Australia India News – June 16-30, 2026

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June 16-30, 2026 - Vol-6, Issue 21

SOLAR BATTERY SOLUTIONS + GOVERNMENT REBATES

10 Indian-origin Australians recognised in 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List

Canberra, June 8 (IANS) As many as 10 Indian-origin Australians have featured in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours List, with the recipients recognised for their distinguished service and contribution to Australian society, local media reported.

The 2026 King's Honours List recognises 948 Australians

Bengaluru-Chennai expressway to boost connectivity to key industrial, logistics hubs: FM Sitharaman

14 (IANS)

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said that the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway project will significantly enhance connectivity

to major industrial and logistics hubs, strengthening economic activity and infrastructure development in the region.

Sharing details of her visit to the expressway corridor under the 'Pragati Path Yatre Darshan' programme in Karnataka's Devanahalli, FM Sitharaman said the greenfield project is a key infrastructure initiative being developed under the Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I to provide

for outstanding service and achievement in community service, medicine, science, education, public administration, defence, sport and the arts. The list features several prominent Indian-Australians awarded the 'Medal of the Order of Australia' (OAM) and higher honours,

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India, France agree to double bilateral trade in 5 years, bolster tech and innovation ties

agreed to set up a high-level mechanism to double trade between the two countries within five years, and also shared concrete ideas to

India offers vast opportunities in innovation, technology, manufacturing: PM Modi to global investors

Delhi, June 14 (IANS)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted India's growing appeal as a global investment and innovation destination, saying the country's growth is driven by talent, scale, stability and reforms.

India-France opening new chapter for talent, investment and concrete solutions: Macron

June 14 (IANS)

Macron said

on Sunday that India and France are opening a new chapter for talent, investment and concrete solutions at the Bharat Innvotes 2026 in Nice.

"Delighted to welcome my dear friend Narendra Modi. From Nice today to G7 Evian and VivaTech in Paris, this seventh visit reflects the exceptional strength of the France-India partnership,"

Macron wrote on social media platform X.

"We are opening a new chapter for talent, investment and concrete solutions for our people," he added.

Earlier on Sunday, during his address after the inauguration of Bharat Innovates 2026, Macron

Addressing investors and venture capital leaders at Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice, France, PM Modi said India offers immense opportunities across innovation, technology, manufacturing and emerging sectors, and invited the world to co-create the next chapter of global innovation with India.

"The conversations at Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice were enriching and insightful. Engaged with investors and venture capital leaders on the immense opportunities India offers

across innovation, technology, manufacturing and emerging sectors," the Prime Minister wrote on social media platform X. He said India has emerged as one of the world's most attractive destinations for investment and innovation, backed by a strong foundation of talent, scale, stability and policy reforms.

"India's growth is powered by talent, scale, stability and reform, making it an attractive destination for investment and innovation," the Prime Minister noted.

Modi receives rousing welcome in Nice as he arrives on official France visit

Nice, June 14 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a rousing welcome by the Indian diaspora in Nice, France, chanting slogans of "Modi Modi" and echoes of "Bharat Mata ki Jai". He was welcomed on Saturday by energetic performances of Kathak, Odissi and Bharatanatyam.

"A memorable welcome from the Indian community in Nice. Though they may be several kilometres away from home, the bond of our diaspora with India remains as strong as ever," PM Modi said on Saturday on social media platform X.

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10 Indian-origin Australians recognised in 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List

Continued from page 1

demonstrating the growing contribution of Indian community to the Australian society.

Indian-origin Australians who feature in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List include Professor Valsamma Eapen (AO), Dr Abhishek Kumar Verma (OAM), Dr Dilipkumar Gahankari (OAM), Professor Balasubramaniam Venkatesh (AM), Noshir Irani (OAM), Chethicad Oommen Thomas (OAM), Usha Kiran Chandra (OAM), Dr Atul Kumar Garg (OAM), Saurabh Mishra (OAM), and Bijinder Dugal (OAM), honoured for their outstanding service in medicine, psychiatry, community leadership, business, aged care and multicultural engagement, 'The Australia Today' reported.

The Indian High Commission in Australia on Monday congratulated the 10 Australians of Indian origin who featured in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours

List

"The King’s Birthday Honours are among Australia’s highest civilian honours, recognising distinguished service and outstanding contribution to the nation. Heartiest congratulations to the 10 Australians of Indian origin recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List," the Indian High Commission in Australia posted on X. Melbourne-based community leader Chethicad Oommen Thomas received the OAM for service to the Indian community of Victoria, recognising his over 50 years of leadership and institution-building. He came to Australia in 1969 and dedicated his life to supporting new migrants and strengthening community connections.

He founded the Malayalee Association of Victoria in 1976, served as a leader of the Australia India Society of Victoria, set up the Victorian Indian Community

Charitable Trust, and played a key role in making the Indian Orthodox Church network in Victoria. His work helped build cultural, charitable and faithbased institutions that continue to serve Indian Australians.

Leading child and adolescent psychiatrist Professor Valsamma Eapen has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for her service to psychiatry, neurodevelopmental research, child and adolescent mental health, and tertiary education. She is known across the world for her work in Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Tourette syndrome, autism spectrum disorder and early childhood mental health.

Intensive care specialist Professor Balasubramaniam Venkatesh has been appointed as Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his work in critical care medicine, infection control and tertiary education.

India offers vast opportunities in innovation, technology, manufacturing: PM Modi to global investors

Continued from page 1

Meanwhile, addressing the gathering at Bharat Innovates 2026, PM Modi said the current decade is defined by both disruption and development.

"The world is witnessing unprecedented challenges due to conflicts and the growing impact of climate change, but these challenges are also creating significant opportunities for innovation and progress," he

noted.

The Prime Minister identified artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, space technologies and advanced materials as key technologies that will shape humanity's future. Describing them as the next chapter of human civilisation, PM Modi said every technological revolution brings new opportunities as well as new responsibilities.

"The world today is looking for technologies that are trusted, inclusive, human-centric and focused on global good," the Prime Minister noted. He said India's priority is "technology for humanity" and human-centric innovation, which has remained the foundation of the country's digital revolution and digital public infrastructure.

India-France opening new chapter for talent, investment and concrete solutions: Macron

Continued from page 1

congratulated PM Modi for becoming the longest-serving Prime Minister of India since its Independence.

"Prime Minister, I would like to congratulate you for being here, but also because a few days ago you became the Prime Minister with the longest serving time since the Independence of India, this long run says a lot about your determination, the strength of your country and its wonderful.... we are very proud that you are

here," President Macron said. Prime Minister Modi said India's innovation ecosystem is rapidly expanding and increasingly playing a role in addressing global challenges through technology and entrepreneurship.

PM Modi receives rousing welcome in Nice as he arrives on official France visit

Continued from page 1

Upon his arrival at the airport, PM Modi was welcomed by several dignitaries.

French Minister for Higher Education, Research and Space Philippe Baptiste; the Secretary General of the AlpesMaritimes Prefecture in France, Patrick Amoussou-Adeble, the Ambassador of France to India, Thierry Mathou; and the Mayor of Nice, Eric Ciotti, were present at the airport.

Sanjeev Singla, the Ambassador of India to France, was also present at the airport to welcome Prime Minister Modi.

The arrival of the Prime Minister in Nice, France, marks the first

stop of his two-nation visit. On Sunday, along with the French President Emmanuel Macron, PM Modi will inaugurate "Bharat Innovate 2026".

"I have just landed in Nice. Beyond Nice, this visit to France includes programmes in Evian and Paris.

It will be marked by bilateral and multilateral meetings, aimed at strengthening India's bonds of friendship with its key development partners," Prime Minister Modi said on X.

"I look forward to meeting President Macron tomorrow and being present at 'Bharat Innovates'," he added.

Prime Minister Modi will hold bilateral talks with French

India, France agree to double bilateral trade in 5 years, bolster tech

and innovation ties

Continued from page 1

strengthen and diversify bilateral ties in the fields of economic growth, technology and talent mobility, according to a joint statement issued after the summit between the two leaders at Nice in France.

“The two leaders called for early implementation of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, which offers a unique opportunity to expand bilateral trade and investment. The leaders also discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the SME, aviation and railway sectors. They welcomed the agreement to establish a Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics in Kanpur. Welcoming the establishment of a Dialogue on Economic Security, both leaders agreed to strengthen supply chain resilience, especially in critical minerals,” the statement said.

The two leaders also discussed ways to expand private sector collaboration in space and noted that India’s SHANTI Act creates new opportunities for collaboration, including on small and advanced modular reactors between the two countries, the statement further said.

Recognising the key role of innovation and technology in the bilateral relationship, both sides adopted an “Innovation Roadmap 2030” to give the partnership a long-term direction. Both leaders discussed expanding cooperation on Artificial Intelligence and

agreed to create a Joint IndiaFrance AI Working Group for the purpose.

The joint inauguration of Bharat Innovates at Nice by the leaders, and Prime Minister’s upcoming participation at Vivatech in Paris, have further strengthened the partnership between the two countries in sectors such as deep-tech, semiconductors, agri-tech, med-tech, renewable energy, defence and space. Both leaders appreciated the continued expansion of UPI in France, as well as the signing of 19 agreements among institutions in the innovation ecosystems of both countries, the statement observed.

The two leaders emphasised the importance of enhancing peopleto-people ties. In this context, Prime Minister Modi thanked President Macron for the swift operationalisation of visa-free transit for Indian nationals at French airports.

They further discussed ways to enhance the mobility of talent and students between the two countries and expanding mutual recognition of educational qualifications.

PM Modi invited French universities to open campuses in India under the New Education Policy. The leaders also agreed to enhance cooperation among museums and cultural institutions, including the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal, the statement added.

Bengaluru-Chennai expressway to boost connectivity to key industrial, logistics hubs: FM Sitharaman

from page 1

high-speed and seamless connectivity between Bengaluru and Chennai, two of India's leading economic and industrial centres.

President Macron in Nice on June 14, during which the two leaders will review the full spectrum of their bilateral relationship.

"Being held during the 'IndiaFrance Year of Innovation', this signature event reinforces the vibrant innovation partnership that exists between the two countries," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had noted.

The visit reflects the continued momentum of high-level exchanges between India and France. It aims to deepen relations across all areas of bilateral cooperation, with a focus on innovation, science and technology, economy, cultural and people-to-people ties.

"The project enhances connectivity to major industrial and logistics hubs, including Hoskote, Malur, Bangarpet, the Narasapura Industrial Area, and the Aerospace and Defence Parks, while also improving access to the proposed Multimodal Logistics Park (MMLP) at Dobbaspet through the Bengaluru Ring Road network," the Finance Minister said in a post on social media platform X.

FM Sitharaman visited the expressway site along with leaders of the Karnataka BJP and highlighted the NDA government's focus on building modern infrastructure to accelerate economic growth and improve the ease of living for citizens.

According to the finance minister, the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway is among the flagship projects of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government and has also been identified as a priority corridor under the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC).

The project originates at Hoskote near the junction of National Highway-4 and National Highway-207 in Karnataka and is expected to strengthen connectivity between key industrial clusters in Karnataka and neighbouring Tamil Nadu. The Karnataka stretch of the expressway spans about 71 km and has been divided into three packages -- Hoskote-Malur (26.4 km), Malur-Bangarpet (27.1 km), and Bangarpet-Bethamangala (17.5 km).

FM Sitharaman said projects such as the BengaluruChennai Expressway reflect the government's commitment to creating world-class transport infrastructure that boosts industrial development, logistics efficiency and regional economic integration.

Maharashtra plans to eliminate railway level crossings, 65 projects approved

Mumbai, June 8 (IANS) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday chaired a meeting of the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MahaRail), which approved 65

projects in the first phase out of a total of 131 proposed works.

The Chief Minister also directed that the necessary infrastructure be developed to make Maharashtra free of railway level crossings.

Detailed discussions were held on the construction of railway overbridges, foot overbridges and road underpasses on roads under the jurisdiction of the Public Works and Urban Development departments, which will be

executed by MahaRail. CM Fadnavis said there should not be a single railway level crossing remaining on any railway route across Maharashtra. Infrastructure should be developed to achieve a levelcrossing-free Maharashtra, he said. “Considering the rapid urbanisation around railway corridors in metropolitan areas, infrastructure projects facilitating easy movement of citizens should be undertaken wherever required.

TN: Rs 100 crore DPR submitted for Thanjavur airport project; Tiruchi runway expansion nears completion

Tiruchi, June 14 (IANS) The longawaited proposal to establish a domestic airport in Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur has taken a significant step forward, with a Detailed Project Report (DPR) worth Rs 100 crore submitted to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation for approval, administrative sanction and fund allocation. The project is expected to enhance air connectivity across

the Cauvery Delta region and support economic development in central Tamil Nadu.

The DPR was prepared by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Tamil Nadu government. Tiruchy International Airport

Director S.S. Raju said the Tamil Nadu government had already handed over 55 acres of land required for the project. The proposed airport is planned at the Thanjavur Air Force Station under the Centre’s UDAN regional connectivity scheme, which aims to improve air travel access to smaller cities and underserved regions.

According to Raju, the proposed domestic airport would initially accommodate three ATR aircraft and provide essential

air connectivity to passengers from the Delta districts. The DPR includes plans for the construction of an administrative building and other basic infrastructure required for domestic flight operations.

“As part of the preliminary works, a DPR worth Rs 100 crore has been sent to the Civil Aviation Ministry. The project will create the infrastructure necessary to serve domestic air travellers from the Delta region,” he said. The airport director also provided updates on key infrastructure projects underway at Tiruchy International Airport. He said nearly 70 per cent of the work on the new Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower has been completed.

Andhra Pradesh CM assures all support to family of marine engineer killed in US attack

Amaravati, June 12 (IANS)

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday said that the death of Chief Engineer Patnala Suresh in a missile attack on a ship off the coast of Oman has deeply saddened him and assured his family that the state government will extend all possible support.

The Chief Minister stated that he has already instructed the authorities to coordinate with the Indian Embassy and Omani officials to bring Suresh's mortal remains back to the homeland.

“I am deeply saddened by the death of Chief Engineer Patnala Suresh, a native of Visakhapatnam, in a missile attack

on a ship off the coast of Oman.

It is unfortunate that he lost his life while performing his duties in such an unexpected attack. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Suresh's family and assure them that the State Government will provide all possible support.

We have already instructed officials to coordinate with the Indian Embassy and Omani authorities to bring Suresh's mortal remains back home,” the Chief Minister said in a post on X.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has also termed the death of marine engineer Patnala Suresh in the attack by US forces as “shocking”.

“It is deeply distressing that Mr Patnala Suresh, a marine engineer from Visakhapatnam, tragically lost his life in an attack carried out by US forces on an Indian vessel. The news of his death in this incident, which occurred off the coast of Oman, is shocking,” posted the Jana Sena leader.

“This event, taking place amidst the tense situation in West Asia, is truly unfortunate. I pray to the Almighty for peace to his soul and extend my deepest condolences to his family. The government

Kenyan Foreign Officer Cadet Antony Kalenge shares experience at IMA

New Delhi, June 8 (IANS) India and Kenya share deep historical ties, rooted in cultural exchanges, trade, and strategic partnership, with defence cooperation emerging as a central pillar. The fourth Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting in Nairobi at the end of February set a five-year roadmap to deepen military ties, expand training, and strengthen maritime security.

As part of the ties, Foreign Officer Cadet Antony Kalenge from Kenya is currently undergoing training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. In a video message released by the Indian Army on Monday, the young cadet shared his experiences during the

session.

He said that training at the IMA is designed to transform young cadets into disciplined, confident, and responsible military leaders. The training is physically demanding and mentally challenging, and it focuses on building leadership, teamwork, and resilience.

Kalenge recounted how the rigorous training and discipline have shaped his journey. He explained that the demanding environment teaches resilience and character, while bonds of friendship built with fellow cadets transcend national boundaries. He also described how the training develops mental toughness, with exercises conducted under fatigue and pressure to train cadets to stay calm and focused in very difficult situations. Stressing the importance of teamwork, he noted, “No mission can succeed through individual efforts alone.”

Bengal BJP govt enforces strict monitoring of central schemes

Kolkata, June 8 (IANS) The new state government will not tolerate any opacity or corruption in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme or the 100-day work that has been re-launched in the state recently.

stands in support of the family,” he added.

Earlier, Minister for Human Resources Development and Information Technology Nara Lokesh said that he is ‘deeply shocked and devastated’ over the death of marine engineer Patnala Suresh in the attack on an oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz.

The national working president of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) requested the Central Government and the Ministry of External Affairs to expedite all formalities to bring his mortal remains home immediately and extend necessary support to his family during this “unimaginably dark time.”

Suresh was one of the three Indian seafarers killed in the US attack on the vessel on Wednesday.

The Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello was attacked off the coast of Oman, near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

All three Indian sailors who were initially reported missing following the incident have been confirmed dead.

State Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal has issued strict instructions to district magistrates to increase monitoring of the implementation of the work and ensure accountability at every level, a government official said on Monday. This project has been restarted since the beginning of this month to provide work opportunities to rural job seekers.

On the other hand, the government has also taken a strict stand on the list of beneficiaries of the ‘Banglar Bari’ project during the previous government’s tenure. Instructions have been given to identify fake beneficiaries and take strict legal action.

According to officials at the state secretariat Nabanna, in the instructions sent to the district magistrates, the Chief Secretary clearly stated that the database of about 2 crore 56 lakh job card beneficiaries in the state will have to be completely revised.

To eliminate the long-standing issue of fake names, 100 per cent e-KYC verification for every active worker has been made mandatory.

To prevent fake master rolls or

irregularities, all important tasks must be completed through a specific digital platform from now on. These include geo-tagging of work sites, accurate costing, master roll generation, electronic measurement book (e-MB), and fund transfer offer (FTO).

The guidelines also state that the Aadhaar-based payment system (ABPS) will be used exclusively for wage payments to workers. According to administrative officials, the project's quality was hampered in the past due to inadequate planning, insufficient supervision, approval of excessive work, and fraudulent calculations. This time, this flawless digital surveillance arrangement is being put in place to plug those loopholes.

To further strengthen the monitoring system, the District Magistrates and Block Development Officers (BDOs) have been given special responsibility as coordinators of the district programmes. Regular and mandatory inspection systems should be developed for the physical condition of the work site, the quality of assets, measurement records, material procurement, and wage payments.

In the guidelines, the Chief Secretary has said, in strict language, that any negligence in transparency, financial discipline, digital information, or the use of government funds will be treated with the utmost importance. If irregularities are proven on the basis of audit reports, inspection data, and digital evidence, appropriate legal action will be taken against the concerned officers and workers.

Gujarat govt’s Rs 547-crore vision for AI171 crash site includes hospital, rehabilitation centre and hostels

Ahmedabad, June 11 (IANS) On the eve of the first anniversary of the Air India AI-171 crash that claimed 260 lives and devastated parts of the B.J. Medical College campus in Ahmedabad, the Gujarat government has drawn up a redevelopment blueprint worth more than Rs 547 crore to transform the disaster-hit site into a major healthcare, rehabilitation and medical education hub.

The redevelopment plan, accessed

exclusively by IANS, envisages the demolition of structures damaged in the crash on June 12 last year and the construction of a specialised Paraplegia and Spine Hospital, a rehabilitation centre, a physiotherapy college, new student accommodation, a modern canteen and an advanced Food and Drugs laboratory.

The proposals cover the New Mental Campus in Meghaninagar area, adjoining Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where several hostel buildings and a canteen were struck when the London-bound Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA).

The accident killed 260 people, including 241 passengers and

crew members and 19 people on the ground, making it one of India's deadliest aviation disasters in recent decades.

Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said the government had decided to rebuild the affected area with a focus on healthcare and medical education.

“I pay heartfelt tribute to all those who lost their lives in the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. I also express my deepest condolences to the families who have been grieving due to this unforeseen incident,” Pansheriya said.

“The wounds of the tragedy will be transformed into a resolve for a temple of healthcare and a temple of education, creating a new era in healthcare and new hopes in education,” he added.

World leaders hail ‘role model’ PM Modi, congratulate him on his record-breaking tenure

New Delhi, June 9 (IANS) Several world leaders on Tuesday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the eve of him becoming the longest-serving elected Prime Minister of India. World leaders from across the globe paid tribute to Prime Minister Modi's transformative governance, his advocacy for the Global South, and his vision of an inclusive and economically dynamic India.

According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Lankan President

After

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, conveyed warm congratulations of his government and people of Sri Lanka to PM Modi.

"This milestone is a testament not only to your years in office, but also to the trust and confidence that the people of the world's largest democracy have repeatedly placed in your leadership," wrote Dissanayake.

He also highlighted India's remarkable economic and social transformation and noted that Prime Minister Modi's vision has inspired many beyond India's borders, including Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister Modi visited Sri Lanka in April 2025, his fourth visit to the island nation, during which he was conferred

the Mitra Vibhushana, Sri Lanka's highest civilian honour accorded to a foreign dignitary. The visit reaffirmed India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, with Sri Lanka among the closest beneficiaries of India’s steadfast partnership, including India’s pivotal support during Sri Lanka’s economic difficulties in 2022.

James Marape, the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, in a personal video message, described Prime Minister Modi as a role model and an example of leadership.

"Lifting over 200 million people out of poverty to a good life today is an amazing feat," said Marape who expressed Papua New Guinea's warm friendship and its desire to further consolidate bilateral ties.

4 weeks in captivity, 14 Kuki hostages released in Manipur; fate of six Naga villagers still unknown

After 4 weeks in captivity, 14 Kuki hostages released in Manipur; fate of six Naga villagers still unknown Imphal, June 9 (IANS) Fourteen hostages belonging to the Kuki community were released on Tuesday after spending nearly four weeks in captivity, officials said.

A police official in Imphal said that while the 14 Kuki community members have been freed, there is still no information about the whereabouts of six Naga villagers who were also abducted on May 13. According to the official, the 14 Kuki villagers were handed over to a police station in Senapati

district by the United Naga Council (UNC) and the Naga People's Organisation (NPO) late on Tuesday afternoon.

The release of the 14 Kuki villagers comes amid heightened tensions in parts of Kangpokpi and Senapati districts.

"Concerned authorities have taken custody of the released individuals, and further details regarding the circumstances of their captivity and release are awaited," the official added.

Meanwhile, the situation in Kangpokpi, Senapati and adjoining districts of Manipur remained tense following incidents in which 20 members of the Naga and Kuki communities -- six Nagas and 14 Kuki individuals -- had remained untraced after being allegedly abducted by armed groups in Manipur's hill districts since May 13.

Tripartite accord unlocks hydrocarbon potential in Assam-Nagaland border belt

New Delhi, June 11 (IANS) A tripartite agreement to facilitate exploration and extraction of hydrocarbons and other mineral resources along the AssamNagaland border was signed on Thursday in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.

The agreement, signed under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is aimed at unlocking the energy potential of more than 1,000 square kilometres of resource-rich land located along the inter-state border, a region believed to hold significant hydrocarbon and mineral reserves.

Officials said the pact would pave the way for exploration and production activities in the area, which has remained largely untapped despite its considerable energy potential. The initiative is expected to strengthen India’s energy security, attract investments and generate fresh economic opportunities in the

Northeast.

Describing the agreement as a landmark step, Chief Minister Sarma said it marks a decisive breakthrough in harnessing the region’s natural resources and advancing the country’s goal of energy self-sufficiency.

He noted that the accord opens up over 1,000 sq km of land for energy exploration and extraction and will contribute significantly to India’s long-term energy requirements.

According to officials, the Centre views the Northeast as a key pillar of India’s energy strategy and economic growth agenda. The latest initiative aligns with the government’s efforts to reduce dependence on imported energy resources while promoting domestic exploration and production.

The agreement is also being seen as a significant example of cooperative federalism, bringing together the Centre and the two state governments to address long-standing challenges that have impeded resource utilisation and development in the border region.

Sarma said the pact reflected the PM Modi government’s commitment to resolving complex and decades-old issues through dialogue and coordination, enabling the Northeast to realise its full economic potential.

Transform demographic dividend into development dividend: PM Modi urges states

Despite intensive joint search operations by Central and state security forces over the past four weeks, the abducted persons could not be traced until the release of the 14 Kuki villagers on Tuesday.

However, the whereabouts of the six Naga villagers remain unknown.

According to officials, at least 50 people belonging to the Kuki and Naga communities were allegedly held hostage by different armed groups in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts following violent incidents on May 13, in which three church leaders were killed and four others injured in Kangpokpi district.

Around 30 individuals from both communities were released on May 14 and May 15 following sustained efforts by the authorities, community leaders and several civil society organisations.

Delhi, June 11 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged states to transform India's demographic dividend into a ‘development dividend’ by investing in education, skilling and capacitybuilding of young people, as he chaired the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog. Emphasising that nearly 70 crore Indians are below the age of 25, PM Modi said the country's youth are its greatest asset and called for coordinated efforts by the Centre and states to harness their potential for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Addressing Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors and Administrators from across the country, the Prime Minister said India is uniquely positioned due to its demographic profile, with nearly 70 crore citizens below the age of 25.

Describing this as the country's biggest strength, he urged states to convert this demographic dividend into a development dividend through sustained investments in education, skill development and capacitybuilding programmes.

The meeting, held under the theme "Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat@2047", witnessed participation from all 28 states and five Union Territories.

It marked the first time that Chief Ministers of all 28 states attended a Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog.

The Prime Minister noted that while several major economies are facing uncertainty and economic challenges, India's growth story continues to inspire the world.

He stressed the importance of strengthening self-reliance and encouraged states to adopt global best practices, particularly in renewable energy.

Highlighting the importance of cooperative federalism, PM Modi said the Centre and states must work together to achieve the goal of a developed India by 2047. He said the vision of Viksit Bharat should become a collective mission extending to every state, district, block and village.

Referring to India's recent trade agreements with several countries, PM Modi called on states to create opportunities for youth and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He urged them to equip stakeholders to benefit from these agreements and actively attract investments from partner nations.

Assam govt, EU launch Blue Valley Cluster to deepen investment, innovation ties

Guwahati, June 9 (IANS) The Assam Government and the European Union on Tuesday launched the Blue Valley Cluster initiative, aimed at expanding cooperation in bioeconomy sectors such as natural flavours, fragrances and AYUSH, while creating new avenues for investment, innovation and industrial partnerships between Europe and Northeast India.

The initiative was unveiled in Guwahati in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, European Union Ambassador to India Herve Delphin, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Sibi George, Belgium’s Ambassador to India Didier Vanderhasselt and representatives of the Federation of European Business in India (FEBI).

Officials said the Blue Valley Cluster is designed to serve as a platform connecting European and Indian enterprises, research institutions, entrepreneurs and communities to promote sustainable industrial growth and value-chain development. The programme aligns with the broader India-EU strategic

partnership and seeks to translate high-level cooperation into tangible economic opportunities at the regional level.

During the visit, Chief Minister Sarma met with Ambassador Delphin and senior EU representatives to discuss strengthening sector-specific collaborations and enhancing economic engagement with Assam and the wider Northeast region. A business roundtable involving members of FEBI and the European delegation also explored opportunities in investment, technology transfer, industrial partnerships, skill development and business-tobusiness collaboration.

Highlighting Assam’s growing economic profile, the Chief Minister said the state offers significant opportunities across sectors, including semiconductors and electronics, defence and aviation, tea, agarwood, organic food products, natural fragrances and flavours, and AYUSH-based wellness industries. He noted that the Blue Valley Cluster would help integrate local producers, startups, researchers, selfhelp groups and entrepreneurs with global markets, enabling technology adoption, job creation and sustainable economic growth. Ambassador Delphin described Assam as an attractive destination

for international investors due to its rich natural resources, skilled workforce, and commitment to sustainable development. He said the initiative would strengthen linkages between European and Indian businesses while supporting environmentally responsible industrialisation and community-centric growth.

The EU envoy also referred to ongoing cooperation projects in Assam, including urban development and river basin management initiatives, and expressed confidence that stronger economic partnerships would benefit the entire Northeast region.

In another key development, the Assam Industrial Development Corporation Limited (AIDC) and the Federation of European Businesses in India signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote business cooperation and investment facilitation between Assam and European enterprises. The agreement seeks to enhance investor outreach, encourage knowledge sharing, strengthen institutional linkages, and create a framework for longterm collaboration.

Officials said the Blue Valley Cluster pilot project is expected to generate new opportunities for farmers, women entrepreneurs, youth, and MSMEs, while boosting trade, innovation, and sustainable livelihoods across the region.

NHRC chief calls for stronger safeguards against digital arrest scams

New Delhi, June 9 (IANS) National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian on Tuesday called for stronger legal and institutional measures to tackle digital arrest scams, highlighting their growing threat to the rights, dignity and security of citizens. Speaking at an Open House Discussion on 'Safeguarding Human Rights against Digital Arrest Scams' organised by the NHRC in hybrid mode, Justice Ramasubramanian said cyberenabled frauds have emerged as a serious challenge, with Indians reportedly losing about Rs 52,976 crore to such crimes over the past six years.

He added that nearly eight per cent of these losses were linked to digital arrest scams, where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officials and coerce victims into transferring money by exploiting fear and

intimidation.

"Victims face significant challenges in recovering even a part of the amount lost, as the legal and procedural processes are often lengthy, costly and distressing. At times, the process of recovery becomes more painful than the process of losing money,"

Justice Ramasubramanian said.

He stressed the need to improve recovery mechanisms, identify loopholes in the legal framework, strengthen law enforcement response and develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) to combat such scams.

He also suggested exploring alerts during prolonged OTT calls to help prevent digital scams.

NHRC member Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi said there were gaps in existing processes to address the challenges posed by digital fraud and expressed hope that discussions among stakeholders would help evolve practical solutions.

NHRC member Vijaya Bharathi Sayani said safeguarding citizens from cybercrime and financial fraud was an essential aspect of good governance.

"Preventive action is not only a matter of technology and regulation but also a

Nagaland emerges as national leader in SDG-5: CM Rio

Kohima, June 12 (IANS) Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday said the state has continued to register significant progress across various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with Nagaland emerging as a national frontrunner in SDG5 (Gender Equality), reflecting its sustained commitment to inclusive growth, women’s empowerment and sustainable development.

Addressing the NITI Aayog 11th Governing Council meeting in New Delhi, the Chief Minister said that Mokokchung, Kohima, and Dimapur districts were ranked among the top 10 performers in the Northeast District SDG Index 2.0.

Highlighting the state’s developmental achievements, governance reforms and key infrastructure proposals, Rio expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for convening the Governing Council Meeting and reaffirmed Nagaland’s commitment towards the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. The Chief Minister highlighted

several governance reforms undertaken by the state government, including the adoption of an SDG-linked Budget Architecture, a Gender Budget Statement, and an Outcome Budgeting Framework to strengthen transparency, accountability, and evidencebased planning. On women-led development, Rio referred to initiatives such as the Innovation Seed Fund for nano women entrepreneurs and the introduction of Pink Scooty Taxis. He also outlined measures under the Nagaland Strategic Water Resilience Initiative, expansion of bamboo-based value chains and programmes promoting the green economy.

Emphasising youth empowerment, Rio spoke about the Nagaland Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Mission, the Nagaland Apprenticeship and Placement Exchange, the Chief Minister’s STEM Incentive Programme, the Academic Excellence Corpus, and the Open Learning Support Scheme.

Namo Bharat sets record with 1.25 lakh ridership in single day

responsibility of good governance. Therefore, our collective goal should be to ensure that no one becomes a victim of such frauds," she added.

In his opening remarks, NHRC Secretary General Bharat Lal said cybercrimes disproportionately affect elderly persons, including retired officials, professionals, industrialists and bankers, causing financial losses as well as psychological distress. He added that cybercriminals were increasingly exploiting personal data obtained through leaks and other sources to target vulnerable individuals, raising serious concerns about data privacy and protection.

Among the key suggestions that emerged during the discussions was recognising digital arrest scams as a distinct offence under the existing legal framework to facilitate more effective investigation, prosecution and victim redressal.

Participants also advocated stronger safeguards for senior citizens, faster recovery of defrauded funds, greater accountability across the digital ecosystem, enhanced public awareness campaigns and improved coordination among law enforcement agencies, financial institutions and telecom service providers.

New Delhi, June 9 (IANS) The Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat recorded its highestever daily ridership on Monday, with approximately 1,25,500 commuters travelling on the corridor in a single day, an official said.

This milestone reflects a significant shift in the way people are travelling across NCR, with commuters increasingly preferring Namo Bharat as a fast, reliable and time-bound public transport, said the official in a statement on Tuesday.

On average, around 1 lakh commuters have been using the Namo Bharat services every day, it said.

A major factor driving the growing popularity of Namo Bharat is the substantial reduction in travel time it offers. Officegoers, students and other regular commuters, for whom punctuality and reliability are important, are increasingly choosing Namo Bharat for their daily commute, it said. With train operations maintaining

nearly 99 per cent punctuality, commuters can reliably reach their destinations on time while avoiding traffic congestion and uncertainty associated with road travel, it said.

Sarai Kale Khan, New Ashok Nagar, Anand Vihar in Delhi and Ghaziabad and Begumpul in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut continue to remain among the busiest stations on the corridor, it said. These stations provide seamless connectivity with multiple modes of public transport, including Metro, Indian Railways, ISBT services and city buses. Together, these stations account for more than 40 per cent of the total ridership.

Meanwhile, the local Metro services operating on the same Namo Bharat infrastructure in Meerut have significantly improved intra-city mobility. This unique integration allows commuters to experience seamless connectivity for both regional and local travel along the same corridor, the statement said.

Amid the prevailing heatwave conditions in Delhi-NCR, with temperatures between 40 and 45 degrees Celsius, the fully airconditioned Namo Bharat trains are providing commuters with a comfortable and safe travel experience, the statement said.

French President shares glimpse of PM Modi’s visit with popular Bollywood soundtrack

Nice, June 14 (IANS) French President Emmanuel Macron shared a glimpse video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’' visit with a latest Bollywood soundtrack, making the diplomatic engagement go viral on social media.

President Macron used the hit track "Aari Aari" from the film 'Dhuradhar: The Revenge' in a video showing the interaction with PM Modi in Nice, France. PM Modi arrived in Nice on Saturday for an official visit at the invitation of President Macron. Earlier on Sunday, Macron

congratulated PM Modi for becoming the longest-serving Prime Minister of India since its Independence.

Speaking after inaugurating the 'Bharat Innovates 2026' event in Nice, France, Macron described Prime Minister Modi's presence at 'Bharat Innovates' as a matter of great honour for France.

"Prime Minister, I would like to congratulate you for being here, but also because a few days ago you became the Prime Minister with the longest serving time since the Independence of India, this long run says a lot about your determination, the strength of your country and its wonderful.... we are very proud that you are here," President Macron said. Macron also said India and France are opening a new chapter for talent, investment and concrete solutions at the Bharat Innvotes 2026.

"Delighted to welcome my dear friend Narendra Modi. From Nice today to G7 Evian and VivaTech in Paris, this seventh visit reflects the exceptional strength of the France-India partnership," Macron wrote on social media platform X.

"We are opening a new chapter for talent, investment and concrete solutions for our people," he added.

Prime Minister Modi said India's innovation ecosystem is rapidly expanding and increasingly playing a role in addressing global challenges through technology and entrepreneurship.

"India now acts as a solution contributor rather than a solution consumer," the Prime Minister added.

At the invitation of President Macron, Prime Minister Modi will participate in the G7 Summit in Evian, France, on June 16-17.

‘Matter of great pride’: Indian diaspora in Slovakia on PM Modi’s visit

Bratislava, June 14 (IANS) The Indian diaspora in Slovakia is "proud" as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to become the first head of government from the country to visit the European country. The Indians were also hopeful of strengthening ties between the two nations following the Prime Minister's visit.

PM Modi will undertake a state visit to Slovakia on Sunday at

the invitation of his Slovak counterpart, Robert Fico.

Talking to IANS, a member of the Indian Diaspora, who hailed from West Bengal, said: "We are very happy that our beloved Prime Minister Narendra Modi is coming to visit Slovakia. Our relations will improve day by day."

"PM Narendra Modi did a fantastic job to oust Mamata Banerjee from Calcutta. We are very happy that Narendra Modi tried his best effort to give a democratic victory in Kolkata after a long time," he added.

Avinash Vijay Kumar from Kerala has been residing in Bratislava for almost 18 years. He said: "It's a very privileged and historical moment for us, and we are so happy that PM Modi will be

sparing some time for us. Already a lot of opportunities have been created, a large number of people are working in sectors like automobile, and such opportunities for Indians will grow in the future."

"We Indians constitute one of the major foreign workforces in Slovakia. Thanks to our Prime Minister, Indians now have good visibility worldwide," he told IANS. Manoj Whagle added that it is a matter of great pride for the community as this is the first time an Indian Prime Minister will visit the nation.

"Companies in this region, particularly in Slovakia, highly value Indian workers," he mentioned.

32 killed, buildings damaged, schools suspended after strong quake in Philippines

Manila, June 8 (IANS) At least 32 people were killed, numerous building damaged, and schools and flights were suspended after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Sarangani province in the southern Philippines on Monday morning, according to local authorities. Multiple countries had issued tsunami warnings, which were later lifted.

Junie Castillo, spokesperson for the Philippines' Office of Civil

Defence, said 10 victims were reported in South Cotabato's General Santos, a port city with a population of over 700,000, and at least 12 people remain missing so far. The deaths were caused by falling debris, building collapse and landslides. The Philippine National Police earlier said that no fewer than 134 people were injured, Xinhua news agency reported.

A two-storey school building in General Santos collapsed with students trapped inside, and authorities said they are verifying details of the incident. Online videos show university and restaurant buildings collapsed in disaster-hit areas. Some commercial facilities sustained structural damage, with signs

PM Modi holds ‘exceptionally productive’ talks with French President

Nice, June 14 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, deepening cooperation in several key sectors.

“Today’s talks with my friend, President Macron, were exceptionally productive.

Considering the longstanding friendship between our nations, we have decided to elevate our ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership,” PM Modi wrote on X.

“Our talks covered ways to deepen cooperation in key sectors like defence, technology, space, security, counter terrorism, innovation and more,” he added.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two leaders emphasised the importance of enhancing peopleto-people ties and PM Modi thanked President Macron for the swift operationalisation of visafree transit for Indian nationals at French airports. They further discussed ways to enhance the mobility of talent and students between the two countries and expand mutual recognition of educational qualifications. The Prime Minister

invited French universities to open campuses in India under the New Education Policy.

The leaders also agreed to enhance cooperation among museums and cultural institutions, including the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal, Gujarat. Both leaders discussed expanding cooperation on Artificial Intelligence and agreed to create a Joint India-France AI Working Group for the purpose.

The leaders also discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the SME, aviation and railway sectors. They welcomed the agreement to establish a Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics on the campus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur.

Over lunch hosted by Macron in honour of PM Modi, the two leaders exchanged perspectives on matters of global importance, including the situation in West Asia and Ukraine.

“Prime Minister looked forward to participating in the upcoming G7 Summit in Evian and thanked President Macron for engaging India in substantive discussions leading up to the summit,” noted the MEA. Both leaders reiterated the importance of the IndiaFrance Special Global Strategic Partnership in creating further opportunities for the people of the two countries and advancing international peace, stability and prosperity.

7 Indians killed, 9 injured in Dubai road accident

Dubai, June 8 (IANS) Several Indian nationals died in a road accident in Dubai, the Consulate General of India, Dubai, informed on Monday.

falling and window panes shattered. Local residents rushed outdoors to seek safety.

The powerful earthquake hit shortly after schools across the Philippines started reopening following the summer break.

Surveillance footage from several schools captured violent shaking during the quake. Teachers and students either evacuated urgently or took shelter under desks. The country's Department of Education said affected schools, with more than 5,800 students, have been ordered to suspend classes to guarantee student safety.

The General Santos International Airport suspended operations from 8:45 am to 3 pm local time for a full safety inspection.

“Deeply saddened by the tragic road accident in Dubai that claimed the lives of several Indian workers,” the Consulate General wrote on X.

Consulate officials visited the hospital and met the injured Indians. They are working closely with local authorities to provide all possible assistance and support.

“Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with the grieving families during this difficult time,” the consul added.

According to Dubai Police, seven people were killed and nine others injured when a minibus collided with a truck that had stopped in the middle of the road.

Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic, stated that preliminary investigations

indicate the truck had stopped suddenly in the middle of the road due to a technical malfunction.

He explained that the bus driver, reportedly failing to pay attention and maintain a safe distance, collided with the truck from behind. The accident resulted in seven fatalities and nine injuries, including five serious and four moderate injuries. All injured were transported to the hospital for treatment.

He also noted that experts from the Traffic Accident Investigation Section were dispatched to the scene to inspect and gather precise evidence to determine the exact causes of the crash.

“Traffic patrols regulated traffic flow, secured the site, and facilitated the access of rescue vehicles. Work teams also removed the damaged truck and bus to restore normal traffic flow,” he said.

The police department issued a warning after the incident, reminding drivers of the serious dangers of stopping in the middle of the road due to a vehicle breakdown, running out of fuel, or a tyre failure. The Force stressed that drivers must ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before setting off.

Hindus under threat amid escalating Islamist extremist campaign in Bangladesh:

Dhaka, June 9 (IANS) Bangladesh is witnessing mounting concerns over communal violence and the safety of Hindu minority communities amid extremist campaigns in several areas of the country.

One of the most concerning developments is the growing pressure from radical Islamist groups demanding the demolition of a major Hindu religious site in Palashbari Upazila of Gaibandha district.

What initially appeared to be a localised controversy has rapidly evolved into a broader ideological trend targeting Hindu religious symbols and institutions across the country, a report has stated.

Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury, Editor of the Bangladeshi newspaper 'Blitz' warned that unless the global community urgently exerts strong pressure on the Bangladeshi authorities to contain these “sinister” campaigns by Islamist extremists against Hindus and their religious institutions and act against

Report

those inciting religious hatred, Bangladesh risks sliding into “a dangerous cycle of communal violence.”

“Failure to act in time could result in Bangladesh ultimately becoming a slaughterhouse for Hindus, and a fresh wave of violence or even genocide could begin at any time,” he wrote in Blitz.

According to the expert, following the February 12 general elections, several citizens, particularly members of religious minorities, hoped for relief from insecurity, intimidation, and political uncertainty associated with the “controversial rule” of the former Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.

“Yet recent developments suggest that extremist forces are once again attempting to exploit religious sentiments and communal divisions to destabilise the country and undermine democratic institutions,” he added.

Choudhury stated that the campaign against Hindu minorities intensified following claims made by former West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee over the murder of Bangladeshi radical Islamist leader Sharif Osman Hadi.

Indian envoy meets Yemeni PM in Riyadh to boost ties

Riyadh, June 9 (IANS) The Indian Ambassador to Yemen on Tuesday called on Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Shaya Mohsin Zindani in Riyadh and discussed ways to enhance and develop bilateral relations between the two countries.

“Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriate Affairs Shae’a Mohsen Al-Zindani received the Indian Ambassador to Yemen, Suhail Ajaz Khan, where ways to enhance and develop bilateral relations between the two friendly countries in various fields were discussed.

Developments in the situation on the national, regional, and international arenas were reviewed, and issues of common interest were discussed,” the Yemen Prime Minister’s office wrote on X.

According to the Indian Embassy in Yemen, Deputy Chief of Mission Abu Mathen George was also present in the meeting. “They reviewed ongoing cooperation between India and Yemen on

Human rights defenders express concern over escalating confrontation in PoK

Islamabad, June 9 (IANS) The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Tuesday expressed concern over the escalating confrontation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and loss of life of protesters and law enforcement personnel.

HRCP has called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and stated that demands for constitutional change should be pursued through peaceful, representative and democratic processes instead of confrontation and violence.

In a statement shared on X, HRCP mentioned, "We urge an immediate de-escalation

of tensions and an impartial investigation into all deaths and injuries. The state must remember that proscribing popular movements invariably risks narrowing democratic space. Demands for constitutional change should be pursued through peaceful, representative and democratic processes rather than confrontation and violence."

Several reports have indicated that dozens of people have been killed and hundreds injured in the clashes between protesters and security personnel.

The clashes have been reported days after the Pakistani authorities in occupied territory declared the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) as a proscribed group under anti-terrorism laws ahead of its planned protest on Tuesday.

On Monday, Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (JSMM) chairman Shafi Burfat urged India and the global community to intervene against

the “brutality, fascism, and persecution” of the people of PoK, Sindh, and other regions by the Pakistan military "mafia" and to support their fight for freedom and dignity.

"We strongly condemn the naked brutality, fascism, and cruelty inflicted by the Pakistani military and intelligence agencies against innocent civilians in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. We not only denounce these crimes in the strongest possible terms but also call upon the United Nations, India, Europe, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, East Asia, Africa, Central Asia, and all civilized nations of the world, as well as international human rights organizations, to take immediate notice of the massacres, human rights violations, and state-sponsored brutality being committed by the Pakistani military in PoK,” Burfat posted on X.

Dozens killed as public outcry against police brutality grows in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir

various fronts and discussed the current regional situation,” the embassy noted.

Suhail Ajaz Khan is also the Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. On Monday, he reviewed bilateral cooperation and coordination at various international fora with Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs and General Supervisor of the Economic and Development Affairs.

“Ambassador Suhail Ajaz Khan had a cordial meeting with Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs and General Supervisor of the Economic and Development Affairs Deputyship

Abdulrahman Al-Rassi,” stated the Embassy of India in Saudi Arabia on X.

“They reviewed bilateral cooperation and coordination at various international fora and discussed other issues of mutual interest,” it added.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia also noted on X that Undersecretary for Multilateral International Affairs and Supervisor General of the Ministry’s Agency for Economic and Development Affairs

Abdulrahman Al-Rassi received the Indian Ambassador and reviewed bilateral relations and topics of common interest.

Islamabad, June 9 (IANS) Dozens of people have been killed and hundreds injured as deadly clashes continue to take place between the law enforcement personnel and protesters in the Rawalakot city of Pakistanoccupied Kashmir (PoK), several reports have indicated.

Earlier in the day, Sardar Waheed Khan, the Commissioner of Poonch district in PoK, was quoted as saying by leading

Pakistani daily 'The News International' that only 12 people have been killed and several security officials injured in the clashes. He claimed that members of Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) targetted the security forces’ personnel and the miscreants possessed modern weapons and tried to disrupt law and order in the area. However, several activists and journalists have posted on social media that the actual casualty figures is significantly higher and in several dozens even though those claims could not be independently verified. The clashes have been reported days after the Pakistani authorities declared JAAC a proscribed group under anti-

terrorism laws ahead of its planned protest on Tuesday. The JAAC had previously also held protests in PoK over economic issues and political rights.

Ahead of the June 9 protest, the Pakistani authorities launched a crackdown on JAAC on Saturday and arrested its several leaders and activists.

Videos which went viral on social media showed the brutality unleashed by Pakistani police personnel against citizens of the occupied territory and received wide condemnation from human rights activists all over the world. UK-based Pakistani-origin human rights lawyer Sabine Kayani criticised the Pakistani authorities' handling of the unrest in POK.

India’s West Asia approach is shaped by distinct ties with all players: EAM

New Delhi, June 9 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that India's approach towards West Asia is guided by its deep and distinct relationships with all key stakeholders in the region, including the United States, Iran,

Israel and the Gulf countries.

Speaking about India's evolving foreign policy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an interview with DD News, EAM Jaishankar said New Delhi's interests today are far broader and more extensive compared to the previous era and that the country's diplomatic engagement, conduct and outlook naturally reflect those expanding interests.

“Our interests are much bigger and much more spread out than in the earlier eras. So, when your interests are much deeper, then naturally our engagement, our behaviour, and our attitude reflect that. I'll give you an example.

Let's take what is currently happening in the Gulf. So, you have essentially four parties. I'm simplifying it a bit. So, there is the US, there is Iran, there is Israel, and there is, for the sake of the argument, putting the Gulf together as a single party, though they are different,” the EAM stated.

“Now, just look at it from our point of view today as opposed to how we may have approached it hypothetically before. Today, we have a very, very deep interest with all these four parties. I will actually start from where we have the deepest interest, which is the Gulf.

13th BRICS Urbanisation Forum

opens in Delhi, focuses on inclusive and resilient cities

New Delhi, June 11 (IANS) The 13th BRICS Urbanisation Forum under India’s 2026 Chairship commenced on Thursday at Sushma Swaraj Bhavan in the national capital.

Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal formally inaugurated the two-day event, which has brought together ministers, senior officials and urban experts from BRICS

nations and partner countries.

Hosted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the Forum includes participants from Brazil, Russia, Indonesia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.

This marks the fourth time India is hosting the BRICS Urbanisation Forum, following previous editions in New Delhi (2013), Visakhapatnam (2016) and a virtual session in 2021.

The central theme of the Forum is ‘Cities for People: BRICS Cooperation for Inclusive and Resilient Urban Futures’.

Addressing the gathering, Manohar Lal emphasised that the event provides a platform to integrate the urban agenda more strongly into global development

discussions. He identified inclusive urban development, climate- and disaster-resilient infrastructure, institutional strengthening and digital innovation as key pillars of India’s growth narrative.

Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Srinivas Katikithala welcomed the delegates and noted that the Forum has consistently facilitated the exchange of best practices, fostered mutual understanding of governance systems and built trust for long-term collaboration among member countries. During the inaugural session, Manohar Lal released a publication titled ‘India’s Urban Transformation: Stories of Change’.

India not the next China, but the next India: World Bank Chief Economist

Washington, June 11 (IANS) India has entered a phase of “peak development potential” and is poised to sustain high growth over the next two decades, the World Bank's Chief Economist Indermit Gill said, arguing that the country's economic trajectory will be driven by its own strengths rather than by following China's development model.

During a briefing on the World Bank's latest Global Economic Prospects report, Gill told IANS that India stands out among major economies because its long-term growth potential

remains strong even as many countries face demographic decline and slowing productivity.

“If you look at India over the next two decades, India has entered its peak development potential,”

Gill said.

He noted that while potential growth rates in several large economies are expected to decline in coming years, India's growth potential remains comparatively strong.

“Potential growth rates for India, we estimate to be fairly high for the next two decades,” he said.

According to Gill, one of India's biggest advantages is its demographic profile.

“On the demographic side, India's demographics work for it,” he said.

He also pointed to relatively low private-sector debt levels and a consumption-driven economy

as factors supporting India's longterm outlook.

“On the debt side, especially private debt, India has relatively low debt-to-GDP ratios on the private side,” Gill said.

Unlike export-led Asian growth models of the past, India is expected to draw strength from its domestic market, he argued.

“India's domestic consumption to GDP ratios are very normal. They're close to 60-something per cent,” Gill said.

He then offered a striking assessment of India's future path.

“India's not going to be the next China, India's going to be the next India,” Gill said.

At the same time, the World Bank economist cautioned that India must address structural weaknesses if it wants to fully capitalise on its favourable conditions.

Pro-Khalistan groups continue to provoke youth, advance own political agendas: Report

New Delhi, June 11 (IANS) ProKhalistan organisations continue to exploit the events of June 1984 to provoke youth, spread hatred and promote their own political agendas. The Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) through their recent statement has once again showcased that the goal of pro-Khalistan groups is not to protect the rights of Sikhs but perpetuation of separatist and violent politics, a report has stated.

The statement not only included anti-India rhetoric but also openly claimed that Khalistan

can only be achieved through armed struggle, showcasing an ideology that is not only against the democratic values and the rule of law, but also contrary to the fundamental teachings of Sikhism, a report in 'Khalsa Vox' detailed.

"Most importantly, the statement exposed the deep divisions that exist within the pro-Khalistan camp itself. On one side are organisations advocating electoral politics, referendums, and political campaigns, while on the other are groups like BKI that reject these methods and insist that violence is the only path forward," the report mentioned.

"This clearly indicates that the Khalistan movement is not a unified ideology but rather a collection of competing factions engaged in a struggle for influence and leadership. Ironically, the very organisations that have failed to determine a realistic path to achieving their own objectives continue to sell dreams to Sikh youth," it added. These groups, the report stated, have no clear roadmap, economic plan, administrative framework and international support. However, they continue to exploit historical pain and try to push young people towards extremist thinking. The Sikh community, it said, must understand their real challenges are education, employment, drug abuse, agricultural distress, social reform and youth empowerment and solution to these issues is not in separatism but in democratic participation, social unity and constructive leadership.

India urges diplomacy amid threat of Gulf conflict reignition

United Nations, June 11 (IANS)

Amid the threat of a reignition of the conflict in the Gulf, India reiterated its call for dialogue and diplomacy to end the confrontation that has “deeply impacted India”, while criticising the world organisation’s outdated structure that has made it unable to deal with crises.

“India would like to stress that the people across the Middle East deserve sustained peace and normalcy,” India’s Permanent Representative P. Harish said on Wednesday.

“India stands fully ready to contribute towards realising this goal in order to secure peace, prosperity and wellbeing of the people of the region and beyond,” he said at the Security Council debate on the situation in the Middle East.

About the situation in the Gulf, Harish said India reiterates “its call for dialogue and diplomacy, avoiding impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, avoiding military targeting of commercial shipping, avoiding targeting of civilian population and infrastructure, and seeking an early end to the conflict”.

He added that India expressed its

support for all efforts aimed at resolving issues peacefully.

Harish spoke at the Council as the Iran-US ceasefire was threatened by renewed attacks by Tehran on US-linked facilities in neighbouring countries and the alleged downing of a US helicopter, followed by Washington’s retaliatory bombing.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres earlier warned that a “full war” could engulf the region.

“The ceasefire is more like a ‘lesser-fire’ – as we have seen with the escalating attacks and rhetoric over the last 48 hours,” he said. “We should not minimise the risks of ‘lesser fire’ becoming ‘full fire’, or in other words, ‘full war’.”

Harish said the conflict’s “mounting destruction and deaths and cessation of normal life and economic activities have deeply impacted India, a proximate neighbour with critical stakes in the security and stability of the region”.

He added that the conflict in the Gulf and elsewhere is questioning the credibility and legitimacy of the UN because the Council, burdened by an outdated structure, is unable to deal with conflicts around the world.

“Raging conflicts in different parts of the world and the immeasurable human suffering are driving factors behind the crisis of the UN’s legitimacy and the perceptions of it around the world,” he said.

US says in touch with India after protest over Gulf ship attacks

Washington, June 11 (IANS) The United States said on Thursday that it is in direct contact with India after New Delhi summoned the US Charge d'Affaires Jason Meeks to protest a series of attacks on commercial vessels carrying Indian seafarers in West Asia.

Responding to India's diplomatic demarche, a US State Department official said Washington remains engaged with the Indian government on the matter.

"The Department of State is in direct contact with the Indian government regarding this matter," the official told IANS. The statement came a day after India summoned the senior American diplomat in New Delhi and lodged what it described as a "strong protest" over recent attacks on vessels operating near the Strait of Hormuz, including the commercial ship Settebello off

the coast of Oman, where three Indian nationals were killed. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the attacks were a direct consequence of the ongoing conflict in the region and called for an immediate end to violence affecting commercial shipping.

"There have been several incidents involving Indian seafarers in West Asia in the last few days. We attach high importance to the welfare and well-being of our seafarers' community. We need not reemphasise this point. Yesterday, we condemned the attack on a ship off the coast of Oman in which, unfortunately, we lost three Indian nationals," the MEA said on Thursday.

"We had summoned the US Charge d'Affaires here to register a strong protest. The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region. These attacks must cease and end. We also call for dialogue and diplomacy so that we can have an early return to peace and stability in the region," the MEA added.

Hormuz to reopen after Sunday deal, claims Trump

Washington, June 13, (IANS) US

President Donald Trump said Saturday that a new agreement with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday and that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen to international shipping immediately after the deal takes effect.

“The Deal is scheduled to get signed tomorrow, and immediately after it is signed, the Hormuz Strait is OPEN TO ALL,” Trump wrote in a social media post that outlined what he described as a breakthrough agreement with Tehran.

Trump said the proposed accord would permanently prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and sharply contrasted it with the 2015 nuclear agreement negotiated under former President Barack Obama.

“Barack Hussein Obama’s Deal with Iran, the JCPOA, was an easy, beautiful, smooth road to a Nuclear Weapon, which Iran would have had six years ago, and would have used long before

now,” Trump wrote.

“My Agreement with Iran is the exact opposite, A WALL TO NO NUCLEAR WEAPON!” he added.

The President claimed that Iran no longer sought nuclear weapons.

“In fact, they no longer want a Nuclear Weapon, nor will they have one, either through purchase, development, or any other form of procurement,”

Trump said.

The statement offered one of the clearest indications yet that negotiations between Washington and Tehran may be nearing completion after months of diplomatic engagement and regional tensions.

For global markets, Trump's reference to the Strait of Hormuz is likely to attract particular attention. The narrow waterway is one of the world's most critical energy transit routes, carrying a substantial share of internationally traded crude oil and liquefied natural gas.

India, one of the world's largest importers of crude oil, closely monitors developments in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz because of their direct impact on energy security and shipping costs.

Israel strikes petrochemical company in Iran’s Khuzestan

Jerusalem, June 8 (IANS) Israel on Monday morning carried out an airstrike against the Karun Petrochemical Company in Iran's southwestern Khuzestan province, state media reported. Part of the petrochemical complex has sustained damage after being hit by the Israeli projectiles, Iran's semi-official Fars news agency cited Valiollah Hayati, Khuzestan's deputy governor for security affairs, as saying.

He added that no casualties have been reported so far.

Iran's Petrochemical Special Economic Zone Organisation said later in a statement that it had evacuated all employees in the port city of Bandar-e Mahshahr in Khuzestan, state-run IRIB news agency reported.

Also on Monday morning, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said its aerospace forces targeted two "important and strategic" Israeli air bases, reports Xinhua news agency. In a statement published on its official news outlet, Sepah News, the IRGC said the Nevatim and Tel Nof air bases were struck in

Audio recording shows IRGC warning vessels against transiting Strait of Hormuz

London, June 14 (IANS) The navy of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned ships operating near the Strait of Hormuz against transiting the strategic waterway, according to an audio recording of a public maritime radio channel.

The recording, provided to Xinhua by a crew member aboard a commercial vessel near the strait, showed that the IRGC navy addressed all vessels operating in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf

of Oman, saying the Strait of Hormuz had been "completely closed" and that any vessel movement within the strait would be dealt with "decisively."

"For the sake of your health and safety, absolutely refrain from any movement in the Strait of Hormuz until further notice," the recorded message said.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that a peace deal with Iran was scheduled to be signed on Sunday and that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen immediately afterward.

Meanwhile, the US military said late Friday that it had downed several Iranian drones targeting

commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints and a key route for global oil and natural gas shipments. Maritime traffic through the strait has declined sharply in recent months amid escalating tensions and attacks on commercial shipping.

According to figures released by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), 46 incidents involving international shipping had been confirmed in and around the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Middle East region as of June 11, resulting in 14 confirmed seafarer fatalities.

Israel releases footage of strikes on Iran’s missile storage facility

Tel Aviv, June 8 (IANS) Israel on Monday afternoon released footage of its attack on an Iranian facility in Maheshwar in southwestern region of the country which the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) claimed stored missiles intended to hit aircraft.

response to Israel's missile strikes on several radar sites in three locations in Iran.

It added that all the IRGC's combat and operational units are fully ready to carry out operations on all fronts, with action plans tailored to the "enemy's" scenarios.

The clashes come as the IRGC's aerospace forces on Sunday launched ballistic missiles at the Ramat David air base in northern Israel in response to Israel's "widespread crimes" in southern Lebanon, including the killing and displacement of civilians.

In a statement on its official news outlet, Sepah News, the IRGC said that it struck Israel's Nevatim and Tel Nof airbases in response to Israel's missile strikes on a number of radar sites in three Iranian locations.

All its combat and operational units are fully ready to carry out operations on all fronts, the IRGC added.

Explosions were heard in Iran's capital, Tehran, and in two other provinces early Monday, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting the semi-official Fars news agency.

Citing local sources, the report said one explosion was heard west of Tehran, two in the central province of Isfahan, and one near Tabriz, the capital of the northwestern East Azarbaijan province.

"The IDF is now publishing colour documentation of the destruction of one of the systems, which stored missiles intended to hit aircraft. After the attack, secondary explosions were

detected indicating that the missiles were in the launcher," read a statement issued by the Israeli Defence Ministry.

"The destruction of the systems further expands the Air Force's air superiority over Iranian skies, with the aim of continuing to remove threats to the citizens of the State of Israel," it added.

According to the IDF, the Israeli Air Force, under precise guidance from the Intelligence Directorate, attacked several infrastructures in the petrochemical complex in Maheshwar in southwestern Iran on Monday morning, which were used by the armed forces subordinate to the Iranian regime to produce and export raw materials for weapons.

"The attacked infrastructure

produced unique materials that serve as essential components for the development of ballistic missiles, which pose a direct threat to the State of Israel and its citizens. These are critical components of the existing production infrastructure at the complex for the Iranian terrorist regime's missile programme. The attack joins several other attacks carried out against the compound during Operation 'Harry's Roar'," the IDF added.

The Israeli military said on Monday it had completed a large-scale strike on strategic air defence systems in Iran, amid the most serious escalation between the two countries since an April ceasefire, Xinhua news agency also reported.

Netanyahu says Israel halting Iran strikes for now, warns against renewed attacks

Jerusalem, June 8 (IANS)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that the attack against Iran is currently "on hold," but warned that Israel will respond forcefully if Iran resumes its attacks.

"At the moment, the fire is on hold because after ... it (Iran) stopped attacking us," Netanyahu said in his first televised statement more than 20 hours after Iran first launched missiles at Israel on Sunday night.

If Iran "makes the mistake of attacking us again, we will respond with force," he added.

Netanyahu said he had ordered the military to strike military and

economic targets across Iran on Monday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Following Netanyahu's statement, Israel's Home Front Command said it will lift most civil defence restrictions across the country on Tuesday morning.

The current restrictions would remain in place until 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, the Home Front Command said. From then, most of the country will return to full activity, while restrictions will remain in place in several northern communities near the Lebanese border.

Earlier in the day, Iran's main military command, Khatam alAnbiya Central Headquarters, announced the cessation of the Iranian armed forces' operations against Israel, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

In a statement, the headquarters warned that any further Israeli "aggression and malicious acts,"

including in southern Lebanon, would trigger a much more "severe and crushing" response.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday said that they have neither abandoned the field nor the negotiating table.

"Our priority is national security and the peace of our people. We will defend the rights of the nation with authority and will not retreat in the face of any threat. Diplomacy and defence are the two wings of national power; we have neither abandoned the field nor the negotiating table. God willing, with unity and rationality, Iran will emerge triumphant from this trial as well," Pezeshkian wrote on X.

The headquarters said that the Iranian armed forces' actions were carried out in support of the Lebanese people following Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon and the Dahieh district south of the Lebanese capital, Beirut.

Solomon Islands to review security agreement with China

Canberra, June 4 (IANS)

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has announced that he would review a security agreement signed with China. Addressing a joint press conference with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in Canberra, Wale said he had to remove "certain people from key positions" to gain access to the document and got a copy of it just a day before leaving for Australia. Wale's visit to Australia is his first overseas visit since assuming office in May.

When asked whether he has reviewed the security pact signed between Solomon Islands and China, Matthew Wale responded, "I have had to remove certain people from key positions. I haven't been afforded a copy even of that agreement until a day before I left. So, I haven't had a good look at it. I've had a look at it, I'll be honest with you, but I haven't had a good look at it."

"I've been praying and fasting about it, but of course, you know, Cabinet will need to have a look at these things. There is a non disclosure clause in it, so I couldn't show it to you right away, but we are going to be reviewing as we are reviewing other security agreements that we have with many other countries," he added.

In 2022, then-Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare signed a security pact with China, triggering concerns in Australia.

During the press conference, Matthew Wale called Solomon Islands' "friend" and acknowledged that the bilateral ties have faced some issues in the past few years.

"Solomon Islands is Australia's friend, has always been and always will be. Of course there are, I'm sure you'll be popping questions about the last few years and we have had some issues and all relationships go through issues, bumps here and there. But the resilience of our relationship I think is self evident. It lies in our people, to people contacts and of course in our institutional relations over so many years, perhaps even more than a century.

Maldives plans social media ban for children under 16

Male, June 2 (IANS) Maldivian

President Mohamed Muizzu has announced the government will ban children under 16 from accessing certain social media platforms to protect them from cyberbullying, online grooming and other digital threats, a state media outlet reported.

Speaking at a weekly press conference on Monday (local time), Muizzu said protecting children from online harm had become a major concern for parents in the Maldives and abroad, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting state media outlet PSM News.

The government would study regulations in other countries, including Australia, as it prepares the new policy, he noted.

The proposed ban would target specific applications considered risky for children, Muizzu said, adding that the government would consult relevant technology companies and work with platform owners to bring their services in line with Maldivian

Australian PM welcomes US-Iran peace deal

Canberra, June 15 (IANS)

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday welcomed the peace deal between the US and Iran and issued a call for both sides to show continued restraint.

In a joint statement with Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, Albanese said that the Australian government is "pleased" that the agreement includes steps towards re-opening the Strait of Hormuz and restoring freedom of

navigation, reports Xinhua news agency.

"Australia has long called for de-escalation and an end to the conflict, including in Lebanon. As we have said, the longer this war goes on, the greater the impact will be," they said.

"Continued restraint and constructive engagement will be essential to prevent further escalation and secure a lasting agreement." They said that Australia will continue to promote peace, stability and security in the Middle East and that the government would do everything possible to protect Australians from the "worst impacts" of the conflict.

US President Donald Trump announced that the United States and Iran had completed

a deal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the US naval blockade, marking what he described as a major breakthrough after months of conflict that rattled global energy markets and raised fears of a wider regional war.

“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all!” Trump said in a post on social media. The announcement came as international attention remained focused on the narrow waterway through which a substantial portion of the world's seaborne oil trade passes. The Strait of Hormuz has been at the centre of tensions between Washington and Tehran for months, with disruptions to shipping contributing to volatility in global energy prices.

Rising fertiliser costs drive downturn in Australian wheat production

Canberra, June 2 (IANS)

Australia's annual wheat harvest is set to fall by 26 per cent year-onyear as a result of rising fertiliser prices driven by the conflict in the Middle East, according to a government report.

law.

The measure would require amendments to existing cyber safety laws, according to the president.

Muizzu said the restrictions would not hinder children's education or their ability to learn online, but would help create a safer digital environment.

The government aims to finalise the regulatory framework and introduce the ban within a year after public consultations, PSM News reported.

If implemented, the Maldives will follow Australia in banning social media for children under 16 years. Canberra had announced the ban last year.

As of January, over 4.7 million accounts belonging to children were deactivated in the first days of Australia's world-first social media ban for under-16s.

Data released by the government's eSafety commissioner had revealed that social media companies removed access to around 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children under 16 in the days after the ban took effect on December 10.

The Australian government is also investigating five social media platforms for failing to comply with the country's world-first social media ban for children younger than 16.

The agricultural commodities report published by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) on Tuesday said that national wheat production is forecast to fall to 26.7 million tonnes in 2026-27, down 26 per

cent from 2025-26 and 8 per cent below the 10-year average.

A separate crop report also published by the ABARES on Tuesday said that the total area planted to wheat is forecast to fall by 12 per cent to 10.9 million hectares in 2026-27, the smallest area since 2019-20.

Overall, it said that Australian winter crop production is forecast to fall by 21 per cent year-on-year to 54.5 million tonnes, reports Xinhua news agency.

The commodities report said that many growers are expected to leave ploughed land unplanted due to increases in fuel and fertiliser prices, as well as dry conditions and a below-average national winter rainfall outlook.

"The impact of Middle East

conflict is significant for Australian agriculture because the sector is export-oriented and farming systems use imports of fuel, fertiliser, chemicals, and packaging as inputs," the report said.

According to the ABARES, Australian grain and oilseed export prices have risen by around 20 per cent since the conflict in the Middle East began, but domestic prices for urea have risen by more than 80 per cent in the same period.

As a result of the declining winter crop production, the bureau is forecasting that the total value of Australia's agricultural output will fall by 5 per cent to 98.3 billion Australian dollars (70.5 billion U.S. dollars) in 2026-27.

Australia commits funding to support Ebola response

Canberra, June 4 (IANS) The Australian government on Thursday committed funding to support the global response to the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa and prevent the spread of the disease.

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong and Minister for International Development Anne Aly said in a joint statement that Australia will provide 5 million Australian dollars (around 3.6 million US dollars) to the initiative.

"Australia's funding, directed through the International Federation of the Red Cross and the World Health Organization (WHO), will provide vital medical

care and supplies, water and sanitation services, support outbreak surveillance and preparedness, and strengthen local health systems," the statement read.

There have been 344 confirmed cases of the disease and 60 deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as 15 cases and one death in Uganda in the ongoing outbreak, according to the WHO, reports Xinhua news agency.

The WHO said at a press conference in Geneva on Wednesday that with concerted efforts and coordination, the response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is catching up.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who just returned from a visit to the DRC, said he was very encouraged by the level of commitment he saw in the country. "What I saw gave me hope, although challenges remain."

Tedros said that in the DRC,

344 cases have been confirmed, including 60 deaths, in 24 health zones across three provinces, while the number of suspected cases has been reduced to 116 from over 1,000 last week.

Tedros said WHO's risk assessment remains unchanged: very high at the national level, high at the regional level, and low at the global level. "The outbreak had a big head start, and we're still behind, but under the leadership of the Government of DRC, we are catching up," he said. Nonetheless, Tedros noted several challenges, which include scaling up laboratory and diagnostic capacity to reduce delays in case confirmation and support faster response decisions, contact tracing in the DRC, travel restrictions that are disrupting supply chains and hindering the response, community mistrust, and the fact that there are currently no licensed vaccines or specific therapeutics for the Bundibugyo ebolavirus strain.

From the editor’s desk India-G7 ties driven by engagement, not endorsement: Report

The promise of opportunity

The publication of Australia’s 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List offers more than an occasion to celebrate individual achievement. It also tells a broader story about modern Australia itself — a nation that continues to attract talent from around the world and, in many cases, provides the opportunity for that talent to flourish. The recognition of ten Australians of Indian origin among this year’s recipients is therefore significant not only for the Indian community but for Australia’s multicultural success story.

The King’s Birthday Honours represent one of the country’s highest forms of civilian recognition. They acknowledge contributions across medicine, science, education, community service, business, public administration and the arts.

The inclusion of Indianorigin Australians in fields as diverse as psychiatry, critical care medicine, community leadership, aged care and multicultural engagement reflects the breadth of contribution that migrants now make to Australian society. Migration has long been central to Australia’s development.

Successive generations of newcomers have helped build industries, strengthen institutions and enrich the country’s social fabric. What distinguishes contemporary Australia is not simply its diversity but its capacity to convert diversity into national strength. The stories behind this year’s honours recipients illustrate precisely that process. Consider the range of contributions being recognised.

Professor Valsamma

Eapen’s work in child and adolescent psychiatry has advanced understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders and mental health.

Professor Balasubramaniam Venkatesh has made important contributions to critical care medicine. Doctors such as Abhishek Kumar Verma and Dilipkumar Gahankari have strengthened healthcare systems while serving communities that increasingly reflect Australia’s multicultural reality. These achievements are not confined to any single community; they benefit the nation as a whole.

Equally important are the contributions made beyond professional achievement.

Community leaders such as Chethicad Oommen Thomas, Usha Kiran Chandra, Noshir Irani, Dr Atul Kumar Garg, Saurabh Mishra and Bijinder Dugal represent another dimension of the migrant experience. Their work

demonstrates that successful integration is not merely about economic participation. It is also about institution-building, volunteerism, civic engagement and social responsibility.

The story of Thomas is particularly instructive.

Arriving in Australia in the late 1960s, he spent decades helping establish community organisations, charitable institutions and cultural networks that supported new migrants and strengthened social cohesion. His recognition highlights a truth often overlooked in migration debates: communities do not simply appear. They are built patiently over decades by individuals willing to invest time, effort and leadership into collective wellbeing.

For many migrants, Australia offers opportunities unavailable elsewhere. A strong education system, relatively open institutions, rule of law and social mobility have enabled people from diverse backgrounds to pursue professional and personal ambitions. The success of Indian Australians reflects these opportunities. Yet it also reflects determination, hard work and a willingness to contribute beyond individual advancement.

The Indian Australian community has emerged as one of the country’s fastestgrowing and most successful migrant communities. Its members are increasingly visible in universities, hospitals, businesses, research institutions and public life. But their achievements should not be viewed through a narrow ethnic lens. They form part of a wider Australian story in which migrants strengthen the nation while remaining connected to their cultural heritage.

At a time when parts of the world are witnessing growing scepticism towards immigration, Australia’s experience offers a different perspective. The country’s multicultural model is not without challenges, but it has consistently demonstrated that diversity and social cohesion need not be competing goals. When supported by opportunity, participation and shared civic values, migration can become a source of national renewal.

The recognition of ten Indianorigin Australians in this year’s honours list is therefore more than a celebration of individual excellence. It is a reminder of what Australia can achieve when talent is welcomed, opportunity is accessible and contribution is valued regardless of origin.

TheIndia-G7 relationship has remained resilient because it is founded on engagement rather than endorsement. India's value to the G7 does not stem from consistently aligning with Western policies, instead it lies in its ability to engage across competing blocs and forums, a report has stated.

"When Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the G7 Summit in Evian, France, next week, he will be there, once again, as a guest and not a member. India, having been a 'special invitee' for over a dozen summits since the 2003 G8 summit in the same French city, is striking. India is not a US treaty ally, remains active in BRICS, engages closely with Russia and China, has declined to join Western sanctions on Russia, and champions all of this in the name of 'strategic autonomy'," a report in 'The Diplomat' detailed. The report noted that amid strains in India-US relations, the distinctive nature of India-G7 ties is likely to be a defining factor in

next week's much-anticipated meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump.

It added that the rationale behind India's repeated invitations to the G7 lies in its growing global stature, which has coincided with the grouping's broader outreach.

As the world's most populous nation, a major economic force, and a leading voice of the Global South, India has emerged as an indispensable stakeholder in global decision-making.

According to the report, since the G20 Leaders' Summits began in 2008, global governance has been defined by "overlapping coalitions, flexible alignments, and issuebased alignments". In this evolving order, it said, influence is derived not merely from membership but from converging interests and shared priorities.

This is what makes India's position at the crossroads of multiple diplomatic networks — the G20, BRICS, the Quad, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the Commonwealth, and various Indo-Pacific initiatives — particularly noteworthy, while few countries enjoy such diverse institutional access.

"This breadth of engagement strengthens India's leverage while underscoring why it is

unlikely to bandwagon any hardwired alliances. India relies on preserving flexibility across competing centers of power, a reality both India and the G7 continue to navigate rather carefully," The Diplomat mentioned.

The report stressed that sustained engagement between India and the G7 is no longer merely a diplomatic courtesy; it has become a practical necessity for effective global governance.

"Whether it is securing supply chains, accelerating energy transition, shaping emerging technologies, or maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific, neither side can achieve sustainable outcomes without the other joining in. This relationship is likely to sustain, featuring disagreements and competing priorities, for its significance lies precisely in its ability to bridge different centers of gravity," The Diplomat mentioned.

“In a world defined less by fixed blocs than by interconnected coalitions, the strength of the India-G7 partnership will be measured by how successfully leading powers adapt to a more plural global order and whether they can keep building consensus on their emerging global challenges,” it added.

India quintessential bridge-builder and balancer in contemporary

India has become a quintessential bridge-builder and balancer in contemporary affairs of the world. Having the capability to reshape the weakening global order, India can move it towards a fairer global governance, a report has stated. "One coalition of the willing with significant potential to help stabilise this order is the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), comprising the United States, Japan, Australia, and India. However, India has resisted turning Quad into a formal military alliance, preserving flexibility," Chairperson of The Centre for Alternative Political and Economic Thought, Phapano Phasha, wrote in an opinion piece for South Africa-based newspaper the 'Sunday Independent'.

The honourees have enriched Australia through service, leadership and achievement. In doing so, they have also reaffirmed one of the country’s

global affairs: Report

"Consequently, India has emerged as a quintessential bridge-builder and balancer in contemporary global affairs. It maintains strategic autonomy, a policy rooted in its Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) heritage, by engaging multiple platforms without formal alliances. This approach allows India to advance its national interests while positioning itself as a voice for the Global South and a reliable partner for the West," he further stated.

The current weakening of the global institutions has created a unique opportunity for India due to its economic size, global presence and strategic ties. Through its ties with developing nations and supporting SouthSouth cooperation, India plays a leadership role for the Global South. At the same time, India remains an important strategic partner for the West while maintaining ties with the European Union (EU), UK and the Nordic nations.

The unique position of India in the global economy allows it to

enduring strengths: its ability to turn aspiration into opportunity and newcomers into nationbuilders.

function as a bridge between the North and the South. India has the capability to reshape the weakening global order and move it towards a fairer global governance. Since the NonAligned Movement (NAM), India has always encouraged global conversations towards global governance and the rule of law. Through Quad, India plays an important role as a stabiliser in the multipolar world through partnerships, calls for the rule of law, and balancing between the US, Russia, China, the European powers, and the formidable force for the Global South.

"This bridging role is particularly significant for South Africa and the broader African continent, as it aligns with shared aspirations for a more equitable, multipolar order strengthened by platforms such as BRICS, where India assumed the chairmanship in 2026," Phasha wrote in the 'Sunday Independent'.

India holds the BRICS chair in 2026 guided by the theme of 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability', reflecting a people-centric and humanityfirst approach articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 2025.

PM Modi embarks on France, Slovakia visit, bilateral talks, G7 Summit on agenda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday departed on a visit to France and Slovakia, where he has a packed diplomatic itinerary that includes bilateral talks, multilateral engagements, and a strong focus on economic and cultural cooperation.

In a post on X, PM Modi said: "Over the next few days, I will be in France and Slovakia to attend various programmes, including bilateral talks, multilateral engagements and interaction with the Indian diaspora. The focus will be on boosting economic as well as cultural linkages."

"The visit will begin with programmes in Nice, notably ‘Bharat Innovates’, in which President Macron will be present. As India and France are marking the ‘India-France Year of Innovation’, ‘Bharat Innovates’

will be a vibrant platform that brings together innovators, StartUps and those related to the world of innovation," he added.

In Nice, PM Modi will also hold talks with President Emmanuel Macron, where both leaders will review the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two leaders will also jointly inaugurate the ‘Bharat Innovates’ event, which will bring together leading startups, innovators and venture capital funds from India, France and other countries. The MEA noted that the initiative, being held during the ‘IndiaFrance Year of Innovation’, “reinforces the vibrant innovation partnership that exists between the two countries.”

Following his French engagements, PM Modi will undertake a state visit to Slovakia from June 14 to 16 at the invitation of his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico. This will mark the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since its independence

in 1993.

During the Slovakia visit, PM Modi will hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Fico and meet President Peter Pellegrini. The discussions are expected to explore new opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, automobile manufacturing and railway infrastructure.

The MEA stated that the visit "will reaffirm India’s commitment to strengthening its bilateral relationship with Slovakia across various sectors".

PM Modi will then return to France to participate in the G7 Summit in Evian on June 16–17, where he will engage with leaders of G7 countries and invited partner nations, along with heads of international organisations.

On June 18, the Prime Minister will travel to Paris for additional bilateral meetings and attend the VivaTech Summit, Europe’s largest technology and startup event. He is also expected to address members of the Indian community during his Paris visit.

President Murmu reviews Passing Out Parade at Indian Military Academy with first batch of women NDA cadets

President Draupadi Murmu reviewed the Passing Out Parade of the 158th Regular Course and 141st Technical Graduate Course at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) here on Saturday.

The day is being seen as highly significant and historic for the Indian Army and for women in the country, as the first batch of female cadets from the National Defence Academy (NDA) is passing out as commissioned officers.

At the IMA Passing Out Parade, nine female cadets from the NDA’s first women’s batch will join the Indian Army as officers. Five female cadets from the Air Force Academy at Dundigal in Hyderabad will also be commissioned into the Indian Air Force.

Earlier, the NDA doors were closed to women. Following a landmark Supreme Court decision in June 2022, women were allowed entry into the armed forces training institute, paving the way for greater participation of women in the armed forces.

President Murmu reviewed the parade at the IMA, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was

present at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal. A total of 515 cadets are passing out from the IMA this year, including 34 foreign cadets from 16 countries. Among them are the nine brave women cadets from NDA’s first female batch, who have completed rigorous training and are now ready to serve the nation.

Under the 217th course of the Indian Air Force, a total of 231 flight cadets from the Flying and Ground Duty branches are completing their precommissioning training. This includes 194 male and 37 female cadets. Of these 37 women cadets, five belong to the NDA’s first women’s batch.

PoK crackdown: Leaders say region part of India, won’t tolerate atrocities on civilians

Leaders across the political spectrum on Friday lashed out at Pakistan after dozens of people were reportedly killed in recent police action on protesters in several parts of Pakistan

Occupied Kashmir (PoK), saying that the region is an integral part of India and such "atrocities" on civilians won't be tolerated.

Talking to IANS, Congress MP Imran Masood said: "PoK is ours. It is called PoK because it is

occupied by Pakistan. It is a part of Kashmir. The people there are facing atrocities, and they want to be part of India."

All India Muslim Jamaat President Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi urged the United Nations to intervene over the alleged violence in the region.

"Just because civilians were agitating against rising prices of goods, Pakistani forces mercilessly opened fire on them. I appeal the United Nations to interfere over such incidents taking place in PoK," he said.

Bareilvi also added: "Human Rights officials should visit those places, conduct an impartial investigation and tell the world about how the Pakistani Army are targeting innocent civilians."

Indian-origin tech leader Soma honoured in US Congress

Indian-born technology executive and entrepreneur Sivaramakrishnan "Soma" Somasegar, who helped shape Microsoft's rise and later became a leading venture capitalist in the US Pacific Northwest, was honoured in the US House of Representatives this week for his contributions to technology, entrepreneurship and community service.

Speaking on the House floor, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene of Washington remembered Somasegar as "an incredible technologist, entrepreneur, leader, and friend in our community."

Born and raised in southern India, Somasegar moved to the United States to study at Louisiana State University before joining Microsoft in 1989. He went on to play a key role in the development of Windows NT, one of the most significant products in the company's history.

DelBene said Somasegar's "remarkable management skills, dedication, and work ethic" helped him rise through Microsoft's ranks, eventually serving as Senior Vice President

until 2015.

"I had the joy of getting to know him during our time at Microsoft together," she said. "His infectious smile and warm presence brought energy to every room he entered." After leaving Microsoft, Somasegar joined Madrona Venture Group as a managing director, where he worked closely with entrepreneurs and emerging companies across the technology sector.

DelBene said he "guided countless startups and helped strengthen our region's innovation ecosystem."

Somasegar was also active in community initiatives and sports.

As a co-founder of the Seattle Orcas franchise, he helped bring professional cricket to the Pacific Northwest, expanding the sport's profile in a region with a growing South Asian population.

The congresswoman also described him as "a passionate advocate for women's empowerment," supporting organisations that worked to expand opportunity and equity. Much of her tribute focused on his family. DelBene said his wife, Akila, and their two daughters "were the center of his world."

"He spoke of them often with great admiration, gratitude, and boundless pride," she said.

"Everything he accomplished was grounded in love for them.

To know Soma was to know how much they shaped him, supported him, and inspired him."

‘A nation caught in own fire’: Pakistan’s proxy wars coming home

Echoing similar view, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam said that PoK is becoming an "ulcer" for India.

"Every Indian wants the safety of civilians in PoK. It is a part of India and the broken part of Kashmir. It is high time that PoK is now returned to India and rejoined with Jammu and Kashmir. This will ensure the safety of people in that region as well as strengthen the sentiments of citizens here," he asserted.

JD-U National Spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad said that with the increasing pace of development and employment opportunities in Kashmir, the people of PoK are feeling a sense of frustration with their current situation.

Pakistan is further being engulfed by the very fires it helped to ignite – from the rugged mountains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the deserts of Balochistan, and the simmering unrest in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) to the volatile Afghan frontier – the state is fighting wars it stoked itself.

Add to this the turbulence spilling over from Iran, and Pakistan stares at further descent into chaos.

Since the major PakistanAfghanistan border firefight and the closure of trade routes in October 2025, regional powers have tried to organise peace talks multiple time; but failed. Earlier this week, an informal round of talks was held in Istanbul, after a similar attempt in China's Urumqi, which followed stalled meetings between Islamabad and Kabul on earlier occasions.

Even before the Istanbul meeting could conclude on Tuesday, Pakistan launched airstrikes inside Afghan territory. The Taliban retaliated with heavy firing at the Durand Line. Each round of talks has been overshadowed by renewed violence, raising doubts about whether dialogue can meaningfully de-escalate the crisis.

In the 1980s, Pakistan gave birth to and nurtured the Afghan Mujahideen and later, the Taliban. The latter, after taking over Kabul in 2021, are unwilling to take orders from either Pakistan’s civilian government in Islamabad or Rawalpindi’s army brass. Cross-border clashes have escalated into open hostilities, with Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan soil and retaliatory raids by Taliban fighters.

Pakistan’s military, once the patron of the Taliban, is now locked in a war against them. Meanwhile, Balochistan’s insurgency has grown with the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and allied groups attacking military convoys, energy pipelines, and other targets.

India’s agri, water deeptech ecosystem gains momentum as startups push for scale: Nasscom

New Delhi, June 12 (IANS) India's deeptech ecosystem in agriculture and water management is gaining momentum, with a growing number of startups moving beyond pilot projects and focusing on large-scale commercialisation, IT industry's apex body Nasscom said on Friday.

Highlighting the trend at the Deeptech Confluence 2026 here, the industry body said innovations powered by AI, IoT, biotechnology and climate technologies are increasingly attracting interest from enterprises, investors and policymakers seeking scalable

solutions to address challenges in the country's agriculture and water sectors.

Speaking at the event, Sangeeta Gupta, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Nasscom, said agriculture and water are two sectors where deeptech can deliver significant economic, environmental and social impact.

“India has a strong base of founders building solutions that combine AI, IoT, biotech, materials science, sensing, automation and climate technologies,” she said.

“Through the Deeptech Confluence, Nasscom is enabling stronger market access, enterprise engagement and implementation pathways for deeptech startups,” Gupta added.

The event showcased 12 innovative startups from the Nasscom Deeptech Club's 20week growth programme, DTC Accelerate, which is aimed at helping deeptech ventures move beyond pilot projects and achieve scalable enterprise deployments.

The Confluence served as a platform for discussions on market access, enterprise adoption, investment readiness, pilot-to-scale transitions and cross-sector collaboration.

The initiative comes at a time when India's agriculture and water sectors are facing increasing pressure from climate change, sustainability concerns, resource constraints and the growing need for resilient productivity systems.

RBI compounds FEMA violations in Joinmay, Universal Biofuels cases

Mumbai, June 9 (IANS) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued compounding orders under Section 15 of Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA), in the separate cases of Joinmay Electronic Private Limited and Universal Biofuels Private Limited, which has resulted in the termination of investigation against the two companies for contraventions of provisions of the act, according to a press statement issued by the

Directorate of Enforcement (ED).

The order in each case has been passed by the RBI after issuance of "No Objection" by the ED, the statement said.

Section 15 provides a mechanism for individuals or companies to voluntarily admit to a violation of FEMA regulations, pay a penalty, and regularise the contravention without undergoing lengthy litigation or legal proceedings.

In the Joinmay Electronic Private Limited case, the ED took up the investigation based on credible information received on the delay in reporting of receipt of foreign inward remittance towards subscription of equity instruments covering a total amount of Rs 10 crore.

The company, later on, filed

an application before the RBl for compounding of the said contraventions under the FEMA as per the provisions of Section 15. On reference from the RBI, the ED issued no objection for the compounding in line with the true spirit of the act. Accordingly, the RBI, based on the ED's response, has compounded the said contraventions with a one-time payment of Rs 26,750. This has resulted in the termination of further investigation under the provisions of FEMA against the company with regard to the contravention.

In the case of Universal Biofuels Private Limited, an investigation was taken up by the ED based on the credible information received under the provisions of FEMA.

India world’s 2nd-largest single country contributor to global construction growth

Mumbai, June 9 (IANS) India has emerged as the second-largest single country contributor to global construction growth between 2020 and 2030, according to a new report released on Tuesday.

The report from Foundamental, a Berlin-based venture capital firm, said that India and China together account for nearly 40 per cent of global construction growth over the period.

Global capital expenditure is becoming increasingly concentrated in five countries: India, China, the United States, Germany and France, it said.

“India accounts for the

second-largest share of global construction growth by volume between 2020 and 2030, at 14.1 per cent, behind only China at 26.1 per cent and ahead of the United States at 11.1 per cent,” said Shubhankar Bhattacharya, Co-Founder and General Partner at Foundamental.

Global construction spending reached $15.97 trillion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $19.86 trillion by 2028, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6 per cent.

Within that total, infrastructure is the fastest-growing major construction segment globally, expanding at a CAGR of 5.1 per cent between 2020 and 2025.

In India, the pace is markedly higher: the country's infrastructure market is forecast to grow at around 8 per cent annually through the end of the

8 of India’s top-10 valued firms add Rs 1.90 trillion in market value last week

Mumbai, June 14 (IANS) The combined market valuation of eight of India's 10 most-valued companies surged by Rs 1.90 trillion last week, driven by a strong rally in domestic equities.

The positive momentum came as benchmark indices posted solid gains during the week. The Sensex climbed 1,284.61 points, or 1.73 per cent, while the Nifty advanced 256.2 points, or 1 per cent.

Market sentiment remained upbeat amid optimism over a possible peace agreement between the United States and Iran, which raised hopes of easing geopolitical tensions and bringing stability to global energy markets.

The improved outlook boosted investor confidence and supported gains across several heavyweight stocks.

Among the top-10 most-valued firms, HDFC Bank, Bharti Airtel, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, Bajaj Finance, Larsen & Toubro, and Hindustan Unilever recorded gains in their market capitalisation.

In contrast, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Life Insurance

Corporation of India (LIC) witnessed a decline in valuation. ICICI Bank topped the chart in terms of weekly gains, with its market capitalisation rising by Rs 56,223 crore to Rs 9.61 lakh crore. HDFC Bank added Rs 38,571 crore, taking its valuation to Rs 11.89 lakh crore, while State Bank of India saw its market value increase by Rs 36,138 crore to Rs 9.39 lakh crore.

Bajaj Finance registered a gain of Rs 18,367 crore, pushing its valuation to Rs 5.72 lakh crore. Bharti Airtel's market capitalisation climbed by Rs 14,380 crore to Rs 11.11 lakh crore. Engineering and construction major Larsen & Toubro added Rs 13,241 crore to reach a valuation of Rs 5.57 lakh crore, while Hindustan Unilever gained Rs 10,984 crore, taking its market capitalisation to Rs 5.09 lakh crore.

On the other hand, TCS witnessed the steepest decline among the top-10 firms, with its market capitalisation falling by Rs 13,296 crore to Rs 7.82 lakh crore. LIC's valuation also slipped by Rs 822 crore to Rs 5.05 lakh crore. At the end of the week, among India's most-valued company includes HDFC Bank, Bharti Airtel, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, TCS, Bajaj Finance, Larsen & Toubro, Hindustan Unilever, and LIC.

Startup fraternity hails PM Modi, eagerly looks forward to Nice event

Nice, June 13 (IANS) Hailing

decade, well above the global rate.

The report also notes that global gross fixed capital formation has grown roughly 30-fold since 1960, with that investment becoming increasingly concentrated among a handful of major economies.

“Global construction spending has already surpassed previous forecasts and is creating new opportunities across infrastructure, industrial facilities, energy systems, transportation networks and digital infrastructure,” said Bhattacharya.

The report forecasts the global data centre construction market will double by 2030 compared with 2018 levels, driven by artificial intelligence and cloud computing, making data centre infrastructure one of the fastestgrowing construction segments through 2030.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives, India's startup fraternity is eagerly looking forward to the Bharat Innovates 2026 event in Nice which will see the participation of more than 120 Indian companies and startups along with prominent business leaders, investors and CEOs from France and other countries.

"We are very excited. All the members of our startup fraternity are extremely happy that our Prime Minister is supporting and encouraging us. This sends a strong message that if you are a technology innovator creating meaningful solutions, you have the support and encouragement of the Prime Minister himself. We are truly delighted, and our excitement knows no bounds," said Vikram Vishal, an innovator from UrjanovaC.

"Bharat Innovate has become a platform through which investors, corporates, and innovators can come together to drive progress for India and the world. It has provided us with an opportunity and visibility that we might not have received elsewhere..." Ajeet Babu PK, an innovator from Gudlyf Mobility, stated.

"It is a great platform, as I said. We have been interacting with many fellow companies here, and they are doing some remarkable research and work. Some are in the early stages, while others have already established successful businesses,” said Prateek Golecha, an innovator from Tricog Health.

“Getting visibility at a level where

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President of France are present puts a spotlight... This not only creates business opportunities but also provides a great opportunity to create impact on the ground..." he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, will inaugurate the Bharat Innovates event on Sunday that brings together top innovation startups from India, France and the world.

Trump touts Iran deal in campaign tele-rallies

Washington, June 12 (IANS) US

President Donald Trump used campaign-style tele-rallies to endorse Republican candidates in Alabama and Georgia while declaring that the United States had reached an agreement with Iran that would prevent Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Addressing Republican voters in the two southern states ahead of primary runoff elections on June 16, Trump mixed local political endorsements with national policy themes, including immigration, election security, crime and foreign affairs.

Speaking during a virtual rally for Alabama Congressman Barry Moore, who is seeking the Republican nomination for

the U.S. Senate, Trump said an agreement with Iran had been finalised.

"We settled up with Iran. We made a great deal. There'll be no nuclear weapons. People will start coming home very soon," Trump said.

"We got everything we wanted.

The big thing is there will be no nuclear weapons in Iran. That means they're not developed and not purchased," he added.

Trump returned to the issue during a separate tele-rally for Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, who is running for governor.

"I don't know if you heard, but we ended the war with Iran today and they have agreed never to have a nuclear weapon, something that we insisted on," Trump said.

"That was a 95 per cent of it," he added.

Neither tele-rally included additional details about the reported agreement.

The President's comments came as he urged Republican voters to support candidates he has endorsed in two closely watched

state races.

In Alabama, Trump described Moore as "my complete and total endorsement" and called him "the best America first candidate you can imagine".

"Barry will fight for you in the Senate like no one has ever fought before," Trump said.

He praised Moore's support for border security measures, military spending and tax policies backed by the administration. Trump also endorsed former Senator Tommy Tuberville's campaign for governor and backed John Wahl for lieutenant governor.

In Georgia, Trump offered a similarly strong endorsement of Jones.

"Burt is my complete and total endorsement for this position as governor," he said.

"He's gonna be a great governor."

Trump credited Jones with supporting his election integrity efforts and noted that he was "the first member of the Georgia Assembly to endorse me for president".

Trump predicts sharp fall in global oil prices

Washington, June 12 (IANS)

US President Donald Trump predicted a sharp decline in global oil prices if a proposed agreement with Iran is finalised, arguing that greater stability in the Middle East and the reopening of key shipping routes would ease pressure on energy markets.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said markets had already responded positively to news of the emerging agreement.

“Stock markets up 1000 points,”

Trump said. “That means they like the deal.”

He said oil prices had already begun moving lower and suggested further declines could follow once the agreement is signed.

“Oil's dropped,” Trump said. “Oil will start coming down too, I think even lower than it was before.”

The President linked falling energy prices to broader economic benefits.

“When oil comes down, everything else comes down,” he said.

Trump said a key component of the proposed arrangement with Iran would be the reopening of maritime routes in the Gulf region.

“The Strait will open as soon as we have it signed,” he said.

Asked whether restrictions linked to the maritime blockade would be lifted immediately after the agreement takes effect, Trump replied: “Yes that's true it's part of the deal and we'll have oil prices dropping like a rock.”

Trump argued that the United States had already been maintaining the flow of energy shipments through the region despite tensions.

“We brought many, many ships across and millions, hundreds of millions of barrels of oil were brought across,” he said.

The President described the agreement as a significant step towards stabilising one of the world's most important energyproducing regions.

“We have a deal that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said. “It's a great deal.”

Trump hails PM Modi on record tenure

Washington, June 11 (IANS) US

President Donald Trump on Wednesday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming India's longest-serving Prime Minister, describing him as "a Great One" and praising his leadership and prospects.

"Congratulations to my friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on becoming India's longestserving Prime Minister – And a Great One he is! He is a strong, healthy, and wise man, and will have many years of Greatness and

Success ahead of him!" President

Donald J. Trump said.

Trump's message led a series of congratulatory remarks from American political leaders, business executives and prominent members of the Indian diaspora marking Modi's milestone of 4,399 days in office.

US Senator John Cornyn said Modi's achievement reflected the confidence Indian voters had reposed in him across three consecutive electoral mandates.

"Congratulations to Prime Minister @narendramodi on becoming India's longest-serving elected Prime Minister — 4,399 days of leadership earned through the trust of 1.4 billion people across three democratic mandates," Cornyn wrote. "From lifting 250 million out

Trump claims secret US operations in Hormuz

Washington, June 12 (IANS) US

President Donald Trump claimed the United States had secretly conducted military operations in and around the Strait of Hormuz for weeks, moving ships and oil cargoes through the strategic waterway while targeting Iranian maritime assets ahead of a proposed agreement with Tehran.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said the operations had taken place largely out of public view and helped maintain the flow of global energy supplies despite heightened tensions in the Gulf.

“The Strait will open as soon as we have it signed,” Trump said, referring to a proposed agreement with Iran. “Maybe it'll be Saturday or Monday.”

He then asserted that US forces had already been operating extensively in the area.

“The Straits have been open for

a number of months already, and you just didn't know about it,” Trump told reporters. “We brought many, many ships across and millions, hundreds of millions of barrels of oil were brought across, and there wasn't a thing that anybody could have done about that.”

Trump claimed US military forces had conducted repeated operations against Iranian vessels during the past month.

“Over the last month, we've been taking out ships,” he said. “Some nights, 25 ships, some nights, 15.” He said the operations were carried out at night and targeted radar systems and maritime assets.

“We bombed their radar and everything so they couldn't see what was going on,” Trump said. The President argued that these actions helped explain why global oil markets had remained relatively stable despite fears of disruption in one of the world's most important energy corridors. “That's why oil, even before this, the market couldn't understand why it was so free,” he said. Trump indicated that the maritime restrictions linked to the conflict would be lifted once the proposed agreement with Iran is formally signed.

Secure America Act signed as Trump touts border gains

Washington, June 10 (IANS)

of poverty to making India the world's fastest-growing major economy, PM Modi's tenure has been nothing short of transformational. The US-India partnership has never been stronger," he added.

Arun Agarwal, Co-founder of the Indian American CEO Council and Chair of the Texas Economic Development Corporation, said the milestone provided an opportunity to assess India's transformation over the past decade.

"The India of 2026 is not the India of 2014," Agarwal wrote in a commentary. He said it was "difficult to deny that India today stands taller, speaks louder, and commands greater attention on the global stage than it did a decade ago."

President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed the Secure America Act, a major funding measure for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and used the White House event to highlight his administration’s immigration enforcement record, border security policies and lawand-order agenda.

“This morning, I'm thrilled to sign the Secure America Act to immediately and fully fund the Department of Homeland Security through the end of my term,” Trump said as he was joined by Republican congressional leaders and senior administration officials.

The President said the legislation would provide additional support to immigration and border enforcement agencies.

“We'll give the heroes of ICE and Border Patrol — and that's what they are, they're heroes — the support and resources they need to defend our borders, protect our homeland, and to keep America safe,” he said.

According to Trump, the measure allocates “$38 billion to ICE” and “$26 billion to Border Patrol” to strengthen enforcement and border security.

The signing ceremony quickly evolved into a broader defence of the administration’s immigration policies. Trump accused Democrats of attempting to block DHS funding and argued that the legislation would help sustain what he described as significant progress on border security. He claimed the administration had dramatically reduced illegal crossings and tightened border controls.

“Starting on day one, we took the most dangerous and unsafe, violent open border in the world, and we created the most secure border anywhere in our country,” Trump said.

Trump also asserted that “in the last 12 months, zero illegal aliens have been admitted into the United States” and said authorities had cut “the flow of fentanyl across our border by almost 60 percent”.

The President linked the funding package to broader crimereduction efforts, pointing to Washington, D.C., and other cities as examples of what he described as successful law-enforcement initiatives.

National leaders salute AIBC for 40 years of Australia–India engagement

Brisbane, June 14 (Australia India News Newsdesk)

The Australia India Business Council (AIBC) has received congratulatory messages from senior Australian and Indian representatives as it celebrates its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of work in strengthening business, cultural and people-topeople ties between Australia and India.

Among those recognising the milestone was Sam Mostyn, who acknowledged the importance of the Australia–India relationship and the vital role played by enduring personal and community connections in bringing the two nations closer together.

In a message shared during the anniversary celebrations, the Governor-General highlighted the value of people-to-people links in fostering mutual

understanding and cooperation between Australia and India.

AIBC thanked her for her support and warm wishes during what it described as a landmark year for the organisation.

The celebrations also featured a message from Silai Zaki, who reflected on the growing significance of the Australia–India partnership and the opportunities emerging from deeper economic, commercial and community engagement.

Representing one of India's most dynamic centres of commerce, industry and innovation, Ms Zaki recognised the contribution AIBC has made in advancing bilateral cooperation and strengthening connections between businesses and communities across the two countries. The council expressed its appreciation for her participation in the anniversary celebrations.

Further recognition came from Andrew Barr, who highlighted the remarkable evolution of Australia–India relations and the expanding opportunities for collaboration across technology, education, trade and innovation.

AIBC noted that Chief Minister Barr has consistently championed economic development, innovation and multicultural engagement while supporting stronger international

partnerships that deliver benefits for Australian businesses and communities.

Founded in 1986, AIBC has played a significant role in connecting businesses, professionals and community leaders from Australia and India. Over the past four decades, the organisation has helped promote trade, investment and cultural exchange during a period of unprecedented growth in bilateral relations.

The anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the transformation of the Australia–India relationship, which has expanded far beyond traditional commercial links to encompass education, research, innovation, skills development and extensive people-to-people engagement.

Today, Australia and India enjoy a comprehensive strategic partnership supported by growing trade, investment and defence cooperation, alongside strong cultural and community ties built by a vibrant Indian diaspora across Australia.

As it enters its fifth decade, AIBC says it remains committed to building on its legacy of partnership, collaboration and engagement while supporting new opportunities that will further strengthen the Australia–India relationship in the years ahead.

Melbourne professional Vaishali Dixit Singh joins BJSM leadership team

Brisbane, June 14 (Australia India

Melbourne-based technology professional and community advocate Vaishali Dixit Singh has joined the Working Committee of the Bihar Jharkhand Sabha of Australia and New Zealand (BJSM) for 2026–27, bringing with her extensive corporate experience and a strong commitment to community engagement.

Born in Delhi and connected to both Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh and Buxar in Bihar, Vaishali represents the growing generation of Indian Australians who are successfully combining professional achievement with active participation in community life.

With more than 17 years of experience in the technology

sector, Vaishali currently serves as a Senior Service Delivery Manager at HCLTech Australia, supporting operations for Coles. Her professional background spans technology, service delivery, operations management and strategic leadership.

Alongside her corporate career, she has developed a reputation as a passionate supporter of community-building initiatives, women’s empowerment, youth engagement and cultural activities. Friends and colleagues describe her as a creative thinker and natural connector who enjoys bringing people together through collaboration and shared purpose.

Vaishali, who lives in Melbourne’s Glen Waverley suburb with her husband Arun and their children Shanaya and Adyant, believes strong communities are built through trust, meaningful relationships and consistent participation.

As part of the BJSM leadership team, she will work alongside Raghwendra in leading the organisation’s Digital Wing.

The role will involve supporting digital communications, social media engagement, community outreach and initiatives designed to strengthen connections among

GOPIO Queensland leadership receives consular support for community initiatives

Consul General Neetu Bhagotia has met with the Trustees and newly appointed Executive Committee of GOPIO Queensland, reaffirming the Consulate’s commitment to supporting one of the state's most active Indian community organisations.

During the meeting at the Consulate, Bhagotia congratulated the incoming leadership team and conveyed her best wishes for a successful and productive term ahead.

The discussions focused on community engagement, cultural initiatives and the important role GOPIO Queensland continues to play in strengthening connections within the Indian Australian community.

Bhagotia acknowledged the organisation’s longstanding contribution to promoting Indian culture, supporting multiculturalism and fostering community participation across Queensland.

A major focus of the meeting was planning for India Day Fair 2026, widely regarded as one

members across Australia and New Zealand.

BJSM said Vaishali's combination of professional expertise, creativity and community spirit would help support the organisation’s vision of preserving cultural heritage while fostering stronger engagement among members of the Bihar and Jharkhand diaspora.

Her appointment reflects the increasing involvement of highly skilled Indian-Australian professionals in community organisations, where they contribute not only their technical expertise but also their leadership and commitment to strengthening social and cultural bonds.

As Australia’s Indian community continues to grow and diversify, leaders such as Vaishali are helping create new opportunities for engagement, mentorship and collaboration, ensuring that cultural traditions remain strong while embracing innovation and contemporary community needs. BJSM welcomed Vaishali to its leadership team and expressed confidence that her experience, positive outlook and communityfirst approach would make a valuable contribution to the organisation's future initiatives.

of the flagship celebrations of Indian culture in Queensland. The event attracts large crowds each year and serves as a showcase of India's rich traditions, arts, cuisine and cultural diversity.

The Consul General assured the GOPIO Queensland leadership of the Consulate’s continued support for the event and welcomed the organisation’s efforts to further strengthen community involvement in the celebrations.

Trustees and Executive Committee members outlined their vision for the coming year, including initiatives aimed at enhancing community outreach and expanding opportunities for cultural and social engagement.

The meeting reflected the close cooperation between the Consulate and community organisations in advancing initiatives that celebrate India's heritage while contributing to Queensland’s multicultural landscape.

Both sides expressed confidence that continued collaboration would help ensure the success of future programmes, including the highly anticipated India Day Fair 2026.

BAPS Charities Brisbane organises Walkathon for community

Brisbane, June 11 (Australia India News Newsdesk)

BAPSCharities organised its “In the Joy of Others” Walk and Run at New Farm Park, Brisbane, on May 31, 2026. Around 210 participants joined the event, including families, children, youth, volunteers and community members.

The walkathon started near the New Farm Park Ferry Terminal and followed the scenic pathway along the Brisbane River. Participants enjoyed a peaceful morning walk while supporting the spirit of community service, unity and care for others. The program included registration, welcome address, guest addresses, announcements, a group photo, the walkathon and light refreshments.

Sandy Landers, Brisbane City Councillor, attended as a guest speaker and appreciated the efforts of BAPS Charities and the volunteers for bringing the community together for a

meaningful cause.

The event was inspired by the life and message of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who taught, “In the joy of others lies our own.” This message continues to guide BAPS Charities in serving the wider community through compassion, humility and selfless service.

BAPS Charities thanked all participants, volunteers and community members who helped make the walkathon a successful and uplifting event.

In the coming months, BAPS Charities will continue its community service activities, including a blanket drive and hot food drive to support people facing hardship.

The walkathon was a wonderful example of people coming together with one heart and one purpose, to serve others and spread kindness in the community.

Queensland MPs join launch of International Day of Yoga celebrations

Brisbane, June 2 (Australia India News Newsdesk)

Queensland Parliament House provided the setting for the official curtain-raiser to the 12th International Day of Yoga, as Members of the Queensland parliament joined representatives of the Consulate General of India in Brisbane to mark the beginning of celebrations leading up to the global observance on June 21.

The event, organised by the Consulate General of India, highlighted the growing popularity of yoga as a holistic practice that supports physical health, mental wellbeing and balanced living.

This year's International Day of Yoga is being observed under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, reflecting increasing global interest in preventive healthcare

and lifestyle choices that promote wellbeing throughout life.

Parliamentarians and community representatives gathered to recognise yoga’s contribution to healthier communities and to encourage participation in the series of activities planned across Queensland in the weeks ahead.

Organisers said the theme underscores the role yoga can play in maintaining mobility, flexibility, mental resilience and overall quality of life as people age. The practice continues to be embraced by millions worldwide as a means of supporting both physical and emotional wellbeing.

The gathering also highlighted the international growth of the International Day of Yoga since the United Nations designated June 21 as the annual observance in 2014. What began as an initiative to promote awareness of yoga's benefits has evolved into a

worldwide movement celebrated through public sessions, educational programmes and community events.

Speakers noted that yoga is increasingly recognised as a valuable complement to broader health and wellness strategies, helping individuals manage stress, improve fitness and maintain an active lifestyle.

The Brisbane event marked the start of local International Day of Yoga celebrations, with additional programmes and community activities expected to take place across Queensland and other parts of Australia ahead of June 21.

The occasion reinforced the enduring appeal of yoga as one of India's most significant contributions to global wellbeing and highlighted its continuing relevance in promoting healthier and more active lifestyles in contemporary society.

Morrison praises Modi’s leadership as Indian PM reaches historic milestone

Canberra, June 14 (Australia India News Newsdesk)

Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister, praising his leadership in transforming the nation’s economy, strengthening its global standing and deepening ties with Australia.

In a public message marking the milestone, Morrison said Modi had overseen one of the most significant periods of change in modern India’s history, helping to drive economic growth, reduce poverty and foster a renewed sense of national confidence.

“Warm congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister,” Morrison said.

He noted that under Modi’s stewardship, India had emerged as one of the world’s major economic powers while lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty and promoting greater self-reliance.

Morrison also paid tribute to Modi’s contribution on the world stage, describing him as a respected international leader

who had combined a strong defence of India’s national interests with a commitment to building productive partnerships across the globe.

“On the international stage, Narendra has been a true statesman. He is a voice of reason, pragmatism and wisdom,” Morrison said.

The former Australian leader highlighted Modi’s role in strengthening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, particularly through the Quad Leaders’ Dialogue involving Australia, India, Japan and the United States.

“His strong and passionate advocacy for India’s national interests has combined maintaining India’s long history of independence with forging new and closer relationships with friends and partners, especially in the Indo-Pacific through the Quad Leader’s dialogue where we served together as founding members, and in particular with Australia,” he said.

Morrison further commended Modi’s efforts in representing developing nations and elevating India’s influence among emerging economies.

“PM Modi must also be commended for his global role in championing and leading the ‘Global South’, where India and the Modi Government’s policies serve as a practical guide for these developing economies,” he said.

Recalling his own tenure as Australian Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022, Morrison reflected on the significant advances made in bilateral relations between Canberra and New Delhi during that period.

He said he had worked closely with Modi to elevate AustraliaIndia ties to an unprecedented

level through the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020, a landmark framework that expanded cooperation across defence, maritime affairs, security and economic engagement.

“As PM of Australia from 2018-2022 I was pleased to work alongside Narendra as we elevated our bilateral relationship to its highest ever level with the establishment of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, forged in the midst of COVID, spanning defence, maritime, security and economic cooperation,” Morrison said. He noted that the growing partnership culminated in the first trade agreement between Australia and India in 2022, a breakthrough widely viewed as a major achievement in the relationship between the two countries.

“This culminated in our first ever trade agreement in 2022,” he said.

Morrison said the strategic partnership remained one of the accomplishments of which he was most proud and thanked Modi for his commitment to ensuring its long-term success.

“This partnership is one I am proud of and also grateful to Narendra for his personal commitment to ensuring it is one that will endure,” he said.

Concluding his message, Morrison offered a personal tribute to the Indian Prime Minister, writing: “Congratulations, my friend.” Modi’s achievement marks another significant chapter in India’s political history and reflects his enduring influence on the nation’s economic development, foreign policy and growing role in regional and global affairs.

Canberra yoga event sets the tone for International Day of Yoga celebrations

Canberra, June 10 (Australia India News Newsdesk)

Acommunity yoga session organised by the High Commission of India in partnership with BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir has marked the beginning of celebrations leading up to the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026.

The event attracted enthusiastic participation from members of the Indian community and yoga practitioners, reflecting the growing popularity of yoga as a pathway to physical fitness, mental wellness and holistic living.

Held as a curtain-raiser to the annual global observance on June 21, the session showcased the enduring relevance of yoga and its ability to promote balance, harmony and healthy lifestyles across communities. Participants took part in a range of yoga practices and breathing exercises, highlighting the benefits of the ancient Indian discipline for people of all ages and backgrounds. Organisers said the programme

was designed to raise awareness about the upcoming International Day of Yoga while encouraging greater community engagement with yoga and wellness activities.

The event also underscored yoga’s role as a bridge between cultures, bringing together people in a shared pursuit of health and wellbeing.

Since its adoption by the United Nations in 2014 following India's proposal, the International Day of Yoga has evolved into a worldwide movement celebrated across continents. Australia has consistently witnessed strong participation in yoga-related events, particularly among multicultural communities.

The Canberra session reinforced the message that yoga is not merely a form of exercise but a way of life that contributes to physical health, mental resilience and social harmony.

Further activities are expected to be held across Australia in the lead-up to International Day of Yoga 2026, with community organisations, yoga groups and supporters joining celebrations of India's ancient gift to the world.

Experts examine strategic challenges in the Indian Ocean region

Perth, June 2 (Australia India News Newsdesk)

The Consul General, Kajari Biswas, participated in a panel discussion on security in the Indian Ocean hosted by the Australia Institute of International Affairs and the Indo-Pacific Research Centre (IPRC) at Murdoch University. The event brought together prominent strategic thinkers and researchers to explore the evolving geopolitical dynamics of the Indian Ocean and their implications for regional stability, economic prosperity and international cooperation.

The distinguished panel included Dr Frédéric Grare, Senior Research Fellow at the ANU National Security College; Associate Professor Mary Anne Kenny, Principal Fellow at the Indo-Pacific Research Centre; Dr

Troy Lee-Brown, Research Fellow at the UWA Defence and Security Institute; and Anubhav Shankar Goswami, Doctoral Candidate at the Indo-Pacific Research Centre.

Speakers examined a range of contemporary security issues affecting the region, including maritime governance, strategic competition among major powers, regional partnerships and emerging security challenges in the broader Indo-Pacific.

The discussion highlighted the Indian Ocean's growing importance as one of the world's most significant maritime regions, carrying a substantial share of global trade and energy flows while linking major economies across Asia, Africa and Australia.

Panel members also reflected on the need for greater cooperation among regional stakeholders to safeguard freedom of

navigation, strengthen maritime security and address common challenges through dialogue and collaboration.

The event attracted academics, policymakers, students and members of the wider community interested in strategic affairs and developments shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific.

The Consul General welcomed the opportunity to engage with leading experts and exchange perspectives on issues that continue to influence the security architecture of the Indian Ocean region.

The discussion reinforced the value of academic research and informed public dialogue in promoting a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing one of the world's most strategically important maritime domains.

ISWA congratulates MuKaMai on decade of cultural service

Perth, June 10 (Australia India News Newsdesk)

The Indian Society of Western Australia (ISWA) has congratulated MuKaMai on its 10th anniversary and Tamil New Year celebrations, recognising the organisation's significant contribution to preserving and promoting Tamil culture, language and traditions in Western Australia.

In a message marking the milestone, ISWA praised MuKaMai's decade-long commitment to fostering cultural awareness and strengthening community bonds through a range of social and cultural initiatives.

The organisation said MuKaMai has played an important role in bringing together members of the Tamil community while also contributing to the broader multicultural landscape of Western Australia. Through its events and activities, MuKaMai has helped promote cultural heritage, community participation and intercultural understanding. ISWA commended the dedication of MuKaMai's volunteers and leadership team, whose efforts have enabled the organisation to become a respected platform

Perth community rallies behind new cultural and spiritual landmark

Perth, June 9 (Australia India News Newsdesk)

The Consul General, Kajari Biswas, joined members of the Nepali community at a Gala Dinner organised by the Perth Nepali Mandir and Community Centre and Pashupatinath Bouddhanath of Western Australia (PBWA Inc.), lending support to an ambitious vision for a new multicultural and spiritual centre in Perth.

The fundraising and community engagement event focused on plans to establish a Multicultural Hub along with a Boudha and Hindu Temple, a project designed to serve the growing needs of Western Australia’s diverse communities.

Bringing together community leaders, supporters and wellwishers, the evening highlighted the importance of creating a dedicated space for worship, cultural preservation, education and community activities.

The Consul General commended the efforts of the organisers and volunteers who are working to transform the vision into reality, noting the important role such institutions play in strengthening multiculturalism and social cohesion.

cultural, historical and spiritual connections. Hinduism and Buddhism, which have shaped the civilisational heritage of both countries for centuries, continue to provide a strong foundation for friendship and people-to-people ties.

Organisers said the proposed centre would not only cater to the spiritual needs of the community but also serve as a hub for cultural programmes, youth engagement, educational initiatives and intercommunity dialogue.

multicultural community and help preserve cultural traditions for future generations.

The event reflected the strong community backing behind the initiative and underscored a shared commitment to building a facility that promotes inclusiveness, cultural understanding and community well-being.

for cultural celebration and community engagement over the past ten years.

Highlighting the importance of such initiatives, ISWA noted that cultural organisations help build stronger and more inclusive communities by creating opportunities for people of diverse backgrounds to connect, learn and celebrate together.

The society encouraged members of the Indian-Australian community and the wider public to attend the anniversary and Tamil New Year celebrations with their families and friends, describing the event as a fitting tribute to MuKaMai's achievements and enduring community spirit.

As the organisation marks this significant milestone, ISWA expressed its best wishes for the continued success of MuKaMai and said it looked forward to joining the celebrations and supporting future initiatives that strengthen cultural connections across Western Australia.

The anniversary celebrations are expected to showcase Tamil culture, heritage and traditions while bringing together community leaders, families and supporters to commemorate a decade of service and community building.

The gathering also celebrated the longstanding relationship between India and Nepal, two nations linked by deep

Perth, June 8 ( Australia India News

The Consul General, Kajari Biswas, met Travel Editor Stephen Scourfield, one of Western Australia’s best-known travel journalists, recognising his valuable contribution to promoting India as a destination for Australian travellers.

Scourfield, who serves as Travel Editor of West Travel Club and The West Australian newspaper, has developed a strong connection with India through numerous visits over the years and his extensive

Supporters expressed confidence that the project would become a significant landmark for Perth’s

The gala dinner concluded on a positive note, with organisers reaffirming their determination to advance the project and create a lasting legacy for the Nepali and broader South Asian communities in Western Australia.

work showcasing the country to Australian audiences.

The meeting highlighted the important role travel journalism plays in fostering international understanding and encouraging tourism between India and Australia.

Widely respected within Australia’s travel industry, Scourfield has led and promoted tours to India from Western Australia, helping travellers experience the country’s rich history, vibrant culture, spiritual traditions and diverse landscapes firsthand.

His reporting and travel features have introduced countless readers to destinations across India, contributing to growing awareness of the country’s tourism potential among Australians.

The Consul General acknowledged Scourfield’s efforts

in strengthening people-topeople links between the two nations and promoting deeper cultural engagement through travel.

Discussions also explored opportunities to further expand tourism cooperation and build on the increasing interest among Australian visitors seeking authentic travel experiences in India.

As India continues to attract travellers from around the world, influential travel professionals such as Scourfield remain important ambassadors in highlighting the country’s unique attractions and encouraging greater tourism exchanges.

The meeting underscored the enduring value of cultural and tourism connections as a key pillar of the broader IndiaAustralia relationship.

Bengali community pays tribute to Tagore and Nazrul in Perth

Perth, June 2 (Australia India News Newsdesk)

The rich literary and cultural heritage of Bengal was celebrated in Perth as the Bengali Association of Western Australia organised Rabindra and Nazrul Jayanti, commemorating the birth anniversaries of two of the subcontinent’s most revered cultural figures, Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam.

The Consul General attended the event, which brought together members of the Bengali community and admirers of the two literary giants whose works continue to influence generations across the world.

The celebration highlighted the immense contribution of Bengali language and culture to global literature, music and human thought. Through poetry, songs,

performances and reflections on their lives, participants honoured the enduring legacy of Tagore and Nazrul.

Rabindranath Tagore, celebrated as a poet, philosopher, composer and Nobel laureate, remains one of the most influential figures in modern literature. Kazi Nazrul Islam, affectionately known as the “Rebel Poet”, is remembered for his powerful writings that championed freedom, equality and social justice.

Speakers at the event noted that the works of both men transcend national and cultural boundaries, carrying timeless messages of humanism, compassion and harmony.

The Consul General commended the Bengali Association of Western Australia for preserving and promoting Bengali cultural traditions while fostering

community engagement in Australia’s multicultural society. Organisers said the annual observance serves not only as a celebration of two extraordinary lives but also as an opportunity to introduce younger generations to the values and artistic achievements that continue to define Bengali cultural identity.

The programme reflected the continuing relevance of Tagore’s and Nazrul’s writings and music, which remain a source of inspiration for people around the world.

The event concluded with a tribute to the lasting influence of the two literary icons, whose contributions to literature, music and human values continue to enrich global culture and inspire audiences far beyond Bengal.

Consul General unveils yoga programme as NSW and SA prepare for IDY 2026

Sydney, June 9 (Australia India News Newsdesk)

Preparations for the 12th International Day of Yoga gathered momentum in Sydney as the Consulate General of India and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) hosted a curtain-raiser event outlining an extensive programme of activities planned across New South Wales and South Australia.

The event brought together members of the community, yoga practitioners and representatives of partner organisations ahead of

the global celebration on June 21.

Consul General Dr. S. Janakiraman formally launched the International Day of Yoga 2026 programme and highlighted the wide range of events scheduled to take place in the coming weeks.

He also guided participants through the Common Yoga Protocol, the standard sequence of yoga practices performed during International Day of Yoga celebrations around the world.

The gathering underscored yoga’s continuing appeal as a practice that promotes physical wellbeing, mental clarity and a balanced lifestyle, while fostering

a sense of community and social connection.

A number of organisations have joined hands with the Consulate and SVCC to support this year's celebrations, reflecting the broad-based enthusiasm for yoga across Australia.

Partners include SRMD, The Art of Living, Brahma Kumaris Australia, Dhamma Yoga, the Indian Australian Association of South Australia (IAASA), Yoga Tribe, Heartfulness Australia, Southern Cross University and Sri Om Care.

Organisers said the collaboration will help deliver a diverse

programme of yoga sessions and wellness activities across multiple locations in New South Wales and South Australia.

This year's International Day of Yoga is being observed under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” highlighting the importance of healthy lifestyle practices that support wellbeing across all stages of life.

The curtain-raiser served as an invitation for people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in the upcoming events and experience the benefits of yoga firsthand.

With community organisations,

educational institutions and wellness groups joining the initiative, the celebrations are expected to attract strong participation and further strengthen awareness of yoga as a holistic approach to health and wellness.

The Sydney event marked the official launch of regional preparations for International Day of Yoga 2026 and set the stage for a series of programmes promoting harmony, mindfulness and healthy living throughout June.

NSW and South Australia prepare for International Day of Yoga events

Sydney, June 12 (Australia India News Newsdesk)

The Consulate General of India in Sydney and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), Sydney, have launched an extensive programme of yoga activities across New South Wales and South Australia ahead of the 12th International Day of Yoga on June 21.

Supported by the Ministry of AYUSH and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), the initiative is designed to bring communities together through a shared focus on wellness, mindfulness and healthy living.

Organisers have invited residents to participate in yoga sessions being held at multiple venues across the two states, offering opportunities to practise yoga, meditation and breathing exercises in a welcoming community environment.

The celebrations form part of a broader global movement marking International Day of Yoga, which is observed annually in countries around the world through public events, workshops and community programmes.

This year's theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” places special emphasis on the role yoga can play in supporting physical

fitness, mental wellbeing and overall quality of life across all age groups.

Officials said the sessions are intended not only to promote the health benefits of yoga but also to encourage greater community engagement and social connection through shared participation.

Participants will have the opportunity to experience yoga as a holistic discipline that integrates physical activity, relaxation and mindfulness, helping individuals achieve greater balance in their daily lives.

The programme reflects the continuing growth of yoga in Australia, where people from diverse cultural backgrounds have embraced the practice as a valuable tool for maintaining health and wellbeing.

With preparations underway for the June 21 observance, organisers are encouraging community members to find their nearest venue and take part in the celebrations.

The upcoming events promise a day of wellness, harmony and community spirit, reinforcing yoga’s enduring appeal as one of India’s most significant contributions to global health and wellbeing.

Parramatta Square to welcome major yoga event before global celebration

Sydney, June 12 (Australia India News Newsdesk)

Alarge community yoga gathering is set to take place at Parramatta Square on June 20 as part of the lead-up to the 12th International Day of Yoga, bringing together wellness organisations, community groups and yoga enthusiasts from across Sydney.

The event is being organised by the Consulate General of India in Sydney and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, with support from the Ministry of AYUSH and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Community partners include the Hindu Federation of Australia, the Australasian Association of Ayurveda, Nature Care Ayurveda, Mita Yoga & Meditation and Sydney Connexions.

Scheduled from 1 pm to 3 pm at Zone 8, Parramatta Square, the programme will offer participants an opportunity to experience yoga, meditation and mindful movement in an open-air community setting.

Organisers say the gathering is intended to celebrate the transformative benefits of yoga while encouraging people from all backgrounds to embrace healthier and more balanced lifestyles.

The event forms part of nationwide celebrations leading up to International Day of Yoga on June 21, which this year is being

observed under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”

Participants will be invited to take part in guided yoga practices and relaxation techniques aimed at promoting physical vitality, mental wellbeing and emotional balance.

According to organisers, the Parramatta programme will showcase yoga’s enduring relevance in modern life and its capacity to foster harmony, resilience and community connection.

The event is also expected to strengthen awareness of yoga as a holistic discipline that supports

overall wellbeing while bringing people together through shared experiences of mindfulness and wellness.

Community members have been encouraged to register and participate in what promises to be a vibrant celebration of health, positivity and collective spirit ahead of the global observance. The Parramatta gathering is among a series of events planned across New South Wales and South Australia as Australia joins millions of people worldwide in celebrating International Day of Yoga 2026.

IAASA Centre to host International Day of Yoga celebration in Adelaide

Sydney, June 12 (Australia India News Newsdesk)

The Indian Australian Association of South Australia (IAASA) Community Centre in Broadview will host a special International Day of Yoga programme on June 21 as part of celebrations being organised across Australia to mark the global observance.

The event is being presented by the Consulate General of India in Sydney and the Swami

Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), Sydney, in collaboration with IAASA, and is expected to attract community members from across South Australia.

Scheduled from 10 am to 12 noon, the programme will provide participants with an opportunity to experience yoga in a community-focused environment that promotes health, mindfulness and overall wellbeing.

Organisers said the event forms part of a broader effort to encourage people from all walks of life to engage with yoga and discover its benefits for physical fitness, mental wellness and balanced living.

This year's International Day of Yoga is being celebrated worldwide under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” highlighting the importance of maintaining physical vitality and emotional wellbeing throughout life.

The Adelaide gathering will feature guided yoga activities aimed at helping participants improve flexibility, relaxation and mindfulness while fostering a spirit of inclusiveness and

community participation.

Officials noted that yoga continues to gain popularity across Australia as more people embrace holistic approaches to health and wellness. Communitybased events such as this provide an opportunity to introduce newcomers to the practice while bringing experienced practitioners together in celebration.

The programme also reflects the enduring appeal of yoga as a tradition that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, connecting people through a shared commitment to healthy living.

Community members have been invited to register and take part in the event at the IAASA Community Centre, located at 6 Blamey Avenue, Broadview. The celebration will be one of several activities taking place across the country as Australians join millions around the world in observing International Day of Yoga and recognising its contribution to personal wellbeing and community harmony.

Beecroft event to bring generations together through yoga

Sydney, June 12 (Australia India News Newsdesk)

Acommunity yoga programme designed for children, youth and adults will be held in Beecroft on June 21 as part of celebrations for the 12th International Day of Yoga, offering participants an opportunity to experience the benefits of yoga in an inclusive and family-friendly setting.

The event is being organised by the Consulate General of India in Sydney and the Swami

Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), Sydney, in collaboration with The Art of Living.

Set to take place at the Roselea Community Centre, the programme will feature dedicated sessions tailored to different age groups, enabling participants to engage with yoga practices suited to their needs and abilities.

Children up to 15 years of age will take part in a specially designed session from 9.30 am to 10.30 am, while a separate programme for youth and adults aged 16 and

above will be conducted from 10.45 am to 12.15 pm.

Organisers said the initiative is intended to encourage wider participation in International Day of Yoga celebrations while promoting healthy lifestyles, mindfulness and overall wellbeing among people of all ages.

The event forms part of a broader calendar of activities being conducted across Australia in support of the global observance, which is celebrated annually on June 21.

This year's theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” highlights the role of yoga in supporting physical vitality, emotional balance and long-term wellness throughout life.

The Beecroft programme is expected to introduce participants to yoga’s practical benefits, including improved flexibility, relaxation, concentration and stress management, while fostering a stronger sense of community connection.

Organisers believe the familyoriented format will help make yoga more accessible and encourage greater engagement among younger participants and first-time practitioners.

Community members have been invited to register and join the event, which aims to celebrate the enduring relevance of yoga as a pathway to healthier living and a more balanced lifestyle.

The gathering will be among several International Day of Yoga events taking place across New South Wales, reflecting the continued growth of yoga and wellness initiatives within Australia's multicultural communities.

Women entrepreneurs’ dialogue boosts India-Australia business links

enabling participants to explore trends, challenges and opportunities in both markets.

Ahigh-level roundtable featuring women entrepreneurs from India has helped deepen business connections between India and Australia, providing a platform for dialogue, collaboration and the exchange of ideas among emerging and established business leaders.

The discussion, held at the Consulate General of India in Sydney on May 25, was chaired by Consul General Dr. S. Janakiraman and formed a special component of The Women’s Circle initiative organised in partnership with The Big LEAP.

The session brought together women founders from India who were visiting Australia as part of The Big LEAP delegation, creating an opportunity for direct engagement with members of the Indian diaspora and the wider Australian business community.

Participants shared insights from their entrepreneurial journeys and discussed opportunities for innovation, international expansion and collaboration across sectors.

Organisers said the involvement of women business leaders from India added an important global dimension to the conversations,

The roundtable focused on strengthening commercial ties, encouraging knowledge sharing and fostering greater cooperation between women-led enterprises in India and Australia.

Discussions also highlighted the growing contribution of women entrepreneurs to economic development and the importance of creating international networks that support innovation and business growth.

By bringing together business leaders from both countries, the event helped build stronger relationships within the Indian Australian community while opening new avenues for professional engagement and partnership.

Participants identified opportunities for future collaboration in areas ranging from entrepreneurship and innovation to mentoring and cross-border business development.

Organisers described the roundtable as a valuable step towards enhancing IndiaAustralia business engagement and creating lasting connections that can contribute to future growth, investment and cooperation between the two countries.

WAKS boosts ties with City of Stirling through community engagement talks

Representatives of the Western Australia Kannada Sangha (WAKS) have met with City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin and council officials to explore opportunities for collaboration aimed at supporting community initiatives and strengthening

multicultural engagement across the

The discussions focused on building partnerships that can enhance community participation, support cultural organisations and create new opportunities for residents from diverse backgrounds to engage in civic and community life. WAKS described the meeting

as a positive step towards fostering stronger relationships between local government and multicultural community organisations, highlighting the important role such partnerships play in promoting inclusion and social cohesion.

As one of Western Australia's active Indian community organisations, WAKS has been

instrumental in preserving and promoting Kannada language, culture and heritage while encouraging broader participation in multicultural activities. Through cultural festivals, educational programmes and community events, the organisation has helped strengthen connections among Indian Australians and the wider community.

The meeting also reflected the growing recognition by local governments of the contribution multicultural organisations make to Australia's social fabric.

Community groups such as WAKS not only preserve cultural traditions but also serve as important bridges that connect communities, encourage volunteerism and support social inclusion.

Mayor Mark Irwin and the City of Stirling team discussed avenues for future cooperation that could benefit local residents and

strengthen engagement between community organisations and civic institutions.

WAKS representatives welcomed the opportunity to share their vision for community development and multicultural participation, expressing appreciation for the council's openness to collaboration and support for grassroots initiatives.

The organisation said it looks forward to continuing its engagement with the City of Stirling and working together on projects that celebrate diversity, encourage community participation and contribute to a stronger and more inclusive Western Australia.

The meeting underscores the increasing role that Indian-Australian community organisations are playing in shaping multicultural Australia and building partnerships that benefit both their members and the wider community.

Growing influence of women in business and community leadership highlighted

Sydney, June 5 (Australia India News Newsdesk)

Women entrepreneurs, professionals and community leaders came together at the Consulate General of India in Sydney for The Women’s Circle, a networking and leadership event aimed at fostering meaningful connections and professional collaboration.

Organised by the Consulate General of India in partnership with The Big LEAP, the gathering provided a platform for women from diverse industries to engage in thoughtful discussions, exchange experiences and build relationships that support personal and professional growth. The event was addressed by Consul General Dr. S. Janakiraman, who welcomed participants and acknowledged

the increasingly important role women are playing in shaping businesses, driving innovation and contributing to community development.

Attendees included founders, business owners, professionals and leaders involved in sectors ranging from entrepreneurship and innovation to professional services and community initiatives.

Organisers described the programme as an opportunity to move beyond conventional networking by encouraging authentic conversations and creating an environment where participants could share insights, challenges and success stories.

The discussions focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation and the evolving opportunities available to women across a range of professional fields.

Participants also explored ways to strengthen support networks, encourage collaboration and create pathways for future growth and mentorship.

The event reflected the increasing prominence of women-led enterprises and initiatives within Australia's multicultural business landscape and highlighted the value of inclusive leadership in driving positive change.

By bringing together accomplished professionals and emerging leaders, The Women’s Circle sought to inspire new ideas, partnerships and opportunities for engagement across sectors.

The gathering concluded with a renewed commitment to supporting women’s leadership and creating forums that encourage dialogue, collaboration and professional advancement within the broader community.

TAAI Maitreya Initiative brings community together

June 9

The Telugu Association of

(SPB), presented by Chary Mudumbi. Through a carefully curated selection of the iconic singer's songs, combined with stories and insights into their creation and significance, participants were taken on a nostalgic musical journey celebrating one of India's most cherished voices.

The event also offered practical learning opportunities through a presentation by Chary Chigurala on retirement preparation and planning. The session explored a range of considerations that individuals may encounter as they prepare for retirement, providing attendees with valuable information and encouraging thoughtful discussion on longterm financial and lifestyle planning.

Organisers said the Maitreya Initiative continues to evolve as a platform where community members can come together to exchange ideas, learn from one another and strengthen social bonds. By combining cultural experiences with informative discussions, the programme seeks to address both the intellectual and social interests of participants.

TAAI acknowledged the enthusiastic participation of community members, whose engagement contributed to the warm and interactive atmosphere of the gathering. The organisation noted that such forums help foster a sense of belonging while creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue and shared experiences.

Special appreciation was also extended to Ganesh Doddi for his leadership and ongoing efforts

in coordinating the Maitreya Initiative. Organisers credited his dedication with helping establish the programme as an important community platform that promotes learning, cultural connection and personal development.

As Indian community organisations across Australia continue to expand their role beyond cultural celebrations, initiatives such as Maitreya highlight the growing emphasis on knowledge-sharing, wellbeing and community building. Through programmes that blend heritage, education and social engagement, TAAI is helping create stronger connections within the IndianAustralian community while encouraging lifelong learning and active participation.

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 2026: Where fashion, culture and community converge in Brisbane

On 16 August 2026, Brisbane's fashion calendar will welcome an event that aspires to be much more than a conventional runway showcase. Against the backdrop of celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of India's Independence, Alluring India 2026 – Australia Edition will bring together fashion, culture, heritage and multicultural engagement at The Star Brisbane, creating a platform that reflects the growing depth of the India–Australia relationship.

The event, presented in association with the Consulate General of India in Brisbane and curated by acclaimed show director Vinay Gupta, is positioning itself as one of Queensland's most significant Indian fashion and lifestyle showcases. Promotional material highlights the participation of celebrated designers, top Indian models and distinguished guests, promising an evening that blends elegance with cultural storytelling.

Yet the significance of Alluring India extends far beyond fashion alone.

Fashion as a language of culture

In today's interconnected world, fashion increasingly functions as a form of cultural diplomacy. International fashion events are no longer limited to showcasing garments and trends. They have become powerful platforms through which communities and nations communicate identity, history and artistic achievement. India possesses one of the world's richest textile and design traditions. Across centuries, different regions developed distinctive weaving techniques, embroidery styles, dyeing methods and craftsmanship traditions. Whether it is the

traditions. Fashion often becomes one of the most accessible and visible ways of expressing that connection.

At the same time, the event is expected to attract a broad multicultural audience interested in design, creativity and cultural exploration. In doing so, it strengthens the people-topeople connections that underpin Australia's multicultural success story.

The creative vision of Vinay Gupta

One of the reasons for the growing anticipation surrounding Alluring India 2026 is the involvement of Vinay Gupta, founder of Gait N Grace Lifestyle Impresario.

grandeur of Banarasi silk, the elegance of Kanjeevaram weaving, the delicacy of chikankari or the intricate beauty of zardozi embroidery, Indian fashion carries stories that stretch across generations.

Events such as Alluring India allow these traditions to be experienced beyond India's borders.

For audiences in Australia, the runway becomes a cultural journey. Fabrics, colours, jewellery, music and presentation combine to offer insights into a civilisation whose artistic traditions remain both diverse and dynamic.

Celebrating multicultural Australia

The importance of such events is particularly relevant in contemporary Australia. Few countries have embraced multiculturalism as successfully as Australia. Communities from Asia, Europe, Africa, the Pacific and the Middle East have helped shape a society that values cultural diversity while maintaining social cohesion. Within this environment, cultural showcases perform an important role. They create opportunities for communities to learn about one another through creativity rather than formal dialogue. Fashion possesses a unique ability to transcend language barriers. Audiences instinctively respond to craftsmanship, design and visual storytelling.

For younger generations of Indian Australians, events such as Alluring India also provide meaningful opportunities to reconnect with heritage. Many navigate multiple cultural identities simultaneously, embracing both their Australian upbringing and their ancestral

Within fashion and eventmanagement circles, Gupta has built a reputation for creating showcases that combine professional production standards with strong cultural narratives. His work extends beyond organising runway presentations. It involves curating complete experiences where fashion, performance, lighting, choreography and storytelling operate together. Fashion insiders frequently note that successful fashion shows depend upon much more than attractive garments. The difference between a routine runway presentation and a memorable cultural experience often lies in the quality of creative direction.

The show director determines how collections are presented, how themes are communicated and how audiences engage emotionally with what they see. This is where Gupta's contribution becomes particularly significant. His approach has consistently focused on preserving cultural authenticity while embracing contemporary presentation techniques. In an era when audiences increasingly seek meaningful experiences rather than superficial spectacle, such balance is becoming more important than ever.

The role of Gait N Grace Lifestyle Impresario

Behind the event stands Gait N Grace Lifestyle Impresario, an organisation that has developed experience in fashion, lifestyle and cultural event management. The organisation's involvement provides an important foundation for an event of this scale. Large fashion showcases require extensive coordination involving designers, models, sponsors, production teams, media partners and community stakeholders. Professional execution is essential.

The promotional material for Alluring India highlights an ambitious vision that includes celebrated Indian designers, top models from India and a carefully curated lifestyle experience.

Delivering such a vision requires organisational expertise as well as creative leadership.

Industry observers believe the combination of Vinay Gupta's creative direction and Gait N Grace's event-management capabilities significantly strengthens the prospects of the showcase becoming a major success.

A platform for emerging talent

The promotional campaign also indicates that model auditions are scheduled for 26 June 2026, with registrations closing on 23 June 2026.

This aspect of the event is particularly noteworthy because it expands participation beyond established industry professionals.

Fashion events often serve as launching pads for aspiring models, performers and creative professionals. By creating opportunities for local talent to participate alongside experienced industry figures, Alluring India can help nurture the next generation of multicultural fashion ambassadors in Australia. Such opportunities are especially valuable in Queensland, where the creative industries continue to grow and diversify.

Celebrating 80 years of Indian Independence

The timing of the event adds another layer of significance.

The year 2026 marks the 80th anniversary of India's Independence, making the showcase not merely a fashion event but also a celebration of national achievement, cultural resilience and artistic heritage.

Fashion offers a particularly effective medium through which such milestones can be commemorated. Few aspects of Indian culture reflect the country's diversity as vividly as its clothing traditions. Regional identities, historical influences and contemporary creativity all find expression through fashion.

The runway therefore becomes more than a stage. It becomes a canvas upon which stories of heritage, innovation and identity

are presented.

Fashion, soft power and cultural diplomacy

Events like Alluring India also highlight the growing role of cultural diplomacy in international relations. Governments increasingly recognise that relationships between countries are strengthened not only through trade agreements and political dialogue but also through culture, education, sport and the arts. Fashion is an important component of that soft power ecosystem.

By showcasing India's creativity and artistic traditions before Australian audiences, Alluring India contributes to a deeper understanding of contemporary India—an India that is simultaneously rooted in heritage and engaged with global modernity.

More than a runway show As anticipation builds towards August 2026, Alluring India is emerging as more than a fashion showcase.

It represents a meeting point between tradition and innovation, between India and Australia, and between communities that increasingly share common aspirations within a multicultural society.

If the vision outlined by its organisers is realised successfully, Alluring India 2026 could become one of Brisbane's landmark multicultural events— an evening where fashion serves as a bridge connecting cultures, communities and generations. And perhaps that is the true power of such showcases. Beyond glamour, beyond design and beyond spectacle, they remind audiences that culture remains one of humanity's most effective means of bringing people together. Through creativity, craftsmanship and shared experiences, fashion can build connections that extend far beyond the runway itself.

Lucknow: A city where every street tells a story

By Ajay Saini

There are cities that dazzle visitors with towering skylines, glittering shopping districts and relentless energy. Then there are cities that unfold gently, revealing themselves layer by layer. Lucknow belongs to the second category. It is not a city that rushes to impress. Instead, it invites travellers to slow down, observe carefully and become part of a story that has been unfolding for centuries.

The first impression of Lucknow is often one of grace. There is a softness to the city that distinguishes it from many other urban centres in India. The pace feels measured. Conversations appear unhurried. Greetings carry warmth and courtesy. Even amid modern traffic and expanding neighbourhoods, there remains an unmistakable sense that culture still matters here.

Known as the City of Nawabs, Lucknow occupies a unique place in India's cultural landscape. It is a city where architecture, literature, cuisine, craftsmanship and etiquette have combined to create a distinctive identity. The influence of the Nawabs of Awadh continues to echo through its monuments, markets, language and lifestyle. Yet Lucknow is not trapped in its past. It is a modern state capital, a centre of education, administration and commerce. What makes it remarkable is the way it balances heritage and progress without losing its character.

For travellers seeking more than sightseeing, Lucknow offers an experience that is both historical and deeply human.

A morning among memories

The city awakens gradually. At dawn, the first rays of sunlight illuminate old domes and minarets. Tea vendors begin preparing steaming cups of chai. Morning walkers gather in neighbourhood parks. Birds circle above historic buildings that have witnessed generations come and go. It is during these quiet hours that Lucknow feels particularly enchanting.

The city’s story stretches back centuries. Local traditions connect it with Lakshmana, the brother of Lord Rama, while

majestically above the surrounding streets like a gateway to another age. Inspired by architectural styles that travelled from Persia and Central Asia, it reflects the cosmopolitan influences that shaped Awadh's cultural world.

The structure has become synonymous with Lucknow itself. Throughout the day, vehicles pass beneath its grand archway while visitors pause to admire its elegance. During sunrise and sunset, when changing light transforms the stone into shades of gold and amber, the gateway appears particularly beautiful.

historians trace its rise through various kingdoms before it flourished under the Nawabs of Awadh. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Lucknow emerged as one of the most sophisticated cities in South Asia.

While many capitals were known for military power or commercial influence, Lucknow became celebrated for refinement. Poetry flourished. Music evolved. Dance traditions matured. Cuisine became an art form. Architecture reached extraordinary heights. The result was a city whose influence extended far beyond politics.

Bara Imambara and the wonder of the Bhool Bhulaiya

No monument captures the grandeur of Nawabi Lucknow better than the Bara Imambara.

Built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in the late eighteenth century, the complex remains one of India's architectural masterpieces. As visitors approach the massive structure, they immediately sense the ambition behind its construction.

The vast central hall continues to inspire admiration centuries after its completion. Its engineering remains remarkable because it was built without supporting beams, creating an immense uninterrupted space.

Yet for many visitors, the greatest attraction lies above the hall.

The Bhool Bhulaiya, the famous labyrinth, transforms a historical monument into an adventure. Narrow passageways twist unexpectedly. Staircases emerge from hidden corners. Openings reveal surprising views of the city below.

Walking through the maze feels almost theatrical. Guides recount stories and legends while visitors attempt to navigate corridors designed to confuse and intrigue.

From the upper terraces, Lucknow stretches across the horizon. Ancient monuments, crowded markets and modern neighbourhoods coexist in a landscape where centuries overlap.

The magnificent Rumi Darwaza

A short distance from the Bara Imambara stands one of the city's most iconic landmarks.

The Rumi Darwaza rises

The monument reminds travellers that Lucknow was once connected to wider networks of culture, trade and artistic exchange stretching far beyond the Indian subcontinent.

The palace of lights Nearby stands the Chota Imambara, another jewel of Nawabi architecture.

Known for its ornate interiors and magnificent chandeliers, the monument showcases the artistic sensibilities that characterised Lucknow's golden age. Delicate decorative work covers walls and ceilings. Light reflects from crystal surfaces, creating an atmosphere of elegance and serenity.

During religious celebrations, the illuminated structure becomes especially captivating. Its glowing interiors have earned it the nickname “The Palace of Lights.”

Standing inside, visitors gain insight into a world where beauty was regarded as an essential part of public life.

The city of tehzeeb

Yet Lucknow's greatest heritage cannot be measured in bricks and stone alone.

It resides in something far less tangible: tehzeeb.

The word is often translated as etiquette or refinement, but its meaning extends much deeper. It reflects an entire cultural outlook centred on courtesy, respect and graceful conduct.

For generations, Lucknow became renowned for its language and manners. Urdu poetry flourished in its courts and salons. Literary gatherings attracted poets and scholars from across northern India. Speech itself became an art. Even today, visitors frequently notice a warmth and politeness that feel increasingly rare in fast-paced urban environments. Shopkeepers greet customers with respect. Conversations unfold patiently. Hospitality remains a matter of pride.

This culture of civility continues to distinguish Lucknow from many other cities.

The lanes of old Lucknow

To truly understand Lucknow, one must wander through its older neighbourhoods.

The historic Chowk area remains among the city's most fascinating districts. Here, narrow lanes pulse with life. Merchants display

colourful textiles. Jewellery shops sparkle beneath soft lighting. Vendors prepare traditional sweets using recipes passed down through generations.

The atmosphere engages every sense.

The scent of spices drifts through the air. Conversations blend with the sounds of commerce.

Ancient buildings overlook streets that have witnessed centuries of change.

Exploring these lanes is not simply shopping. It is a journey into the living heritage of the city.

The delicate art of Chikankari Lucknow's cultural identity is closely linked with Chikankari embroidery.

This intricate form of hand embroidery has become famous throughout India and beyond.

Skilled artisans create delicate patterns that transform ordinary fabric into works of art.

Visitors who observe the process quickly appreciate the patience involved. Every stitch reflects concentration and experience. Designs emerge gradually, often requiring countless hours of labour.

Despite changing fashions and modern production methods, Chikankari continues thriving.

It remains one of the city's most important cultural and economic traditions.

For many travellers, purchasing a Chikankari garment becomes more than a shopping experience. It becomes a way of carrying a piece of Lucknow's heritage home.

A city of fragrance Lucknow's refinement extends even to the world of perfume.

Traditional attar makers continue preserving techniques that date back centuries. Small shops filled with glass bottles offer fragrances derived from flowers, herbs and natural oils.

Rose, jasmine, sandalwood and countless other scents create an atmosphere that feels timeless. Entering one of these establishments often feels like stepping into another era. The fragrances evoke memories of royal courts, literary gatherings and a culture that appreciated beauty in every detail.

The culinary capital of Awadh For many travellers, Lucknow becomes unforgettable because of its food.

The cuisine of Awadh ranks among India's greatest culinary traditions. Developed under royal patronage, it reflects extraordinary attention to flavour, texture and technique.

The legendary Galouti Kebab has become the city's most famous culinary ambassador. Soft, aromatic and richly flavoured, it embodies the sophistication associated with Lucknow's kitchens.

Yet the city offers far more than kebabs.

Biryanis, kormas, roomali rotis, nihari, sheermal and countless sweets create a gastronomic landscape that rewards exploration. Street vendors, family-run establishments and celebrated restaurants all contribute to the city's culinary identity.

Food in Lucknow is never rushed. Meals are occasions for conversation, hospitality and connection.

Spirituality, femininity, ecology key motifs in poetry of Indian Portuguese language teacher

Inspired equally by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and Portugal's literary icon Luis de Camoes, an Indian teacher of Portuguese at the Camoes Portuguese Cultural Centre in New Delhi, has released her second book of poetry, which spans themes as varied as social injustice to ecology while seeking that its readers look inwards to find their own answers.

Dr Bindiya Bedi Charan Noronha, who is also the Senior Technical Officer at the Portuguese Embassy in India, told IANS in an interaction that her work tries to raise questions rather than provide answers.

In the book "Riding With The Silver Wolf", released by the Portuguese Ambassador on the country's National Day on June 10, Noronha said that her book does not have a single overarching theme but is rather a "journey on the waves".

Following is a transcript of the interview:

IANS: What is the central theme of your book?

Noronha: This book has many themes. It draws on spirituality in India, feminine identity, ecological awareness, and social justice. It explores the concept of

feminine identity, but I cannot say that it has just one central theme. It is like a journey on the waves, and those waves travel through many different areas of life.

IANS: How does this book connect India and Portugal?

Noronha: I went to Portugal to study in 1988. I was the first recipient of a scholarship awarded under the cultural agreement between India and Portugal. As a result, I was deeply influenced by the country. Portugal is a small nation surrounded by the ocean, and its culture left a lasting impression on me.

June 10 is Portugal's National Day, and the day also marks the death of the great Portuguese poet Luis de Camoes. I had already been greatly influenced by Rabindranath Tagore, and later I was influenced by the writings of Camoes as well.

In a way, Rabindranath Tagore is synonymous with India's cultural identity, while Camoes is synonymous with Portuguese identity. Portugal's National Day is celebrated worldwide by Portuguese-speaking communities and in recognition of the country's language and culture. Since I also teach the Portuguese language, this connection is very close to my heart.

IANS: What are the key features of your book?

Noronha: As I mentioned earlier, the book is not simply trying to take readers outward or provide answers. Instead, it raises questions and encourages readers to look within themselves. It invites them to discover courage and responsibility alongside freedom.

We enjoy a great deal of freedom in our country. We are a democratic nation where people

can express themselves, engage in discussions, and even protest. However, freedom must also be exercised responsibly.

The book highlights social injustices, including the situation of widows in Varanasi, as well as the ecological damage occurring around us. It encourages readers to reflect deeply on these issues. At the same time, it draws upon the richness of our spiritual heritage and cultural traditions.

IANS: Which audience or demographic has this book primarily targeted?

Noroha: This book speaks to everyone. One beautiful example is India's Stanza, a poetry group that I curate. Our youngest poet is 13 years old, while the oldest is 72. Every month, we hold poetry gatherings under the UK Poetry Society. The book is a journey both inward and outward, a journey to find one's own answers, healing, and a greater love for the world. Because of this, it can resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds.

IANS: What cultural impact do you hope this book will have?

Noronha: This book has been written from my own cultural perspective, which has been shaped by India. At the same time, my work with the Embassy of Portugal, my studies in Portugal, and my teaching of Portuguese language and culture have also influenced it. Therefore, the book reflects both Indian and Portuguese cultural influences. The foreword has been written by Maria Regina da Mota, President of the International Academy of Portuguese Culture, and the book was launched by the Portuguese Ambassador. I believe these elements clearly demonstrate the book's cultural significance and impact.

Rahis Bharti and Dhoad Band to represent Rajasthan at Paris event honouring PM Modi on

Rajasthan's vibrant folk heritage is set to shine on the global stage as acclaimed folk artist Rahis Bharti and the internationally renowned Dhoad Band will perform at the "Bonjour Modi" event in Paris on June 18. Organised in honour of Prime Minister Modi, the event will celebrate Indian culture, the Indian diaspora, and the strong ties between India and France. The programme will be held at Salle Pleyel, one of Paris's most iconic concert halls.

Rahis Bharti and the Dhoad Band have been officially selected by the Embassy of India in Paris, making the occasion a matter of pride for Rajasthan's artistic community and for India's cultural landscape.

Speaking about the opportunity, Rahis Bharti said, "Performing at an event organised in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a great privilege for us. We see this as recognition not only of the Dhoad Band, but also of Rajasthan's folk artists and India's rich cultural heritage. It is an honour to represent our traditions on such a prestigious international platform."

'Bonjour Modi' event will be held in Paris on June 18 in honour of Prime Minister Modi.

Renowned folk artist Rahis Bharti and the Dhoad Band will present a special cultural performance, officials confirmed to IANS.

Yoga now part of daily US life: Ambassador Kwatra

As preparations gather pace for the 12th International Day of Yoga across the United States, India's Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra has said yoga has become so deeply embedded in American society that "pretty much in every street" one can find a yoga studio, underscoring the growing global appeal of what he described as "a great treasure of our civilizational heritage".

"If you walk around in Washington, DC, indeed anywhere in the United States it would be a very common site for you to come across a yoga studio pretty much in every street," Kwatra told IANS ahead of nationwide celebrations marking the International Day of Yoga.

From Washington's Lincoln Memorial to New York's Times Square and Chicago's Navy Pier, Indian diplomatic missions across the US are preparing for large-scale public events under the theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing", highlighting yoga's role in promoting physical mobility, mental well-being and healthy lifestyles.

The Indian Embassy in Washington will host its flagship

celebration at the Lincoln Memorial on June 19. Inviting the public to participate, the Embassy said: "Join us for the largest yoga session of the year!"

Kwatra said the annual observance reflects the worldwide acceptance of an ancient Indian tradition that has steadily expanded far beyond its place of origin.

"The International Day of Yoga was decided upon by the UN through a resolution in 2014 whereby they declared 21st of June as the International Day of Yoga. It was a singular initiative driven by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, which was supported by 175 countries who supported the passage of this resolution," he said.

Describing yoga as one of India's enduring contributions to the world, the ambassador said: "Yoga is not just one of the ancient traditions of Bharat. It is also a great treasure of our civilizational heritage."

He added: "Prime Minister Modi himself has said that yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition."

According to Kwatra, yoga's lasting appeal lies in its ability to connect different dimensions of human life. "It's a heritage. It's a tradition which has this unique ability to bring together a very harmonious convergence of your body, with your mind, with your thought, and all three, with your soul," he said.

June 18

Currently touring Europe, the ensemble includes nearly 20 folk artists from remote villages across Rajasthan. Over the past several weeks, the group has been presenting traditional Indian folk music and dance at cultural festivals and events across France and other European countries. For more than 26 years, Rahis Bharti and the Dhoad Band have been showcasing India's folk traditions across the globe. Having performed in more than 119 countries, the group has earned international recognition as a leading ambassador of Rajasthan's cultural heritage and India's rich artistic traditions. Each year, the ensemble spends six to seven months performing internationally, introducing global audiences to the music, folklore and cultural traditions of Rajasthan.

World Yogasana Championships 2026: Hosts India complete a century of gold medals in clean sweep

Ahmedabad, June 8 (IANS) Hosts India signed off the inaugural World Yogasana Championships campaign with 114 medals that included a century of gold (102) to underline their domination at the EKA Arena here on Monday. Second-placed Japan were a distant second with three gold, three silver, and five bronze, with Argentina taking the third spot thanks to their lone athlete, Nabila Barraza’s exploits of two gold and three silver. Neighbours Nepal were the second most successful contingent in terms of number of medals won as they clinched a total of 52 medals, including one gold, 36 silver, and 15 bronze to finish fifth on the medal standings. Uzbekistan finished with 25 medals, including one gold, 13 silver, and 11 bronze. In all, a total of 522 athletes from 79 countries participated in the Championships, with 31 of them winning at least one medal each. Ten of those managed to win at least one gold medal.

The inaugural World Yogasana Championships in Ahmedabad, the venue of the 2030 Commonwealth Games, were a landmark event that marked a defining moment in the evolution of Yogasana, transforming an ancient Indian practice into a globally competitive sporting discipline while strengthening

its pathway towards recognition within the Olympic movement.

The World Yogasana Championship 2026 was supported by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Ministry of Ayush, Sports Authority of India (SAI), Sports Authority of Gujarat, Gujarat Tourism, and Gujarat Yogasana Sports Association -- establishing Yogasana as a global sporting discipline and paving the way towards Olympic recognition. Hosts, India had fielded a 122-member contingent, with athletes competing across six age categories - Sub-Junior Men and Women (10-14 years), Junior Men and Women (14-18 years), Senior (18-28 years), Senior A (28-35 years), Senior B (35-45 years), and Senior C (45-55 years).

In a video message, Yogrishi Swami Ramdevi Ji Maharaj, President, World Yogasana, termed the World Yogasana Championship as the beginning of a global movement. “World Yogasana Championship is not the destination; it is the beginning of a global movement. Yoga is not merely a sport—it is a way of life, a path to health, harmony, peace, and human unity. Every athlete here is not just a champion, but an ambassador of yoga to the world.

“Today we celebrate medals and champions, but tomorrow we must create a world connected through yoga. I firmly believe that the journey which began here will one day take Yogasana to the Olympic stage and inspire generations across the globe,” he said.

The five-day championships proved to be a melting pot of cultures, where athletes enjoyed the great hospitality in India and

also learnt about the history and journey of Yogasana.

Armenia’s Sona Soghayan, who took up yoga during her second pregnancy three years back, was amazed to see the sport getting such a huge platform in India. “I will carry a lot of pleasant memories from my first visit to India. I hope to spread the concept of yoga among my friends after going back to Armenia, as this sport helps a lot to maintain our well-being.

Results:

Artistic Pair

Sub Junior Female: Gold — Ishika Guchhait & Ishanvi (India) 90.89, Silver — Niya Vijayvargiya & Aarohi Lokhande (Zambia) 82.38, Bronze — Renka Aoki & Ichika Shimizu (Japan) 60.34

Junior Female: Gold — Deepa Lodhi & Sima Niopane (India) 90.42, Silver — Sweakshya Thapa & Pragya Gautam (Nepal) 56.39, Bronze — Tasila Blessings Phiri & Deborah (Zambia) 41.30

Junior Male: Gold — Ayush Bhowmik & Om Dehankar (India) 91.03, Silver — Mukheshkar Rajan & Pratheesh Sanjeewakumar (Sri Lanka) 33.08, Bronze — Kanna Singh Khadka & Sandesh Dhital (Nepal) 20.27

Rhythmic Pair

Senior Female: Gold — Indu Mathuria & Devi (India) 71.77, Silver — Djumanova Aliya Abubakir & Ansatbaeva Aysulu Arislan (Uzbekistan) 68.84, Bronze — Charuni Nikeshala Keeripitiya Gamethige & Saumya Sewmini Gurugamage (Sri Lanka) & Manar Mohammed Al Maskari & Sreya Nagasubramanian (Oman) 23.05

Austrian goalkeeper makes football World Cup history as tallest player ever in the competition

New York, June 9 (IANS) Austria are set to establish a new record at the FIFA World Cup 2026 for having the tallest player ever to play in the 96-year history of the tournament.

Austrian goalkeeper Florian Wiegele, who plays his club football for Viktoria Plzen in the Czech first division, stands at an impressive two meters and five centimetres in height, which is six feet and nine and a half inches

tall.

That means that although he is not exactly head and shoulders above Dutch goalkeeper Andries Noppert (2.03 metres), who was at the Qatar World Cup and the previous tallest player in a World Cup squad, he is still taller, while other tall footballers, such as England's Peter Crouch at 2.01 metres and Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 1.95 metres, are basically in his shadow, reports Xinhua.

Wiegele, whose only international appearance was against Ghana in a March friendly game, is the third-choice goalkeeper in the Austrian squad behind Alexander Schlager and Patrick Pentz. Austria are placed in Group J in the expanded 48-team World Cup along with defending champions Argentina, Algeria, and Jordan.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial

Gavaskar urges India to move beyond ‘transition’ tag after record win over Afghanistan

New Delhi, June 8 (IANS) India great Sunil Gavaskar believes it is time to stop viewing the Indian Test side as a team in transition and instead judge it by the standards expected at the highest level, following India's crushing 300-run innings victory over Afghanistan in the one-off Test at New Chandigarh.

The win marked India's largest innings victory in Test cricket, highlighting the depth of the squad led by captain Shubman Gill. Debutant spinner Manav Suthar played a key role, and the bowling attack dominated Afghanistan throughout both innings.

After the victory, Gavaskar noted that it was time to change the conversation around the team. He suggested shifting away from seeing the team as transitioning

and focusing more on performance and accountability. "I think we should stop describing this team as being in transition and instead pay attention to the standards expected in Test cricket. Every team faces retirements and changes in personnel, but the focus must stay on performance," Gavaskar told JioStar.

"Recent Test results reveal that our bigger concern has been batting rather than bowling. The bowlers have generally done their job, but the batters need to show more discipline and stronger technique, especially in tough situations.

"Sometimes, there's a tendency to adopt a T20 mindset, where patience fades after a few dot balls, leading to poor decisions. Test cricket requires a different approach. Moving forward, India must focus on tightening their batting processes, building longer innings, and staying present rather than viewing every result through the lens of transition."

Cricket icon Matthew Hayden named co-owner and head coach of Glasgow Cosmic

Glasgow, June 9 (IANS) Former Australian cricket star Matthew Hayden has joined Glasgow Cosmic as co-owner and head coach ahead of the inaugural European T20 Premier League (ETPL), marking a significant addition to the franchise’s leadership team.

international men's soccer championship, which will be played from June 11 to July 19, 2026. It will be jointly hosted by sixteen cities—eleven in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada.

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 introducing a new 48-team format, the group stage has become more fascinating than ever. Twelve groups, 72 groupstage matches, and eight thirdplaced teams also advancing means every group has its own unique narrative, pressure points, and potential surprises.

Unlike previous World Cups, the expanded 48-team format means every group-stage result carries additional significance. A slow start or a poor result in one match can immediately increase pressure heading into the next. For several title contenders, the challenge isn't just who they play, it's who they play next too.

A World Cup winner and one of the most successful opening batters in cricket history, Hayden said the franchise’s vision and ambition were key factors behind his decision to come on board.

“What attracted me most was the vision behind the project. Great teams are built on strong values, clear purpose, and bold thinking.

I look forward to helping build something special in Glasgow,” Hayden said.

Hayden highlighted the importance of fostering a winning culture and creating an environment where players can develop, perform under pressure, and reach their full potential. He also described the ETPL as an exciting opportunity to support cricket’s growth across new markets and inspire the next generation of talent.

Glasgow Cosmic management welcomed Hayden’s arrival, stating that his vast experience, leadership qualities, and

international reputation will be instrumental in shaping the club’s future and strengthening its presence in the European cricket landscape.

The franchise’s roster features renowned players, including Finn Allen, Liam Livingstone, Josh Philippe, Moises Henriques, Kamindu Mendis, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Gerhard Erasmus, Duan Jansen, Ali Khan, as well as Scotland captain Richie Berrington and Scottish cricket star George Munsey.

The inclusion of Scotland captain Berrington and Munsey highlights the franchise’s commitment to Scottish cricket as it prepares to compete in the inaugural ETPL season.

Sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on November 27, last year, the sixteam tournament represents a landmark collaboration among the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands, a united effort to grow the game and elevate European cricket on the world stage.

The first edition of the ETPL is scheduled from August 26 to September 20. It completed its six-team franchise line-up at a landmark event in Dublin earlier this month, where Rahul Dravid was officially unveiled as owner of the Dublin franchise ahead of the league’s 2026 launch, joining Glasgow, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Belfast, and Rotterdam, competing in 33 matches.

World Cup 2026 opens in grand style at historic Azteca Stadium

New Delhi, June 12 (IANS) The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup began in spectacular fashion on Thursday night as Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca hosted a dazzling opening ceremony that blended football, music, and history on a memorable night.

Spanish actress Salma Hayek and FIFA president Gianni Infantino have declared the tournament open and placed the trophy inside the Mexico City stadium. With thousands of fans packing the legendary venue, FIFA President Gianni Infantino officially declared the tournament open before presenting the coveted World Cup trophy to an enthusiastic crowd. The ceremony

marked the start of football’s biggest celebration and set the tone for a month-long festival across North America.

Global music stars Shakira and Burna Boy headlined the star-studded event, captivating supporters with a vibrant performance of the tournament’s official anthem, “Dai Dai.” Their energetic show transformed the stadium into a sea of colour, lights, and music, creating an electric atmosphere ahead of the opening match.

The festivities began approximately 90 minutes before kick-off, with cultural performances and visual displays showcasing the rich heritage of the host nation. Fans from around the world joined in the celebrations, waving flags and singing along as the excitement reached fever pitch.

The choice of Estadio Azteca added a powerful historical dimension to the occasion. Widely

regarded as one of football’s most iconic venues, the stadium became the first in history to host World Cup matches in three different editions of the tournament, having previously staged games in 1970 and 1986. Its legacy is unmatched. Brazilian legend Pelé celebrated World Cup glory on its famous turf in 1970, while Argentine icon Diego Maradona lifted the trophy there 16 years later after inspiring his nation to victory.

Now, four decades after its last World Cup showcase, the Azteca once again took centre stage, opening a new chapter in football history as the 2026 tournament officially got underway in unforgettable fashion.

The exciting opening ceremony set the stage for the opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa, which will be followed by a clash between South Korea and Czechia.

2026 FIFA WC: Nora Fatehi stars in the second Opening ceremony at Toronto, as Day 2 also witnesses empty seats

Toronto, June 13 (IANS) The maiden FIFA World Cup in Canada started on Friday with a star-studded second opening ceremony ahead of the Group B match between co-hosts Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto.

Bollywood actor and dancer

Nora Fatehi was the headline attraction, performing the official World Cup song 'Siir Siir'. Canada is hosting the FIFA World Cup for the first time in history, and begin their highly-anticipated campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina, who made it to the tournament by beating European giants Italy.

The other performers who featured in the opening ceremony included Vegedream and Sanjoy, who took centre stage at the beautiful and majestic Toronto Stadium. The festivities in Toronto also featured performances from Jessie Reyez and Alessia Cara before the kickoff. Palestinian artist Elyanna also performed at the Opening Ceremony at BMO Field, Toronto. While some fans took to social media to criticise FIFA for another opening ceremony, which many fans found not exciting enough, a fair number of empty seats in the stadium in Toronto were also noted.

Though the Aztecs Stadium in Mexico City was filled to the brim, the tournament's second fixture, South Korea versus Czechia at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, witnessed noticeable swaths of

unoccupied seats.

According to reports, a day before the tournament began, roughly 180,000 tickets remained posted across FIFA's official resale platforms. Approximately 15,000 group-stage tickets were still obtainable directly through FIFA's website.

However, FIFA denied that the stadium in Guadalajara was empty.

"Official attendance figures reflect the number of tickets scanned, and spectators present within the stadium footprint, rather than visual assessments of seating occupancy at any given moment during the match. FIFA works closely with stadium authorities and ticketing teams to ensure all published figures are based on verified operational data," FIFA informed in a post by FIFA Media on X, formerly Twitter.

Sci-Fi on the Pitch: What the FIFA World Cup’s new ‘Ref Cams’ are really used for

The

opening ceremony and a thrilling victory for co-hosts Mexico over South Africa. Yet, beyond the goals and glamour at the Mexico City Stadium, eagle-eyed fans quickly

noticed something unusual strapped to the match officials: futuristic headgear that is changing how we watch football. Linked to his microphone system, the prominent over-ear device gave the Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio a sci-fi look. The equipment is a wireless referee communication system, known as 'Referee camera' or ref cam. At this World Cup, referees are wired with three essential pieces of audio and visual gear: first the microphone; this keeps the main official in constant dialogue with their linesmen, the fourth official,

Barred from entering US,

Somali referee Artan to receive full FIFA WC salary: Report

New Delhi, June 14 (IANS) FIFA will reportedly pay Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan his full tournament fee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite his inability to officiate at the competition after being denied entry into the United States.

According to a report by The BBC, the world governing body has decided that Artan will receive the full remuneration allocated to match officials for the tournament, ensuring he is not financially affected by the circumstances that forced him to miss the event.

Artan, 34, was among the 52 referees selected by FIFA to officiate at the World Cup finals being jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States from June 11 to July 19. He was set to become the first Somali referee to take charge of a match at a FIFA World Cup.

However, his World Cup dream came to an abrupt end after he was denied entry by U.S. immigration authorities at Miami International Airport. Reports

said Artan, despite holding a valid entry visa, was refused admission and later returned to Istanbul before travelling back to Somalia. FIFA earlier confirmed that the Somali official would not be able to participate in the tournament.

"FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States," FIFA said in a statement.

"FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan's status will not be changed at present.

"In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country," the statement added.

According to Cisse Aden Abshir, an adviser to Somalia's Ministry of Youth and Sports, Artan was stopped by immigration officials upon arrival in Miami and was subsequently unable to enter the country.

An official in Somalia's national football league, Artan became a FIFA-listed referee in 2018 and has officiated at several major continental competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

FIFA WC: Police probe theft of England training equipment in Kansas City: Report

New Delhi, June 13 (IANS)

England’s preparations for the FIFA World Cup have suffered a setback after training equipment being transported to the team’s base in Kansas City was reportedly stolen, said a report.

and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team. It is also the tool used to broadcast live VAR explanations directly to fans inside the stadium.

Second, the Earpiece; a vital receiver that channels real-time tactical advice and audio alerts from the officiating crew, allowing the referee to react instantly to fast-paced flashpoints. and third the Ref Cam; Mounted right next to the ear, this tiny, highdefinition camera captures the game strictly from the official's viewpoint.

The incident is understood to have occurred while equipment was being transferred from England's pre-tournament training base in Florida to Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, where the team is set to start training once they land on Saturday.

Local police confirmed that the case has been opened as a theft investigation.

"We are investigating a possible theft of equipment from a team vehicle that arrived in Kansas City with items missing this evening," they said in a statement, as

reported by the BBC.

"The investigation is ongoing. Two subjects of interest were taken into custody pending further investigation."

A range of footballs and boots are believed to have been taken as the vehicle being used to transport equipment was broken into, according to the BBC report.

The alleged incident has occurred only days before England's World Cup campaign gets underway, with Thomas Tuchel's men due to face Croatia in the Group-stage clash on Wednesday in Dallas.

However, local police may have identified a number of suspects to interview while England's officials hope for minimal disruption to their World Cup build-up as they look to get their campaign off to a flying start.

England manager Thomas Tuchel and his squad will touch down in Kansas City on Saturday afternoon, with training equipment already being shipped in to make sure everything is in place for the team's arrival.

England will be among the favorites to lift the trophy and will be desperate to send out a statement when they come up against Croatia in a repeat of the 2018 World Cup semi-final fixture.

Gandhinagar, June 14 (IANS)

Gujarat Science City, a stateof-the art centre in Ahmedabad has evolved into a global hub of knowledge and innovation particularly for students and science enthusiasts, as large number of them visit this centre every year.

The Gujarat Science City, equipped with world-class attractions including Nature Park, Robotics, Aquatic, Astronomy and Space Science Gallery,

Planet Earth, Energy Education Park, and Musical Fountain has emerged as the country's Leading science centre and also a favourite hotspot for students. The centre, having emerged as a major milestone in the field of science also envisions the goal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as it was set up in 2002 and has seen more than 1.40 crore visitors arriving at the leading science centre in the past two decades.

From 2006 to May 2026, more than 1.43 crore science enthusiasts and students have visited Science City, seeking to understand, experience, and learn science through close interaction and exploration.

Gujarat Science City, located in Ahmedabad, was established on

New Delhi, June 9 (IANS) The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) will showcase a range of deep-tech innovations, strategic research initiatives and incubated startups at 'Bharat Innovates 2026', an international technology showcase in France, the institute said on Tuesday.

The event -- being organised by the Ministry of Education in France from June 14-16 -aims to identify, mentor and showcase some of India's most promising technology ventures emerging from higher educational

institutions and centrally funded technical institutes.

According to IIT Madras, the event will connect Indian innovators with a global audience comprising investors, policymakers, industry leaders, research institutions and technology partners.

IIT Madras will lead two of the 13 thematic areas at the event and showcase 15 startups incubated at the institute.

The institute's pavilion will feature five major research projects highlighting India's capabilities in deep-tech innovation and indigenous technology development.

These include Hyperloop technology, lab-grown diamond technologies, 5G and 6G communications, port automation and a domain-

August 10, 1999. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure as the Gujarat Chief Minister, the institute gained further momentum through extensive efforts towards modernisation and expansion. Prime Minister Modi also visited the Gujarat Science City first on January 9, 2017, on the occasion of the 'Nobel Prize Series' programme, and later in September 2023 for 'Vibrant Gujarat' Success Summit programme, where he provided guidance for the global-level development of the centre.

Equipped with world-class facilities, this centre has emerged as a global symbol of knowledge, innovation, and progress.

IIT Madras to showcase deep-tech innovations, startups at Bharat Innovates 2026

specific low-compute indigenous AI ecosystem.

Highlighting the significance of the event, IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti said the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 and Bharat Innovates 2026 are expected to create new opportunities for collaboration between IIT Madras and French universities, research laboratories, startups and industries.

"The event opens up opportunities for joint research in 6G technologies, shared testbeds, standards development, startup partnerships, technology transfer and talent exchange programmes," he said.

IIT Madras will lead the Blue Economy and Next-Generation Communications thematic areas at the event.

AI can help India leapfrog without building its own models: Rubrik executive

Washington, June 9 (IANS)

Artificial intelligence can help India emerge as a global leader in the next phase of technological innovation even without developing frontier AI models of its own, according to Dev Rishi, General Manager for AI at Rubrik, who believes the biggest challenge facing enterprises today is not AI capability but governance, security and compliance.

Speaking to IANS ahead of Rubrik's annual Forward conference in Las Vegas, where the company is unveiling a series of AI-focused cyber resilience products, Rishi said organisations around the world are still in the "very early innings" of AI adoption.

Gujarat Science City a big draw for students and science enthusiasts, logs 1.43 crore visitors since opening www.indianews.com.au

Talent, innovation and skilling to make India a key contributor to global AI ecosystem: Arundhati Bhattacharya

New Delhi, June 14 (IANS) If India can combine its talent advantage with stronger research and development (R&D) and continued skilling, the country can become a very important contributor to the global AI ecosystem, says Arundhati Bhattacharya, President and CEO, Salesforce South Asia.

India has the talent, digital infrastructure and entrepreneurial energy to become a leader in AI.

“A lot of innovation will come from India's unique requirements, whether it is multilingual AI, cost-efficient models, or solutions that can work at enormous scale. At the same time, we need to do much more on R&D. Talent alone is not enough; we need stronger focus on research, greater collaboration between industry, academia and government, and a sustained focus on innovation,” Bhattacharya told IANS.

In an AI-first world, the most durable asset isn't a technical skill; it's curiosity.

“And if there's one thing I've learned from my own non-linear

journey — from an English Literature graduate to leading one of the world's fastest-growing tech regions — it's that the willingness to pivot, to learn, to stay curious, is what defines a lasting career. The future of work isn't about surviving AI. It's about having the courage to lead it,” she explained.

According to her, the most important skill today is the ability to keep learning. Domain expertise will continue to matter, but people also need to become comfortable working with AI because it is becoming part of everyday work across industries.

“At the same time, human judgement, creativity, communication and empathy will become even more valuable because these are the capabilities that complement AI. Some skills will sunset, new ones will emerge, and many of the jobs of the future do not yet have names,” Bhattacharya told IANS.

At Salesforce, “we believe in being customer zero. We use our own technology extensively before taking it to customers. For example, when we introduced an agentic layer into help.salesforce. com, our first-call resolution rate improved from around 44 per cent to over 84 per cent. It reinforced for us that when the data, context and governance are right, AI can deliver measurable business outcomes,” she noted.

India’s digital, education reforms reach over 1.49 lakh schools: Govt

"I actually think we're in the very early innings of AI changing world," Rishi said. "The first generation of AI were these LLM models that were mostly informational."

According to him, the next phase will be driven by AI systems that can perform tasks and take actions inside organisations.

"I generally think about that shift as a shift from like generative AI to adjunct AI," he said. "That is the way that it's going to start to actually lead to a lot of ROI inside organisations."

Rubrik, a cyber resilience company, announced a new set of AI products designed to help enterprises recover more quickly from cyber attacks and securely govern AI agents operating inside organisations. The company is also launching integrations for Anthropic's Claude AI ecosystem and introducing agent-driven

recovery capabilities.

Rishi said AI adoption among large enterprises is increasingly being held back by concerns over governance and security rather than technology limitations.

"If you survey enterprise CIOs and CISOs, they'll tell you that the number one blocker towards being able to adopt AI is governance and guardrails and compliance," he said. "It's actually not cost, it's not orchestration, it's not even quality."

The executive argued that securing AI systems will require AI itself.

"In order to be able to use AI, you need to use AI itself to secure and govern those agents," he said.

On the global AI race, Rishi offered a different perspective from the increasingly competitive narrative between the United States and China.

New Delhi, June 13 (IANS) Over 1.49 lakh schools have been covered under Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and digital initiatives, with more than 1.76 lakh smart classrooms and 1.79 lakh ICT laboratories sanctioned, the government said on Saturday.

Digital learning platforms have expanded reach, the statement said, with SWAYAM offering over 18,580 courses and recording more than 6.1 crore enrolments and 53.7 lakh certifications.

SWAYAM PRABHA, PM e-VIDYA, and DIKSHA have further widened learning access through television, radio, digital content, and e-resources. DIKSHA alone hosts over 3.66 lakh e-content resources in 135 languages. At the higher education level, the One Nation One Subscription initiative has expanded access to academic and research resources

across 7,414 institutions, benefiting nearly 99 lakh users. To foster innovation and entrepreneurship, the Atal Innovation Mission has established over 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs, empowering more than 1.1 crore students and supporting the development of over 16 lakh projects in emerging technologies. Additionally, 72 Atal Incubation Centres have supported over 6,700 startups and helped create more than 32,000 jobs.

“India’s startup ecosystem also grew significantly, with over 2.3 lakh recognised startups. Through digital platforms, inclusive programmes, and community participation, the country’s youth have emerged as the Amrit Peedhi, contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047,” the statement said.

Skill development in India became truly inclusive with the transformation of the Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSS) in 2018. Courses are tailored to local demand including tailoring, embroidery, handicrafts, food processing and health-related services, leading to greater livelihood generation at the grassroots.

India ready to lead next wave of biopharma innovation: Anupriya Patel

New Delhi, June 11 (IANS) India is rapidly emerging as a global pharmaceutical powerhouse and is well-positioned to lead the next wave of biopharmaceutical innovation, Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilisers Anupriya Patel said on Thursday.

While addressing ASSOCHAM's Pharma Summit & Awards 2026, she highlighted the government's efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing, promote innovation, and build a resilient healthcare ecosystem capable of driving the country's long-term growth in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.

“India is rapidly strengthening its position as a global pharmaceutical powerhouse while preparing to lead the next wave of biopharmaceutical innovation,” she stated.

“India's journey towards becoming Atmanirbhar in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology is not only an economic objective but also a strategic necessity,” the minister mentioned.

Highlighting the impact of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, she noted that India has significantly enhanced domestic manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and critical drugs, reducing dependence on imports across

key pharmaceutical inputs.

The minister described biopharmaceuticals as India's next strategic frontier and said the recently announced Rs 10,000 crore Biopharma Shakti Mission reflects the government's strong commitment to innovation-led healthcare.

“The mission aims to facilitate the development of at least 100 biologics by 2047 and position India as a global hub for advanced therapies, novel biologics and next-generation healthcare solutions while strengthening its leadership in affordable generic medicines,” Patel stated.

"The future of pharma will belong to those who innovate, collaborate and build for the world, and India is ready to lead," she added.

She called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, industry, academia, startups, investors, regulators and healthcare institutions to enhance research capabilities, manufacturing strength, supply chain resilience and global quality standards. Addressing the gathering, Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, said the Indian pharmaceutical industry is entering a new phase of growth driven by innovation, quality, regulatory excellence and global competitiveness. ASSOCHAM

Past President Anil K. Agarwal said the pharmaceutical sector is at a defining moment where innovation, regulatory excellence and collaborative partnerships can help establish India as a global leader in advanced healthcare solutions.

Shigella alert in Kerala, health department steps up vigil

Shigella alert in Kerala, health department steps up vigil Thiruvananthapuram, June 9 (IANS) Kerala has sounded a public health alert after fresh reports of Shigella infections in parts of the state, prompting the Health Department to order intensified containment and prevention measures on a war footing.

Health Minister K. Muraleedharan has directed local self-government bodies and health officials to strengthen surveillance, sanitation, and water safety interventions to prevent further spread.

State-specific roadmaps needed for achieving leprosy-free India: Health Ministry

Nava Raipur, June 12 (IANS)

Stressing the need for statespecific roadmaps to achieve a leprosy-free India, Additional Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Aradhana Patnaik, said on Friday that intensified, targeted interventions are needed to completely interrupt transmission in hotspot areas. Speaking at the two-day Regional Workshop on Review of Programme Performance and Focused Strategic Action for Achieving Zero Transmission of Leprosy in Nava Raipur, Patnaik highlighted India's achievements

in reducing the burden of leprosy, according to an official statement. She said the country had achieved elimination of the public health problem at the national level in 2005, cautioning that transmission persists in several endemic districts and hotspot areas, necessitating intensified, targeted interventions to completely interrupt transmission. Highlighting the epidemiological landscape, Patnaik informed participants that five high-priority states — Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh — together account for nearly 50 per cent of India's leprosy burden. She noted that these states also have a

substantial number of districts reporting prevalence rates above 1 case per 10,000 population, including 23 in Chhattisgarh, 21 in Jharkhand, 18 each in Maharashtra and Odisha, and 10 in Madhya Pradesh.

Underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and prompt treatment, she emphasized the need for periodic Leprosy Case Detection Campaigns in endemic areas, according to the statement. She also called for strengthening contact tracing and expanding the coverage of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) through SingleDose Rifampicin (SDR) among eligible healthy contacts of index cases, particularly in vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations.

Govt holds scientific conclave to boost pharma

New Delhi, June 11 (IANS)

A scientific conclave and interactive session on the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) 2026 was held in Haridwar to raise awareness of new provisions under IP and promote quality compliance across the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, the government said on Thursday. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), an

quality compliance

autonomous institution under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, organised the conclave, in collaboration with the Association of Devbhumi Pharma Industries and affiliated Uttarakhand pharmaceutical associations.

The event brought together manufacturers, quality control and assurance professionals, regulatory authorities, analytical scientists and drug testing laboratory personnel to discuss recent developments in pharmacopoeial standards and their implementation in the pharmaceutical industry.

Uttarakhand is one of India’s leading pharmaceutical

manufacturing hubs and has been among the states effectively utilising the IP and Indian Pharmacopoeia Reference Substances for ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines.

The conclave was organised in the state to further strengthen industry awareness, support compliance with pharmacopoeial requirements, and promote the consistent adoption of IP standards across the pharmaceutical sector, thereby providing handholding support to pharmaceutical manufacturers and other stakeholders in the state.

The government has launched urgent measures to ensure the safety of drinking water sources, with special focus on chlorination, inspection of public wells, and strict monitoring of contamination risks.

Sanitation drives have been stepped up across affected localities, with instructions to ensure rapid removal of waste and improved hygiene standards in public spaces.

Officials said the response mechanism is being coordinated jointly by the Health Department and local bodies, with field-level teams instructed to remain on high alert.

Hospitals have also been asked to ensure adequate facilities, isolation readiness, and availability of essential medicines in case of a surge in cases.

Shigella infection, caused by bacteria spread mainly through contaminated water and food, typically leads to symptoms such as diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, and vomiting.

Health authorities have warned that children are particularly vulnerable, and extra precautions are necessary in schools, childcare centres, and residential communities.

WHO says Ebola outbreak expands fast in Congo, spreads to Uganda

Geneva, June 9 (IANS) The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is expanding rapidly, with rising case numbers, wider geographic spread and cross-border transmission to Uganda, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.

In its latest update, WHO currently assesses the risk as very high for DRC, high for Uganda and neighbouring countries sharing land borders with affected areas, and low for the rest of the African region and globally.

As of Sunday, DRC has reported 515 confirmed cases, including 91 deaths. Uganda has reported 19

confirmed cases, including two deaths and one probable fatal case. All cases in Uganda remain epidemiologically linked to the outbreak in DRC, with evidence of both imported infections and secondary transmission among contacts and healthcare workers. National authorities, working with WHO and partners, are implementing a range of response measures. On 5 June, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and WHO launched a joint continental Ebola preparedness and response plan, seeking 518 million U.S. dollars to support African countries in preparing for, detecting, and responding to the outbreak. The outbreak involves Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), a severe and often fatal form of Ebola disease. The virus is believed to originate in fruit bats and can spread through close contact with the blood or

secretions of infected animals or the bodily fluids of infected people, Xinhua news agency reported.

The incubation period for BVD ranges from two to 21 days, and infected individuals are not contagious until symptoms appear.

Ebola disease is a severe disease caused by orthoebolaviruses, members of the filoviridae family, which occurs in humans and other primates. The disease was identified in 1976, in almost simultaneous outbreaks in Zaire (DRC) and Sudan (now South Sudan).

The current outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, was officially declared on 15 May. While the Bundibugyo variant is less common than the Zaire strain responsible for several previous outbreaks, it can still cause severe illness and death.

COCKTAIL 2

RELEASE DATE: 19 June 2026

LANGUAGE: Hindi (With English Subtitles)

PRODUCER: Maddock Films, Luv Films, The Family DIRECTOR: Homi Adajania CAST: Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Rashmika Mandanna, Sanjay Dutt

RELEASE DATE: 24 December 2026

LANGUAGE: Hindi (With English

Subtitles)

PRODUCER: Red Chillies Entertainment & Marflix Pictures

DIRECTOR: Siddharth Anand

CAST: Shah Rukh Khan

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE

RELEASE DATE: 26 June 2026

LANGUAGE: Hindi (With English Subtitles)

PRODUCER: Base Industries Group

DIRECTOR: Ahmed Khan CAST: Wamiqa Gabbi, Akshay Kumar, Zakir Hussain, Suniel Shetty

RELEASE DATE: 10 July 2026

LANGUAGE: Hindi (With English Subtitles)

PRODUCER: Aditya Chopra

DIRECTOR: Shiv Rawail

CAST: Alia Bhatt, Sharvari

Salman Khan sports new bold look with thick stubble, buzz cut

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan sported a fresh look at a special event in the city on Saturday. The actor attended a special event commemorating the 25th anniversary of ‘Lagaan’. Salman trimmed down his hair, and sported a light stubble. He was dressed in all black. His look featured a pair of black torn denim, black t-shirt rounded with a black leather jacket.

As the video spread on social media, the Internet was quick to react. One user commented, “Salman bhai full power”. Another user wrote, “Wanted look” referring to his blockbuster ‘Wanted’. A 3rd user wrote, “New Bold Look. This Eid 2027, witness the rise of a whole new era. Sharper. Stronger. Bolder. With unmatched charisma and largerthan-life action, Salman Khan is

When Amrish Puri slapped Smita Patil during the shooting of Shyam Benegal’s ‘Bhumika’

Legendary actors Amrish Puri and Smita Patil gave memorable performances in filmmaker Shyam Benegal's "Bhumika".

However, did you know that in one of the scenes from the film, Amrish Puri actually slapped Smita Patil, that too without her knowing, catching her completely off guard.

During his appearance on the beloved talk show, "Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai," Amrish Puri shared the incident, saying, "In the scene, I stop her from going outside, and she talks back to me. Unable to take this, I had to get up and slap her."

set to set the box office on fire”. However, not everyone agreed, as there were a few users who thought the actor lost the spark. A 4th user wrote, “He looks completely off”. Another user commented, “He is totally dead inside... his friend recently died”. Meanwhile, the makers of ‘Lagaan’ celebrated the 25th anniversary of the iconic film in the city on Saturday. Several prominent figures from the industry turned up for the event, including Kajol, Juhi Chawla, Mukesh Chhabra, Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal.

The film starred Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan (the actor came on-board after being pursued by Ashutosh) and Gracy Singh. It clashed with the Sunny Deol-starrer ‘Gadar: Ek Prem Katha’ at the box-office, and also secured a nomination for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 74th Academy Awards.

‘Lagaan’ is considered a masterclass in filmmaking and is noted for breaking many prevalent rules of the box-office at the time. The film has been included as a case study in team building by many educational institutions. It also introduced a new style of mounting a film in Bollywood, moving into a streamlined approach by hiring professionals in each department. It wa the first film in Hindi cinema to use a sync sound.

He revealed that he asked director Shyam Benegal, "Sir, what if I actually slap her?"

The filmmaker agreed to the idea immediately, and when Amrish Puri slapped Smita Patil during the scene, her reaction was absolutely organic.

"That reaction has to be seen in the film. That is a natural reaction", Amrish Puri had said.

Directed by Shyam Benegal, "Bhumika" features Smita Patil, Amol Palekar, Anant Nag, Naseeruddin Shah, and Amrish Puri in pivotal roles, along with others.

The movie is a cinematic adaptation of the Marathi memoirs, "Sangtye Aika" of the well-known Marathi stage and screen actress of the 1940s, Hansa Wadkar.

Smita Patil gave a memorable performance, perfectly showcasing her character's transformation from a vivacious teenager to a wiser but deeply wounded middle-aged woman.

The project ended up bagging, not one but two National Film Awards. It was further invited to the Carthage Film Festival, Tunisia , in 1978, along with the Chicago Film Festival, where it was awarded the Golden Plaque in 1978, and also the 1986 Festival of Images in Algeria.

Aamir Khan on 25th anniversary screening of ‘Lagaan’ at LIFF: Film made with belief, passion and honesty

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, whose film ‘Lagaan’ is set to clock 25 years of its release, has called it a project made with belief, passion and honesty. The colonial epic is set to be screened at BFI IMAX on July 12, 2026 at the upcoming edition of the London Indian Film Festival.

The upcoming edition of the film fest promises a series of offerings including Aamir Khan in Conversation, ‘Goodness Gracious Me’ Reunion, Europe’s first Indian AI & Film Showcase and UK premieres of indie features and shorts across five UK cities.

The Closing Gala will welcome superstar actor and filmmaker, Aamir Khan In Conversation, at BFI Southbank on July 16, as a tie-in with the 25th anniversary of Academy Award-nominated, colonial epic, ‘Lagaan’. The actor will give a rare talk about the making of this hit international film and his career to date, from child actor to one of the world’s most bankable superstars, with an international hit factory of movies mixing entertainment with social issues. Talking about the film, Aamir Khan said, “As ‘Lagaan’ completes 25 years, it’s hard to put into words what this journey has meant. We made the film with a lot of belief, passion and honesty, never imagining the kind of love it would receive and

continue to receive all these years later. I’m truly delighted that this milestone is being celebrated with a screening at the BFI. To see ‘Lagaan’ still connect with audiences across generations and across geographies is very special”. The festival will be opened by the euphoric rites-ofpassage story, ‘52 Blue’, directed by the award-winning Ali El Arabi. It stars Adil Hussain and Neha Dhupia. The director and cast will be present for the screenings of the film.

Speaking about the festival’s programme, CEO and Programming Director, Cary Rajinder Sawhney said, “We are delighted to share the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Lagaan and show this epic film on the UK's largest IMAX screen with major actor producer Aamir Khan present to talk about its making. Other inspirational figures coming to the festival are Britain’s legendary ‘Goodness Gracious Me’ comedy team, who will make a rare appearance together.

Samyuktha shares why watching Vijay Sethupathi perform in person is a ‘completely different experience’

Samyuktha, who primarily works in Malayalam and Telugu films, has shared her admiration for South superstar Vijay Sethupathi.

In an exclusive quote shared with IANS, she described the experience of watching Vijay perform in person as “completely different.” Samyuktha, who will be seen alongside the actor in the film 'Slumdog – 33 Temple Road', said his on-set presence and natural style of performance bring a unique energy that stands apart from what audiences usually see on screen.

Speaking about working with Vijay Sethupathi, Samyuktha mentioned, “I’m a huge fan of Vijay sir. Watching him perform in person is a completely different experience. The way he transitions into a character is so seamless and natural. When he delivers his lines, it genuinely feels like they’re coming from within. As a co-actor, getting to witness that process up close was truly special.”

She also opened up about the challenges of portraying a character with extreme contrasts in “Slumdog – 33 Temple Road.”

Talking about her role in the film, Samyuktha shared, “My character is a very beautiful one. I’ve never

played something like this before. It has contrasting yet extreme variations, and that’s what excited me the most. It challenged me as an actor, and I’m really happy that I got the opportunity to portray such a unique character.”

Further, the actress spoke about the film’s director Puri Jagannadh and praised his unique filmmaking style and on-set energy. She said, “Everyone kept telling me that this film was going to be one of its kind, and

once I came on set, I understood why. The way Puri sir directs is effortless, stylish, and truly beautiful. In fact, I should correct something people often say—he doesn’t just finish shoots on time, he starts on time and finishes early. It’s amazing to watch him work.”

Directed by Puri Jagannadh, the upcoming movie is slated to release theatrically on June 19, 2026.

Prakash Raj wraps up ‘fantastic’ shoot of Ajay Devgn-starrer ‘Drishyam 3’

Actor Prakash Raj has wrapped up a “fantastic” shoot for the upcoming film “Drishyam 3” starring Ajay Devgn and Tabu. Prakash shared a glimpse of the shoot. He posted a picture featuring himself. In the image, the actor’s back is towards the camera, and a clapboard with “Drishyam 3” written is seen.

“#Drishyam3 Hindi .. Just wrapped up a fantastic shoot with a wonderful team… thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this film.

I’m sure you ‘ll love it too… on to the next one @abhishekpathakk @kumarmangatpathak @ panorama_studios,” he wrote as

the caption.

The makers of the upcoming film ‘Drishyam 3’ had started shooting in December in Goa.

Actor Jaideep Ahlawat has also joined the franchise. Jaideep is known for his intense screen presence and nuanced performances and brings a compelling new energy to the ‘Drishyam’ universe, promising a fresh, unpredictable dynamic as the story unfolds. It also stars Ishita Dutt, Tabu, Shriya Saran, and Rajat Kapoor returning for this edge-of-the-seat family thriller.

Drishyam tells the gripping tale of a family caught in the shadow of a shocking disappearance — a policewoman’s son goes missing, and she threatens to destroy Vijay’s family. Determined to protect his loved ones, Vijay spares no effort in keeping them safe.

Seven years later, in the sequel, the Salgaonkars have tried to move on from the traumatic events of their past. But just when life seems to have found its rhythm, unexpected circumstances arise, threatening to unearth dark truths long buried.

Gautham Karthik releases first look of Ann Sheetal,Shivakumarstarrer ‘Badam Kheer’

Popular actor Gautham Ram Karthik has released the first loo of director Jai Sakthi Prakash's upcoming film 'Badam Kheer', featuring actors Shivakumar and Ann Sheetal in the lead.

Taking to his social media timelines, actor Gautham Karthik wrote, "Happy to reveal the Title and First Look of #BADAMKHEER. My hearty wishes to the entire cast and crew of the team for this film to be a huge success."

Sources close to the unit say that the film is being made as a romantic comedy entertainer. irected by debutant Jai Sakthi Prakash, the film is being produced by Pradeep Jose K. The first look poster released is set against a colourful backdrop and features four individuals

Red Hot Chili Peppers closes music catalogue deal at $300 million

The rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers has struck gold. The band has cracked one of the biggest rock deals of the year. The band has offloaded their full recorded music catalogue to Warner Music Group for a reported $300 million, reports ‘Female First UK’.

Nayanthara celebrates another year of marital bliss with Vignesh Shivan with perfect family pics

Powercouple Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan completed 4 years of marital bliss on Tuesday. Commemorating the special occasion, Nayanthara treated the netizens with some rare family photos of the lovebirds and their twin boys - RudroNeel N Shivan and Ulag Daiwik N Shivan.

One of the pics from the album which seems to be from their recent vacay to the Vatican City shows the two giving a romantic pose in front of a bridge.

In another picture, Nayanthara and Vignesh were seen locking lips, with one of the boys sitting on the director's shoulders.

From simply walking the streets of the Vatican with their two boys to flaunting their infectious smile for the camera, the post included many heartwarming moments of the cute little family.

including actors Shivakumar, Sathish and Daniel Annie Pope, each of whom seem to be holding a musical instrument in their hands.

The colourful first look poster gives the impression that this film will be a light-hearted romantic comedy entertainer that can be enjoyed with the whole family.

Shivakumar and Ann Sheetal are playing the lead roles in the film, which will also feature actors Daniel Annie Pope, Pradeep Josh and Sathish in pivotal roles. Yogi Babu and TM Karthik will also be seen in important cameo roles. The film will alsof feature actors Madhumita, Vazhakku Nambi Muthuraman and Lija.

Sources close to the unit say that shooting for the film, which been shot extensively in Chennai, Pondicherry and Munnar, has now been completed and that post production work is on at a brisk pace. The teaser and other updates are expected to be released soon as the postproduction work is in its final stages.

On the technical front, the film has music by Vishal Chandrasekhar, while cinematography is by A Kumaran. Art direction for the film is by Palanivel while editing is by Linu M and sound effects is by Sethu.

"Happy Anniversary to Us (sic)," Nayanthara captioned the post. Nayanthara and Vignesh came close while working on the 2015 Tamil film, "Naanum Rowdy Dhaan". After being in a relationship for many years, the lovebirds finally tied the knot on June 9, 2022, in a grand ceremony in Mahabalipuram. The traditional nuptials were attended

Khan, Rajinikanth, AR Rahman, Suriya, Vijay Sethupathi, and Atlee.

Bhumi Pednekkar explores the Odian cuisine: Layered flavours, thoughtful ingredients

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On Monday, 'The Royal' actress

for work, but ended up exploring the highly underrated food in the country.

Bhumi published a video compilation of all the fun she had while trying out the various delicacies Rourkela has to offer.

She wrote on the photo-sharing app, "Bhooki Bhumi has reached Rourkela! I came here for work, but as usual, my stomach had other plans. Between meetings and madness, I went on a fullblown food adventure and discovered that Odisha has been quietly serving some of the most underrated food in the country. Seriously, why is nobody talking about this enough?! (sic)"

One of the dishes Bhumi talked about was, Pakhala Bhata, a traditional Odia dish made by

soaking cooked rice in water and fermenting it overnight.

"Pakhala Bhata, Refreshing, packed with gut-friendly bacteria, and basically the original probiotic before probiotics became cool," she added.

Putting her experience in her own words, Bhumi further penned, "Every meal had me going, “Wait… what is this and why is it so good?” The flavours are layered, the ingredients are thoughtful, and everything feels like it was created with purpose, not just taste, but wellness too."

"Needless to say, I arrived in Rourkela for work and left with a new personality trait: talking about Odia food," she went on to conclude.