SOLAR BATTERY SOLUTIONS + GOVERNMENT REBATES AUSTRALIA
India, Canada reaffirm $50 billion bilateral trade as Piyush Goyal concludes landmark visit
Toronto/New Delhi, May 28 (IANS) With India-Canada
bilateral trade currently standing at approximately $8.5 billion, both governments remain committed to their shared and ambitious target of expanding it to $50 billion by 2030, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said as he concluded a highlyproductive and landmark threeday visit to Canada, an official
India, China discuss issues related to delimitation, border management
Beijing, May 28 (IANS) New Delhi and Beijing held the 35th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) and discussed issues
related to delimitation, border management, mechanism building and cross-border cooperation.
During the meeting held in Beijing on Wednesday, the Indian side stressed on early meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism on Trans-border Rivers. The two sides agreed to maintain regular exchanges and contacts at the diplomatic and military
statement said on Thursday. Goyal had a packed schedule of high-impact engagements in Toronto spanning academia, innovation, government, business councils, institutional investors and the diaspora community. He led the largest-ever Indian business delegation to Canada,
Delhi, May 26 (IANS) The Quad members on Tuesday condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and called for decisive and sustained efforts to combat it.
EAM Jaishankar meets world leaders in Cyprus, discusses bilateral ties, West Asia crisis
Nicosia, May 28 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar held a series of bilateral talks with global leaders at the Informal Meeting of the European Union (EU) Foreign Ministers in Cyprus, with discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation across several sectors and the emerging
situation in West Asia.
EAM Jaishankar met his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha, where the two sides discussed the Ukraine conflict and explored ways to deepen bilateral cooperation.
Following the meeting, Sybiha took to X and said, “In Cyprus, I
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Quad gains momentum with Rubio’s India visit: USIBC
Washington, May 27 (IANS)
The US-India Business Council (USIBC) on Wednesday welcomed a series of strategic initiatives announced during US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to India, saying the outcomes demonstrate renewed momentum in the Quad grouping and deeper economic
During the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday, the member states -India, the US, Japan and Australia, stated that Quad remains concerned about the proliferation of online scam centres in Southeast Asia and surrounding regions which are connected to the spread of other transnational crime, including trafficking in persons, drug trafficking, sexual extortion, illicit financing, and other forms of cybercrime. According to the joint statement
released following the meeting, the Ministers announced that the Quad will deepen cooperation, particularly law enforcement and regulatory engagement, including strengthening partners’ ability to combat online scam centres and related transnational organised crime.
"We unequivocally condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including crossborder terrorism and the horrific terrorist attacks perpetrated
Quad announces energy security initiative, support for port infrastructure in Fiji, says Australian FM Wong
New Delhi, May 26 (IANS)
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Tuesday announced that Quad is taking several new
initiatives, including an energy security initiative, working on critical minerals, and support for port infrastructure in Fiji.
In her joint press statement along with Foreign Ministers of India, Japan and the US following the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday, Penny Wong stated, "At every meeting that we have had, we have been focused on momentum and on making sure we deliver outcomes which are real, which are meaningful for our people and for the people of Indo-Pacific.
As Minister Jaishankar has said, we recognise our obligation, our responsibility to provide real choices, particularly as strategic circumstances in our region (Indo-Pacific) are deteriorating.
New
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India, Canada reaffirm $50 billion bilateral trade as Piyush Goyal concludes landmark visit
Continued from page 1
comprising industry leaders from over 100 Indian companies, in a landmark step towards the full revival of India-Canada economic relations.
The three-day visit — covering Ottawa on May 25 and Toronto from May 26–28 — aimed at advancing bilateral trade and economic ties between India and Canada, with a particular focus on accelerating the ongoing negotiations for the India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), according to a Commerce Ministry statement.
The engagements reinforced the sustained momentum in the India-Canada economic partnership and highlighted India’s emergence as a premier global destination for investment, technology collaboration, and long-term partnerships.
Goyal delivered an address to faculty, researchers, and students at the prestigious Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy,
University of Toronto — one of the world’s leading institutions for the study of international relations and public policy.
The minister spoke about India’s rapid economic progress, transformative reforms, and growing global leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He highlighted the immense potential for deeper engagement among academia, industry, and policymakers to further strengthen bilateral trade, investment, and people-to-people ties between India and Canada.
Goyal also visited the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) and was briefed on its wide-ranging initiatives to promote innovation, support startups, and foster collaboration between industry, academia, and government.
He also engaged in productive discussions with Canada-India Tech Connect on emerging areas of technology, including Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing.
Addressing the gathering, Goyal
highlighted India’s thriving startup and innovation ecosystem and outlined how Canada can partner meaningfully in these high-growth sectors. He also underlined the vast potential for bilateral cooperation in AI, cleantech, agritech, and deep tech — sectors where both countries possess complementary strengths.
Goyal also held an engaging interaction with representatives of regional chambers operating in the India-Canada corridor and received constructive feedback on avenues to strengthen business collaboration and boost investment flows. He appreciated their pivotal role in enhancing trade, investment, and people-to-people ties between the two countries, and highlighted the significant opportunities emerging from the renewed momentum in bilateral relations and the ongoing CEPA negotiations.
Quad calls for decisive and sustained international efforts to combat terrorism
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at Pahalgam in India on 22 April 2025, and Bondi Beach in Australia on 14 December 2025. We call for decisive and sustained international efforts to combat terrorism in accordance with international law, including action against globally proscribed terrorists and terror entities and their proxies, affiliates, sponsors and financiers," the statement read.
"We are committed to working together with our international and regional partners in a comprehensive manner to strengthen their capacity to prevent, detect and respond to threats posed by terrorism, violent extremists who engage in violent, criminal, or terrorist acts and by the use of emerging technologies for terrorist purposes," the ministers further stated.
External Affairs Minister (EAM)
EAM
S. Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi participated in the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting.
The Foreign Ministers of the Quad nations reiterated their support for a free and open Indo-Pacific and agreed to further enhance cooperation and advance concrete initiatives to deliver tangible benefits to the Indo-Pacific. The joint statement released following the meeting said, "We remain seriously concerned about the situation in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. We reiterate our strong opposition to any destabilising or unilateral actions, including by force or coercion, that threaten peace and stability in the region."
"We express our serious concerns regarding dangerous and coercive actions, including
interference with offshore resource development, the repeated obstruction of freedom of navigation and overflight, and the dangerous manoeuvres by military aircraft and coast guard and maritime militia vessels, especially the unsafe use of water cannons and flares, and ramming or blocking actions in the South China Sea. We are seriously concerned by the militarisation of disputed features," it added. The ministers discussed the situation in West Asia and reaffirmed their support for ongoing diplomatic efforts. They stressed the importance of adhering to international law as mentioned in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) with respect to navigational rights and freedoms, and the safety and uninterrupted flow of global commerce through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
Jaishankar meets world leaders in Cyprus, discusses bilateral ties, West Asia crisis
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had a meaningful meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. We discussed Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine and the battlefield developments -in particular, Ukraine’s growing initiative.”
“Our message is clear: we want to end this war and achieve a comprehensive and lasting peace. We also exchanged views on peace efforts and the importance of stronger global engagement. As Europe steps up its responsibility, we would welcome India’s strong voice and input. We also discussed
strengthening Ukraine–India bilateral relations and agreed to maintain regular dialogue on issues of mutual interest,” he further said.
EAM Jaishankar also held a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, where the two sides exchanged views on the regional development in West Asia.
Sharing the details of the interaction on X, EAM posted: “A good meeting with FM HH Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud of Saudi Arabia. Appreciate his
Quad gains momentum with Rubio’s India visit: USIBC
Continued from page 1
ambition between New Delhi and Washington.
In a statement issued after the visit, USIBC praised the signing of the US-India Framework on Critical Minerals and Rare Earths, calling it a major step toward expanding cooperation in mining, processing and advanced technology supply chains.
"The Framework creates actionable pathways for investment, off-take agreements, co-development, and technology partnerships spanning mining, processing, and rare earth magnet value chains," the business body said.
USIBC also welcomed the Quad's Critical Minerals Framework announced during the meeting, saying it "further reinforces the multilateral architecture underpinning these bilateral gains".
"With disruptions to key maritime routes -- including through the
Strait of Hormuz -- driving fuel and fertiliser price volatility across the Indo-Pacific, the launch of the Quad Fuel Security Forum and the broader Quad Initiative on Indo-Pacific Energy Security are timely and consequential steps," the statement said.
USIBC said India's position as one of the world's largest crude importers and an emerging clean energy hub made it a natural partner for American companies looking to invest in regional energy resilience.
The council also pointed to progress in trusted digital infrastructure, undersea cable connectivity and next-generation communications standards as key commercial openings for US and Indian businesses.
It highlighted initiatives linked to "Ports of the Future" as well as bio-manufacturing and pharmaceutical supply chain resilience across the Indo-Pacific.
India, China discuss issues related to delimitation, border management
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levels through mechanisms, including those that were agreed as part of the outcomes of the 24th Special Representatives (SR) Talks, according to the statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
"The discussions were constructive and forward looking.
The two sides reviewed the situation in the India-China border areas. They expressed satisfaction with the progress made in maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas, which has enabled progress towards gradual normalisation of bilateral relations," the MEA said in a statement.
For the meeting, the Indian delegation was led by Sujit Ghosh, Joint Secretary (East Asia), and the Chinese delegation was led
Quad
assessments and insights on the evolving situation in West Asia/ Middle East.”
During his talks with the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, the External Affairs Minister discussed India-EU cooperation and the geopolitical situation in West Asia.
EAM Jaishankar arrived in Cyprus on Wednesday to attend an informal meeting of the EU Foreign Ministers at the invitation of EU HRVP Kallas and Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos.
by Hou Yanqi, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The officials of two nations agreed to work together to make substantive preparation for the next meeting of the Special Representatives (SR), to be held in China.
During the visit, the Indian delegation leader met Liu Jinsong, Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei. Earlier in April, India and China held Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Bilateral Consultations in New Delhi and discussed the implementation of the SCO Leaders' decisions and the future course of the organisation.
announces energy security initiative, support for port infrastructure in Fiji, says Australian FM Wong
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The region is facing acute economic stress."
"We know the world is more unpredictable. We know economic volatility is increasing. We know the consequences for our region of the Iranian closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and what that means for our energy security, for our economies and for our people. We recognise the efforts of Secretary Rubio towards a diplomatic resolution to ensure freedom of navigation is restored and crucial energy supplies flow.
We recognise the importance of maintaining the principle
of freedom of navigation and our opposition to any tolling proposition. The Quad is today taking forward a number of new initiatives, the energy security initiative...and of course our continued work on critical minerals because we understand that secure and reliable supply chains are a precondition to economic and strategic stability," she added.
Penny Wong said that the Quad nations will coordinate maritime surveillance efforts in the Indian Ocean and Exercise Malabar. She announced that the Quad nations are expanding the Domain Awareness Initiative to the Indian Ocean.
CM Sarma reviews Budget preparations, health targets and key infra projects
Guwahati, May 29 (IANS) Assam
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday chaired a series of high-level review meetings with key departments to assess the progress of major government
schemes and infrastructure projects aimed at accelerating the state’s development journey. Sharing details of the meetings in a post on X, the Chief Minister said the discussions focused on strengthening the implementation of initiatives under the “Double Engine Government” and ensuring the timely delivery of commitments made to the people of Assam.
In a meeting with the Finance Department, Sarma reviewed preparations for the upcoming
state Budget and discussed measures to fulfil promises made by the government to the people.
“Throughout the day, I chaired meetings with key departments to review the progress of schemes of our Double Engine Govt, which will give thrust to Assam’s development journey,” the Chief Minister said in his post.
During a separate review meeting with the Health Department, Sarma discussed a range of issues related to strengthening the healthcare sector in the state.
Telangana CM draws action plan to protect votes of vulnerable sections in SIR
Hyderabad, May 29 (IANS)
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has drawn Congress' action plan to protect voters belonging to the vulnerable sections like Dalits, minorities, tribal and migrant workers from deletion in the Special Intensive
Revision (SIR), scheduled to begin in Telangana next month, government officials said on Friday.
Participating in the Congress' Political Affairs Committee (PAC) meeting at the Gandhi Bhavan, the Chief Minister warned that the SIR could emerge as a major issue for Lambada, Adivasi, and migrant workers.
"In several Assembly/Lok Sabha constituencies, a significant number of people have migrated elsewhere. The possibility of the omission of votes of Dalits, minorities, and women is also not ruled in the SIR," CM Reddy remarked.
Revanth Reddy instructed the party leadership to appoint SIR in-charges for all 119 Assembly constituencies and 17 Lok Sabha constituencies.
The In-charges should visit
their respective constituencies regularly, the Chief Minister said.
"We can ensure that not a single vote is deleted only when the incharges perform their duties," he added.
The Chief Minister noted the positive aspect that the Congress leaders and workers are understanding better about the SIR.
The Congress leaders were also recognising the potential difficulties the SIR could pose to common people, the poor, and Congress party workers.
CM Revanth Reddy emphasised that the Congress should develop a comprehensive understanding of the solutions to the problems that may arise from the SIR.
He called for seeking and incorporating the advice and suggestions of former Pradesh Congress Committee Presidents.
DK Shivakumar’s journey from grassroots organiser to K’taka’s top Congress leader
Bengaluru, May 28 (IANS)
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President D.K. Shivakumar, who is set to assume the post of Chief Minister following the resignation of CM Siddaramaiah, has emerged as one of the most influential political leaders in the state. His political journey, spanning more than four decades, has been marked by organisational strength, electoral success and major governance initiatives. Widely regarded as the Congress party’s principal strategist and crisis manager in Karnataka, Shivakumar’s rise from a grassroots student leader to the corridors of power reflects a long political career shaped by
organisational work, electoral battles and administrative responsibilities.
Shivakumar has often said that he gave everything possible for the party. He maintained that he was given two choices — either join the BJP or go to jail — and that he chose the latter.
After spending 50 days in Tihar Jail in 2019 following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on money laundering charges, he emerged stronger politically and consolidated his position as a powerful Congress leader. Congress leader Sonia Gandhi personally visited him in Tihar Jail, and Shivakumar later received a grand welcome from party workers after his release. He was subsequently elevated to the post of Karnataka Congress president.
A native of Kanakapura, Shivakumar entered politics in the early 1980s through the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) while pursuing his degree education.
Odisha Police step up anticrime drive across state
Bhubaneswar, May 29 (IANS)
Odisha Police has intensified its statewide crackdown on crime and criminal activities under a special enforcement drive launched on May 12 following directions from Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania.
According to a statement issued by the state police, the drive is being conducted across all police ranges under the supervision of district Superintendents of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack.
The operation is aimed at executing pending non-bailable warrants (NBWs), arresting absconders, curbing narcotics smuggling, seizing illegal
arms, checking illegal mineral transportation, and strengthening enforcement against drunk driving and other unlawful activities.
Police sources said the special drive has been implemented under the direct supervision of Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar.
During the last 18 days, Odisha Police executed 5,703 pending NBWs across the state.
Police also arrested 520 accused persons in different criminal cases and produced them before courts.
Besides, 957 habitual offenders were booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), while action was taken against 2,620 persons under Section 126 of the BNSS.
As part of the anti-narcotics drive, police registered 97 NDPS cases and arrested 137 accused persons.
Assam govt preparing roadmap for 2 lakh jobs: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Guwahati, May 28 (IANS) Assam
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said that the state government has already started preparing a roadmap to fulfil its promise of providing two lakh government jobs in the coming years.
Congress leaders often recall that his early political journey was encouraged by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Shivakumar first contested elections in 1985 from the Sathanur constituency against former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda.
Although unsuccessful in his first electoral battle, he secured his maiden Assembly victory from Sathanur in 1989, beginning what would become a long legislative career. He has since gone on to become an eight-time MLA. Over the years, Shivakumar handled several important ministerial portfolios in Karnataka governments. Between 1990 and 1992, he served as Minister for Prisons and Home Guards, where he introduced reforms focused on rehabilitation and skill development for prison inmates. From 1999 to 2004, as Minister for Urban Development, he focused on strengthening urban governance and civic administration across the state.
In a post shared on social media platform X, Sarma asserted that there would be “no time to rest” for the government as it moves ahead with implementing key poll promises after returning to power.
“There’s no time to rest in our quest to deliver on our promises,” the Chief Minister wrote.
He stated that his team has already begun identifying vacancies across departments and preparing a detailed plan to ensure the recruitment process is carried out in a systematic manner.
“My team is already at work to identify vacancies, create the roadmap, map out departments and bodies and chalk out the timeframe to deliver on the commitment of two lakh government jobs,” Sarma said in the post.
Along with the statement, the Chief Minister also shared a graphic titled “Mission 2 Lakh Govt Jobs – Plan in Motion”,
outlining the government’s strategy for the recruitment drive. According to the roadmap shared by Sarma, the government will first prepare a comprehensive recruitment plan and identify vacancies likely to arise over the next five years.
The plan also includes assessment of sanctioned posts and mapping of opportunities across departments, autonomous institutions, semi-government bodies, missions and societies.
The BJP-led government had made large-scale employment generation one of its major promises during the recently concluded Assembly elections in Assam.
Political observers believe the announcement is aimed at reinforcing the government’s commitment to employment generation amid growing demand for jobs among the youth in the state.
Since assuming office in 2021, the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government has repeatedly highlighted recruitment drives conducted in various departments including police, education, health and administrative services.
The Chief Minister has earlier maintained that the recruitment process in Assam would continue in a transparent manner and merit would remain the key criterion for appointments.
The latest announcement comes soon after the BJP returned to power in Assam with a strong mandate in the Assembly elections.
PIL in India’s apex court raises concerns over viral ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ campaign
New Delhi, May 24 (IANS) A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court of India flagging concerns over the rapid rise of a satirical social media campaign titled "Cockroach Janta Party" (CJP) following oral observations made during a recent hearing.
The plea, filed by advocate Raja
Choudhary through advocateon-record Rajesh Singh Chauhan, contended that courtroom exchanges and oral observations of constitutional courts were increasingly being transformed into "viral commodities", memes and monetised digital content detached from constitutional and procedural context.
The petition specifically referred to the rapid rise of the CJP campaign on social media platforms, alleging that the controversy surrounding oral remarks made during a Supreme Court hearing was converted into "digitally marketable content, political symbolism, viral commodities, and monetised spectacle".
"The present Petition concerns a constitutionally distinct issue, namely organised commercial exploitation, trademarkcommercialisation, monetised viral circulation, meme-based distortion, and algorithmically amplified digital commodification of oral courtroom proceedings and institutional constitutional discourse detached from procedural context and institutional dignity," the plea stated.
According to the petitioner, the campaign rapidly transformed into a large-scale digital movement, attracting millions of followers and turning a judicial controversy into a form of online branding and political symbolism.
Excluding natural heirs not enough to invalidate Will: Supreme Court of India
New Delhi, May 24 (IANS) The Supreme Court has upheld the validity of a Will executed by a Karnataka-based chartered accountant in favour of his sister, ruling that mere exclusion of natural heirs from inheritance cannot by itself be treated as a suspicious circumstance to invalidate a testament.
A Bench of Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Vijay Bishnoi dismissed an appeal filed by the wife and children of the late B. Sheena
Nairi, who had challenged concurrent findings of the trial court, the first appellate court and the Karnataka High Court upholding the Will executed in favour of the testator’s sister.
The dispute pertained to properties owned by the deceased, including agricultural lands in Udupi district, Karnataka, which were bequeathed to his sister, Laxmi Nairthy, under a Will dated May 15, 1983, excluding his wife and children.
The wife and children of the testator had alleged that the Will was forged and fabricated, and contended that the exclusion of the legal heirs itself created suspicious circumstances around its execution.
Rejecting the contention, the
Supreme Court said that “mere exclusion of the natural heirs from the property of the testator, by itself, cannot be construed as a suspicious circumstance so as to invalidate a Will outrightly.”
“It is well-established that mere deprivation of natural heirs, by itself, may not amount to a suspicious circumstance because the whole idea behind the execution of a Will is to interfere with the normal line of succession,” the Justice Bhuyanled Bench observed.
The judgment noted that the Will itself clarified that the testator had already given “enough and more” to his wife and children residing in Bombay, and therefore no injustice had been caused to them.
Andhra Pradesh’s Chityala records season’s highest temperature at 48.3 degrees Celsius
Amaravati, May 24 (IANS)
Andhra Pradesh continues to reel under the heat wave as Chityala in East Godavari district on Sunday recorded a maximum temperature of 48.3 degrees Celsius, the highest this season.
According to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), Tanuku (West Godavari district) and Piduguralla (Palnadu district) recorded maximum temperatures of 48.1 degrees Celsius.
SDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain said that temperatures exceeded 45 degrees Celsius in 13 districts.
He revealed that temperatures above 44 degrees Celsius were recorded in 174 mandals across 17 districts. He specifically
highlighted that the heat intensity was particularly severe in 23 mandals of Eluru, 21 in East Godavari, 17 in West Godavari, 16 in Krishna, 15 in Bapatla, 14 in NTR, 13 in Palnadu, 12 in Konaseema, and 11 in Kakinada districts.
In light of the record-breaking heat intensity currently being recorded across the state, he urged the public to remain vigilant. He noted that this level of intensity is likely to persist for another three days.
Jain advised people to postpone travel between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. whenever possible. He also emphasised that those undertaking essential travel must carry drinking water with them.
Severe heat wave conditions are likely on Monday (May 25) in 29 mandals, while general heat wave is likely in 166 mandals. On Tuesday, a severe heat wave is likely to affect 50 mandals, while
Gujarat’s Kesar mangoes fill London’s Heathrow airport with fragrance
Gandhinagar, May 24 (IANS)
Digvijaysinh Gohil, an importer of mangoes in England, said that whenever boxes of Kesar and Hapus mangoes packed from Gujarat are unloaded at London's Heathrow Airport, it fills the entire cargo area with the aroma, making him proud of his identity. However, he is not alone in feeling such pride. Those living across the seven seas have a strong liking for Gujarat's Kesar mangoes and Maharashtra's Hapus varieties. Though mangoes from South American nations like Brazil and Peru also get shipped in international markets on a large scale but their flavour and taste remain no match to Kesar mangoes, the latter are truly the "King of mangoes".
The Kesar mangoes are exported to US and Europe after undergoing detailed processing at orchards and pack houses, accredited by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
According to Samir Sapariya, owner of 'Kunj Cold Ware Solution' -- an APEDA-accredited pack house, said, "We conduct the necessary processing for
mango exports right here at our pack house. We process and pack the mangoes in accordance with the specific requirements of destinations such as the US, England, the UAE, Australia, as well as various European and Gulf nations."
"For exports destined for the US, we employ a specialised 'Hot Water Treatment' process, which has been receiving an exceptionally positive response," he added.
"For exports to England and Canada, the mangoes undergo a hot water treatment followed by a ripening process before being packed. We also process Kesar, Rajapuri, and Alphonso (Hapus) varieties of mangoes."
Kesar mangoes are sourced from Junagadh, Talala, and Kutch, while Rajapuri mangoes come from Valsad.
Samir Sapariya also elaborated, saying, "When a product possesses inherent quality and is backed by modern technology, it is possible to achieve global recognition and prestige."
The Kesar mango, hailing from the orchards of Gir, has today emerged as a global brand. Now with Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), farmers are able to export their mangoes directly to foreign markets on their own terms and earn revenues without any mediator.
Sensation in Damoh as British-era silver coins unearthed during house excavation
Bhopal/Damoh, May 24 (IANS)
a general heat wave is expected in 205 mandals.
Temperatures ranging from 45 degrees Celsius to 47 degrees Celsius are likely to be recorded in certain areas of the Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari, Polavaram, Eluru, NTR, Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, Palnadu, and Prakasam districts.
Maximum temperatures ranging from 43 degrees Celsius to 45 degrees Celsius are likely to be recorded in certain areas of the Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram Manyam, Kakinada, Markapuram, and Nellore districts.
Maximum temperatures ranging from 40 degrees Celsius to 43 degrees Celsius are likely to be recorded in certain areas of the Srikakulam, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Kurnool, Nandyal, Anantapur, Sri Sathya Sai, YSR Kadapa, Annamayya, Chittoor, and Tirupati districts.
A major controversy erupted in the Futera Ward area of Madhya Pradesh's Damoh district after a large number of British-era silver coins were discovered during excavation work for the foundation of a house.
The incident sparked allegations of concealment, drawing significant attention from local residents and police authorities.
The discovery was made at the ancestral home of Alok Soni, a government school teacher, in the Futera locality under Kotwali Police Station limits.
While digging for foundation pillars, labourers unearthed an earthen pot (handa) filled with old silver coins.
The Department of Archaeology has confirmed that the coins belong to the British colonial period between 1815 and 1915.
According to officials, the administration seized 42 silver coins from the site. However, the situation turned tense after one of the labourers levelled
serious allegations regarding the recovery.
One of the labourers claimed that a substantial quantity of coins, weighing around 30 to 35 kilograms, was recovered during the excavation.
The labourer, identified as Patel, alleged that after the discovery, each labourer was paid Rs 500 and asked to leave the site, and that a large portion of the coins was not handed over to the authorities.
Alok Soni strongly denied the allegations, asserting that every coin recovered from the site was immediately surrendered to the administration.
He also countered the allegations by claiming that some labourers themselves may have hidden a portion of the recovered coins. After receiving information about the incident, a police team led by Kotwali Station In-charge Manish Kumar reached the spot along with the Tehsildar and other revenue officials. Construction work at the site was immediately halted, and the entire area was placed under administrative supervision.Police have registered a case and launched a detailed investigation to ascertain the exact quantity of coins recovered and determine whether any of
India says ‘entrenched interests’ blocking UN Security Council reforms amid credibility crisis
United Nations, May 27 (IANS)
Even as the Security Council, frozen in the world of 1945, faces a crisis of credibility, India has said that “entrenched interests” are blocking reforms needed to make it capable of meeting contemporary challenges.
“Lack of progress in the InterGovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on Council reforms is indicative of entrenched interests of several member states to maintain the status quo and retain the eightdecade-old UNSC architecture”, India’s Permanent Representative P Harish said on Tuesday. Reforms are blocked primarily by a small group of UN members who call themselves Uniting for Consensus (UfC), headed by Italy and including Pakistan. It uses procedural manoeuvres to stop the negotiations from making headway.
Harish was speaking at a debate in the Council on “Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter and Strengthening the UN-Centred International System”.
Central to India’s reform proposals is expanding the Council's permanent membership.
“We must address and expand the permanent category of membership, which alone will change the decision-making process of this Council”, Harish said.
“Not adapting to changed circumstances would further diminish the authority, credibility, legitimacy and effectiveness of the UN Security Council”, he added.
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also drew attention to the Council’s credibility crisis.
“A Security Council that does not reflect the geopolitical realities of today’s world cannot fully deliver on its responsibilities”, he said.
“Global institutions must reflect today’s realities – not those of 1945”, he said. “Nowhere is this more urgent than in this Council”.
Mentioning in particular the injustice to Africa, the continent excluded from permanent membership, Guterres said, “Reform is about restoring credibility and better ensuring that this Council can act –decisively and inclusively – to uphold the Charter”. Harish said, “The central to the UN’s challenges today is an architecture that is frozen in the 1940’s. It is akin to running advanced AI technologies on the 1945 version of the computer called the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC)”.
Citing the evolutionary principles that made humanity survive and thrive through its adaptability, he said, “The UN cannot be indifferent to this fundamental evolutionary principle. It must be flexible and adaptable to deliver meaningfully on the principles and purposes of the UN Charter”. Making India's case for permanent membership on a reformed Council, Harish pointed to India's contributions to global peace, starting with the lead-up to the UN’s founding.
BJP defends Kolkata bulldozer action, slams Trinamool over illegal constructions
Kolkata, May 24 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Locket Chatterjee on May 24 backed the ongoing demolition drive against alleged illegal constructions in Kolkata, saying the action was inevitable and reflected the party's commitment to ending unlawful activities in West Bengal.
Speaking to IANS, Chatterjee said the demolition of unauthorised structures in Tiljala had become necessary and would serve as a strong message across the state.
"This was bound to happen. Before our (BJP) government came into power, it was decided that all illegal activities and corruption in West Bengal would be eradicated. As you can see, the new government was formed just 15 days ago and many illegal constructions in Tiljala have been removed through bulldozer action. This will send a message to the people of the state that no illegal activity will be allowed in West Bengal," she added.
Targeting Trinamool Congress
MP Abhishek Banerjee, Chatterjee alleged that if any irregularities were found, legal action would apply equally to all.
"Abhishek Banerjee has also done illegal work. He will definitely be served notice, and Sona Pappu, Raju Naskar, the people who have
done illegal building construction, these people will also have to suffer. Every citizen in West Bengal should have equal rights under the Constitution and law.
He (Abhishek Banerjee) may be a representative, but if there is any illegal work, he will also be given notice. The same law will apply to everyone," she said.
On the issue of illegal immigration and reports related to shelter home directives, Chatterjee added that the Centre had repeatedly conveyed that foreign nationals without valid documents would not be permitted to remain in the country.
"For many years, messages have been coming from the Union Home Ministry and other places that migrants who have come from abroad are not allowed to stay here. Many have left, but some still feel this is the era of Trinamool Congress and they can continue to stay without proper authentic documents. That will not happen under the BJP," she said.
Reacting to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his remarks against the Narendra Modi government, Chatterjee dismissed the Congress' relevance.
"Many people will say many things, but Congress has no real presence here (West Bengal). You can see how many votes Congress got in recent West Bengal Assembly polls. Today in Falta, Congress is in third position.
Gujarat Revenue Dept focuses on AI, blockchain and GIS for land governance reform
Gandhinagar, May 6 (IANS) The Gujarat Revenue Department’s Chintan Shibir on Wednesday placed strong emphasis on modernising land governance through digital technologies, with discussions focusing on artificial intelligence, blockchain, geographic information systems (GIS) and administrative reforms aimed at improving transparency, efficiency and citizen-centric service delivery.
Held at Amba Business Park in Adalaj, the second day of the Shibir brought together senior officials and domain experts who were divided into seven thematic groups to examine key areas of land administration and revenue services.
Additional Chief Secretary Dr Jayanti Ravi was present during the deliberations, where participants reviewed ways to simplify procedures and strengthen accountability in revenue operations.
The group discussions covered
One after another, people across India are blessing the BJP in every state," she said.
Further attacking the Congress, Chatterjee added that the party has ruined the country over past regimes.
"There is no vision in Congress. Congress has ruined the country for over 70 years. The BJP government is trying to align and strengthen the whole country and that is happening gradually. West Bengal, which borders three countries, is strategically important and securing it has been a long-standing priority," she said.
Meanwhile, three weeks after the Assembly election results, former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday once again alleged that the Trinamool Congress did not lose the West Bengal Assembly elections and claimed that the Election Commission helped the BJP secure victory in the state. She also alleged that she was defeated “by force” in the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency.
Speaking on the day the results of the Falta Assembly by-election were declared, the Trinamool Congress supremo took a swipe at Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and said: “How did you win in Bhabanipur? I will tell you that in court. If you have the courage, get a forensic report. We want the EVM report.”
a wide range of administrative subjects. One group focused on optimising processes such as land use change permissions through ILA and mutation procedures. Another examined the expansion of paperless and faceless property registration systems along with strengthening of RCCMS.
A separate group discussed urban land record management and governance frameworks, while another focused on ethics and integrity in revenue administration.
Further sessions addressed the modernisation of survey and re-survey processes, strategies for enhancing administrative efficiency and disaster preparedness among government personnel, and the challenges associated with land acquisition and land allocation procedures. Across all groups, officials reviewed existing workflows and proposed reforms aimed at improving speed, accuracy and transparency in service delivery. A major technical session on land governance technologies was led by Assistant Professor at IIT Gandhinagar, Sameer Kulkarni, who outlined the potential of artificial intelligence and blockchain in transforming revenue systems.
India, US near finalising ‘enduring’ trade pact: Marco Rubio
New Delhi, May 24 (IANS) India and the United States are close to finalising a long-awaited bilateral trade agreement that will be "beneficial", "sustainable", and aligned with the national interests of both countries, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on May 24. He also underlined that the broader India-US strategic partnership continues to move in a positive direction despite traderelated differences witnessed over the past year.
Rubio made the remarks after holding extensive talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during his fourday official visit to India. The discussions focused on deepening cooperation in key sectors such as trade, critical minerals, energy security and defence collaboration.
The visit by the top US diplomat comes at a significant moment in bilateral ties, as both countries seek to strengthen economic engagement following months of friction over tariffs and trade policies pursued by Washington. Observers view Rubio’s trip as an effort to reinforce confidence in
the relationship and push forward negotiations on a comprehensive trade framework.
Addressing a joint media briefing with Jaishankar, Rubio expressed optimism about the progress achieved in ongoing negotiations.
"We’ve made tremendous progress, and I think we’re going to wind up with a trade agreement between the US and India that is going to be enduring and beneficial to both sides, while remaining sustainable in a way that addresses the national interests that we have," he said.
"This is not about India," Rubio said, adding that concerns over trade imbalances have shaped Washington’s engagement with several partners, including traditional allies in Europe. He noted that the administration’s approach stems from a broader effort to create what it views as a fairer global trading system.
"India is a massive economy and one of our leading trade partners. We do a lot of trade with India, and rebalancing trade with a country of this size and magnitude is naturally different," he said. He further highlighted that the two countries are working closely together in areas such as fighting terrorism, securing important minerals, strengthening supply chains, and developing new technologies.
Australia must deepen defence ties with India to counter Chinese influence: Report
Canberra, May 29 (IANS)
Australia and India agreed to hold an annual Defence Ministers’ Dialogue, joint exercises across numerous domains and closer cooperation on information sharing during the inaugural Defence Minister's Dialogue. Defence partnerships do not move this
fast by accident but because the strategic logic demands it, a report has stated.
Released in April, Australia's 2026
National Defence Strategy has stated the Northeast Indian Ocean as part of Australia’s primary area of military interest. The strategy has named India as a ‘top-tier security partner’ and the most ‘important defence partner’ in that region, according to a report in The Australian.
"The reasoning is clear. China’s military build-up, described in the strategy as the largest in the world today, is increasingly visible in the Indian Ocean. The People’s Liberation Army Navy’s submarines patrol the region; Chinese research vessels survey
its seabed; Beijing’s strategic reach extends well beyond the Malacca Strait. Australia’s trade routes run through these waters, and both countries are resident maritime powers. This shared geography, and shared threat, creates a set of practical opportunities for deeper cooperation," Samuel Bashfield, Research Fellow at the La Trobe Centre for Global Security and Grace Corcoran, Research Fellow at the Australia India Institute, wrote in The Australian.
"Maritime security is the obvious one, and the most developed.
Australian and Indian maritime patrol aircraft now conduct collaborative anti-submarine warfare activities.
EU mulling joint stabilisation measures for southern Lebanon after INIFIL ends: Italy
Nicosia, May 28 (IANS) The European Union is looking at possible European initiatives to stabilise southern Lebanon after the UN's peacekeeping mission (UNIFIL) ceases operations, said Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, on Thursday.
The mission ceases operations at the end of December and starts to withdraw its personnel over the following year.
“We discussed this, but ultimately a decision will have to be made, and we will have to see if it can be implemented,” Tajani told
reporters in Limassol, Cyprus, where he was attending an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers, Adnkronos news agency reported.
"We are evaluating what joint European initiatives we can adopt to help stabilise the situation, to strengthen the legitimate Lebanese authorities and thus avert a new war that could primarily affect civilians in the south of the country," he said. Tajani also urged Israel to deescalate its strikes against proIran militant group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon as Israeli forces bombed southern Lebanon including the city of Tyre, and the capital, Beirut, after largescale evacuation orders telling residents to move north of the Zharani River, about 40 kilometres from the Israeli border, warning it would act with
"extreme force".
"We must de-escalate the situation and ensure that a comprehensive peace agreement can be reached on Iran and Lebanon,” Tajani continued.
"There is a need to disarm Hezbollah and build a Lebanese state free from fundamentalist diktats. At the same time, Israel must understand that it cannot bomb areas where there are civilians," Tajani said.
Tajani said he was especially concerned about villages in southern Lebanon bordering Israel.
“We have also decided to provide funding for these communities through development aid, because these are people who are suffering from a war for which they bear no responsibility," he said.
No double standards in fight against terrorism: NSA Doval at Moscow Security Forum
Moscow, May 28 (IANS) National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Thursday stated that there cannot be any double standards in the fight against terrorism and responsible nations have to evaluate their choices in deciding whether they support sponsors of terrorism or counter them with decisive action.
Addressing the gathering of National Security Advisors (NSAs) and security chiefs of several countries at the first International Security Forum and the 14th Meeting of High Representatives for Security Matters in Moscow,
NSA Doval also called for special attention to the situation in West Asia, asserting that it is essential to ensure the safe and uninterrupted movement of trade through international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
The forum, hosted by Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Sergei Shoigu, deliberated on the 'Challenges and Threats to International Security in the context of the Emergence of the Multipolar World'.
"During the deliberations, the NSA stated that there cannot be double standards in the fight against terrorism. Responsible nations have to evaluate their choices and decide whether they support sponsors of terrorism or counter them with decisive action," the Indian Embassy in Russia posted
UN issues child safety guidelines for online platforms
Geneva, May 29 (IANS) UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk on Friday called for more robust measures by both states and tech companies to make online platforms safer for children, and insisted on effective regulation, oversight, and accountability. “The digital world that connects children to learning, community and creativity also exposes them to real risks to their safety, privacy and wellbeing,” Turk said in a statement. He added that online harms to children’s safety, privacy, and well-being are not innate or inevitable, but result from design choices and business practices that undermine safety. These include addictive design features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, and persistent notifications from apps. “Enhancing protection of children online is an urgent priority that we need to make sure not only gets done, but that it gets done right,” he said, Xinhua
news agency reported.
Turk stressed that blanket social media bans are not a panacea for what is a multifaceted issue. He said that simply limiting access to unsafe platforms cannot be the endpoint in protecting children.
“We need much wider action, by governments and companies, to ensure that the platforms themselves are made safer by design, that data is protected, that those responsible for harm can be held to account, and that children’s rights and needs are fully respected throughout.” He pointed out that states need to require tech companies to embed safety into their platforms by design, instead of shifting the burden to parents and children.
The UN Human Rights Office guidelines suggest measures, including guardrails around age verification processes, mandatory child rights impact assessments, and the involvement of children when defining regulatory responses. These steps should be backed up by mandated transparency, strengthened oversight and accountability for companies, and access to remedies for children whose rights are violated.
US, Mexico and Canada issue trilateral statement on public health travel measures
Ottawa, May 28 (IANS) The United States, Mexico and Canada on Thursday issued a trilateral statement on public health travel measures in the wake of the Ebola virus outbreak in parts of Africa.
on X while highlighting NSA Doval's comments at the forum.
NSA Doval also met Shoigu on the sidelines of the forum on Thursday.
"They reviewed ongoing cooperation in defence, security, energy and economic ties. The two sides also exchanged views on the upcoming BRICS NSA meeting in New Delhi," the Indian Embassy stated.
NSA Doval will also have more bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Forum which will continue on Friday.
Earlier this week, US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio held a meeting with NSA Doval in New Delhi, with talks focused on defence, security and strategic technology-related cooperation, including the TRUST initiative.
“The United States, Mexico and Canada have announced aligned public health travel measures for individuals arriving from African regions considered at greatest risk from the Ebola virus. This coordinated approach aims to protect our citizens and the millions of visitors, fans, athletes and tourists expected during the FIFA World Cup 2026, while maintaining travel and commerce across our borders,” the statement said.
“The health and safety of every person in the region remains our highest priority as we welcome the world to North America,” it added.
Earlier on Wednesday (local time), US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Trump administration was working aggressively to prevent Ebola cases from entering the country amid growing concern over the outbreak in parts of Africa. Speaking during a Cabinet
meeting chaired by President Donald Trump at the White House, Rubio said the administration’s top priority was protecting Americans from any potential spread of the virus.
“We cannot and will not allow any cases of Ebola to enter the United States,” Rubio said.
He said the State Department, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and several other federal agencies were coordinating efforts to contain the outbreak in affected regions, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“We’ve surged assistance to make sure that that is being contained there,” Rubio said.
The Secretary of State added that US agencies were also monitoring travellers and border movements to ensure infected individuals did not enter the country.
Meanwhile, Uganda has banned mass public gatherings in an effort to curb the spread of Ebola in the East African country.
In a circular issued late on Wednesday, Uganda’s Ministry of Health said activities that attract large crowds, including music concerts, cultural festivals, public rallies, political mobilisation events, marathons and crossborder marketing activities, had been prohibited.
NSA Doval meets Marco Rubio, security and defence issues in focus
New Delhi, May 24 (IANS) US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio held a meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval here on Sunday, with talks focused on defence, security and strategic technology-related cooperation, including the TRUST initiative.
"US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Mr. Marco Rubio met NSA Shri Ajit Doval today. The discussions focused on defence, security and strategic technology related cooperation including the TRUST initiative," the MEA said in a post
on X following the meeting.
"The two NSAs reiterated the high priority accorded to the bilateral Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues," it added.
Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Rubio discussed the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and regional, global, and multilateral issues of mutual interest.
EAM Jaishankar also stated that he looked forward to attending the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting along with his colleagues from Australia, Japan, and the US here on Tuesday.
"Good discussions with Secretary Rubio of USA in New Delhi.
Reviewed the entire spectrum of our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, including trade and energy, defence and
security, critical minerals and AI, nuclear & people-to-people, counter-terror and counternarcotics cooperation," he said in a post on X.
"Regional, global and multilateral issues of mutual interest were also discussed. Have a detailed readout at the press conference thereafter. Look forward to joining Secretary Rubio and our colleagues from Australia and Japan for the QUAD Foreign Ministers’ meeting on Tuesday," he added.
On Saturday, Rubio called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The Secretary and Prime Minister discussed the current situation in the Middle East. The Secretary emphasised that the United States will not let Iran hold the global energy market hostage and affirmed that US energy products have the potential to diversify India’s energy supply.
EAM Jaishankar, US counterpart Rubio discuss Strategic Partnership, issues of mutual interest
New Delhi, May 24 (IANS) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday discussed the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and regional, global, and multilateral issues of mutual interest.
EAM Jaishankar stated that he looked forward to attending the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting along with his colleagues from Australia, Japan, and the US here on Tuesday.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal and other officials attended the meeting. In a post on X, Jaishankar stated: "Good discussions with Secretary Rubio of USA in New Delhi. Reviewed the entire spectrum of our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, including trade and energy, defence and security, critical minerals and AI, nuclear & people-to-people, counter-terror and counternarcotics cooperation.
"Regional, global and multilateral issues of mutual interest were also discussed. Have a detailed readout at the press conference thereafter. Look forward to
joining Secretary Rubio and our colleagues from Australia and Japan for the QUAD Foreign Ministers’ meeting on Tuesday," he added.
Jaishankar, Rubio, and their Australian and Japanese counterparts, Penny Wong and Toshimitsu Motegi, respectively, will attend the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting scheduled to be hosted by India on March 26. Earlier in the day, Jaishankar outlined India’s five-point approach on key regional and global issues, stressing that New Delhi advocates dialogue and diplomacy for conflict resolution, supports uninterrupted maritime commerce, and strongly opposes the weaponisation of trade and resources.
‘I am a big fan of Prime Minister Modi, India can count on me’: Trump
New Delhi, May 24 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he loves India and is a big fan of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a surprise live video call at an event in Delhi. Trump made the surprise call to an event marking the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence, where he spoke to the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, and Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State and the acting National Security Advisor.
External Affairs Minister (EAM)
S. Jaishankar also attended the event.
Taking to his official X account, US envoy to India, ambassador Sergio Gor said: "President Trump called me tonight. He had a clear message: "I love Prime Minister Modi. We've never been closer to India. I'm a big, big fan of Prime Minister Modi…"."
In another X post, Gor wrote: "Tonight in New Delhi, we celebrate a historic milestone - 250 years of American independence! It is a deep and personal honour to host my friends @SecRubio and @ DrSJaishankar, along with other distinguished guests, for an evening honoring the spirit of innovation and liberty
Iran not seeking nuclear weapons, says President Pezeshkian
Tehran, May 24 (IANS) Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday said that Iran is ready to assure the world that they are not seeking nuclear weapons, local media reported.
"We are ready to assure the world that we are not seeking nuclear weapons, Iran is not seeking unrest in the region, it is the Zionist regime that is using every opportunity to keep war and unrest alive," said Pezeshkian, Iran’s official news agency IRNA reported.
He noted that the government’s priority is to ensure the livelihoods of people and said that despite the problems, officials are working around the clock to meet people’s needs.
"We announced during the time of our martyred Imam, and we announce now that we are ready to assure the world that we are not seeking nuclear weapons, we are not seeking unrest in the region. The one seeking to destabilise the region is the Israeli regime, which is pursuing
the plan of 'Greater Israel'," Pezeshkian said regarding the recent negotiations between Tehran and the United States, the report noted.
"We and the negotiators will not compromise the country's honour and pride in any way," he highlighted.
Addressing the people of Iran, he thanked them for their savings and asked them to think about efficiency in terms of energy and fuel.
In a meeting with managers of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) in Tehran on Sunday, Pezeshkian also said that no decision will be made in Iran outside the framework of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) and without the coordination and permission of the Supreme Leader, noted the report.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday, while addressing a joint press conference with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi, said that "significant progress" has been made in diplomatic efforts involving the US and Iran, while indicating that "good news" regarding the Strait of Hormuz could emerge in the coming hours.
Xi Jinping’s purge of PLA erodes morale of China’s military: Report
Beijing, May 24 (IANS) Chinese President Xi Jinping's purge of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has shaken the foundation of China’s military and created a climate of fear that is eroding morale across the ranks, according to a report.
that defines the United States. Here’s to freedom, enduring partnership, and many more years of close friendship between the United States and India! #Freedom250."
During the call, the US President was heard saying, "I just want to say hello to everybody. I love the Prime Minister. PM Modi is great; he is my friend."
Addressing the Indian people, Trump said, "I just wanna say you are great. We have never been closer to India, and India can count on me and our country 100 per cent. If they need any help, they know where to call. They call right here. We are doing well. We are setting records. We have a record economy, a record stock market."
The suspended death sentences given to China's former Defence Ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe marked a watershed moment in the CCP's history. The two former ministers, who were once trusted allies of Xi Jinping, were convicted of bribery and corruption, and action against them showcases how the Chinese President is ready to sacrifice even his closest confidants to consolidate absolute power, according to a report in Nepalbased online portal Hamrakura.
"This campaign, while framed as an anti-corruption drive, is increasingly seen as a reign of terror designed to instil fear rather than discipline, leaving the PLA weakened and disoriented.
The severity of these sentences stunned officers across the military. For decades, generals
of such stature had avoided extreme penalties, but Xi’s decision to impose suspended death sentences has created an atmosphere of paranoia," the report said.
"Mid-level and junior officers now worry that they could be targeted next, regardless of their loyalty or performance. Analysts note that this climate of suspicion is undermining cohesion within the PLA, leaving soldiers hesitant to act decisively and commanders reluctant to take initiative. The purge has effectively dismantled trust between the ranks and leadership, replacing it with fear of reprisal," it added.
Xi Jinping has not only taken action against Li and Wei. In January this year, investigations were launched against Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, and Liu Zhenli, chief of the Joint Staff Department. Although the two officials remain listed in their positions, they have not been seen in public, demonstrating the opaque and unpredictable nature of Xi’s purge.
Zhang was the only general with combat experience, and his removal, along with Liu's disappearance, has left the PLA without seasoned leadership at a time when China is trying to modernise its forces by 2027.
India’s BRICS presidency to drive forwardlooking Global South agenda: Report
New Delhi, May 24 (IANS) As global geopolitical fault lines deepened, Indian diplomacy had to navigate complex challenges while chairing major multilateral forums, including the G20 in 2023 and the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in 2026.
Held amid the escalating USIsraeli conflict with Iran and its spillover effects across the Gulf, the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi revealed
conflicting views within the bloc, particularly between Iran and the UAE. The lack of consensus underscored the greater challenges BRICS could face if the hostilities in the West Asian region do not halt soon, Anil Trigunayat, a former Indian diplomat, wrote in ‘Saviours’. He further highlighted that “dialogue, diplomacy, and de-escalation” remain India’s preferred approach for easing tensions.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar engaged extensively with their counterparts across the region and beyond to help reduce tensions while safeguarding the interests of India’s nearly 10-million-strong diaspora in
West Asia,” the seasoned diplomat stated.
Trigunayat noted PM Modi expanded the BRICS acronym through the theme of India’s presidency -- ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability’.
“This theme symbolises the direction in which BRICS, as a non-Western platform in an increasingly fractured global order, is likely to evolve. While the BRICS remains primarily focused on geo-economic cooperation, geopolitical divisions and greatpower competition inevitably impinge upon its non-adversarial orientation. India has consistently emphasised that ‘non-Western’ should not be equated with ‘antiWestern’,” the former diplomat stated.
BRICS nations condemn Pahalgam attack, reaffirm commitment to counter-terrorism cooperation
New Delhi, May 24 (IANS) BRICS member countries condemned the April 2025 Pahalgam attack and other terrorist attacks against them and reaffirmed commitment to further enhancing counter terrorism cooperation among them, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
The 11th Annual BRICS Counter Terrorism Working Group (CTWG) Plenary and Sub Groups' Meetings were held in New Delhi on May 21-22 under the Chairmanship of India, MEA said on Saturday in a statement.
The meetings marked 10 years of the establishment of the BRICS CTWG.Ambassador Sibi George, MEA Secretary (West) ,
"emphasised the importance of collective and united efforts of the BRICS member countries to tackle the global menace of terrorism and urged the BRICS member countries to work together to make BRICS CTWG a more resilient, constructive, innovative, inclusive and result-oriented Working Group in the keynote address on the inaugural day."
He also thanked BRICS member countries for showing solidarity and extending support to India following the heinous terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, 2025. Ambassador George emphasised the need for a robust collaborative approach to tackle the challenges to counter terrorism, like evolving terror funding mechanisms, radicalisation and the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorism.
He reiterated India's policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. Sibi George also expressed India's concern over crossborder terrorism and called for concerted and united efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
The Indian diplomat reaffirmed India's commitment to further deepen cooperation with BRICS member countries for a secure and terror-free world.
According to the statement, during the meetings, member countries discussed the full spectrum of counter-terrorism cooperation to address existing and emerging challenges.
Vinod Bahade, MEA Joint Secretary (Counter Terrorism), chaired the meetings in which senior counter terrorism officials from 10 BRICS member countries also participated.
In meeting with PM Modi, Rubio emphasises US energy products can diversify India’s energy supply
Washington/New Delhi, May 23 (IANS) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Saturday, emphasised that the United States will not let Iran hold the global energy market hostage and affirmed that US energy products have the potential to diversify India’s energy supply, the US State Department has detailed.
"The Secretary and Prime Minister discussed the current situation in the Middle East. The Secretary emphasised that the United States will not let Iran hold
the global energy market hostage and affirmed that US energy products have the potential to diversify India’s energy supply.
The two officials reflected upon recent bilateral achievements, including significant investments that advance the President and Prime Minister's 'Mission 500' to double trade by 2030," read a statement issued by Tommy Pigott, spokesperson of the US State Department.
According to the spokesperson, Secretary Rubio underscored the strategic importance of the USIndia partnership which remains rooted in shared democratic values, profound economic and commercial opportunity, and the strong personal ties between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi.
"In New Delhi, I met with Indian
US Congressman slams Trump’s green card overhaul
Washington, May 24 (IANS) Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera sharply criticised the Trump administration’s new immigration policy that could force many Green Card applicants living legally in the United States to leave the country and complete the process abroad, calling it disruptive and harmful to families, workers and the American economy.
“I strongly oppose the Trump administration’s disruptive decision to require many students, temporary visa holders, and other individuals seeking green cards to leave the United States and return to their home countries while their applications are processed,” Bera said in a statement.
“This policy creates unnecessary fear and uncertainty for families, workers, and employers who are following the law,” he said.
The California Democrat’s remarks came after the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy memo declaring that adjustment
of status inside the United States should be treated as an “extraordinary form of relief” rather than a routine immigration pathway.
Under the new approach, immigration officers are instructed to consider applications on a “case-by-case basis,” with many applicants expected to pursue consular processing from their home country.
USCIS spokesman Zach Kahler defended the policy, saying the administration was “returning to the original intent of the law.”
“From now on, an alien who is in the US temporarily and wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances,” Kahler said.
The administration argues that the change would discourage visa overstays and reduce pressure on the immigration system.
But Bera warned the move ignored the reality faced by many immigrants already caught in lengthy visa backlogs.
“The Administration disregards the fact that many individuals seeking permanent residency are here legally and waiting for their cases to move through an already backlogged immigration system,” he said.
Bera said the policy could particularly hurt highly skilled immigrants working in the United States through legal visa programmes.
Cyprus President concludes ‘productive’ India visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to underscore the importance of the US-India relationship. We discussed the situation in the Middle East and US-India partnership in energy, securing critical supply chains, and collaboration on emerging technologies. I was pleased to invite Prime Minister Modi to the White House on behalf of the President," Rubio posted on X after the meeting.
The visiting Secretary also extended an invitation, on behalf of President Trump, to Prime Minister Modi to visit the White House.
"The Secretary and Prime Minister agreed to deepen trade and defence cooperation and accelerate collaboration on critical and emerging technologies," Pigott mentioned.
New Delhi, May 23 (IANS) The State Visit of Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides to India concluded on Saturday with both nations announcing a major upgrade in bilateral relations by elevating ties to a Strategic Partnership. The visit is being seen as a significant step towards strengthening cooperation between New Delhi and Nicosia across diplomacy, trade, education and security sectors. Sharing details of the conclusion of the visit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X, “A productive visit concludes. President Christodulides departed from New Delhi after a successful State
Visit. He was seen off by Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, Shri Ajay Tamta. The visit gave a significant boost to India–Cyprus ties and marked a new chapter with the elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership.”
On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had described India’s partnership with Cyprus as “strong and futuristic” which remains rooted in shared democratic values.
After holding delegationlevel talks with President Christodoulides at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi, PM Modi stated that both countries had decided to elevate their relationship into a Strategic Partnership considering the growing closeness between the two nations.
“Ours is indeed a strong and futuristic partnership rooted in shared values. The growing investment linkages between our nations are a matter of immense joy, and we hope to increase trade and economic ties in the times to come,” PM Modi posted on X after the meeting.
US military launches fresh strikes against Iran
Tehran, May 28 (IANS) The US military carried out fresh overnight strikes in Iran, targeting a military site that Washington said posed a threat to US forces and commercial vessels in the region, multiple US media outlets reported.
US forces also intercepted drones launched from Iran, according to CBS News, citing a US official. The official described the strikes as defensive, asserting the USIran ceasefire is still considered to be holding, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting CBS News. Meanwhile, three explosions were heard east of the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas on the Strait of Hormuz at around 1:30 a.m. Thursday (2200 GMT Wednesday), the Iranian news agency Fars reported.
Air defences were activated, and authorities were following up to determine the origin of the sounds, it said.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump said he would not rush into a deal with Iran because of midterm political concerns, warning that Washington
remained prepared to resume military action if ongoing negotiations fail to produce an agreement favoured by the United States.
Speaking during a cabinet meeting at the White House on Wednesday (local time), Trump said Iran had hoped political pressure tied to the upcoming midterm elections would weaken his negotiating position.
"They thought they were going to outwait me," Trump said. "I don't care about the midterms."
Regarding the ongoing negotiations, Trump said Washington is not yet satisfied with the terms under discussion and remains prepared to resume military action if its demands are not met, reports Xinhua news agency.
"We're not satisfied with it, but we will be," Trump said. "Either that or we'll have to just finish the job."
"They want to just make a deal," he said. "I don't think they have a choice."
Earlier on Wednesday, the White House denied an Iranian media report on the draft deal, an initial, unofficial framework for a memorandum of understanding, as "a complete fabrication."
According to the Iranian staterun IRIB TV report, the draft included a withdrawal of US forces from areas near Iran and the lifting of the US naval blockade on Iranian ports.
Israel ready to resume intense combat against Iran: Army chief
Jerusalem, May 25 (IANS) The Israeli military is prepared to resume combat operations against Iran, the army chief said, amid reported progress in USIran talks.
Chief of the General Staff Eyal Zamir made the remarks on Sunday during a situational assessment at the military's Northern Command, the military said in a statement.
Zamir said the Israeli military "is prepared to resume intense combat operations immediately" and to further weaken Iran's capabilities, adding, "We will maintain readiness and operational flexibility for as long as required."
The remarks came as the United States and Iran reported progress in talks aimed at extending a ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, though disagreements remained over Tehran's nuclear program, Xinhua news agency reported.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Washington, May 27 (IANS)
President Donald Trump on Wednesday ruled out any arrangement that would allow Iran to control the Strait of Hormuz, insisting the strategic waterway would remain open to all nations even as his administration continued negotiations with Tehran over its nuclear programme.
“The Strait is going to be open to everybody,” Trump said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House. “Nobody’s going to control it. It’s international waters.”
Trump said Iran had sought control over the vital oil shipping lane during ongoing negotiations but warned the United States would not permit it. “They would like to control it. Nobody’s going to control it,” he said.
The President repeatedly stressed that Iran would not be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.
I’m doing that for the world,” he said.
Trump claimed Tehran’s military and economic position had weakened sharply following recent US operations and sanctions. Referring to “Operation Epic Fury”, he said American forces had crippled Iran’s military infrastructure and forced its leadership back to the negotiating table.
“They’re negotiating on fumes,”
Trump said, adding that Iran’s economy was “in freefall” with “250% inflation”.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed the President’s position, saying diplomacy remained Washington’s preferred route but warning that military options remained available.
“The bottom line is Iran’s never going to have a nuclear weapon,”
Rubio said. “Diplomacy is always the first option.”
Rubio said there had been “some
Netanyahu's security cabinet was expected to convene on Sunday evening amid the developments.
Zamir also said Israeli forces were continuing to strike Hezbollah "across all dimensions" in Lebanon.
A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon was announced in April, but Israel has not withdrawn its forces from southern Lebanon and continues to carry out daily strikes, saying it targets Hezbollah sites and fighters.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu said on Sunday that he and US President Donald Trump agreed on eliminating nuclear danger from Iran for any final agreement.
"I spoke last night with President Trump about the memorandum of understanding to reopen the Straits of Hormuz and the upcoming negotiations toward a final agreement on Iran's nuclear program," Netanyahu said on social media platform X.
He expressed his appreciation to President Trump for his "unwavering commitment" to Israel's security, including during Operation Roaring Lion and Epic Fury, when American and Israeli forces fought shoulder to shoulder against the Iranian threat.
Tehran, May 25 (IANS) The United States is still refusing to accept certain clauses of a potential memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran on ending the war, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported.
Citing information obtained by its reporter, Tasnim said that despite some talks held between the two sides on Sunday, the United States is still obstructing certain clauses of the potential peace MoU,
including the release of Iran's frozen assets.
It added that there is still a possibility that the MoU would be canceled, and Iran has stressed that it will not back down from its red lines in safeguarding the rights of its people.
On Saturday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei told state-run IRIB TV that Iran and the United States are working to finalise an MoU on ending the war, Xinhua news agency reported.
"At this stage, our focus is on ending the imposed war," Baghaei stressed, adding, "Our intention has been to firstly agree on an MoU consisting of 14 clauses."
He noted that "within a period
progress” in talks and that the coming days would determine whether negotiations could move forward. He also confirmed that the US had secured agreements with 20 countries to accept deportees from the United States as part of a broader immigration enforcement strategy.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth described the administration’s Iran strategy as one aimed at “maximum lethality” while maintaining diplomatic channels. He said Iran’s navy, air force, and defence industrial capacity had been severely damaged.
“They may have missiles, but they can’t build more right now,” Hegseth said.
Trump also defended his administration’s handling of energy markets, saying the United States now produced more oil than “Russia and Saudi Arabia combined”. He argued that high oil prices driven by tensions around the Strait of Hormuz would eventually ease due to expanding US production and increased Venezuelan exports.
US still refusing to accept certain clauses of possible peace MoU with Iran: Report Iran won’t control Hormuz Strait: Trump
of 30 to 60 days," Tehran and Washington would reach a final agreement, saying, "Among the major topics to be addressed in the MoU are the cessation of US maritime attacks, or naval blockade as they themselves call it, and other issues pertaining to the release of Iranian frozen assets."
Iran, the United States and Israel reached a ceasefire on April 8 after 40 days of fighting that started with US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28.
Following the truce, Iranian and US delegations held one round of peace talks in Pakistan's Islamabad on April 11 and 12, which failed to yield an agreement.
Rubio says US prepared for later nuclear talks if Iran opens Hormuz Strait
Washington, May 25 (IANS)
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States was prepared to enter "into very serious talks" about Iran's nuclear program if Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report.
The remarks suggested that Washington may take a phased approach and accept an interim agreement that
did not immediately address Iran's nuclear program, Xinhua reported quoting the New York Times' report.
"You can't do a nuclear thing in 72 hours on the back of a napkin," Rubio told the newspaper in a brief interview during his visit to New Delhi.
"The straits have to be immediately reopened, and then we will enter, under agreed-to parameters, into very serious talks about enrichment, about the highly enriched uranium and about their pledge to never have nuclear weapons," Rubio said.
"It can't take years, but it'll take some time to work through those technical matters," Rubio added.
The state secretary suggested that the United States could renew its threats to attack Iran if the negotiations do not bear fruit within two months.
"Ultimately, the approach has to deliver what we want it to deliver," Rubio said. "If it doesn't, then the president has every option available to him in 60 days that he has available to him now."
Neither the United States nor Iran has released details publicly. Many critics have said such a phased deal could take away U.S. President Donald Trump's leverage in further negotiations. Rubio also reiterated US President Donald Trump's stance that Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon.
‘Look
forward to hosting PM Modi soon’: Australian PM Albanese hails bilateral ties
Canberra, May 28 (IANS) Hailing their bilateral relationship, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the ties between the two nations continue to deepen through culture, education, cricket and trade and that he looks forward to hosting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the near future.
In his address at the Australian Parliament, Albanese highlighted India's economic growth and emphasised that the trade relationship between the two nations has been further enhanced by the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). He recalled his first visit to India in 1991, describing it as a "wonderful experience".
"India, of course, has the largest population in the world, but it will
also grow to be the third largest economy in the world over this decade. That is an extraordinary opportunity for us in our region. We are a Pacific nation, but we are also an Indian Ocean nation as well. Our trading relationship has been enhanced by the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, and we are further drawn together through culture, education, and, of course, the international language of cricket.
One of my great honours has been my two visits so far to India as Prime Minister."
"When I first visited India as a backpacker way back in 1991, a long time ago, I travelled a bit differently in those days. I do want to say, if you want to understand India, get on a video bus or train. It is a wonderful experience to see firsthand the warmth that is there. Now, likewise, will have the privilege of hosting Prime Minister Modi here soon, a privilege I look forward to repeating for the second time," he added.
Albanese lauded the Indian community's contribution to Australian society and how they have strengthened ties between the two nations. He expressed the Australian government's commitment to supporting Indians and their interests.
Australia extends quarantine for 6 cruise passengers linked to hantavirus outbreak
Canberra, May 28 (IANS)
Six cruise ship passengers in Western Australia have had their quarantine extended to late June after new hantavirus cases were reported among people linked to the same voyage, authorities said on Thursday.
The six passengers -- four Australian citizens, one permanent resident and one New Zealand national -- have been in quarantine at a national facility near Perth, the state capital of Western Australia, since May 15. Their isolation period will now run until June 23, covering the full 42-day incubation window for the virus, Health Minister Mark Butler told a press conference, reports Xinhua news agency. The decision followed confirmation of two additional hantavirus infections overseas involving a crew member and a passenger from the MV Hondius cruise ship, bringing the total number of cases tied to the vessel
Australia power prices to fall for most households from July: Regulator
Canberra, May 26 (IANS)
Australia's energy regulator said that electricity prices will fall for most households and small businesses on regulated default plans from July 1, reflecting easing costs across the power sector. The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) said its final Default Market Offer (DMO) for 2026-27 would cut residential electricity prices by between 3.4 per cent and 5 per cent in the state of New South Wales and by 7.2 per cent in the southeast state of Queensland, while the state of South Australia
would see a slight 1.4 per cent increase.
Small businesses will see reductions across all three regions, said an AER statement, adding the DMO is a regulated safety net and benchmark price for households and small businesses on standing electricity plans.
Although the Northern Territory, the states of Western Australia and Tasmania, and regional parts of the state of Queensland are subject to separate pricing systems, the DMO remains a key benchmark for broader electricity prices.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said energy price declines coincide with Australia's main grids surpassing 50 per cent renewable generation in late 2025, "pushing wholesale energy prices down which is beginning to flow through to bills."
Expanded renewables and storage are "reducing reliance on unreliable coal and putting downward pressure on bills," Bowen said.
AER Chair Clare Savage said lower wholesale energy costs, reduced spot price volatility and increased output from renewable sources, including wind and batteries, drove the declines, Xinhua news agency reported.
Wholesale energy costs had eased "despite uncertainty created by conflict in the Middle East," Savage said.
The regulator also announced a new "solar sharer offer," requiring retailers to provide opt-in plans with three hours of free electricity during midday for customers with smart meters to make better use of Australia's abundant solar generation.
Australia’s Victoria State warns of rising climate risk to infrastructure
Australian dollars’ worth of assets across Victoria and identified bushfires, floods and extreme heat as the greatest risks.
to 13, Butler said.
All six individuals in Australia have tested negative and remain asymptomatic, Butler said, but authorities are acting on advice from public health experts and the World Health Organization (WHO) that the risk of delayed onset has not been eliminated, the minister said.
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious disease typically transmitted through contact with infected rodents. Human-to-human transmission is uncommon, depending on the strain.
Australian officials said the extended quarantine was a precautionary measure to minimise any potential public health risk.
Earlier on Wednesday, the WHO announced that the number of hantavirus cases linked to a cruise ship at the centre of an outbreak has increased to 13.
"Spain reported a new case among the passengers who are in quarantine, which brings the total number of cases to 13," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a post on X.
Melbourne, May 19 (IANS) More than 57 billion Australian dollars (about $40.84 billion) worth of infrastructure in the Australian state of Victoria is at risk from climate-related extreme weather, said a report released Tuesday. The amount of infrastructure at risk is projected to rise by nearly 25 per cent over the next four decades, said the report by Infrastructure Victoria, the Australian state’s independent infrastructure adviser. The report examined 318 billion
It estimates that more than 23 billion Australian dollars in infrastructure is currently exposed to bushfire risk, rising to over 30 billion Australian dollars by 2070, while flood risk already affects assets worth over 22 billion Australian dollars, Xinhua news agency reported.
Infrastructure exposed to extreme heat is projected to more than double between 2030 and 2070, the report showed. Road and rail networks are expected to bear the highest damage costs, particularly in the
state capital Melbourne and key regional corridors, it said, adding that energy infrastructure and health assets are also at risk from floods, bushfires and extreme heat.
Extreme weather cost Victoria an average of 2.7 billion Australian dollars a year in the decade to 2016, with the 2022 floods alone triggering 3.5 billion Australian dollars in government spending on relief and recovery, the report said.
Victoria has already experienced rising climate impacts, with average temperatures increasing by 1.2 degrees Celsius since 1910, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported.
Australia unveils major package to tackle serious diphtheria outbreak
Canberra, May 21 (IANS)
The Australian government is delivering a 7.2-millionAustralian-dollar (about 5.14 million US dollars) package to respond to the biggest diphtheria outbreak since national record-
keeping began, the country's Health Minister, Mark Butler, said on Thursday.
The National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System reports 230 diphtheria cases this year, and around 60 per cent of the cases in this outbreak are in the Northern Territory, with further outbreaks in Western Australia, South Australia, and Queensland, according to a media release, Xinhua news agency reported.
The package includes 5.2 million Australian dollars for the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre for promoting booster vaccinations and treatments, and procuring additional vaccines and antibiotics; 2 million Australian dollars to the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health
Organisation for culturally safe communications, community liaison and other on-the-ground public health supports, it said. "Diphtheria is a serious disease, but it is preventable, and this response is about making sure communities have the support, vaccines and health they need to stay safe," the minister said. Vaccination is the strongest protection against diphtheria, said the release. Diphtheria vaccines are recommended for children at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months, and 4 years of age, and adolescents at 11-13 years of age. A diphtheria vaccine booster is recommended for adults at 50 years of age. Where there is a higher risk of acquiring diphtheria, booster vaccinations are recommended every 5 years.
From the editor’s desk Modi at 12:
How
Narendra Modi reshaped India across economy, defence and global diplomacy The Quad’s collective resolve
The Quad’s latest condemnation of terrorism comes at a moment when the nature of security threats is becoming increasingly complex, interconnected and transnational. What once appeared as separate challenges — terrorism, cybercrime, trafficking, illicit finance and digital fraud — now operate through overlapping networks that exploit technology, weak regulation and geopolitical instability. Against this backdrop, the significance of the Quad’s collective position extends beyond diplomatic signalling. It reflects a growing recognition that terrorism can no longer be addressed through isolated national responses alone.
The joint statement issued after the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi was notable not merely for its strong language, but for the breadth of threats it identified. The grouping condemned terrorism in all its forms, including crossborder terrorism, while also highlighting the rise of online scam centres, cyber-enabled crime and organised criminal networks operating across Southeast Asia and beyond. This widening of focus is important because modern terrorism increasingly survives through precisely such interconnected ecosystems.
For countries like India, the issue carries particular urgency. The reference to the Pahalgam terror attack underlined the continuing reality that terrorism remains an active threat to civilian life, regional stability and democratic societies. Yet the challenge is no longer confined to conventional attacks alone. Terrorist organisations today exploit encrypted communications, digital financing channels, artificial intelligence and cyber platforms to recruit, coordinate and spread propaganda across borders. In such an environment, security frameworks rooted only in traditional military responses are becoming insufficient. This is where multilateral platforms such as the Quad acquire strategic importance. Originally viewed primarily through the lens of IndoPacific geopolitics and maritime security, the Quad is gradually evolving into a broader framework for regional resilience and collective security cooperation. Its emphasis on law enforcement coordination, regulatory engagement and technological cooperation reflects an understanding that modern threats demand integrated responses.
Equally significant is the Quad’s willingness to identify the role of state-supported or statetolerated networks in sustaining instability. Terrorism rarely survives in isolation. It depends
upon financing structures, logistical support, ideological ecosystems and permissive environments. International forums have often struggled to confront these realities consistently, particularly when geopolitical calculations dilute accountability. The Quad’s language, therefore, matters because it reinforces the principle that terrorism cannot be selectively condemned based on political convenience.
The grouping’s broader discussions on maritime coercion, cybercrime and the safety of commercial shipping also reveal how closely security challenges are now linked. Disruption in one domain rapidly affects another. Terror financing can move through illicit digital networks; organised crime can overlap with extremist activity; instability in maritime regions can threaten global trade and economic security. The IndoPacific, as one of the world’s most economically vital regions, cannot remain secure if these interconnected threats are allowed to deepen.
Importantly, the Quad also represents something larger than strategic coordination among four nations. It reflects an effort to preserve an international order rooted in rules, openness and stability. Terrorism fundamentally challenges that order because its objective extends beyond violence itself. It seeks to create fear, polarisation and institutional fragility within societies.
That is why counterterrorism must remain sustained rather than episodic. Diplomatic statements alone are insufficient. Intelligence-sharing, financial monitoring, cyber coordination and legal cooperation must deepen substantially if terrorist and transnational criminal networks are to be disrupted effectively.
The Quad cannot eliminate terrorism on its own. But it can help create the habits of cooperation and accountability necessary to confront threats that increasingly ignore borders. In a fragmented world, that collective resolve matters more than ever.
For India, Australia, Japan and the United States, the challenge now lies in ensuring that cooperation moves beyond declarations into measurable action. The credibility of multilateral forums ultimately depends not on the frequency of their meetings but on their ability to respond to evolving threats with consistency and political will. Terrorism adapts quickly to new technologies and fractured geopolitics. Democracies, therefore, cannot afford responses. They require partnerships capable of defending stability and societies.
By Rahul Shrivastava
As the National Democratic Alliance government completes 12 years in office under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leaders from the BJP and its ally Janata Dal (United) have intensified praise for what they describe as a transformative period in modern Indian governance. From economic reforms and welfare expansion to defence modernisation, digital infrastructure, manufacturing growth and an increasingly assertive foreign policy, the Modi years have significantly altered India’s domestic and international trajectory.
Speaking to IANS, Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav said the Prime Minister’s leadership reflected the philosophy of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas,” arguing that the government had prioritised welfare-oriented governance focused on ordinary citizens. BJP leaders across the country have also announced outreach campaigns highlighting what the government describes as major achievements accomplished during more than a decade in power.
Supporters of the government argue that one of the most visible transformations under Modi has been India’s economic and infrastructure expansion. Over the past twelve years, India has witnessed rapid highway construction, large-scale railway modernisation, airport development and significant investments in logistics corridors and digital connectivity.
Government initiatives such as Gati Shakti, Bharatmala and Sagarmala have aimed to improve connectivity while strengthening domestic trade and industrial efficiency.
India’s digital transformation has become another defining feature of the Modi era. The expansion of Aadhaar-linked welfare delivery, Unified Payments Interface transactions and digital public infrastructure has significantly changed the delivery of government services and financial access. International organisations and foreign governments have increasingly studied India’s digital governance model, particularly the scale of digital payment adoption and direct benefit transfer mechanisms.
The Modi government has also strongly emphasised manufacturing and self-reliance through initiatives such as “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat.” Production-linked incentive schemes were introduced to encourage domestic manufacturing in sectors including electronics,
semiconductors, defence equipment and renewable energy components. Mobile phone manufacturing, once heavily import-dependent, has expanded substantially, with India emerging as one of the world’s major smartphone production hubs. In the defence sector, the government has focused on military modernisation, indigenous production and strategic preparedness. India increased investments in domestic defence manufacturing while reducing dependence on foreign imports in selected sectors. Defence exports also rose significantly during the Modi years, reflecting efforts to position India as an emerging defence manufacturing centre.
Border infrastructure development accelerated, particularly following tensions with China along the Line of Actual Control. Roads, tunnels, advanced landing grounds and logistical facilities were expanded in strategically sensitive areas. Internationally, India also strengthened defence cooperation with countries including the United States, France, Australia and Japan through joint exercises, strategic partnerships and Indo-Pacific initiatives.
India’s space sector has similarly undergone major expansion during the last twelve years.
The Indian Space Research Organisation achieved several milestones, including successful lunar and solar missions, satellite launches and advances in commercial space activity. Chandrayaan-3’s successful landing near the Moon’s south pole significantly enhanced India’s global scientific profile. The government also opened parts of the space sector to private participation, encouraging startups and commercial innovation.
Foreign policy under Narendra Modi has received considerable international attention. The government pursued a more assertive diplomatic strategy focused on strategic autonomy, stronger global partnerships and expanded engagement across regions including the IndoPacific, Middle East, Europe and Africa. India strengthened ties with the United States while simultaneously maintaining relations with Russia and expanding engagement with Gulf nations.
Supporters argue that Modi’s foreign policy has increased India’s international visibility and geopolitical influence. India’s G20 presidency, outreach to the Global South and active participation in multilateral forums contributed to this perception. JD(U) spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan stated that India today enjoys broader international acceptance and is viewed as a balancing power capable of maintaining
relationships across competing geopolitical blocs.
The government has also highlighted welfare delivery as a central pillar of governance. Schemes related to housing, sanitation, cooking gas connections, healthcare coverage and rural electrification were expanded across large sections of the population. Supporters argue that welfare benefits increasingly reach beneficiaries directly through digital transfers, reducing leakages and improving transparency.
Critics of the government, however, continue raising concerns regarding unemployment, social polarisation, institutional independence and economic inequality. Opposition parties have argued that while infrastructure and digital expansion accelerated, challenges related to job creation and rising living costs remain significant. Nevertheless, the BJP continues maintaining strong electoral dominance across much of the country.
As the NDA government marks twelve years in office, the BJP plans nationwide campaigns between June 5 and June 21 to showcase achievements across sectors including governance, infrastructure, welfare, manufacturing and foreign policy. Union ministers, chief ministers and party leaders are expected to engage directly with citizens while highlighting what the government calls twenty-two major achievements.
For supporters of Prime Minister Modi, the past twelve years represent a period during which India transformed from a developing economy seeking global recognition into a more confident and influential power shaping international conversations on trade, technology, climate, security and geopolitics. Whether viewed through the lens of digital transformation, infrastructure growth, defence preparedness or diplomatic expansion, the Modi era has undeniably reshaped the scale of India’s ambitions and its position in the global order. Economic reforms undertaken during the Modi years also included the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax, insolvency reforms and efforts aimed at formalising sections of the economy. Supporters describe these measures as attempts to create a more unified national market while improving tax compliance and financial transparency. India also emerged as one of the fastest-growing major economies during much of the period, attracting increasing global investor attention despite international economic disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts and supply-chain instability.
‘Every country in world has stupid people’: Marco Rubio on racist remarks against Indians in US
New Delhi, May 24 (IANS) US
Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday described the United States as a "welcoming country" and termed the racist comments made against Indians as the actions of "stupid" people.
Addressing a joint press conference with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Rubio stated that he takes such comments very seriously.
On being asked about racist remarks against Indians in the US, he responded: "I don't know how to address that, but I'll take that very seriously about the comments. Look, I'm sure that there are people who have made comments online and other places because every country in the world has stupid people. I'm sure there are stupid people here. There are stupid people in the United States who make dumb comments all the time. I don't know what else to tell you other than uh the United States is a very welcoming country. Our nation has been enriched by people who come to our country, have come from our country from all over the world, have become Americans, have assimilated into our way of life and have contributed greatly. So, that's all I can comment on that in regard to your point."
Highlighting the contribution of the Indian community in the US economy, Rubio said: "Over 20 billion dollars have been invested in the US economy by Indian companies. We want that number to continue to increase, and obviously, the expertise as well that they've provided to our economy has been very, very valuable."
Rubio also stated that the US is modernising its migration system and changes in immigration policy were applied across the world and "not India-specific." He noted that over 20 million people
had illegally entered the US over the past few years and stressed the importance of addressing that challenge.
On concerns about the recent changes in J1 visa, F1, H1B visa and his message to Indians in this regard, Rubio said: "The changes that are happening now, or the modernisation of our migration system into the United States, is not focused, is not India-specific. It is global; it's being applied across the world. We are in a period of modernisation, and I'll be frank and honest with you because it's important to talk about this. We've had a migratory crisis in the United States. This is not because of India, but broadly, we had over 20 million people illegally enter the United States over the last few years, and we've had to address that challenge.
In addition to that challenge, and I think this is true for India, this is true for every country in the world...Everything that you do as a country needs to be in your national interest, and that includes your immigration policy."
He noted that immigration has enriched the country, but stressed that the system must be adjusted with changing times.
"The United States, I believe, is the most welcoming country in the world for immigration. Every single year, a million people roughly become permanent residents of the United States and contribute greatly. My parents entered the United States as permanent residents in 1956 from Cuba and so it's a process that's enriched us, but it has to be a process that's adjusted in every era to the realities of the modern times in which you live, and we are, and it's long overdue," he added.
Rubio said that the US is currently undergoing a process of reforming the system and acknowledged that the transition could create some difficulties and friction points. However, he stated that the system that will be implemented after the process will be more efficient and better
than the previous system. "The United States is currently undergoing a process of reforming the system by which we choose how many people come into our country, who comes in, when they come in, etc. Anytime you undertake a reform, anytime you undertake a change in the system by which you admit people, or frankly anytime you undertake a reform in any system, not just on immigration, there are going to be, there's going to be a period of transition that's going to create, you know, some friction points and some difficulties and so forth. Ultimately, we think that when this process is in place, once this process has been modernised, and that's really what it is. We are modernising the US immigration system for the 21st century so that it is an immigration system that's not just good for America, but it's also good for the people that are coming."
"Once we are complete and once we've done the work of modernising that system, I think we're going to .. going to wind up with a system that's more efficient and even better than the previous system, and in some ways may prove to be even more beneficial than the previous system was to people from India who seek to enter the United States to work and innovate. But, obviously, there's going to be a period of adjustment along the way. So I just don't... what I want to clear is that the changes, while they may be having a disproportionate impact on a place like India that provides so many high-skilled workers to the US economy, it is not a system that is targeted at India. It is one that's being applied globally. But we're in a period of transition, and like any period of transition, there's going to be some bumps on that road. But we think ultimately our destination is going to be a better system, a more efficient system, one that works better than the one that we had embraced previously and more sustainable by the way," he added.
EAM Jaishankar, Romanian counterpart discuss EU-India FTA preparations
Oana Toiu on the sidelines of the informal Gymnich meeting of the European Union Foreign Affairs Ministers in Cyprus.
“We're now preparing the ground so that both our economies make the most of the future EU-India Free Trade Agreement, with strong potential across defence industry, renewable energy, steel, automotive, fertilisers and port infrastructure,” Romania’s Foreign Minister Oana Toiu wrote on X after the meeting.
“Excellent discussion with my Indian counterpart @ DrSJaishankar on the margins of the #Gymnich in Cyprus, our fourth meeting,” she added. The Romanian Foreign Minister
IMEC remains top priority, says EU commissioner after meeting EAM Jaishankar
Nicosia, May 28 (IANS)
European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica on Thursday said the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) remained a shared top priority after her meeting with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar in Cyprus.
“Happy to meet you @ DrSJaishankar today in Cyprus at the Informal Meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers,” Suica wrote on X after the meeting with the EAM.
“The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor #IMEC remains a shared top priority in view of deepening trade, improving energy and digital connections, and becoming an important driver of peace and prosperity across the region,” the EU commissioner said.
She added that the IndiaEuropean Union (EU) partnership was moving ahead strongly, helping drive growth, strengthen stability and create opportunities across Europe, the Middle East,
the Gulf and India.
“At a time of growing tensions, the EU and India remain committed to working together to support stability in the Middle East and ensure secure maritime routes, including through the Strait of Hormuz,” Suica noted.
EAM Jaishankar paid an official visit to Cyprus from May 2728 at the invitation of EU High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas and Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos to attend the informal meeting of EU Ministers for Foreign Affairs (Gymnich) as a special invitee. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the EAM attended the working session of the informal meeting of EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs (Gymnich) on May 28.
Discussions focused on policy issues of shared interest, particularly the geopolitical implications of developments in West Asia and the wider region, the MEA said.
On the sidelines of the Gymnich meeting, EAM Jaishankar held structured bilateral meetings with Kaja Kallas; Constantinos Kombos; Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia; Andrii Sybiha, Foreign Minister of Ukraine; and Jose Manuel Albares Bueno, Spain’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation.
Japan: Increasing people-topeople ties between Wakayama and India discussed
also said that trade between Romania and India had reached $1.2 billion in 2025, registering an increase of more than 20 per cent compared to 2024.
“After unblocking our Joint Economic Cooperation Commission following an eight-year pause, we've brought back real momentum to the relationship, and investment is already accelerating,” she stated. Both ministers are also looking forward to a high-level visit to Romania expected later this year.
Tokyo, May 28 (IANS) President of the Japan-India Friendship Promotion Group of Wakayama Prefectural Assembly called on India's Ambassador to Japan, Nagma Mallick, at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo on Thursday, holding discussions on increasing people-to-people ties between Wakayama and India through tourism and cultural exchanges.
“Ambassador Nagma M Mallick was pleased to welcome Mr. NIIJIMA Takeshi, President, Japan-India Friendship Promotion Group of Wakayama Prefectural Assembly, to the Embassy today,” the Embassy posted on X after the meeting. The discussions, it said, focused on increasing people-to-people
ties between Wakayama and India through tourism and cultural exchanges.
In February, Nijima Takeshi accompanied Izumi Miyazaki, Governor of Wakayama Prefecture, on a visit to India. During the visit, Governor Miyazaki also met with the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, in Mumbai. Japan and India, particularly Maharashtra and Wakayama, have a deep and enduring partnership. Maharashtra's decade-long sister-state partnership with Wakayama began in 2013.
“Ensuring that the bond between Maharashtra and Wakayama remains a cornerstone of Indo-Japanese friendship.
Collaboration with Japan has powered transformative infrastructure in Maharashtra, including the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, the expansive underground Metro network and the upcoming Bullet Train.
Nicosia, May 28 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Thursday met his Romanian counterpart
Centre clears first Strategic Investment Plan under PM-SETU scheme
New Delhi, May 30 (IANS) The National Steering Committee (NSC) has approved the Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) for the Visakhapatnam ITI Cluster in Andhra Pradesh, making it the first proposal to receive clearance under the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme, the government said on
Saturday.
The proposal was submitted by ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India), making Andhra Pradesh the first state to operationalise an industry partnership under PM-SETU by onboarding an Anchor Industry Partner (AIP), according to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
The approval was accorded during the third meeting of the National Steering Committee convened by the ministry.
The approval marks the first concrete step towards implementing PM-SETU’s vision of transforming government-run Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into industry-managed, outcome-oriented institutions
through partnerships between state governments and leading industry players.
The meeting was chaired by MSDE Secretary Debashree Mukherjee and attended by Director General of Training (DGT) Dilip Kumar, senior representatives from central ministries, participating state governments, industry bodies and development partners.
Officials said the approval of the Visakhapatnam cluster represents a significant milestone in operationalising the industry-led Hub-and-Spoke model envisaged under PM-SETU and is expected to serve as a template for other states seeking to deepen industry participation in vocational education and training.
Over 75.5 lakh street vendors avail 112 lakh loans under PM SVANidhi
New Delhi, May 31 (IANS) More than 75.5 lakh street vendors have availed over 112 lakh loans under the PM SVANidhi scheme so far, according to an official fact-sheet. Loans amounting to more than Rs 17,800 crore have been disbursed to street vendors across the country. Beneficiaries have also received nearly Rs 800 crore through interest subsidies and digital cashback incentives.
Nearly 46 per cent of beneficiaries are women and around 70 per cent belong to marginalised communities. The scheme
strengthened micro-enterprises, local supply chains and integration of vendors with Urban Local Bodies, the fact-sheet informed.
PM SVANidhi was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide affordable working capital loans to street vendors whose businesses had been severely affected.
As the first dedicated microcredit scheme for street vendors, who constituted a significant part of the informal workforce and often had limited access to formal credit, it aimed to support the growth of their businesses while promoting financial inclusion.
Building on the strong achievements and measurable impact, the government has
approved restructuring and extension of PM SVANidhi. The lending period has been extended until March 2030.
Any person engaged in the vending of articles, goods, wares, food items, or merchandise of daily use or offering services to the public in a street, footpath, pavement, etc., from a temporary built-up structure or by moving from place to place. The goods supplied by them include vegetables, fruits, ready-to-eat street food, etc., and the services include barber shops, cobblers, laundry services, etc.
Street vendors receive collateralfree working capital loans of Rs 15,000, Rs 25,000 and Rs 50,000 through progressive loan tranches.
India reaffirms support for developing countries’ integration into global trading system
New Delhi, May 23 (IANS) India has consistently supported the accession of developing countries and ‘Least Developed Countries’ to the World Trade Organization (WTO), signing the bilateral accession protocol in Geneva in the context of Ethiopia’s accession to the WTO. According to Commerce Ministry, the protocol was signed by Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of India to the WTO, Dr Senthil Pandian C., on behalf of India, and Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Federal
Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the United Nations Office and Other International Organizations in Geneva, Tsegab Kebebew Daka, on behalf of Ethiopia.
Following the signing, the Protocol and its annexes were formally handed over and deposited with the WTO Secretariat, said the ministry. According to the ministry, as Ethiopia advances economic and trade policy reforms through the WTO accession process, new opportunities are expected to emerge for enhanced trade, investment, and business collaboration between India and Ethiopia.
The agreement was fast-tracked and concluded under the guidance of Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal.
The WTO accession process requires aligning domestic
Adani Group helping Maharashtra achieve holistic economic growth: Industry leaders
Mumbai, May 22 (IANS) From the Navi Mumbai International Airport to the redevelopment of Dharavi, the Adani Group is making huge investment towards the holistic economic growth of Maharashtra, industry veterans and experts said here on Friday.
Speaking at the ‘Hindu Maharashtra Infrastructure Conclave 2026’ here, Jamshed, Distinguished Fellow at Chintan Research Foundation (CRF), said there are many other sectors like electricity and renewable energy where Adani Group is working and contributing to the development of the state, paving the way for other states to emulate how private and public partnerships can make mega projects successful.
Dr. Mahendra P. Kalyankar, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) in Mumbai, said that the Dharavi project for skill development of the residents will also be undertaken.
“The Dharavi Experience Centre will be established before August 15. The master plan is ready. We are definitely moving forward. By 2047, with a developed Maharashtra and a developed India,” he said.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that in Maharashtra, from Mumbai to Surjagad, not just Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), there should be development up to Gadchiroli in a holistic way.
“The work that we have done on infrastructure, roads, flyovers, metro, affordable housing, health, education, environment, we got a chance to showcase it here at the conclave,” he said.
He also outlined the vision for the Dharavi redevelopment project, stressing housing rights, dignity, and the goal of making Mumbai slum-free. He highlighted plans to provide homes to all residents as part of a broader housing push.
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) is a unique opportunity to transform the lives and 'live-work' conditions of Dharavikars, aiming for a higher quality of life with great infrastructure and public amenities. Asia’s largest slum is now being reimagined as India’s most ambitious urban rehabilitation project.
NITI Aayog sets ball rolling for big push to services sector
optimise growth, employment, and exports, assess the impact of frontier technologies, including AI, on jobs and skill requirements, and recommend appropriate measures, it said.
economic and trade policies with WTO rules and negotiating market access commitments with existing members.
Ethiopia is currently at an advanced stage of its accession process, with its Working Party having met for the seventh time on April 22–23, 2026. India recognises that their fuller integration into the multilateral trading system and global value chains is essential for building a more inclusive and balanced global economy.
India is Ethiopia’s second-largest trading partner, and Indian companies are among the leading foreign investors in Ethiopia. Bilateral relations between the two countries were elevated to a Strategic Partnership during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Ethiopia in December 2025.
New Delhi, May 24 (IANS) The first meeting of NITI Aayog's high-powered ‘Education to Employment and Enterprise’ Standing Committee has decided to identify actionable recommendations to enhance employability, foster entrepreneurship, strengthen industry-relevant skilling, and accelerate growth in the services sector, according to an official statement issued on Sunday.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to transform India’s demographic dividend into a growth dividend, enhance coordinated action among the Centre, states, industry, academia, and the skilling ecosystem, and develop future-ready policy responses for bridging the gap between education, employment, and entrepreneurship, the statement said.
The committee has been set up with the aim of helping India achieve a 10 per cent share of the global services market by 2047 as part of the government’s commitment to fulfil the aspirations of a youthful India. It will prioritise areas to
NITI Aayog's Programme Director, Services Division, Sonia Pant, made a detailed presentation on the potential of the services sector both in terms of economic value creation and employment generation.
NITI Aayog CEO Nidhi Chibber underlined the importance of continued efforts towards aligning education, skilling, and employment ecosystems with the evolving requirements of the economy. She observed that India’s demographic dividend presents opportunities to accelerate growth through appropriate policy measures to create productive employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for the youth. The discussions covered a range of issues, including labour force participation, youth employment, education and skill alignment, the formal and informal economy, and workforce preparedness for jobs. Participants also deliberated on aspects such as the transition of labour towards non-farm sectors, the adoption of frontier technologies, and the need for strengthening industry-relevant skilling pathways.
‘Or we’ll have to blow them up’: Trump warns Oman not to interfere amid fragile US-Iran talks
Washington, May 28 (IANS) US
President Donald Trump has warned Oman not to interfere as fragile talks with Iran continue, claiming the United States will "watch over" the Strait of Hormuz. Asked if he would accept a shortterm deal that would allow Iran and Oman to control the strategic waterway, Trump told reporters during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday (local time) at the White House: "No, the strait's going to be open to everybody." "It's international waters. Nobody's going to control it. We're going to watch over it. We'll watch over it, but nobody's going to control it," he said. "That's part of the negotiation that we have."
"Oman will behave just like everybody else or we'll have to blow 'em up," Trump warned. Trump's remarks came after Iranian state TV reported that it had obtained an unofficial draft of a Iranian-US agreement that would restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to prewar levels within a month, with Iran and Oman jointly managing traffic. The framework also would see the United States lift its blockade of Iranian ports and withdraw military forces from Iran's vicinity.
The US side has dismissed the Iranian report as "a complete fabrication."
Meanwhile, Oman has been in constant contact with the Iranian officials over the concerns relating to the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier on May 24, Omani officials, led by Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, held talks with an Iranian delegation
headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi on freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the latest regional developments. According to a statement by Oman's Foreign Ministry, the two sides discussed the principles governing freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway in accordance with international law.
The statement said that both sides exchanged views in light of recent developments and discussed ways to strengthen the safety of maritime navigation, trade flows, and supply chains.
During the meeting, Al Busaidi received a verbal message from Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi regarding the ongoing Iranian-US talks.
The message highlighted the commitment of both countries to restoring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in a safe and sustainable manner.
Corruption tour disguised as diplomacy: Senator Warren on Trump’s China visit
Washington, May 28 (IANS) US Senator Elizabeth Warren has accused President Donald Trump of using his recent China trip to benefit billionaire allies and corporate donors, saying the visit amounted to “a corruption tour disguised as diplomacy”.
The report, released by the minority staff of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee led by Warren, alleged that Trump’s China
policy favoured wealthy business interests over American workers, farmers and families.
“President Trump didn’t go to China to fight for American workers or farmers -- he went to cut deals for the billionaires who funded his campaign and his ballroom,” Warren said in a statement. “The American people will not forget this brazen display of corruption.”
The report said Trump travelled to China with a delegation of billionaire executives whose combined wealth “approaches $1 trillion”. It said the executives and their companies had direct business interests tied to the outcome of trade and regulatory discussions with Beijing.
Executives named in the report included Tesla and SpaceX chief Elon Musk, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, Qualcomm chief Cristiano Amon, Blackstone chairman Stephen Schwarzman and Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser.
The report alleged that Trump owned stock in several of the companies represented on the trip and said many executives or companies had donated to Trump’s inauguration fund or White House ballroom project.
“These billionaires and CEOs are fighting for carveouts from rules and special treatment, while workers and households pay the price,” the report said.
Trump urges Pakistan to recognise Israel under Abraham Accords
New York, May 25 (IANS) US
President Donald Trump is pressuring Pakistan to recognise Israel and establish diplomatic relations with it as part of the Iran war settlement.
Trump said in a Truth Social post on Monday that “it should be mandatory” for Pakistan to “sign onto the Abraham Accords”, under which Muslim nations recognise Israel.
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, Egypt, and Jordan are the other countries from which he
demanded acquiescence to the Abraham Accords.
Trump presented his demand as a quid pro quo for essentially waging the Iran war, which had been initiated by Israel, and for his attempts now to end it, writing, “after all the work done by the United States to try and pull this very complex puzzle together”.
The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, which have also been drawn into the Iran conflict, had already signed the Abraham Accords launched in 2020 during Trump’s first term.
It is called the Abraham Accords because Muslims consider the God of the Jewish Prophet
China says Trump-Xi summit opened new phase in ties
Washington, May 28 (IANS)
China has said President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing early this month had produced progress on tariffs, trade mechanisms and educational exchanges, even as tensions persist over Taiwan and technology restrictions.
China’s Deputy Ambassador to the United States, Qui Wenxing, on Wednesday (local time) described the recent summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping as “historic and successful”.
Qui said Beijing believed the summit marked “a significant step towards the establishment of the right path of getting along between China and the US in the new era”.
He framed the summit around three themes -- “mutual respect”, “strategic stability” and “win-win results”.
“China and the US are two great nations,” Qui told a group of reporters. “President Xi and
President Trump actually, they respect each other and have maintained close communications.”
He added that Beijing believed “achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America greater again can go hand in hand”.
According to Qui, the two leaders agreed to pursue “a constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability”, which he said would guide bilateral ties “over the next three years and beyond”.
“We believe that cooperation is the mainstay,” he said. “Of course, there is competition in the field of economic and trade areas, but we cannot define this relationship with competition.”
Qui said China opposed viewing bilateral ties through a “zero-sum game” approach and called for differences to be managed “in a constructive manner”.
“We do want to do everything we can to avoid any conflict and confrontation between us, because conflict and confrontation will produce consequences no one can bear,” he said.
The deputy ambassador rejected criticism that the summit had failed to deliver concrete outcomes.
Trump says Iran talks unlike Obama deal
Washington, May 24, (IANS)
Abraham as their own supreme divinity, along with Christians. Morocco and Sudan are also members of the Accord, while two other countries, Kazakhstan and Somaliland, are reported to have agreed to join it.
Pakistan has a deeply antagonistic relationship with Israel, dating back to its opposition to Israel’s founding and its military support to Arab nations during their wars with Israel.
As it seeks to project itself as a devout Islamic nation and a champion of Muslim countries, Pakistan remains a vocal critic of Israel, accusing it at the United Nations of “mass carnage” against Palestinians and war crimes.
US President Donald Trump on Sunday defended his administration's ongoing negotiations with Iran, sharply criticising the Obama-era nuclear agreement and asserting that the current talks would prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the 2015 Iran nuclear deal negotiated under former President Barack Obama was "one of the worst deals ever made by our Country".
“It was a direct path to Iran developing a Nuclear Weapon," the US President wrote.
"Not so with the transaction currently being negotiated with Iran by the Trump Administration -- THE EXACT OPPOSITE, in fact!"
The remarks came after Trump announced that a broad regional understanding involving Iran and several Middle Eastern nations was close to finalisation following calls with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain.
Trump said the current negotiations were moving forward carefully and that his administration was in no hurry to conclude an agreement.
"The negotiations are proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner, and I have informed my representatives not to rush into a deal in that time is on our side," he added.
Trump also indicated that pressure on Iran would continue until a formal agreement was completed.
"The Blockade will remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed," he wrote.
"Both sides must take their time and get it right. There can be no mistakes!"
The US President described relations with Tehran as increasingly stable despite years of hostility between the two countries.
PM Albanese highlights Indian community’s role at AIBC networking event Australia-India partnership, business ties and community engagement take centre stage
Sydney, May 26 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Australia-India business and community ties were placed firmly in the spotlight during a major networking and engagement event organised by the Australia India Business Council (AIBC) in collaboration with organisations promoting bilateral relations between the two countries.
The programme brought together business leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, community representatives and dignitaries to discuss expanding cooperation across trade, education, innovation, technology and cultural engagement.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the contribution of the Indian community to Australia’s social and economic landscape and highlighted the importance of strengthening long-term Australia-India relations.
Speaking at the event, Albanese said the growing engagement between the two countries and
the strong role played by the Indian community provided “incredible confidence” as Australia looked towards the future.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the contribution of community members and supporters involved in strengthening Australia-India ties, thanking people from across different sectors for their continued assistance and engagement.
According to organisers, the event focused on creating stronger partnerships between businesses, institutions and communities from both nations while encouraging deeper economic and cultural cooperation.
Speakers during the programme highlighted the rapid growth in Australia-India relations and pointed to increasing opportunities emerging from bilateral engagement in areas, including investment, innovation, professional collaboration and education.
Representatives noted that Australia and India continue to witness expanding strategic and economic cooperation, supported by growing trade links and stronger people-to-people connections.
The event also served as a networking platform for entrepreneurs, professionals and community members,
encouraging collaboration among organisations and industry stakeholders involved in Australia-India relations.
Several speakers praised the Indian community’s growing contribution across sectors including business, healthcare, technology, education and entrepreneurship, noting its important role within Australia’s multicultural society.
Discussions during the programme focused on future partnerships, business opportunities and the importance of strengthening institutional engagement to support long-term bilateral growth.
Organisers said the event reflected the increasing momentum in AustraliaIndia relations and the rising interest among businesses and community organisations in building stronger commercial and cultural partnerships.
The programme featured formal addresses, networking sessions and interaction opportunities aimed at fostering deeper engagement between Australian and Indian businesses, professionals and community groups.
Observers said such initiatives are becoming increasingly significant as Australia and India continue expanding cooperation across trade, investment, education and community engagement.
Australia and India deepen air force engagement
Canberra, May 18 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
S
enior officials from the Royal Australian Air Force and the Indian Air Force held discussions in Canberra and Brisbane aimed at strengthening defence cooperation and enhancing professional air power engagement between the two countries.
Royal Australian Air Force Deputy Chief Air Vice-Marshal Steven Pesce hosted Indian Air Force
Air Vice-Marshal Sanjeev Taliyan during the visit, which focused on expanding operational dialogue and interoperability between the two air forces.
The engagements covered a range of areas including air logistics support, airborne and special operations, VIP transport, air-to-air refuelling, search and rescue support, and aeromedical evacuation capabilities.
Personnel from HALSPO, 86 Wing, 33 Squadron and 36 Squadron participated in the discussions
Australia-India strategic dialogue focuses on trade, technology and defence ties
Sydney, May 20 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Policymakers, diplomats and strategic experts from India and Australia gathered in Sydney for the Australia-India 1.5 Strategic Dialogue to discuss the next phase of bilateral cooperation across key sectors.
The dialogue, organised by the Ananta Centre and Asia Society with support from India’s Ministry of External Affairs and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, focused on strengthening engagement in trade and investment, critical technologies, defence industry cooperation, clean energy and digital infrastructure.
Discussions also highlighted the growing importance of resilient supply chains and enhanced
and operational exchanges. According to the Royal Australian Air Force, the visit reflected ongoing efforts to build stronger professional relationships, increase defence cooperation and support regional security objectives in the Indo-Pacific. Officials said the engagement highlighted the growing strategic partnership between Australia and India and their shared commitment to regional stability and defence collaboration.
Indian community leaders meet South Australian minister
economic collaboration as both countries seek to deepen their strategic partnership in the IndoPacific region.
India’s High Commissioner to Australia Nagesh Singh participated in a panel discussion alongside Australia’s Assistant Minister and Australia’s High Commissioner to India Philip Green OAM.
Participants emphasised the need to transform strategic discussions into practical outcomes and expand cooperation across economic, technological and security sectors.
Officials said the dialogue reflected the growing convergence between India and Australia on regional priorities and long-term strategic interests.
The meeting focused on multiculturalism, community participation and efforts to strengthen social cohesion across South Australia.
IAASA representatives appreciated the minister’s support for multicultural communities and discussed opportunities for greater collaboration to promote unity and community engagement.
Participants also highlighted the role of the Indian community in South Australia’s multicultural landscape and emphasised the importance of continued cooperation between community organisations and government representatives.
IAASA said it looked forward to working closely with the minister to further strengthen ties among diverse communities across the state.
Adelaide, May 22 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Indian Australian Association of South Australia (IAASA) held discussions with
South Australia’s Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Small and Family Business Nadia Clancy on the growing contribution of the Indian community in the state.
High Commission, BAPS
Mandir to organise IDY event in Canberra
Canberra, May 22 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The High Commission of India in Canberra and BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Canberra, will jointly host celebrations for the International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 6.
The event, scheduled from 9.30 am to 10.30 am, will invite members of the community,
families and friends to participate in a programme centred on yoga, wellness and holistic living.
Organisers said the celebration aims to highlight the timeless Indian tradition of yoga and promote its message of harmony, mindfulness and healthy living.
The programme forms part of the wider global celebrations of the International Day of Yoga, which promotes physical and mental wellbeing through yoga practice.
Hindi Samaj HSWA’s Indradanush event celebrates Indian culture in Perth
Perth, May 22 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Hindi Samaj HSWA hosted its Indradanush cultural celebration in Perth, showcasing the richness and diversity of Indian heritage through a vibrant evening of performances and community engagement.
The event featured colourful cultural presentations highlighting India’s artistic traditions and drew participation from members of the Indian community across Western Australia.
The Indian Society of WA (ISWA) congratulated Hindi Samaj HSWA on the successful hosting of the event, noting that such initiatives strengthen cultural connections and provide meaningful opportunities for community interaction and unity. Organisers said the programme reflected the spirit of multiculturalism while celebrating Indian traditions through music, dance and cultural expression.
ISWA added that member organisations continue to play an important role in fostering social connection, cultural pride and community harmony across Western Australia.
Cultural event in Perth honours Satyajit Ray’s artistic legacy
Perth, May 22 (Australia India
Aspecial cultural programme celebrating the life and work of legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray was organised in Perth by Batayan and Rangmanch Production, bringing together members of the Indian community and admirers of Indian cinema.
The event featured Sandip Ray sharing personal stories and reflections on the immense contribution of Satyajit Ray to Indian art, literature and filmmaking, offering audiences insights into the creative journey
of one of India’s most celebrated cultural icons.
The Indian Society of WA (ISWA) congratulated the organisers for hosting the programme and providing the community with an opportunity to engage with India’s rich artistic heritage.
Organisers said the evening highlighted the enduring influence of Satyajit Ray on global cinema and served as a platform to celebrate Indian culture and storytelling in Western Australia. Community members attended the programme in large numbers, reflecting continued interest in Indian arts and cultural initiatives in Perth.
News Newsdesk)
CGI Brisbane, GOPIO Gold Coast to host International Day of Yoga celebration
Brisbane, May 22 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Consulate General of India in Brisbane, together with GOPIO Gold Coast Inc., will organise the 12th International Day of Yoga celebration at Broadwater Parklands, Southport.
The community event will be held from 10 am to 11 am and is expected to bring together yoga enthusiasts and members of the community for a morning focused
on wellness and mindfulness.
Organisers said the outdoor programme aims to promote the benefits of yoga and encourage healthy living through community participation.
Participants attending the event have been advised to bring a yoga mat, towel and water bottle.
The celebration forms part of the worldwide observance of the International Day of Yoga, which highlights yoga as a practice promoting physical health, mental wellbeing and harmony.
Business expo highlights entrepreneurship in Perth’s Indian community
Perth, May 24 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Maharashtra Mandal Perth’s annual Business Expo brought together community members, entrepreneurs and professionals at the Indian Community Centre in Perth, showcasing growing business engagement within the Indian diaspora in Western Australia.
The event received appreciation from the Indian Society of WA (ISWA), which acknowledged Maharashtra Mandal Perth for organising a programme focused
on entrepreneurship, networking and community participation.
According to organisers, the expo created a platform for businesses and community members to connect while promoting enterprise and collaboration among Indianorigin professionals in Perth.
ISWA said the initiative contributed to the vibrancy of the Indian Community Centre and reflected the active role community organisations continue to play in supporting business and social engagement across Western Australia.
Thyagarajana Aradhana in Perth promotes Carnatic music tradition
Perth, May 17 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
VTCS–Vedic Training and Cultural Services hosted the fourth annual Thyagarajana Aradhana in Perth, celebrating
the enduring legacy of Carnatic music and Indian cultural heritage.
The event brought together artists, musicians and community members for an
evening dedicated to classical music performances and the preservation of traditional South Indian art forms.
The Indian Society of WA (ISWA) praised VTCS for organising the programme, noting that such initiatives provide valuable opportunities for Perth-based artists to showcase their talent while keeping Carnatic music traditions alive.
ISWA also acknowledged the important role community organisations play in strengthening cultural identity and building meaningful community connections across Western Australia.
Organisers said the annual celebration continues to serve as a platform for promoting Indian classical arts and encouraging wider appreciation of cultural traditions among younger generations and the broader community.
Perth event marks International Tea Day with message of harmony
Perth, May 24 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Indian Society of Western Australia (ISWA) participated in the “Tea for Harmony” celebration organised by the Australia Chinese Women’s Business Association as part of International Tea Day 2026 festivities in Perth.
The multicultural event brought together representatives from different communities to celebrate friendship, cultural exchange and social harmony through the shared tradition of
tea.
ISWA said the programme highlighted how chai and tea culture continue to serve as a bridge connecting people across cultures and communities.
Organisers noted that the celebration promoted inclusiveness and intercultural understanding while encouraging stronger community engagement in Western Australia.
Community members from diverse cultural backgrounds attended the event, reflecting Perth’s vibrant multicultural spirit and commitment to harmony and collaboration.
Arohan 2026 to showcase Uttar Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage in Perth
Perth, May 30 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Acommittee delegation from Uttar Pradesh Awadh Manch WA, led by its president Deepak Gupta, recently met the Consul General of India in Perth Kajari Biswas and invited her to attend Arohan 2026, a major cultural celebration being organised by the community organisation in Western Australia.
The event is expected to present a colourful and vibrant showcase of Uttar Pradesh’s rich cultural traditions, festivals and artistic heritage, reflecting the spirit and diversity of one of India’s most culturally significant states. During the interaction, members
of the delegation discussed the importance of promoting Indian cultural heritage among the diaspora and strengthening community engagement through cultural initiatives and public events.
Community representatives said Arohan 2026 would provide an opportunity for people from diverse backgrounds to experience the traditions, music, customs and festive culture of Uttar Pradesh while also fostering multicultural harmony in Australia.
The Consulate General of India in Perth has continued to engage with various Indian community organisations across Western Australia in support of cultural outreach and diaspora activities.
Consulate receives coffee table book celebrating legendary Tamil illustrator Maniam
Perth, May 30 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Artist, singer and painter
Subhashini Balasubramaniam recently presented a coffee table book titled The Complete Artist to the Consul General of India in Perth, paying tribute to the life and artistic legacy of her grandfather, the renowned Tamil illustrator Maniam.
The book highlights the remarkable contribution of Maniam to Tamil art and literature and reflects the rich artistic lineage of the family, which is well known across India and the wider Tamil diaspora. According to the Consulate General of India in Perth, Maniam and his son Maniam Selven (Ma Se) have both played a major role in shaping Tamil visual storytelling through their illustrations and artistic works over several decades. Maniam was particularly celebrated for his illustrations in leading Tamil publications such as Kalki. His artwork accompanying the famous historical serialised novel on the Chola Empire by author Kalki Krishnamurthy became iconic and earned immense admiration
among readers during the 1950s.
Interest in Maniam’s artistic legacy has grown further following the international success of filmmaker Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan films, whose visual style and character depictions drew inspiration from Maniam’s original illustrations.
As part of Maniam’s centenary commemorations, retrospective exhibitions and commemorative
coffee table books in Tamil and English were organised to honour his lasting influence on Indian art and Tamil cultural heritage. Members of the Indian community noted that such initiatives help preserve artistic traditions and introduce younger generations to the contributions of legendary Indian illustrators and cultural figures.
UWA hosts discussions on India-Western Australia cooperation in medical technology sector
Perth, May 30 (Australia
The Consul General of India in Perth Kajari Biswas recently attended a luncheon meeting with an Aus Med Tech delegation during its visit to The University of Western Australia (UWA), underlining the growing partnership between India and Western Australia in healthcare innovation and medical technology.
The meeting was hosted by Nashid Chowdhury, Director of Global Growth and Advocacy at UWA, and included representatives from the Karnataka Government along with medical technology companies from Telangana and Karnataka.
According to the Consulate General of India in Perth, discussions centred on expanding collaboration in healthcare, medtech innovation, research partnerships and technology-
driven solutions between India and Western Australia. Participants explored opportunities to strengthen institutional engagement, encourage innovation partnerships and deepen cooperation in emerging sectors linked to healthcare and advanced technology.
Observers noted that the interaction reflected the increasing importance of IndiaAustralia collaboration in areas such as biotechnology, healthcare research, digital innovation and medical technology development.
The Consulate General of India in Perth has continued to engage with universities, research institutions and industry stakeholders in Western Australia to promote stronger bilateral cooperation across strategic and innovation-focused sectors.
Tamil Association of Queensland recognises Devi Vivekanandham for community leadership
Ear Science Institute Australia and Apollo Hospitals announce partnership at Perth gala
in advanced medical technology, genomics and patient care research.
ABrisbane, May 27 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
TheTamil Association of Queensland (TAQ) paid tribute to respected community figure Devi Vivekanandham during its 40th year celebrations, recognising her valuable contribution to the organisation and the wider Tamil community in Queensland.
The special felicitation ceremony formed part of TAQ’s ongoing anniversary events celebrating four decades of cultural service, community leadership and social engagement.
TAQ acknowledged Vivekanandham as a pioneering woman leader who has helped shape the journey of the association through her dedication, vision and commitment to community welfare. Organisers noted that her leadership continues to inspire women and younger generations within the Tamil community.
Association members praised her role in strengthening community bonds and promoting the values of service, unity and cultural identity. They said her contribution stands as a reminder of the importance of committed leadership in building vibrant multicultural communities.
The organisation also expressed gratitude for her lasting impact on the growth of TAQ and her continued encouragement to future generations of community volunteers and leaders.
The event was attended by members, families and supporters of the Tamil community, with organisers describing the celebration as a fitting tribute to individuals who have played a key role in the association’s 40-year legacy
significant new partnership between Ear Science Institute Australia and Apollo Hospitals was announced during the annual Gift of Hearing Gala attended by the Consul General of India in Perth, Kajari Biswas highlighting expanding AustraliaIndia cooperation in healthcare research and innovation.
The collaboration will focus on a range of priority initiatives, including tele-genetic counselling, genomic data partnerships and collaborative medical research programs, subject to the necessary governance, ethics and regulatory approvals.
According to the Consulate General of India in Perth, the partnership reflects growing engagement between Australian and Indian healthcare institutions
The event brought together leading figures from healthcare, research and public life, including Dr Parwinder Kaur MLC, Adjunct Associate Professor Sandra Bellekom, Chief Executive Officer of Ear Science Institute Australia, Sai Praveen Haranath, Senior Consultant Pulmonologist and Critical Care Specialist at Apollo Hospitals, and Jill Dawson OAM. Observers said the collaboration has the potential to strengthen knowledge exchange, research partnerships and innovation between India and Australia in emerging areas of healthcare science.
The announcement also underlined the increasing role of bilateral cooperation in medical research and healthcare innovation as part of the broader India-Australia relationship.
India News Newsdesk)
Perth, May 30 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Sydney seminar highlights tourism opportunities in India ISWA, Aspire to host workshop on
May 22
The Consulate General of India in Sydney and the Australia India Travel & Tourism Council (AITTC) jointly organised a business seminar on “Tourism in India” at the Consulate on May 20, bringing together key stakeholders from the travel and
The event was attended by Australian tour operators, airline representatives, travel professionals, tourism speakers, travel writers and local media representatives.
More than 70 participants from tourism and allied industries took part in the seminar, which focused on promoting
inbound tourism to India and strengthening tourism-related engagement between India and Australia.
Organisers said the seminar served as a platform for discussions on travel opportunities, industry collaboration and growing interest in India as a tourism destination among Australian travellers and businesses.
Melbourne event to celebrate legacy of Telugu saint poet Annamacharya
Telugu Association
Banksia, Keysborough on May 31 from 2.30 pm and will feature devotional music, classical dance and performances based on Annamayya Sankeertanalu.
Organisers said the event aims to bring together the Telugu community and celebrate Indian cultural traditions through music, devotion and the performing arts. The cultural evening will include performances by students and artists from several Melbournebased music and dance institutions, including Krishna Ravali School of Indian Music, Maanikya Veena Music Group, Swara Sadhana School of Carnatic Music, RagaAmrutha Music School, Gayatri Music Academy and Kuchipudi dance schools across Melbourne.
Tea, coffee and snacks will be provided during the event.
Australian democracy for Indian-origin community
Perth, May 22 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Indian Society of Western Australia (ISWA), in partnership with Aspire, is set to organise a free community workshop on June 20 aimed at helping people of Indian origin gain a deeper understanding of Australia’s democratic and governance systems.
Australian institutions and civic processes, enabling them to make informed decisions and actively engage in community and public life.
The programme will also discuss features of a strong democracy and explain preferential voting, helping attendees better understand how Australia’s electoral system functions. Participants attending the workshop will receive certificates of participation and complimentary copies of the Australian Constitution. Light refreshments will also be provided.
to the
invited community members to a cultural
of renowned Telugu saint poet Tallapaka Annamacharya. The programme will be held at
TAAI said the programme reflects ongoing efforts to promote Telugu heritage and encourage appreciation of Indian classical music and dance among the wider community.
The workshop, titled “Australia’s Democracy and You,” will cover topics including the Australian Constitution, the country’s parliamentary framework, the roles of the three levels of government, voting rights and responsibilities, and the process of enrolling and participating in elections.
Organisers said the initiative seeks to equip participants with practical knowledge about
ISWA said the event forms part of broader efforts to encourage civic awareness, democratic participation and stronger community engagement among Indian-origin residents in Western Australia.
Indian classical dance performance leaves Brisbane audience spellbound
Brisbane, May 23 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Acclaimed
Bharatanatyam dancer and Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. Shobana Chandrakumar captivated audiences in Brisbane with an extraordinary performance that celebrated the richness of Indian classical art and culture.
The cultural evening drew members of the Indian community, art lovers and cultural enthusiasts, who praised the performance for its artistic brilliance, graceful choreography and emotional depth.
Attendees described the programme as a memorable experience that highlighted the universal language of art and its power to
connect people beyond cultural and linguistic boundaries.
Dr. Shobana’s performance was widely appreciated for showcasing the elegance and spiritual essence of Bharatanatyam while inspiring audiences through her mastery of classical dance.
The event was organised by BHAV Brisbane with support from community leaders and volunteers. Special acknowledgement was given to organizers, including Rajiv, Sharada Nair and the entire organising team for hosting the successful programme
and promoting Indian cultural heritage in Queensland.
Community members said such events play an important role in strengthening cultural connections within the Indian diaspora and introducing younger generations to India’s rich artistic traditions.
The evening also reflected the growing appreciation for Indian classical arts in Australia and reinforced the role of cultural programmes in fostering unity, creativity and multicultural engagement.
Sydney,
(Australia India News Newsdesk)
tourism industry.
Melbourne, May 25 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The
of Australia Inc. (TAAI) has
evening dedicated
legacy
Tamil Association of Queensland celebrates 40-year legacy, honours former presidents
Brisbane, May 27 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Tamil Association of Queensland (TAQ) celebrated its 40-year journey with a special felicitation ceremony honouring former presidents whose leadership and dedication helped build and strengthen one of Queensland’s prominent Tamil community organisations.
The milestone celebration brought together community
leaders, members, volunteers and supporters to reflect on four decades of cultural service, unity and community engagement.
During the event, TAQ paid tribute to past presidents who played a key role in laying the foundation of the organisation and guiding its growth over the years. Speakers acknowledged their vision, commitment and service in shaping a strong and vibrant Tamil community that continues to thrive across
generations.
Organisers described the occasion as both emotional and inspiring, highlighting the contribution of former leaders in preserving Tamil language, culture and traditions while fostering community spirit and inclusiveness in multicultural Queensland.
Community members also expressed appreciation to volunteers, supporters and families who have contributed
to the organisation’s success throughout its 40-year journey.
The celebration emphasised not only the achievements of the past but also the responsibility of carrying forward the association’s legacy for future generations.
The anniversary event featured moments of recognition, cultural celebrations and community interactions, with organisers promising more commemorative activities as part of TAQ’s ongoing 40th year celebrations.
WAKS recognises volunteers for their contribution to Kannada language and community
Perth, May 26 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Western Australia Kannada Sangha (WAKS) organised a special Volunteer Recognition Day to honour the dedicated volunteers of WAKS Kannada Shaale and members of the WAKS Committee for their outstanding service to the community.
The event featured an appreciation lunch followed by fun-filled Kannada games, creating an atmosphere of joy, friendship and community spirit among participants.
During the programme, WAKS president and the school principal acknowledged the tireless efforts of volunteers in preserving and promoting Kannada language and culture in Western Australia. They praised the volunteers for their selfless contribution in teaching students, organising activities and supporting community initiatives. As part of the celebrations,
volunteers were presented with Certificates of Appreciation and commemorative gifts in recognition of their dedication and service.
Organisers expressed gratitude to everyone involved, noting that volunteers working both inside classrooms and behind the scenes play a vital role in strengthening cultural identity and community bonds.
The event received support from Volunteers WA and Lotterywest, highlighting the importance of volunteer-driven multicultural initiatives in Perth.
Women leaders honoured during TAQ’s 40th anniversary celebrations
Brisbane, May 27(Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Tamil Association of Queensland (TAQ) paid tribute to inspiring women leaders during a special programme organised as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations.
The event showcased the achievements and contributions
of women within the Tamil community while featuring colourful and heartfelt cultural performances by Femisphere and the Dance Rasikas team.
Organisers said the evening reflected the values of leadership, creativity, culture and empowerment, recognising women who continue to make a positive impact across generations.
The programme combined moments of felicitation with energetic performances, creating an atmosphere of pride, unity and community spirit.
TAQ thanked the women leaders, performers, organisers and supporters for contributing to the success of the celebration and for strengthening the spirit of the Tamil community in Queensland.
Consulate marks countdown to International Day of Yoga with wellness session
Melbourne, May 30 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
With just 25 days remaining for the 12th International Day of Yoga, the Consulate organised a special yoga and wellness session in Melbourne, promoting mindfulness, fitness and holistic wellbeing among participants.
The session featured a range of yoga practices including stretching exercises, pranayama and meditation techniques aimed
at encouraging physical and mental wellness. Participants described the programme as both refreshing and energising, highlighting yoga’s growing popularity as a tool for achieving balance and inner peace. Organisers said the event formed part of the ongoing countdown celebrations leading up to International Day of Yoga 2026, which is observed globally to promote the ancient Indian practice and its universal message of harmony and healthy living.
Community members attending the session appreciated the initiative and noted the importance of yoga in reducing stress and promoting a healthier lifestyle in today’s fast-paced world.
The Consulate is expected to host and support several more yogarelated activities and community outreach programmes in the lead-up to the International Day of Yoga celebrations next month.
Tamil Association of Queensland celebrates 40 years of community service, culture and unity
The Tamil Association of Queensland (TAQ) proudly celebrates a historic milestone in 2026 — 40 years of dedicated service, cultural leadership, and community unity in Queensland. Established in 1986, TAQ has grown from a small community initiative into one of Queensland’s most respected and active multicultural organisations. For four decades, the association has served as a strong pillar for Tamil families, students, professionals, and migrants from India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, and many other parts of the world who now proudly call Australia home.
The roots of the association date back to the early 1977 efforts of Tamil community leaders who worked tirelessly to support displaced Tamil migrants and refugees arriving in Australia during challenging times. In 1984, with a shared vision to preserve Tamil language, heritage, and cultural identity while building a
sense of belonging in Queensland, the Tamil Association of Queensland was established and held its inaugural meeting at the Migrant Resource Centre, 120 Boundary Road, West End. In 1986 official newsletters were sent to Tamil Association of Queensland members and the first Tamil Curry night gathering of members was held in the Migrant Resource centre, West End.
Over the years, TAQ has played a vital role in promoting multiculturalism and strengthening social cohesion within the wider Queensland community. The organisation has successfully delivered cultural festivals, youth programs, women’s empowerment initiatives, educational workshops, sporting activities, community awareness campaigns, and humanitarian projects that have benefited thousands of people across the state.
The association’s events, including Deepavali celebrations, Pongal festivals, Australia Day programs, Tamil cultural showcases, and family community gatherings, have become iconic multicultural events that attract large audiences and participation from diverse communities, government representatives, and community organisations.
As part of its 40-year
celebrations, TAQ hosted a grand cultural event on the 10th May 2026 at the Royal International Convention Centre showcasing the richness of Tamil heritage through traditional performances such as Parai Isai, Karagaattam, folk arts, and music.
The celebration had featured renowned artists and cultural icons from India, bringing together generations of the Tamil community to honour the association’s remarkable journey and achievements.
• Playback Singers Senthil Ganesh and Rajalakshmi Senthil Ganesh
• Playback Singers Sangeetha Rajeshwaran,
• Velu Aasaan – Padma Shri Awardee
• T. Govindaraj – Kalaimamani Awardee
• Anushya Sree – Guinness Record Holder
• Nikhil Mathew – Vijay TV, Super Singer Title Winner and their team.
Their presence adds great cultural significance to this landmark celebration and reflects TAQ’s continued commitment to promoting Tamil arts, heritage, and community unity in Queensland.
President of the Tamil Association of Queensland, Karthick Elangovan, said the milestone celebration reflects the strength, resilience, and unity of the Tamil
community in Queensland.
“Celebrating 40 years is a proud and emotional moment for our entire community.
TAQ has become more than an organisation — it is a home for many families, a place where our culture, language, and traditions continue to thrive. This milestone is a tribute to our founding members, past presidents, volunteers, sponsors, and every individual who has contributed to building this strong and united community,” he said.
Mr Elangovan also acknowledged the continued support received from the Queensland Government, multicultural organisations, local councils, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners over the years.
“Queensland’s multicultural spirit has allowed communities like ours to grow, contribute, and celebrate our identity proudly while building strong connections with the wider Australian community,” he added.
One of the most memorable highlights of our 40-year celebrations was the special Mother’s Day celebration held together with the founding members and past leaders of the Tamil Association of Queensland. It was a truly emotional and proud moment to honour the mothers, families, and pioneers
whose sacrifices, strength, and dedication helped build the foundation of our community in Queensland.
For the very first time in the history of the association, past presidents of the Tamil Association of Queensland were brought together onto one stage — a powerful symbol of unity, respect, and continuity across generations of leadership. Their collective contributions over four decades have shaped TAQ into one of Queensland’s most respected multicultural organisations.
The evening celebrated not only our achievements, but also the friendships, memories, and community spirit that continue to inspire future generations.
Looking ahead, TAQ remains committed to empowering young leaders, supporting women’s leadership initiatives, preserving traditional Tamil arts, promoting social inclusion, and continuing to contribute positively to Queensland’s multicultural future.
The Tamil Association of Queensland warmly invites the wider community to join in celebrating this historic milestone and honouring four decades of culture, service, and unity.
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.)
Minissha Lamba fits into costume from five years ago: A different high
Known for working in films such as Corporate, Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd., and Bachna Ae Haseeno, actress Minissha Lamba is over the moon as she fits into her costume from five years ago that still fits well and looks good with the times. Sharing a picture of herself dressed in an animal print monokini paired with black shorts, sunglasses and a hat, Minissha looked every-inch a doll as she smiled for the camera in a selfie.
“It’s a different high for me when i pull out a costume from five years ago that still fits well and looks with the times. Same with the sunglasses and hat,” she wrote. The actress revealed that she hates shopping
”Since I’m one of those people who HATE shopping, when i invest my time in a store, it’s to pick up pieces that will stand the test of changing fashion. And be my go-to years down the line as well,” concluded Minissha. It was during her time in university when Minissha started modelling for campaigns. She was approached by filmmaker Shoojit Sircar during an ad shoot and signed her up for Yahaan, which released in 2005.
Richa Chadha: Got back to dancing about 6-7 months after my delivery
Richa Chadha has returned to belly dancing and took time out in Goa to attend a five-day intensive course to understand the dance form better. The actress-producer said that after a gap of a few years, she felt the urge to reconnect with it in a “more dedicated way.”
Speaking about her decision to return to belly dancing, Richa shared, “I got back to dancing about 6-7 months after my delivery, I got in touch with Dipika Vijay because she is an amazing teacher.”
The actress talked about how belly dancing turned into an interest for her.
“What started as an exploration into the use of belly dance as therapy, in my postpartum phase as actually blossomed into a fullblown parallel interest of mine,” she added.
She concluded: “After a gap of a few years, I felt the urge to reconnect with it in a more dedicated way. This course in Goa is not for a role or a performance; it’s purely for myself, to learn, to grow, and to fall in love with the form all over again.”
It was a few years ago, while preparing for a special number in one of her films, Richa trained in tribal belly dancing under internationally renowned expert Olga Meos in Kazakhstan.
Even during the lockdown, the actress continued her training through online sessions, using the time to sharpen her movements and stay connected to dance. Richa is also a trained Kathak dancer.
On the professional front, Richa was last seen in Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar helmed by
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Alia Bhatt’s Cannes looks spark fan war online
Bollywood
divas Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Alia Bhatt's looks at the Cannes 2026 have left the internet divided with fans of both the stars comparing their idols’ appearances at red carpet of the prestigious film festival. Soon after pictures surfaced online, the comment sections turned into a battleground of opinions.
One user wrote, “Don’t you ever dare compare with Aishwarya.”
Another netizen commented, “Aish was on another level when she was Alia’s age.”
An Alia Bhatt fan defended the actress and wrote, “Alia Bhatt anyday.” Meanwhile, another Aishwarya Rai Bachchan admirer commented, “Aishwarya ate this look.”
Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The popular series was set in Lahore's red-light district of Heera Mandi. It is set during the Indian independence movement and explores the lives of tawaifs and their intersection with political and personal struggles under British colonial rule.
One social media user also wrote, “Difference of elegance seen in both pictures.” Some users also urged fans not to pit the actresses against each other. “Why do you even have to compare them on Day 1? This is Aishwarya’s time now. Let us enjoy this,” read one comment.
Another user wrote, “Alia & Aish fans better not be fighting in the comments.”
Talking about Alia Bhatt, for her Cannes appearance, the actress
opted for a soft blush pink bodyhugging gown. Alia was seen walking the red carpet on the 12th of May, at the opening of the film festival.
Meanwhile, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan brought her signature royal aura to Cannes in a dramatic royal blue shimmering bodycon gown.
Aishwarya marked her presence at the film festival on Friday night.
At another event, she was spotted posing for the paparazzi along with daughter Aaradhya Bachchan.
In the picture going viral on social media, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is seen posing gracefully in an all baby pink ensemble. Standing beside her is her teenage daughter Aaradhya Bachchan who complemented her mother beautifully in a satin red gown paired with a sparkling cape detail.
In another set of visuals going viral online, Aishwarya can be seen posing against the backdrop of the French Riviera and looked stunning in a pastel pink draped ensemble that featured sparkling floral embellishments and flowing cape sleeves.
Silk, spirit and shared stories
Alluring India is bringing cultures together in Brisbane
Brisbane is set to host a major celebration of Indian culture and contemporary creativity when the “Alluring India – Australia Edition”
Fashion and Lifestyle Show takes place at The Star Brisbane on August 16, 2026. Organised in collaboration with the Consulate General of India in Brisbane and curated by Mr. Vinay Gupta, the event will commemorate the 80th anniversary of India’s Independence while also highlighting the growing cultural relationship between India and Australia.
Yet events such as Alluring India carry significance beyond fashion showcases, celebrity appearances or visual spectacle. Increasingly, they reflect the evolving role of multiculturalism in modern Australia and the growing visibility of Indian Australians within the country’s social and cultural landscape.
Australia today is among the world’s most multicultural societies. Communities from hundreds of cultural backgrounds contribute to the country’s economy, institutions and public life. Within such a society, cultural events play an important role not merely as entertainment, but as spaces where communities interact, exchange experiences and build familiarity with one another.
Fashion, music, food and art often become forms of connection more immediate and accessible than formal dialogue. They allow people to encounter cultures not through abstraction or
stereotypes, but through lived experience.
In that sense, Alluring India represents more than a cultural programme. It reflects the broader story of how the Indian diaspora has become an increasingly visible and influential part of Australia’s multicultural identity.
Fashion as cultural storytelling Indian fashion itself carries centuries of artistic and social history. Textiles, embroidery traditions, regional attire and handcrafted designs reflect the diversity of India’s civilisational landscape. At the same time, contemporary Indian fashion has evolved into a dynamic space where heritage and modernity increasingly intersect.
Events such as Alluring India allow audiences to experience this evolution directly. Traditional craftsmanship appears alongside contemporary design, presenting India not only as an ancient civilisation but also as a modern and creative society.
For many Australians from non-Indian backgrounds, such experiences provide an accessible introduction to Indian culture.
Multicultural understanding rarely develops through policy language alone. More often, it grows gradually through shared experiences — attending festivals, listening to music, tasting cuisine or witnessing artistic traditions firsthand.
Fashion and lifestyle events are particularly effective because they combine visual storytelling with human interaction. Audiences do not simply observe performances;
they engage with ideas, aesthetics and cultural narratives that may previously have felt distant or unfamiliar.
The growing presence of Indian Australians
The significance of events like Alluring India also lies in what they reveal about the changing profile of the Indian Australian community.
Over the past two decades, Indian Australians have emerged as one of the country’s fastest-growing and most dynamic diaspora communities. Their contributions today extend across medicine, education, business, information technology, hospitality, academia and public service.
As the community has expanded, so too has its cultural visibility. Indian festivals, business forums, artistic events and educational collaborations have become increasingly prominent across Australian cities, particularly in Queensland.
Brisbane itself has witnessed this transformation clearly. What was once a relatively small migrant community has evolved into a confident and well-established presence within the state’s social fabric. Cultural showcases such as Alluring India both reflect and reinforce that evolution.
Importantly, they also create opportunities for secondgeneration Indian Australians to engage with their heritage in contemporary and inclusive ways.
For younger members of the diaspora, identity is often layered — proudly Australian while remaining connected to family traditions and cultural roots.
Public cultural events help bridge those identities rather than forcing a choice between them.
Beyond diplomacy and trade
The importance of such initiatives also extends into the broader India-Australia relationship. Over recent years, ties between the two countries have deepened significantly across trade, education, defence and strategic cooperation. Yet relationships between nations are shaped not only through official agreements or political engagement. They are also strengthened through familiarity between societies. This is where cultural diplomacy assumes importance.
When communities interact directly through art, culture and shared public experiences, perceptions change in ways formal diplomacy alone cannot achieve. Cultural engagement creates trust, reduces unfamiliarity and encourages long-term people-to-people connections that ultimately strengthen bilateral relationships.
The involvement of the Consulate General of India in Brisbane reflects this growing recognition. Modern diplomacy increasingly acknowledges that cultural exchange is not peripheral to international relations, but an important part of it.
Multiculturalism through participation
Australia’s multicultural success has often rested on a relatively simple but important principle: communities are encouraged to preserve cultural identity while remaining connected to a shared national framework.
That balance is strengthened through participation rather than separation.
Cultural gatherings help reduce stereotypes by allowing communities to encounter one
another directly. They encourage curiosity instead of distance. In increasingly diverse societies, such interaction becomes essential for social cohesion.
The choice of The Star Brisbane as the venue is symbolic in its own way. Hosting a major Indian cultural showcase within one of Brisbane’s most contemporary and visible public spaces reflects the growing mainstream presence of Indian culture within Australia’s broader cultural life. According to organisers, the evening will bring together business leaders, community representatives, dignitaries and members of the wider public. But beyond the glamour associated with fashion events, the larger significance lies in what the occasion represents.
At a time when global politics is often marked by division and cultural anxieties, events such as Alluring India offer a different message — that diversity can be experienced not as fragmentation, but as enrichment.
For Indian Australians, the event becomes a celebration of heritage and identity. For the wider Australian community, it offers an opportunity to engage more closely with India’s artistic and cultural traditions. And for both societies together, it reflects a shared confidence in multiculturalism as something strengthened through participation, visibility and human connection.
The significance of Alluring India may lie not only in what appears on the runway, but also in what happens around it: conversations between communities, recognition across cultures and the quiet strengthening of social bonds that endure long after the lights dim.
Bengaluru and beyond: Exploring the Garden City and the landscapes around it
By INDIAN ABROAD FEATURE DESK
T
he first impression many travellers carry away from Bengaluru is not simply that of a fast-growing metropolis filled with technology parks and traffic-clogged roads. It is the contrast that stays with them.
Glass office towers stand beside rain trees older than independent India. Young software engineers drink artisanal coffee in cafés located only minutes away from centuries-old temples and bustling traditional markets.
Conversations in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and English blend effortlessly across crowded streets while cool evening breezes soften the intensity of urban life.
For decades, Bengaluru was popularly known as India’s “Garden City,” a title earned because of its parks, tree-lined avenues and relatively mild climate. Over time, it evolved into the country’s technology capital and one of Asia’s most important startup ecosystems. Yet beyond its corporate image lies a city layered with history, culture and natural beauty. More importantly, the regions surrounding Bengaluru reveal landscapes, heritage sites and rural escapes that allow travellers to experience another side of southern India.
From the calm pathways of Cubbon Park and the royal grandeur of Bengaluru Palace to the cascading beauty of Muthyalamaduvu and the historical legacy of Tipu Sultan, Bengaluru and its adjoining regions offer journeys that move seamlessly between modernity, history and nature.
A city built on contrasts Bengaluru does not reveal itself immediately. Unlike cities that overwhelm visitors with monumental architecture or grand boulevards, Bengaluru unfolds gradually. Early mornings begin with walkers filling neighbourhood parks while roadside vendors prepare steaming idlis and dosas beside busy intersections. By afternoon, technology corridors buzz with corporate activity, and by evening, the city transforms into one of India’s liveliest urban centres with restaurants, music venues and cafés remaining active
late into the night.
Despite rapid urbanisation, Bengaluru retains pockets of tranquillity rarely associated with major Indian cities.
Large trees arch over roads in older neighbourhoods such as Basavanagudi, Malleswaram and Jayanagar, creating shaded avenues where traditional homes, flower markets and old eateries continue to coexist with modern apartment complexes.
The city’s cosmopolitan identity has also shaped its cultural atmosphere. Students, entrepreneurs, artists and professionals from across India and abroad have made Bengaluru their home, contributing to a diverse and dynamic urban culture. Yet beneath this modern energy lies a city deeply connected to its historical past. Cubbon Park: The green heart of Bengaluru
Few places capture Bengaluru’s older identity better than Cubbon Park. Spread across hundreds of acres in the centre of the city, the park serves as a breathing space amid growing urban density. Established during the British colonial period, Cubbon Park remains one of India’s most beloved urban parks.
Walking through its pathways early in the morning reveals a quieter side of Bengaluru rarely visible during peak traffic hours.
Joggers move beneath towering bamboo groves, elderly residents practise yoga under ancient rain trees, and children cycle through avenues lined with flowering plants. The park’s greenery softens the surrounding cityscape, creating an atmosphere that feels unexpectedly calm for a major metropolitan centre. Colonial-era buildings surrounding the park add another layer of character. The red façade of the Karnataka High Court stands prominently opposite the landscaped lawns, while museums and libraries nearby reflect the city’s historical evolution. Unlike heavily commercialised urban attractions, Cubbon Park remains closely integrated into everyday life. It is not merely a tourist destination but a living public space where Bengaluru residents gather, exercise and unwind. The park also symbolises a larger truth about Bengaluru: despite
intense urban expansion, the city continues attempting to preserve fragments of its ecological and cultural identity.
Tipu Sultan’s legacy in the old city
Travel deeper into Bengaluru’s older quarters and the city’s historical dimensions become more visible. Among the most significant heritage sites is Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, an elegant Indo-Islamic structure associated with one of southern India’s most influential rulers. Constructed largely from teakwood, the palace reflects a blend of Islamic arches, ornate balconies and intricate carvings. Though relatively modest compared to some royal palaces elsewhere in India, the building carries immense historical importance. Tipu Sultan, often referred to as the “Tiger of Mysore,” played a major role in resisting British colonial expansion during the eighteenth century.
Walking through the palace corridors offers glimpses into a period when Bengaluru and Mysore were central to shifting political struggles in southern India. Painted floral motifs and decorated arches still survive within parts of the structure, preserving traces of the palace’s former grandeur. The surrounding old markets of Bengaluru provide a striking contrast to the city’s modern technology corridors. Nearby areas bustle with traders selling silk, spices, flowers and metalware in markets that remain deeply rooted in traditional commerce. Here, Bengaluru feels less like a global technology hub and more like an old South Indian trading city shaped by centuries of cultural exchange.
Bengaluru Palace and the royal imagination
If Tipu Sultan’s Palace reflects the city’s historical struggles, Bengaluru Palace represents another chapter of royal ambition and colonial influence. Built in the nineteenth century by the Wadiyar dynasty, the palace draws inspiration from England’s Windsor Castle and introduces visitors to a dramatically different architectural world.
Turrets, fortified towers, stained glass windows and expansive courtyards create an atmosphere that feels almost European in style while remaining unmistakably Indian in context. Inside, decorated halls, royal portraits and vintage furnishings evoke the lifestyles of Mysore royalty during the colonial era. The palace has gradually become one of Bengaluru’s most recognised landmarks, not only because of its architecture but because it symbolises the city’s layered identity. Bengaluru has long existed at the crossroads of indigenous traditions,
Nagpur: Exploring the Orange City and its hidden escapes
By INDIAN ABROAD FEATURE DESK
For many travellers arriving in Nagpur for the first time, the city often appears as a place of transition rather than destination. Located near the geographical centre of India, Nagpur is frequently associated with highways, railway junctions, oranges and administrative importance. Yet beyond these familiar identities lies a city and surrounding region filled with forests, lakes, hills and cultural layers that remain surprisingly underexplored compared to India’s better-known tourist circuits.
Nagpur possesses a quieter character than many large Indian cities. It does not attempt to overwhelm visitors with spectacle or relentless energy. Instead, it reveals itself gradually through tree-lined roads, old neighbourhoods, bustling food streets and the natural landscapes that surround it. Over the years, the city has evolved into an important educational, commercial and political centre of central India while still retaining close connections with nature and regional traditions. What makes Nagpur especially fascinating is not only the city itself but also the diversity of experiences available within short driving distances. Dense forests, wildlife corridors, serene lakes, botanical gardens and scenic reservoirs create a travel experience that moves effortlessly between urban life and wilderness.
From the calm waters of Khindsi Lake and Khekranala to the forested beauty of Totladoh and the ecological richness of the Satpuda Botanical Garden, Nagpur offers travellers a different side of Maharashtra — one shaped by landscapes, biodiversity and understated charm.
The character of the Orange City Nagpur’s identity has long been linked to oranges. During winter months, fruit markets overflow with bright citrus colours while roadside vendors stack oranges into towering displays that have become symbolic of the city itself. Yet reducing Nagpur merely
to oranges would overlook its deeper historical and cultural significance.
The city has historically occupied an important strategic position because of its location in central India. It served as a major centre under the Bhonsle rulers of the Maratha Empire before later becoming significant during British administration. Today, Nagpur continues functioning as Maharashtra’s second capital and an important logistical hub connecting northern and southern India.
Unlike densely vertical metropolitan cities, Nagpur still retains a relatively open layout. Wide roads, older trees and less congested neighbourhoods create a slower rhythm of life. Mornings begin with tea stalls filled with conversation while local eateries prepare poha, tarri poha and samosas that form an essential part of the city’s culinary culture. Nagpur’s food reflects influences from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and central India. Spicy saoji cuisine, known for its rich and fiery gravies, remains one of the city’s most distinctive culinary traditions. Small restaurants and family-run establishments continue serving recipes deeply rooted in regional identity. But while the city itself offers cultural and culinary appeal, the landscapes surrounding Nagpur provide some of its most memorable travel experiences. Khindsi Lake: Water, hills and quiet reflection
Located near Ramtek, about fifty kilometres from Nagpur, Khindsi Lake has long served as one of the region’s most popular weekend retreats. Surrounded by low hills and greenery, the lake introduces visitors to a calmer and more scenic side of central Maharashtra.
Early mornings at Khindsi carry a certain stillness rarely found in urban environments. Mist rises gently from the water while fishing boats move quietly across the surface. Bird calls echo through nearby trees as sunlight slowly spreads across the lake. Unlike heavily commercialised tourist destinations, Khindsi still retains a relatively relaxed atmosphere.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented specially curated Indian cultural gifts to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella during his visit to Italy, highlighting India’s rich textile traditions, artistic excellence, and classical musical heritage.
Prime Minister Modi gifted Giorgia Meloni a traditional Muga
silk stole and a Shirui Lily silk stole, both symbolising India’s diverse cultural legacy and craftsmanship.
Muga silk, popularly known as the “Golden Silk” of Assam, is one of India’s rarest and most prestigious textiles, originating from the Brahmaputra Valley in Northeast India. Celebrated for its natural golden sheen and understated elegance, Muga silk is produced without the use of artificial dyes, making it an enduring symbol of sustainability and traditional craftsmanship.
Known as one of the world’s strongest natural fibres, Muga silk is admired for its exceptional durability and longevity, often
lasting for generations. Its natural lustre deepens beautifully with time, while its moistureabsorbing and UV-resistant properties enhance both comfort and versatility. The timeless sophistication of Assam’s “Golden Silk” also resonates strongly with Italy’s celebrated legacy of luxury textiles and refined design.
The Shirui Lily silk stole, another thoughtful gift from the Prime Minister, draws inspiration from the mist-covered Shirui Kashong Peak in Manipur. The stole is inspired by the rare Shirui Lily, a delicate bell-shaped flower with pale pinkish-white petals that blooms exclusively in Manipur and nowhere else in the world.
Grand Tribal Conclave in Delhi displays culture of united India, say BJP leaders
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders at the grand 'Janjati Sanskritik Samagam' (Tribal Cultural Conclave), held at the capital on Sunday, emphasised that the event celebrated the coming together of tribal communities, displaying the culture of united India.
With Union Home Minister Amit Shah as the chief guest, the event is being held to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of tribal
icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj clarified that the event is not any kind of election promise.
"It is an event to pay tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda, which has brought our tribal brothers and sisters to the national capital. It represents the culture and idea of a united India," she told IANS.
Describing the tribal event, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari said: "Tribal brothers and sisters from every part of the country, including Arunachal Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and West Bengal, have come here. They are part of the country’s mainstream. Delhi belongs to them too, and we want to sit with them and plan for their better future."
Tiwari told IANS that the Red Fort, where a part of the event has been organised, will represent a complete democracy today.
Being one of the senior tribal leaders in the country, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said, "We have our own distinct customs, traditions, and culture."
"For the past several years, some anti-religious elements have been trying to break our traditions, suppress our customs, and weaken our culture. Therefore, today, tribal communities from across the country have united here to demonstrate their strength and solidarity," he told IANS.
‘Lav-Kush Park’ to be built in Ayodhya, to be built on ‘Art from waste’ theme
In a unique initiative to elevate the tourism potential and cultural heritage of the holy city, a 'Lav-Kush Park' is set to come up in Ayodhya, with its 'Art from Waste' theme to be the highlight.
The park, being built under the State Smart City Mission will entail a cost of Rs 17.72 crore and will portray the mythological tales of Hindu epic Ramayana as well as Lord Ram's two sons -- Luv and Kush.
As the theme entails, the park will see elaborate and extensive spread of scrap metal sculptures, artistic paintings, and interactive installations.
The primary goal of this park, being developed by the Municipal Corporation, is to integrate environmental conservation, sustainable development, and cultural preservation.
Municipal Commissioner Jayendra Kumar said that the park will specifically focus on the stories of Lord Rama's sons, Lav and Kush.
These popular tales from the Ramayana era will be presented through the medium of modern art, enabling the younger generation to connect with their mythological history.
The project is also set to add a new dimension to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's vision for Smart Cities.
Infrastructure, sanitation, and tourism facilities are already undergoing rapid development in Ayodhya and the upcoming LavKush Park will further strengthen this chain of development.
The 'Art from Waste' theme serves as the soul of this project.
PM Modi gifts Shantiniketan bag, Tagore’s works, Loktak Tea and Pashmina stole to Sweden PM, crown princess
Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented specially curated Indian cultural gifts to Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Crown Princess Victoria during his visit to Sweden, highlighting India's rich artistic traditions, literary heritage, sustainable crafts and indigenous cultural practices.
Among the gifts presented to Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson was a handcrafted Shantiniketan messenger bag, the ‘Abode of Peace,’ reflecting the artistic legacy of Shantiniketan in West Bengal, envisioned by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore as a global centre for cultural
exchange and creativity.
The handcrafted leather bag represents the unique artistic language developed at Shantiniketan, where traditional folk motifs were blended with modern aesthetics to provide rural artisans with a dignified and sustainable means of livelihood. The leather craft of Shantiniketan, recognised with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, continues to support hundreds of artisans in West Bengal's Birbhum district while preserving Tagore's philosophy of cultural expression rooted in community life and craftsmanship.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also gifted a curated selection of Rabindranath Tagore's literary works, including "Words of the Master," reflecting the deep intellectual and cultural connection between India and Sweden through the Nobel tradition.
Rabindranath Tagore, the first non-European Nobel Laureate in Literature in 1913 for "Gitanjali," remains one of the most influential literary and philosophical voices of the 20th century.
Traditional crafts receiving global respect under Modi govt, says Odisha artist
Urban waste and scrap materials will be collected and repurposed to create magnificent sculptures, models, and installations.
This park promises to be not only a scenic attraction but also an educational experience.
Special tours and workshops will be organised for school and college students to raise awareness regarding environmental conservation and waste management.
Many seers believe that after religious landmarks like Ram Mandir, Hanuman Garhi, and Kanak Bhawan, the Lav-Kush Park will emerge as a new focal point of attraction for tourists in Ayodhya.
Devotees drawn by the legends of the Ramayana will visit this site not only to partake in a spiritual experience but also to witness firsthand the principles of ecofriendly development.
The park will feature modern amenities, including walkways, gardens, seating areas, lighting, and security systems.
Talapatra
artist Soumyaranjan Das is of the view that traditional art forms are finally receiving the recognition they deserve on the global stage. He gives credit for this to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking about the growing international attention towards Odisha’s palm leaf engraving art, Das told IANS that while some people may view Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s gifting of traditional handicrafts as a strategy, artisans see it differently.
“For us artisans, it is a medium to promote and expand our work and art,” Das said. “I do not believe that the gifts presented by Modi ji to leaders abroad are part of any agenda. PM Modi hain to Mumkin hai (if Modi ji is there, then things become possible) — and that is why our art is now gaining recognition across the world,” Das added. He was replying to questions about PM Modi’s gifts reflecting Indian tradition to the foreign leaders.
PM Modi recently presented specially curated Indian gifts to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, King Harald V, Queen Sonja, and Crown Prince Haakon during his visit to Norway, highlighting India’s rich artistic traditions, sustainable craftsmanship, and cultural heritage. Queen Sonja was presented with a Palm Leaf Pattachitra artwork, locally known as Tala Pattachitra, one of Odisha’s most ancient and intricate artistic traditions. Unlike cloth-based paintings, this art form involves engraving detailed illustrations onto speciallytreated palm leaves sourced from the Palmyra tree. Known for its exceptional precision, Palm Leaf Pattachitra is often created in the form of foldable panels or strips joined with thread, blending storytelling, calligraphy, and classical iconography into a single artistic expression. The organic texture and fine detailing reflect generations of patient craftsmanship and the enduring creativity of Odisha’s artisan communities. Das explained that the promotion of Odisha’s traditional palm leaf art has opened new opportunities for craftsmen who earlier struggled to gain visibility. According to him, global appreciation for the art form has increased significantly in recent years.
IPL 2026: Rishabh has recognised that it’s time to move on from captaincy for now, says Moody
Director
said Rishabh Pant’s decision to step down as the side’s captain in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has come after he recognised that it’s time to move on from captaincy for now and focus as a player after two difficult seasons.
Pant, 28, was bought for Rs 27 crore by LSG at the mega auction held in 2024, making him the most expensive purchase in IPL history. But under him, LSG had a disappointing time, getting 10 wins and 18 losses in two seasons, where they finished seventh and tenth, respectively.
Pant himself didn’t set the stage alight with the bat, as seen from his modest returns of 269 runs in 2025 and 312 in 2026. "At the end of the day, Rishabh has recognised that it's time to move on from captaincy for now and focus as a player.
"The last couple of years have been difficult for him. He hasn't reached the heights he would've expected for himself. It's the right decision - certainly the right decision for him, it's the right decision for the franchise. Let's
hope this is the corner he turns that enables him to play the brand of cricket we recognise alongside him.
"I made the statement at the end of our last game that we needed to consider a leadership reset. And I think everyone knew that. In the last three years for the franchise, they've come seventh, seventh, and tenth. So we need to look at things," said Moody on ESPNCricinfo.
Moody did not specify when a new LSG captain would be named, though senior overseas players Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, and Nicholas Pooran are likely contenders for the top role. Markram himself leads LSG’s sister franchise in SA20 and is expected to lead their side in this year’s The Hundred in England.
ODI World Cup win has given us a lot of motivation to get better, says Jemimah Rodrigues
year has given the squad fresh motivation to improve further, describing the hunger for success as ‘like an addiction.’ India go into the competition, to be played from June 12 to July 5 in England, on the back of winning the Women’s ODI World Cup on home soil last year.
The T20 World Cup-bound team will also play in a preparatory three-match T20I series against England, starting on May 28, ahead of the mega event. India will kick off their Group A campaign on 14 June against Pakistan, and will also take
on Australia, Bangladesh, the Netherlands, and South Africa.
“The team is very charged up. I think what has happened again with that World Cup is that it's empowered us to be more motivated to do well. You win one, it's like, it's a little negative word, but it's like an addiction.
“Like, you want to win another one. It pushes you more, and I think this group is showing that so much. Like, right from the time we started again, they've had that, nahi aur ek jeetna hai,” Jemimah said in a video posted on the BCCI Women’s X account on Friday.
Gujarat’s RRU to host 4th National Armwrestling and Para Armwrestling championship
Ahmedabad, May 23 (IANS) More than 2,000 athletes from 27 states are expected to participate in the fourth National Armwrestling and Para Armwrestling Championship 2026 at Gujarat's Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), making it the largest edition of the national event so far, officials said.
Officials on Friday added that this is the first time the championship will be hosted on the university's campus at Lavad in Gandhinagar. The championship will be organised jointly by the People's Armwrestling Federation India (PAFI), the Armwrestling Federation of Gujarat and RRU from May 29 to June 2.
Organisers said the event is being held pursuant to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of strengthening India's sports culture and reviving the country's civilisational values and ethos through sporting initiatives. The inaugural ceremony
scheduled for May 30 will see the participation of several leading figures associated with the sport, including PAFI President Preeti Jhangiani, Pro Panja League owner Praveen Dabas and representatives of the Armwrestling Association of Gujarat, including General Secretary Rajender Singh Parmar and Treasurer Mayank Patel.
Organisers said the scale of this year's event reflects the growing popularity of armwrestling and para armwrestling across India. The third PAFI National Armwrestling Championship, held in Kerala's Thrissur had recorded participation from around 1,700 athletes representing 25 states.
The upcoming edition at RRU is expected to exceed that figure with representation from 27 states and more than 2,000 competitors. Participation data released ahead of the event indicates that the Northeastern states will send the largest contingent with nearly 350 athletes.
Kerala is expected to field 289
‘She certainly can take that finisher role on’: Australia back Sutherland for World Cup
New Delhi, May 29 (IANS)
Australia coach Shelley Nitschke thinks Annabel Sutherland is ready to take on a finishing role at the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. She believes the all-rounder's versatility could be a significant asset for the defending runners-up in England. Australia will start their World Cup preparations with three warm-up matches against South Africa in Arundel beginning Sunday. They will also play practice games against England and the West Indies before their tournament opener on June 13. This year, for the first time since 2018, Australia enters the tournament without being the defending champions. However, Nitschke feels the team is close to finding its best lineup.
A key topic is Sutherland's batting role. The 24-year-old has established herself as a valuable bowler in T20Is, but her batting position has changed often. She has mostly batted at No. 7 and No. 8 in her 48 T20I matches, even though she has excelled higher up the order in ODIs, Tests, and domestic cricket.
"I think it's a tricky one for Bells,” Nitschke told reporters. “Domestically, she bats quite high up the order but has found herself in that middle-order finishing role for us, and I think she definitely can take that role on."
Nitschke believes Sutherland has the ability to excel in various roles.
“She has shown that she can score runs at the top, but she's also demonstrated that she has some tricks and a well-rounded game to play in the middle or finishing role as well.
“I actually think she's really versatile, and she's probably on the verge of really making a big impact in her T20 game."
‘We want to make winning a habit’: Harmanpreet eyes new era after historic ODI WC triumph
participants, while Uttar Pradesh will send around 140 athletes. Host state, Gujarat, is expected to have a contingent of 105 athletes. The RRU said the championship underlines its commitment to promoting physical education and sporting excellence at the national level through its School of Physical Education and Sports. "The event also carries added significance following remarks made by President Droupadi Murmu during the university's fifth convocation ceremony, where she appreciated the institution's contribution to sports and physical education and congratulated RRU student N. Roshibina Devi for her achievements in international competitions, including the Asian Games in Wushu," officials added. Officials noted the championship forms part of RRU's broader efforts to strengthen its institutional capacity to organise major sporting events ahead of its role as host institution for the 2029 World Police and Fire Games.
New Delhi, May 21 (IANS) Ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said that the Women in Blue want to make ‘winning a habit’ after their historic Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 title win. She believes the landmark victory has shifted the team’s ambitions from chasing history to building sustained dominance.
India’s maiden ICC women’s title transformed the mood around the team and intensified expectations ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup in England. But for Kaur, the achievement was only the beginning of a larger journey.
“Winning that World Cup was a seminal moment for women’s cricket in India. It was bigger than one trophy. Most importantly, it brought belief and showed young girls that the highest stage is not out of reach,” Kaur wrote in her ICC column.
“The Women’s World Cup 2025 win gave us a massive boost in confidence. However, it was only the beginning. We want to make winning a habit. While the 2025 World Cup win gave us immense joy, it also gave us responsibility. We know expectations will rise, and that brings pressure, of course, but it is a good kind of
pressure. It tells you that you have earned something important, and now you have to recreate it again,” she mentioned.
India head into the tournament after a demanding stretch of international cricket that tested the side across different conditions and situations. They swept Sri Lanka at home, secured a milestone T20I series win in Australia, their first there in ten years, before suffering a difficult series defeat in South Africa. With a tour of England next on the schedule, Kaur believes the experiences have helped sharpen the squad ahead of another global challenge.
“We would like to carry forward the confidence and belief from that win into the T20 World Cup. We know the standards we want to maintain, and the recent T20I series against Sri Lanka, Australia, and South Africa have helped us test ourselves and given us plenty of learnings,” she stated.
Kaur acknowledged that success in the T20 format leaves little room for error, particularly in high-pressure ICC tournaments where games can turn within a few deliveries.
“Winning this tournament would mean a great deal. Every ICC trophy has its own challenges. The format is shorter, the margins are smaller, and the pressure is greater. We will have to be sharper right from the start, and winning the key moments will be crucial,” Kaur said.
Bengaluru, May 22 (IANS) India batter Jemimah Rodrigues said the team’s triumph at the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup last
New Delhi, May 29 (IANS)
Lucknow Super Giants’
of Cricket Tom Moody
NASA unveils plans for lunar drones, robotic rovers at Moon’s South Pole
Washington, May 27 (IANS) As part of its push to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon, NASA unveiled plans to deploy autonomous lunar drones, roaming robotic vehicles, and a sprawling communications network across its South Pole region.
During a detailed Moon Base briefing at NASA Headquarters, agency officials said the US space agency was moving beyond symbolic lunar landings
toward a long-term operational architecture designed to support astronauts, cargo systems, scientific missions and future exploration of Mars.
One of the centrepieces of the new strategy is “MoonFall”, a drone mission designed to scout difficult lunar terrain, search for water ice and prepare landing sites for future Artemis astronauts.
“These drones will allow us to go, cover a broader range of areas that we and prospect and get that ground truth,” Moon Base programme executive Carlos Garcia Golan said.
NASA’s prestigious Jet Propulsion Laboratory is developing the
MoonFall drones, while Firefly Aerospace has been selected to build the carrier spacecraft that will transport them from Earth orbit to the Moon. Launch is targeted for 2028.
The drones are designed to make short “hops” across the lunar surface, exploring permanently shadowed craters and other difficult terrain near the lunar South Pole. NASA officials said the drones would gather high-resolution imagery, map landing sites at centimetre-level precision and test “survive-thenight” technologies capable of enduring the Moon’s extreme temperatures.
Nearly 1 in 2 firms in India identify AI, digital, data skills as key workforce constraint
New Delhi, May 24 (IANS) As artificial intelligence (AI) unfolds an exciting yet uncertain future at the global level, 45 per cent of organisations in India identify AI, digital, and data skills as their single largest workforce constraint, according to a new report.
Around 54 per cent of organisations report moderate to low urgency on AI investment in the country.
Green and ESG capabilities follow, with 41 per cent reporting a large gap. Only one in 14 organisations qualifies as advanced in ESG
talent capability, while 31 per cent remain in the awareness and planning stage, says the ‘SHRM India Skill Intelligence Report 2026’.
The learning investment picture makes this harder to fix. Nearly 60 per cent of L&D budgets go toward digital self-paced content and classroom instruction.
On gig workforce models, the hesitation is a trust problem, not a regulation problem. About 53 per cent of adoption barriers relate to skill quality and career continuity. Just 13 per cent cite regulatory complexity, said the report.
India is at a defining moment in its workforce transformation journey. As organisations accelerate investments in AI, digital transformation, and sustainability, the real
differentiator will be their ability to build future-ready skills at scale, said Achal Khanna, CEO, SHRM APAC and MENA.
Around the world, leaders are confronting the same challenge: how to prepare people and organisations for work that is being reshaped in real time.
“What stands out in India is the scale of opportunity. With one of the world’s youngest workforces and a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem, India is uniquely positioned to set the benchmark for how nations build resilient, future-ready talent,” said Johnny C Taylor, Jr., President and CEO, SHRM.
The report found that while awareness of the skills challenge is high, organisational capability to act on it at scale remains critically underdeveloped.
Google, Unicef to help train Assam
teachers
in AI-enabled classroom learning: CM Sarma
Guwahati, May 25 (IANS) Assam
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming every sector and stressed that the state cannot afford to miss the opportunities emerging from the technological shift.
In a post on social media platform X on Sunday, the Chief Minister announced that tech giant Google in collaboration with Unicef will implement the "AI Educator Series" in Assam to train teachers in the use of AI tools for classroom learning and improving pedagogy delivery. "AI is fast reshaping every avenue
and we cannot miss the bus on this rapid transformation," CM Sarma wrote on the social media platform.
According to the Chief Minister, the initiative aims to equip teachers with the skills needed to effectively integrate AIbased tools into the education system and make learning more interactive and efficient for students.
Officials said the programme is expected to focus on helping educators understand emerging AI technologies, digital learning tools and modern teaching practices that can enhance classroom engagement and learning outcomes.
The initiative is also likely to support teachers in adapting to changing educational needs in an increasingly technology-driven environment.
Chief Minister Sarma has
Adani Green Energy commissions world’s largest single-location battery storage system
Ahmedabad, May 26 (IANS) Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL) on Tuesday said it has commissioned a cumulative 3.37 gigawatt-hour (GWh) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), the world’s largest single-location battery storage deployment outside China and among the fastest executed globally.
The deployment includes the 1.37 GWh capacity commissioned in March 2026, taking AGEL’s total operational BESS capacity at Khavda, Gujarat to 3.37 GWh, the Adani Group company said in a statement.
“Large-scale energy storage will play a defining role in the next phase of India’s clean energy transition. As renewable energy capacity scales rapidly, storage infrastructure becomes critical for delivering reliable, round-theclock clean power,” said Sagar Adani, Executive Director, AGEL. With the commissioning of the 3.37 GWh BESS at Khavda, AGEL is strengthening the foundation for resilient, dispatchable and flexible energy systems.
“Our investments in battery storage reflect a long-term commitment to building futureready clean energy infrastructure at global scale,” Sagar Adani added.
The 3.37 GWh BESS can store
enough clean energy to power nearly one million homes for an entire day, supporting peak electricity demand of cities like Indore, Chandigarh or the entire state of Goa.
It can also power more than 12 million LED bulbs continuously for 10 hours.
This would be a game changer as battery storage will help keep renewable heavy grids stable and deliver green power round-theclock.
The project was delivered within just 10 months of commencement of on-site construction, marking one of the fastest utility-scale battery storage deployments globally, according to the company.
The commissioning marks a major milestone in strengthening grid reliability, peak-hour supply and enabling renewable energy to deliver dependable, round-theclock power at scale.
AGEL plans to add over 10 GWh of battery storage capacity in FY27 and scale this to 50 GWh over the next five years.
The BESS project integrates advanced energy management systems with lithium-ion battery technologies to optimise efficiency, reliability and grid responsiveness.
AGEL’s BESS project has been strategically located at Khavda, Gujarat to further strengthen the world’s largest renewable energy plant where AGEL is developing 30 GW by 2029, of which 9.9 GW is already operational.
NHAI collaborates with Norwegian Institute for consultation in tunnel engineering
repeatedly emphasised the importance of digital transformation and technology adoption in governance, education and skill development in Assam.
The state government in recent years has launched multiple initiatives aimed at strengthening digital infrastructure, improving smart classroom facilities and promoting innovation-driven education models.
Education experts believe that AI-enabled teaching methods can help teachers personalise lessons, track student performance more efficiently and improve access to quality educational resources.
The collaboration with Google and Unicef is expected to further strengthen Assam's efforts to modernise its education system and prepare students and teachers for future technological challenges.
New Delhi, May 22 (IANS) The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) in Oslo to strengthen technical expertise for National Highway infrastructure development, an official statement said on Friday. The partnership aims to use NGI’s internationally recognised expertise in geotechnical engineering and natural hazard mitigation to improve engineering capabilities particularly in geologically sensitive and challenging terrains, the statement from Ministry of
Road Transport & Highways said.
The MoU will remain valid for a period of five years, the ministry said.
NGI's expertise can support planning, design, assessment and monitoring of critical infrastructure projects in the areas of tunnel construction, slope stability analysis and monitoring of slopes, the statement noted.
NGI will provide consultancy services including site characterisation for tunnel projects, preparation of feasibility studies and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for upcoming tunnel projects. Further, the institute will advise on structural assessment and safety audits of operational tunnels as well as advanced slope stability assessments for identifying potential hazards and recommending suitable mitigation measures.
Russian scientists develop vaccine against new Ebola strain: Moscow
Moscow/Cape Town, May 27
(IANS) Russia has announced that its scientists have developed a new vaccine for the new strain of the Ebola virus linked to the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Russian Embassy in South Africa took to social media 'X' on Tuesday (local time) and said, "Russian scientists have developed a vaccine against a new Ebola strain, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko announced. According to the Russian scientists, the vaccine may also protect against the rare Bundibugyo strain linked to the outbreak in the DRC."
Earlier on May 25, the World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed that a rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak in the DRC has caused 220 suspected deaths, as health officials struggle to catch up with the epidemic.
While 101 confirmed cases and 10 confirmed deaths have been recorded, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had said the true scale is far larger.
"There are now more than 900 suspected cases and 220 suspected deaths," Tedros had said at the Virtual Ministerial Briefing on the Bundibugyo Ebola
Outbreak on Monday.
The outbreak, declared as a public health emergency of international concern on May 17, has also spread to Uganda, which has five confirmed cases and one death.
On Tuesday, DR Congo Health Minister Roger Kamba announced that the Ebola outbreak remained at an early stage, but infections and deaths continue to rise.
Health authorities have identified around 1,000 suspected cases in affected areas, of which 101 have tested positive, Kamba told a press conference.
The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which Kamba described as less lethal than the Zaire strain but still dangerous if infections continue to rise. There is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo Ebola.
According to the WHO, Ebola disease is a severe, often fatal illness affecting humans and other primates.
The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals (such as fruit bats, porcupines and non-human primates) and then spreads in the human population through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people, and with surfaces and materials (e.g. bedding, clothing) contaminated with these fluids.
The average Ebola disease case fatality rate is around 50 per cent.
Case fatality rates have varied from 25 to 90 per cent in past outbreaks.
Ebola outbreak: India advises citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Congo, Uganda
New Delhi, May 24 (IANS) The government on Sunday advised Indian citizens, currently residing in or travelling to Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, to strictly follow public health guidance issued by local authorities and maintain heightened precautions, in light of the reported outbreak of Ebola disease in these countries.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the situation to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
“In view of the evolving situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other affected countries, and in line with WHO’s recommendations, Government of India advises all Indian citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the
Hip replacement surgeries rise 40 pc among younger Indians post-COVID: Experts
New Delhi, May 24 (IANS)
Orthopaedic experts on Sunday raised concerns over a sharp rise in hip arthritis and avascular necrosis (AVN) cases among younger and middle-aged Indians in the post-COVID period, warning that severe hip damage linked to steroid use during the pandemic is driving a surge in total hip replacement surgeries across the country.
Speaking at the 2nd Delhi HIP 360 Conference here, leading orthopaedic specialists said hospitals are witnessing a growing number of patients in their 30s and 40s suffering from advanced hip joint damage, stiffness, limping, and difficulty in walking.
The conference was organised by the Delhi Orthopaedic Association in association with the Indian Arthroplasty Association and brought together orthopaedic surgeons, arthroplasty specialists, fellows, and residents from across the country to discuss advancements in total hip arthroplasty, robotic-assisted surgeries, rehabilitation, and management of post-COVID hip complications.
Dr. L Tomar, Organising Chairman of DELHI HIP 360 and Director of the Department of Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement at Max Hospital, said doctors are observing nearly a 40 per cent rise in hip replacement surgeries among younger patients.
“Steroids played a life-saving role during the COVID pandemic, but indiscriminate or prolonged use in some patients has been associated with a rise in osteonecrosis and early degenerative changes in the hip joint. We are now seeing relatively younger patients coming with severe hip damage, collapse of the femoral head, and advanced arthritis requiring early hip replacement surgeries,” he said.
World Health Assembly concludes with resolutions to safeguard human health
Congo, Uganda and South Sudan until further notice,” Health Ministry said in an advisory. India has not reported any case of Ebola Disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, the ministry added.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has officially declared the ongoing outbreak of Bundibugyo strain Ebola Virus Disease affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security.
Further, the WHO IHR Emergency Committee on May 22 issued temporary recommendations to strengthen disease surveillance at Points of Entry to “detect, assess, report and manage travellers with unexplained febrile illness arriving from areas with documented Bundibugyo virus detection” while also “discouraging travel to areas with documented Bundibugyo virus detection”.
Geneva, May 24 (IANS) The sixday 79th World Health Assembly has concluded in Geneva, during which member states adopted multiple resolutions to advance multilateral cooperation in safeguarding human health. Held under the theme "Reshaping global health: a shared responsibility," the assembly adopted more than 20 decisions and 13 resolutions on issues including stroke, tuberculosis, antimicrobial resistance, emergency care, haemophilia, precision medicine and radiation, reports Xinhua news agency. In his closing remarks on Saturday (local time), President of the Assembly Victor Atallah Lajam said that amid intensifying geopolitical conflicts, frequent public health emergencies
and severe challenges to the multilateral system, the assembly successfully completed its agenda, once again demonstrating the power of multilateralism. Atallah, also minister of health of the Dominican Republic, said the assembly focused on its core mission of protecting human health and adopted a series of major decisions and future guidance with direct impact, noting that these outcomes will benefit millions or even more people, with emphasis on strengthening emergency preparedness and response, curbing antimicrobial resistance, promoting innovation in indigenous peoples' health, regulating ethical organ transplantation, and enhancing the protection and support for health workers. On emerging issues such as digital health, interoperability, artificial intelligence and digital
governance, in-depth discussions were held, and the need for ethical and inclusive frameworks was reaffirmed to advance people-centred, interoperable and diverse medical cooperation in precision medicine and diagnostic imaging, the president added. The assembly also addressed a range of political and administrative issues, including an agreement to reform the global health architecture through a member state-led joint process hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO). In his closing remarks, WHO DirectorGeneral Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged member states to translate resolutions into action without delay, stressing that achieving global health goals "will require political commitment, sustained financing, and continued cooperation between member states, partners and communities."
India sends medical supplies, protective kits to Africa amid Ebola outbreak
New Delhi, May 24 (IANS) Amid the Ebola outbreak in Africa, India on Thursday dispatched the first tranche of urgent medical supplies and protective kits to Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In a post on X, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed India's commitment to supporting Africa in responding to the emerging Ebola public health emergency.
"India dispatched the first tranche of urgent medical supplies and protective kits to Africa CDC today. Committed to support Africa in responding to the emerging Ebola public health emergency," EAM Jaishankar posted on X.
Ebola disease (EBOD) is a rare but severe illness in humans and is often fatal.
Meanwhile, the Indian government on Sunday advised Indian citizens, currently residing in or travelling to Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, to strictly follow public health guidance issued by local authorities and maintain heightened precautions, in light of the reported outbreak of Ebola
disease in these countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the situation to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). “In view of the evolving situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other affected countries, and in line with WHO’s recommendations, Government of India advises all Indian citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan until further notice,” Health Ministry said in an advisory. India has not reported any case of Ebola Disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, the ministry added.
PRODUCER: Aditya Chopra DIRECTOR: Shiv Rawail CAST: Alia Bhatt, Sharvari
ALPHA
Delhi: Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief Executive at General Atomics Global Corporation Vivek Lall, and Former Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria (Retd) during the inaugural ceremony of Kalam & Kavach
at Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi on Thursday, May 14, 2026.
New
3.0
New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Union Home Minister Amit Shah pose for a photograph with awardees during the Civil Investiture Ceremony - I at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Monday, May 25, 2026.
Moscow: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval speaks during the first International Security Forum and the 14th Meeting of High Representatives for Security Matters in Moscow, Russia on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
New Delhi: Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
New Delhi: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
Rome: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni plant a Morus nigra (Black Mulberry) tree during an event in Rome, Italy, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Bhopal: Members of the Dawoodi Bohra community offer special prayers during Eid celebrations, observed a day or two earlier than by the general Muslim community according to the Bohra calendar, in Bhopal on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Krishnanagar: Devotees offer prayers on the occasion of Eid al-Adha at an eidgah in Krishnanagar area of Nadia district, West Bengal, on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is on a state visit to China, at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital
Ottawa: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal meets Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ottawa on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Canada: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal meets faculty members, researchers and students at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy in Toronto, Canada, on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
Gulmarg: Army officials rescue tourists after several Gulmarg Gondola ropeway cabins got stranded mid-air following a technical snag in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, May 25, 2026.
Mumbai: Actors Rashmika Mandanna, Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon during a promotional event for their upcoming film ‘Cocktail 2’ in Mumbai on Friday, May 29, 2026.
Cannes: Actress Eva Longoria arrives for the screening of the film “Histoires de la nuit” (The Birthday Party) at the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, on May 22, 2026.
Mumbai: Actor Ridhima Pandit poses on the red carpet during the Variety Front Row Tuner event in Mumbai, Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Mumbai: Actress Sunny Leone during the grand finale shoot of MTV Splitsvilla X6 in Mumbai district of Maharashtra on Monday, May 11, 2026.
Mumbai: Actor Tripti Dimri during the promotion of the upcoming Netflix film ‘Maa Behen’, in Mumbai on Thursday, May 21,
Mumbai: Actress Triptii Dimri during the trailer launch of the movie ‘Maa Behen’ in Mumbai district of Maharashtra on Friday, May 22, 2026.
Mumbai: Actress Madhuri Dixit during the trailer launch of the movie ‘Maa Behen’ in Mumbai district of Maharashtra on Friday, May 22, 2026.
Mumbai: Actors Varun Dhawan, Pooja Hegde, Mrunal Thakur during the promotion of the upcoming film ‘Hain Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’, in Khar, Mumbai, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
Cannes: Actress Michelle Rodriguez, actress Meadow Walker, actor Vin Diesel, actress Jordana Brewster and Producer Neal Moritz (L to R) pose for a photocall for the film “Fast and Furious” at the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, on May 13, 2026.
Mumbai: Actors Rashmika Mandanna, Kriti Sanon, Shahid Kapoor during the song launch of Cocktail 2, in Mumbai, Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Mumbai: Actors Mahesh Manjrekar, Siddharth Jadhav, and others at the success celebration of ‘Raja Shivaji’, in Mumbai on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Mumbai: Actress Sana Sultan Khan attends the screening of ‘Obsess’ in Mumbai, Maharashtra on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
Rajkummar Rao, Patralekhaa push the release of their debut production ‘Raftaar’ to October 16
Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao and his wife Patralekhaa have pushed the release date of their production title. ‘Raftaar’, which was earlier set to release on July 24, will now bow in theatres on October 16 during the extended Dussehra weekend. Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa took to their Instagram, and shared a joint post as they notified their followers of their decision to push the film’s release. The couple wrote, “They say building a dream takes time, but living it takes even more hustle!
RAFTAAR is not just a film, it’s our first step into the theatrical world, a labour of belief, grit and countless dreams. When something is this personal and special, it deserves the time to grow into something truly memorable. That's why we are now arriving, in cinemas, on 16 October for the extended Dussehra weekend”.
“When you see RAFTAAR, you won’t just watch a film, you’ll recognise the hustle, the ambition, the fear and the hope that drive every dream. Thank
‘Inspector Avinash’ director calls
Freddy Daruwala,
a ‘charming, dynamic, good looking guy’
Director Neerraj Pathak, who has helmed the 2nd season of the streaming show ‘Inspector Avinash’, has heaped praise on actor Freddy Daruwala. The director said that Freddy is “charming, dynamic, and a good looking guy”. The director spoke with IANS along with Randeep Hooda and Freddy Daruwala during the promotions of the show in Mumbai.
Talking about Freddy, the director said, “He's a very honest guy. That’s his greatest quality, he is grounded and honest. Not many actors have this quality. Either they are burdened with their own intellect and their own way they want to present”.
He told IANS, “I wanted a charming, dynamic, good looking guy. The character is a very charming home minister and youngest one. In the previous season, the money was less. But I want to thank him that he didn't see money. He saw the passion of the director. He saw the character the way I wanted him. Now we have created a long lasting relationship. And I tell him, ‘You have great potential’. And he has a long way to go. But he is a great guy at heart, he could make his mark”.
“He played the character in a very charming way, and lent maturity to the character that we wanted. In the show, he is not a manipulator but through the journey, he understands that as a politician, he needs to manipulate his position. So slowly, slowly his character grows. And besides that, the charm, nobody can resist”, he added.
Season 2 of the show explores even darker and more emotionally charged territory for the titular character, with Avinash navigating high-pressure situations that challenge both his personal and professional life.
Sharad Kelkar reflects on evolution of wedding narratives on television
you for being our strength. We’re almost there. full on hai hustle Catch you on 16th October in Theatres”, they added.
The film is set in the cut-throat world of India’s booming edtech industry, and races through the meteoric rise of a start-up and a fiery relationship at its core, a determined man and an ambitious woman chasing success at any cost. The captivating drama explores how greed, power, and money can come at the cost of love, honesty and relationships.
Actor Sharad Kelkar has spoken up on the evolution of marriage in Indian television. The actor essays the role of Arya in the television show ‘Tumm Se Tumm Tak’. The upcoming episodes of the show will showcase a wedding track marking a nostalgic fullcircle moment for actor Sharad Kelkar, whose television journey years ago with the iconic show ‘Saat Phere’, a show deeply rooted in relationships and marriage. Over the years, weddings on television have evolved significantly, moving beyond just grandeur and celebration to stories filled with emotional depth, realism, and layered relationships. Speaking about this journey and how storytelling around marriages has changed over time, Sharad Kelkar shared, “Coming back to a wedding track on Zee TV after all these years feels strangely nostalgic for me because my television journey also began with a show like Saat Phere, where relationships and marriage were at the emotional core of the story. But honestly, what has changed the most over the years is the way we look at marriage on television today. Earlier, weddings were often treated as just grand celebrations, but now audiences connect more with the emotional reality of relationships, the flaws, the companionship, the struggles, and the choices people make to
stay together”. He added, “As an actor, too, I think I’ve evolved a lot. Earlier, you performed scenes; today, you understand silences, emotions, and the weight that characters carry much more deeply. Arya, as a character, is emotionally layered, strong on the outside but vulnerable in many ways internally, and that makes this wedding track even more special for me. Also, somewhere, as actors, we grow with the audience. Today, viewers notice honesty more than perfection, and that shift has made storytelling far more interesting. So doing a wedding track now, after so many years in the industry, feels less about spectacle and more about celebrating a journey that audiences have emotionally invested in”.
‘Tumm Se Tumm Tak’ airs on Zee TV.
Neha Dhupia shares that a casting director once said, ‘you look bad when you smile’
Actress Neha Dhupia, in her chat show titled Double Date with Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi, recalled how a casting director said she looks bad when she smiles and how it impacted her confidence for about nine years.
Neha will be seen discussing selfdoubt and body image with Huma Qureshi and Saqib Saleem.
Talking about the remark, Neha said a casting director once told her, “You look bad when you smile. You have no power on your face when you smile, so don’t smile.”
“I think that stayed with me for eight or nine years of my life. Imagine hearing something like that even after becoming Miss India. You start believing it somewhere,” Neha added.
The actress explained that after hearing those words repeatedly in her head, she slowly stopped smiling freely during shoots and public appearances. The discussion became even more deep as Huma also opened up about dealing with insecurities related to appearance and public criticism.
Neha further added that over time, maturity and selfawareness helped her move past
those insecurities. She eventually realized that authenticity and confidence mattered far more than fitting into someone else’s definition of perfection.
Neha’s latest release 52 Blue. Directed by acclaimed Egyptian filmmaker Ali El Arabi, 52 Blue is a poignant coming-of-age story that follows a young Indian
The
explores themes of identity, aspiration, and resilience, set against a
football enthusiast’s journey as a migrant worker to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
film
deeply emotional family backdrop. Angad was last seen on screen in Hi Nanna starring Nani and Mrunal Thakur.
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’.
Satya Dev’s next film titled
Director Ajay Nag V's upcoming action thriller, featuring actor Satyadev Kancharana in the lead, has been titled 'Samavarthi', its makers announced on Friday. Sharing the title poster of the film on his X timeline, Satya Dev Kancharana, known for choosing diverse roles and carving a unique identity for himself as a hero, wrote, "This time the promise will be DELIVERED!! #Samavarthi @ AjayNagV Love you for everything. Watching him direct is poetry in motion. A tiger hug to my beloved producers @JakkidiShivaIYC."
Samavarthi marks the 16th film in Satya Dev's career as a lead actor. The film is being produced under the banners of Rudra Pictures & Panchabhuta Productions by Shivacharan Reddy Jakkidi and Shashidhar Reddy Padamati, while Ajay Nag V. is directing the project.
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.
Sources close to the unit say that 'Samavarthi' is being made as an ecological action thriller and is gearing up for a grand theatrical release in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.
The first-look poster of 'Samavarthi' features Satyadev in an intense avatar, calmly listening to music on his headphones while several men armed with axes and
knives charge towards him. The First Look poster emphasises subtle references to nature with the tiger in the background creating intrigue.
this could be one of the most intense action films in Satyadev’s career.
Sushmita Sen’s daughter Renee makes a funny confession about mom’s iconic song ‘Just Chill’ featuring Salman Khan
Bollywood star Sushmita Sen's daughter Renee Sen, on Friday night made a hilarious confession involving one of her mother's most popular Bollywood songs.
Sharing a selfie on her social media account, Renee revealed that for a large part of her life she believed the lyrics of the hit
track ‘Just Chill’ were "just cheew cheew, just cheew."
"For a large part of life, I thought it was 'just cheew cheew, just cheew'," Renee wrote, adding monkey-covering-eyes and crying emoticons.
Renee, for the uninitiated, is the elder daughter of Sushmita Sen, who adopted her in 2000. The actress was just 24 when she took the life-changing decision to become a single mother.
Over the years, Sushmita has often spoken about how motherhood became her greatest adventure and one of the most rewarding journeys of her life.
She later adopted her second daughter, Alisah, in 2010.
Talking about the song ‘Just Chill’, it featured in the 2005 comedy ‘Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?’ and
was sung by Sonu Nigam, Jayesh Gandhi and Amrita Kak.
The peppy number featured Salman Khan, Sushmita Sen, Katrina Kaif and Sohail Khan.
Apart from its catchy hook step and beats, the song is also remembered for Sushmita's glamourous appearance. Her elegant saree looks from the film became a style statement
Talking about Sushmita Sen, the actress, in 1994, created history by becoming the first Indian woman to win the Miss Universe title. She later went on to build a successful acting career with films such as ‘Biwi No.1’ ‘Aankhen’, ‘Main Hoon Na’ and ‘Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?.’
In recent years, she has earned critical acclaim for her performances in ‘Aarya’ and ‘Taali’.
The title and poster have already created expectations that
