NDA leaders hail Bihar mandate, say voters chose development under Modi–Nitish leadership
of
(NDA) on Saturday thanked the people of Bihar for delivering a sweeping mandate in the Assembly elections, asserting that the results reflect the public's endorsement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's vision for the state's development.
World leaders express solidarity with India after deadly Delhi blast
New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) Several world leaders and foreign envoys have expressed solidarity with
India and extended condolences following the deadly car blast near Delhi's Red Fort Metro Station, which claimed eight lives and left several injured.
The blast occurred on Monday evening when a Haryanaregistered car parked near Gate No.1 of the Red Fort Metro Station exploded, killing at least eight
In a decisive electoral outcome, the NDA surged far past the majority mark of 122 seats, tightening its hold over Bihar as the ruling coalition secured a commanding victory.
The alliance, led by Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United), saw
Rahul Gandhi calls Bihar result ‘surprising’, to continue fiercer battle for constitution
New Delhi, Nov 14 (IANS) The Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi broke his silence on the Bihar debacle on Friday, terming the NDA’s 200-plus seat landslide “truly surprising” and
9 killed, 29 injured in accidental blast in J&K’s Nowgam police station
Trump’s big turnaround on H-1B visas, says US needs foreign talent
Washington, Nov 12 (IANS)
US President Donald Trump defended the H-1B visa
programme, saying the country needs foreign talent for certain industries.
In an interview with Fox News' Laura Ingraham on Tuesday (local time), Trump was asked if his administration planned to deprioritise H-1B visas. He replied, "You do have to bring in talent."
When Ingraham countered, "We
have plenty of talent," Trump responded, "No, you don't." "You don't have certain talents…. And people have to learn, you can't take people off an unemployment line and say, I'm going to put you into a factory. We're going to make missiles," he added.
Trump's statement comes even as he launched a crackdown on H-1B visas in September through
(J&K) Srinagar district, official sources said on Saturday.
“Nine people were killed and 29 others injured when a massive accidental blast took part inside the Nowgam police station when police personnel including those from the forensic wing were sampling the explosive material.
“The identities of the people killed in this unfortunate accident will be shared after exact details are confirmed. The dead include
a Naib Tehsildar (Executive Magistrate) and a local tailor. Some of the bodies have been completely burnt and this is taking time to identity the dead.
“The injured have been shifted to the Army’s base hospital in Badami Bagh area and other hospitals for treatment”, official sources said.
Same sources said that the explosive material that went off
New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS)
Surendra Koli, a man who was given the sobriquet “Butcher of Nithari”, was on Tuesday set free by the Supreme Court, which allowed his curative petition, giving a formal closure to a saga of botched-up probe and media trial built on theories of cannibalism.
A bench comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justices Surya Kant and Vikram Nath set free the suspect, who lived in Nithari village in Noida. With this, Koli has emerged clean despite facing 19 criminal cases, along with his now-acquitted employer, Mohinder Singh Pandher.
Reading out the bench’s verdict, Justice Vikram Nath said, "The curative petition is allowed.” Koli, 53, will now walk out of jail as he has already been acquitted in all other cases.
The 2006 Nithari killings captured public attention after
Patna, Nov 15 (IANS) Leaders
the National Democratic Alliance
Srinagar, Nov 15 (IANS) Nine people were killed and 29 others injured in the massive accidental blast inside the Nowgam police station in Jammu and Kashmir’s
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NDA leaders hail Bihar mandate, say voters chose development under Modi–Nitish leadership
Continued from Page 1
its numbers significantly boosted by a strong performance from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as the alliance bagged 202 seats.
In contrast, the Opposition Mahagathbandhan, comprising the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and Left parties, suffered a severe setback.
Minister Ashok Chaudhary expressed gratitude to voters for placing their trust in the partnership between CM Nitish Kumar and PM Narendra Modi, along with the alliance's five partners.
Speaking to IANS, he said, "This overwhelming victory in Bihar reflects peace, stability, and development. Under Nitish Kumar's leadership, the people have strengthened the mandate. We are also especially thankful to PM Modi, Chirag, Jitan Ram Manjhi, and Upendra Kushwaha. Together, as a strong team, we fought the battle and delivered a decisive victory."
JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha said the NDA was confident from the outset.
Speaking to IANS, he stated, "While we did not predict the exact number of seats, we knew we were heading towards a big victory. But the reason behind this landslide victory was that for 20 years, the Chief Minister's good governance shaped Bihar."
"Additionally, in the last two years, ever since the NDA formed the government at the Centre, there has been major support from the Centre, especially from the Prime Minister. This double-engine government is a way Bihar would develop into a top state, and people of the state believe this," Jha added.
LJP(R) MP Shambhavi Chaudhary described the outcome as a "huge victory".
"In many ways, you can say that our entire NDA leadership sought votes based on development. The people of Bihar have rejected jungle raj and goonda raj, and
have chosen a strong and stable NDA government. The people of Bihar have given a clear message that the present and future of the state are secure in the hands of the NDA," Chaudhary told IANS. JD(U) State President Umesh Kushwaha reiterated that the alliance had anticipated the triumph. Speaking to IANS, he said, "We had already said that we will win. All NDA leaders worked together, and strong coordination was established from top to bottom among our workers. People appreciated and trusted the work and achievements of our leader, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar." MLA-elect Shyam Rajak said the mandate belonged to the people. Speaking to IANS, he noted, "This victory belongs to the people of Bihar. Those who placed their full faith in our leader, Nitish Kumar, and the NDA voted on the basis of their work and chose to make him Chief Minister again. We express our gratitude to all the voters of Bihar."
9 killed, 29 injured in accidental blast in J&K’s Nowgam police station
Continued from Page 1
was seized during the raid in Faridabad when the white collar terror module was busted.
DGP J&K, Nalin Prabhat accompanied by senior police officers went to Nowgam police station for an on spot assessment of the situation.
The blast that occurred inside Nowgam police station was so massive that it shattered the glass of buildings around and the sound of the blast was heard in areas 5-10 Kms away from Nowgam area.
A number of vehicles parked
inside the police station caught fire due to the massive explosion and fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the flames.
Ambulances rushed to the police station to evacuate the injured policemen to the hospital.
It must be mentioned that 2,900 Kg ammonium nitrate was recovered by J&K Police when it busted the white collar terror module in Faridabad in coordination with the Haryana Police.
During the raid on Dr. Muzammil Ganaie in Faridabad, 300 Kg of the same explosive material was recovered.
While Dr. Adil Rather and Dr Muzammil Ganaie were arrested, third terror accomplice, Dr Umar Nabi had evaded arrest.
He was later killed in a car blast near the Red Fort, in which several civilians were killed and many others were injured.
A lady doctor from Lucknow, Shaheen Shahid was also arrested after an assault rifle was recovered from her car. The arrest of two Over Ground Workers (OGWs) of Jaish-eMohammad (JeM) terror outfit led to the busting of the terror module.
Trump’s big turnaround on H-1B visas, says US needs foreign talent
Continued from Page 1
a proclamation, imposing a hefty application fee of $100,000.
Last week, the US Department of Labor (DOL) launched at least 175 investigations into potential abuses within the H-1B visa programme, as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to crack down on the foreign worker visa system.
The initiative, dubbed 'Project Firewall', was launched in September to target companies allegedly exploiting the visa system, which allows US firms to hire foreign workers in speciality occupations such as information technology, engineering, and healthcare.
"The Department of Labor is using every resource at our disposal to put a stop to H-1B abuse and protect American jobs,"
the DOL Secretary Lori ChavezDeRemer said in a post on X.
In October, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that he was directing the state's Board of Governors to end the use of H-1B visas across state universities, saying that positions currently held by visa holders should be filled by Florida residents.
"Why are we bringing people in to assess our accreditation on an H-1B visa? We can't do that with our own people?" DeSantis said, adding that the practice amounts to "cheap labour" and calling on university leaders to reassess hiring practices.
Days later, the White House reiterated that President Donald Trump's priority in reforming the H-1B visa programme is to put "American workers first" and vowed to fight lawsuits filed
Rahul Gandhi calls Bihar result ‘surprising’, to continue fiercer battle for constitution
Continued from Page 1
declaring that the election “was not fair from the start”.
In a post on X, LoP Rahul Gandhi thanked millions of ‘Mahagathbandhan’ voters while signalling a sharper confrontation with the ruling establishment over democratic institutions.
“I express my heartfelt gratitude to the millions of voters in Bihar who placed their faith in Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance),” he wrote.
“This result in Bihar is truly surprising. We failed to win an election that was not fair from the start. This fight is to protect the Constitution and democracy. The Congress Party and the
INDIA Alliance will deeply review this result and intensify their efforts to protect democracy.” The statement came after the Mahagathbandhan was decimated to under 40 seats, with Congress itself reduced to a humiliating 5-6 from 61 contested. LoP Rahul Gandhi’s phrasing echoed party colleague Jairam Ramesh’s earlier charge of “vote chori on a gigantic scale” but stopped short of naming the Prime Minister, Home Minister, or Election Commission directly. Congress insiders revealed that LoP Rahul Gandhi held a virtual meeting with Bihar in-charges late evening, instructing a “forensic audit” of voter deletions, boothlevel discrepancies, and EVM movement logs.
World leaders express solidarity with India after deadly Delhi blast
Continued from Page 1
people and injuring dozens. High alerts have been issued in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Mumbai, with security around crowded public places and religious sites enhanced. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu took to his social media to voice solidarity with the people and the Indian government. "Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the blast near Red Fort, Delhi this evening. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and good wishes for swift recovery of the injured. The Maldives stands in solidarity with the people and Government of India in this difficult time," Muizzu posted on X.
against the administration's crackdown.
The administration's H-1B visa policy has faced broad opposition from lawmakers and legal challenges with two major lawsuits filed in courts, including the one by the US Chamber of Commerce, the country's biggest business organisation.
On October 31, five US lawmakers wrote a letter to Trump, urging him to reconsider his September 19th proclamation on H-1B visas due to its "potentially negative impacts" on the India-US relationship.
India-born workers received over 70 per cent of the total approved H1-B visas in 2024, primarily due to a huge backlog in approvals and a high number of skilled immigrants from India.
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and posted on X, stating, "Saddened by news of the explosion in Delhi this evening. Sri Lanka stands in solidarity with
the people of India. Our thoughts are with all those affected." Singapore's High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong, also condemned the deadly attack, calling it an "act of terror".
"Offering my prayers to the victims and families of the car blast near Red Fort. Singapore strongly condemns this act of terror. Singapore stands with India," Wong posted on X.
Extending condolences to the victims, Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar described the blast as "heartbreaking".
"Heartbreaking scenes in Delhi following the car blast resulting in so many dead and injured. Our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Wishing speedy recovery to those who survived. Praise for the rescuers & security forces," he posted on X.
The Iranian Embassy in India also expressed grief over the loss of lives and injuries in the car blast incident in Delhi, and extended condolences to India.
From ‘Butcher of Nithari’ to innocent man, Surendra Koli set free
Continued from Page 1
the disappearance of minors from the village was linked to the discovery of human remains in a drain outside Pandher’s home in Noida Sector-31, which became infamous as “House of Horrors”.
The investigation into the case that involved allegations of abduction of children and young women, and horrifying claims of rape, cannibalism, and organ theft, had culminated in 19 cases, some of which even resulted in
by SC
Koli’s conviction and sentencing to death.
Koli, a domestic worker, and his employer, Mohinder Singh Pandher, were initially convicted in the case. A total of 19 cases were lodged against the two in 2007. The CBI filed closure reports in three cases because of insufficient evidence. Koli was found not guilty in three of the 16 remaining cases, and his death sentence in one case was changed to life imprisonment.
Investigators suspect Red Fort blast was suicide strike using ammonium nitrate
New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) The investigating agencies are probing all possible links to the Red Fort car blast, and prima facie it appears that this was a suicide attack.
Investigations also showed that ammonium nitrate was used during the blast.
The Delhi Police are working closely with the Faridabad and Jammu and Kashmir Police regarding the explosives that were recovered during the Faridabad module bust.
While the preliminary probe suggests the use of ammonium nitrate, a final report of the FSL is awaited.
The FSL will release its report later on Tuesday. However, versions on the number of inmates in the car are contrasting.
While at first it was stated that three persons were in the car, the police are now suggesting that Dr Umar Mohammad, the prime suspect, may have been alone.
The angle of this incident, being a case of suicide bombing, is not being ruled out.
Prima facie, it appears to be a case of suicide bombing, an official said while adding that all angles are being probed.
It is unclear whether the accused intended to ram the car into a major structure or intended to blow up the vehicle in the midst of peak traffic, another officer said.
The probe suggests that Umar may have triggered the blast in panic.
Officials are probing whether Umar prematurely triggered the blast.
He may have panicked after the Faridabad module was busted, during which 2,900 kilograms of explosives were recovered.
The police also recovered assault rifles and pistols during the raid.
The FSL is also looking into the ingredients that were used in the blast. It is being ascertained if the accused persons had used
ammonium nitrate, fuel oil and detonators to carry out the explosions.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police had carried out a major operation over the past two weeks during which they arrested two doctors - Muzammil Ahmad Ganai from Pulwama and Adeel Majeed Rather from Qazigund.
The arrests were carried out in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
The police said that they were part of an interstate and transnational terror module which was linked to both the Ansar Ghazwatul Hind (AGH) and Jaish-e-Mohammad.
The police also informed that they had seized 350 kilograms of explosives, suspected to be ammonium nitrate, from Gana's home in Faridabad.
A lot would depend on the FSL reported slated to be released later today. This would provide much clarity about the explosives used during the attack.
While traces of ammonium nitrate have been found, there is, however, no trace of an improvised explosive device (IED).
Uttarakhand man injured in Delhi blast was in Chandni Chowk for wedding shopping
New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) A young man from Gadarpur in Uttarakhand’s Udham Singh Nagar district was among those injured in the blast near Delhi’s Red Fort Metro Station. The injured man has been identified as 28-year-old Harshul Setia. According to information received, Harshul, son of Sanjeev Setia, is a resident of Saraswati Vihar Colony in Gadarpur. His father said that Harshul is scheduled to get married in February. He had travelled to Delhi with his mother, brother, and fiancee for wedding shopping. They were shopping in a lane opposite the blast site when a shard of glass from the explosion struck Harshul on the head.
Sanjeev Setia said he received a phone call last evening informing him about his son’s injury. He added that Harshul is now safe and in stable condition. Following the advice of security agencies, he declined to make further comments. He said he is leaving for Delhi
to bring his son and family back home. After Harshul’s discharge from LNJP Hospital, the family will return to Gadarpur, where he will introduce his son to the media.
Meanwhile, the white Hyundai i20 car that exploded on Netaji Subhash Marg in Delhi near the Red Fort was parked outside a mosque for nearly two hours before the incident, sources said.
The police managed to piece together the route of the vehicle by obtaining CCTV footage from the area.
The blast took place at around 7 p.m., the police said. The car then took a U-turn near the Old Delhi Railway Station and then headed towards Lower Subhash Marg.
The car slowed down at the traffic signal on Chhata Rail Chowk, and then the explosion occurred, the police said.
It is, however, unclear whether the explosion was meant to take place at the signal or the occupants intended to ram the car into the Red Fort, officials said.
The trail of the car's ownership is also under investigation. It has been found that the car was sold several times.
The vehicle bore the registration number HR26CE7674. It was first registered in 2014 to one Mohammad Salman, a resident of Gurugram. Following this, the car had been sold multiple times.
Salman sold it to a person called Devender, following which it was sold to a person in Ambala.
Suicide attack to avoid getting caught, cause maximum damage: Sources on initial Delhi blast probe
New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) The initial investigation into the car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort Metro Station has hinted that this could be a suicide attack to cause maximum damage, said sources on Tuesday.
The blast occurred on Monday evening when a Haryanaregistered car, a Hyundai i20, parked near Gate No.1 of the Red Fort Metro Station exploded, killing at least eight people and injuring dozens. High alerts have been issued in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Mumbai, with security around crowded public places and religious sites enhanced.
Initial investigations suggest the suspect's motive was to carry out the blast. As soon as he learned that the Faridabad module had been busted, he planned a suicide attack to cause maximum damage and avoid being caught by the police, sources said.
The current owner of the car remains unknown, and investigators are working on that aspect.
The registered owner, however, is under arrest and being questioned.
Multiple agencies are working on the case.
Delhi
Currently, the agencies are working on every theory and trying to determine the motive behind the blast.
This incident came just hours after police busted a terror module linked to Jaish-eMohammad (JeM) and Ansar
Ghazwat-ul-Hind terror outfits in Faridabad and seized 2,900 kg of explosives and a huge cache of arms and ammunition.
Police also announced that over the past few days, they have arrested two Jammu and Kashmir doctors, Adil Ahmad Rather and Muzammil, who were linked to these terror outfits, which, according to the sources, panicked the module and led to the blast.
Officials said that nothing is being ruled out at the moment, while adding that all angles point towards an act of terror. Sources said that the car in question was purchased by one Tariq, a resident of Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. His links to the Faridabad module are under investigation, the police added. The police said that the car blew up at around 6.52 p.m. This triggered a fire that engulfed the vehicles that were nearby. Officials said that investigations point towards the involvement of the Faridabad module.
This module is suspected to have played a major role in supplying the explosives and also planning the attack. The police also suspect that one Dr Umar Mohammad, who was part of the Faridabad module, was present in the car at the time of the explosion.
A DNA test would help the investigators ascertain who was present in the car at the time of the blast. The agencies have been on the trail of Mohammad for several days now. He had been on the run, and the police say that he was clearly linked to the Faridabad module.
blast: Probe agencies monitor social media, collect dump data from mobile phones around Red Fort
New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS)
Investigative agencies on Tuesday are closely monitoring social media activity following the Delhi bombings and have begun collecting dump data from several areas.
According to Delhi Police sources, dump data is being gathered from all mobile phones that were operating in and around the Red Fort area. This data may provide crucial clues to help identify phone numbers linked to the car bombing.
Officials said dump data is also being collected from the Red Fort parking area and its surrounding areas. Investigators believe that the people inside
the car that exploded may have communicated with one another before the blast, making the parking lot’s phone records especially significant.
Additionally, the dump data from Faridabad is being analysed to determine possible communication links between individuals and to trace how many people were in contact with each other before and after the incident.
As investigations continue into the Delhi blast, it has been revealed that the Hyundai i20 car used in the explosion was bought from a second-hand car dealer located in Sector 37 of Faridabad, Haryana.
Meanwhile, the blast occurred on Monday evening when a Haryanaregistered car, a Hyundai i20, parked near Gate No.1 of the Red Fort Metro Station exploded, killing at least eight people and injuring dozens. High alerts have been issued in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Mumbai,
with security around crowded public places and religious sites enhanced.
This incident also came just hours after police busted a terror module linked to Jaishe-Mohammad (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind terror outfits in Faridabad and seized 2,900 kg of explosives and a huge cache of arms and ammunition.
Police also announced that over the past few days, they have arrested two Jammu and Kashmir doctors, Adil Ahmad Rather and Muzammil, who were linked to these terror outfits, which, according to the sources, panicked the module and led to the blast. As per the sources, the Hyundai i20 was initially owned by Mohammad Salman, who was apprehended on Monday night, and the car changed ownership several times -- it was first sold to Nadeem, then to a second-hand car dealer in Faridabad.
The vehicle was later bought by
Delhi blast: House of prime accused Dr Umar demolished in Pulwama
Srinagar, Nov 14 (IANS) A day after his Identity was confirmed by matching DNA with his mother, security forces on Friday demolished the house of Dr Umar Nabi, the prime accused in the Delhi blast in which 12 people were killed and many others injured.
Security forces demolished the house in Koil village of Pulwama district in the early hours. The action followed the confirmation of his identity by matching DNA with his mother.
Reports said security forces moved in the early hours, evacuated the inmates and then carried out a controlled explosion to demolish the house.
Locals said three loud blasts were heard in the morning.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Thursday that the strictest action will be taken against each of those involved in the Delhi terror blast.
Valley-wide crackdown continues against banned Jamaat-e-Islami cadres while suspects are picked up for questioning.
The terror module was unearthed after two overground workers (OGWs) were arrested by the J&K Police. The sustained interrogation of these OGWs led to the arrest of Dr Adil Rather of Qazigund in Kulgam district.
One AK-47 rifle was recovered from the locker of Dr Adil Rather in the Government Medical College, Anantnag. He had left his job with the medical college in October 2024.
CCTV footage also showed him putting up posters of the Jaishe-Mohammad (JeM) terror outfit. He led the police to Dr Muzammil Ganaie in Faridabad and the recovery of 2,900 kg of ammonium nitrate, timer devices, etc.
Dr Umar Nabi escaped arrest after the terror module was busted. He died in the terror blast near the Red Fort in which 12 civilians
were killed and many others were injured.
Police also arrested Dr Shaheen Shahid of Lucknow, from whose car an assault rifle was recovered. She worked with other members of the terror module in Al-Falah Medical College in Faridabad.
Dr Adil’s brother, Dr Muzaffar, another member of the terror module, had left for Dubai in August. J&K Police have approached Interpol for a red corner notice against Dr Muzaffar.
Meanwhile, UP Police have arrested a Medical College Professor and a Cardiology student, both from Jammu and Kashmir, in connection with the Delhi blast, even as investigators said more attacks were planned in four cities across the country by an interstate white collar terror module.
The government has ordered a forensic audit of all records of Al Falah University, which is under the scanner following the Delhi blast, besides asking the ED and other financial investigative agencies to check the money trail of the Faridabad-based institution.
‘Just 10 minutes before incident, my son had called me’: Father of Delhi blast victim, Amar Kataria
New Delhi, Nov 13 (IANS)
Recalling the terrifying moments leading up to the Red Fort blast, Jagdish Kataria, the father of the deceased Amar Kataria, a Chandni Chowk-based businessman, on Thursday said that his son had called him just ten minutes before the incident. Still shaken by the shock, he shared details of his final conversation with his son and the harrowing hours that followed.
The 34-year-old, who ran a pharmaceutical business and was known for his passion for travel and biking, had married four years ago and was the father of a three-year-old son.
Speaking to IANS, Jagdish Kataria said, “Just ten minutes before the incident, my son had called me. We were planning to go out with the family that day. He had left his shop, and we were about to leave home. While we were on our way to the Ashram, I asked my daughter to call him again, but his phone didn’t connect. Then, a woman answered the call and said she had found the phone near the Red Fort, where a blast
had just occurred.”
He continued, “The woman told me to collect my son’s photo from Kashmere Gate. After that, I tried calling him again from another number, but there was no response. I then called his business partner, who went searching for him. Meanwhile, we also reached Daryaganj, but there was heavy police barricading, and we couldn’t go inside. His wife rushed ahead to check, while the rest of us waited outside, unaware of what had really happened.”
Jagdish further added, “Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Delhi CM Rekha Gupta were present at the spot, so we couldn’t get any information at first. Later, after they left, we were told what had happened. Early the next morning, around 5 a.m., we brought back our son’s body.”
He further added, “My son was just 34 years old. He was married four years ago and had a threeyear-old son. I want justice now. There are so many innocent people who lost their lives. Terrorism is spreading -- today it was my son, tomorrow it could be someone else’s.”
Meanwhile, investigators probing the Delhi Red Fort blast have recovered a diary and notebook from the rooms of Dr Muzammil and Dr Umar Mohammad at Al Falah University in Faridabad, revealing crucial details about the planning of the terror attack.
J&K’s white collar terrorists involved in Delhi blast
Srinagar, Nov 11 (IANS) The unearthing of the sinister white collar terror plot behind the Delhi car blast, in which eight people were killed and many others injured, proves the involvement of three Kashmiri doctors, two of them belonging to the same village in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district.
The involvement of professionally trained doctors has added an ugly dimension to terrorism in the union territory.
Dr Mohd Umar, who reportedly drove the i20 car and died in the explosion near the Red Fort in Delhi on Monday, belonged to Koil village of Pulwama.
The police have arrested his two brothers and mother for questioning, while his father is reportedly mentally challenged. Umar did his MBBS from the prestigious Government Medical College (GMC) in Srinagar. He secured a seat in the prestigious medical college on merit.
Officials believe the suspects had been conspiring for a long time as part of a larger, well-coordinated plan.
According to investigation agencies, the diaries recovered on Tuesday and Wednesday from Dr Umar’s room number 4 and Dr Muzammil’s room number 13 are expected to answer several key questions related to the blast.
The investigators have confirmed that Dr Umar Mohammad, a senior doctor at Al Falah University, was driving the Hyundai i20 car that exploded near Red Fort on November 10, killing eight people and injuring at least 20 others.
According to Delhi Police sources, DNA test results conclusively established Umar’s identity. His DNA samples matched 100 per cent with those of his mother and brother, leaving no doubt that he was present inside the vehicle at the time of the explosion. The DNA was extracted from bone fragments, teeth, and pieces of clothing recovered from the mangled remains of the car.
The powerful explosion occurred at around 6.52 p.m. on November 10, sending shockwaves across the national capital and triggering immediate security alerts. The blast took place close to one of India’s most iconic landmarks, raising serious concerns about the breach of the high-security zone around the Red Fort.
Neighbours said that although he was a hard and studious child, Umar had a deep, fundamental
Islamist influence right from his childhood.
Another doctor arrested in the terror-busting operation is Dr Muzammil, who also belongs to Koil village of Pulwama.
The third Kashmiri doctor involved in this plot and arrested is Dr Adil Ahmad Rather, who was arrested for putting up posters supporting terror outfit Jaish-eMohammed (JeM) in Srinagar in October this year.
An AK-47 assault rifle was recovered from Dr Adil’s locker in Government Medical College, Anantnag, where Adil served till October 2024.
It was Adil’s sustained interrogation that led to the unearthing of the entire terror module, highly placed sources told IANS here.
On his disclosure, a team of Jammu and Kashmir Police and Haryana Police found 290 kg of ammonium nitrate, assault rifles, timer devices and ammunition in Faridabad, Haryana.
Dr Adil Rather belongs to the Qazigund area of Kulgam district in the Valley. Following his disclosure, police also arrested another Dr Shaheen Shahid from Lucknow and recovered an assault rifle from her car.
Even after the arrest of Adil and Muzammil, Dr Mohd Umar was absconding. It is believed that the arrest of his accomplices completely unnerved Umar, and he carried out the Red Fort blast in panic.
More arrests are being made across the Valley and outside as
Delhi blast: Diary, notebook found in Al Falah University rooms of Muzammil, Umar reveal terror plot details
Delhi blast: Diary, notebook found in Al Falah University rooms of Muzammil, Umar reveal terror plot details
New Delhi, Nov 13 (IANS) A diary and notebook recovered from Dr Muzammil’s and Dr Umar Mohammad's room in Al Falah University have revealed crucial details about the planning of a terror attack. Investigators believe the terrorists had been conspiring for quite some time as part of a larger, well-coordinated plan.
According to investigating agencies, diaries belonging to Dr Umar Mohammad and Dr Muzammil have been seized and are expected to answer several key questions related to the Delhi Red Fort blast. The diaries were recovered on Tuesday and Wednesday from Dr Umar’s room number 4 and Dr Muzammil’s room number 13.
Police also recovered a diary from Muzammil’s room, where 360 kg of explosives were earlier found in Dhauj, Faridabad, about 300
meters from Al Falah University. Investigators said the recovered diaries and notebooks contain coded words and references to dates between November 8 and 12, suggesting ongoing planning during that period. The documents also list the names of around 25 individuals, mostly from Jammu and Kashmir and Faridabad. The matter remains under active police investigation. Meanwhile, investigators have also confirmed that Dr Umar Mohammad, a senior doctor at Al Falah University in Faridabad, was driving the i20 car that exploded near the Red Fort on November 10, killing 12 people and injuring many others.
According to Delhi Police sources, DNA test results conclusively established Umar’s identity. His DNA sample matched 100 per cent with that of his mother and brother, leaving no doubt about his presence in the vehicle at the time of the explosion.
From Jaipur to Coimbatore, 9 emerging markets drive corporate migration beyond metros
Mumbai, Nov 10 (IANS) With a combined economy of nearly Rs 10 lakh crore, nine emerging markets in India now command an impressive 70 million square feet of Grade A office space, alongside 80 million square feet of logistics infrastructure -delivering quantifiable advantages driving corporate migration beyond metros, a report showed on Monday.
From the northern region, Jaipur and Lucknow are witnessing exceptional corporate traction. Jaipur, historically a hub for tourism, jewellery and garment industries, has evolved into a
technology destination with major IT companies, according to a JLL report.
The city’s improved connectivity through its international airport and the new Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, combined with its robust talent pool from coaching hubs and fresh graduates, positions it for strong growth across residential, retail, and warehousing sectors.
Lucknow, as Uttar Pradesh’s capital, leverages excellent infrastructure and progressive leadership to attract industrial investments, including defence manufacturing.
According to the report, the city anticipates robust commercial inventory over the next 3-4 years.
The formation of a State Capital Region (SCR) encompassing Lucknow and five adjoining districts, modelled on Delhi's
NCR, will drive unprecedented growth.
Coimbatore, dubbed the 'Manchester of South India,' stands as the state’s second-largest city by GDP, manufacturing, and IT output after Chennai.
This fast-growing tier 2 destination offers immense talent availability across sectors while maintaining the safest environment for women employment.
“The city’s rapid infrastructure development includes metro rail, outer ring road, and smart city initiatives, supported by the state’s latest approved master plan. Its strengths in hospitality, education, medical tourism, and manufacturing create a comprehensive business ecosystem,” said the report.
Panna miner’s first dig strikes rich: Farmer unearths five diamonds
Panna/Bhopal, Nov 7 (IANS)
In a stroke of fortune that has stirred excitement across Madhya Pradesh’s diamond belt, Brijendr Kumar Sharma, a resident of Sirsvaha village in Panna district, has unearthed five separate diamonds from the Bharkan mines area — marking a dazzling debut in his mining journey. Sharma, who recently secured his first mining permit in June this year for shallow excavation,
struck gold—figuratively—when his modest efforts yielded a total of 5.79 carats of rough diamonds: one 0.74-carat, one 2.29-carat, one 0.77-carat (all brilliant), one 1.08-carat and one 0.91-carat (offcolour) diamond. Experts estimate the combined value of the stones could be anywhere from Rs 5 lakh minimum to a maximum of Rs 12 lakh, depending on clarity, colour, and market demand. The discovery has not only brought cheer to Sharma’s household but also renewed hope among local miners who often brave harsh conditions in pursuit of the elusive sparkle beneath Panna’s soil.
The Bharkan mines, part of the famed Panna diamond reserve, have long been a source of livelihood and dreams for hundreds of small-scale miners. While large-scale commercial operations dominate headlines, it is stories like Sharma’s—of perseverance, patience, and providence—that capture the spirit of grassroots mining in the region.
Officials from the Mineral Resources Department confirmed the discovery and lauded Sharma’s adherence to legal mining procedures. “This is a great example of responsible mining. We encourage more locals to apply for permits and explore opportunities in a regulated manner,” said a senior officer.
K’taka hit-and-run road rage: Techie arrested for attempt to murder
Bengaluru, Nov 13 (IANS) In a shocking case of road rage in Bengaluru, a software engineer allegedly rammed his car into a scooter, injuring a family of three after being angered over honking.
The incident occurred in Central Bengaluru and was captured on CCTV, police said on Thursday.
The shocking CCTV footage of the incident has gone viral, raising concerns.
The accused has been identified as 23-year-old Sukrit Keshav Gowda from Kodigehalli in Bengaluru, who works for a
private firm in Whitefield. He has been arrested by the Sadashivanagar police.
According to the investigation, the incident took place on October 26 at around 7.11 pm. Gowda, who was driving a car, was reportedly driving rashly on New BEL Road near MS Ramaiah Hospital when he intentionally rammed into a scooter from behind.
The scooter, driven by Vineth A (33), a businessman from Vidyaranyapura, his wife, Anikita Patel (31), was riding pillion with, and their young son. The impact caused the scooter to hit the road divider, throwing the family onto the road.
Police said that moments before the incident, the scooter rider had honked at Gowda’s car at a traffic signal, asking him to give way. Angered by the honking, the
MyGov India launches ‘Veer Gatha 5.0’ to honour India’s bravehearts
New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) Asserting that "Every story of valour deserves to be heard", MyGov India, the citizen engagement programme of the Union Government, on Saturday announced the launch of Project Veer Gatha 5.0, an initiative aimed at inspiring patriotism among students through stories of India's gallantry award winners. Instituted in 2021 under the Gallantry Awards Portal (GAP), the project is a joint effort of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the Ministry of Education (MoE), and MyGov.
It provides a platform for school students across India to creatively present the heroic tales of soldiers and warriors through poems, essays, paintings, and
multimedia projects.
Over the years, Veer Gatha has witnessed massive participation - from 8 lakh students in its first edition to 1.76 crore in Veer Gatha 4.0 (2024–25). Both the Defence and Education Ministries have hailed it as a revolutionary effort in shaping civic consciousness among youth.
"Veer Gatha has been a phenomenal success with 8 lakhs participation in Veer Gatha 1.0 conducted in 2021-22,19.5 lakhs in Veer Gatha 2.0 conducted in 2022-23, 1.37 crore in Veer Gatha 3.0 conducted in 2023-24 and 1.76 crore in Veer Gatha 4.0 conducted in 2024-25," it said.
In Veer Gatha 4.0's felicitation ceremony held on January 25, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted the bravery of historical figures like Prithviraj Chauhan, King Kharavela of Kalinga, and the Cholas, urging inclusion of preindependence warriors in the new edition.
For 'Veer Gatha 5.0', he recommended incorporating technological elements such as videography, anchoring, and reporting under the theme 'Samarik Parampara' (military traditions).
Five of a family killed as roof of house collapses in Patna’s Danapur
accused allowed the scooter to overtake and then deliberately rammed into it from behind. Gowda allegedly fled the scene without offering help. Passersby rushed to assist the injured family and took them to MS Ramaiah Hospital, where Anikita was treated for injuries to her left hand, shoulders, and head, while Vineth sustained a rib injury. They were later discharged. However, Vineth was later admitted to St. John’s Hospital after the pain worsened.
Initially, the case was registered by the Sadashivanagar Traffic Police. After reviewing CCTV footage and witness statements, investigators confirmed it was a deliberate hit-and-run, and the case was transferred to the Sadashivanagar Police (Law and Order) division.
Patna, Nov 10 (IANS) In a tragic incident, five members of a family were killed when the roof of an old house collapsed in the Diara area under the Danapur Assembly constituency of Patna district. The incident took place in Manas Naya Panapur 42 Patti village late Sunday night.
The deceased have been identified as house owner Bablu Khan (32), his wife Roshan Khatoon (30), son Mohammad Chand (10), daughter Rukhsar (12) and their youngest daughter Chandni (2).
According to locals, the family had gone to sleep after dinner when the roof caved in.
Hearing a loud crash, neighbours rushed to the spot and found the house completely flattened.
Panchayat head Vakil Rai said that after several hours of effort, the bodies of all five victims were
retrieved from the debris.
Villagers said the house was constructed a few years ago under the Indira Awas Yojana scheme, and cracks had already developed in the walls and the roof. They claimed that the family was financially weak and unable to get repairs done.
Residents demanded adequate compensation and immediate assistance from the administration.
The station house officer said the bodies have been sent for postmortem, and an administrative inquiry has been initiated.
Former village head C.P. Singh said several old houses in the Diara belt are in a dilapidated condition, and stressed that the administration must take preventive measures to avoid similar incidents.
The tragic accident has caused deep shock in the area.
Locals said old structures must be inspected and strengthened regularly, and added that proper maintenance and quality monitoring of housing scheme constructions are necessary to avoid such loss of lives.
The diara areas have been affected by the flood that recently came in during the Monsoon season this year. This is one of the reasons for weakening the structures in the region.
The local police are monitoring the situation.
Air India crash: SC issues notice on plea of pilot’s 91-year-old father for judicial probe
New Delhi, Nov 7 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Centre on a plea filed by the family of late Captain Sumeet Sabharwal -- the Pilotin-Command of the ill-fated Air India flight that crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12, claiming over 260 lives -- seeking an independent and judicially monitored probe into the tragedy. A Bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan took note of the submissions made by senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, appearing on behalf of the 91-year-old father of the deceased commander, that the ongoing investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) was “not independent”.
During the hearing, Justice Kant-led, allaying the petitioner’s apprehension that his son was being unfairly blamed for the accident, remarked: “It’s extremely unfortunate, this crash, but you should not carry this burden that your son is being blamed. Nobody can blame him for anything.”
It added that the preliminary AAIB report contained no insinuation of pilot fault, noting that the brief cockpit exchange cited in the report did not attribute any blame. When the petitioner's side flagged a Wall Street Journal report suggesting pilot error, the apex court declined to attach any significance to such material, stating: “We are not bothered by foreign reports. That is nasty reporting. No one in India believes it was the pilot’s fault.”
The plea alleged that the ongoing investigation is "defective and suffers from serious infirmities and perversities".
The preliminary report, issued on June 15, attributed the crash to "pilot error, while overlooking other glaring and plausible systemic causes".
"The report hastily infers the incident to pilot error, without
any corroborative evidence or comprehensive technical analysis, thereby undermining both the integrity of the inquiry and the memory of the deceased crew," it added.
The petition raised questions on the unexplained deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), an emergency device, at take-off, before any crew inputs were made.
"This premature activation is a direct indicator of an electrical or digital malfunction," the petition stated, contending that the investigation "ignored the possibility that faults in the Common Core System (CCS), integrating avionics, flight controls, power distribution, and software, may have triggered the sequence of failures".
The petition also questioned the selective and unauthorised leak of cockpit voice recordings (CVR) into the public domain, calling it an act of maligning the deceased pilots without proof, amounting to state-facilitated defamation and mental cruelty to their families.
"These selective leaks have fuelled a malicious media campaign,
Adani Group to invest Rs 1 lakh crore in Andhra Pradesh in next 10 years
Visakhapatnam, Nov 14 (IANS)
The Adani Group on Friday announced plans to invest Rs 1,00,000 crore over the next decade in Andhra Pradesh across ports, cement, data centres, energy and advanced manufacturing.
This is over and above the Rs 40,000 crore already invested by the Adani Group in the state, across ports, logistics, cement, infra and renewable energy.
Speaking at the 'Andhra Pradesh
Investor Summit' here, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) Managing Director, Karan Adani, unveiled the Group's $15-billion Vizag Tech Park vision, which includes building one of the world's largest green-powered hyperscale data-centre ecosystems in partnership with Google. Existing Adani Group operations in Andhra Pradesh have already created over one lakh direct and indirect jobs, with more large-scale employment generation planned through upcoming projects.
Karan Adani described Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu as "an institution and the original CEO of Andhra Pradesh", and praised Andhra Pradesh
Human Resources Development, Information Technology and Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh for driving a culture of speed, efficiency, and startup-like governance.
"We see Andhra Pradesh not as a destination for investment, but as a launchpad for India's next decade of transformation. The flagship of our commitment is the Vizag Tech Park. This is not just another tech park - it is the foundation of India's digital sovereignty.
We are building one of the world's largest hyperscale data-centre ecosystems, in partnership with Google, and powered by green energy," said Karan Adani while addressing the gathering.
Delhi cop who first witnessed blast records statement:
Heard loud explosion, saw vehicles on fire
New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) A police official, who filed a First Information Report (FIR) at the Kotwali Police Station following the Delhi blast, has mentioned in the report that he was in the area when the explosion occurred and quickly rushed to the scene with
his staff to assist the injured and transport them to the hospital.
The blast occurred on Monday evening when a Haryanaregistered car, a Hyundai i20, parked near Gate No.1 of the Red Fort Metro Station exploded, killing at least eight people and injuring dozens.
The case was registered in the Kotwali Police Station under UAPA Sections 16 and 18, along with provisions of the Explosives Act and several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Anil Ambani skips ED questioning, no virtual appearance allowed
New Delhi, Nov 14 (IANS)
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) will not grant any virtual appearance to Reliance ADAG Group Chairman Anil D. Ambani after the latter sought it in response to a summons sent by the investigative agency to appear before it for questioning in a money laundering case, according to sources on Friday.
Anil Ambani skipped the ED summons to appear for the second round of questioning at the agency’s Delhi headquarters on Friday (November 14).
As per ED sources, no virtual appearance will be given to Anil Ambani, as requested. The regulator, however, has received an email from him regarding his availability via virtual means.
Anil Ambani, in a media statement, said that he is "willing to offer to appear by virtual means", adding that he will "fully
cooperate with ED on all matters".
The statement claimed that "ED summons to Anil D. Ambani relate to a Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) inquiry and not to any matter under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)".
The summons concerns a 2010 domestic EPC contract for the Jaipur–Reengus (JR) Toll Road and concerns issues associated with a road contractor, with no foreign exchange component, it said. "Anil D. Ambani is not a member of the Board of Reliance Infrastructure. He served the company for about fifteen years, from April 2007 to March 2022, only as a non-executive director, and was never involved in the day-to-day management of the company," it added. The ED had summoned Anil Ambani again on November 14 for questioning in the money laundering case against the conglomerate. He faced a gruelling, around ninehour interrogation regarding an alleged Rs 17,000-crore loan fraud case at ED headquarters in August. The financial probe agency had earlier attached 42 properties worth over Rs 3,083 crore in the bank fraud cases of Reliance Communications Ltd. (RCOM), Reliance Commercial Finance Ltd., and Reliance Home Finance Ltd.
Salutations to ‘Jawahar of Hind’: Rahul Gandhi pays tribute to Nehru
New Delhi, Nov 14 (IANS)
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday paid tribute to India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, calling him 'Jawahar of Hind' and his ideals a continuing source of inspiration.
only for his leadership in shaping modern India but also for his deep affection and concern for children. His birthday, November 14, is observed nationwide as Children’s Day (Bal Diwas), in recognition of his unwavering commitment to the welfare and education of young minds.
The report was filed based on the statement of Sub-Inspector Vinod Nayan of the Red Fort police post, sources said. According to sources, SI Vinod Nayan stated in the FIR that he was present at the police post when the blast occurred. "I heard a loud explosion... I came outside and saw vehicles on fire. I then informed my senior officer and the control room... I, along with my staff, rushed the injured to the hospital," Nayan mentioned in the FIR.
Posting on X, Gandhi said, “India's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, laid the foundation of constitutional and democratic values in independent India through his visionary and fearless leadership, and provided the country with a new direction. His ideals and values continue to be a source of inspiration for us even today. Respectful salutations to 'Jawahar of Hind' on his birth anniversary.”
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid homage to the nation’s first Prime Minister, posting, “Tributes to former Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji on the occasion of his birth anniversary.”
Nehru, fondly remembered as Chacha Nehru, is celebrated not
The Congress party’s official X handle posted, “Heartfelt tributes to Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru on his birth anniversary! The visionary architect of modern India, his ideals of democracy, secularism & scientific temper continue to lead the nation towards development & technological progress. His legacy remains our guiding light.”
In another post, the party remembered Nehru’s love for children, stating, “Fondly remembering Chacha Nehru, who believed children are the nation’s future. Congress carried forward his dream through the Right to Education, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan & Mid-Day Meal Scheme, empowering every child to learn and grow.”
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also joined the nationwide tributes, writing on X, “On the birth anniversary of India’s first Prime Minister, Late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji, I pay my humble respects to him.”
Mamdani ‘excited’ to be immigrant mayor, but on tough road to affordability goal
New York, Nov 6 (IANS) Zohair
Mamdani, newly elected as the city's mayor, expressed excitement at being the first immigrant in generations to lead a city built by immigrants, emphasising his core priority, fulfilling his promises of affordability.
At his first news conference as mayor-elect, he announced that Pakistani American Lina Khan would be the co-chair of his transition team, which would vet candidates for jobs and work out the arrangements for him to take over the administration of this city of 8.5 million.
She was ousted as the head of the Federal Trade Commission by President Donald Trump, with whom Mamdani has been sparring.
Speaking to reporters in front of the Unisphere, a giant globe of the world at a city park, he spoke of its symbolism for his administration.
“We chose this location as a reflection of the borough [of Queens] that I serve, and the fact that we are proud to be known as the world's borough.”
"I am excited to be the first immigrant to lead this city in generations and excited more, frankly, to deliver on an agenda of affordability", he said.
“Central to that effort is a transition team that is defined by the excellence New Yorkers will soon come to expect from government”, he said.
A significant early personnel announcement was that he wanted Jessica Tisch to stay on as police commissioner, a move that would assuage the insecurities of people over crime and his earlier anti-police statements, calling them a threat to public safety and of being involved with the Israeli military.
Tisch, who is Jewish and known for her tough anti-crime policies that may be at odds with Mamdani’s stances, has not indicated if she would stay on.
Given some of his statements and his involvement with the antiIsrael protest verging on antiSemitism that rocked the city, he said, “I look forward to being the mayor for every person that calls this city home. That includes the Jewish New Yorkers that voted for our campaign and those that didn't”.
He made no mention of Hindus, having participated in a Khalistani rally where abuses were hurled at members of the religion.
Mamdani’s central campaign promise was to make the city affordable, a message that resonated with New Yorkers’ economic concerns and propelled him to the mayoralty.
Among them were freezing rents on some homes, adding more housinng to the city plagued by shortages, free city buses, cityowned shops, and childcare for all, and these were to be financed by increasing taxes on the rich.
“When we enter City Hall in 58 days, expectations will be high [and] we will meet them”, he said.
But when the Democratic Socialist takes over the city administration with a $116 billion budget and 300,000 employees, he will face an uphill task.
In victory speech, Mamdani challenges Trump, who responded, ‘So it begins’
’ New York, Nov 5 (IANS) Zohran Mamdani threw a challenge to President Donald Trump on immigration, declaring that for his enforcement campaign “to get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us”.
A city led by an immigrant will always be welcoming to immigrants, he told a delirious crowd of supporters who packed a theatre in Brooklyn.
Addressing the US President who he said must be watching his speech, he said defiantly, “Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I’ve got four words for you: Turn the volume up”.
As if taking up the challenge, President Trump posed an ominous four-word message on Truth Social, “…AND SO IT BEGINS”!
President Trump, who described the Democratic Socialist as a “Communist” said in an electioneve post that New York City will be "a Complete and Total Economic and Social Disaster" if Mamdani wins.
President Trump threatened to cut federal funds for the city.
Casting his victory as a model of a “brave new course” for the country, Mamdani said, “No longer will we have to open a history book for proof that Democrats can dare to be great.”
He reiterated his campaign promise to tackle the city’s affordability crisis through free fast buses, childcare for all, freeze on rents on some residences, and more and better public housing.
Every New Yorker will feel the impact of the change he was about to bring, he added.
About the hard work of fulfilling those promises, he said, “A great New Yorker once said that, while you campaign in poetry, you govern in prose”.
That was a quote by the legendary Governor Mario Cuomo, who happens to be the father of Andrew Cuomo, whom Mamdani defeated in the mayoral race and wanted to needle.
And he added, “If that must be true, let the prose we write still rhyme and let us build a shining city for all”.
“In this moment of political darkness, New York will be the light”, he said.
On the stage were his mother, movie director Mira Nair, and father Mahmood Mamdani, the Ugandan academic with roots in
India, Canada discuss ways to boost bilateral trade, promote investments
New Delhi, Nov 13 (IANS) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of International Trade, discussed ways to further boost bilateral trade and promote investments, it was announced on Thursday. Sidhu is in India to find opportunities to advance trade and investment linkages between the two nations.
“It was a pleasure to cochair the 7th India-Canada Ministerial Dialogue on Trade and Investment as part of the New Roadmap 2025 along with @ MSidhuLiberal, Canada's Minister of International Trade,” Goyal posted on the X social media platform.
The minister further stated that they discussed “avenues to strengthen bilateral trade, promote investments and deepen cooperation between our countries”.
During his India visit, Sidhu is set to promote Canada's commitment to supporting and growing the well-established commercial ties shared by Canada and India, including artificial intelligence, clean technology and digital industries, and explore new opportunities for partnerships that benefit workers and businesses in both countries. "This visit to India will reinforce Canada's commitment to diversifying our trade relationships and attracting new investment," an official statement quoting Sidhu said. "As one of the fastest-growing major economies, India offers significant opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers. Our commercial ties continue to expand -- bilateral trade surpassed $30 billion in 2024 -- and there is even greater potential ahead,” the statement added.
India is a key partner as Canada strengthens its economic links in the Indo-Pacific region under a comprehensive strategy for the region. In 2024, India was Canada's seventh-largest goods and services trading partner, with two-way trade valued at $30.9 billion.
India.
Addressing what were some of the criticisms he faced, the 34-yearold said, “I am young, despite my best efforts to grow older. I am Muslim. I am a Democratic Socialist. And most damning of all, I refuse to apologise for any of this”.
He has faced accusations of anti-Semitism in the way he led the anti-Israel protests. and in a conciliatory gesture, he said, “We will build a City Hall that stands steadfast alongside Jewish New Yorkers and does not waver in the fight against the scourge of antisemitism”.
He added that it will also be “where the more than 1 million Muslims know that they belong, not just in the five boroughs of this city, but in the halls of power”. “No more will New York be a city where you can traffic in Islamophobia and win an election”, he said. Cuomo, in his concession speech, congratulated Mamdani and said he wanted to see him succeed for the sake of the “greatest city in world”. That was met by boos from his supporters, and he tried to silence them saying, “That is not us”. The other candidate whom Mamdani defeated, Republican Curtis Sliwa said in his concession speech, “Obviously, I wish him good luck, because if he does well, we do well”.
Trump says he will visit India next year, calls PM Modi a ‘great man’
Washington, Nov 7 (IANS) US
President Donald Trump said he plans to visit India soon, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “great man” and his “friend.”
Responding to a question during a press conference at the White House on Thursday, Trump said the trade negotiations with India are going “very well.”
“He's a friend of mine, and we speak, and he wants me to go there. We'll figure that out. I'll go…He’s a great man and I’ll be going,” he added.
When asked if he would travel to India next year, Trump said, “it could be, yeah.” The US President also remembered his last visit to India in 2020, saying, “I had a great trip there with the Prime Minister.”
He also claimed that India has “largely stopped buying oil from Russia.”
Trump’s statement comes days after the White House said that Trump has great respect for
Prime Minister Modi and said the two leaders speak “pretty frequently.”
The White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, while answering a question on India-US ties on Tuesday, said that Trump “feels very positive and strongly” about the bilateral relationship.
“I know the President has great respect for Prime Minister Modi, and they speak pretty frequently.”
On the trade negotiations, Leavitt had revealed that Trump and his team are in “serious discussions” with the Indian side.
”The President and his trade team continue to be in very serious discussions with India with respect to that topic,” she added. She also highlighted last month’s Diwali event at the White House and the appointment of Sergio Gor as the next US Ambassador, as evidence of the US President’s commitment to the relationship with India.
“He recently, a few weeks back, spoke to Prime Minister directly when he celebrated in the Oval Office, Diwali, with many highranking Indian American officials here at the White House. We have a great US Ambassador to India in Mr. Sergio Gor, who will represent our country very well,” she noted.
Piyush Goyal receives traditional Maori welcome in New Zealand
New Delhi, Nov 6 (IANS)
Commerce and Industry Minister
Piyush Goyal on Thursday said he received a traditional Maori welcome as he arrived in Te Puia, Rotorua, alongside New Zealand’s Trade Minister, Todd McClay. A Maori welcome ceremony is rich in symbolism, protocol, and cultural meaning.
“Delighted to receive a traditional Maori welcome upon my arrival in Te Puia, Rotorua, alongside New Zealand’s Trade Minister
Todd McClay. Deeply value this cultural gesture, which signifies welcoming us into their tribe in the spirit of peace, harmony and mutual growth,” Goyal posted on X social media platform.
He was presented an idol of the sacred Kamdhenu cow, revered as auspicious for bringing prosperity in Indian culture, as a token of the special and growing peopleto-people ties between the two countries.
“Grateful to Tania Tapsell, the Mayor of Rotorua, for the warm welcome upon arrival here. Looking forward to the day's engagements,” the minister stated.
He earlier met Nikhil Ravishankar, CEO of Air New Zealand, en route to Rotorua.
“Talked about the airline's impressive role in regional connectivity. Also discussed India's expanding aviation sector and the exciting new opportunities that it offers,” said Goyal.
Goyal earlier said that a bilateral free trade agreement between India and New Zealand will not only strengthen trade and investment ties, but will also give a big message to the world that the two countries have come closer together.
Addressing the media along with the New Zealand Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, in Auckland, Goyal elaborated on how New Zealand stands to benefit from the large market that India offers and how India stands to gain from the new innovations in New Zealand.
Piyush Goyal optimistic about creating more ‘successful Kiwi–Bharat stories’
New Delhi, Nov 5 (IANS) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday expressed optimism about creating more “Successful Kiwi–Bharat Stories” as part of a shared vision for deeper collaboration across sectors.
He lauded the hard work of the vibrant Indian diaspora and affirmed that shared values, culture, and aspirations continue to bring India and New Zealand closer, paving the way for a stronger and future-oriented partnership.
At a community event held at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Auckland during his official visit, Goyal expressed gratitude to the
EAM
Despite domestic turmoil, Pakistan’s Gen-Z chose to stay off streets; here is why
Islamabad: When waves of youth-led unrest swept across South Asia after Sri Lanka’s uprising in 2022, analysts began to ask which country would be next. While Bangladesh followed the suit in 2024 leading to Sheikh Hasina’s exit and most recently Nepal, many wondered whether it will arrive in Pakistan which ticked every box that fuels such movements: economic collapse in parts, high youth unemployment, cronyism, and a political class that many young people see as tone-deaf.
Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, for gracing the occasion and joining in the celebration of the India–New Zealand partnership.
Luxon spoke of New Zealand’s strong support for India’s emergence as a global economic powerhouse, stating that India is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the India–New Zealand relationship is built on mutual respect, fairness, and a shared vision for prosperity, describing the Indian diaspora as “bridges” that strengthen the bonds between the two nations.
Goyal also held an engaging interaction titled “Tea with Indian Business Delegation”, with prominent Indian business leaders. He commended the largest-ever Indian business delegation visiting New Zealand for their active participation in
fostering bilateral economic ties. The discussions highlighted growing opportunities for collaboration between the two economies, particularly in agriculture and food processing, wood and forestry, technology, and innovation.
Business leaders appreciated India’s forward-looking policies under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including the Production Linked Incentive Schemes and Startup India initiative, which have enabled Indian enterprises to expand globally.
Goyal encouraged Indian businesses to remain persistent, as it is the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation of the people that truly drive growth and deepen partnerships.
Earlier, Goyal called upon both countries to explore innovative avenues of cooperation to deepen their economic partnership.
Jaishankar discusses global situation, multilateralism with UN chief
United Nations, Nov 14 (IANS)
External Affairs Minister (EAM)
S. Jaishankar met with SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres for a wide-ranging discussion of the current global situation and multilateralism.
After he met with Guterres at UN headquarters in New York on
Thursday (local time), the EAM posted on X that he "valued his assessment of the current global order and its implications for multilateralism".
"Also appreciated his perspectives on various regional hotspots," he added.
EAM Jaishankar came for a quick visit to New York after wrapping up his Canada visit, during which he participated in the G7 foreign ministers' meeting and met with several foreign ministers from around the world.
The minister called the meeting with Guterres "good" and thanked
him for his "clear and consistent support for India's growth and development".
EAM Jaishankar said that he looked forward to welcoming him in India.
On Tuesday, Guterres' Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said he sends his condolences to the government and people of India for "what happened there", referring to the car bomb attack near the Red Fort on November 10. He added that the incident needs to be fully investigated.
Yet, unlike Kathmandu, Dhaka or Colombo, Karachi and Lahore did not become the epicentres of mass, ideologically diffuse youth uprisings. The answer to Pakistan’s current insulation from such a rupture lies not in popular contentment but in a set of deliberate institutional, legal, and narrative controls that have blunted the emergence of a nationwide, cross-cutting youth movement.
In case of Pakistan, it all boils down to the state’s most powerful actor: the Pakistan Army. The institution’s unprecedented response to May 9, 2023, violence after former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s arrest made clear that any mass movement threatening the army’s prerogatives would be met with force and lawfare.
In the weeks and months that followed, hundreds of civilians accused of taking part in the unrest were tried by military courts. By signalling that protest could carry the risk of military prosecution, the establishment transformed the costs of visible mobilization for would-be demonstrators.
But coercion alone does not explain the lack of a Gen Z wave. The military-dominated state establishment has shored up its actions with a legal and rhetorical infrastructure that normalises repression. As has been demonstrated in the last few years, pliant civilian governments like Shehbaz Sharif’s and a compliant judiciary conferred legality on the state’s repressive measures such as sanctifying military trials of civilians or amending constitutional provisions to further empower the establishment. Those measures do more than punish by creating an atmosphere of fear and unpredictability. Young people who might otherwise risk a night on the streets calculate not only the immediate danger
of police or paramilitary response, but the prospect of prolonged detention, disqualification from public life, or long legal battles. Parallel to legal tools is the information control that has acted as a central plank of the establishment’s strategy. Whenever protests erupt in peripheral provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa predominantly over Pakistan Army’s human rights violations, such protests are often framed as the work of foreign-backed secessionists or direct foreign hands. That securitized framing strips popular grievances of their political valence and paints them as existential threats to national unity. In practice, branding a local protest “anti-state” or “sponsored” is used to delegitimize sympathy from the broader public, making it far harder for disparate movements to coalesce into a national youth narrative. The rise and proscribing of movements by Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) and Baloch Yekjehiti Committees (BYC) show how Pakistani media framing, often echoing official lines, reinforces the divide between “patriotic” majorities and “dangerous” minorities.
Targetted media campaigns have not just been employed in the restive provinces. After the no-confidence motion that ousted Imran Khan's government in 2022, for example, street mobilisation by the Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) demonstrated how quickly the public discourse was polarized. And when May 9 anti-establishment protests against Khan’s arrest saw the sanctity of the military fortresses breached for the first time ever, the state-aligned media quickly presented protesters as partisan, violent, or manipulated by foreign backed actors. Such a characterisation is employed to keep young citizens viewing politics through the prism of party loyalties, ethnic identity, or regional grievance rather than shared economic and civic concerns that cut across such lines.
Economic desperation, however, remains a dormant accelerant. It is not that in this age of information and unprecedented access to social media technologies Pakistan’s young demographic are not aware of stagnant opportunity, rising living costs, and the politics of patronage. What has kept them off the streets is not indifference but fragmentation.
Nishikant Dubey
on Rahul’s dance jibe at PM Modi: Gandhi family didn’t instil good values in him
Bhagalpur (Bihar), Nov 9 (IANS)
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey lashed out at Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over his dance jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that the Congress MP "does not care" about the Indian civilisation and culture as the Gandhi family "did not instil good values" in him.
Last week, Gandhi had accused PM Modi of doing "anything for votes", stating, "If you tell Narendra Modi to dance in exchange for your votes, he will dance on stage."
Just days later, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi was seen joining the Tharu tibeswomen in West Champaran district of poll-bound Bihar for their traditional dance.
Reacting to this, Nishikant Dubey, in an interview with IANS, said, "If Priyanka Gandhi dances well, she's our fellow MP, and that's great. But the manner in which Rahul Gandhi made statements about the Prime Minister is very indecent and opinionated.
Whenever his (Rahul Gandhi's) father and mother went to the Northeast, they were seen dancing. Were they dancing for votes?"
He also accused the Lok Sabha LoP of having "no concern" regarding the Indian civilisation and culture.
"This statement suggests that Rahul Gandhi does not care about Indian civilisation and culture. Making such statements about the Prime Minister of the nation shows that the Gandhi family did not instil good values in Rahul, so what can we say about him?" Dubey added.
Chirag Paswan campaigns for HAM & LJP-RV candidates; slams Lalu family over dynastic politics
Patna, Nov 8 (IANS) Union Food Processing Minister and Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas (LJP-RV) President, Chirag Paswan, campaigned in favour of Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) candidate Anil Kumar from Tekari Assembly seat.
Appealing for votes for the NDA government in Bihar, Paswan urged the people to press the button on the 'Karahi' (cooking pot) symbol of HAM.
THE LJP-RV Chief said, "After
winning, we will fry samosas and pakoras in the same 'Karahi' and celebrate."
He noted that the voting trend in first phase of polling clearly showed that the NDA government is returning to power in Bihar.
"There is no doubt that NDA's double-engine government is being formed again in Bihar. The people of Bihar are going to make Nitish Kumar the Chief Minister again," he said.
He added that Anil Kumar had a long personal association with his father late Ram Vilas Paswan, and described him as a guardian figure.
The LJP-RV Chief said that he appealed to the people to ensure Anil Kumar's victory with a large
margin in the ongoing state election.
From the same stage, Chirag Paswan also urged voters in Gurua to press the button and elect LJP-RV candidate Upendra Dangi with a huge majority.
Separately, while addressing a rally in Chenari (Rohtas), the LJPRV Chief attacked the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Lalu Prasad family, alleging that the Grand Alliance only cares about their own family.
He said that when RJD supremo and former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav went to jail, he made his wife Rabri Devi the Chief Minister, and later tried to make their sons and daughters MPs and Chief Ministers.
‘PM Modi, EC silent over ‘vote chori’ allegation’: Rahul Gandhi
Patna, Nov 9 (IANS) Lok Sabha's Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, on Sunday, launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Election Commission of India, alleging "vote theft".
Addressing a large rally in Bihar's Kishanganj, the Congress leader claimed that votes had been stolen in Maharashtra, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh, and alleged that attempts were being made to do the same in Bihar.
"Why are these (BJP and EC) people silent about my allegations? Our allegations were correct -- that is why these people are silent. They are truly vote thieves," he said.
He also repeated his charge that BJP leaders were voting from two
states and accused PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of stealing elections.
The LoP alleged that after he accused the Prime Minister and the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar of stealing votes, neither had countered him.
"Narendra Modi did not clarify even once. He didn't say that Rahul Gandhi is lying. The allegations we have made are absolutely correct -- that is why they are silent," he added.
"A thief steals, lives in fear, and eventually gets caught. Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and CEC Gyanesh Kumar have committed 'vote theft' in India, and they are afraid of the people. One day, they will surely be caught," he said.
Escalating his attack further, Rahul Gandhi accused PM Modi of spreading hatred.
"Narendra Modi is filled with hatred in his blood and thinking. He wants to divide people. But my blood is filled with love -- that
PM Modi’s popularity, work behind bumper voter turnout in Bihar: Dharmendra Pradhan
Patna, Nov 8 (IANS) Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a bumper turnout of 64.66 per cent in the first phase of the Bihar Assembly polls.
In an exclusive interview with IANS, Pradhan said, "The bumper voter turnout in the Bihar election's first phase is a result of PM Modi's popularity and exceptional work ethic. Over the past 20 years, the NDA government in Bihar has taken special care of the interests of all sections of the state, earning public trust. The bumper voter turnout in Bihar is a result of
this."
"We have the support of the people because of the campaign we launched, the work we have done, and the credibility that the NDA has built in this state over the past 20 years. The people of this state have faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar," he said.
The massive public response to rallies by PM Modi, Chief Minister and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Bihar is a testament to the trust people have in the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), he said.
"I am confident that we are heading towards an emphatic victory in Bihar," he said, adding that the announcement of results on November 14 would prove him right.
He expressed confidence that this time, there will be a recordbreaking voter turnout in all districts of Bihar. The atmosphere in every district will be in favour of the NDA. People believe that the NDA's presence in the state is essential; otherwise, the political situation could become precarious.
Mahagathbandhan prefers ‘corrupt’ leader as CM face: Rajnath Singh
is the difference between us," he said.
The Congress leader also said that the youth of Bihar were not getting employment and were being forced to migrate to other states for work.
"Wherever I go in India, I see people from Bihar. You have built places like Dubai with your sweat. If you can build Dubai and Bengaluru, why can't that development happen in Bihar?" he asked.
Referring to the state's heritage, Rahul Gandhi said that Nalanda University was once renowned across the world and drew students from Korea, the UK and Japan.
"But today, Bihar is associated with paper leaks. In every exam here, papers are leaked through unfair means," he alleged.
The polling in Bihar for the first phase -- covering 121 constituencies -- was conducted peacefully on November 6.
Patna, Nov 9 (IANS) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday criticised the Mahagathbandhan for making a "corrupt" leader their CM face, claiming that only the NDA can give a clean administration to maintain Bihar on the path of development.
Addressing an election rally in Bihar, he said, "Those who have already spent time in jail on charges of corruption and still facing charges of corruption are contesting elections against us by stitching an alliance. Was there no other leader in their ranks who could lead their alliance?"
On the last day of the campaign for the second and final phase of the Bihar Assembly election on November 11, Rajnath Singh addressed several rallies, including those in Mohania, Ramgarh and Goh.
Cautioning voters against the "communal agenda" of rivals, the Defence Minister said, "The RJD and the Congress want to achieve success in politics by tearing apart the brotherhood of society in the name of caste and religion."
In a veiled attack on Rashtriya
Janata Dal leaders Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav, Rajnath Singh hit out at NDA's rivals for their alleged corruption and shamelessness in seeking votes despite their "tainted" track record.
The Defence Minister said that a leader should have the courage to say that he would quit politics the day a corruption charge is levelled against him.
"Corruption cannot be curbed merely by giving speeches on it. To put a check on corruption, changes will have to be made in the system, and everyone has seen the changes we have brought about. Now money is withdrawn from Delhi's bank and it reaches directly to your account," he said, highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative to introduce direct benefit transfer (DBT) for welfare schemes. Countering the accusations of the grand old party, he said, "The Congress leaders' allegation of 'vote theft' is false. The votes of Bihar's people are safe; no theft has occurred. Rahul Gandhi is misleading the public by making baseless statements."
Highlighting the development carried out in Bihar under the NDA government, he said, "Today, the people of the state can proudly invite visitors to NDA's developed Bihar.
Indian envoy calls on Nauru President, reaffirms commitment to deepen ties
Canberra, Nov 11 (IANS) India's High Commissioner to Australia, Gopal Baglay on Tuesday called on Nauru President David W R Adeang in Canberra to reaffirm India's commitment to supporting Nauru's development journey and strengthening cooperation across various sectors.
In a statement shared on X, Indian High Commission in Australia stated, "Privileged to
call on H.E. David W.R. Adeang, Hon’ble President of the Republic of Nauru today in Canberra. India remains committed to supporting Nauru’s development journey and deepening cooperation across sectors."
In January, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar extended wishes to his Nauru counterpart Lionel Rouwen Aingimea and people of the country on their Independence Day and stated that he looked forward to further strengthening ties in the Indo-Pacific.
"Warm greetings to FM Lionel Rouwen Aingimea, the Government and the people of the Republic of Nauru on their Independence Day. Look forward to further strengthening our friendship in the Indo-Pacific," the EAM wrote in a post on X.
In November 2024, India sent second consignment of 'HaemoDialysis machines with portable RO Units' to Nauru, Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands.
"Standing together with the Pacific Islands Family. Fulfilling India's commitment made at FIPIC III Summit, the 2nd consignment of 'Haemo-Dialysis machines with portable RO Units.' 03 units to Republic of Marshall Islands, 01 unit to Independent State of Samoa, 01 unit to Solomon Islands, 01 unit to Republic of Nauru have departed from India. This assistance will help strengthen the healthcare system of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Nauru," the MEA spokesperson posted on X then. India's bilateral ties with Nauru are cordial and friendly. India is a strong development partner, and its assistance is well-recognised in Nauru. The island nation has special regard for India as New Delhi first proposed for Nauru’s independence in the United Nations in early 1960s that was supported by the then Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), according to the MEA.
Australia leads first human trial of one-time gene editing therapy to halve bad cholesterol
Melbourne, Nov 10 (IANS)
Researchers in Australia have led a first-in-human trial for a breakthrough geneediting therapy that halves bad cholesterol and triglycerides in people with difficult-to-treat lipid disorders.
The trial tested CTX310, a onetime CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing therapy that uses fat-based particles to carry CRISPR editing tools into the liver, switching off the ANGPTL3 gene. Turning off this gene lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides, two
blood fats linked to heart disease, according to a statement released Monday by Australia's Monash University.
The Victorian Heart Hospital, operated by Monash Health in partnership with Monash University, treated three of 15 patients aged 18-75 years with difficult-to-treat lipid disorders in phase 1 of the global trial conducted across Australia, New Zealand, and Britain, the statement said, Xinhua news agency reported.
At the highest dose, a singlecourse treatment with CTX310 resulted in a mean reduction of LDL cholesterol by 50 per cent and triglycerides by 55 per cent, remaining low for at least 60 days after two weeks of treatment, it said, adding LDL cholesterol
and triglycerides were reduced by nearly 60 per cent among all participants with various doses, with only mild, short-term side effects reported.
Importantly, CTX310 is the first therapy to achieve large reductions in both LDL cholesterol and triglycerides at the same time, marking a potential breakthrough for people with mixed lipid disorders who have elevations in both, according to the trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
"The possibility of a single-course treatment with lasting effects could be a major step in how we prevent heart disease," said Stephen Nicholls, Director of the Victorian Heart Hospital, and study lead investigator.
Man arrested after 22 kg of cocaine seized at Sydney Airport
Sydney, Nov 14 (IANS) A Sydney man has been arrested over an alleged attempt to import 22 kg of cocaine from South Africa hidden inside suitcases.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF) said in a statement on Friday that the 25-year-old man from southwest Sydney was stopped for a baggage examination after he disembarked a flight that arrived at Sydney
Airport from Johannesburg via Doha.
During the examination, ABF officers located 22 packages wrapped in plastic hidden inside the suitcases, Xinhua news agency reported. The packages contained a white powder that subsequent testing identified as cocaine with a total volume of 22 kg.
The matter was handed to the AFP, who seized the cocaine and arrested the 25-year-old.
He was charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
On Thursday, the Australian authorities announced that
India, Australia hold talks on bolstering economic ties
New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday met with Australian Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell and Skills and Training Minister Andrew J Giles, in Melbourne and held discussions on strengthening economic relations between India and Australia.
"Our constructive discussions focused on unlocking the full potential of the India-Australia economic partnership, including through an ambitious and balanced Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement," he wrote on X. India and Australia have a strong trade relationship that is strengthening, particularly
after the implementation of the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) in 2022. India's main exports to Australia include petroleum products, engineering goods, and pharmaceuticals, while Australia's primary exports to India are coal, gold, and copper. Both countries are working to further deepen economic ties, with a goal of reaching $100 billion in trade by 2030.
In FY25, bilateral trade was $24.1 billion, with India's goods exports at $8.58 billion and imports at $15.52 billion. The ECTA, which came into effect in December 2022, has accelerated trade between the two nations. Australia has provided preferential market access on 100 per cent of its tariff lines for India, including for goods like textiles, jewellery, and leather products. India offers preferential access on over 70 per cent of its tariff lines for Australia, particularly for raw materials and intermediaries such as coal and mineral ores.
Piyush Goyal visited Australia after concluding his trip to neighbouring New Zealand. During his visit, India and New Zealand successfully concluded the fourth round of negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in Auckland and Rotorua, an official statement said on Saturday.
Measles alert issued for Sydney CBD, airport
Sydney, Nov 14 (IANS) Health authorities in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) have issued a measles alert for central Sydney and the city's airport.
they have seized 145 kg of cocaine hidden in the motor compartments of refrigerated shipping containers since October. In a joint statement with the Australian Border Force, the Australian Federal Police noted a recent trend of criminal syndicates attempting to import drugs and other bordercontrolled goods via refrigerated shipping containers. Criminals will then attempt to break into docks, container facilities or other storage areas to get the drugs after the containers arrive in Australia. The seized cocaine was valued at almost 50 million Australian dollars (32.8 million US dollars).
NSW Health said on Thursday that it has been notified that a confirmed measles case from the neighbouring state of Queensland visited several Sydney locations while infectious between November 8 to 10, including a concert attended by around 70,000 people.
Anyone who visited a list of locations including the Sydney Airport, central business district, the concert and trains in the city's inner-west between November 8 to 10 has been advised to monitor for measles symptoms until November 28, Xinhua news agency reported.
Jeremy McAnulty, Executive Director of Health Protection NSW, said in a statement that it can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure to measles.
He advised anyone who develops symptoms, including fever, sore eyes and a cough followed by a rash, to call ahead to their doctor or hospital to avoid spending time in a waiting room with other patients.
Queensland Health said that the case also spent time in central Brisbane and at the Brisbane Airport while they were unknowingly infectious.
According to the latest data from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, there have been 153 confirmed cases of measles in Australia so far in 2025, more than the 115 cases reported in the previous five years combined.
Of the 153 cases in 2025, 30 have been in Queensland and 28 in NSW.
Meanwhile, it was reported last month that the United States has registered 1,618 measles cases with three deaths so far this year, the highest number since 1992. Among them, 1,595 cases were reported by 42 domestic jurisdictions and 23 cases were among international visitors to the United States, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on October 22.
From the editor’s desk
FairPoint: Rahul Gandhi’s Gen Z gamble, but is it listening?
New Delhi, Nov 9 (IANS) It is interesting to observe how Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is attempting to woo 'Gen Z' towards his perspective on India, the current Central government, and the broader social climate. Almost all his public rallies and mass-connect events seem designed to stir the imagination of a generation that has grown up with access to the Internet, smartphones, and social media.
Gandhi has drawn inspiration from Gen Z uprisings in Nepal and a few other countries. He seems to believe that this large group of young people can be fed with sustained information interspersed with dramatic data and visuals and can be influenced and mobilised towards a particular idea. He may not be wrong in that belief. The recent events in Nepal, although they led to large-scale destruction, were indeed driven by young people who organised rapidly through online networks.
Gen Z is known for its ability to mobilise people en masse around issues that affect their basic comforts and freedoms -- much like what was seen in Nepal. Outraged by the government's ban on social media, young people in Kathmandu took to the streets. What followed was a period of intense violence after security forces opened fire on the protesters. The initial anger over the social media ban soon evolved into a broader movement targeting the government and ruling parties. The protesters torched government buildings, including the Parliament and courts, attacked politicians and officials, and ultimately, on September 9, ousted the sitting government. Rahul Gandhi now seems eager to channel that same Gen Z energy in India -- to rally young people to rise and challenge the existing government. Gen Z has demonstrated its power in about seven countries, and in several others, it has taken to the streets to voice its dissent. The Nepal protests in September followed a similar youth-led agitation nearly a year earlier in Bangladesh, which eventually dislodged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. It seems that Gandhi's advisors believe India's Gen Z could similarly be galvanised. This
may explain why Rahul Gandhi has been directly addressing them on key issues -- most prominently, his claim of "vote theft", aimed at discrediting the Modi-led government.
He first invoked Gen Z soon after Nepal's violent unrest. On X, he wrote, "The youth of the country, the students of the country, the Gen Z of the country will save the Constitution, protect democracy, and stop vote theft… I always stand with them."
It was a carefully worded message that emphasised the Constitution, democracy, and voting rights -- values that deeply resonate with Gen Z. They are known to be vocal about freedom, rights, and fairness. So, when Rahul Gandhi speaks of democracy being in peril and elections being manipulated, it's a message likely designed to catch their attention. His focus on Gen Z became even more explicit on November 5, during a press conference at the Congress national headquarters -- a day before the first phase of polling in the Bihar elections. In his opening remarks, he addressed young voters directly: "I want Gen Z to take this seriously because your future is being taken away from you. You are the ones being stolen from."
The presentation centred on his allegations of rigging by the Election Commission and the BJP in the Haryana Assembly elections. He concluded by saying: "India's Gen Z and youth have the power to restore our democracy with satya and ahimsa (truth and non-violence)."
Such statements make it clear that the developments in neighbouring countries -- Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal -- have become sources of inspiration for Rahul Gandhi and his team. The sheer organisational power of the young -- networked, spontaneous, and emotionally charged -- is something every politician would envy. And Rahul Gandhi seems eager to replicate that energy in India.
Behind the idealism, there is a clear political calculation. Gandhi's "vote theft" narrative -- his accusation that elections under the Modi government are being manipulated -- isn't just about questioning institutions. It's a carefully chosen hook aimed at a generation that grew up believing in fairness, transparency, and the right to have a voice. If democracy is "being stolen," as he says, then Gen Z becomes both the victim and the saviour in his political script.
But will it work? That's the harder question.
Like their global peers, India's Gen Z is a hyper-connected generation. They are tech-
Balochistan’s struggle is human rights crisis that demands world’s attention
Quetta, Nov 4 (IANS)
Balochistan’s struggle is not a fringe conflict, it is a human rights crisis that demands attention. The forced labour, the disappearances, the land seizures — these are crimes against people who have asked for nothing more than control over their own lives and resources. Several analysts reckon that the Pakistani military and government must be held accountable for what they have done to Balochistan.
For decades, the Baloch have been told to be patient, to wait for development, to trust the State. But patience cannot grow where injustice is the only harvest. In 2025, Balochistan stands as a stark reminder of how power, when unchecked, becomes predation. The world must choose to listen — not to the Generals and politicians who speak of unity, but to the mothers, workers, and students who speak of freedom. Balochistan is not asking for privilege; it is demanding humanity, the experts highlight. The land where mountains meet the sea deserves more than military parades and hollow promises. It deserves justice. It deserves freedom from forced labour, from land theft, from the iron hand of an army that claims to protect but only oppresses. The story of Balochistan in 2025 is the story of resilience against tyranny — people standing tall even as the State tries to break their back.
One day, perhaps, Balochistan will no longer be the land where “anything is possible” for its oppressors. It will instead be the land where freedom, dignity, and justice are finally possible for its people.
Pakistan has done all kinds of oppression in Balochistan. They seize land of the people and drive people to forced labour. What began decades ago as marginalisation has transformed into a full-scale assault on the dignity and autonomy of an entire people. In 2025, the scars of Balochistan’s exploitation are deeper than ever. Behind the curtain of national security and development, the Pakistan military has entrenched its power through fear, coercion, and the systematic dismantling of Baloch society.
Across the rugged mountains and deserts of Balochistan, the story is tragically familiar. Villages emptied overnight under the shadow of military convoys. Families forced to abandon ancestral lands that generations had cultivated. Men rounded up and compelled to work without pay on projects linked to army infrastructure, roads, and bases. Women left behind, watching their homes turned into outposts and checkpoints. This is not just occupation by force of arms — it is occupation of life itself. The people of Balochistan have lived for decades under what can only
be described as a slow, grinding war against their existence. The Pakistan military, in the name of counter-insurgency and “maintaining order,” has created an environment where dissent is crushed, where journalists disappear, and where the silence of the mountains is broken only by the sounds of helicopters and gunfire. In 2025, reports from the ground reveal that entire communities in districts such as Kech, Panjgur, and Khuzdar have been subjected to forced relocations. Farmlands are fenced off, seized under the pretext of security zones, and then repurposed for military or government use. The same land that fed generations is now out of reach for those who tilled it.
The forced labour system imposed by the Pakistan military in various parts of Balochistan is a form of modern slavery dressed up in patriotic rhetoric. Local men are ordered to construct roads, carry supplies, and dig trenches for military bases. They are not paid fairly — often not paid at all — and refusal brings punishment. In areas around Gwadar, for instance, fishermen have been pushed into menial labour for military and Chinesebacked projects after being barred from their own fishing zones. Their boats are seized, their movement restricted, their livelihoods destroyed. The military calls it “development”; the Baloch call it survival under chains.
The year 2025 has seen an escalation in such practices, partly driven by the military’s increasing economic control in the province. Balochistan is rich in resources — natural gas, coal, copper, gold, and deepsea ports — yet it remains the poorest region in Pakistan. The army’s corporate arms and allied companies have carved out concessions over mines, land, and infrastructure projects, while the indigenous people see none of the benefits. Billions flow through Balochistan, but barely a drop reaches its people.
The irony is bitter: a province that fuels Pakistan’s industries is itself left in darkness, with children walking miles for water and schools without roofs. The Pakistani government, complicit and silent, plays its part in the oppression by dressing exploitation as progress. Every promise of “integration” and “development” becomes another mechanism of control. Laws meant to regulate the province are wielded as weapons to confiscate land. Anti-terror
legislation is used not to combat extremism but to silence activists, students, and intellectuals who dare to speak of freedom. The state media paints them as traitors, the military brands them as insurgents, and their voices vanish into the black hole of enforced disappearance. Forced disappearances remain the most chilling signature of Pakistan’s rule over Balochistan. Thousands of Baloch men and boys have vanished over the years — abducted from their homes, workplaces, or checkpoints. Their families search endlessly, their photos held up at protests that the state calls “unpatriotic.” In 2025, the number of missing continues to rise despite repeated pleas for justice. Mothers march under the scorching sun carrying portraits of sons who may never return. This culture of disappearance has become an instrument of terror — one that ensures silence, compliance, and despair. The pattern is unmistakable. The Pakistan military does not just dominate Balochistan; it extracts from it. Every mine, every port, every so-called “development” zone is secured through coercion and maintained by intimidation. People are forced to work for the very institutions that occupy their lands. The military’s projects in Gwadar, Lasbela, and Turbat rely heavily on local labour — but this labour is neither voluntary nor fairly compensated.
In many cases, families report being threatened with detention or the loss of their homes if they refuse to work. This is forced labour institutionalized under the banner of nationalism. In rural areas, especially around Khuzdar and Awaran, soldiers have been accused of forcing locals to assist in building camps and transport logistics during operations. Villages are cut off, communication networks jammed, and movement restricted. People live under constant surveillance and fear. It is the kind of oppression that erodes the human spirit — slow, methodical, and devastating. Balochistan’s tragedy is compounded by the deliberate destruction of its culture and identity. The Pakistan state has systematically tried to erase the Baloch language and heritage from education and administration. Local teachers who insist on teaching Balochi or Brahui face harassment or dismissal. Textbooks portray Baloch resistance as rebellion, never as struggle for justice. Universities are watched; student leaders are monitored, some abducted, some found dead in remote valleys. In 2025, student movements across Quetta and Turbat have been met with raids, arrests, and curfews. The youth who demand books instead of bullets are treated as enemies of the state.
A Company in crisis: Parliamentary scrutiny of East India Company’s finances
New Delhi, Nov 9 (IANS) In the years leading up to the renewal of its charter in 1813, the East India Company's financial conduct became a subject of intense and often contentious debate within the House of Commons. Members of Parliament scrutinised the Company's balance sheets, questioned its methods of raising money, and challenged the very legality of its dividend payments.
The debates reveal a deep-seated anxiety about the Company's solvency, its relationship with the state, and the complex entanglement of its commercial operations with its role as a territorial sovereign. The core of the controversy revolved around three interconnected issues: the payment of dividends in the absence of clear profits, the escalating burden of debt, and the opaque relationship between commercial enterprise and the costs of empire.
The Dividend Controversy: Profits, Legality and Borrowing
A central and recurring accusation against the Company's directors was that they were paying dividends to proprietors in direct violation of the acts of Parliament. Parliamentarian Mr Creevey, a prominent critic, repeatedly brought this issue to the floor, asserting that the foundational laws establishing the Company, such as the acts of William III and Queen Anne, expressly forbade the payment of dividends except from "net profits". He argued that the Company had no such profits and was, in fact, "fifteen millions worse than nothing".
According to Mr Creevey and his supporters, the Company had resorted to "old devices" and, when these failed, had borrowed £1.5 million from the government under the guise of funding its trade, but had used the money to
FairPoint:
pay a dividend of £630,000. Lord Folkestone reinforced this charge, stating that the Company's own documents showed a deficiency of over seven million pounds after accounting for its capital stock, making the payment of dividends out of "net proceeds" an impossibility.
Lord A. Hamilton expressed pointed surprise that the directors could find "no profits to pay the public," as stipulated by law, yet seemed to have "quite enough to pay themselves".
The Company's defenders mounted a robust counterargument, branding these accusations as "unfair and unfounded both in the law and the fact". Their defence rested on a crucial distinction between the Company's dual roles as a commercial entity and a territorial sovereign. Mr Adam, counsel for the Company, insisted that under the Act of 1793, the directors' conduct was "perfectly correct in point of law".
He articulated what he called the "grand fundamental principle": that the Government of India was conducted by a commercial company, and it was the "right and duty of that commercial company to have their dividends paid out of the profits of their commerce".
Supporters like Mr Grant argued that critics made the mistake of treating the Company like a private merchant, failing to account for its vast assets.
He contended that the "whole territorial property of the company, together with the assets and other property," should be offset against its debts.
Furthermore, he claimed the Company's prospective resources were improving, not worsening.
Others argued that territorial expenses naturally absorbed a portion of commercial profits, but the Company was still bound to pay its dividend, which in turn benefited the public service. This defence, however, did not satisfy critics, who saw the separation of accounts as a convenient fiction to mask overall insolvency and circumvent parliamentary statute.
Debt, Revenue, and the Cost of Empire
Beyond the dividend issue, Parliament grappled with the Company's ever-increasing debt. The "East India Company's Bonds Bill" sought to grant the Company authority to raise a further £2 million on its own credit. This proposal was met with immediate opposition. Critics highlighted the paradox that while the Company's revenue had soared from seven million to 15 million pounds, it no longer had a surplus and its bond debt continued to grow. They demanded a clear and intelligible statement of the Company's affairs before agreeing to such a measure, with Mr Creevey pledging to prove that the company was "six millions worse than nothing".
In response, Mr R. Dundas, President of the Board of Control, argued that the bill was not designed to increase the Company's overall debt but was merely a transfer of debt from India to England. This was presented as a prudent financial move to pay off creditors in India, to whom the Company was paying interest rates of eight to ten per cent, by borrowing in England at a rate of only five per cent. He further defended the Company's financial state by pointing to several positive developments:
- A recent surplus of £300,000 to £400,000, where a deficit had been estimated.
- A reduction in the interest on the Indian debt from 8-10 per cent down to 6 per cent, achieved under the management of Lord Minto, which would create an annual saving of £500,000.
- The fact that establishments in India had not been reduced due to ongoing military expeditions and disturbances, the expenses of which fell largely upon the Company.
However, some members, like Sir H. Montgomery, were unconvinced, attributing the Company's financial distress to its own "extravagance, in speculations of trade, and their wasteful mode of raising money". He warned that the directors would have to provide for 12 million pounds in bills within the year.
The Burden on the British Public
The financial debates reached a climax when the broader relationship between the Company and the British state was examined. Mr Creevey argued that ever since its transformation from a trading body to a territorial sovereign in 1765, the Company had become a "constant burden and grievance to the nation". He pointed to the agreement of 1793, which he portrayed as a complete failure for the public. The key stipulations of that act had been ignored:
- The Company was meant to pay £500,000 annually to the public, but had done so only once in 19 years. Instead, the public had been required to loan the Company £1.5 million.
- The external debt in India, which was supposed to be reduced from eight to two million, had instead swelled to 30 million.
- The bond debt had risen from two to seven million pounds.
- A guarantee fund of £12 million, intended to secure the Company's capital stock, had not seen a single farthing contributed to it.
Another longtime avid supporter of the company, Mr Charles Grant, defending the Company, claimed that the £500,000 annual payment had been more than covered by the "various disbursements they had made on behalf of government".
This argument, however, only underscored the critics' point: the Company's finances were inextricably linked with, and often subsidised by, the state, despite its charter obligations to the contrary.
The financial conduct of the East India Company, as revealed in these parliamentary records, was marked by a fundamental conflict between its commercial mandate and its imperial responsibilities. While its defenders argued for the legality and prudence of its actions within a complex and unprecedented structure, its critics saw a mismanaged entity, failing in its obligations, and surviving only through creative accounting and the financial support of the British public.
These debates ultimately shaped
the environment in which the Company's charter was renewed, setting the stage for greater state control and the eventual erosion of its commercial monopoly.
Conclusion
This parliamentary scrutiny served as the definitive public examination of the East India Company’s structural contradictions. The debate, far exceeding a simple audit, was a confrontation between the realities of costly imperial governance and the stringent constraints of commercial law. The Company's inability to reconcile the soaring expenses of its territorial sovereignty with the statutory requirement to pay dividends solely from 'net profits' exposed the inherent legal fictions and financial instability at the heart of its hybrid nature. While defenders correctly cited the vastness of the Company's assets and the expenses it undertook on behalf of the Crown, critics like Mr Creevey successfully demonstrated that the foundational promise of the 1793 Act—a lucrative partnership for the British public—had failed, replaced instead by persistent financial dependency. The necessity of parliamentary intervention to permit further borrowing proved the critics' point: the Company was solvent only by grace of the British state. Ultimately, this intense scrutiny provided the political and legal rationale for the state to intervene more decisively. The parliamentary inquiries of 1812 and 1813 did not lead to the Company's immediate dissolution, but they served as a final judgment on its autonomy. By exposing the financial entanglement and the scale of its debt, the debates paved the way for the greater assertion of parliamentary control in the 1813 Charter Act, setting the precedent for the eventual dismantling of the Company’s commercial monopoly and the slow, inevitable transition from Company rule to direct Crown administration.
(The author is a researcher specialising in Indian History and contemporary geopolitical affairs)
Forgotten cries for justice from 1984 to Kashmiri Hindu exodus
just that, recalling the horror of the genocide-like situation the Sikh community faced after the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984.
His detailed social media post laid bare the trauma endured by him and his community, and he did not hesitate to name the Congress party and its senior leaders of that time as the perpetrators. His expression of anguish, even after 41 years, reveals not just the depth of that trauma but also the failure of the system to deliver justice promptly and fully.
More than four decades later, the community continues its long battle for justice, still waiting for judicial closure. Over the years, the 1984 riots were probed by at least four commissions and committees — the Justice Ranganath Misra Commission (1985), Jain–Aggarwal Committee (1990), Narula Committee (1993), and the Justice Nanavati Commission (2000). All submitted their reports, several cases reached courts, verdicts were delivered in a few, some were appealed, and many remain unresolved. The process of justice has moved slowly, but at least there was an acknowledgement of the wrong and a mechanism, however imperfect, to address it.
a forum to record their grief and identify the perpetrators.
Unfortunately, other communities faced similar genocide-like horrors, were uprooted from their homes, and yet have never been given even the dignity of a formal investigation.
The pain Hardeep Singh Puri articulated is that of firsthand suffering — something the present generation can only imagine. Yet, at least his community’s case was investigated, commissions were set up, and victims were provided
The ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Hindus remains one of the darkest and most neglected chapters in India’s modern history. A community of over seven lakh people was systematically targeted in the Kashmir Valley in the early 1990s. Threatened, attacked, and killed, they were forced to flee their ancestral homes. Hundreds were brutally murdered, and many
women were gang-raped and killed.
Homes were looted or usurped, temples vandalised and burnt, and entire localities emptied. Within months, the two per cent Hindu minority of the Valley had virtually vanished.
Yet, in the 35 years since, neither the Central government nor the erstwhile state administration of Jammu and Kashmir (before the abrogation of Article 370) has established any commission or committee to investigate the atrocities or bring the perpetrators to justice. No human rights panel has taken up their case.
New Delhi, Nov 2 (IANS) It is never easy for a serving Union Minister to speak publicly about the pain inflicted upon him and his community during a period of mass violence carried out in revenge. Yet Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri recently did
Samsung Heavy wins $200 million deal for 2 crude oil carriers from North America
Seoul, Nov 7 (IANS) Samsung Heavy Industries said on Friday it has won an order worth 290.1 billion won ($199.4 million) to build two crude oil carriers for a client in North America. Under the deal, the vessels will be sequentially delivered to the undisclosed client by January 2029, the company said. With the latest deal, Samsung Heavy has achieved 83 percent of its $5.8
billion annual order target for commercial ships, reports Yonhap news agency.
So far this year, Samsung Heavy has won contracts for 32 vessels, including seven liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, nine shuttle tankers and 11 crude oil carriers.
"Replacement demand for aging crude carriers is expected to continue," a company official said. "We will flexibly respond to changing market conditions through a cooperative production system with domestic and overseas shipyards."
Shipbuilding and energy sectors are expected to take up a big portion of South Korea's envisioned US$350 billion
investment in the United States, which was agreed upon under a full trade deal between the two countries this week, amid the U.S. administration's push to rebuild the country's infrastructure for the industries. South Korea and the U.S. have finalised an agreement on the details of Seoul's investment pledge that lowered U.S. tariffs on Korean products, practically concluding the two sides' months-long trade negotiations.
Under the agreed terms, the $350 billion investment will consist of $200 billion in cash installments and $150 billion allocated for shipbuilding cooperation, with an annual cap set at $20 billion.
Andhra receives investment commitments
Visakhapatnam, Nov 14 (IANS)
Andhra Pradesh has received investment commitments to the tune of Rs 11,91,972 crore as it signed MoUs with 400 companies in two days.
These MoUs, signed on Thursday and on the first day of the CII Partnership Summit on Friday, are expected to provide employment opportunities to 13.32 lakh youth.
According to an official release, 41 MoUs were signed in the presence
of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
As many as 324 MoUs were signed in the presence of ministers with an investment of Rs. 8,41,786 crores. The majority of MoUs were signed with Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA), Energy, Food processing, Industry, trade, IT and Municipal departments.
Chief Minister Naidu asked a private firm chairman to purchase agricultural products from farmers in Andhra Pradesh. He said that the mall of the private will not be a mere shopping mall but will help promote tourism in Visakhapatnam.
Later, the Singapore government signed an MoU with Andhra
Pradesh for cooperation in urban governance, digital governance transformation and sustainability in the presence of Chief Minister and Minister Nara Lokesh and Singapore Minister Gan Siow Huang, Union Minister K Rammohan Naidu and state Minister Nadendla Manohar. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said Andhra Pradesh is eager to work with Singapore, which runs industries with innovative ideas. He said Singapore developed by adopting the best public policies. Minister Lokesh opined that it is a good beginning to work with Singapore.
Union Minister Rammohan Naidu announced introducing flights between Vijayawada and Singapore for three days a week soon.
From 10th to 4th largest economy: Nilesh Shah hails India’s decade of rapid growth
New Delhi, Nov 9 (IANS) India’s remarkable journey from the 10th to the 4th largest economy in just a decade reflects the country’s expanding global clout and resilient growth engine, Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company (AMC) Managing Director Nilesh Shah has said.
Speaking at the Kotak International India Insight Summit in New York, Shah stated that India’s economic journey has been driven by strong domestic consumption, a vibrant services sector, and manufacturing expansion, which have collectively enabled the nation to surpass the $4 trillion GDP mark by 2025.
Despite its modest per capita GDP of $2,940, placing it 136th globally, India’s contribution to the global economy has become increasingly significant.
"India drives 8–10 per cent of world growth, and on purchasing power parity terms, our contribution is close to 18 per cent," Shah said, calling the country "the engine of the global growth train in the days to come".
He highlighted that India’s equity markets have delivered 13.7 per cent annualised growth between 2020 and 2025, outperforming most emerging markets and reinforcing investor faith in the nation’s long-term growth story. Emphasising fiscal discipline, Shah pointed out that while India’s consolidated deficit remains around 7 per cent of GDP, it stands out as the only major economy to have reduced its debt-to-GDP ratio since the 2008 global financial crisis — even after
India, New Zealand working on future-ready balanced trade pact: Piyush Goyal
New Delhi, Nov 6 (IANS) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday that the India and New Zealand negotiating teams engaged in the FTA talks are working towards a future-ready and balanced trade pact that respects our sensitivities while deepening economic ties, opening new avenues for collaboration, and unlocking fresh opportunities for businesses and consumers on both sides.
Goyal said in a post on X from Auckland that he reviewed the ongoing India–New Zealand FTA negotiations with his New Zealand counterpart, Todd McClay, and the chief negotiators from both sides.
The minister also addressed the India-New Zealand CEOs
Roundtable along with McClay in Rotorua, which is the latter’s hometown situated on the North Island of New Zealand.
"Glad to know many of the business leaders at the Roundtable were of Indian origin. Encouraged New Zealand companies to engage more closely with the Indian industry in this shared journey, one that promises mutual benefit and long-term value for both sides," Goyal remarked.
He also highlighted India’s rapidly evolving economic landscape and explained how greater collaboration in areas such as technology, agriculture, education, clean energy and sustainability can unlock new avenues of growth.
"Thank you my friend Todd McClay for warmly hosting me in your beautiful hometown of Rotorua. Together, we are gearing up to take India-New Zealand ties to the next level," Goyal posted on X.
Goyal received a traditional Maori welcome as he arrived in Rotorua.
"Delighted to receive a traditional Maori welcome upon my arrival in Te Puia, Rotorua, alongside New Zealand’s Trade Minister Todd McClay.
Deeply value this cultural gesture, which signifies welcoming us into their tribe in the spirit of peace, harmony and mutual growth," Goyal said.
GST 2.0 comes as big boon for India’s artisans
the Covid-19 shock.
Addressing concerns about market openness, Shah said India remains one of the most accessible economies for global investors.
"Foreigners own the majority of our largest listed bank, asset management company, automobile company, FMCG company, telecom firm, and engineering company," he noted. He added that India’s willingness to host global tech giants, such as Meta, Google, X, WhatsApp, and Amazon — in contrast to China’s closed digital ecosystem — has further strengthened its innovation and investment landscape.
He emphasised that India’s rise represents more than just economic progress — it signals the emergence of a confident, globally integrated growth leader shaping the next phase of the world economy.
New Delhi, Nov 9 (IANS) The next-generation GST 2.0 rate cuts on several handicraft items from 12 per cent to 5 per cent have come as a major boon for the country's artisans, as demand for their products has gone up, leading to higher earnings and also enabling them to compete with factory-made goods.
The tax cuts have benefited artisans producing items like wood-carved products, terracotta jute handbags, textile items, and leather goods.
The muga silk industry of Assam, operating mainly in Sualkuchi (Kamrup), Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, and Jorhat, along with other sericulture clusters across the state, is a legacy carried by women weavers. The reduced 5 per cent GST rate on handloom and handicraft items will bring relief to weavers, who can now sell in competitive markets and earn better margins. It will also
boost exports, as niche luxury buyers may be more inclined to purchase when prices are marginally lower.
The entire handloom sector in Assam stands to gain from the GST reforms. In a state with more than 12.83 lakh weavers and about 12.46 lakh looms, the impact is far-reaching. The GST rate cut on handlooms and crafts will also benefit Assam Jaapi, Asharikandi terracotta, Mishing handloom, Pani Meteka, and Bihu dhol, among others. By lightening the tax load, the reforms will help build stronger markets for traditional handlooms and crafts. This can potentially boost incomes and ensure that handmade Assamese textiles hold their own in an age of factorymade fabrics. West Bengal has long been known for traditional crafts and handlooms, from the terracotta temples of Bishnupur to the intricate embroidery of Nakshi Kantha. The GST cut from 12 per cent to 5 per cent directly benefits this sector by reducing prices and strengthening its competitiveness against machine-embroidered or massproduced imitations in domestic and foreign markets such as Europe, the US, and Japan.
AAQ celebrates heritage & handlooms: A tribute to India’s native weavers
India News (Newsdesk)
Staying true to its vision of bringing Andhra nativity to life, the Andhra Association of Queensland (AAQ) proudly celebrated India’s rich weaving heritage through the Telugu Handloom Saree Show at the recent FICQ Cultural Event. This heartfelt presentation was a tribute to India’s centuries-old handloom traditions and the timeless beauty of handcrafted sarees. The showcase captivated the audience with its elegant display, cultural depth, and inspiring message of sustainability and Telugu pride. Concept & Vision
The concept and narration
were beautifully envisioned by Usha Tipparaju, whose brilliant idea wove together themes of sustainability, culture, and pride in native craftsmanship. Her narration emotionally connected the audience to the story behind each weave, highlighting the artistry, tradition, and dedication of India’s handloom weavers.
Weaving Heritage Showcased Each participant proudly represented a weaving tradition from the Telugu States — Andhra Pradesh and Telangana — through their graceful presence and confident performances:
• Mangalagiri – Uma Chilukoti
• Uppada – Padma Priya Nori
• Venkatagiri – Sindhu Namala
• Gadwal – Kavya Nistala
• Narayanpet – Sravani Chennuru
• Pochampally – Shilpa Anuga Kolatam – A Folk Dance of Joy
Adding to the cultural charm, the talented participants also performed a vibrant Kolatam, one of the most beloved traditional folk dances of Telugu culture.
Dressed in colourful handloom sarees, the performers synchronized their rhythmic movements and the clashing of sticks in perfect harmony — symbolizing unity, joy, and celebration. The energetic performance filled the stage with festive spirit, delighting the audience while spreading a powerful message: to preserve and promote traditional art forms
and connect the younger generation to the timeless folk heritage of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
A Collective Celebration
The success of this event was made possible by the collaborative efforts of the entire team. Their dedication, creativity, and enthusiasm transformed Usha Tipparaju’s concept into a mesmerizing reality. Together, they demonstrated how art, fashion, and tradition can unite to convey a message that is both meaningful and inspiring.
A Tribute to India’s Weavers
Beyond the fashion and dance, the event stood as a tribute to India’s native weavers — artisans who sustain their craft from
rural villages and keep alive a legacy that is both an art and a livelihood passed down through generations.
Their craftsmanship represents more than cultural identity — it embodies sustainability and eco-friendly fashion, using organic fibres, natural dyes, and traditional weaving techniques that continue to inspire modern designers and consumers alike. Through this initiative, Andhra Association of Queensland has offered an excellent and heartfelt tribute to India’s handloom weavers, honouring their invaluable contribution to the nation’s artistic and cultural heritage.
underscored
High Commissioner Gopal Baglay leads community in Vande Mataram recitation
India News (Newsdesk)
High Commissioner Gopal Baglay led a moving recital of Vande Mataram during a
special community gathering in Perth, held to mark 150 years of the immortal national song. The gathering highlighted the
emotional and cultural resonance of the anthem among the Indian diaspora. The all-women tri-service crew
of the Samudra Pradakshina expedition, sailing on IASV Triveni, also participated in the tribute. Their involvement
India’s commitment to women-led initiatives and added an inspiring dimension to the celebration of national pride and unity.
Princess Anne visits Australia to mark signals corps centenary
India News (Newsdesk)
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, accompanied by Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, was formally received by the Governor-General and Mr Beckett at Admiralty House on 8 November. The welcome ceremony began with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony performed by Cammeraygal Elder Brendan Kerin.
Princess Anne, who serves as the Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, is currently visiting Australia as part of the Corps’ 100th anniversary celebrations.
During her visit, the GovernorGeneral — in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force — will join Her Royal Highness in laying a wreath at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park and attending a ceremonial parade at Victoria Barracks to commemorate the milestone.
The visit underscores the historic and enduring ties between the British Royal Family and Australia’s Defence Forces, celebrating a century of dedication and communication excellence within the Signals Corps.
Bala Samskara Kendra Queensland continues to nurture young minds
India News (Newsdesk)
Bala Samskara Kendra Queensland (BSKQ) conducted its Week 5 session of Term 4 at the Vidya Vihaar Strathpine Centre, focusing on the revision of Week 2 and Week 3 shlokas. The session emphasized correct pronunciation, memorization, and understanding of each verse.
Children actively participated in recitation and discussions, helping them deepen their
connection with the values and teachings embedded in the shlokas.
Teachers noted that the students are growing in confidence and showing greater engagement during the classes.
Parents interested in enrolling their children in the upcoming sessions can register online via the official form at tinyurl.com/ VHP-BSKYSK-RegistrationForm
through shloka learning
FICQ Diwali 2025 lights up King George Square as annual festival grows
India News (Newsdesk)
FICQ’s Diwali 2025 at King George Square drew large crowds for a day-long festival of music, dance and cultural displays that celebrated the Indian community across Queensland. The federation posted event galleries and videos online for the community to enjoy and share.
The Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland has been hosting Diwali events in Brisbane for many years, steadily expanding the scale and civic support for the festival. The annual celebration — held at King
George Square in recent years — is listed on Brisbane’s official events calendar and is commonly supported by the Lord Mayor’s office and state multicultural programs.
FICQ’s ongoing Diwali program underscores its role as an umbrella organisation for more than 60 member associations across Queensland, and the 2025 edition continued the federation’s focus on cultural unity, volunteer engagement and public celebration of Indian heritage in the state.
Tulja Dance Academy children bring joy to hospital kids through JuicedTV
India News (Newsdesk)
Children from Tulja Dance Academy recently delighted audiences with a special performance on JuicedTV, a unique Queensland-based program designed to lift the spirits of children undergoing treatment in hospitals.
The televised segment highlighted the talent and cultural pride of the academy’s youngest dancers, who delivered a lively routine filled with rhythm and colour. Performers featured on the show included: Parina Patel, Isabella
Their performance not only showcased the growing talent within the community but also contributed to JuicedTV’s mission of creating uplifting moments for hospitalised children and their families.
The appearance marks another proud milestone for Queensland’s Indian community, reaffirming the role of cultural arts in bringing comfort and happiness to those who need it most.
High Commissioner Gopal Baglay meets Perth-based Indian-origin academics
India News (Newsdesk)
High Commissioner Gopal Baglay recently interacted with a diverse group of Indian-origin academics representing universities
across Perth. He acknowledged their valuable contributions in strengthening India–Australia education and research partnerships.
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss ongoing collaborations, emerging academic pathways, and future possibilities for bilateral
knowledge exchange.
Adding inspiration to the occasion, the crew of IASV Triveni — the first tri-service all-women sailing expedition — also joined
the gathering. Their presence highlighted India’s commitment to women-led development and showcased the remarkable achievements of India’s women in uniform.
Consul General Neetu M. Bhagotia graces Bharatanatyam Arangetram in Brisbane
India News (Newsdesk)
The Consul General of India in Brisbane, Neetu M. Bhagotia, attended the Bharatanatyam Arangetram presented by students of the Lalithakalalaya School of Bharatanatyam.
Founded in 2009 by renowned Bharatanatyam exponent Padmalakshmi Sriram, the school has played a significant role in nurturing Indian classical dance in Queensland. Over the years, it has become a respected cultural institution, guiding young
dancers with discipline, artistry, and deep cultural grounding.
The Arangetram performance highlighted the students’ dedication and their mastery of the intricate techniques and expressive elements central to the Bharatanatyam tradition.
The Consul General commended the students, their guru, and the parents for their sustained efforts in keeping the classical arts thriving within the Indian community in Brisbane.
High Commissioner Gopal Baglay meets Indian students at UWA
India News (Newsdesk)
High Commissioner Gopal Baglay, accompanied by the Consul General of India in Perth, met Indian students at the University of Western Australia for an engaging and interactive discussion. The session focused on giving students a platform to share their academic experiences, personal challenges, and future ambitions.
The High Commissioner assured them of ongoing assistance from the High Commission and Consulate, reaffirming the strong support network available to the Indian student community. The students expressed gratitude for the outreach and valued the opportunity to connect directly with senior officials.
Cricket, connections and capital: Queensland hosts a memorable pre-match gathering
India News (Newsdesk)
On 7 November, a lively community and industry gathering in Queensland brought together supporters, partners and cricket lovers for an evening filled with good food, insightful conversation and anticipation for the upcoming Gabba match. A special acknowledgement was extended to Raymond for his generous invitation and valued
contribution as a strategic supporter in financing. Guests appreciated the chance to share the table with Brad Higgins, enjoying quality discussions and plenty of relaxed, light-hearted moments.
The network present at the event continues to play an important role in enabling commercial and development finance between $5–$150 million, supporting the
delivery of quality projects across Southeast Queensland. Attendees also enjoyed reconnecting with Mark Vaugh, Brad Higgins and colleagues from across the hall. The evening ended on a high note, with everyone looking forward to the cricket clash scheduled at the Gabba the next day.
India News (Newsdesk)
On 1 November, Queensland Parliament House hosted a multicultural dinner attended by ministers, community leaders and business figures. The evening provided a platform to highlight the achievements of the Brisbane Super Kings Cricket Club Inc, earning praise from Premier David Crisafulli MP.
The Premier commended the club’s rapid expansion and its positive influence on multicultural families across Queensland. Brisbane Super Kings has built a strong foundation by encouraging parental involvement, mentoring young cricketers and working closely with government bodies
at all levels to secure essential community facilities.
Supported by Queensland Cricket and Cricket Australia, the club has successfully delivered over $4 million in cricket projects and developed four home grounds. Its growth to 26 junior teams reflects its strong engagement with local families and the broader community.
A significant announcement is anticipated soon, with approximately $12 million worth of new cricket projects expected in the pipeline leading up to 2032. The gathering showcased how cricket continues to unite diverse communities and provide meaningful pathways for young talent.
Sikh Volunteers Australia mark Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary with gratitude to emergency services
India News (Newsdesk)
Sikh Volunteers Australia (SVA) commemorated the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji with their annual gesture of appreciation for Victoria’s emergency service personnel.
To honour the founder of Sikhism and his message of compassion and selfless service, SVA volunteers delivered boxes of cupcakes to thank the men and women who work tirelessly to protect the community.
The organisation also shared a special greeting from the Premier
of Victoria, Jacinta Allan, who acknowledged the significance of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings of equality, humility and service to humanity. The gesture reflected the continuing commitment of the Sikh community to uphold these values through practical community support.
SVA extended warm Gurpurab greetings to all, encouraging the community to embrace Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s timeless message: to keep one’s mind humble and one’s wisdom elevated.
Aunty Janeth Deen honoured for lifetime contribution to Queensland’s Islamic heritage
India News (Newsdesk)
Aunty Janeth Deen, one of Queensland’s most respected Muslim elders and community workers, was honoured at a special event held at the State Library of Queensland for her lifelong contribution to the Islamic heritage of the state.
The ceremony drew hundreds of attendees, including community leaders and long-time associates.
A Brisbane-born descendant of the early Indian Muslim migrant families who helped establish the historic Holland Park Mosque, Aunty Janeth has
dedicated decades to community welfare, cultural preservation and interfaith engagement. Her early involvement began in the Ladies Auxiliary Committee at Holland Park, where she helped organise festivals, raise funds and support community life.
As founder of the Queensland Muslim Welfare Association Inc., she championed assistance for new migrants and refugees, ensuring support was available regardless of cultural or religious background. Her efforts have led to award-winning outcomes in welfare, charity and
community services, including the establishment of Australia’s first Muslim welfare second-hand shop.
Throughout her career, she has been associated with numerous multicultural and interfaith organisations and has been recognised with multiple honours, including the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2018 and Logan City Council’s Australia Day Award.
Community members described her recognition as a fitting tribute to decades of selfless service and leadership.
The Urban Land Queensland team engages with local businesses
India News (Newsdesk) As the India–Australia T20 match captured the nation’s attention, the sponsored team from The Urban Land Queensland spent the night out in the community, meeting local businesses and reinforcing the importance of grassroots engagement. The event underscored the organisation’s belief in backing clubs and community groups that operate with purpose, integrity and a long-term approach.
Through exclusive, high-value partnerships, they aim to create meaningful benefits for families and small enterprises throughout Southeast Queensland.
Paviter Kumar Noori acknowledged the efforts of volunteers, partner teams and small business owners who continue to drive community growth. He reaffirmed the organisation’s pride in supporting those who consistently give back to the SEQ community.
Mental Health Foundation Australia’s CEO Elected as Regional Vice President for Oceania — World Federation for Mental Health
The Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA), the nation’s oldest mental health organisation, proudly announces that our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Vasan Srinivasan, has been elected as the Regional Vice President for the Oceania Region with the World Federation for Mental Health.
This prestigious appointment recognises Mr. Srinivasan’s longstanding commitment to advancing mental health awareness, education, and advocacy across Australia and beyond.
Under his leadership, the MHFA has expanded its outreach and programs to embrace Australia’s richly diverse multicultural communities, ensuring inclusivity in mental wellbeing conversations and services.
As Regional Vice President, Mr. Srinivasan will collaborate with international mental health leaders to strengthen mental health initiatives across Oceania, focusing on community engagement, education, and policy reform that promote holistic wellbeing.
“This appointment is not just
Brisbane Lord Mayor hosts Diwali Civic Reception to celebrate light and unity
India News (Newsdesk)
Brisbane City Hall came alive with colour and culture as Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner hosted the annual Diwali Civic Reception on 5 November, bringing together community leaders, cultural representatives, and families to celebrate the festival of lights.
The event highlighted Diwali’s message of hope, compassion, and the enduring power of community spirit.
RCBI
unveils
In keeping with tradition, guests exchanged greetings and shared cultural tokens that reflect Diwali’s values of warmth, gratitude, and togetherness.
The Lord Mayor spoke about the symbolic significance of a flame, noting that it shines only when nurtured—much like the collective spirit that defines Brisbane’s multicultural community.
leadership team for milestone 10th anniversary year at AGM
India News (Newsdesk)
The Rotary Club Of Brisbane International convened its Annual General Meeting on 2 November, setting the tone for an exciting chapter as the club approaches its 10th anniversary.
a personal honour - it’s a recognition of the vital role Australia and MHFA play in shaping the mental health agenda across our region,” said Mr. Srinivasan. “We are committed to empowering multicultural communities with awareness, understanding, and access to mental wellbeing support.”
The Mental Health Foundation
Australia looks forward to playing a major role in promoting mental health awareness, education, and policy improvement across multicultural communities, working in partnership with global and regional organisations to build a stronger, more compassionate future for all.
About Mental Health Foundation
Australia
Founded in 1930, MHFA is Australia’s oldest mental health organisation, dedicated to advocacy, awareness, prevention, and community support for mental wellbeing. MHFA champions inclusivity and diversity in mental health, engaging individuals, communities, and policymakers to drive meaningful change.
During the meeting, President Deva Naiker introduced the incoming Board for 2026–2027, highlighting the organisation’s focus on developing leadership and strengthening community service.
The team taking office at the
Changeover on 19 July 2026 includes: President Elect (2026–2027): Deva Naiker
Secretary: Neelam Naidu Treasurer: Naresh Kumar Projects: PP Nim Prasad Membership: Premela Jones Effective Services: Soko Niko Foundations: Rina Prasad PP & Marketing: Dipak Amratlal Sergeant-at-Arms: Sunil Datt Club Mentor: PDG & Charter President Jitendra Prasad President-Elect Nominee (PEN):
Sabi Koregai Members also extended appreciation to PP Nim Prasad and PDG, Charter President & Club Mentor Jitendra Prasad for their warm hospitality in hosting the AGM, continuing a longstanding RCBI tradition. With President Dipak Amratlal leading the “Unite for Good” year, the AGM also provided insights into forthcoming plans and projects, with more updates expected soon.
India on the cusp of massive opportunity in medical tourism sector: Minister
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday that India is on the cusp of a massive opportunity in the medical tourism sector and the government was open to the idea of giving visa-on-arrival for medical treatment to patients from countries like the United States and some European countries.
Addressing the CII Annual Health Summit here, the minister said, "The idea about visa on arrival is a good idea .For many countries, we allow visa on arrival, we allow e-visas and both these can be considered let's say for the United States, most of the European countries where we have a fair amount of comfort and where detailed investigations or enquiries are not required."
"We have countries where medical treatment is given as a part of the social welfare spending, but
there are huge waiting times," he pointed out.
Goyal, however, said India must focus on making healthcare accessible for local people as well, and that India's health facilities should not only focus on an international medical value proposition. "It’s important that 1.4 billion Indians get access to affordable and quality healthcare first," he added.
Goyal urged healthcare players to sit down and work out how India can increase the nurses' output by maybe 100,000 nurses a year. "Because that's the level of demand in the world for our nurses, and we already have a shortage of nurses and caregivers.”
He also said that hospitals must strike the right balance between foreign patients and local patients. He raised the issue of
hospitals agreeing to be a part of the Ayushman Bharat and helping the poor as a part of CSR, or will they share a part of the higher earnings from foreign medical treatments to serve the less privileged.
The minister hoped that the health summit would come up with a concrete action plan to strengthen the healthcare ecosystem, particularly in terms of infrastructure and capacity building.
He also highlighted that when the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government came to power in 2014, there were only seven All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). In the last decade, this has risen to 23. "At the same time, 387 medical colleges almost doubled to 706 medical colleges."
Goyal said that India will be creating a very significant number of medical seats in the next five years until 2029, so the output of doctors, who come out of medical colleges, can increase significantly, and the medical infrastructure can be utilised smarter and better.
Speaking at another event in the national capital, Goyal said India will not compromise with the interests of farmers, dairy and workers in trade deals.
He also said India is looking for new markets such as Russia for the country's fishery sector, which is facing issues due to the steep tariffs in the US.
Kanchanjunga Express to be provided with modern LHB coaches: NFR
In an effort to further enhance passenger comfort and improve the overall travel experience, Indian Railways is introducing a modern Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB) rake to replace the existing conventional ICF coaches of the popular Kanchanjunga Express. The Kanchanjunga Express operates on two routes -- Sealdah (Kolkata)–Sabroom (Tripura) and Sealdah–Silchar (southern Assam).
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) Chief Public Relations
Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that the upgraded rake will be operational from November 28.
The Kanchanjunga Express serves as a vital rail link connecting the Northeastern region with eastern India, facilitating smooth passenger movement and promoting socio-economic integration between the states it traverses.
The CPRO said that the introduction of modern Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches in
PM Modi to review progress of bullet train project at Surat Station today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Gujarat on Saturday to review one of India's most ambitious infrastructure ventures - the Mumbai–Ahmedabad HighSpeed Rail Corridor (MAHSR).
At around 10 a.m., the Prime Minister is scheduled to inspect the under-construction Bullet Train Station in Surat, a key node on the 508-km route that is set to usher India into the era of highspeed rail travel.
Stretching across Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, the corridor will link major urban centres including Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Bilimora, Vapi, Boisar, Virar,
Thane, and Mumbai.
Of the total length, 352 km lies in Gujarat and the Union Territory, while 156 km falls in Maharashtra. Engineered to meet global benchmarks, nearly 85 per cent of the corridor - about 465 km - is being built on elevated viaducts to ensure safety, efficiency, and minimal land disruption.
Project authorities report substantial progress, with 326 km of viaduct already completed and 17 of 25 river bridges in place.
Once operational, the Bullet Train will slash travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to roughly two hours, dramatically changing the dynamics of business, tourism, and regional connectivity.
Officials said the project will act as an economic catalyst, stimulating investment and development along the entire stretch.
The Surat–Bilimora section, spanning about 47 km, is among the most advanced in terms of readiness, with civil structures and track-bed laying fully completed.
IndiGo begins daily direct flights between Delhi and Guangzhou
place of the conventional ICF ones marks a significant advancement in railway modernisation. These state-of-the-art coaches come equipped with superior safety features, including an antitelescopic design that minimises impact during collisions.
Passengers will also benefit from improved comfort owing to advanced suspension systems that ensure a smoother and more stable ride, the official said.
Moreover, LHB coaches support higher operational speeds and feature aesthetically refined interiors, enhancing both travel efficiency and overall passenger experience.
According to Sharma, the newly introduced LHB rakes will comprise five AC 3-Tier coaches, one AC 2-Tier coach, nine sleeper class coaches and four general sitting coaches, ensuring a balanced accommodation capacity to cater to passengers of different travel classes. This initiative reflects Indian Railways' continued pursuit of offering world-class travel experiences across its passenger services.
Low-cost
airline IndiGo on Tuesday said it has commenced daily, non-stop flights between Delhi and Guangzhou, China.
This new route will further strengthen direct connectivity between the two nations by connecting the national capital and a key aviation hub with Guangzhou – a major business and manufacturing centre in Southern China.
The flights on this route will be operated using IndiGo’s A320neo aircraft, offering affordable, convenient, and comfortable travel experience on the route.
“Following the successful resumption of our Kolkata–Guangzhou flights, we are delighted to further expand IndiGo’s presence in China with this new daily connection from
Delhi. This new route from the Indian Capital and our largest domestic hub, will strengthen travel options and encourage economic and cultural exchange between the two countries,” said Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer at IndiGo.
It will also connect Guangzhou to IndiGo’s vast domestic network of more than 90 destinations, giving access across India to Chinese travellers.
“We are thankful to both governments for their support in restoring these links, opening significant opportunities for trade, tourism, and collaboration. As we continue to expand internationally, we remain committed to building such strategic air corridors that foster deeper regional connectivity and unlock new avenues for growth,” said.
Mumbai: Actors Tamannaah Bhatia and Sidharth Malhotra during the shooting of their upcoming film at Marine Drive, in Mumbai on Sunday, November 9, 2025.
Mumbai: Actress Fatima Sana Shaikh attends the trailer launch event of the upcoming film ‘Gustaakh Ishq’, in Mumbai on Monday, November 10, 2025.
Mumbai: Actress Zara Khan arrives at the airport in Mumbai on Sunday, November 09, 2025.
Mumbai: Actress Shraddha Kapoor attends the special announcement for Zootopia 2 in Mumbai, Saturday, November 08,
Actress Yami Gautam arrives at the airport in Mumbai on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
Mumbai: Actress Shruti Haasan arrives at the airport in Mumbai on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
Mumbai: Actress Kriti Sanon arrives at the airport in Mumbai on Sunday, November 2, 2025.
Mumbai: Actress Yami Gautam spotted at the airport, in Mumbai on Monday, November 10, 2025.
Mumbai: Actor Bobby Deol arrives at the airport in Mumbai on Sunday, November 09, 2025.
Mumbai: Actors Manoj Bajpayee and Priyamani at the trailer launch of The Family Man - Season 3, in Mumbai on Friday, November 7, 2025.
Mumbai: Actor Shah Rukh Khan greets his fans who gathered to celebrate his birthday in Mumbai on Sunday, November 2, 2025.
Mumbai: Actress and model Manushi Chhillar arrives at the airport in Mumbai on Monday, November 10, 2025.
Anish shoots his way to World Championship silver
New Delhi, Nov 9 (IANS)
Olympian Anish Bhanwala survived a total of four shoot-offs to clinch silver, his first senior individual world championship medal on competition day two of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Championship Rifle/Pistol in Cairo.
The 23-year-old kept his composure in the second last series to survive a double shoot off against bronze medal winner, Maksym Horodynets of Ukraine, and go into the final series to shoot for the gold medal, which was eventually won by Clement Bessaguet of France, who upgraded his back-to-back silver medals in the competition. Earlier, Anish survived another double shoot-off for fourth place against Emanuel Mueller of Germany.
“It is difficult to explain in words but the feeling is completely unreal”, said an excited Anish in the post-match interview to ISSF. “I have tried a lot of times before; my preparation has been good but I could not deliver when it came to the competition. This
time I was better prepared in my training and things worked out in my favour,” said Anish, who has also booked his place for the World Cup Final, which will be held in Doha next month. Earlier in the day, Anish had qualified for the six-man final, in second place with a score of 585-22x over two days. He started the finals in fine fashion with a perfect series and followed it up with two series of four hits out of five. At the first elimination, Anish was safely placed on 16 hits after series number four. He added six more hits in the next two rounds, which forced a double shootout against Mueller of Germany, in which Anish held his nerve to hit four hits in the second one. In the seventh series, Anish equalled Horodynets’s score to force another shoot-off in which Anish responded to the Ukrainian’s four hits with four hits of his own.
In the second set of the shoot-off, Horodynet’s could only manage two hits while Anish hit four to confirm the silver medal. In the final series, Anish needed to hit a perfect series to challenge Clement Bessaguet, who already had a score of 29, but the Indian could only manage three hits, effectively confirming the gold medal for the Frenchman before his last five shots.
Billie Jean King Cup: Netherlands, Slovenia, and India set to fight for top spot
Bengaluru, Nov 13 (IANS) The Indian women’s tennis team is all set for what could turn out to be a career-defining contest for them, as they look to overcome the challenge of the Netherlands and Slovenia in the Billie Jean King Cup Playoff at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium in Bengaluru. Placed in Group G, India will take on Slovenia on Saturday, and then the Netherlands on Sunday, with the winner of the group progressing to the World Group qualifiers of the Billie Jean King Cup.
A confident India hopes that their process and confidence, coupled with the home support, will provide them with the platform for a memorable performance on home turf.
Speaking about playing at home, captain Vishal Uppal said, “It is definitely an honour and it is very special for us to be playing the Billie Jean King Cup Playoff in Bengaluru. I think Indian women’s tennis is definitely on the right path, and we're very
Asian Archery C’ships: India stun Korea to win men’s recurve team gold
Dhaka, Nov 14 (IANS) India's men's recurve team upstaged Korea in the final to win the gold medal at the Asian Archery Championships here on Friday. This was India's first gold in the men's recurve team event at the championships since 2007. Korea were unbeaten in the event since
2013.
The Indian team, comprising Yashdeep Sanjay Bhoge, Atanu Das and Rahul, emerged victorious by a slender 5-4 margin courtesy of a shoot-off. Both the teams shot 29 apiece in the shootoff but India won gold as Rahul's arrow was closest to the centre. Meanwhile, the recurve mixed team of Anshika Kumari and Yashdeep lost the bronze medal match to the Korean duo of Jang Minhee and Seo Mingi. Later in th day, five-time
Olympian Deepika Kumari and Ankita Bhakat square off in the recurve women's individual semifinal, while another Indian, Sangeeta, will be up against Paris Olympic silver medallist Nam Suhyeon in the semifinal. In the men's individual event, Dhiraj Bommadevara will take on Korea's Jang Chaehwan, and Rahul will lock horns with another Korean Seo Mingi. On Thursday, compound archers bagged five medals to wrap up their campaign.
grand finale in Coimbatore
Coimbatore, Nov 13 (IANS) After months of intense competition and close finishes, the FMSCI
here at Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore on November 15 and 16.
Now in its 28th edition, the championship is India’s oldest racing event. Excitingly, Freddie Spencer, the American racing icon, three-time MotoGP World Champion, and MotoGP Hall of Fame inductee, will join the race weekend.
From rookies aiming for their first podium to seasoned professionals competing for championship titles, the finale
excited to play here. I think playing in India is a privilege for us, and we're very excited to play here.”
The Indian team will have its task cut out when they take on Slovenia and the Netherlands. When asked about the team’s preparations and the pressure of the big stage, captain Vishal Uppal said, “Since we played in April in Pune, we have kept in touch and we have been monitoring each other’s progress. And it's just about becoming one cohesive unit and working towards a common goal.”
He further explained, “We're focusing on our process, on what we have to do. We do know we're going up against two very quality teams. What we have control over is the effort and the attitude we're going to come up with. And the atmosphere in the team, the environment is great.”
One of the team’s most promising and youngest players in the Indian team, Sahaja Yamalapalli, echoed the coach’s thoughts and explained that having the team together is always a great thing. She said, “I think it's great that there's a team around us and we can always fall back on each other and, you know, we have a great camaraderie in the team. When they bring that team environment in tennis, I think it just brings a
different perspective to us also.”
The Group G contests in Bengaluru will commence with 19th-ranked Slovenia and 14thranked the Netherlands, both of whom are upbeat and looking to make an impression. Speaking about the preparations for the Slovenian side, Tamara Zidanšek said, “We actually came quite early, which was great because it's a very different type of condition in terms of a little bit of altitude. The court is really bouncy. And the balls are jumping high, so it's been good to have a couple of extra days to prepare.”
Meanwhile, the Netherlands, the highest-ranked team in the Group, praised the organisation of the tournament in Bengaluru and said that the team felt very much at home.
Looking ahead to the opening contest against Slovenia, a team they have played last year, Captain Elise Tamaëla said, “Every match is different and we have a lot of confidence from last year. We know we can beat them. We have a very nice and good team. And I think in a country, anything can happen. We can beat higherranked players. We can lose against lower-ranked players. So anything is open. I think the most important thing is that I prepared and we prepared the team well. And I think we are well prepared.”
Japan Masters: Lakshya upsets Loh to reach semis
Nov 14 (IANS) India's Lakshya Sen defeated former world champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore to storm into the semifinals of the Japan Masters, a BWF World Tour Super 500 event, here at Kumamoto Prefectural Gymnasium on Friday.
offers thrilling races across all categories: LGB Formula 4, Novice Cup, Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup, and the new Levitas Cup. The event will also feature the penultimate round of the FIA-certified Formula 4 Indian Championship, as part of the Indian Racing Festival 2025. India’s premier single-seater category, LGB Formula 4, is also the longest-standing class in the National Racing Championship, acting as a vital link between karting and formula racing.
Sen registered a 21-13, 21-17 win over the world No. 9 Loh in 40 minutes. This was the Indian's seventh win against the Singaporean in 10 career meetings.
Sen will next face Japan’s world No. 13 Kenta Nishimoto for a place in the final.
After an evenly poised start, Sen seized control of the opening game with a decisive burst of six consecutive points, part of a larger run that saw him win nine of the next ten to move from 9–8 to a commanding 18–9 lead.
Though Loh attempted a late surge, but it was the Indian who comfortably closed out the game
to go ahead in the match. The second game saw both players raise the tempo, producing some exciting exchanges.
Early on, at 1–1, they played a gruelling 41-shot rally that Loh won. But Sen again looked in control when he put together eight straight points around the interval to open up a 15–9 lead.
Sen let a few cheap points slip, allowing the Singaporean to close the gap to 11–15. However, he quickly regained control and won a crucial rally at 17–13 to break Loh’s momentum.
Loh then produced a brilliant fightback to draw level, but after a marathon 42-shot rally — the longest of the match — Sen pulled ahead 20–17 and sealed the contest with a decisive smash.
Sen is the only Indian badminton player alive at the event after HS Prannoy bowed out of the tournament following a straightgames defeat in the second round on Thursday.
Prannoy, who was sixth in the badminton rankings two years ago before injuries and chikungunya halted his progress, lost 21-18, 21-15 against 30thranked Rasmus Gemke of Denmark in 46 minutes.
Kumamoto,
National Racing Championship is preparing for its grand finale
North Korea-backed hackers deploy new malware-led cyberattack: Report
Seoul, Nov 10 (IANS) A North Korea-linked hacking group has launched a new form of cyberattack that remotely controls Android smartphones and personal computers (PCs) to delete key data, including photos, documents and contact information, a report showed on Monday.
The group, believed to be affiliated with Pyongyangsponsored groups Kimsuky or APT37, infiltrated victims' smartphones and PCs through malware distributed via KakaoTalk and stole account information for Google and major
domestic IT services, according to the report by the Genians Security Center (GSC), a South Korean cybersecurity institute.
They remotely reset the smartphones after using Google's location-based tracking system to confirm the victims were outside their homes or offices, reports Yonhap news agency.
The remote reset halted normal device operation, blocking notification and message alerts from messenger apps and effectively cutting off the account owner's awareness channel, thereby delaying detection and response, the report explained. Through this process, key data stored on the infected devices, including photos, documents and contacts, were completely deleted.
At the same time, the attackers spread malware disguised
as "stress relief programs" to acquaintances through PCs and tablets already infected at the victims' homes or workplaces.
The GSC report said the hackers may have also used webcams on PCs to confirm whether victims are away from home, suggesting they may have monitored victims' movements through infected cameras. The institute said this combination of device neutralisation and account-based propagation is "unprecedented" among known North Korean cyberattack operations.
"It demonstrates the attacker's tactical maturity and advanced evasion strategy, marking a key inflection point in the evolution of APT tactics," it added.
APTs, short for advanced persistent threats, refer to a series of sophisticated and longterm cyberattacks.
ISRO receives advanced Chandrayaan-2 polar data to aid future lunar exploration
New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS)
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Saturday announced that it has received advanced data products from the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter, including new parameters on the physical and dielectric properties of the Moon’s polar regions.
The agency described this development as a significant enhancement for future global exploration. ISRO said in an X post that these new parameters represent “India’s major value
addition towards future global exploration of the Moon.”
The Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter, in lunar orbit since 2019, has provided approximately 1,400 radar datasets and high-quality data from its Dual Frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (DFSAR).
This instrument is the first to map the Moon in L-band full-polarimetric mode at a resolution of 25 meters per pixel, according to an official statement.
This advanced radar mode sends and receives signals in both vertical and horizontal directions, making it ideal for studying surface properties, it added.
Using these data sets, scientists at the Space Applications Centre
in Ahmedabad have developed advanced data products on potential presence of water-ice, surface roughness, and important electrical properties, namely dielectric constant which describes features like density and porosity of the Moon’s surface.
The algorithm for analysing the full-polarimetric data is developed and data products are generated indigenously by ISRO, it said.
These advanced data products can gain first-order information about Moon’s polar regions, which is expected to have preserved the early chemical conditions of the solar system, and clues to explain several facets of evolution of the planetary bodies.
Families sue OpenAI over alleged suicides, psychological harm linked to ChatGPT:
New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) ChatGPT maker OpenAI is facing more lawsuits from families who claim that the AI company’s GPT-4o model was released prematurely, which allegedly contributed to suicides and psychological harm, according to reports.
US-based OpenAI released the GPT-4o model in May 2024, when it became the default model for all users.
In August, OpenAI launched GPT-5 as the successor to GPT-4o, but “these lawsuits
particularly concern the 4o model, which had known issues with being overly sycophantic or excessively agreeable, even when users expressed harmful intentions,” according to a report in TechCrunch.
The report said that while four of the lawsuits address ChatGPT’s alleged role in family members’ suicides, three claim that ChatGPT reinforced harmful delusions that in some cases resulted in inpatient psychiatric care.
According to the report, the lawsuits also claim that OpenAI rushed safety testing to beat Google’s Gemini to market. OpenAI was yet to comment on the report.
Recent legal filings allege that ChatGPT can encourage suicidal
MINI launches electric SUV Countryman SE All4 in India
New Delhi, Nov 7 (IANS) British automotive brand MINI has launched the all-electric MINI Countryman SE All4 in India on Friday, with deliveries to begin shortly.
The compact electric SUV priced at Rs 66,90,000 (ex-showroom) is available as a completely builtup unit (CBU) and can be booked at all MINI India authorised dealerships starting Friday.
The Countryman SE All4 features all-wheel drive powered by a lithium-ion battery with a gross capacity of 66.45 kWh, offering a WLTP combined range of up to 440 km. DC fast charging at 130 kW charges the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in approximately 29 minutes. In contrast, 22 kW AC charging achieves a full charge in about 3 hours and 45 minutes.
The company claimed that the car delivers 313 hp and 494 Nm of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in
5.6 seconds and a top speed of 180 km/h.
“Warranty and support include a standard two-year unlimitedkilometre warranty, an eight-year or 160,000-kilometre highvoltage battery warranty, and five years of 24/7 roadside assistance. The car comes with "a standard two-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, and the high voltage battery is covered by a warranty for 8 years or 1,60,000 kilometres".
Multiple modes in the car include "the race-inspired ‘Go-Kart Mode’ to the energy-saving ‘Green Mode’ or the lively ‘Vivid Mode’," the release said.
The standard all-wheel drive system distributes its power precisely and reliably, providing the sporty SUV with sufficient grip and traction even in challenging conditions, it claimed.
The car features advanced assistance systems such as Cruise Control and Parking Assistant Plus with 360 degree Camera and with Comfort Access, the car is locked/unlocked automatically as it recognises the key is at a distance of less than 1.5 metres, the release said.
AI to make more ‘significant discoveries’ by 2028 and beyond, says OpenAI
Report
people to act on their plans and inspire dangerous delusions.
“OpenAI recently released data stating that over one million people talk to ChatGPT about suicide weekly,” the report mentioned.
In a recent blog post, OpenAI said that it worked with more than 170 mental health experts to help ChatGPT more reliably recognise signs of distress, respond with care, and guide people toward real-world support–reducing responses that fall short of our desired behaviour by 65-80 per cent.
“We believe ChatGPT can provide a supportive space for people to process what they’re feeling, and guide them to reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional when appropriate,”
New Delhi, Nov 9 (IANS) In 2026, AI can make very small discoveries but in 2028 and beyond, OpenAI is confident that “we will have systems that can make more significant discoveries”.
According to the US-based AI company, most of the world still thinks about AI as chatbots and better search.
“But today, we have systems that can outperform the smartest humans at some of our most challenging intellectual competitions. Although AI systems are still spikey and face serious weaknesses, systems that can solve such hard problems seem more like 80 per cent of the way to an AI researcher than 20 per cent of the way,” according to OpenAI.
The gap between how most people are using AI and what AI is
presently capable of is immense. Also, AI systems that can discover new knowledge — either autonomously, or by making people more effective — are likely to have a significant impact on the world.
According to OpenAI, in just a few years, AI has gone from only being able to do tasks (in the realm of software engineering specifically) that a person can do in a few seconds to tasks that take a person more than an hour.
“We expect to have systems that can do tasks that take a person days or weeks soon; we do not know how to think about systems that can do tasks that would take a person centuries. At the same time, the cost per unit of a given level of intelligence has fallen steeply; 40x per year is a reasonable estimate over the last few years,” it mentioned in a blog post.
Soon, AI systems will help people understand their health, accelerate progress in fields like materials science, drug development, and climate modelling, and expand access to personalised education for students around the world.
Demonstrating these kinds of tangible benefits helps build a shared vision of a world where AI can make life better, not just more efficient.
Smog chokes
Delhi-NCR as AQI breaches 400 mark in several places
New Delhi, Nov 9 (IANS) DelhiNCR woke up to a thick blanket of smog on Sunday as the Air Quality Index (AQI) plunged into the 'very poor' category across several parts of the city. In some areas, the situation was even grimmer, as AQI readings slipped into the 'severe' zone.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that the 24-hour average AQI stood at 361. Data revealed that 24 out of 39 monitoring stations in the region recorded AQI levels above 400 -- marking the highest pollution spike of the season so far.
Stations at Wazirpur (424), Bawana (424), and Vivek Vihar (415) were among those registering alarming figures.
Areas worst affected included Rohini (435), Nehru Nagar (426), Bawana (426), RK Puram (422), and ITO (420). The average AQI was recorded at 391 in Delhi, 391 in Noida, 366 in Greater Noida, 387 in
Ghaziabad, and 252 in Gurugram.
On Saturday, CPCB data had already flagged Delhi as the most polluted city in India. Neighbouring NCR cities mirrored the crisis, as Noida (354), Greater Noida (336), and Ghaziabad (339) reported hazardous air quality levels.
According to the latest report from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday, the minimum temperature is expected to remain around 13 degrees Celsius for the next seven days. Cold morning and evening winds are further intensifying the winter chill. Rain is not expected at present, and the weather is likely to remain foggy.
According to health advisories, prolonged exposure to such poor air quality can significantly increase the risk of lung and respiratory diseases, especially for children, the elderly, and individuals with asthma or heart conditions.
The IMD stated that the worsening pollution is linked to falling temperatures, which make the air heavier and reduce wind speed, causing pollutants to remain trapped near the surface.
Leprosy now a ‘notifiable disease’ in Maharashtra
New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) In a major boost to fight leprosy, the Maharashtra government on Saturday declared that the chronic infectious condition is a “notifiable disease”.
The mandate will help curb the spread of leprosy and ensure early treatment for the patients.
As per the new directive, every diagnosed case must be notified within two weeks to the respective District Health Office, Assistant Director (Health Services – Leprosy), and local municipal health authorities. Leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae bacteria. Symptoms include discoloured skin patches, lack of ability to feel touch, pressure, pain, muscle weakness, deformities, particularly in hands, feet, and face, and the inability to close eyes and poor vision. Despite being completely curable, fear, stigma, and misconceptions have prevented people from seeking proper treatment.
The Health Department emphasised that early detection and complete treatment are crucial to preventing deformities and disabilities among patients.
The state has also set an
Adopt yoga to align with nature’s rhythm: Acharya Devvrat after inaugurating Naturopathy Day Festival
Ahmedabad, Nov 9 (IANS) Gujarat and Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat inaugurated the Naturopathy Day Festival in Ahmedabad, marking the beginning of nationwide celebrations dedicated to yoga and natural healing that will continue till November 18.
The event began with an inspiring feat at Sabarmati Riverfront, where 685 participants simultaneously performed 'Vrikshasana' (tree pose), applied face mud packs, and took a collective sun bath, earning entries in both the IEA Book of World Records and the Asia Book of Records.
Unveiling the cut-outs of 'Naturopathy Day' and 'Prakritik Chikitsa Parv', Governor Devvrat emphasised the deep connection between nature and health.
"A healthy soul resides only in a healthy body," he said, urging people to adopt natural living practices, including yoga, pranayama, and balanced diets aligned with nature’s rhythm.
Reflecting on the ancient wisdom of Indian sages, the Governor stated, "Our rishis lived in harmony with nature and gifted us disciplines like yoga and pranayama. The farther we drift from nature, the more we invite suffering. It's time to return to our roots."
Governor Devvrat highlighted the growing prevalence of lifestyle diseases like cancer, heart ailments, and diabetes, attributing them to the decline of natural living and the rise of chemical farming.
He appealed to farmers to adopt natural farming methods, saying, "Chemical farming has poisoned
our soil. We must return to natural agriculture to safeguard health and the environment."
He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives through the Ministry of AYUSH and the National Mission on Natural Farming, calling them steps toward reconnecting with India’s traditional wellness practices under the vision of 'Virasat bhi, Vikas bhi' (heritage with progress).
Chairman of the Gujarat State Yoga Board, Shishpal, lauded the Governor's consistent guidance in promoting yoga, indigenous sciences, cow protection, and natural agriculture across the state.
He pledged to continue spreading awareness about naturopathy and holistic wellness under the Governor's mentorship. Ahmedabad Mayor Pratibha Jain congratulated the organisers, remarking that the Governor's guidance in natural farming has been invaluable to Gujarat's farmers.
For Nobel Prize co-winner James Watson, ‘DNA was my only gold rush’
ambitious target of achieving a “Leprosy-Free Maharashtra by 2027.”
The target includes breaking the chain of infection, reducing disease transmission to zero, eliminating deformities in children, and eradicating social discrimination against those affected.
To achieve this, health authorities directed all doctors, both in public and private sectors, along with pathologists, microbiologists, healthcare workers, and field officers, to ensure proper treatment and follow-up. They have also asked to administer Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) to close contacts of patients.
As of September 2025, Maharashtra recorded 7,863 new leprosy cases, with 13,010 patients currently under treatment. Notably, health officials in the state appealed to the public not to panic, emphasising that leprosy is entirely curable if diagnosed and treated on time.
Citizens have been encouraged to visit their nearest health centre immediately if any symptoms appear. “Not all leprosy cases are infectious. Especially, neuritic leprosy -- leprosy of peripheral nerves is noncommunicable.
Hence, while making it notifiable, only infectious leprosy should be notifiable,” Dr Ishwar Gilada, a Mumbai-based Consultant in Infectious Diseases, told IANS.
--IANS
New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) "We have discovered the secret of life," said American scientist James Watson in 1962, along with Maurice Wilkins and Francis Crick, as the trio shared the Physiology and Medicine Nobel Prize for the DNA's double helix structure discovery.
Famous geneticist Watson, who died at 97 as confirmed by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in the US -- where he worked and researched for decades -was associated with one of the greatest breakthroughs of the
20th century.
Although DNA was discovered in 1869, it took scientists until 1943 to discover that it made up the genetic material in cells.
To date, the structure of DNA remains a mystery.
Watson died on Thursday (US time) after a brief illness, according to a statement from his former employer.
“I think early on, I wanted to do something important with my life. I still want to think about science and really nothing else,” Watson was quoted as saying in CNN in 2013.
Being driven by the desire to find the truth, that’s really my legacy. The truth, sometimes you don’t find it and it’s complicated, but what you always have is that if
you can start with the truth, it’s helpful, he added.
Born in the US state of Chicago in April 1928, he won a scholarship to study at the University of Chicago at age 15. To pursue his research into DNA structures, he went to Cambridge University in England, where he met Crick. Together, they began constructing large-scale models of possible structures. As per reports, Watson took over the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York State in 1968. He is credited with turning it into one of the world's foremost scientific research institutions. However, his extra-ordinary work was marred owing to his “racist and homophobic remarks” against various groups of people, claiming they had genetic differences.
PIL in SC over ‘nationwide public health emergency’ from rising air pollution
New Delhi, Nov 6 (IANS) A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Supreme Court seeking urgent judicial intervention in the "nationwide public health emergency" caused by escalating air pollution across India. The petition, filed by wellness
advocate and Fit India Movement champion Luke Christopher Countinho, said that despite a dense statutory framework and repeated policy announcements, air quality in both rural and urban regions continues to remain "consistently poor, dangerous, and violative of the fundamental right to life".
"The situation has reached a point where over 1.4 billion citizens are compelled to inhale toxic air every single day — a direct infringement of Article 21," the plea added. The writ petition highlighted that annual averages of PM2.5
and PM10 in major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chennai, and Patna regularly exceed the permissible limits prescribed under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), notified by the Central Pollution Control Board under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
It further noted that records PM2.5 concentrations of around 105 microgrammes/cubic metre, nearly 20 times the WHO’s recommended safe limit of 5 microgrammes/cubic metre.
Social media sensation Sara Tendulkar for Korean Beauty Brand Laniege
Sara Tendulkar, social media sensation and youth icon and the new face of Laneige, one of the most popular Korean beauty brands in the world. Known for her authenticity, charm and influential presence on social media, Sara has embarked on this new venture with the brand to support the its mission in the country.
She gracefully represents the brand's values of natural and sustainable beauty, while bringing to life the brand belief that everyone should shine with a unique inner and outer glow that is as distinct as their individuality. Along with the announcement of a new Brand Ambassador, the brand unveiled its Bouncy and Firm Sleeping Mask.
An elated Sara Tendulkar, Brand Ambassador, Laneige India, commented, “I am thrilled to be part of Laneige's family. As
someone with a biomedical background that makes way for a keen understanding of quality as well as a personal passion for skincare, I admire the brand's commitment to innovation and have been using their products for quite a while. It brings me immense excitement and humility to partner with Laneige, as their core belief in the radiance of each person's unique individuality resonates deeply with me."
At the launch, Paul Lee, Managing Director & Country Head of Amorepacific India, added, "Laneige proudly announces Sara Tendulkar as its Brand Ambassador, embracing her vibrant energy. Sara symbolizes the modern, self-assured youth advocating that beauty transcends mere appearances. With Sara onboard, Laneige aims to connect with a broader audience."
Mini Sood Banerjee, Assistant Director & Head of Marketing
and Training Amorepacific India said, "As Laneige's journey evolves, we are thrilled to welcome Sara Tendulkar into our family as the embodiment of timeless grace and modern elegance. Her vibrant spirit and innate charm perfectly resonate with Laneige's commitment to empowering individuals to embrace their unique beauty. Together, we embark on a new chapter, celebrating authenticity and the transformative power of skincare."
"We are delighted to announce Sara Tendulkar as the new Brand Ambassador for Laneige," said Sally Lee, Brand General Manager of Laneige India. Sara's luminous charm and timeless elegance resonate deeply with our brand's values. Sara's deeper integration into the Laneige experience marks a remarkable milestone, fostering deeper connections with a burgeoning generation of consumers."
Laneige is a brand that specializes in moisture research. They have developed advanced water complexes that are dedicated to creating intelligent skincare solutions for all skin types. With a range of products developed to address different skin concerns due to stress and a hazardous environment, Laneige offers solutions that awaken your skin’s ultimate moisture potential.
Summer nail care secrets
Hydration is Key
Combat the drying effects of summer heat by regularly applying moisturising lotion or oil to your nails and cuticles. This simple step will help maintain their strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of breakage.
Summeris all about fun in the sun, beach outings, and showing off those fabulous nails! With the sunny season upon us, it's essential to step up our nail care game to keep our nails looking fresh and vibrant.
Experts in nail care from Tip and Toe Salon share with IANSlife
Protect from the Sun
Protect your nails from the sun's harmful UV rays, just as you would protect your skin. Consider using a nail polish with UV protection or applying a clear topcoat containing SPF. When engaging in outdoor activities, wearing gloves can also provide an additional layer of protection against sun damage.
Chase the sun, not the damage: Smart skin care choices for summer
As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, many of us eagerly embrace the warmth of summer. However, the need for diligent skin care comes with the joys of outdoor activities and beach vacations.
Before diving into skin care tips, it's essential to understand the damaging effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to many skin concerns, including sunburn and premature ageing.
"One of the most effective ways to shield your skin from sun damage is sunscreen. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating to ensure comprehensive protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed areas of skin, including your face, neck, and ears, and remember to reapply every two hours, especially if you're swimming or sweating," says Mansi Sharma, founder of The Honest Tree by Boddess.
Hydration is key. Summer heat can take a toll on your skin, leading to dehydration and a loss of moisture. Mansi recommends to combat the heat by staying
the importance of maintaining healthy and beautiful nails, especially during the summer months. Don't let the sun and heat take a toll on your nail health; follow these expertrecommended tips to keep your nails looking fabulous.
Use the Right Tools
Using the right tools is crucial for maintaining nail health. Avoid metal cuticle pushers, as they can cause damage and increase infection risks. Instead, opt for wooden or rubber cuticle pushers. Additionally, always use sharp, clean nail clippers and files to prevent nail splitting and peeling.
hydrated from the inside out. She says, "Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and plump. Additionally, incorporate hydrating skincare products into your routine, such as lightweight moisturizers and serums formulated with hyaluronic acid or glycerin."
While sunscreen provides crucial protection, it's not the only line of defence against the sun's rays. "Consider covering up with lightweight, breathable clothing, hats, and sunglasses to provide additional protection for your skin and eyes. Opt for tightly woven fabrics and dark colours for optimal sun protection," adds Mansi. "When possible, seek shade during the sun's peak hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when UV radiation is at its strongest, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin damage. Take breaks from direct sunlight by relaxing under a beach umbrella or finding shelter in a shaded area."
The founder of The Honest Tree by Boddess also suggests that while selecting skincare products for summer, opt for formulations that cater to the specific needs of sun-exposed skin. Mansi says, "Look for products enriched with antioxidants like vitamins C and E, which help neutralize free radicals generated by UV exposure. Incorporating a gentle exfoliant into your routine can also help slough off dead skin cells, revealing a fresh, radiant complexion."
Beauty addicts can now get Kylie Cosmetics in India
Iamso excited to launch Kylie Cosmetics in India – I created Kylie Cosmetics to give my fans access to the makeup products that I use and love, and I can’t wait to share my collection with all my fans in India.", said Kylie Jenner, Founder of Kylie Cosmetics.
In 2015, Kylie Jenner embarked on her beauty business with the launch of Kylie Lip Kits - a collection of three liquid lipsticks with corresponding lip liners. Since then, Kylie supported by Global beauty powerhouse Coty, have continued to expand her beauty empire around the world in over 50 countries, and across eye, complexion, and countless innovations in lip. The beauty line is carefully crafted with clean formulations and vegan ingredients that deliver on trend, high-quality, high-pigment, and
high-performance formulations that fans around the world have come to love.
In a significant milestone in the brand’s global expansion Kylie Cosmetics, launches in India. Partnering with House of Beauty, the leading beauty specialty company which brings coveted international beauty brands to India, Kylie Cosmetics’ arrival has been long awaited by Indian beauty consumers. This partnership marks the first time the brand has partnered with an Indian omnichannel specialist like House of Beauty.
The launch collection includes the best-selling Matte and Velvet Lip Kits, as well as recent must-have launches such as Precision Pout Lip Liner, Power Plush Longwear Foundation, Kylash Volume Mascara, Power Plush Longwear Concealer and Tinted Butter Balm.
Starting 25th April 2024, Kylie Cosmetics will be available exclusively in 25 Sephora India stores nationwide and online on www.sephora.in
Ottawa: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar meets Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany Johann Wadephul on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Ottawa, Canada, on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Gaborone: President Droupadi Murmu inspects a ceremonial guard of honour accorded to her upon arrival during her State Visit to Botswana, in Gaborone on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Paro: Prime Minister of Bhutan Dasho Tshering Tobgay sees off Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he emplanes for New Delhi after concluding his visit to Bhutan, in Paro on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Thimpu: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan in Thimpu, Bhutan, on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Ottawa: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar meets Canadian Finance Minister Anita Anand in Ottawa, Canada, on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Gaya: Three generations of a family exercise their voting rights together at the Haridas Seminary polling station during the second phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, in Gaya on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Malé: Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu meets Transport and Aviation Minister Mohammed Ameen during his visit to the Maldives, in Malé on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu at the CII India-Europe Business Partnership round table meeting, in Visakhapatnam on Thursday, November 13, 2025.
Jabalpur: Students participate in a Unity March organised to commemorate Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary in Jabalpur on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
New Delhi: Union Minister Piyush Goyal meets Alexander Gerding, Managing Director of BASF India, in New Delhi, Monday, November 10, 2025.
Indore: BJP supporter take out a unity march carrying the national flag from Chikmangalur Square to Raghunath Temple Khatipura to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, in Indore on Thursday, November 13, 2025.
Luanda: President Droupadi Murmu departs from Luanda after successfully concluding her State visit to Angola, as part of her two-country tour, on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Mont-de-Marsan: Indian Air Force personnel pose with Su-30 MKI fighters after arriving for Exercise Garuda 25, a bilateral drill aimed at enhancing interoperability with the French Air and Space Force, on Thursday, November 13, 2025.
Rashmika Mandanna: I would want to do a Korean drama
Actress Rashmika Mandanna, who has often professed her love for Korean dramas, said she would love to be part of it but only if the project feels right for her.
When asked if she would consider
doing a K-drama considering her love for variety in her filmography, Rashmika, an ardent K-Drama fan, told IANS: “Oh, of course, I would want to do a Korean drama. Like, that'll be fun. But also, it depends on what
they give me, because you know how picky I am with what I do on screen.”
The actress, who is basking in the success of her latest horrorcomedy film “Thamma”, talked about her first tryst with Korean dramas.
“My love for Korean drama, I think, started during Covid only, because there was so much time on hand. And every K-drama has, like, 16 episodes, which means 16 hours you’ve got to spend watching it. I think that's when it started. I don't have a prominent memory as to when exactly it started, though.”
Talking about “Thamma,” the film also stars Nawazuddin Siddqui and Ayushmann Khurrana, and is set in a fictional world. It also sees a crossover with Varun Dhawan’s “Bhediya”. The film is part of the larger Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, and is connected to the Stree films, Bhediya, and Munjya. “Thamma”, a film based on vampires, follows a journalist played by Ayushmann, who gets caught up in the power struggle of vampires Rashmika and Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
Japanese fan’s clip showing him imitate Ram Charan’s steps in ‘Chikiri Chikiri’ goes viral; ‘Peddi’ director reacts!
AJapanese fan who posted a video clip of him imitating actor Ram Charan's dance steps in the recently released single 'Chikri Chikri' from the actor's upcoming film 'Peddi' has now caught the attention of the film's director Buchi Babu Sana, who has appreciated him wholeheartedly for his efforts. Buchi Babu Sana, who was touched by the efforts the fan from Japan had put in to make the clip, which has now gone viral, thanked the fan.
Taking to his X timeline to quote
the tweet put out by the Japanese fan Kaketaku, Buchi Babu Sana replied, "Thank u KAKETAKU garu. Thank u Japan. Sending love from India. #peddi"
In his tweet, Kaketaku, while posting the video clip showing him imitate Ram Charan's steps from the popular track, had written, "#ChikiriChikiri from the film #Peddi — sending love from Japan #ramcharan."
For the unaware, the makers of the eagerly awaited action entertainer 'Peddi', featuring actor Ram Charan in the lead, recently released the foot tapping
Kajal Aggarwal has a blast with husband Gautam Kitchlu at
Diljit Dosanjh’s Aura concert
romantic single 'Chikiri Chikiri' from the film, much to the delight of fans and film buffs around the world.
The foottapping number, which has been set to tune by A R Rahman, has lyrics by Balaji and is sung by Mohit Chauhan. Ram Charan unleashed his signature dance flair, perfectly synced to Rahman’s infectious and high-voltage composition in the number. The beat radiated energy, and the number delivered a full-blown visual and musical feast.
It may be recalled that a couple of days ago, director Buchi Babu Sana had disclosed the meaning of 'Chikiri'.
The director, who posted a video clip of him having a conversation with the Mozart of Madras A R Rahman, was seen explaining the situation of the song to the music director. He said, "The hero sees the heroine for the first time in the village. He tells his friend that she is that rare girl who looks beautiful without any make up.He calls her a chikiri."
Rahman asked what a Chikiri was and to that the director replied, "The men in the hero's village affectionately call the pretty women of their village Chikiri. That is where the song begins." Meanwhile, sources say that the team is working relentlessly to keep the project on track as per schedule.
'Peddi' is slated for a grand PanIndia theatrical release on March 27, 2026, coinciding with Ram Charan’s birthday.
Actress Kajal Aggarwal, who is presently on a getaway to Australia with husband Gautam Kitchlu, attended Diljit Dosanjh's Aura concert.
The 'Singham' actress took to the Stories section of her official Instagram handle and dropped a video of her having a gala time during the concert as the couple grooved to Diljit's powerful yet melodious voice."@diljitdosanjh what an EPIC concert," Kajal added the text to the clip.In the video, both Kajal and Gautam were seen grooving to the "Khuda Gawah" track during the concert.
Diljit has been making a lot of
noise with his latest AURA tour. The Punjabi sensation also recently came out with his latest album AURA, which is garnering a lot of love from music lovers.
Diljit has further become the first Indian performer to sell out a stadium performance in Sydney, Australia, with his AURA tour. On another note, Kajal recently used social media to reveal what fascinated her the most about Melbourne.
Kajal penned an elongated note on her IG, revealing what all she experienced during her stay in Melbourne.
Govinda remains under close medical supervision after collapsing at home
Bollywoodactor Govinda was rushed to CritiCare Hospital in Juhu, Mumbai, on Wednesday after he reportedly lost consciousness at his residence in the early hours.
The 61-year-old star is currently under close medical supervision, with doctors keeping a watchful eye on his condition. Govinda's friend and legal advisor, Lalit
Bindal, confirmed the news to IANS. He stated that the actor initially received medication following a telephonic consultation with a doctor but was later rushed to the hospital around 1 a.m. for emergency treatment.
Lalit also informed us that the veteran actor was rushed to the hospital after he became unconscious at his residence. Govinda is currently under observation.
Govinda is hospitalized just a day after visiting veteran actor Dharmendra, who is currently recovering at Breach Candy Hospital. In a video shared online, the 'Raja Babu' actor was seen leaving the hospital with a somber expression.
Bobby Deol to star in Ali Abbas Zafar’s action romance starring Ahaan Panday
Bollywood actor Bobby Deol has been signed up to play a grey character for filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar’s upcoming action romance starring Ahaan Panday and Sharvari.
A source close to development said: “It will be incorrect to call
Bobby Deol the antagonist of Ali Abbas’ action romance. All the characters in the film are incredibly exciting and Bobby’s character cannot be labelled plainly as black and white.”
The source said that the director will present him as “a mighty,
larger than life role that invokes fear in people’s hearts but he is a grey character who is layered and brutal. That’s the newness of Bobby Deol that Ali will explore in his film.”
The source added: “Bobby is currently getting crazy love from audience for his acting in Animal and the recently released Bads of Bollywood. Ali wants to do a fan service to Bobby in his film by presenting him in a never seen before avatar.”
“Ali wants to make people see Bobby do something he has never done before and the actor is incredibly excited to play a character like this.”
“Ali just locked Bobby a week back and everyone is thrilled with this casting because Bobby and Ahaan in the same frame would be superbly exciting to watch.”
The source shared that there will be mayhem on screen but Ahaan and Bobby’s dynamic will be “complex and not as simple as that of a hero and a villain. Wait for Ali to reveal everything in due course of time.”
This yet untitled film is scheduled to start its shooting schedule in the UK in the first quarter of 2026. Ali Abbas Zafar has made films like Sultan and Tiger Zinda Hai. The script has been locked by Ali Abbas Zafar and Aditya Chopra and the film starts its shooting schedule early 2026. The yet untitled film will be the fifth collaboration between Aditya Chopra and Ali Abbas Zafar after Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Gunday, Sultan, and Tiger Zinda Hai.
Subhash Ghai wishes Dharmendra a speedy recovery as the veteran actor continues treatment at home
Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai extended his heartfelt wishes to Dharmendra, praying for the legendary actor’s speedy recovery.
The ‘Sholay’ star is currently continuing his treatment at home, following recent health concerns. Ghai, who has shared a longstanding bond with Dharmendra, expressed his affection and respect for the actor while sending his warm message. On Thursday, the director took to his Instagram handle and shared his image with the senior actor. In the click, the two could be seen
sitting together on a couch.
For the caption, Subhash Ghai wrote, “Our dearest HE-MAN OF OUR INDUSTRY SINCE 6 decades
Our beloved DHARAM PA JEE. Wishing u v early recovery A star who always smiles n loves every one - big or small. He is beloved to everyone always. God bless him a healthy life.”(sic)
Veteran actor Dharmendra, who was recently discharged from Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, is reportedly stable and recovering well at home. In an exclusive interaction with IANS, Dr. Rajiv Sharma from
Rashmika Mandanna pens a love letter to all the ‘girlies growing into the woman they love’
Actress Rashmika Mandanna, whose movie "The Girlfriend" reached the cinema halls on Friday, penned a heartfelt love letter to all the girls out there who are working on becoming the women they love.
She further applauded all the men who stand beside their women, providing her the courage to find her voice.
Taking to social media, the 'Animal' actress penned, "A love letter to all the girlies growing into the woman they love. To every Girl who was told “what do you know”… and yet grew into
the hospital shared that the legendary star has gone home “fully satisfied” after receiving the required treatment.
Sharing an update on the actor’s health, he stated, “Dharmendra ji has gone from the hospital with full satisfaction. His family has taken him home. Everything has been arranged for him.”
“He is in a stable condition. I request the public not to spread the false news but instead pray for his recovery so that he can celebrate his next birthday with pride.”
Dr. Pratit Samdani added, “Mr. Dharmendra has been discharged. His recovery and treatment will continue at home.”
The 89-year-old actor was admitted to the hospital after complaining of breathlessness and was visited by his family members, including Hema Malini, Sunny Deol, and Bobby Deol. Several celebrities, such as Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Govinda, also dropped by to check on him.
a woman “who knows what she wants”. You’ve come a long way, give yourself that proud, tight Hug And to the men who’ve loved, not by leading, but by standing beside… your love gave her the courage to find her voice (sic)." Dedicating her movie "The Girlfriend" to the love that liberates and does not limit, Rashmika added, "This film is for every unspoken moment - for the love that liberates, not limits, for the hearts that heal while learning to choose themselves, and for the courage it takes to begin again, as your truest self."
Sunny Deol lashes out at media: ‘Sharam nahi aati’
Bollywood
actor Sunny Deol, who is currently under severe emotional distress considering his father, Dharmendra's health, lost his cool at the media on Thursday. The actor was clicked outside his Juhu residence, as he walked a bit further, he turned around from his course, joined his hands, and calmly expressed his anger at the media and the prying cameras.
He said, "You have a family, parents, and kids at home, and you are clicking videos like c******". Aren't you ashamed". He then looked at the media
personnel stationed outside his residence.
After expressing his anger, the actor walked off.
The reportage over Dharmendra's health by certain sections of the media has drawn heavy criticism from the veteran actor's family and the general populace. The veteran actor was declared dead by a few sections of legacy media while he continued to receive treatment and responded to it. Considering the news came from established mainstream media houses, many artistes from the industry including screenwriting legend Javed Akhtar, who worked with Dharmendra on 'Sholay', and many political figures offered their condolences to the actor while he was still alive. As the veteran actor's family refuted such false reports, many media houses deleted the false news from their social media handles causing confusion among people.
