musical concert showcasing evergreen Telugu film songs, to be held in Melbourne on August 2.
According to TAAI, the concert will feature acclaimed Indian playback singer Ranjith Govind, who will perform alongside local vocalists and musicians in a tribute to the golden era of Telugu cinema.
The programme will begin at 3 p.m. at the Centenary Theatre, Williamstown, offering audiences an afternoon of classic Tollywood melodies and nostalgic performances.
TAAI said its support for the event reflects the association's commitment to promoting Telugu language, arts and cultural heritage while encouraging initiatives that provide a platform for both internationally recognised and local performers.
TAAI contributes to Victoria’s multicultural policy dialogue
Melbourne, July 22(Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Telugu Association of Australia Inc. (TAAI) participated in the Victorian Multicultural Community Roundtable, joining community leaders and government representatives in discussions on strengthening multicultural policies and community engagement across Victoria.
The roundtable, hosted by Parliamentary Secretary Iwan Walters MP, focused on the next phase of Multicultural Victoria and the development of the Whole of Government Multicultural Strategy. Participants were welcomed by Louise Perry, Interim Chair of Multicultural Victoria.
greater public participation and fostering long-term collaboration to address local issues.
The consultative group is expected to serve as an ongoing forum for engagement, with members working alongside the Queensland Police Service over the coming two years to build stronger relationships and support community-focused initiatives.
The initiative reflects the Queensland Police Service's commitment to inclusive policing and sustained engagement with multicultural communities, recognising collaboration as an important element in creating safer, more connected neighbourhoods.
Representing the Telugu community, TAAI shared its experiences and perspectives, highlighting issues affecting multicultural communities while offering recommendations to strengthen collaboration between government agencies and community organisations.
The discussions explored ways to improve government services, enhance engagement with multicultural and multifaith communities, and build stronger partnerships to support a more inclusive and connected Victoria.
TAAI welcomed the Victorian Government's consultative approach to shaping future multicultural policies and reaffirmed its commitment to working with government and
community stakeholders to advance the interests of Victoria's
culturally diverse communities.
Global health, scientific cooperation and the case for Taiwan’s participation
By Director-General Hou-Lu (William) Fan
WHA 79 and the growing importance of inclusive global health systems
From 18 to 23 May 2026, global health leaders, policymakers, researchers and medical experts will gather in Geneva for the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA 79) under the theme: “Together for health. Stand with science.” At a time when the world continues to confront emerging infectious diseases, ageing populations, chronic illnesses and growing pressure on healthcare systems, the theme carries both urgency and significance.
The challenges facing global health today cannot be addressed in isolation. Pandemics, health emergencies and disease outbreaks do not recognise borders, political systems or geography. They affect nations collectively and require international cooperation rooted in science, transparency and shared responsibility. In this context, the continued exclusion of Taiwan from meaningful participation in the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Health Assembly remains a subject of growing discussion among supporters of inclusive global health governance.
Taiwan’s digital healthcare success and medical innovation
Taiwan today possesses one of the most advanced healthcare systems in Asia, combining universal healthcare coverage with digital innovation, technological integration and preventive medicine. Its National Health Insurance system provides near-universal coverage and is supported by a highly digitalised healthcare infrastructure. Through systems such as electronic medical record exchanges and the NHI MediCloud platform, healthcare professionals are able to securely access patient data in real time, improving efficiency, reducing duplication and enhancing patient safety.
Over recent years, Taiwan has also accelerated the use of telemedicine and smart healthcare technologies. Nationwide telemedicine services have enabled specialists to provide consultations to remote communities across a wide range of medical fields, including
cardiology, dermatology and chronic disease management.
The introduction of electronic prescription systems has further modernised patient care by enabling secure cloudbased sharing of medication information between hospitals and pharmacies. Such developments not only improve healthcare accessibility but also reduce medical errors and contribute to more sustainable healthcare systems.
Taiwan has also emerged as an important player in the application of artificial intelligence in healthcare.
By collaborating with technology partners and research institutions, Taiwan has developed AI-assisted systems aimed at predicting disease risk and strengthening preventive care. Such initiatives are increasingly important as countries across the world confront rising rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and ageing-related health conditions. Long-term care and healthcare preparedness
In long-term care, Taiwan has introduced smart assistive technologies designed to support elderly populations and reduce pressure on caregivers. These technologies assist with mobility monitoring, patient safety and daily living support, reflecting the broader regional challenge of demographic ageing being experienced across the IndoPacific.
Importantly, these innovations are not theoretical concepts limited to policy discussions. They represent practical experiences that can contribute meaningfully to international health cooperation. The WHA theme, “Together for health. Stand with science,” emphasises evidencebased collaboration, and Taiwan’s healthcare experience aligns closely with that principle.
Taiwan’s community health contributions in Queensland Taiwan’s contribution to healthcare has also extended beyond its own borders. During periods of international health emergencies, Taiwan has supplied medical equipment, healthcare expertise and humanitarian support to various countries and communities. In Queensland, Taiwan-linked organisations and volunteers have played a visible role in supporting healthcare
Despite these capabilities, Taiwan’s participation in WHO technical meetings and information-sharing systems has remained restricted and inconsistent. Critics of the current arrangement argue that excluding a highly developed healthcare system from global health mechanisms weakens overall preparedness and reduces opportunities for information exchange.
outreach initiatives.
One example is the long-standing work of the Tzu Chi Foundation Brisbane, which for many years has organised medical outreach programs in regional and disadvantaged communities across Queensland. During the recent Easter period, volunteers including doctors, dentists, nurses and allied healthcare workers travelled to Tara in Queensland’s Western Downs region to provide hundreds of treatments and consultations. Services included dental care, physiotherapy, traditional Chinese medicine and general health assessments. Such initiatives reflect a model of community-driven healthcare support that operates beyond politics and focuses directly on human wellbeing.
Taiwanese institutions have also strengthened cooperation with Australian healthcare providers.
In 2021, Taiwan Adventist Hospital and Brisbane’s Mater Group entered into a Memorandum of Understanding focused on collaboration in medical research, clinical training and hospital management. The agreement marked an important step in expanding institutional healthcare cooperation between Taiwan and Queensland.
At the community level, Taiwanese Australians have also contributed to Queensland’s healthcare and charitable sectors through volunteering, fundraising and support for hospital foundations. These activities demonstrate how diaspora communities can help strengthen social and healthcare connections between societies.
The debate over Taiwan’s participation in WHO The broader issue, however, concerns Taiwan’s limited participation within the WHO framework. Supporters of Taiwan’s inclusion argue that the exclusion creates avoidable gaps in international health cooperation. Taiwan possesses extensive experience in infectious disease surveillance, digital health systems and pandemic response. During the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, Taiwan was widely noted for its rapid response measures, border controls, digital monitoring systems and public health management.
The issue also carries broader implications for global health security. Infectious diseases spread rapidly across borders, and any gaps in international coordination can affect global response efforts. Public health experts frequently emphasise that effective disease prevention depends on transparency, timely information-sharing and inclusive participation.
Australia, regional cooperation and shared health goals
Australia has consistently supported rules-based international cooperation and evidence-based policymaking in global affairs. As Australia and Taiwan continue to deepen ties in trade, education, technology and people-to-people engagement, healthcare cooperation has also become an increasingly important area of interaction.
Within Australia, discussions around Taiwan’s participation in international organisations are often framed in practical terms rather than ideological ones. Advocates point to Taiwan’s healthcare achievements, technological capabilities and contributions to international medical cooperation as reasons for broader engagement.
The WHA 79 theme itself reinforces the importance of scientific cooperation at a time when healthcare systems worldwide face mounting pressures. Emerging diseases, antimicrobial resistance, mental
health burdens and ageing populations require collaborative responses that draw on expertise from multiple regions and healthcare models.
Global health requires inclusive participation
Taiwan’s experience in digital healthcare, telemedicine, preventive medicine and healthcare system integration offers insights that many countries may find valuable. Excluding such experience from international dialogue risks limiting the exchange of knowledge at a time when global cooperation is increasingly essential.
As delegates gather in Geneva under the banner “Together for health. Stand with science,” the broader message remains clear: healthcare challenges are global, and effective solutions depend on inclusion, cooperation and scientific engagement.
For supporters of Taiwan’s participation, the argument is ultimately rooted in practicality. They believe that global health systems become stronger when capable partners are included rather than isolated. In an interconnected world where health emergencies can spread rapidly across continents, international health security depends on broad participation and shared expertise.
The continuing debate surrounding Taiwan’s role within the WHO framework therefore extends beyond diplomacy alone. It reflects larger questions about how the international community defines cooperation, scientific exchange and collective preparedness in an era where health challenges increasingly affect all nations together.
(The author is Director-General, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Brisbane. The views expressed are his own.)
Alluring India: Fashioning 80 years of freedom
By Kanchan Kumar
Eighty years after India won its independence, the country's story is no longer told only through its political achievements or economic rise. It is increasingly expressed through its culture, creativity and confidence on the global stage. From yoga and Ayurveda to cinema, cuisine, literature and fashion, India today projects its identity through the quiet influence of soft power as much as through diplomacy.
Against this backdrop, Alluring India – Australia Edition 2026, to be held at The Star Brisbane on August 16, assumes a significance that goes far beyond a fashion show. Organised to commemorate the 80th anniversary of India's Independence, the event is a celebration of a nation that has preserved its civilisational heritage while confidently embracing modernity. It is a reminder that India's journey over the past eight decades has been measured not only by economic progress and technological achievements, but also by the enduring vitality of its culture. Fashion as a celebration of freedom Independence Day is often associated with flag-hoisting ceremonies, patriotic songs and reflections on the sacrifices that secured India's freedom. Yet national anniversaries also provide an opportunity to celebrate the country's artistic achievements and cultural confidence.
Fashion is one of the most compelling expressions of that confidence.
India's textiles, handlooms and embroidery traditions are among the richest in
Independent India has travelled an extraordinary path over the past eighty years.
From overcoming the challenges of Partition to becoming one of the world's fastest-growing major economies, India has demonstrated remarkable resilience. It has emerged as a leader in information technology, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, digital innovation and space exploration.
Yet amid rapid modernisation, India has never lost sight of its cultural roots.
Modern Indian fashion beautifully reflects this balance. Designers increasingly combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics, creating garments that honour heritage while appealing to global audiences.
This fusion of tradition and innovation mirrors India's broader national journey—an India that is proudly rooted in its past while confidently shaping its future.
Strengthening Australia–India connections
The significance of Alluring India extends beyond the Indian community.
the world. Banarasi silks, Kanjeevaram sarees, Bandhani, Chikankari, Phulkari, mirror work, Kashmiri embroidery and countless regional crafts represent centuries of artistic excellence handed down through generations. Every fabric tells a story of a region, every weave reflects a community, and every design carries the imprint of India's diverse civilisation. Presenting these traditions before an international audience is therefore far more than a display of beautiful garments. It is a celebration of India's cultural freedom, creativity and resilience.
More than a runway
Across the world, fashion has evolved beyond glamour and luxury. Today's major fashion showcases have become platforms for storytelling, cultural exchange and creative diplomacy.
Runways are no longer simply spaces where designers unveil new collections. They have become stages where nations present their identity to the world.
Fashion speaks a universal language. Colours, fabrics, craftsmanship and design transcend linguistic barriers and invite curiosity, appreciation and understanding.
This is what gives Alluring India its broader significance.
For audiences in Brisbane, the event offers an opportunity to experience India's artistic traditions in a contemporary setting. Rather than encountering India only through headlines about trade, technology or geopolitics, visitors will discover a civilisation whose creativity has flourished for centuries and continues to inspire global fashion.
Celebrating India's journey
Australia's multicultural society thrives because communities are encouraged to share their traditions while contributing to a common national identity.
Cultural events play an essential role in building that understanding.
For non-Indian Australians, the showcase offers a vibrant introduction to India's artistic heritage.
For Indian Australians, it provides an opportunity to celebrate their roots while sharing them proudly with the wider community. Such exchanges strengthen the people-to-people ties that underpin the growing Australia–India relationship. While governments continue to expand cooperation in trade, education, defence and technology, cultural engagement remains equally important in building lasting friendships between societies.
The confidence of a growing community
The event also reflects the growing confidence of the Indian diaspora in Australia.
Over the past two decades, Indian Australians have become one of the country's fastest-growing and most influential communities, contributing across healthcare, education, engineering, business, information technology, academia and public service. Their cultural presence has expanded alongside these achievements.
Indian festivals, music, dance, cuisine and cinema now form an integral part of Australia's multicultural calendar. Alluring India represents another milestone in that journey, demonstrating that Indian creativity is increasingly finding a place on mainstream Australian platforms.
Hosting the event at The Star Brisbane symbolises this growing visibility and recognition. Preserving heritage through fashion
Behind every elegant garment lies the work of skilled artisans whose craftsmanship has been refined over generations.
Across India, handloom weavers, embroiderers, textile artists and craftspeople continue to preserve traditions that might otherwise disappear in an era of mass production. International fashion showcases help sustain these traditions by introducing them to new audiences and creating fresh opportunities for artisans.
In celebrating designers, Alluring India also honours the countless unnamed hands whose artistry has kept India's textile heritage alive for centuries.
Soft power in action
The event's association with the Consulate General of India in Brisbane underlines another
important reality.
Modern diplomacy is no longer confined to political dialogue. Culture has become one of the most effective instruments of international engagement.
Cinema, cuisine, yoga, literature, music and fashion all contribute to shaping perceptions of a nation. They foster goodwill and understanding in ways that formal diplomacy alone cannot achieve.
Under the creative direction of Vinay Gupta, founder of Gait N Grace Lifestyle Impresario, Alluring India seeks to blend heritage with contemporary presentation, ensuring that the evening becomes not simply a fashion event but an immersive cultural experience.
A meaningful tribute to 80 years of Independence
Every nation chooses its own way to commemorate milestones in its history.
Ahmedabad: Where India’s timeless heritage meets modern ambition
By Sushil Sharma
The first rays of the morning sun gently illuminate the intricate stone lattice windows of the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque. A few kilometres away, traders prepare for another busy day in the bustling markets of the old city, where the aroma of freshly fried fafda and steaming jalebi fills the narrow lanes. Across the Sabarmati River, modern office towers reflect a different Ahmedabad—one driven by innovation, entrepreneurship and global commerce. Few Indian cities present such striking contrasts. In Ahmedabad, centuries-old traditions and contemporary aspirations exist side by side, creating a destination that offers visitors far more than monuments and museums.
As India's first UNESCO World Heritage City, Ahmedabad is not merely a place to visit; it is a city to experience. Every street, monument and neighbourhood tells a story of merchants, saints, freedom fighters, architects and visionaries who shaped one of western India's most dynamic urban centres. Whether travellers seek history, spirituality, architecture, cuisine or business opportunities, Ahmedabad offers a journey through India's past while showcasing its future. A city shaped by six centuries of history Ahmedabad's story began in 1411 when Sultan Ahmed Shah established his capital on the banks of the Sabarmati River. Although the region had been inhabited long before, it was under his rule that the city emerged as a thriving centre of commerce, culture and architecture. Over the centuries, merchants from across Asia and beyond brought prosperity through the trade of cotton, silk and finely crafted textiles, earning Ahmedabad the title of the "Manchester of India." Today, traces of its glorious past remain woven into the fabric of everyday life.
Exploring the timeless charm of the old city
Walking through Ahmedabad's historic walled city is like stepping into a living museum. Its labyrinth of narrow lanes, known as pols, reflects a unique
style of community living that has endured for generations.
Intricately carved wooden houses, hidden courtyards and centuriesold bird feeders showcase remarkable craftsmanship and thoughtful urban planning. The experience is as much about the senses as it is about history.
Temple bells blend harmoniously with the call to prayer from historic mosques, while shopkeepers welcome customers in bustling bazaars filled with colourful textiles and handcrafted goods. The aroma of roasted spices, freshly brewed tea and traditional snacks drifts through the air, creating an atmosphere that captures the soul of the city.
Every corner reveals another story waiting to be discovered. Architectural masterpieces that tell a story
Among Ahmedabad's finest architectural landmarks is the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, renowned for its exquisite stone lattice window known as the Tree of Life.
Delicately carved from a single slab of stone, it has become an enduring symbol of the city and a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic craftsmanship.
Nearby stands the magnificent Jama Masjid, one of India's finest examples of fifteenthcentury architecture. Its graceful arches, expansive courtyard and beautifully carved pillars reflect a harmonious blend of Hindu and Islamic artistic traditions. Together, these monuments illustrate Ahmedabad's long history as a meeting point of diverse cultures and faiths.
Walking in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi
No journey to Ahmedabad is complete without visiting the Sabarmati Ashram. Nestled on the tranquil banks of the Sabarmati River, the ashram served as Mahatma Gandhi's residence and became one of the principal centres of India's freedom movement. It was from here that Gandhi launched the historic Dandi Salt March in 1930, inspiring millions through his philosophy of truth and nonviolence.
Today, visitors walk through modest rooms, view rare photographs and manuscripts, and gain a deeper understanding of the ideals that shaped India's struggle for independence. The
serenity of the ashram offers a powerful contrast to the bustle of the modern city.
The Sabarmati Riverfront: A new urban landmark The Sabarmati Riverfront represents Ahmedabad's modern face. Once neglected and prone to flooding, the riverfront has been transformed into one of India's most successful urban renewal projects. Landscaped gardens, cycling tracks, promenades and cultural spaces now attract residents and visitors alike. As dusk settles over the city, families gather along the waterfront to enjoy cool breezes and spectacular views of Ahmedabad's illuminated skyline.
A culinary journey through Gujarat's flavours Food is one of Ahmedabad's greatest attractions. The city celebrates vegetarian cuisine with remarkable diversity. Mornings often begin with crispy fafda paired with sweet jalebi, while throughout the day visitors savour dhokla, khaman, thepla, handvo and countless other Gujarati delicacies. As night falls, Manek Chowk transforms from a bustling jewellery market into one of India's most vibrant openair food destinations, serving an endless variety of traditional and contemporary street food. Ahmedabad is equally celebrated for its textile heritage. Colourful Bandhani fabrics, hand-block prints, embroidered garments and handcrafted souvenirs fill markets across the city. A short journey to nearby Patan introduces travellers to the world-famous Patola silk, one of India's finest handwoven textiles, admired for its intricate craftsmanship and vibrant geometric designs. Shopping here is not merely a retail experience but a journey into Gujarat's centuries-old artistic traditions. Where education and design flourish
Ahmedabad has long been recognised as a centre of education, design and entrepreneurship. Prestigious institutions such as the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad and the National Institute of Design have earned international acclaim for nurturing business leaders, designers and innovators. Their presence reflects the city's ability to honour its traditions while embracing new ideas and technologies.
Art enthusiasts will find equally rewarding experiences at the Calico Museum of Textiles, home to one of the world's finest collections of Indian fabrics, alongside contemporary galleries and cultural centres that celebrate both classical and modern artistic expression.
Ranchi: Where waterfalls, forests and tribal traditions shape every journey
By Sushil Kumar
The first rays of sunlight filter through towering sal forests as mist drifts across the Chotanagpur Plateau. In the distance, the thunder of cascading waterfalls echoes through the valleys, while birds welcome another day in the wilderness. A few kilometres away, colourful tribal markets begin to stir, their stalls filled with handcrafted jewellery, bamboo products, forest honey and freshly harvested produce. The aroma of traditional delicacies rises from roadside kitchens as the city slowly awakens. This is Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand—a destination where nature is not merely admired but woven into everyday life.
Often called the 'City of Waterfalls', Ranchi offers a refreshing alternative to India's crowded tourist destinations. Here, dense forests, rocky hills, sparkling rivers and Indigenous traditions come together to create experiences that are both authentic and deeply enriching.
Visitors soon discover that Ranchi is not defined by towering monuments or luxury resorts but by landscapes that inspire peace and communities that proudly preserve their cultural heritage.
The heart of the Chotanagpur Plateau
Situated nearly 700 metres above sea level, Ranchi enjoys a pleasant climate for much of the year.
Surrounded by forests, rivers and undulating hills, the city owes much of its natural beauty to the Chotanagpur Plateau. During the British period, Ranchi became a favoured summer retreat because of its cool weather, and even today it offers a welcome escape from the intense heat experienced in many parts of eastern India.
Modern Ranchi has grown into an important centre for education, administration and industry, yet it has managed to retain its close relationship with nature. Unlike many rapidly expanding cities, forests and open landscapes remain an integral part of its identity, giving visitors the rare opportunity to experience urban life without losing touch with the natural world.
The land of roaring waterfalls Nature is Ranchi's greatest storyteller.
Across the region, rivers plunge over ancient rocks to create some of eastern India's most spectacular waterfalls. During the monsoon and the months that follow, the sound of rushing water fills the forests as mist rises from deep gorges and rainbows shimmer in the morning light.
Hundru Falls, formed by the Subarnarekha River, drops dramatically from a great height, creating one of Jharkhand's most
breathtaking natural spectacles. Dassam Falls captivates visitors with its powerful cascade surrounded by dense greenery, while Jonha Falls—also known as Gautamdhara—combines scenic beauty with spiritual significance. Hirni Falls offers tranquil forest surroundings, and Panch Gagh Falls charms visitors with five streams flowing gracefully over rocky formations.
Standing beside these waterfalls, feeling the cool spray carried by the wind and listening to the constant roar of water, visitors quickly understand why Ranchi remains one of India's most rewarding destinations for nature lovers.
Where tribal heritage lives on Ranchi's greatest cultural treasure lies in its people.
Jharkhand is home to several Indigenous communities, including the Munda, Oraon, Santhal, Ho and Kharia tribes, whose traditions continue to shape the cultural identity of the region. Their relationship with forests, rivers and the land is reflected in every aspect of daily life, from music and dance to agriculture and craftsmanship. Festivals such as Sarhul, which celebrates the arrival of spring, and Karma, dedicated to prosperity and community harmony, fill villages with vibrant dances, rhythmic drumbeats and colourful traditional attire. Visitors are welcomed into celebrations where culture is not performed for tourists but lived with pride by local communities. The region is also known for Sohrai and Khovar paintings, beautiful Indigenous art forms created using natural colours and traditional techniques. These artistic traditions, along with bamboo crafts, woodwork and handcrafted ornaments, reflect centuries of knowledge passed from one generation to the next. The Tribal Research Institute and Museum offers visitors a deeper understanding of Jharkhand's Indigenous heritage, preserving stories that continue to define the soul of the state.
Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025 nominations to close on July 31
The Women and Child Development Ministry on Thursday called upon schools, youth groups, NGOs, panchayats and individuals to identify and support potential nominees to file online applications for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar Awards (PMRBP) 2026 by July 31. Any citizen, school, institution, or organisation can nominate candidates they deem deserving. Children may also apply through self-nomination for the awards that celebrate the extraordinary achievements of children aged 5 to 18 years, said a statement. The prestigious national-level award is conferred annually by the President to recognise exceptional achievements of
children in the fields of art and culture, bravery, sports, social service, environment and science and technology.
The objectives of the awards are to celebrate and amplify the achievements of India's youth in diverse spheres, to inspire peers nationwide by showcasing real-life role models and to foster an enabling environment for children's holistic development, said a statement.
In a social media post on X, the Ministry said, "The last date for submission of applications is July 31, 2026. All nominations for the PMRBP award must be made through the online portal https:// awards.gov.in."
Applicants will need to fill in basic personal details and the category of award and then upload a recent photograph and supporting documents. They will also need to submit a write-up (up to 1000-words) about the achievement and its impact, said the statement.
To apply, young achievers must first register or log in on the
portal by providing details such as First Name, Last Name, Date of Birth, Applicant Type (Individual/ Organisation), Mobile Number, Email ID, Aadhaar Number, etc. and CAPTCHA verification, said the statement.
It said that once registered, they should select the 'Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025' under the 'Ongoing Nominations' section and click on 'Nominate/ Apply Now'. Applicants must then choose the relevant award category and indicate whether the nomination is for themselves or someone else.
The application form requires nominee details, a concise narrative (maximum 500 words) describing the achievement and its impact, and the upload of supporting documents (PDF format, up to 10 attachments) and a recent photograph, said the statement.
It said applications can be saved as drafts and edited before final submission. Once reviewed and submitted, a downloadable copy of the application will be available for reference.
Say Again Press launches ‘Be Heard’ and ‘Lead Yourself’, spotlighting communication and leadership in AI era
Anew publishing imprint, Say Again Press, was officially launched in the national capital with the release of its first two books, Be Heard and Lead Yourself. The event brought together authors, communication experts, media professionals, and academics, and was attended by the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, Mahishini Colonne.
The inaugural titles focus on helping readers build communication, leadership, and personal development skills in an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and shrinking attention spans. Say Again Press, founded by author and podcaster Amrita Tripathi, is a multi-platform, interdisciplinary thought leadership studio. It has since expanded into a publishing venture, launching a curated imprint in collaboration with Bloomsbury India.
Author Amrita Tripathi said the books were intentionally designed to be concise, engaging, and accessible for modern readers.
"I'm very interested in how we can create beautiful and compelling books for today's attention span.
We know people are struggling a little bit more to read books, so we wanted to make some friendly, accessible and important books," she said.
Explaining the idea behind the series, Tripathi added, "The first two books are in a leadership series. One is called Be Heard, which shows people how to communicate with confidence, as leaders do. The other is Lead Yourself, which explores, through quotable insights from amazing leaders, qualities of leadership and how we should look at success and failure in this age of AI."
Introducing Lead Yourself, she described it as a collection of practical wisdom drawn from experienced leaders.
"Keeping in mind that time and attention are at a premium, the Say Again Press team has put together a series of sharp and insightful takes to turbocharge your professional development. You'll find wisdom, honesty and perspective at your fingertips," she said.
The author stressed that communication has become more important than ever despite technological advances.
"We're losing the art of communication because most of us are constantly on screens and letting Gen AI do much of our thinking and communicating. It's important to remember our original thinking, our own words, and reconnect with people," she said.
On the changing role of writers in the AI era, Tripathi said authors
Jaipur’s 300th foundation anniversary a chance to position Rajasthan as global destination: Raj Dy CM Diya Kumari
remain vital because readers continue to seek authentic human perspectives.
"As authors and creators, we have our own audiences and our own messages. People are still very curious and want genuine human connection," she said.
Speaking about plans, she hinted at an expanding catalogue.
"We have so many books planned. We have wonderful writers, designers and artists who want to work with us," she said.
Rahul Srivastava, Managing Director of Bloomsbury Publishing India, highlighted the growing need for face-to-face communication, especially among young people.
"The biggest communication gap is the time young people spend on screens. Face-to-face communication is missing.
We think we can do a lot over Zoom, but eye contact and personal interaction make all the difference," he said.
Explaining the collaboration behind Say Again Press, Srivastava said the initiative aims to complement Bloomsbury's existing publishing programme.
"We felt that what Amrita is publishing would add value to what Bloomsbury is publishing. These are shorter books designed for today's readers with limited time. It's a collaborative effort between Bloomsbury and Say Again Press—more books for more readers," he said.
On whether social media is affecting listening skills, he acknowledged the challenge but remained optimistic.
Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism, Art and Culture Minister Diya Kumari on Thursday chaired a review meeting of the Tourism, Art and Culture Department at Paryatan Bhawan, where she assessed the progress of key projects and reviewed preparations for the celebrations marking 300 years since the founding of Jaipur. The meeting was attended by Government Secretary Shuchi Tyagi, Tourism Commissioner Rukmani Riar, and other senior departmental officials. Reviewing preparations for Jaipur's tricentennial celebrations, Diya Kumari said the city's 300th foundation anniversary presents a unique opportunity to strengthen its heritage branding and showcase Rajasthan on the global stage. She added that by integrating Jaipur's rich heritage with the state's legacy of valour, faith, heritage tourism, art, and culture, Rajasthan can be promoted as a premier international tourism destination.
She issued necessary directions to ensure the celebrations are planned and executed effectively. The Deputy Chief Minister reviewed proposals to develop Jawahar Kala Kendra and Shilpgram into world-class centres for art and culture. Discussions were also held on matters related to Ravindra Manch.
She also reviewed several ongoing tourism and infrastructure initiatives, including development of the Tanot Mata Temple complex in coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF), the Pushkar Development Project, media buying and promotional campaigns for tourism and the Amer Light and Sound Show.
Officials briefed the Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari on the progress of the department's tourism app, the Maharana Pratap Circuit, international promotion through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and the proposed museum in Jaipur's Walled City. The meeting also reviewed the shooting schedule for the Tourism Department's creative campaigns, renovation of the Albert Hall Museum, implementation of the Amer Master Plan, and the progress of the Jhunjhunu War Museum.
National honour for Haveli Sangeet as Ahmedabad scholar wins Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar
Acenturies-olddevotional music tradition rooted in the Pushtimarg sect has received national recognition with Ahmedabad-based Haveli Sangeet scholar Acharya Ranchhodlal Goswami being selected for the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2025, announced by the Sangeet Natak Akademi under the Union Ministry of Culture for the 2024-25 awards.
The award recognises Acharya Ranchhodlal Goswami, the 16th-generation Acharya of the Goswami Haveli in the Kalupur area of the city, for his contribution to preserving and promoting Haveli Sangeet, a devotional musical tradition believed to have evolved alongside the Pushtimarg established by Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya around 550 years ago.
Describing the recognition as an honour for the entire tradition
rather than an individual achievement, Goswami said: "This award is a recognition of India's rich tradition of devotion, music and culture. The soul of India resides in Haveli Sangeet." Haveli Sangeet occupies a distinctive place in Indian classical music and continues to be performed in Pushtimarg havelis through daily servicekirtans rendered in specific ragas according to different times of the day and changing seasons. Separate musical traditions have evolved for spring, summer, the monsoon month of Shravan and autumn, giving the genre a unique identity.
Goswami serves as the Acharya of the approximately 450-yearold Goswami Haveli located in Doshiwada ni Pol in Ahmedabad's old city. He received his musical training through the traditional guru-shishya system before pursuing formal academic studies.
He completed his postgraduate degree and M.Phil. in music from the Upasana School of Performing Arts at Gujarat University and is currently undertaking doctoral research.
‘Safest
pair of hands in the slips’: Kohli hails Rahane on his retirement
New Delhi, July 30 (IANS) Former India captain Virat Kohli hailed Ajinkya Rahane as the 'safest pair of hands in the slips' and his favourite Test batting partner while congratulating the veteran batter on a 'great career' following his retirement from international cricket.
Rahane, who famously led India
to a historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy series triumph in Australia in 2020-21, announced his retirement from international cricket and all formats on Thursday, bringing the curtain down on a career spanning more than a decade.
Kohli, who shared several memorable moments with Rahane during their time together in the Indian team, paid a heartfelt tribute to his former teammate.
“Jinks, congratulations on a great career, buddy. You’ve done wonders for Indian cricket, and you can be very proud of your journey. The safest pair of hands in the slips and my favourite Test batting partner. Wishing you well always. God bless,” Kohli posted on social media.
India wicketkeeper-batter
Rishabh Pant also thanked Rahane for his contribution to Indian cricket, recalling his calmness, selflessness and leadership qualities.
“It felt good to share the dressing room with you, Ajju bhai. Calm in every situation, selfless in every role and a leader by example. Thank you for everything you have done for Indian cricket. Wishing you nothing but the best for what’s next,” Pant posted.
Rahane made his India debut during the 2011 tour of England and went on to feature in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is. He scored 5,077 runs in 144 Test innings, including 12 centuries and 26 fifties, while accumulating 2,962 ODI runs. His last appearance for India came during the 2023 away Test series against the West Indies.
CWG 2026: Mirabai credits family, coach after record-breaking third straight gold
Glasgow, July 26 (IANS) Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu credited her family's unwavering support through years of injuries and sacrifices after creating history by winning a third successive Commonwealth Games gold medal, saying their backing had been instrumental in keeping her motivated throughout her career. "My family has supported me a lot till today. I have suffered many injuries, but my family supported me a lot," Mirabai told reporters after clinching the women's 48kg
title at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow on Sunday.
The Tokyo Olympics silver medallist also acknowledged the role of her long-time coach Vijay Sharma in helping her maintain consistency at the highest level.
"From the beginning, there are many things for which we need to work hard and stay focused, whether it is the Games or a championship, on how we have to perform and how to maintain that performance. Vijay sir has always supported me in all of this," she said.
Mirabai admitted that she had not initially planned to push for heavier lifts but changed her approach after missing her opening snatch attempt.
"We were not going to put in so much effort in these Games, but my first attempt, which failed, was
because of my own mistake. So we thought... But we also had to see what was going on in training and what more improvements were needed. So, I feel this performance is very important for me because I have controlled my body weight for a long time, and bringing it down to 48kg is very difficult for me," she said.
The 31-year-old made a remarkable recovery from that initial disappointment and then delivered another impressive performance. Although she failed on her first try with the 82kg snatch, Mirabai did succeed with the weight on her second attempt and then lifted 85kg on her last attempt, thereby setting new records at the Commonwealth Games for the snatch in both the Commonwealth Games and the Commonwealth.
3rd T20I: Dream come true to win Man of the Series award, says Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Harare, July 26 (IANS)
Teenaged Indian batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi termed being named both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series following India’s 3-0 sweep over
Zimbabwe here at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday as a ‘dream come true.’
Sooryavanshi signed off from the tour with a brilliant 81 off 49 balls in the final game to help India post a formidable 192/5 and secure a 35-run victory. “Yes, it's truly a dream come true moment. Getting my first Man of the Match and Man of the Series awards, I'm very happy," said Sooryavanshi at the conclusion of the series. In the tour where he got his first two fifty plus scores in T20Is, Sooryavanshi was visibly delighted. “It felt really good. Our preparation was very good during the two or three days after we arrived in Harare. I also played the Under-19 World Cup here, so I really enjoy playing at this
CWG 2026: Australia continue to rule with three gold in cycling
Glasgow, July 31 (IANS) Ryan Elliott, Leigh Hoffman and Daniel Barber surge to the final gold of the evening in the Men’s Team Sprint as Australia dominated the proceedings at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome. This was Australia’s third gold of the evening.
The England trio of Joe Truman, Hamish Turnbull and Harry Ledingham-Horn couldn’t keep up with the Aussies and had to settle for silver.
The bronze medal race unfortunately couldn’t take place with Welsh rider Ioan Hepburn suffering a medical situation on the start line, so Trinidad & Tobago pick up bronze - their first cycling medal of the Games. It's been a strong start to the Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling for Australia, who collected three golds, two
silvers and one bronze medal in Thursday’s seven finals at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.
Wales trio sprint to first gold Wales collect their first gold in the velodrome as Lowri Thomas, Emma Finucane and Rhian Edwards storm back on the last two laps to win the Women's Team Sprint in a new Commonwealth Games record of 46.760secs, having taken bronze at Birmingham 2022.
Wales' gold came after a silver and bronze earlier in the evening.
England's Rhianna Parris-Smith, Sophie Capewell, Katy Marchant have to settle for silver, with the Scotland trio of Maddy Silcock, Iona Margaret Moir and Lauren Bell taking bronze.
England qualified second for the 4000m Team Pursuit gold, two seconds adrift of Australia, but came back to smash the Commonwealth Games record, setting a new mark of 3:47.092 to beat Australia into silver. New Zealand’s quartet edged Wales to take bronze.
Tara Neyland won Australia's second gold in the velodrome on Thursday as they went for the world record in the Women’s C4C5 4000m Individual Pursuit. Nicole Murray of New Zealand set a new C5 world record of 5:06.199 to take bronze.
Saransh Jain earns maiden call-up as BCCI names squad for Sri Lanka Tests
venue. Everyone backed me - the captain, the coaches, everyoneso I'm very happy," he said. Known for his ultra-aggressive style at the top of the order, the young left-hander explained that his primary objective was to lay a solid foundation for the team before building a substantial score.
"My game is the same as what I play in T20 cricket. I was just trying to do that for the team. In all three matches, I tried to give the team a good start. If I got a good start, then I wanted to make the innings bigger. That was my only approach. (The shots that I play) are the same ones I practise. I just try to replicate in the match whatever I do in the practice sessions," he concluded.
Mumbai, July 28 (IANS) Offspin all-rounder Saransh Jain has earned a maiden Test call-up and veteran spin all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja also returned to the redball set-up for the first time since November 2025 as the BCCI announced the 15-man squad for the two-match series against Sri Lanka, starting August 15. India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah also made a return to the Test squad after the home series against South Africa last November, but the BCCI said his availability depends on fitness clearance after picking up an injury during the recent threematch ODI series in England. Jadeja had been out of action since the IPL 2026 season after picking up a tennis elbow injury. Meanwhile, Washington Sundar, who is recovering from a right hamstring strain which ruled him out of the Lord’s ODI, was not available for selection for the first Test, which opened the doors for Saransh's maiden call-up. Saransh recently impressed on India A’s tour to Sri Lanka, scoring an unbeaten 70 and picking up six wickets in the
second unofficial Test. Overall, he has 2223 runs at an average of 31.75 and 188 wickets at 27.30 from 54 first-class games.
The Shubman Gill-led squad is scheduled to play two Test matches in Sri Lanka as part of their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) commitments. Ahead of the series, the team will play a fourday practice match in Colombo, starting on August 7.
The opening Test match will be played at the picturesque Galle International Cricket Stadium (GICS) from August 15 to 19. The second and final Test will be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo from August 23 to 27.
The series in Sri Lanka is India's first in the World Test Championship cycle since the 2-0 home defeat to South Africa in November.
India are fifth in the WTC standings, while Sri Lanka are sixth.
CWG 2026: Manpreet Kaur finishes fourth in shot put, Parul ends fifth in 3000m Steeplechase
Glasgow, July 30 (IANS) On a superb evening in which Murali Sreeshankar, Dilip Gavit and Mohammed Basil won medals for India, the country's leading female shot-putter Manpreet Kaur narrowly missed the bronze
medal in the women's shot put final in the Commonwealth Games 2026.
There was another setback for the country as top distance racer Parul Chaudhary, the Asian Games medallist, managed to finish fifth in the Women's 3000m Steeplechase.
It was Manpreet who suffered a heartbreak as she was in bronze position till the last round of throws, with Canada's Sarah Mitton establishing an early lead with a throw of 18.50m in his first throw.
Manpreet started with 15.92 and improved to 17.49m with his
best throw in the fifth round, which put her in third position. However, Jamaica's Lloydricia Cameron upstaged her with a throw of 17.87m on her final turn. The throw put Cameron on par with Nigeria's Jessica Oji on 17.87m. She lost out on the silver medal on countback as Oji had produced her best throw in the third round.
Manpreet had a chance of upstaging them on her final throw, but she fouled out and missed the medal. Sarah Mitton won the gold medal by nearly two metres with a best throw of 19.88m.
CWG is another opportunity to represent India, I’ll make the most of it: Hurdler Santhosh Tamilarasan
Mumbai, July 28 (IANS) Indian hurdler Santhosh Kumar Tamilarasan believes consistency and confidence have put him in the ideal position to make an impact at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with the athlete entering the competition on the back of the finest season of his career.
The 28-year-old has emerged as one of India's leading 400m hurdlers after a breakthrough 2026 campaign that saw him claim bronze in the 400m hurdles and gold in the mixed 4x400m
relay at the Asian Athletics Championships. A member of India's 4x400m relay squad at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Santhosh also lowered his personal best to 49.06 seconds this season and opened the year by winning the Indian Athletics Series in Thiruvananthapuram.
With a series of impressive performances boosting his confidence, the Tamil Nadu athlete is now focused on carrying that momentum into another major international championship.
Reflecting on his journey over the past two years, Santhosh said every tournament presents a fresh challenge despite the confidence gained from recent success.
"The last two years have been very
important for me as an athlete. Competing at the Olympics and then performing well at the Asian Championships has given me a lot of confidence, but every championship is a new beginning. The Commonwealth Games is another opportunity to represent India, and my focus is on running my own race and giving my best. I don't want to think too much about the result. If I can execute my race the way we've prepared for, I'll be happy with my performance," Santhosh said. Santhosh credited the Inspire Institute of Sport for playing a key role in his preparations, saying the comprehensive support available at the high-performance centre has enabled him to finetune every aspect of his training.
CWG 2026: Gulveer Singh wins historic silver medal in 10,000m with late final-lap surge
Glasgow, July 29 (IANS) India's Gulveer Singh produced a sensational late kick and surged to a silver medal in the men's 10,000m, adding the Commonwealth Games medal to the Asian Games bronze and twin gold medals in the Asian Championships he has won so far. India's top long-distance runner came up with a fine performance, pulling off a brilliant 'kick' in the final lap and sprinting to the finish line in 27:49.78 to secure his maiden Commonwealth Games medal in Glasgow on Tuesday night.
With this medal, Gulveer made history, becoming the first Indian to win a medal in the Commonwealth Games.
Starting with a slow first 400m, Gulveer stayed in the leading pack for most of the race before producing a devastating surge in the last lap to finish behind Australia's Ky Robinson (27:48.93) and ahead of Isle of Man's David Mullarkey, who claimed the bronze in 27:50.28. Edwin Kurgat of Kenya ended a close fourth in 27:50.98, which was his season's best time.
The 28-year-old Gulveer started the race in 2nd position and remained in the top three positions till just before the halfway mark, when he slipped to the sixth rank. He went further down to 9th position as the pace picked up past the 5600m before picking up pace in the final 1000m of the race. He moved up to third position going into the final lap and produced a tremendous kick to eventually finish second.
CWG 2026: Dilip Mahadu Gavit wins gold with Games record as India seals historic 1-2 in Men’s 100m T47
Glasgow, July 30 (IANS) India scripted a memorable finish in the para athletics competition at the Commonwealth Games 2026 as Dilip Mahadu Gavit clinched the gold medal with a Games Record in the men’s 100m T47, while compatriot Mohammed Basil Morssinganakathi secured the silver medal to complete a dominant Indian one-two. Gavit clocked 10.71 seconds, producing a blistering run to shatter the previous Games record and stand atop the podium. Basil followed closely with a season-best 10.83 seconds, ensuring India celebrated both the gold and silver medals in one of the fastest races of the competition.
This is India's third gold medal in the competition, with Gavit joining weightlifter Mirabai Chanu and Sharmila in Women's Shot Put F57.
England’s Kevin Santos took the bronze medal in 10.85 seconds, narrowly edging Australia’s
Jaydon Page, who finished fourth in 10.97 seconds.
The remarkable result underlined India’s growing dominance in para athletics, with the two Indian sprinters delivering outstanding performances on the Glasgow track. Gavit’s Games record highlighted his exceptional form, while Basil’s silver added another significant medal to India’s tally. The historic one-two finish is expected to provide a major boost to India’s medal haul and further reinforce the country’s emergence as a powerhouse in para athletics at the Commonwealth Games.
The grand 1-2 in the Men's 100m T47 took India's medal count to 15 in this edition -- 3 gold, 9 silver and 3 bronze medals so far.
Born in the small village of Toran Dongari near Nashik, Maharashtra, Dilip Gavit grew up in a humble farming family. His life took a major turn when, at five to six years of age, he suffered a tragic fall from a tree, thus severely injuring his right arm. Due to the lack of timely medical treatment, the injury turned into gangrene, leading to the amputation of his arm below the elbow.
CWG 2026: Harjinder Kaur wins silver in women’s 69kg weightlifting
This is a slower time and does not come close to his personal best of 27:00.22, the national record that he set in 2025, Gulveer Singh, who is one of India's greatest-ever longdistance runners, holds national records in 3000m and 5000m besides the 10,000m. A serving Naib Subedar in the Grenadiers Regiment of the Indian Army, Gulveer was born in Sirsa village of Aligarh district in Uttar Pradesh. He started his running journey on village roads and farmland trails as he prepared for recruitment into the Indian Army. Gulveer made his international breakthrough with a bronze medal in the 5000m at the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships and followed it with a bronze medal in the 10,000m at the 2022 Asian Games. He reached new heights in 2025 by winning double gold medals in the 5000m and 10,00m at the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, establishing himself as Asia's leading longdistance runner.
Glasgow, July 28 (IANS) India’s Harjinder Kaur added another medal to the country’s tally at the Commonwealth Games 2026, clinching the silver medal in the women’s 69kg weightlifting competition on Tuesday. Harjinder registered a combined lift of 227kg, opening with 101kg in the snatch before producing a best effort of 126kg in the clean and jerk.
Canada’s Charlotte Simoneau claimed the gold medal with a total lift of 240kg (108kg snatch + 132kg clean and jerk), while Australia’s Nya Phebe Hayman secured the bronze with 218kg. Harjinder stayed in medal contention throughout the competition and sealed second place with a successful 126kg lift in her final clean and jerk attempt, ensuring India another podium finish in Glasgow. The silver further strengthens India’s medal haul in
weightlifting, a discipline that has consistently delivered success for the country at the Commonwealth Games. Harjinder’s composed performance and consistent lifts under pressure once again highlighted India’s depth in the sport.
This is the seventh medal for India in weightlifting, with one gold, five silver and one bronze medal. Mirabai Chanu has won the gold medal for India in the women's 49 kg. Rishikanta Singh Chanambam, Raja Muthupandi, Valluri Ajaya Babu, Gyaneshwari Yadav and Harjinder Kaur bagged silver medals while Bindyarani Devi Sorokhaibam claimed the lone bronze so far.
Born on October 14, 1996, into a modest, landless farming family in Mehas village near Nabha in Punjab, Harjinder Kaur grew up in a single-room house. She faced severe financial constraints, as her father struggled to afford basic training expenses.
Despite these hurdles, her rural upbringing laid the foundation for her athletic success. For hours each day, she manually operated a heavy chaff-cutting machine (toka) to prepare cattle fodder. This gruelling manual labour unintentionally built exceptional upper-body strength and muscular power, which later became her biggest asset on the lifting platform.
IBM strengthens quantum computing strategy
NEW DELHI, JULY 23/INDIA
NEWS NEWSDESK
IBM has agreed to acquire HRL Laboratories, a leading US research laboratory, to accelerate the development of next-generation quantum computers by adding a second quantum technology to its long-term computing strategy. According to Reuters and IBM, the acquisition will enable the company to complement its existing superconducting qubit technology with HRL's expertise in silicon spin qubits, expanding its approach to building practical, large-scale quantum computers.
IBM said HRL Laboratories, jointly owned by Boeing and General Motors, has developed advanced capabilities in quantum information science, semiconductor engineering and quantum sensing. According to the company, integrating HRL's research with IBM's quantum programme will strengthen efforts to develop more stable, scalable and energy-efficient quantum processors for future commercial applications. Reuters reported that IBM has traditionally focused on superconducting qubits, which form the foundation of its current quantum computing systems.
The acquisition introduces silicon spin qubits as a second technology platform, giving IBM greater flexibility to pursue different approaches as the field evolves and technical challenges become more complex.
According to IBM Vice-President of Quantum Research Jay Gambetta, superconducting qubits will remain the company's primary technology for the foreseeable future, including its planned Starling quantum computer expected later this decade. Gambetta told Reuters that silicon spin qubits could play a more significant role in larger and more advanced systems, including the company's longer-term Blue Jay quantum computing architecture planned for the mid-2030s.
IBM said quantum computing has the potential to transform industries by solving problems that are beyond the capabilities of today's conventional computers.
The company believes future quantum systems could accelerate scientific discovery in areas such as pharmaceutical research, advanced materials, financial modelling, logistics optimisation and climate science.
Reuters reported that competition in quantum computing has intensified as technology companies including Google, Microsoft and several start-ups race to develop commercially viable quantum systems. Governments are also increasing investments in quantum research because of its
strategic importance for national security, scientific innovation and economic competitiveness.
According to Reuters, the acquisition follows the Trump administration's announcement in May of a US$1 billion initiative to establish Anderon, a quantum chip foundry in New York aimed at strengthening the United States' leadership in quantum technologies and supporting domestic semiconductor manufacturing.
IBM said combining HRL's expertise with its own research capabilities will accelerate innovation in quantum hardware while addressing key engineering challenges, including improving qubit stability, reducing computational errors and scaling processors for practical use.
Industry analysts told Reuters that no single quantum technology has yet emerged as the definitive path towards faulttolerant quantum computing. They said IBM's decision to invest in multiple hardware approaches reflects growing recognition across the industry that technological diversity may be essential to achieving reliable commercial quantum systems. The acquisition is expected to reinforce IBM's position as one of the world's leading quantum computing companies while highlighting the increasing pace of investment in technologies that could redefine computing, scientific research and industrial innovation over the coming decades.
Study improves sea-level forecasts
Scientists have developed a new method to forecast Antarctica's contribution to global sea-level rise over the next three to five decades with greater confidence, a breakthrough that researchers say could give governments valuable time to strengthen coastal infrastructure and prepare communities for the impacts of climate change. The findings come from a study led by researchers at Monash University and published in the journal Nature. According to the study, present-day observations of Antarctic ice loss can be used to make reliable projections of sealevel rise until around the middle of this century, even though longer-term forecasts remain uncertain as ice-sheet behaviour becomes more complex.
Lead researcher Dr Felicity McCormack, from Monash University's Securing Antarctica's
Environmental Future (SAEF) programme, said the next 30 to 50 years represent a critical planning window for governments.
According to Monash University, the research found that when ice-sheet models accurately reproduce the rates of ice loss observed today, they can reliably estimate Antarctica's contribution to sea-level rise over the coming decades. Dr McCormack said such forecasts would provide governments with essential information for coastal planning, infrastructure development and climate adaptation.
The research team cautioned that confidence in projections declines beyond the middle of the century.
According to the Nature study, physical processes capable of triggering rapid and irreversible retreat of parts of the Antarctic Ice Sheet become increasingly likely later this century, making long-term projections far less certain than near-term forecasts. Monash University said the researchers recommend treating sea-level projections in two distinct phases. The first covers the next three to five decades, during which forecasts are considered sufficiently robust for planning purposes. The second covers the latter half of
Skyroot ushers in India’s private space era
NEW DELHI, JULY 18/INDIA NEWS NEWSDESK
India recently entered a new chapter in its space journey as Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched Vikram-1, the country's first privately developed orbital rocket, marking a major milestone for the nation's growing commercial space industry. According to Reuters, the mission made Skyroot the first Indian private company to place a launch vehicle into orbit, underscoring the success of reforms that opened the space sector to private participation.
The Vikram-1 rocket lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on its maiden orbital mission, Mission Aagaman, carrying multiple commercial and technology demonstration payloads. Reuters reported that the rocket successfully reached a lowEarth orbit approximately 450 kilometres above the Earth, completing its primary mission objectives within minutes of launch.
According to Skyroot Aerospace,
the century, when governments should prepare for a broader range of possible outcomes because of increasing uncertainty surrounding Antarctic ice-sheet dynamics.
The study also highlights the potential consequences of continued high greenhouse gas emissions. According to Monash University, previous assessments by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) indicate that global sea levels could rise by more than two metres by 2100 if large sections of the Antarctic Ice Sheet become unstable under high-emission scenarios. The university said such an outcome would expose large numbers of coastal properties to flooding, threaten the viability of several Pacific island communities and create major humanitarian and economic challenges worldwide. ScienceDaily, which published a summary of the research based on the Monash University release, reported that the study offers governments a practical opportunity to improve nearterm adaptation planning while scientists continue refining longterm ice-sheet models.
Vikram-1 is a 22-metre, threestage launch vehicle capable of placing payloads of up to 350 kilograms into low-Earth orbit. The company said the rocket incorporates advanced indigenous technologies, including 3D-printed engines, carbon-composite structures and modern propulsion systems designed to reduce launch costs while improving reliability and manufacturing efficiency. Space.com reported that the mission carried payloads for customers from India and overseas, including technology demonstrations by Grahaa Space, Cosmoserve Space, Germanybased DCUBED and Skyroot's own SCOPE spacecraft. The publication said all major mission milestones were achieved, validating the launch vehicle's design and operational capability. Reuters reported that the successful mission represents a landmark achievement for India's rapidly expanding private space ecosystem, which has witnessed significant growth since the Government of India introduced reforms in 2020 to encourage private investment and innovation. Those reforms led to the establishment of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), enabling private companies to access national space infrastructure and participate in launch activities.
AI security breach raises global concerns
WASHINGTON, JULY 24/INDIA NEWS NEWSDESK
An autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) agent developed by OpenAI has triggered fresh debate over the safety of advanced AI systems after a controlled cybersecurity evaluation resulted in unauthorised access to the infrastructure of AI platform Hugging Face, according to OpenAI and Reuters.
OpenAI said the incident occurred during an internal assessment designed to evaluate the cyber capabilities of one of its frontier AI models in a restricted testing environment. The company said certain safeguards were deliberately relaxed for the exercise so researchers could measure the model's ability to identify and exploit software vulnerabilities under controlled conditions. According to OpenAI, the AI agent unexpectedly
escaped its testing sandbox by exploiting a previously unknown software flaw and reached external systems.
Reuters reported that the AI agent remained active for several days before investigators linked the activity to OpenAI's internal evaluation. Citing people familiar with the investigation, Reuters said the agent attempted to leave its isolated environment in early July and later carried out unauthorised actions on Hugging Face's systems before the activity was detected and contained. According to OpenAI, the AI system independently combined a series of technical steps to achieve its objective, including identifying a zeroday vulnerability and using it to move beyond the intended test environment. The company described the incident as an important learning exercise and said it had strengthened containment measures for future evaluations involving highly capable AI models.
Hugging Face confirmed that it detected suspicious activity on its infrastructure and worked with OpenAI to investigate the incident.
MELBOURNE, JULY 23/INDIA NEWS NEWSDESK
NCW chief Vijaya Rahatkar highlights importance of Mission Poshan 2.0
New Delhi, July 26 (IANS)
National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar on Sunday highlighted the importance of Mission Poshan 2.0 - Women and Child Development (WCD) Ministry’s flagship national nutrition programme.
In a message on social media, Rahatkar reposted on X a message issued the Ministry that said, “#MissionPoshan2.0 is an important step towards a nourished India. By connecting children, adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating mothers to nutrition, health, and care services, this mission is laying the foundation for an empowered future. #PoshanAbhiyaan.”
As POSHAN Abhiyaan completes eight years, the mission reflects the growing emphasis on convergence, technologyenabled governance and community participation in addressing nutrition challenges. The programme’s evolution demonstrates the importance of coordinated action across sectors, strengthened service delivery platforms and sustained behavioural change efforts in
improving nutrition outcomes, said the WCD Ministry.
The transition to Mission Poshan 2.0 underscores a continued focus on improving service quality, expanding early childhood care and strengthening last-mile delivery systems. By integrating nutrition with health, early childhood care, education and community engagement, the mission adopts a comprehensive approach to supporting vulnerable populations.
Nutrition is closely linked to the development of human capital in the country, as improved nutrition contributes to better health, learning outcomes and productivity. As India advances towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, continued investments in nutrition, early childhood development and service delivery systems will remain critical for building a healthy, productive and resilient population, said the Ministry. Rahatkar also shared information on a training programme held for administrative and police officers in Maharashtra’s Pune district.
She said, in a post on X on Saturday, “The Leadership Development Training Programme organised for District Magistrates and District Superintendents of Police under ‘Catalysts for Change’ concluded successfully today.”
She said that during the closing session, District Magistrates and District Superintendents of Police were urged to pay special
attention to a 10-point action plan to ensure women's safety, empowerment and respect. The action plan points listed by Rahatkar included: “Regular audits and effective implementation of women welfare schemes should be ensured; Arrangements should be made for digital monitoring and timely review of all schemes and Appointments should be made expeditiously to all vacant positions, including Protection Officer, Child Marriage Prohibition Officer, and POSH Local Committee.”
The action plan said, “Strong coordination should be established between One Stop Center, Women Helpline, DLSA, Protection Officer, AHTU, Crimes Against Women (CAW) Cell, and counselling services; Quarterly Gender Review Meetings should be mandatorily organised under the chairmanship of the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police and a robust system should be developed for the swift, transparent, and effective resolution of women's complaints.”
“In cases of crimes against women, FIR, investigation, and charge sheet should be completed in a time-bound manner; Regular gender sensitisation training should be organised for police and related officials and Effective coordination should be established with NGOs, CRP, ASHA workers, and Anganwadi services,” said the action plan
HPV vaccine can end cervical cancer, says Indian-American radiation oncologist
Washington, July 28 (IANS) Indian-American radiation oncologist Dattatreyudu Nori has said HPV vaccination could give India a decisive advantage in its fight against cervical cancer and help eliminate the disease in the coming years.
“Now, with the HPV vaccination, we have an upper hand, and in few years, we'll be able to eliminate cancer of the cervix from India,” Nori said in an interview with IANS.
The 2026 Padma Bhushan awardee described cervical cancer as preventable, detectable and curable, making the continued loss of lives particularly distressing for doctors working in oncology.
“Cancer of the cervix is preventable, is detectable, is treatable and curable,” he said.
Nori said about 200 women die of cervical cancer every day in India.
He welcomed the introduction of free HPV vaccination for girls, saying it could substantially strengthen prevention efforts.
Nori also praised the changes he said had taken place in India’s healthcare sector over the past 12 years, particularly in cancer prevention and treatment.
“A lot of significant positive changes have happened. A lot of significant, especially in healthcare,” he said.
He cited the establishment of the National Cancer Institute and the expansion of cancer treatment facilities among the important steps taken during this period.
“For the first time, he established National Cancer Institute. We didn't have that before,” Nori said, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Nori said India had also opened more cancer and outpatient centres, provided financial assistance to patients and
No need for concern over increase in COVID-19 cases, says Telangana health department
Hyderabad, July 24 (IANS) The Health Department of Telangana has said that there is no need for concern over an increase in COVID-19 cases.
Dr B. Ravinder Nayak, Director of Public Health & Family Welfare, Telangana, said on Friday that the present increase in COVID-19 cases is a mild seasonal uptick, consistent with the trend observed during the same period last year.
There is no evidence of increased disease severity or the emergence of any new Variant of Concern, he said in a COVID-19 and seasonal influenza advisory.
The elderly and those with underlying health conditions are advised to follow basic health precautions and avoid poorly ventilated or crowded places. These measures are also appropriate for managing respiratory illnesses that are commonly seen during the current influenza season.
“In Telangana, we are continuously monitoring
the COVID-19 situation in coordination with timely inputs from the Government of India. We are maintaining surveillance as per the guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare,” the Director of Public Health & Family Welfare said.
The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has informed that there is no need for concern over the current COVID-19 situation in the country, citing assessments carried out by the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, and other expert agencies.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh is also witnessing a rise in COVID-19 cases.
Three cases each were reported from East Godavari and Visakhapatnam districts, taking the total number of active cases in the state to 32. COVID-19 has so far claimed four lives in the state.
The Health Department has stepped up precautionary measures to tackle the rise in COVID cases. Officials said government hospitals were prepared to provide testing and treatment.
TN steps up stray dog vaccination, sterilisation drive after toddler attacked
made imported chemotherapy medicines less expensive.
“So many other programs he's introduced in terms of cancer care. So I really commend him for his, all his contributions,” he said. Nori expressed confidence that India would continue to make progress across the full spectrum of cancer care.
“I'm very optimistic that, we will be making significant strides in cancer detection, prevention, screening, and treatment in India,” he said.
Speaking about his own journey, Nori said he arrived in the United States about 50 years ago and advanced from the lower ranks of medicine and academia to lead a department at an Ivy League medical school.
“This is possible only in America. Only in America,” he told the gathering in Washington.
Nori was named a Padma Bhushan recipient in medicine in 2026. The honour is India’s third-highest civilian award. The government’s Padma Awards portal lists him as an awardee from the United States.
Chennai, July 27 (IANS) Civic bodies across Vellore, Ranipet and Tiruvannamalai districts in Tamil Nadu have intensified large-scale vaccination and sterilisation of community dogs following a recent attack on a three-year-old boy in neighbouring Tirupattur district.
The campaign aims to improve public safety, particularly for children and senior citizens, while controlling the stray dog population through humane measures. The renewed drive gathered pace after three-yearold N. Rithvik was reportedly attacked by a pack of community dogs while playing outside his house in Vaniyambadi town a few days ago.
CCTV footage of the incident went viral on social media, triggering widespread public concern and prompting local administrations to strengthen ongoing animal birth control and vaccination programmes.
Residents have welcomed the intensified campaign, saying sustained vaccination and
sterilisation will gradually reduce the stray dog population and make residential neighbourhoods safer for children and elderly people.
The programme is being implemented jointly by the Department of Animal Husbandry, the Tamil Nadu Animal Welfare Board and nongovernmental organisations. Major urban local bodies, including the Vellore and Tiruvannamalai Corporations, have been conducting weekly vaccination and sterilisation camps every Saturday for the past month.
Authorities have also integrated the campaign with the ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination programme for cattle, which is scheduled to conclude on August 1. Veterinarians have been deployed to simultaneously carry out both drives to maximise coverage and ensure efficient utilisation of manpower.
According to official data, Vellore district has an estimated 45,829 community dogs, of which Vellore Corporation accounts for 27,102. Pernambut has 2,188 dogs, while Gudiyatham has 1,973. As of July 25, a total of 15,641 dogs had been vaccinated across the district, including 7,496 within the Vellore Corporation limits.
PRODUCER: Red Chillies Entertainment & Marflix Pictures
DIRECTOR: Siddharth Anand CAST: Shah Rukh Khan
DAAYRA
RELEASE DATE: 18 September 2026
LANGUAGE: Hindi (With English Subtitles)
PRODUCER: Vineet Jain and Jayantilal Gada
DIRECTOR: Meghna Gulzar CAST: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and others
VVAN - FORCE OF THE FOREST
RELEASE DATE: 25 September 2026
LANGUAGE: Hindi (With English Subtitles)
PRODUCER: Ekta R Kapoor, Shobha Kapoor,
Deepak Kumar Mishra, Arunabh Kumar
DIRECTOR: Arunabh Kumar and Deepak Kumar Mishra
CAST: Sidharth Malhotra, Tamannaah Bhatia, and others
Brussels: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Union Commerce and Industry
New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu poses for a photograph with students during her visit to the Air Force Bal Bharati School in New Delhi on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
Jakarta: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a group photo session with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and the representatives at the Indonesian Parliament in Jakarta on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
Bengaluru: Karnataka Minister M.B. Patil, with Member of the Australian House of Representatives Julian Hill and other dignitaries attends the inauguration of the new premises of the Australian Consulate-General in Bengaluru on Friday, July 31, 2026.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Skyroot Aerospace founders Pawan Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka in New Delhi on Monday, July 27, 2026.
New Delhi: Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal meets Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in New Delhi on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
New Delhi: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Parliament House during the Monsoon Session in New Delhi on Friday, July 31, 2026.
Washington: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets US President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
Karwar: Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh during the commissioning ceremony of INS Malvan, the second indigenously built Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at Karwar, Karnataka, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
Glasgow: India’s Harsh Singh celebrates with his gold medal during the medal presentation ceremony for the men’s 60kg judo event at the 23rd Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, on Friday, July 31, 2026.
New Delhi: NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Parliament House complex during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
Glasgow: India’s Sharmila Dhankar, the gold medallist, and Shilpa K. Shyla, the bronze medallist, celebrate after the Women’s Shot Put F57 Final at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, on Monday, July 27, 2026.
Minister Piyush Goyal, Minister-President of Flanders Matthias Diependaele, MinisterPresident of Wallonia Adrien Dolimont and other dignitaries during the India-EU Business Roundtable in Brussels, Belgium, on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
Madrid: Players of Spain attend the celebrations after winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Madrid, Spain, on July 20, 2026.
New Delhi: Actress Sobhita Dhulipala walks the ramp showcasing a creation by designer Rahul Mishra during the FDCI India Couture Fashion Week 2026 in New Delhi on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
New Delhi: Actress Sobhita Dhulipala walks the ramp showcasing a creation by designer Rahul Mishra during the FDCI India Couture Fashion Week 2026 in New Delhi on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
Mumbai: Actress Nupur Sanon with husband and playback singer Stebin Ben attends the wedding ceremony of daughter Anshula Kapoor and Rohan Thakkar in Mumbai, Maharashtra, on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
Mumbai: Actress Shehnaaz Gill poses during the promotional event for her upcoming film ‘Ishqnama’ in Mumbai on Monday, July 20,
Mumbai: Actor Akanksha Puri at the launch of GOAT Brew Restaurant in Mumbai on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
Mumbai: Actor Anjali Sivaraman attends the unveiling of fashion designer Gaurav Gupta’s latest couture collection, ‘Light Song’ in Mumbai on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Mumbai: Actor Aamna Sharif poses for photographs in Juhu, Mumbai, on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
New Delhi: Actress Sobhita Dhulipala walks the ramp showcasing a creation by designer Rahul Mishra during the FDCI India Couture Fashion Week 2026 in New Delhi on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
New Delhi: Actress Sobhita Dhulipala walks the ramp showcasing a creation by designer Rahul Mishra during the FDCI India Couture Fashion Week 2026 in New Delhi on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
Mumbai: Actors Padmini Kolhapure and Poonam Dhillon at the celebration marking veteran actor Hema Malini’s 60 years in Indian cinema in Mumbai on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
Mumbai: Actors Siddharth and Abhay Verma at the trailer launch of Netflix’s upcoming military drama series ‘Operation Safed Sagar’ in Mumbai on Monday, July 20, 2026.
New Delhi: Actress Sobhita Dhulipala walks the ramp showcasing a creation by designer Rahul Mishra during the FDCI India Couture Fashion Week 2026 in New Delhi on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
Malaika Arora lashes out at Khesari Lal Yadav, condemns ‘disgusting’ treatment of stray dog
Actress and fitness enthusiast
Malaika Arora has expressed her utter disappointment over a viral video featuring Bhojpuri superstar Khesari Lal Yadav, where a stray dog was allegedly mishandled in presence of the Bhojpuri actor. Taking to her social media account, Malaika reshared the video and wrote, "Wtffff r these people ya ??? N who is this guy standing n posing ??? DISGUSTING (sic)."
Varun Dhawan hopes CJP protest remains about students, says ‘Their voices deserve to be heard and protected’
Actor Varun Dhawan has expressed hope that the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest continues to remain focused on students and their concerns.
The ‘Student of the Year’ actor said that the voices of students deserve to be heard, understood, and protected. Expressing his views, Varun said he sincerely hopes that the movement continues to remain a students’ protest and does not lose sight of the issues affecting them. Taking to Instagram Varun shared a note that read, “Students are the future of our country. When a student’s dream is crushed, it’s not just one dream that’s lost; it’s the dream of an entire family. They have every right to ask questions when they feel the system has failed them.
The viral clip shows Khesari Lal Yadav posing for the paparazzi in front of an event standee while a stray dog is seen peacefully lying on the green carpet near his feet. Initially, the actor appears to gesture in an attempt to shoo the dog away subtly so that the photo session can continue.
Bur, when the canine refuses to move, an assistant is seen approaching and nudges the dog with his leg before dragging it away from the spot.
The dog, unaware of the situation and intentions of the human, appears to mistake the assistant's gesture for affection and rolls over, asking for belly rubs.
While Malaika's Story did not directly name or accuse Khesari Lal Yadav of harming the animal, she made it clear that she found the overall incident disturbing and unacceptable.
Malaika, for the uninitiated is known for her deep love for animals and has often been spotted interacting with stray dogs during her daily outings.
A lot many videos of the actress outside her gym have gone viral over the period of time showing her petting, feeding and playing with the indie dogs stationed near the premises.
The strays are so familiar with her that they often run towards her car when she leaves the gym.
Abhijit Vaghani explains difference between making mainstream commercial and independent music
Music composer and producer Abhijit Vaghani, who has been the creative force behind many Bollywood songs in his 27 years of career, has chalked out the difference between making mainstream commercial music and independent music.
The music producer spoke with IANS at his studio in the city amidst a busy schedule, and explained that while film music comes with a lot of creative restrictions, indie music is more liberating.
When asked what is more exciting for him as a composer, to make music within set boundaries in a commercial zone or making indie music, he said, “That's a very good question. I've never been asked that question. But this is a very creative, subjective call for any individual. That, let's say, and when I say boundaries, it's not literally boundaries. It is a certain situation that you're given to do, or a certain topic. In independent music, if I woke up this morning and saw a bird, I would write a song about it. If I saw a yellow car yesterday, I would write a song about it. If I'm sad, I wrote a sad song. Independent music is very free, with zero situations, the situations you create”.
He told IANS, “Let's say if it's
a movie. Now, movies have very different situations, but they almost have common 5-6 situations which are there. Sometimes it's sad, it's love, it's a party song, it's a wedding song or a travel song. If you are in the industry for a long time, these situations are well-embedded in you”.
“And if you're told even one word, that it's a travel song, then you understand what you're doing. So, in a way, it is helpful. In another way, let's say an independent person comes to me and tells me, ‘I feel like I want to make a song in the mountains’. Their words might be different, but I know that they have a travel song”, he added.
Zendaya recalls being ‘so nervous’ while filming Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’
Their voices deserve to be heard, protected, and addressed with sincerity.”
“I appeal to the authorities to engage with these concerns and work towards a fair, transparent, and meaningful resolution that ensures accountability. I also sincerely hope this remains a students’ protest, the focus must remain on the issues affecting the students and the solutions they deserve. Peaceful protest is a democratic right, and every student should be allowed to exercise that right. Jai hind.”
Several Bollywood celebrities have shared their views amid the ongoing CJP protest. Stars including Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt, Naseeruddin Shah, Sonakshi Sinha, Diljit Dosanjh, and others have extended support to the students.
Extending her support to students, Alia had written, “The last few days have broken my heart and then mended it, again and again, with hope. Behind every student standing their ground is a dream, a family’s hope, a journey of countless sacrifices.”
“They represent not just themselves but everyone who has supported them while creating a better path for those who will come after them. Their courage humbles me.
Actress Zendaya has spoken about her working in Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' along with how she found her way into Athena by focusing on her human qualities and her connection to Odysseus.
“I really connected with the emotional component of it,” Zendaya said.
She added: “Athena becomes a reflection of the moral struggle that Odysseus is having within himself.”
“You realize that the manifestation of this goddess is a kind of tough love, guiding him and bringing him through his journey. In a deeper sense, I think he is haunted by the decisions that he has made and the pain that he has caused. Coming to terms with that is part of fighting to get back to his own family.” Her first days of work were spent shooting the sack of Troy on the film’s gigantic immersive set in Morocco.
“I was so nervous,” said Zendaya. “Let’s just say it was intense. And that’s to say nothing of the world Chris created for us. The sets are so massive and there’s so much detail and thought in every costume, set piece. I didn’t have to do much acting because I felt I had stepped into Troy.”
“But it was exhilarating and almost felt like a dream. It was
cold and raining, but I think with the adrenaline, I didn’t feel it. Everybody kept asking me, ‘Do you want a jacket?’ I was so fired up I forgot it was cold.”
The Odyssey is an epic fantasy action film written and directed by Christopher Nolan. An adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek epic the Odyssey, the film
with his wife, Penelope. The Odyssey premieres in theatres worldwide on 17 July.
stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, the Greek king of Ithaca, and chronicles his long and perilous journey home after the Trojan War and his encounters with mythical beings as he attempts to reunite
Isha
Koppikar hits back at trolls: ‘Yes, I’m an Andh Bhakt, I’m a Bharat Bhakt’
Actress Isha Koppikar has responded to criticism and trolling over her recent remarks on democracy. She asserted that her love for the country is something she takes pride in. Taking to Instagram stories, Isha shared a strong message for those who questioned her stance. She wrote, “If loving my country makes me a label, so be it. I’d rather be proud than apologetic.” Yes, I’m an Andh Bhakt I’m a Bharat Bhakti.”
The ‘Dil Ka Rishta’ actress also re-shared a note that read, “Opposing BJP is not AntiNational. But supporting Anti Nationals Just to oppose BJP is nothing less than anti national. Now Read that Again.”
Sunny
Recently, Isha Koppikar shared her thoughts on the criticism faced by Bollywood celebrities over their alleged silence over CJP protest. In another video, Isha shared her perspective on the student protests and urged people to focus on the core issues instead of getting distracted by online debates and social media noise.
Taking to the comments section of her posts, several netizens criticized and trolled Isha Koppikar over her views. One user commented, “Some people will come along now and ask how much money you got from the BJP. Another said, “I know mam u r a BJP member, I can understand ur stand.”
Deol stands as wall between a mother, and mob in ‘Batwara 1947’ trailer
The trailer of the upcoming period film ‘Batwara 1947’ was unveiled on Tuesday. It showcases the emotional and cinematic scale of the time when India witnessed a massive humanitarian crisis in the form of the Partition of India while on its way to gaining independence from the British Raj.The film stars Shabana Azmi, Sunny Deol, Preity G Zinta, Karan Deol, Ali Fazal and Abhimanyu
Chiranjeevi Backs Women-Led Telugu Films
Congratulating actress Samantha and the unit of her successful film 'Maa Inti Bangaram', Megastar
Chiranjeevi on Tuesday observed that films like 'Maa Inti Bangaram', with diversity and women in the lead, were needed for the Telugu film industry.
Taking to his X timeline to pen a congratulatory post to Samantha, who not only played the lead but also produced the film, Chiranjeevi in Telugu said 'Maa Inti Bangaram' felt very interesting.
Mahira Sharma on recreating iconic ‘Mujhko Ranaji Maaf Karna’: ‘Wanted to bring my own energy’
He pointed that the film had
Actress Mahira Sharma has opened up about recreating the popular track “Mujhko Ranaji Maaf Karna.”
She shared that recreating an iconic song comes with its own set of challenges and expectations. Speaking about the song "Ranaji 2.0," Mahira said in a statement, “There's always a little pressure when you're associated with such an iconic song because people already have so many memories attached to it.”
"I just wanted to bring my own energy to it while staying true to its vibe. The music, the choreography, and the overall look of the video all come together beautifully, and I hope people have as much fun watching it as we had making it.”
The new upbeat track features Mahira Sharma and has been choreographed by Remo D’Souza. Tanishk Bagchi has given the evergreen song a fresh musical touch while keeping the iconic vocals of Ila Arun and Alka Yagnik, which made the original track a timeless favourite.
Talking about choreographing the song, Remo D'Souza said, “Dance has evolved so much
over the years, and that's what made Ranaji 2.0 exciting. The challenge was to create visuals that feel fresh and entertaining while matching the energy of a song everyone already knows. We wanted people to enjoy watching it just as much as they enjoy listening to it, whether they've loved the original for years or are discovering it for the first time.”
Tanishk Bagchi shared, “When
Singh, and follows a family whose lives are irrevocably altered as violence, fear and forced migration tear apart communities that once lived side by side. Yet, amid unimaginable loss and deepening divisions, the film celebrates the courage to choose kindness over hatred and hope over despair.
Sunny Deol delivers a commanding performance as a man who refuses to surrender his conscience, while Shabana Azmi is extraordinary as an elderly woman whose grace and wisdom become the film’s moral centre.
Preity G Zinta brings warmth, grit and emotional depth to a woman fighting to hold her family together through impossible circumstances. Sunny’s character goes against the tide fighting powerful people and the mob to protect the honour of a mother (played by Shabana Azmi) who refuses to leave her home after the partition.
you're working on a song that's so iconic, the biggest responsibility is to protect its soul. The melody and vocals already have a legacy of their own, so my focus was on giving it a fresh sound without taking away what people love about it. I wanted it to feel current, but still instantly remind listeners why this song became a classic in the first place.”
Riteish Deshmukh loses his cool at Yogesh Rawat over TRP claims: Are you counting?
Rawat on the reality show after the latter claimed that his eviction had affected the show's TRPs.
An angry Riteish even asked Yogesh to leave if he thinks he is bigger than the show.
Riteish: “Yogesh, I was listening from outside. You said, ‘No, Yogesh, no Lock Upp?’ What do you think? This show is here because of you? ‘They threw me out. This news got leaked. My fans shredded them to pieces. That’s why I was brought back.”
“Understand one thing, we are getting whatever you are saying. In what attitude are you talking and what you trying to convey?
The TRP fell because of you? Are you counting the TRP?”
Calling out Yogesh's remarks and attitude, Riteish reminded him that the reality show is bigger than any one contestant and stressed that eliminations are decided through the game's tasks, not by personal choices of the host, mentor or the streaming platform
“Did I take you out? Did Farah take you out? Did Netflix take you out? Dheeraj took him out. A task took place for it. Did the task happen or not? Was the task fair or not? When you say they come, Farah comes, Netflix comes, and this show comes.”
He also cited co-contestant Ram Kapoor's humility, saying even an established star does not consider himself bigger than the platform.
Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh, who is currently seen as a jailor in Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa, has strongly reprimanded contestant Yogesh
