India News January 1-15 2026

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Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and PM Modi’s 2025 in frames: BNP chief, Khaleda Zia passes away at 80 From Op Sindoor to Ram Nationalist Party (BNP) “The BNP Chairperson and Mandir Dhwajarohan chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia former prime minister, the

Dhaka, Dec 30 (IANS) Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister and Bangladesh

died early Tuesday morning after a prolonged illness at the age of 80, her party confirmed.

According to a statement issued by the BNP, Khaleda Zia passed away at around 6 am at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where she had been undergoing treatment for more than a month.

Indore water tragedy: Death toll climbs to 8; action against three officials

Indore, Dec 31 (IANS) The death toll in Madhya Pradesh's Indore, where a large number of people fell ill over the last few days, allegedly after drinking contaminated water in the

Bhagirathpura area of the city, has risen to eight.

Taking cognisance of the incident, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has ordered the suspension of two municipal officials, and one public health engineer has been removed from service.

The action came late at night on Tuesday.

"Bhagirathpura incident in Indore is tragic. Zonal officer Saligram Continued on Page 3

national leader Begum Khaleda Zia, passed away today at 6:00 am, just after the Fajr (dawn) prayer,” the statement said.

Party leaders and supporters expressed deep grief over her death, remembering her

New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi's journey through 2025 unfolded as a sweeping narrative of defining moments, blending national security, governance, diplomacy, spirituality and deeply human

Continued on Page 3

Continued on Page 3

Another Hindu man shot dead in Bangladesh amid continuous attacks on minorities

Dhaka, Dec 30 (IANS) In yet another disturbing act of violence against minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh, another Hindu man was shot dead by a

colleague in Bhaluka upazila of Mymensingh district, the local media reported on Tuesday.

The deceased has been identified as 40-year-old Ansar member Bajendra Biswas. He was killed by fellow Ansar member Noman Mia, who has since been arrested.

The Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force, also known as the Ansar Bahini, is a paramilitary auxiliary force under the Ministry of Home Affairs, responsible

for internal security and law enforcement in the country.

The incident occurred on Monday evening at the Sultana Sweaters Limited factory in the Mehrabari area of the upazila. Citing police and local sources, Bangladeshi media outlet RTV online reported that a total of 20 Ansar members were working at the Sultana Sweaters Limited factory.

Reports suggest that Ansar Continued on Page 3

When humanity became Operation Theatre: India, New Zealand seal Doctors script a miracle on the road historic FTA; tariffs on 95

Kochi, Dec 23 (IANS) In an extraordinary display of medical skill and human compassion, doctors in Kerala performed an

emergency surgical procedure on the roadside, saving a critically injured accident victim when there was no time to reach a hospital.

With no operation theatre, no medical equipment, and minutes to spare, the doctors decided to act immediately. Using the light from mobile phones, they carried out a life-saving intervention

right at the accident site, while local residents and police assisted, transforming the stretch of road into a makeshift operation theatre.

The remarkable incident was narrated in a Facebook post

by Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan on Tuesday. The

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Continued on Page 3

New Delhi, Dec 22 (IANS) New Zealand and India have concluded a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), offering New Zealanders unprecedented access to 1.4 billion Indian consumers, Trade and Investment Minister

Todd McClay announced on Monday.

This historic FTA eliminates and reduces tariffs on 95 per cent of New Zealand’s exports -- among the highest of any Indian FTA -- with almost 57 per cent being duty-free from day one, increasing to 82 per cent when fully implemented, with the remaining 13 per cent subject to sharp tariff cuts.

It puts New Zealand exporters on an equal or better footing to our competitors across a range of sectors and opens the door to India’s rapidly expanding middle class, according to an official statement.

INDIA NEWS

Dec 16-31, 2025 - Vol-6, Issue 9

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EDITORIAL TEAM Dr Ram Mohan, Chairman Dr Ashutosh Misra, Editor-in-Chief

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INDIA NEWS

Dec 16-31, 2025 - Vol-6, Issue 9

COVER STORIES

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and PM Modi’s 2025 in frames: BNP chief, Khaleda Zia passes away at 80 From Op Sindoor to Ram minister battled multiple chronic Khaleda Zia, the widow of Mandir Dhwajarohan health conditions, including liver former President Ziaur Rahman, as a towering political figure Continued from Page 1

who played a defining role in Bangladesh’s modern political history. “We pray for the forgiveness of her soul and request everyone to offer prayers for her departed soul,” the BNP added.

Khaleda Zia had been admitted to the private hospital on November 23 after developing serious complications related to her heart and lungs. Bangladeshi media reports said she was also suffering from pneumonia during her final weeks. She had remained under close medical supervision for 36 days, with her condition described as fragile.

Over the years, the former prime

cirrhosis, diabetes, arthritis, and long-standing complications involving her kidneys, lungs, heart, and eyesight. Her treatment was being overseen by a multidisciplinary medical team that included specialists from Bangladesh as well as doctors from the United Kingdom, the United States, China, and Australia.

Earlier this month, discussions were held about transferring her abroad for advanced medical care. However, those plans were ultimately shelved after doctors advised that her physical condition was too weak to endure international travel.

made history as Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister and served two terms in office.

Despite years of legal and health challenges, she remained a central figure in national politics, with many supporters believing she could have played a key role in future elections.

She is survived by her elder son, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, his wife Zubaida Rahman, and their daughter Zaima Rahman. Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh on December 25 after spending 17 years in exile. Her younger son, Arafat Rahman Koko, died several years ago in Malaysia.

Another Hindu man shot dead in Bangladesh amid continuous attacks on minorities Continued from Page 1

members Noman and Bajendra were sitting together when the incident happened. Bajendra was critically injured in the left thigh after Noman fired from his shotgun. Later, the colleagues rushed Bajendra to the Upazila Health Complex, where the onduty doctor declared him dead.

Recounting the incident, Ansar member APC Azahar Ali, who witnessed the incident and was in charge of Labib Group, said, "Ansar members Noman Mia and Bajendra Das were sitting together in my room at the time of the incident. Suddenly, he pointed a gun (shotgun) at Bajendra Das' thigh and said, 'Shall I shoot?' and then fired.

After that, Noman ran away”. He also added that he had not seen any argument between the two before the incident.

Confirming the development,

Mymensingh district's Additional Superintendent of Police (Finance and Administration) Abdullah Al Mamun stated that an immediate operation was launched in the early hours of Tuesday, leading to Noman's arrest. He added that a thorough investigation has been initiated to determine the motive behind the attack. The victim's body, he said, has already been sent to the Mymensingh Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy, while legal action is underway.

The killing marks the third such incident in less than a week and the second incident in Mymensingh.

On December 24, Bangladeshi media reported the killing of another Hindu youth, identified as 29-year-old Amrit Mondal, who was allegedly lynched by a mob in the Hossaindanga area of Kalimohar Union in Bangladesh.

Earlier on December 18, a

25-year-old Hindu youth, Dipu Chandra Das, was brutally killed in a mob lynching incident over false blasphemy accusations by a Muslim coworker at his factory in Bhaluka Upazila of Mymensingh.

The mob killed Das and then hung his body from a tree before setting it on fire.

Bangladesh has witnessed escalating violence against minorities, including Hindus, under the Yunus-led interim government, sparking outrage among people and several human rights organisations across the globe.

Last week, India voiced grave concern over the "unremitting hostility" against minorities in Bangladesh -- including Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists -- and asserted that it is keeping a close watch on the ongoing developments in its neighbourhood.

When humanity became Operation Theatre: Doctors script a miracle on the road Continued from Page 1

account has since resonated widely, serving as a powerful reminder of how courage, presence of mind and empathy can save lives in the most adverse circumstances.

Satheesan described the intervention as an act bearing “the signature of God,” one that turned a moment of despair into hope.

The doctors involved were Dr Thomas Peter and his wife, Dr Didia Thomas of Ernakulam, along with Dr B. Manoop, Assistant Professor in the

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Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Kottayam Medical College.

According to the post, the doctor couple was on their way to church when they came across a road accident at Udayamperoor.

Several people were lying injured on the road, bleeding profusely, and one victim was in a critical condition. By sheer coincidence, Dr Manoop was also present at the scene.

Realising that the injured person might not survive the wait for an ambulance or hospital care, the doctors took an instant decision to intervene. Within just four minutes, Satheesan noted, they managed to stabilise the victim and ensure that one life would continue -- a testament to their professional expertise and exceptional presence of mind.

Local residents and the police responded swiftly, providing space and basic support as the emergency procedure was carried out. Their combined efforts helped stabilise the victim and enabled further medical treatment.

Satheesan said he was deeply moved after reading about the incident and personally called the doctors to convey his appreciation and gratitude.

“Saving a life, taking someone by the hand and bringing them back to life, is an act of divine grace,” he wrote, adding that the doctors deserved the highest recognition for embodying the noblest values of the medical profession -where humanity, courage and skill converged on the edge of the road.

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Continued from Page 1

connections.

From Operation Sindoor to the Dhwajarohan Utsav at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir, the year emerged as a vivid mosaic of devotion, decisive leadership, development milestones and people-centric engagement.

The Prime Minister's calendar was marked by heartfelt interactions with citizens, visits to sacred temples, strategic outreach to border regions, inauguration and inspection of major infrastructure projects and participation in programmes aimed at empowering people at the grassroots.

Many of these moments were captured in photographs, shared on narendramodi.in, that resonated widely and defined the visual memory of the year.

One of the most politically significant developments of 2025 was the landslide victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance in the Bihar Assembly elections.

The NDA secured 202 of the 243 seats, comprehensively defeating the Rashtriya Janata Dal-led Mahagathbandhan, which managed to win just 35 seats.

Incumbent Chief Minister Nitish Kumar took oath for a record.

Photographs of Prime Minister Modi with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, including the nowfamous 'gamcha' moment at the BJP headquarters following the sweeping victory, dominated headlines and social media

discussions.

On the national security front, Operation Sindoor stood out as a defining chapter of the year.

Following the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack, India launched decisive military action against high-value terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

During this critical phase, Prime Minister Modi chaired and attended a series of highlevel meetings with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the Chiefs of the Armed Forces and other senior officials. He gave a "free hand" to the Armed Forces to act against terror targets.

After the successful culmination of Operation Sindoor, the Prime Minister shared warm moments with personnel at the Adampur Air Force Base in Punjab, expressing his gratitude for their courage and professionalism.

He also witnessed a spectacular air power demonstration aboard INS Vikrant in Goa during Diwali, a moment that symbolised India's growing maritime and aerial strength.

Infrastructure and strategic connectivity featured prominently in PM Modi's 2025 journey. One of the most striking images was of the Prime Minister waving the national flag during his visit to the Chenab Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir.

Indore water tragedy: Death toll climbs to 8; action against three officials Continued from Page 1

Sitole and Assistant Engineer Yogesh Joshi were suspended.

Superintendent Engineer of PHE Shubham Srivastava has been removed from his service with immediate effect," CM Yadav said in a statement late at night.

Earlier, the Chief Minister expressed profound grief over the incident via social media, paying tributes to the deceased and wishing a speedy recovery to those under treatment. He announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the bereaved family and assured that the state government would fully cover medical expenses for all patients, including refunds for prior payments.

Three people died during treatment in different hospitals till Tuesday. However, the number of casualties increased to eight on Wednesday, according to an official.

Local MLA and Cabinet Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya visited hospitals late Monday, consoling affected families and reinforcing the commitment to free treatment.

The outbreak, which began after residents reported unusual taste and smell in municipal water supplied on December 25, has raised serious concerns about the safety of drinking water in the city.

Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari, who visited some hospitals on Tuesday evening, has blamed Indore Municipal Commissioner for the tragic incident and demanded action against those responsible.

Indore district Congress unit is likely to lodge an FIR against Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) and Mayor Pushyamitara Bhargava later in the day. Jitu Patwari on Tuesday said that he will ask the district Congress president to file an FIR at a police station. "This is a complete failure of the Municipal Corporation.

If drainage water mixes with drinking water pipelines, people can suffer from vomiting, diarrhoea, and jaundice, but they do not die from it. It appears that some kind of poisonous substance had mixed into the drinking water pipeline, and this needs to be investigated," Patwari said on Tuesday evening.

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INDIA NEWS

Jan 1-15, 2026 - Vol-6, Issue 10

NEWS FROM INDIA

India bets on green ports to power Thanks to PM Modi, we witnessed this occasion, next phase of maritime growth says UP Dy CM on Ram Temple’s 2nd anniversary

New Delhi, Dec 28 (IANS) India’s ambition to become a strong maritime power is no longer just a long-term goal -- it is clearly visible along its 7,500-kilometre coastline.

Ports that were once modest trade gateways are now busy hubs of economic activity, handling growing volumes of cargo and supporting India’s push for manufacturing, exports, and global competitiveness, as per an India Narrative report.

But as port activity expands, a critical question has come to the forefront: how can growth continue without harming fragile coastal ecosystems and worsening climate change?

India’s answer is increasingly clear. Policymakers now see green growth not as an obstacle to development, but as the only way to make that development

sustainable in the long run.

Ports handle almost 95 per cent of India’s external trade by volume, making them vital to the economy, the report said.

Over the past decade, cargo at major ports has risen sharply -- from about 581 million tonnes to nearly 855 million tonnes.

This growth reflects stronger manufacturing and deeper integration with global supply chains.

At the same time, ports are major sources of air pollution, water contamination, and carbon emissions, and many are located close to mangroves, wetlands, coral reefs, and densely populated coastal cities.

A major shift is already underway.

The replacement of the colonialera Ports Act of 1908 with the Indian Ports Act, 2025 marks a turning point in maritime governance.

Environmental safeguards are now built directly into the legal framework, making sustainability a core requirement rather than a voluntary add-on.

Hyderabad’s annual trade fair ‘Numaish’ to begin with New Year

Hyderabad, Dec 28 (IANS) The 85th All India Industrial Exhibition, the popular annual trade fair of Hyderabad, will begin on January 1.

'Numaish', as one of the world's oldest annual consumer exhibitions is popularly known, will be inaugurated by Telangana's Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka.

State Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu told media persons on Sunday that 1,050 stalls will be set up on the sprawling Numaish Maidan for the annual 45-daylong exhibition.

All India Industrial Exhibition Society (AIIES) has allotted stalls to traders and various business organisations from different parts of the country to sell their products at the fair.

The organisers have hiked the entry fee to Rs 50 from Rs 40 per head.

Admission will be free for children below five years.

The Industries Minister noted that 'Numaish' carries forward a legacy built on enterprise, culture and shared public life.

"It remains a space where artisans, MSMEs, families and communities come together to experience innovation, tradition, and affordability in one place," he said.

"This year's 'Numaish' reflects a strong focus on safety,

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accessibility, and opportunity, especially for women entrepreneurs, while preserving the spirit that has made it a must-visit annual tradition for generations," Sridhar Babu said.

Every day the exhibition will be open for visitors from 4 to 10.30 p.m.

It will be open till 11 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Numaish-e-Masnuaat-e-Mulki, or Numaish in short, made a humble beginning in 1938 as an event to promote locally produced goods.

The seventh Nizam of Hyderabad State, Mir Osman Ali Khan, inaugurated the first 'Numaish'.

Enthused by the good response, it was decided to make it an annual event and use the earnings to promote education.

Beginning with just 50 stalls and a capital of Rs 2.50, it has today evolved into one of the biggest industrial exhibitions in the country.

It was a group of graduates from Osmania University who came up with the idea of an exhibition to conduct an economic survey of the state.

'Numaish' could not be organised in 1947 and 1948 due to the turmoil in the aftermath of India's Independence.

With Hyderabad acceding to the Indian Union, the event bounced back in 1949.

The exhibition could not be held in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

From amusement rides to shopping with good bargains and a variety of lip-smacking food, the annual event offers loads of fun and frolic.

New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak on Wednesday extended his heartfelt greetings to the nation on the second anniversary of Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Highlighting the spiritual and cultural significance of the temple for devotees across India, Pathak said, “On the completion of two years of the grand Ram Lalla temple, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all citizens of the country. Thanks to PM Modi, we have been able to witness this occasion of the Sanatan culture.

Many thanks to PM Modi for this.”

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust commemorated the historic event, originally performed on

Paush Shukla Paksha Dwadashi in 2024, with elaborate ceremonies led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Pran Pratishtha marked the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol and the culmination of centuries of devotion and aspiration among the Hindu community.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also spoke on the occasion, saying, “Today is a very auspicious day, a very holy day that Ram Mandir Prana Pratishtha is two years old, and we saw how the work of the Hindu society, which was waiting for this for 500 years, was completed and a great Ram Mandir was built. Ram Lalla got his great Mandir, and flag hoisting was done on it, and the penance of so many years was completed…”

JD(U) National Spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad added, “India is the spiritual guide for the entire world. Lord Shri Ram is not only worshipped by millions of Hindus but is also revered with respect and devotion by people of all religions. During the tenure

of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a historic milestone was achieved with the establishment of Lord Shri Ram’s temple in Ayodhya. Now, as we celebrate the second anniversary, it is a momentous occasion eagerly awaited by devotees and followers of Hinduism…”

Thousands of pilgrims from across India thronged Ayodhya to offer prayers, filling the town and temple premises with chants of “Jai Shri Ram” and devotion. From the temple entrance to the streets of “Ram Nagari”, the celebrations reflected the collective faith and spiritual fervour of devotees. The anniversary underscored the temple’s significance not only as a place of worship but also as a symbol of India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, inspiring generations of followers.

The second anniversary of Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha was marked by reverence, devotion, and gratitude, celebrating the historic milestone that fulfilled a centuries-old aspiration of Hindu devotees across the country.

Three convicted prisoners escape from Jharkhand jail, breach five-layer security

Hazaribagh ( Jharkhand), Dec 31 (IANS) Three convicted prisoners escaped from the Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan Central Jail ( JP Jail) in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand,

officials said on Wednesday.

The escape triggered a massive manhunt and raised fresh questions over the functioning of one of Jharkhand’s most secure prisons.

Jail Superintendent Chandrashekhar Suman confirmed the escape, saying that preliminary information suggests all three prisoners are residents of Dhanbad district.

He added that detailed profiles

of the escaped convicts are being compiled and shared with law enforcement agencies.

According to initial reports, the incident came to light when the prisoners were brought out of their barracks for a routine headcount.

During the process, jail officials discovered that three inmates were missing. An internal search was immediately launched within the jail premises.

Aravalli range is priceless natural heritage; govt fully committed to its conservation: Raj CM

Jaipur, Dec 27 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said on Saturday that the Aravalli mountain range is an invaluable natural heritage of the state and that the Bharatiya Janata Partyled state government is fully committed to its protection.

He asserted that the state government's stance is clear and firm -- no tampering with the natural form of the Aravallis will be allowed under any

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circumstances.

The Chief Minister directed the Forest and Environment Department, Mines Department, Police and other concerned agencies to launch joint special campaigns in the Aravalli districts to curb illegal mining.

He emphasised that all departments must act in close coordination and take stringent action against violations.

Chief Minister Sharma was chairing a review meeting of the Forest and Environment, and the Mines departments at his residence on Saturday.

He said that the state government will not grant permission for any new mining activities in the Aravalli region.

He added that the Central government has also issued clear directives in this regard, which will be uniformly applicable across the entire Aravalli belt.

These measures, he said, will help

preserve the natural character of the mountain range and effectively curb irregular and illegal mining.

The Chief Minister also added that while issuing mining leases, the state government has ensured strict compliance with the guidelines issued from time to time by the Supreme Court and the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), along with all environmental safeguards.

He told that a Rs 250 crore Green Aravalli Development Project has been launched to rejuvenate the Aravalli range.

Under the project, intensive plantation is being carried out across 32,000 hectares in Aravalli districts to restore greenery and ecological balance.

Senior officials from the Chief Minister's Office, Forest and Environment Department, and the Mines Department were present at the meeting.

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Jan 1-15, 2026 - Vol-6, Issue 10

INDIA NEWS

NEWS FROM INDIA

Punjab CM approves cashless treatGujarat’s Foster Parent Scheme provides lifeline to orphaned children in Banaskantha ment of Rs 10 lakh to every family

Gandhinagar, Dec 25 (IANS) The Gujarat government's Foster Parent Scheme (Palak Mata-Pita Yojana) has emerged as a lifeline for orphaned and abandoned children in Banaskantha district, ensuring that no child grows up without care, protection or a family environment.

Launched across the state in 2009-10, the scheme was designed to support children who lose one or both parents and are left without a guardian. Under the programme, the state provides monthly financial assistance of Rs 3,000 to close relatives or caregivers of orphaned children

up to the age of 18.

The support is aimed at meeting essential needs such as education, healthcare and daily living expenses, enabling children to grow up within a family setting rather than in institutional care.

Banaskantha has emerged as a leading district in the effective implementation of the scheme, setting an example for the rest of Gujarat. So far, 2,818 beneficiaries in the district have received support under the Foster Parent Scheme.

At present, 1,727 children are being provided assistance amounting to Rs 51.81 lakh every month, offering much-needed stability to families who have taken responsibility for vulnerable children. Foster parents in the district say the scheme has made a meaningful difference in their ability to care for children who have lost parental support.

The financial assistance not only

eases economic pressure but also enables children to continue their education and access healthcare without disruption.

Social Security Officer Hitesh Patel said Banaskantha’s strong outreach and effective implementation have helped the scheme reach families in need. “Our priority has been to ensure that every eligible child is identified and supported, so that no child is left behind due to the loss of parents,” he said.

The Foster Parent Scheme reflects the Gujarat government’s commitment to the principle that the state stands with those who have no one. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the initiative has become a key pillar of social security for vulnerable children, offering them not just financial assistance but also the assurance of a safe, healthy and hopeful future within a caring family environment.

Mumbai gets 2nd airport as Navi Mumbai International Airport starts operations

Ahmedabad, Dec 25 (IANS) Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) began commercial operations on Thursday -marking a major milestone for Mumbai’s aviation sector and India’s infrastructure growth.

Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani personally welcomed the first set of passengers, calling the moment a proud day for both Mumbai and the country.

“Welcoming NMIA’s first passengers alongside the Param Vir Chakra awardees offered a glimpse of India now taking shape,” Gautam Adani said.

“Standing with workers, farmers, social workers and colleagues with disabilities, captured the

spirit of a nation moving forward with confidence and compassion,” Adani Group Chairman stated.

The new airport, officially named Navi Mumbai International Airport, opened to the public on December 25.

With its launch, Mumbai has joined global cities such as London and New York that operate multiple airports to manage growing air traffic.

The airport is expected to ease congestion at ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport’ and support the region’s longterm travel needs.

The airport is developed and operated by Adani Airports Holdings Limited, a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited.

It is one of India’s largest greenfield airport projects and has been completed in record time.

The first commercial flight, IndiGo flight 6E460 from Bengaluru, landed at 8 am and

was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute.

On its first day of operations, the airport handled 48 flights connecting nine domestic cities and served more than 4,000 passengers.

Peak traffic was seen in the early morning hours, indicating strong demand from day one.

Jeet Adani, Director at Adani Airports Holdings Limited, said the new airport will help build a strong and resilient multiairport system for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, improve passenger experience and support future aviation growth.

“NMIA establishes a resilient multi-airport system for the MMR, boosting capacity, enhancing passenger experience and futureproofing the region’s aviation growth,” Jeet Adani said.

On the eve of the launch, the airport hosted a large drone show featuring over 1,500 synchronised drones.

President Droupadi Murmu gives assent to VB — G RAM G Bill, 2025

New Delhi, Dec 21 (IANS) President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the Viksit Bharat— Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB—G RAM G) Bill, 2025, an official said on Sunday.

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The Rural Development Ministry official said the development marks a significant milestone in the transformation of rural jobs policy.

The new VB — G RAM G Act, 2025, enhances the statutory wage employment guarantee to 125 days per financial year for rural households and seeks to advance empowerment, inclusive growth, convergence of development initiatives and saturation-based delivery, thereby strengthening the foundation for a prosperous,

resilient and self-reliant Rural Bharat.

Earlier, Parliament passed the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, marking a decisive reform in India’s rural employment and development framework.

The Act replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005, with a modern statutory framework that enhances livelihood security and is aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

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Chandigarh, Dec 25 (IANS) In a New Year bonanza for residents, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday gave the green signal to the Health Department to launch Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna from January to enable cashless treatment of Rs 10 lakh to every family in the state.

Reviewing a meeting of the Health Department here, CM Mann said Mukh Mantri Sehat Beema Yojna is a step towards providing universal healthcare facilities to people without spending even a penny on it.

“This is a step towards providing universal healthcare and ensuring that people get cashless treatment of Rs 10 lakh. Punjab will be the first state in the country where every family will be entitled to cashless treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh,” he said.

The Chief Minister said the yojna is a flagship health assurance initiative of the government aimed at providing financial protection and assured access to quality healthcare to all eligible

residents of the state.

“The scheme is a major step towards universal health coverage, under which each enrolled family is entitled to cashless medical treatment up to Rs 10 lakh per year,” he added.

CM Mann said, “The scheme covers major illnesses, critical care, surgeries, and life-saving treatments at a wide network of empanelled government and private hospitals across Punjab and Chandigarh, ensuring equitable access to healthcare services.”

The key objective is to ensure cashless and paperless healthcare at empanelled hospitals and to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure on secondary and tertiary healthcare.

“Likewise, it will strengthen equitable access to healthcare services across urban and rural areas and provide timely grievance redressal and beneficiary support through digital platforms,” the Chief Minister said.

He said all the expenses like hospitalisation costs, surgeries and medical procedures, ICU and critical care services, diagnostics, medicines, and consumables as per approved packages, pre-and post-hospitalisation expenses and others will be covered under it.

Rural roads built under PM scheme to link India’s villages cross 7.87 lakh km mark unconnected rural habitations.

New Delhi, Dec 25 (IANS) Celebrating 25 years in 2025, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) stands out as one of India’s most impactful rural infrastructure initiatives.

Launched to ensure all-weather connectivity to previously unconnected rural habitations, the programme has emerged as a key enabler of agricultural growth, employment generation, improved access to education and health services, and poverty alleviation.

Since its inception, PMGSY has sanctioned a total of 8,25,114 km of rural roads, of which 7,87,520 km have been completed, reflecting nearly 95 per cent physical progress as of December 2025, according to an official statement issued on Thursday.

A total road length of 62,500 kilometres is proposed to be constructed during the implementation period from FY 2024–25 to 2028–29, with an overall financial outlay of Rs 70,125 crore. Phase IV of PMGSY aims to provide all-weather road connectivity to 25,000

Road infrastructure constitutes a fundamental pillar of rural development, enabling access to economic and social services, enhancing agricultural incomes, creating productive employment opportunities, and making a significant contribution to poverty reduction.

Over time, PMGSY has evolved into a key driver of socioeconomic transformation, strengthening market integration, facilitating better price realization for farmers, and supporting both farm and non-farm livelihoods.

Collectively, these outcomes underscore the programme’s central role in advancing inclusive and sustainable rural development Budgetary allocations to the PMGSY in recent years reflect the government’s sustained emphasis on strengthening rural road connectivity. For the financial year 2025–26, the programme has been allocated Rs 19,000 crore, underscoring the continued support for enhancing rural infrastructure, ensuring allweather road connectivity, and boosting economic opportunities in rural areas.

The government’s systematic measures have significantly improved the quality, durability, and sustainability of rural roads constructed under PMGSY.

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INDIA NEWS

Jan 1-15, 2026 - Vol-6, Issue 10

People in Varanasi to get 24 ‘Smart Parks’ with yoga, walking & gym facilities near their homes

Varanasi, Dec 23 (IANS) The residents in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi are set to receive a major gift by the Yogi Adityanath-led state government in the incoming New Year as 24 smart parks equipped with yoga, walking, and gym facilities are being developed across the city.

The initiative will allow citizens to access fitness and recreational amenities right next to their homes, eliminating the need to travel far for engaging in exercise.

Of the 24 parks, 20 have already been completed, while work on

the remaining four is progressing rapidly and they are expected to open to the public soon.

At a time when rise in diseases, stress, and obesity have become major concerns, people are increasingly turning to morning walks and yoga to maintain balance in their daily routines and to stay fit and healthy.

Health-conscious residents prefer green, clean environments near their homes for exercise.

However, rapid urbanisation has led to the disappearance of many parks from city landscapes.

To address this issue, the Varanasi Development Authority had earlier undertaken purification work in some parks.

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government's third consecutive

victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a decision was taken to redevelop 24 parks in Varanasi.

After completing other Smart City projects, the responsibility of reviving these neglected parks was given to Varanasi Smart City during Narendra Modi's third term as the Prime Minister of the country.

Amrendra Tiwari, Chief General Manager of Varanasi Smart City, told IANS that the 24 parks are being made fully modern and useful.

"Play equipment for children has been installed, strong and beautiful pathways for walking have been constructed, and attractive wall paintings are being created to enhance the beauty of the parks," he said.

Six burnt alive, 21 injured as sleeper bus catches fire after collision in K’taka

Bengaluru, Dec 25 (IANS) In a major tragedy on Christmas Day, at least six persons were burnt alive and 21 others injured after a sleeper coach bus caught fire following a collision with a container truck in Chitradurga district of Karnataka in the early hours of Thursday.

Chitradurga Superintendent of Police Ranjit Kumar Bandaru said the death toll in the bus tragedy stood at six, including four women, a child and the driver of the container truck.

“In total, five dead bodies have been recovered from the Sea Bird sleeper coach bus, which met with an accident and was gutted.

Another body has been retrieved from the container truck. We have recovered a total of six bodies,” the SP said.

“The bodies of Bindu, her daughter Greya, Manasa, Navya and Rashmi have been retrieved from the bus. We are identifying the bodies with the help of relatives. In the bus, four adults and one child have died, while the driver of the container truck was killed in the collision,” he said.

The bodies of Bindu and her daughter Greya have been identified. However, relatives of Navya and Manasa are facing difficulty in identification as the

two were friends and had the habit of exchanging their chains, the SP said.

Family members are attempting identification based on jewellery, but this has complicated the process. The family of another deceased passenger, Rashmi, has also arrived and is verifying the chain found on the body, he added.

A total of 32 persons, including the driver and conductor, were travelling in the bus. Of these, 28 had booked tickets in advance, while two passengers boarded after the journey began, he said.

The details of the deceased child, Greya, were not mentioned in the booking chart as she was travelling with her mother. Both the bus driver and conductor survived the incident, the SP said.

Several key bridges exemplify scale and vision of India’s infrastructure

New Delhi, Dec 20 (IANS) As India continues to grow, its bridges – from Atal Setu to Chenab Bridge -- will remain among the clearest expressions of a country in motion, always reaching forward and building its own path, an official statement said on Saturday.

India’s bridges are more than infrastructure; they are statements of intent, connecting a nation defined by scale and contrast. They rise from mountainsides, pierce through monsoon clouds, and skim the surface of some of the subcontinent’s most volatile waters.

“Through every corner of this vast terrain, various bridges continue to reflect India’s drive and determination. The Bogibeel Bridge and the New Saraighat Bridge in Assam, across the mighty Brahmaputra, carry both road and rail to strengthen connectivity. Similarly, the Digha– Sonpur Bridge in Bihar enhances movement across the river Ganga with its robust rail-cum-road design,” the statement said.

Stretching across the Arabian Sea like a bold stroke on the city’s canvas, the Atal Setu, also known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), marks Mumbai’s biggest step towards a horizon unrestrained by traffic and time.

Spanning 16.5 kilometres over the sea and extending another 5.5 kilometres on land, the project was approved at a cost of Rs.

New Delhi, Dec 26 (IANS) President Droupadi Murmu on Friday presented the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to 20 children from 18 states and union territories, recognising their exceptional achievements and contributions in various fields, including art, culture, sports and innovation.

Addressing the gathering, President Murmu extended her blessings to the awardees and congratulated their families.

“I extend my blessings to all the children. These young achievers have brought pride to their families and communities. I also congratulate their parents

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“On this day, we especially remember his two younger sons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh. Their courage continues to inspire generations, and their names are remembered with great respect in India and across the world,” she said.

“I offer my respectful homage to the Sahibzades. Veer Bal Diwas is a day of remembrance and a celebration of patriotism, bravery, and national unity,” the President added.

President Murmu said that the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar plays an important role in motivating young minds.

“By presenting this award today, you have been encouraged. This recognition will inspire children across the nation to strive for excellence,” she said.

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17,843 crore and stands as India’s longest sea bridge. Even amid the unprecedented challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the project managed to stay on track.

India’s engineering prowess has reached a new pinnacle with the completion of the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge.

Perched 359 metres above the Chenab River, the bridge forms a crucial segment of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL). With Vande Bharat trains set to operate on the route, travel time between Katra and Srinagar will reduce to just about three hours.

The 1,315-metre-long steel arch structure has been designed to withstand wind speeds up to 260 kmph and built with a projected lifespan of 120 years.

Constructed at a cost of Rs 1,486 crore, the Chenab Rail Bridge stands as a symbol of India’s ambition, technical excellence, and advancing infrastructure capabilities, according to the statement.

The newly constructed Pamban Bridge, connecting Rameswaram with the mainland, is India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge.

Built at a cost exceeding Rs. 700 crore, the 2.07 km structure includes a 72.5-metre vertical lift section that can rise 17 metres, allowing ships to pass safely without halting train movement.

Through innovative engineering and advanced technology, over 1,400 tons of fabrication, liftspan launches, 99 girders, and extensive track and electrification work at sea were completed with zero injuries.

Govt committed to boost ease of living, continue reform trajectory, says PM Modi

President Murmu presents Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to 20 children on Veer Bal Diwas and family members for their support,” she said.

Speaking about the significance of the day, the President said Veer Bal Diwas is observed every year on December 26 to honour the courage and sacrifice of the Sahibzades, the sons of Sikhism’s tenth Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. “Do you know why we celebrate Veer Bal Diwas? There is a long and inspiring history behind it,” she said, while also commending Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi and her team for organising the award ceremony for such talented children.

Recalling the historical significance, President Murmu said that around 320 years ago, Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his four sons made supreme sacrifices for righteousness and faith.

NEWS FROM INDIA

New Delhi, Dec 26 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that his government is committed to boosting ‘Ease of Living’ and the reform trajectory will continue with even more vigour in the coming times.

Replying to a thread on X social media platform posted by the MyGovIndia handle, PM Modi said the government has worked towards the direction of empowering millions.

"Ours is a Government committed

to boosting ‘Ease of Living’ and this thread below gives examples of how we have worked in that direction. Our reform trajectory will continue with even more vigour in the coming times,” the Prime Minister stated.

The MyGovIndia handle posted that the real test of reform is whether it reduces stress for people.

“2025 marked a clear shift in governance, with reforms focused on outcomes, not complexity.

Simpler tax laws, faster dispute resolution, modern labour codes, and decriminalised compliance reduced friction for citizens and businesses alike. The emphasis was on trust, predictability, and long-term growth, showing how well-designed policy can quietly improve everyday life,” it wrote on the social media platform.

For millions of Indians, tax relief became real. Incomes up to Rs 12 lakh attract zero tax. Middle-class families now retain more of what they earn, giving them flexibility to spend, save and invest with greater confidence.

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Jan 1-15, 2026 - Vol-6, Issue 10

Asia to Africa and beyond, nations struggle to navigate deadly conflicts

Bangladesh stares at possible economic slide as violence shows no sign of abatement

New Delhi, Dec 30 (IANS) Conflicts and geopolitical turbulence in 2025 stretched from Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East to parts of Europe and Africa, with peace remaining largely elusive. These conflicts resulted in global instability and sparked a severe humanitarian crisis amid a rapidly evolving geopolitical security landscape.

Notwithstanding the peace initiatives, several regions remained engulfed in violence.

Southeast Asia was on boil as tensions between Cambodia and Thailand intensified, beginning with a confrontation in May, near the Emerald Triangle, where Thailand, Cambodia and Laos converge, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier. In July, the tensions heightened after both sides exchanged artillery fire and deployed heavy weapons at several locations along the border, promoting large-scale civilian evacuations.

Although a ceasefire in July briefly eased tensions, it collapsed in early December, triggering renewed clashes. On December 27, normalcy returned after a new peace deal was signed between Thai Defence Minister Natthapon Nakpanich and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Tea Seiha at a border checkpoint in Thailand's Chanthaburi Province.

In South Asia, Pakistan and Afghanistan remain engaged in heavy fighting in recent months, with Islamabad conducting multiple air raids inside Afghanistan. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of fostering Tehreeki-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an allegation outrightly rejected by Kabul. The Taliban has repeatedly criticised Pakistan's attacks, describing them as violations of Afghanistan's sovereignty.

Additionally, Pakistani authorities escalated repression on Afghan refugees, with millions reportedly forcibly deported from Pakistan until the end of the year, leading to widespread humanitarian crisis in relentless winter. According to reports, several Afghan refugees in Pakistan stated that they had been continuously harassed by Pakistani police, which, apart from conducting searches, were arresting people and exploiting their vulnerable situation.

On another front within Pakistan, unrest in Balochistan province reached its peak against the backdrop of severe human rights abuses, including extrajudicial

killing, enforced disappearances and torture of Baloch civilians at the hands of Pakistani security forces.

Additionally, the clashes between Pakistani forces and rebel groups also escalated, resulting in the death of several Pakistani soldiers. People in the Balochistan region are currently fighting for their freedom from Pakistan. Several global human rights groups have highlighted the repression by Pakistani armed forces in the province, which includes brutal raids on the homes of Baloch leaders and civilians, unlawful arrests, enforced disappearances, the 'kill and dump' policy, detention under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, and the filing of fabricated police cases.

In recent months, several international human rights organisations have also raised concerns over an alarming rise in cases of enforced disappearances

by Pakistani security forces, targetting women and young girls.

The South Asian region remained volatile as violence and human rights abuses continued unabated in Bangladesh since the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government assumed power in August 2024, following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The year witnessed a massive surge in attacks across Bangladesh targetting minorities, particularly the Hindu community. In one such brutal incident on December 18, a 25-year-old Hindu youth, Dipu Chandra Das, was lynched by a mob over false blasphemy accusations. The mob killed Das, hung his body from a tree before setting it on fire. Within span of a week, another Hindu youth, 29-year-old Amrit Mondal, was also lynched by a mob in the Hossaindanga area of Kalimohar Union.

Since the Bangladesh Election Commission announced that the country's 13th national parliamentary election, along with a referendum on the July Charter, will be held on February 12 next year, the country has been gripped by widespread violence.

Following the killing of the extremist leader Sharif Osman Hadi, his supporters went on a rampage targetting minorities, Indian diplomatic missions, cultural institutions and media houses with impunity.

Having remained conflict-torn for many years, the situation worsened in the Middle Eastern region with the outbreak of a direct and armed Israel-Iran confrontation. Israel, on June 13, launched Operation Rising Lion against Iran, a targetted military operation to negate the Iranian threat of nuclear weapons to Israel's very survival. As tensions escalated, both sides targetted each other's strategic locations.

New Delhi, Dec 28 (IANS) It was a year of uncertainty for Bangladesh, marked with violence, arson, religious bigotry, and killings as the transitional caretaker administration led by a Nobel laureate watched helplessly.

Even as the return of a Zia family scion brought hopes -- at least for a section -- in the beleaguered country, an explosion the day before reminded Dhaka of the bitter truth. Since the August 2024 uprising, Bangladesh has slid from a hopeful democratic and economic reset into a volatile transition marked by weak state control, rising political violence, and a geopolitical realignment that risks destabilising the region.

The Muhammad Yunus-led interim administration’s inability to restore order has deepened domestic ruptures and invited external influence, posing a grave threat to regional security. The country’s leading newspaper, Prothom Alo, had quoted the Bangladesh Hindu Bouddha Christian Oikya Parishad (Bangladesh Buddhist Christian

Later, the US joined the conflict and bombed three highly

observed with concern the “increasing presence” of China in Bangladesh, “especially through infrastructure, military cooperation, and port developments”.

Among the experts who shared their views with the committee, one “highlighted five drivers of the current challenge: generational discontinuity, collapse of the 1971 consensus, rise of new political forces, rise of Islamic radicalism and strategic realignment with China and Pakistan”.

The Committee also noted Bangladesh’s Jamaat-e-Islami leaders' visit to China, “which clearly indicates its broad engagement with various factions in Bangladesh, further solidifying its presence”. It further added, “concerned to know that a submarine base has been built

by China at Pekua, capable of accommodating eight submarines when Bangladesh has only two”.

Meanwhile, security forces in Bangladesh appear overstretched and overwhelmed, limiting coherent responses to coordinated violence. Also, the interim government faces legitimacy challenges with competing narratives about the uprising and prosecutions of former officials. It has polarised the society and hampered consensus on reforms.

293 killed in mob attacks in Bangladesh since Yunus took over: Rights group

Dhaka, Dec 31 (IANS) A leading human rights organisation in Bangladesh highlighted widespread rights abuses across the country, including mob violence, extrajudicial killings, deaths in custody, minority persecution, killings in political violence, and suppression of press freedom, local media reported on Wednesday.

In its latest report, Dhakabased Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) revealed that "mob terrorism" has increased at an alarming rate throughout 2025.

As per the findings, mob violence claimed 197 lives from January to December in comparison to 128 deaths last year.

Since the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government assumed office in 2024, the report said, at least 293 people have been killed in mob violence.

"People have been beaten and killed without any evidence, investigation or legal process, by creating suspicion and rumours.

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Unity Council) claiming 2,442 incidents of violence against religious and ethnic minorities across the country between the student uprising on August 4, 2024, and June 30 this year, a span of 330 days.

In recent times, hostility against New Delhi has been marked by threats to isolate India's Northeastern states and provide refuge to separatists by leaders like Hasnat Abdullah of the National Citizen Party.

In December, violence erupted across Bangladesh following the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi. He was among the top leaders in the 2024 uprising that led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime. Arson, attacks on media houses, and anti-India demonstrations re-erupted, leading the country into more chaos.

Meanwhile, external actors have offered incentives to cultivate influence in Dhaka while the state is distracted, further complicating governance. Dhaka’s foreign policy shifted, with the interim administration reaching out to Pakistan, the same country it fought to attain independence in 1971, and China.

A recent report from India’s Parliamentary Committee on External Affairs on “Future of India-Bangladesh Relationship”

WORLD NEWS

In the name of the Tawheed Janata, mobs have been illegally formed to vandalise art and cultural centres, attack the Baul community -- and even burn bodies from graves. There have been incidents of harassment of people of opposing views, including freedom fighters," Bangladeshi Bengali daily Prothom Alo quoted the rights body as saying.

According to the statement, in many of these incidents, the law enforcement agencies failed to act, and efforts to bring perpetrators to justice were largely absent.

The report said that at least 107 people died in various prisons across the country in 2025, including 69 inmates and 38 prisoners. Among the prisons across the country, Dhaka Central Jail recorded the highest number of deaths with 38, followed

by Gazipur with 7, while the remaining fatalities occurred in other prisons across the country.

Additionally, at least 38 people were killed in extrajudicial killings in 2025, as reported by the monitoring of the Information Protection Unit of ASK. These deaths, the rights body said, occurred in the custody of law enforcement agencies, under torture, in the name of

alleged 'shootouts' or 'gunfights' -- reflecting an ongoing human rights crisis.

ASK revealed that between January and December 2025, Bangladesh witnessed at least 401 incidents of political violence, claiming 102 lives and injuring 4,744 people.

The report further stated that at least 381 journalists faced torture and harassment during the same period, with 23 journalists targeted by law enforcement agencies and 20 receiving death threats.

Highlighting the atrocities on minorities across Bangladesh, especially Hindus, ASK documented several violent incidents, including attacks, intimidation, looting, arson and vandalism of idols between January and December 2025.

This year alone, the report said, there were at least 42 attacks targeting Hindus, resulting in the damage of 33 houses, 36 houses set on fire, attacks on four temples, vandalism of 64 idols, and nine land-grabbing incidents.

Bangladesh has been gripped by escalating human rights abuses and persistent attacks on minorities, particularly the Hindu community, under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.

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INDIA NEWS

Jan 1-15, 2026 - Vol-6, Issue 10

India announces US$450 million reconstruction package for Sri Lanka: EAM Jaishankar

Colombo, Dec 23 (IANS) Highlighting Sri Lanka’s importance under India’s Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR policies, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Tuesday stated it was natural for India to step forward at the time of crisis in the island nation following Cyclone Ditwah.

He recalled New Delhi’s support to Colombo during its earlier economic turmoil.

The EAM called on Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake earlier in the day and handed over a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirming India’s role as a first responder and committing a

reconstruction package of US$450 million to Sri Lanka.

Addressing a joint press conference with his Sri Lankan counterpart Vijitha Herath in Colombo, EAM said, “I am here as special envoy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and carrying a message for President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The President was kind enough to receive me this morning, and we had a detailed discussion on the damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The letter from Prime Minister Modi that I handed over builds on our first responder role and commits a reconstruction package of US $ 450 million to Sri Lanka."

“Our talks centred around how expeditiously this commitment can be delivered. As your closest neighbour and in line with our Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR policies, it was only natural that India would step forward at a time when Sri Lanka faced a crisis. We have done so when you were going through

economic difficulties as well," he added.

EAM Jaishankar highlighted that India's relief and assistance mission under Operation Sagar Bandhu commenced on the very day Cyclone Ditwah made landfall.

“Our aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and another ship, INS Udaygiri, were present at Colombo and delivered relief materials and thereafter also deployed helicopters. Thereafter, a number of MI-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force were active for a period of more than two weeks in Sri Lanka. An 80-member National Disaster Response Force contingent arrived simultaneously and conducted rescue and relief operations,” EAM detailed.

“The Indian Army set up a field hospital with 85 medical personnel near Kandy, giving emergency care to more than 8000 people. Two modular BHISHM emergency care units were also airlifted to Sri Lanka and utilised,” he added.

Indian student killed in shooting near Toronto University; accused on the run in Toronto expressed deep

New Delhi, Dec 26 (IANS) A 20-year-old Indian student was fatally shot near the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus, following which the Canadian Police launched a manhunt and an appeal to the public for information related to the incident.

The victim has been identified as Shivank Avasthi, an Indian national pursuing doctoral studies in Canada. According to Toronto Police, he was discovered with a gunshot injury on Tuesday

afternoon, marking the city’s 41st homicide case of the year.

"On Tuesday, at approximately 3.34 p.m., police responded to a call for an unknown trouble in the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area. Officers responded to reports of a person with serious injuries. Officers located a male victim with a gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced deceased on scene," the Toronto Police said in an official statement on Wednesday.

"The suspect(s) fled the area before police arrival," the statement said.

Anyone with information was asked to contact police at 416808-7400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

The killing has sent shockwaves through the Indian community in Canada and drawn a strong reaction from Indian authorities.

The Consulate General of India

sorrow over Avasthi’s death and confirmed that it is extending full support to his family.

"We express deep anguish over the tragic death of a young Indian doctoral student, Mr. Shivank Avasthi, in a fatal shooting incident near the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus.

The Consulate is in touch with the bereaved family during this difficult time, and is extending all necessary assistance in close coordination with the local authorities," the Consulate General of India in Toronto said on X. The incident comes just days after another Indian national was killed in Toronto, raising renewed concerns about the safety of international students and residents. Last week, 30-year-old Himanshi Khurana was found dead inside a residence, a day after she was reported missing in the Strachan Avenue and Wellington Street West area.

13 killed, 98 injured after passenger train derails in Mexico Mexico City, Dec 29 (IANS) A passenger train carrying 241 passengers and nine crew members derailed on a bridge near Nizanda in southern Mexico on Sunday, leaving at least 13 people dead and 98 others injured, the Secretariat of the Navy said on social media.

The accident occurred on the Interoceanic Train, which links the Pacific port of Salina Cruz with Coatzacoalcos on the Gulf Coast, as it rounded a bend near the town of Nizanda in Oaxaca.

The train, consisting of two locomotives and four passenger cars, partially toppled off the

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tracks, with several carriages tilting down the side of a cliff.

Of the 98 injured, five were in serious condition. Most have been admitted to hospitals run by the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) in Matías Romero and Salina Cruz, while others were treated at IMSS-Wellbeing hospitals in Juchitán and Ixtepec.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo posted on X, “The Secretariat of the Navy has informed me that in the Interoceanic Train accident, unfortunately 13 people died; 98 are injured, five of them seriously. The injured are in IMSS

hospitals in Matías Romero and Salina Cruz, as well as in IMSSWellbeing hospitals in Juchitán and Ixtepec.” “ I have given instructions for the Secretary of the Navy and the Deputy Secretary of Human Rights of the Secretariat of the Interior to travel to the site and personally attend to the families; also the delegates of IMSS and IMSS-Wellbeing. The Secretary of the Interior will coordinate the efforts. I appreciate the support of the Governor of Oaxaca and his team. We will continue to provide updates,” she added.

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WORLD NEWS

Pakistan’s deep state behind atrocities against Hindus in B’desh: Baloch activist

Quetta, Dec 24 (IANS) Leading Baloch human rights defender, Mir Yar Baloch, on Wednesday accused Pakistan's deep state of the escalating incidents of mob lynching, hate-driven violence, and targeted attacks against the Hindu community in Bangladesh.

The human rights activists stated that these acts of communal unrest, deliberately targeting peaceful Hindus, which have intensified in Bangladesh following the fall of the Awami League government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, represented a serious violation of human rights, threatening the fabric of a pluralistic society.

"Pakistan stands as a state driven by terrorism, not governed by a professional army but by a global mercenary mafia and rogue military. History bears witness: wherever Pakistani forces or their proxies have extended influence, peace, prosperity, and development have been extinguished," Mir posted on X. The human rights activist further added that during its close relations with Afghanistan,

Pakistan has turned Kabul into ruins. He also stated that since Pakistan's "illegal and forcible occupation" of Balochistan, genocide has reached its peak in the province, with abductions of Baloch women now rampant.

He highlighted that Pakistan perpetrated the genocide of three million Bangladeshi Bengalis and the systematic rape of hundreds of thousands of women during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. "Yet, as Pakistan reasserts its foothold in Bangladesh postHasina, insecurity, near civilwar conditions, discrimination, and oppression against Hindus have surged. Pakistan seeks to use Bangladesh as a proxy to destabilise India," Mir stated.

Calling on the people of Bangladesh, the human rights activist said, "Pakistan is a cancer; the closer you draw to it, the greater the chaos and destruction in your nation. The time has come to stand united against Pakistansponsored riots and violence targeting the Hindu community".

Mir urged the Bangladeshis not to forget India's friendship and sacrifices, noting that the country shed blood alongside the people of Bangladesh to free them from Pakistan's chains of "slavery and tyranny".

​ S H-1B rule shift alarms Indian U tech workers, diaspora families

Washington, Dec 26 (IANS) A sweeping change to the US H-1B visa selection process has triggered fresh anxiety among Indian technology professionals and Indian American families, after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) formally notified that future H-1B cap selections will be weighted based on wage levels rather than random lottery alone.

The final rule, published in the Federal Register, amends existing regulations to allow the selection of “unique beneficiaries toward the H–1B annual numerical limitations and the advanced degree exemption in a weighted manner based on the wage level listed in each H–1B registration that corresponds to the prospective petitioner’s proffered wage.”

For Indian nationals—who account for a large share of H-1B approvals and dominate the long employment-based green card backlog—the shift is being closely watched as a potential restructuring of how foreign

talent enters the US technology workforce.

DHS said the rule is intended to address “shortages in positions requiring highly skilled or highly educated workers while protecting the wages, working conditions, and job opportunities of US workers,” adding that it seeks to prevent what it described as the “continued abuse of the H–1B program to displace and otherwise harm US workers.”

Public comments submitted during the rulemaking process highlighted concerns from employers, startups and academic institutions that H-1B professionals “drive innovation, productivity growth, and entrepreneurship,” and that international students contribute significantly to economic growth.

Several commenters warned that limiting access to global talent could undermine startups and small businesses that “cannot compete with the salaries of larger, established companies.”

One comment noted that startups rely on the H-1B program to attract workers with “niche expertise,” and argued that making the program “more expensive and difficult to use” would “limit the growth of US tech innovation and global leadership.”

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INDIA NEWS

Jan 1-15, 2026 - Vol-6, Issue 10

Defence, AI to shape next phase of India-US ties: Expert

Danish PM reiterates demand for respecting territorial integrity after US names special envoy to Greenland

Washington, Dec 23 (IANS) Defence cooperation, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are likely to anchor the next phase of India-United States engagement as the two sides seek to sustain momentum in strategic sectors despite unresolved political and trade challenges, a senior India-US policy expert said.

Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director of the Observer Research Foundation America, told IANS that while high-level political engagement has faced constraints, cooperation in defence, technology and energy has continued to advance and provides a foundation for stabilising bilateral ties in 2026.

“There has been some stabilisation in the India-US relationship,” Jaishankar said, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump spoke “at least four times” between mid-September and the end of the year, alongside the resumption of cabinet-level contacts after a brief pause.

He pointed to “some fruitful agreements on defence, on energy” as evidence that practical cooperation has continued even during periods of political strain.

Jaishankar said defence remains one of the most resilient pillars of the partnership. Militaryto-military engagement has expanded steadily, with exercises involving all three services,

joint training programmes and ongoing defence sales.

“There is, I think, a good sense of military-to-military engagement,” he said, adding that the challenge has historically been in moving beyond sales toward joint defence co-production and development.

While progress in that area has been uneven, Jaishankar said the most promising opportunities lie in advanced and niche capabilities rather than legacy platforms. “The area that will be interesting to watch will be mostly in very, very cutting-edge technologies,” he said, citing autonomous underwater systems and counter-drone capabilities.

In these domains, he said, India has operational requirements, and the United States remains at the technological frontier, creating scope for deeper collaboration. However, he cautioned that progress will depend less on governmentto-government agreements and more on private-sector engagement.

“Some of that is, again, less at the government-to-government level and more at the business-tobusiness level,” he said.

Artificial intelligence represents another area of growing engagement, though Jaishankar said expectations on both sides are not fully aligned. India, he said, is focused on rapid deployment of AI applications that deliver tangible public benefits and commercial viability.

“The emphasis India wants to see (is) very quick applications and use cases for AI that really improve the lives of everyday people,” he said.

Bush, Putin privately cast China as a long-term strategic challenge

Washington, Dec 25 (IANS) China’s rise emerged as a central concern in private talks between U.S. President George W. Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin, with Bush warning that Beijing posed the “biggest longterm problem” ahead, according to newly released transcripts of their meetings and conversations.

The records, released by the National Security Archive following a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit, span Bush and Putin’s interactions from 2001 to 2008 and include detailed memoranda of in-person meetings in Europe, Washington, and Russia, as well as telephone calls between the two leaders.

The issue of China surfaced as early as their first face-to-face meeting on June 16, 2001, at Brdo

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Castle in Slovenia, where the two presidents discussed the future of US-Russia relations, strategic stability, and emerging global threats.

During that conversation, Bush emphasised that Russia was “part of the West and not an enemy,” while also flagging China as a potential long-term challenge that would shape global politics in the decades ahead, according to the transcripts.

Bush returned to the theme in subsequent discussions, including a September 16, 2005, Oval Office meeting at the White House. In that exchange, Bush told Putin bluntly that “China is the biggest long-term problem for both of us,” underscoring Washington’s growing concern over Beijing’s expanding economic, military, and geopolitical reach, according to the transcripts.

“More for you,” Putin replied, signalling Moscow’s view that China posed a greater strategic challenge to the United States than to Russia.

Oslo, Dec 22 (IANS) Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister JensFrederik Nielsen said on Monday that they expect "respect" for the Kingdom of Denmark's territorial integrity from the US side.

"We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again. You cannot annex other countries.

Not even with an argument about international security. Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders, and the USA should not take over Greenland. We expect respect for our common territorial integrity," the two leaders said in a joint statement, Xinhua News Agency reported.

The remarks came after US President Donald Trump announced late Sunday the appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the US special envoy to Greenland, renewing diplomatic tension between Washington and the Danish Realm.

"Jeff understands how essential Greenland is to our National Security, and will strongly advance our Country's Interests for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Allies," said Trump on social media platform "Truth Social."

Landry wrote on social media X that it was an honor to serve in the role "to make Greenland part

WORLD NEWS

of the USA." Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said Denmark would summon US Ambassador Ken Howery for talks, demanding respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark, which includes Denmark, the Faroe Islands and Greenland.

"I am upset, especially about the envoy's statements about making Greenland part of the United States. We find that completely unacceptable," Rasmussen told Danish broadcaster TV 2.

Since taking office in January this year, Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in gaining control of Greenland, stating he would not rule out the use of "military or economic coercion" to achieve that goal.

Greenland, a former Danish colony, became an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953.

It was granted home rule in 1979, expanding its autonomy, though Denmark retains authority over foreign affairs and defence.

Intel flags ISI plot to incite anti-India fury in Bangladesh, push New Delhi into military response India look like the aggressor in

New Delhi, Dec 23 (IANS) With the situation in Bangladesh going from bad to worse, Intelligence agencies have learnt that there is a deliberate attempt by the ISI to provoke India. The plan is to provoke India into attacking Bangladesh, so that it garners international attention, agencies have learnt.

The ISI-backed elements are provoking people, stating that India is protecting ousted leader Sheikh Hasina, while backing her party, the Awami League. The August 2024 uprising managed to create an anti-Hasina wave across the country, and this is being taken advantage of by the ISI. Following her ouster, she fled to India and remained in New Delhi since then. Following the collapse

of the Sheikh Hasina government and the subsequent takeover by Muhammad Yunus as caretaker of the interim government, chaos ensued throughout the country.

Street violence has become a daily routine apart from the persecution of the minority community.

An official stated that there is a significant amount of antiIndia sentiment that the ISI has managed to cultivate over the past year. However, the systematic persecution of the minority community, especially the Hindus, is a clear attempt to provoke India. In the last couple of days, disturbing visuals of a Hindu man being lynched have been in circulation.

ISI-backed handles are deliberately making these clips go viral in India so that it provokes the general public. The aim is to provoke the Indian public to such an extent that they put pressure on the government to act militarily against Bangladesh.

The other intention is make

the international community, an official said.

An official says that India’s intention is not to be the aggressor. However, it will do everything it can to protect its integrity and sovereignty.

Moreover, the ISI is well aware that any such action could derail the February 2026 elections.

This is what the ISI and Jamaate-Islami have been planning, as they want the elections to be postponed or cancelled. If this were to take place, they would run the country the way they like with their proxy Muhammad Yunus, another official said.

In addition to the lynching incidents, two student leaders have been shot in a span of a week. Osman Hadi and Motaleb Sikder, both top student leaders, were shot, and this has led to an increase in violence. The Bangladesh agencies have accused some Awami League members of shooting the two student leaders. This is being used as a tool against Sheikh Hasina and her party.

North Korea’s Kim calls for expanding missile, shell production capacity Seoul, Dec 26 (IANS) North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has unveiled a plan to build new munitions factories to expand the production capacity of missiles and shells, stressing that raising their production is critical in bolstering the war deterrent, state media reported on Friday.

The report came a day after the North's state media said Kim had inspected an 8,700-tonne

"nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine" under construction.

The North's leader ordered expanding the production capacity of missiles and shells during his visit to major munitions industry enterprises as he inspected the missile and shell production in the fourth quarter, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). It

did not elaborate on the date of his inspection or the factories' locations.

Kim noted plans to construct new munitions factories will be decided at the upcoming party congress, stressing the importance of modernising the munitions industry, according to the KCNA.

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NATIONAL NEWS

Australian PM apologises to Jewish Australia mulls gas resercommunity over Bondi Beach terror attack vation for domestic use

Canberra, Dec 22 (IANS) Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday issued an apology to the nation's Jewish community following the mass shooting at Bondi Beach as he announced new laws that will target hate speech.

Albanese said at a press conference in Canberra on Monday afternoon that he feels the "weight of responsibility" for the fatal shooting of 15 people at an event celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah at Sydney's

Bondi Beach on December 14.

"I'm sorry for what the Jewish community and our nation as a whole have experienced," he said, Xinhua News Agency reported.

He said that his government would work "every day" to protect Jewish Australians and would not let the Islamic State-inspired terrorists responsible for the attack win by dividing Australian society.

Albanese said that his cabinet met on Monday for the second time following the attack and agreed to move forward with a legislative package designed to combat hate speech and its consequences.

The new laws, which will be introduced to parliament in 2026, will increase existing criminal penalties for hate speech, make hate motivation a factor in sentencing crimes, and grant the minister for home affairs

the power to cancel the visa of a person who engages in hate speech promoting violence or displaying hate symbols.

Additionally, a new aggravated criminal offence will be introduced for adults who seek to influence and radicalise children.

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said that 10 of the 120 people convicted of terrorism offences in Australia since 2001 were children, but that 17 of the 33 people currently before the courts on terrorism charges are minors.

"This unprecedented radicalisation of our youth must stop. We will not allow extremists to groom and brainwash our children into hate or terrorism," she said.

Albanese said that the government would consult across federal parliament on the new laws to ensure urgency and unity.

Alleged Sydney shooters were not part of terror cell, police say

Canberra, Dec 30 (IANS) The alleged perpetrators of the fatal mass shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach earlier in December acted alone and were not part of a broader terrorist cell, authorities said on Tuesday.

Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Krissy Barrett said at a press conference in Canberra that there is no evidence to

suggest that the alleged offenders were part of a 'broader terrorist cell' or were directed by others to carry out the fatal shooting of 15 people at Sydney's Bondi Beach on December 14.

She said that a joint investigation with the Philippine National Police has confirmed that 50-year-old Sajid Akram, who was shot dead by police at the scene of the attack, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines from November 1 to November 29.

The AFP is continuing to review CCTV footage, but Barrett said that the pair rarely left their accommodation in Davao City

and did not receive any training or logistical preparation for the attack while in the Philippines, Xinhua news agency reported.

"However, I want to be clear, I am not suggesting that they were there for tourism," she said.

Meanwhile, a record number of police officers will be deployed to patrol New Year's celebrations in Sydney following the fatal mass shooting at Bondi Beach, the police force in the state of New South Wales (NSW) said on Tuesday. The NSW Police Force said in a statement that more than 2,500 officers in uniform and plain clothes will conduct high-visibility patrols in the Sydney metropolitan area during New Year's Eve celebrations on Wednesday.

Record number of police to patrol Sydney’s New Year celebrations following Bondi shooting

Sydney, Dec 30 (IANS) A record number of police officers will be deployed to patrol New Year's celebrations in Sydney following the fatal mass shooting at Bondi Beach, the police force in the state of New South Wales (NSW) said on Tuesday.

The NSW Police Force said in a statement that more than 2,500 officers in uniform and plain clothes will conduct highvisibility patrols in the Sydney metropolitan area during New Year's Eve celebrations on Wednesday.

Up to one million people are expected to watch the iconic fireworks displays over the

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Sydney Harbor. The NSW Police Force said that the increased presence of officers will ensure the community are safe and feel safe following the fatal shooting of 15 people at Bondi Beach on December 14.

Speaking at a press conference alongside Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, NSW Premier Chris Minns said on Tuesday that some officers will be carrying long-arm firearms.

"You can expect more guns for the police and less guns for members of the community," he said.

"We need to show defiance in the face of this evil, and the best way of doing that is to spend some time with your friends and your family on New Year's Eve on Sydney Harbor."

Lanyon told reporters that there is no specific threat to members of the public and the community should not feel afraid of the heavy

police presence, Xinhua news agency reported.

The NSW Police Force said that general duty officers from every police district across the state will be assisted by specialist officers from the riot squad, mounted and dog squad, marine command and the aviation command.

Earlier on December 29, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had announced the terms for an independent review of the Bondi Beach terror attack, but he again resisted calls to launch a royal commission.

The review, led by former intelligence chief Dennis Richardson, will assess whether multiple agencies, including the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the Australian Federal Police, operated as effectively as possible prior to the attack.

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Canberra, Dec 22 (IANS) The Australian government on Monday announced plans for new laws that will require gas exporters to reserve a portion of their supply for the domestic market.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said at a press conference in Canberra that the laws, which will be introduced to the federal parliament in 2026, will guarantee Australia's supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and put downward pressure on prices.

He said that the legislation will be developed in consultation with the gas industry, international parties and communities and will require exporters to reserve between 15 and 25 per cent of LNG extracted in Australia for the domestic market, reports Xinhua news agency.

"Most Australians think that Australians should have first rights to what's under Australian soil," Bowen said.

Australia is among the world's largest exporters of LNG. Still, a report published on Monday by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission forecast that the country's south and

southeastern states will face a supply shortfall in 2026.

Bowen said that he has briefed his counterparts in Asian nations, including South Korea, Japan and Singapore, who are among the biggest buyers of Australian gas, on the policy.

Earlier in March, the Australia Institute revealed that exporting most of the country's gas has led to higher prices for Australian households and businesses, while applauding the government's recent commitment to prioritise supply to the domestic market.

"The more gas they export, the faster Australia's gas reserves run out, the higher the energy bills for Australian households and businesses," said Richard Denniss, executive director at the Australia Institute.

"There is a simple, obvious, foolproof way to ensure a sufficient gas supply and low prices for Australians, and that is to cap exports," Denniss said.

Australia is one of the largest exporters of gas in the world.

There is no shortage of gas in Australia, as highlighted in the government's recent statements, according to the Australia Institute. Multinational gas export corporations already export 80 per cent of Australia's gas and control almost all of Australia's gas reserves, it said, adding that gas exports are hurting Australians.

Australian PM announces terms for review into Bondi Beach attack

Canberra, Dec 29 (IANS) Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday announced the terms for an independent review of the Bondi Beach terror attack, but he again resisted calls to launch a royal commission.

The review, led by former intelligence chief Dennis Richardson, will assess whether multiple agencies, including the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the Australian Federal Police, operated as effectively as possible prior to the attack.

The review will also consider what judgements the agencies made and whether any additional measures could have prevented the attack.

The review is expected to be completed and published by April, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

The opposition and some families of Bondi Beach shooting victims have urged the prime minister to launch a royal commission -- the highest form of inquiry on

matters of public importance in Australia.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said an independent review -instead of a royal commission -- would allow the government to "deal squarely with the urgency of national security issues."

Sixteen people, including one alleged gunman, were killed in the mass shooting at Bondi Beach on December 14. The perpetrators have been identified as 50-yearold Sajid Akram and his son, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier on December 24, Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had said he had asked the governor-general to institute a special honors list for first responders and other heroes from the Bondi fatal mass shooting.

Albanese had said that the recipients, who would be announced in 2026, would include police, medical staff, and members of the community who rushed to help in the wake of the terror attack.

The parliament of Australia's state of New South Wales (NSW) had passed tough new gun and protest laws in response to the fatal mass shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach, the ABC had reported.

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From the editor’s desk

With Khaleda Zia gone, BNP’s surge threatens ISI’s Jamaat-centric strategy this is why the ISI feels that the

Khaleda Zia’s complex legacy and turbulent ties with India

Dhaka, Dec 30 (IANS) Khaleda Zia's tenure as Bangladesh Prime Minister coincided with some of the most challenging periods in India–Bangladesh relations, an era marked by visible hostility and a series of missed strategic opportunities between the two neighbours.

Zia, a three-time Prime Minister and long-time chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), died early Tuesday morning after a prolonged illness. She was 80.

Her death brings to an end a political journey that shaped Bangladesh's postindependence history for more than four decades.

Rising from a largely private life, she became the country's first female Prime Minister and a defining figure in its postindependence history.

Khaleda Zia was born in 1945 in Jalpaiguri, part of Greater Dinajpur in undivided India.

Khaleda later moved with her family to what was then East Pakistan, following the partition of India.

In 1960, she married Ziaur Rahman, then a captain in the Pakistani Army. Ziaur Rahman later revolted against Pakistani forces during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. He went on to serve as the President of Bangladesh in 1977 and formed the BNP the following year.

After Ziaur Rahman's assassination on May 30, 1981, BNP plunged into a serious crisis, prompting senior leaders and BNP workers to urge Khaleda Zia to assume a leadership role in the party.

She was appointed as the Vice-President of the party on January 12, 1984, and was elected BNP's chairperson on May 10 in the same year. She retained her position through successive party councils in 1993, 2009 and 2016, cementing a nearly 41-year tenure as BNP chairperson.

Following BNP's victory in the 1991 parliamentary election, Khaleda Zia was sworn in as the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

She assumed the office of the Prime Minister for a second consecutive term after the 1996 national elections, which were held amid a boycott from major opposition parties.

She was sworn in as Prime Minister for the third time on October 10, 2001.

In her early years, Khaleda Zia

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adopted a cautious and, in many respects, adversarial posture towards New Delhi, a stance that shaped bilateral ties for over a decade.

Zia consistently opposed overland transit and connectivity initiatives with India, both during her time as Prime Minister and later as Leader of the Opposition, a role she held twice between 1996 and 2014.

As Prime Minister, she flatly denied India transit rights through Bangladeshi territory to access its northeastern states, arguing that such arrangements would compromise Bangladesh's security and sovereignty.

She went further to claim that toll-free movement of Indian trucks on Bangladeshi roads amounted to "slavery".

Her resistance also extended to diplomatic agreements.

Zia opposed the renewal of the 1972 Indo-Bangladesh Friendship Treaty, widely regarded by strategic experts as significant from a military standpoint.

She argued the treaty had "shackled" Bangladesh and constrained its independence.

Positioning her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as a "protector of Bangladesh's interests", Zia often framed her policies as a defence against what she described as Indian domination.

This rhetoric was evident even years later. At a rally in Dhaka in 2018, when Sheikh Hasina was Prime Minister, and Zia was Leader of the Opposition, she criticised Hasina for exempting India from paying transit duties.

Another major source of friction during Zia's tenure was India's Farakka Barrage, operational since 1975 to divert water from the Ganges into the Hooghly River through a feeder canal.

While the barrage helps reduce silt, improves navigability around Kolkata Port and supplies fresh water to the city, Zia maintained that it deprived Bangladesh of its rightful share of Ganges water.

In 2007, she accused India of deliberately opening sluice gates to aggravate flooding in Bangladesh.

Her foreign policy choices further heightened tensions.

In 2002, Zia actively pursued defence cooperation with China.

India viewed this as a direct strategic challenge and responded by increasing diplomatic pressure. This included a counter-offensive in which Delhi accused the BNP government of sheltering separatist groups and terrorists operating in India's northeastern states.

New Delhi, Dec 30 (IANS) The death of Bangladesh’s First Lady Prime Minister, Khaleda Zia, comes at a time when the country is gearing up for a very crucial election on February 12.

Zia (80) died this morning after a prolonged illness. She was on life support for the last couple of weeks and breathed her last at 6 a.m. on December 30.

While Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has been on course to win the elections, experts say the chances now are that it will get a larger number of seats. A sympathy wave would surely be a factor during the elections, and this is bound to help the BNP considerably, experts say.

Bangladesh watchers say that owing to health reasons, Zia has been out of the mainstream for quite some time. While the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami were together during the events that led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, the two parted ways afterwards.

Despite being coalition partners when the BNP ruled the nation, this time both parties decided to go solo in the upcoming elections.

Another event that bolstered the BNP’s chances was the return of Tarique Rahman, the son of the late Khaleda Zia. He drew an impressive crowd, and the fact that he returned to Bangladesh has infused fresh life into the cadres of the BNP, experts also say.

Experts feel that Rahman, who filed his nomination papers from two constituencies, is the frontrunner to be the next Prime Minister of Bangladesh. When he returned from London after a 17-year exile, it became clear that he would play a big role in Bangladesh politics.

Recent opinion polls have shown that the BNP is ahead of the Jamaat and the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP). However, these polls also indicated that the Jamaat was not far behind the BNP. The NCP, which was a distant third, is expected to be pushed down further owing to the multiple splits within the party.

Zia’s death is expected to change much of the situation, as the BNP would clearly ride on the sympathy wave. The outpouring of grief across the country following her death only shows that she remained a popular leader in the country.

Since Bangladesh plunged into crisis after Sheikh Hasina fled the country, India has been reaching out to the BNP leadership.

Both sides have agreed to have cordial ties and share a workable

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relationship. This, however, has not gone down too well with the ISI, which has been rooting for the Jamaat, which it controls.

Officials say that the BNP, although it has had an anti-India stance, is a workable partner when compared to the Jamaat.

The BNP has been anti-India, while in power, but unlike the Jamaat, it has not made any open call to hurt India. Rahman, who is likely to be the next PM, has in the past been accused of being pro-ISI. However, analysts say that there are signs of change, and he too feels that India and Bangladesh should share a workable relationship.

Intelligence Bureau officials say that the fast-changing situation in Bangladesh has made the ISI go into overdrive mode. It has been reaching out to the BNP leadership as it seeks to control the party. The ISI fears that the BNP may not be as easy to manoeuvre when compared to the Jamaat.

Intelligence agencies have learnt that the ISI has been trying to pump money into the BNP so that it shares similar ties with Pakistan, like the Jamaat. Officials say that the legacy of Khaleda Zia would be used heavily by the BNP during the election campaign.

There is no doubt that her death would benefit the BNP hugely, and

EDITORIAL

chances of the Jamaat being in power are gradually vanishing.

Indian agencies are keeping a close watch on the activities within the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka. The ISI cell within the commission has been meddling in the electoral space of the country and is trying to control the results. It has now realised that there is a dire need to get the BNP on its side so that any outreach by New Delhi could be blocked.

Experts say that a lot would depend on Rahman. He has indicated that he wants good ties with India, but that again depends on whether or not the ISI can break him. If he is sensible and wants the country to progress, then the best bet for him is to have a workable relationship with India, experts also say.

Officials, however, add that what Rahman would do is hard to tell.

On his arrival, he first dialled Muhammad Yunus and thanked him for facilitating his return.

His next event is something that would require careful analysis.

He visited the site when student leader, Sharif Osman Hadi, was buried and paid homage. Hadi was an open India hater and called for the destruction of the country. He has also blamed India for every problem that Bangladesh has been facing.

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Wisdom marks India’s strategic outlook

New Delhi, Dec 21 (IANS) Nonaggression, synthesis and unity of all existence reflect the ancient Indian thought that continues to define the standing of this country even in today’s world.

Independent India began its journey with the call of ‘friendship for all, malice towards none’ and years later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the mantra of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or ‘one earth one family one future’ at the G20 summit held at Delhi in September 2023. He struck the cord that India’s strategic culture was known for. This advocated peaceful coexistence not pacifism and PM Modi regime has made it abundantly clear that India would build its self-defence on the motto of self-reliance -on a scale that deterred its adversaries.

At the same time India has followed the strategy of pursuing bilateral relations with all for serving mutual security and economic interests, working for peaceful resolution of military conflicts and upholding the cause of suffering humanity anywhere. India rightly believes that in a multipolar world it could -as a major voice on issues of world peace - serve this cause

without getting into ‘alignments’.

This approach to international relations has benefited India in a large measure.

The success of India’s handling of international relations can be judged to an extent from the newly documented US National Security Strategy released by President Donald Trump on December 5. Although NSS focused on MAGA-related ‘America First’ priorities, Trump has attached special importance to Indo-Pacific region and recognised India’s contribution as a partner to Indo-Pacific security through the Quad framework.

He seemed to be elevating Quad as a grouping of strategic importance against China. As regards Pakistan, Trump is known to have cultivated its leadership, but that country found mention only in the context of the claim once again made by the US President, for his personal reasons- that he should be given credit for fostering peace between India and Pakistan in the IndoPak military stand off in May. Trump would have been happy if India like Pakistan, endorsed his claim and perhaps he carried a grudge on this count but he could not disregard India’s role as a major power advocating global peace and human development.

Given to making commercial deals, Trump is shrewdly watching the course of Indo-US talks on trade and tariffs. India believes that competition should not lead to collision. Its policy of sticking to bilateral relations that served India’s security and economic interests was being applied to US as well. This has affirmed India’s strategic autonomy.

While Indo-US relations have been fluctuating between

good and business-like under President Trump’s second tenure, Vladimir Putin’s visit to India for the India-Russia summit has helped to enhance the geopolitical balance from India’s point of view. The Russian President visited India at a time when US was pushing this country to cut down on its oil import from Russia on the plea that this was strengthening the Russian war machine in the Ukraine-Russia military conflict.

Prime Minister Modi described India-Russia friendship as something as stable as ‘the guiding star’ while Putin also emphasised that the two countries were ‘important partners’ in trade, investment and technologies. Putin pledged that Russia would continue with uninterrupted shipments of fuel for the fast growing Indian economy and implicitly urged India to disregard US tariff pressure.

On the Russia-Ukraine confrontation, Putin stated that Russia was taking steps with mediators, including the US, in search of a possible peaceful settlement. He seemed to have a certain equation with Trump, who in turn, wanted President Zelensky of Ukraine to accommodate Putin on the territorial issue. While economic cooperation was the ‘driving impulse’ of Putin’s visit - as India’s Foreign Secretary put itboth India and Russia evidently benefited from it and what is perhaps even more important from Indian perspective, the summit added to geopolitical stability and international equilibrium.

India’s strategy of not aligning with any ‘superpowers’ and

preferring an approach of bilateral friendships, has served the country well and strengthened its position as a major votary of global peace and development. It has enabled India to emerge as an advocate for the global South on the forum of ASEAN and elsewhere and as a helping hand in resolving military conflicts whether it was UkraineRussia ‘war’ or Israel’s military offensive in Gaza following the October 7 terror attack of Hamas.

India does at the same time take serious notice of its adversaries like Pakistan which harboured Islamic terrorists for using them against India and China which had entered into a strategic alliance with Pakistan that was mainly directed against this country -as was seen in the postPahalgam military confrontation between India and Pakistan. India is active in both BRICS and SCO but is also prepared to upgrade its profile in Quad for countering Chinese aggressiveness in the Indo-Pacific and supporting ‘rules based order’ in that region.

India is watching out against any Chinese outreach to Indian Ocean. It has in PM Modi regime adopted a policy of becoming self-dependent in economic and military planes that was in keeping with India’s approach to strategic autonomy and positive non-alignment. India has shown flexibility and patience in dealing with US and retained its belief that the two largest democracies of the world ought to have a natural friendship.

The geopolitical scene today is marked by signs of return of Cold War on the horizon with a resurgent China trying to emerge as the second superpower through a build up of its economic, technological and military might and with Russia playing the second fiddle to China. In Iran and Afghanistan

SPOTLIGHT STORIES US on one hand and China-Russia combine on the other seemed to be pitted against each other. Also, competing interests of US and China in the global South and a return to the Monroe Doctrine by Donald Trump that considered the Western Hemisphere as the exclusive area of American influence-Trump viewing it as a component of Make America Great Again (MAGA) mission- add to this bipolarity in international relations.

The American President’s attitude of withdrawal from NATO and the European Union is part of his reluctance to get into international projects through USAID that only ‘wasted US funds’ -as Secretary of State Marco Rubio put it. Trump has tilted towards Russia in the UkraineRussia military conflict -he had a personal bonhomie with Putin. India can maintain even relationships with both US and Russia, notwithstanding the ‘tariff pressure’ exercised by Trump on this country.

India can also remain firm on its stand that ‘this was not an era of wars’- as stated by Prime Minister Modi in his first response to the Ukraine-Russia conflict. India is , at the same time, free to plan its countersteps against a hostile China. A prime challenge in the present is the Trump administration’s move to cultivate Pakistan for reasons of trade in disregard of Pak complicity in faith-based terrorism, at a time when China was colluding with Pakistan against India. India has to find ways and means of dealing with the threat from the SinoPak axis that comes on top of the national security agenda of this country.

(The writer is a former Director Intelligence Bureau)

FairPoint: When gratitude dies, extremism thrives -- Bangladesh’s fall New Delhi, Dec 21 (IANS) What is transpiring in Bangladesh at present should not astonish anyone, as those who have been monitoring the steady yet persistent radicalisation taking place there were aware that this was inevitable.

The violence, the rhetoric, and the animosity aimed at India and Hindus are not mere spontaneous outbursts of anger. They are the predictable outcome of a longbrewing ideological churn -- one that was never meant to reform Bangladesh but to build an antiIndia and anti-Hindu wave.

The savage killing of Dipu Das by radical Islamist mobs, followed by the macabre public display and celebration of his death, exposed the depth of this rot. It was not merely an act of violence; it was a message. A message of intimidation to minorities and a declaration of ideological dominance by forces that have long rejected Bangladesh's plural foundations.

The killing drew condemnation in India, and several leaders across

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party lines, including Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra -who is otherwise vocal primarily on international Muslim causes like Gaza -- underlined how brutal and indefensible the act was. Yet outrage, both domestic and international, has done little to put pressure on the current dispensation there to act.

It is distressing to find most of India's neighbourhoods seething in anti-India diatribe. Bangladesh has fallen so quickly and has forgotten what India has done for it. It was India that gave it life in 1971 and saved it from the evil clutches of Pakistan, but today, Bangladesh wants a Pakistan in itself. Shocking as it may seem, that is the truth with India's eastern neighbour.

Bangladesh was never entirely secular in this sense, but leaders like Sheikh Hasina made sustained efforts to preserve social cohesion and resist extremist pressures.

Her government, despite its flaws, stood against radical Islamist groups that sought to

dominate public life and politics.

That fragile balance collapsed when extremist elements, masquerading as a student movement, seized the streets and eventually the narrative. What followed was not reform but regression.

Since then, anti-India sentiment and overt Hindu hatred have grown sharper and more menacing. Radical groups no longer whisper their intentions; they announce them openly. Calls to destabilise India's northeastern states are now made without fear.

This is no longer just Bangladesh's internal problem -- it is a direct threat to regional stability and India's territorial integrity.

Bangladesh's descent must also be viewed within the larger pattern of turbulence across India's neighbourhood. From Pakistan's perpetual hostility to Nepal's periodic flirtation with anti-India nationalism, from Sri Lanka's oscillations to the Maldives' recent antagonism, India finds itself encircled by volatile politics.

Managing this environment

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requires not emotional or kneejerk reactions but strategic patience -- a quality India has mastered over the decades.

The Maldives offers a telling example. The "India Out" campaign, fuelled by Islamist groups and amplified by political opportunism, pushed bilateral relations to the brink. President Mohamed Muizzu, upon returning from China in early 2024, went so far as to accuse India of acting like a bully.

But geopolitics has a way of confronting rhetoric with reality.

When promised economic lifelines from Beijing and Gulf nations failed to materialise, Male was forced to reassess.

Quiet course correction followed. Muizzu attended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oathtaking ceremony in June 2025, signalling a thaw. PM Modi's later participation as the chief guest at the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations marked a clear reset.

Sri Lanka's trajectory has been similar. After a phase of anti-India

posturing, Colombo rediscovered strategic logic and situation.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's decision to make India his first foreign destination reaffirmed a truth Sri Lanka learns repeatedly: geography and history make India indispensable.

Relations have steadily improved since.

Nepal, too, oscillates between suspicion and pragmatism. While certain factions continue to stoke anti-India sentiment, Kathmandu understands that its deepest economic, cultural, and political ties remain with New Delhi.

Bangladesh, however, represents a different and far more dangerous challenge. Here, radical Islamist forces are not merely expressing resentment; they are positioning themselves as instruments in Pakistan's longstanding strategy of encircling and destabilising India. These elements are attempting to turn Bangladesh into an eastern pressure point against India.

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Jan 1-15, 2026 - Vol-6, Issue 10

INDIA NEWS

BIZ BUZZ

Over 4,500 Industrial Parks playing 66 pc of existing users eager to purchase property in India’s RRTS corridors: Report key role in India’s big push for growth

New Delhi, Dec 26 (IANS) The Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) in the country is emerging as a strong catalyst for corridorled investment, with nearly 80 per cent of surveyed existing users associating improved RRTS connectivity with enhanced economic opportunities in their region, a report showed on Friday.

Perceptions of economic development are significantly reinforced where infrastructure upgrades are visible, increasing confidence by over 2.25 times.

This translates into tangible real estate interest, with 66 per cent of existing users expressing willingness to invest in property along the RRTS corridor, according to the report by Knight Frank India.

The presence of commercial activity and active real estate development plays a decisive role in shaping investment sentiment, amplifying investment intent by 10.2 times and 7.7 times, respectively.

The findings also point to a clear decentralisation opportunity, with 38 per cent of respondents open to relocating away from core urban centres; however, this willingness is closely tied to the availability of supporting social infrastructure, underlining the importance of integrated residential, commercial and civic development in unlocking the full investment potential of RRTS corridors, said the report.

“The RRTS is a pivotal infrastructure intervention for India’s urban and regional transport landscape. While commuters place a premium on time savings, safety and reliability, and are ready to adopt modern transport solutions when connectivity works seamlessly,” said Shishir Baijal, International

Partner, Chairman and Managing Director, Knight Frank India.

For policymakers and city planners, integration, both in mobility and urban development, is key. For investors and developers, RRTS corridors represent tangible opportunities for growth where infrastructure dovetails with land-use planning and commercial momentum, he mentioned.

The RRTS — exemplified by the flagship Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut corridor being developed by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) — has already begun its phased rollout.

The corridor, approved at a cost of over Rs 30,000 crore, will ultimately span 82 km and dramatically reduce travel time between Delhi and Meerut to under an hour.

The system’s priority section has commenced operations, and continued funding reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to completing the project.

Sarbananda Sonowal urges entrepreneurs, investors to tap Assam’s potential

New Delhi, Dec 24 (IANS) Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has urged industry leaders, startups and investors to partner in Assam’s growth story, saying that the convergence of policy innovation, connectivity expansion and good governance has created a strong foundation for long-term regional prosperity.

He said that Assam is uniquely positioned to emerge as a regional growth hub under India’s Act East Policy, telling entrepreneurs to leverage the state’s geography, connectivity and governance reforms to drive inclusive development across the Northeast and an enabler of growth towards Viksit Bharat.

Delivering the keynote address at

the second Guwahati Dialogue, Sonowal said Assam can cater to a market of nearly 800 million people, stretching from Nepal to Myanmar, as India deepens economic and logistical integration with Southeast Asia.

“Assam today stands at a unique geographical crossroads. With the Act East Policy as our framework, powered by the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi, the state is positioned to serve a market of nearly 800 million people from Nepal to Myanmar. I call upon entrepreneurs to seize this opportunity and make Assam a gateway for regional growth,” Sonowal told the gathering.

The minister said the country’s 76 years of Independence have seen a defining phase over the past 11 years, marked by structural reforms, innovation and peoplecentric governance under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“In the 76 years of our Independence, the last 11

years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi have been truly transformational. Innovative policies, good governance and timely implementation have connected once-marginalised cities like Gangtok and Aizawl, improving ease of living and building trust through a peoplecentric approach,” the minister noted.

He highlighted the Prime Minister’s sustained engagement with the Northeast, noting that PM Modi has visited the region more than 70 times, reinforcing a sense of national integration and shared responsibility in nationbuilding under the vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.

Referring to the mandate of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the minister said pollution-free inland waterways are central to environmental sustainability and economic efficiency, underscoring that “waterways are not just transport corridors, but a way of life.”

India–New Zealand FTA is a game-changer for Indian exporters: FIEO New Delhi, Dec 22 (IANS): The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) on Monday welcomed the signing of the India–New Zealand free trade agreement as "a game-changer for Indian exporters", which will significantly enhance the country's integration with global value chains.

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FIEO President S.C. Ralhan said that the conclusion of the India– New Zealand FTA in such a short span reflects the strong political will and shared economic vision of both countries.

The zero-duty access for Indian exports across all tariff lines is a historic achievement, he said, adding that it will enhance the competitiveness of Indian

products in the New Zealand market and provide a major boost to employment-generating sectors.

Ralhan also said that New Zealand’s investment commitment of $20 billion under the FTA sends a powerful signal of confidence in India’s growth story and will contribute meaningfully to manufacturing expansion, innovation and job creation, thereby giving a further boost to India's export sector.

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New Delhi, Dec 23 (IANS) Over 4,500 industrial parks have now come up in India, spanning an area of 7.70 lakh hectares, as part of the government’s policy to accelerate the country’s industry and innovation agenda.

Developed in partnership with state governments and the private sector, these parks are promoting investment to strengthen India’s industrial base and employment generation, leading to sustainable economic development, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday.

As the government increasingly adopts the role of facilitator rather than regulator, these parks are sculpting a globally competitive industrial economy in India.

An outlay of Rs. 2,500 crores has been allocated for the development of plug-and-play industrial parks in the Union Budget 2025-26.

By providing infrastructure that is precision-designed to industry needs, the plug-and-play parks enhance operational efficiency and sustainability.

There are currently 306 plugand-play industrial parks in India, and an additional 20 plug-andplay industrial parks and smart cities are being developed under the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC). Four projects have been

completed, four are currently under construction, while the rest are advancing through different phases of bidding and tendering, the statement explained.

The industrial parks operate under liberal and incentivebased rules for labour, land use, and foreign investment.

They offer shared hard and soft facilities such as utilities, telecom networks, waste systems, laboratories, internal roads, onestop clearances, training centres, security, and emergency services.

India has strengthened the ease of doing business by supporting domestic and international investors, with industrial parks becoming central to attracting investment and meeting largescale employment needs, as improved internal infrastructure has raised occupancy rates and stimulated economic growth.

Investors can remotely evaluate suitable land parcels using detailed information on infrastructure, connectivity, business support services, and environmental and safety standards, thereby enabling wellinformed investment decisions.

Development takes place on clearly demarcated, masterplanned land with uniform standards for buildings and facilities. A single authority oversees firm entry, ensures regulatory compliance, and drives long-term park development.

Multiple firms operate within the park, collaborate, share resources, and enhance productivity through agglomeration and clustering effects.

Institutional investments in Indian real estate to surpass $10 billion in 2025: Report

Mumbai, Dec 22 (IANS) Institutional investments in the Indian retail sector are projected to soar to an estimated $10.4 billion across 77 transactions in 2025, marking the second consecutive year of recordbreaking performance, a report showed on Monday.

The figure stands as the highest on record and represents a 17 per cent increase from the previous year's exceptional performance of $8.9 billion, according to the JLL report.

Beyond immediate transactions, 2025 witnessed significant platform commitments totalling $11.43 billion, designed for gradual deployment over the next 3-7 years.

“For the first time since 2014, domestic institutional investors have captured a commanding 52 per cent market share. Also, the two-fold increase in core asset acquisitions in 2025 demonstrates that investors are not just betting

on India's growth story, but are actively building long-term wealth through our stabilised, income-generating properties,” said Lata Pillai, Senior Managing Director and Head of Capital Markets, India, JLL. Indian REITs and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) have emerged as the primary catalysts behind this transformation, deploying $2.5 billion -representing 56 per cent of core asset acquisitions.

Indian private equity players have contributed additional momentum, accounting for 30 per cent of total domestic capital deployment.

While foreign institutional investment declined as a percentage of total activity, absolute foreign capital deployment increased 18 per cent year-over-year, demonstrating continued confidence in Indian real estate fundamentals.

Americas-based investors showed particularly robust commitment, increasing their investment from $1.6 billion in 2024 to $2.6 billion in 2025 -- a substantial 63 per cent year-over-year growth.

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INDIA NEWS

Jan 1-15, 2026 - Vol-6, Issue 10

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE

Brisbane City Hall hosts solidarity gathering for peace and unity India News Newsdesk Brisbane City Hall was the venue for a powerful community solidarity event focused on unity and peace, attended by Premier David Crisafulli, Opposition Leader Steven Miles and Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. Faith leaders from various traditions also spoke, reinforcing a collective stance on coexistence and mutual respect.

Open to the wider public with appropriate safety arrangements, the event showcased Brisbane’s multicultural community coming together to support calm,

Heat creates BBL history chasing 258 in first home game India News Newsdesk Brisbane Heat delivered a thrilling first home game victory in Big Bash League 2025,

chasing down a massive 258— the highest successful pursuit in tournament records—with 8

wickets remaining. Matt Renshaw and Jack Wildermuth starred in a record partnership that had

fans on their feet throughout the chase.

What seemed an impossible target became a comfortable win,

highlighting the team's fearless approach and setting an exciting tone for the season ahead.

Sikh Volunteers Australia delivers grocery hampers to Drug Court Melbourne participants India News Newsdesk Sikh Volunteers Australia continued its third annual service delivering grocery hampers to Drug Court Melbourne and County Court of Victoria participants working to rebuild their lives, including 100 special gift hampers at year-end to provide support during challenging times. The initiative emphasises dignity and encouragement for those in rehabilitation programs.

The organisation seeks community contributions of specifically showcased $25 gift hampers or secure donations via their website to sustain the consistent, fair distribution. Each hamper represents hope and compassion, reinforcing SVA's commitment to serving humanity through essential community support.

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Jan 1-15, 2026 - Vol-6, Issue 10

INDIA NEWS

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE

Community leader’s 2025 journey: farewells, new beginnings and community passion India News Newsdesk Dr Ram Mohan, publisher and editor of Australia India News, reflected on a transformative 2025 that saw the successful sale of Star Promotions www. starpromotions.com.au, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of focused leadership at Bess Australia www.bessaustralia. com.au. Aligning with Australia's net-zero emissions target by 2050, the sustainability venture represents exciting opportunities in green innovation and national priorities.

As Director of Ethnic Communities Council of

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Queensland ECCQ, Dr Mohan anticipates the organisation's 50th anniversary milestone, while supporting Australia India Business Council's 40th year celebrations. His ongoing roles with Multicultural Community Connect Queensland and youth initiative Tapori Squad underscore a deep commitment to multicultural advocacy and community inspiration.

Expressing profound thanks to his network of supporters, Dr Mohan embraces 2026 with optimism for expanded service, multicultural unity and meaningful community impact.

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INDIA NEWS

Jan 1-15, 2026 - Vol-6, Issue 10

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE

Multicultural Australia delivers workplace World Meditation Day online session announced training to Bundaberg PALM workers

by High Commission India News Newsdesk Multicultural Australia collaborated with Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers through Growcom to deliver Australian Workplace Culture training to 23 newly arrived PALM workers in Bundaberg. The session covered workplace health and safety alongside practical communication strategies to help participants navigate Australian work environments confidently.

Participants actively engaged in exploring communication styles to foster safer workplaces, better employee wellbeing, higher productivity and improved retention. The workshop forms part of the Queensland

Government-funded AgriConnect project supported by

Jobs Queensland and Bundaberg Fruit & Vegetable Growers.

Rotary Club of Brisbane International launches Christmas food drive at Roma Street India News Newsdesk The High Commission of India, Canberra highlights a special Global Online Meditation Session

by Heartfulness Institute and Shri Ram Chandra Mission for World Meditation Day on 21 December 2025. Join live on YouTube at 8:00

PM IST for this accessible group meditation experience from anywhere.

The event brings together people globally to celebrate meditation's benefits for stress relief and community connection.

Sikh Volunteers Australia delivers grocery hampers to Drug Court Melbourne participants

India News Newsdesk Sikh Volunteers Australia successfully delivered 100 Christmas gift hampers and 12 grocery hampers to the County Court of Victoria and Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 24 December 2025, providing essential support to those in need during the festive season. The distribution ensured participants

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India News Newsdesk Rotary Club of Brisbane International conducted its inaugural Christmas Food Drive at Roma Street Parklands, serving over 100 people experiencing homelessness with hot meals, Christmas cakes, Jaffas, dignity packs, noodles and donuts.

Mission Possible Volunteers contributed blankets, bags and clothing, enhancing the distribution of warmth and essential support during the

festive season.

Sponsors including Arvin and Neelam Naidu, Surekha and Rajnish Padarath, NightOwl Sunnybank BP and Walkers Donuts enabled a full SUV of goods including juice, water and fruits. Rotaract Club of Brisbane International members joined the effort, with Rotary committing to expand the homeless food drive in 2026 with sleeping bags, ponchos and additional provisions

received encouragement and practical assistance at a challenging time.

The organisation expressed heartfelt gratitude to all donors and volunteers whose generosity made the initiative possible, reaffirming the community's commitment to serving humanity through acts of kindness.

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Jan 1-15, 2026 - Vol-6, Issue 10

INDIA NEWS

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE

Multicultural Australia hosts community leaders dinner with human rights focus India News Newsdesk Multicultural Australia and Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma concluded the year with their final Community Leaders Dinner, celebrating unity and reflection among diverse participants.

Special guests included Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan

Sivaraman and Acting Queensland Human Rights Commissioner Catherine Scott, who addressed racism, human rights and the Anti-Racism Framework.

The event highlighted ongoing partnership between the organisations and thanked community leaders for their engagement throughout 2025, with commitments to continue collaborative work in the new year.

Indian community member Sathish Rajendran’s Woodridge 7-Eleven wins rare international award India News Newsdesk Woodridge 7-Eleven, led by Indian community member Sathish Rajendran, secured the prestigious 7-Eleven International Spirit Award (Reach Higher Award) for the second time in 2025, an honour received by less than 1% of stores globally following their 2017 achievement.

The award recognises exceptional neighbourhood service, staff dedication and operational excellence.

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Sathish Rajendran said, "We run our stores as true neighbourhood stores—a place where customers can rely on us for essential needs, friendly service, and a welcoming environment. Our staff are our family." The team maintains competitive fuel prices and wide product ranges while fostering clean stores and warm service.

Gratitude extends to 7-Eleven International leadership for nomination and support.

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INDIA NEWS

Jan 1-15, 2026 - Vol-6, Issue 10

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE

Sikh Volunteers Australia calls for holiday volunteers to keep food vans running

India News Newsdesk Sikh Volunteers Australia plans uninterrupted Food Van operations and Sunday home deliveries through the festive season—except 31 December— with urgent need for extra

hands from 20 December 2025 to 30 January 2026. Text 0497 325 010 with your name, dates and preferred tasks (no calls please) to help when demand peaks and other services pause.

Weekly runs serve Hastings,

Rosebud, Frankston areas, Noble Park, Cranbourne, Pakenham and more across Victoria. Police checks and licences needed; every hour counts for those facing food insecurity this Christmas.

Shop #2, 493, Ipswich Road, Annerley QLD 4103

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19

Jan 1-15, 2026 - Vol-6, Issue 10

INDIA NEWS

Manish Malhotra shares why Rekha’s style remains unchanged, rooted, and eternal

F

ashion designer Manish Malhotra recently celebrated veteran actress Rekha’s timeless sense of style. In his latest post, he highlighted how her fashion choices remain unchanged, rooted, and eternal.

On Sunday, Manish took to his Instagram handle and shared a couple of Rekha’s photos and videos from her appearance at Red Sea International Film Festival. At the star-studded festival, the actress stunned in a personal heirloom Silver-Gold vintage saree, styled with a handwoven silver tissue zari blouse and odhna.

Manish expressed her love for heirloom sarees, noting that she wears each piece like a work of art, with a connection that only time can create. He wrote, “Fashion may evolve, but Iconic Rekhaji’s Style remains unchanged—rooted, instinctive, eternal which has always been my philosophy as well.”

“A devoted collector of heirloom sarees, she wears each one as art, with an intimacy that only time can create. #Rekhaji STUNNER at the Red Sea International Film Festival, she chose a personal heirloom Silver Gold vintage saree styled with a @manishmalhotraworld handwoven Silver woven tissue zari cholah: and an odhna both enriched with traditional zardosi embroidery, and a handcrafted batwa. In that moment, Indian heritage wasn’t styled for the world—it was simply lived, with timeless grace and magnificence,” (sic) added Manish Malhotra.

Rekha was recently felicitated at the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where she received the Red Sea Honouree Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to cinema. A restored 4K edition of her classic film “Umrao Jaan” was showcased, and Rekha delivered a heartfelt speech where she expressed her deep love for films.

FASHION

Bhumi Pednekar says fashion has helped her stay rooted to who she is

Sadie Sink talks about her interest in fashion

H

ollywood actress Sadie Sink is quite satisfied with her modelling work. The 23-year-old actress made her runway debut for Undercover in 2018.

It came just months after becoming a household name playing Max Mayfield in ‘Stranger Things’, reports ‘Female First UK’.

She has subsequently walked for brands, and has been fascinated by the fashion world from a very young age.

She told Australia’s Elle magazine, “I’ve always been very interested in fashion. I remember being very young and sketching out dresses and (my brother Mitchell) and I would play games where we would be like, ‘Okay, we’re designing a dress for Blah-Blah and she’s going here and you have to incorporate this colour’. To be able to mesh acting with fashion and work with brands I never dreamt I’d even get to wear or own has been super amazing”.

Sadie recently fronted a campaign

for Prada’s Re-Nylon with Benedict Cumberbatch and she was proud to be involved with the regenerated nylon initiative.

She said, “It’s such an important conversation to have, and Prada has had so much impact (in the sustainability space). That was an amazing campaign”.

As per ‘Female First UK’, Sadie previously admitted she finds the glitz and glamour of red carpets "overwhelming" and tries to ease any stress by wearing things that she is comfortable with.

She told Elle, "Red carpets are such weird, overwhelming places to be as it is, so I don't like wearing anything that looks too out of place on me. The most important thing I've learned is to do those things that make me feel as myself as possible”.

A

ctress Bhumi Pednekar used social media to open up about the special place fashion holds in her life.

The 'Dum Laga Ke Haisha' actress shared that she uses fashion to express herself. She added that through everything life throws at her, fashion is something that has helped her stay rooted.

Sharing an album of some of her high-fashion moments, Bhumi wrote on her Instagram handle, "Fashion has been my quiet rebellion, my armor, my joy.

Through love, hate, and every narrative formed around me, it’s helped me stay rooted in who I am. (sic)" Expressing her gratitude to all the designers and stylists who have helped create her own style, the 'Shubh Mangal Savdhan' actress added, "Grateful beyond words to the designers, to all the incredible

stylists that worked with me, all makeup and hair artists, photographers, all assistants, master ji, dress dada and all magazine editors who shaped these moments."

Bhumi is known to share such glimpses from her personal and professional journey with her Instagram family.

Recently, Bhumi posted a sneak peek of her quality time with her loved ones, which also included savoring some pizza.

Taking to her official Instagram account, Bhumi uploaded a set of photos from her latest getaway with her family members.

“No greater joy than spending time with the ones you love and pizza…#latergram," wrote Bhumi.

Work-wise, Bhumi last graced the big screen with the film "Mere Husband Ki Biwi", co-starring Arjun Kapoor and Rakul Preet Singh.

Prada and two Maharashtra undertakings ink pact for global launch of Kolhapuri chappals

G

lobal luxury brand Prada, on Thursday, has signed a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Maharashtra government undertaking LIDCOM (Sant Rohidas Charmudyog and Charmakar Vikas Mahamandal) and LIDCAR (Dr. Babu Jagjivanram Charmudyog Vikas Mahamandal) -- to take the rich legacy of the traditional Indian leather art, the Kolhapuri chappal, to the world.

The landmark agreement was officially signed at the Italian Consulate in Mumbai during the Italy-India Business Council meeting.

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The collaboration is set to develop footwear that integrates traditional, centuries-old manufacturing methods with Prada's modern and contemporary design aesthetics.

The collaboration seeks to initiate a new dialogue between India's rich heritage and modern luxury fashion by combining traditional craftsmanship with Prada's contemporary designs and premium materials.

The collection will fall under the 'Prada Made in India Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals' project, with the framework, implementation, and guidelines outlined in the

agreement.

The footwear will be made in India by skilled traditional Kolhapuri chappal artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka.

This unique partnership aims to provide traditional Kolhapuri craftsmanship with the sophisticated backing of a modern luxury fashion house.

The special collection is scheduled for release in February 2026 and will be available across 40 Prada outlets globally, as well as on its official website, the government statement said.

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Jan 1-15, 2026 - Vol-6, Issue 10

INDIA NEWS

ARTS, CULTURE

Ram Sutar: Sculptor who gave India At Norbulingka, colours of Tibetan art alive but thinning its tallest tribute, dies at 100

New Delhi, Dec 18 (IANS) Renowned sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, whose works shaped the visual identity of modern India and whose artistic vision gave form to the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, passed away at his residence in Noida.

Sutar was 100. Family sources said he died due to age-related ailments. His death marks the end of a defining chapter in Indian monumental art.

Condolences poured in from across the country following the news of his demise. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute, describing him as an artist whose creations immortalised India’s history and values.

Leaders and cultural institutions called his death an irreparable loss to the nation’s artistic heritage. Ram Sutar is survived by his family and an extraordinary legacy carved into India’s landscape.

His sculptures, standing in city centres, institutional complexes and open public spaces, continue to interact with everyday life, silently narrating the story of a nation.

Born on February 19, 1925, in Gondur village of Dhule district

in Maharashtra, Ram Sutar rose from humble beginnings to become the country’s most influential public sculptor.

Trained at the Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai, where he graduated as a gold medallist, Sutar went on to dedicate more than seven decades to sculpting figures that came to embody India’s political, cultural and historical consciousness.

Sutar’s most celebrated contribution is the Statue of Unity, the colossal statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel located at Kevadia in Gujarat.

Standing at 182 metres, it is the tallest statue in the world and a landmark that has redefined India’s presence in global monumental architecture.

Ram Sutar was the chief sculptor and conceptual designer of the statue, entrusted with translating Patel’s role as the architect of India’s unification into a form that combined authority, realism and restraint.

Unlike abstract monumental traditions, Sutar insisted on realism, ensuring that Patel’s posture, facial expression and attire conveyed firmness without aggression. The statue depicts Patel in a forward-moving stance, symbolising leadership and resolve.

Despite the unprecedented scale of the project, Sutar personally oversaw the artistic detailing, working closely with engineers and designers to preserve proportional accuracy and human expression. His

involvement continued well into his 1990s, reflecting his lifelong commitment to craftsmanship.

The Statue of Unity, inaugurated in 2018, has since emerged as a symbol of national pride and a major tourism hub for Gujarat, while also standing as the artistic culmination of Sutar’s career. Art historians have noted that the statue’s success lies not only in its engineering but in its sculptural coherence, a rare achievement at such a scale.

Beyond the Statue of Unity, Ram Sutar’s works occupy prominent public spaces across India and abroad. His sculptures include the iconic Mahatma Gandhi statue outside the Indian Parliament, the equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Parliament House, and statues of national leaders such as B.R. Ambedkar and V.D. Savarkar.

His sculptures are known for their dignity, balance and emotional restraint, avoiding exaggeration while commanding presence.

For his contribution to Indian art, Sutar received several prestigious honours, including the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016.

He was also conferred with Maharashtra’s highest civilian award, the Maharashtra Bhushan, recognising his lifetime contribution to public art.

As India mourns his passing, the Statue of Unity and his many other works remain enduring reminders of an artist who transformed metal and stone into symbols of collective memory.

Curtain of darkness: How British empire denied ‘light of knowledge’ to further its despotism

New Delhi, Dec 28 (IANS) The British occupation of India was built upon a great lie: the assertion that foreign dominion served the "welfare and happiness of the inhabitants".

The East India Company (EIC), a vast trading corporation that had morphed into a territorial sovereign, continually boasted of establishing "courts of justice" and creating "new and valuable property" for the natives, claiming to have replaced a chaotic, precarious past.

Yet, this veneer of benevolence barely concealed a system

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weighed down by colossal debt, maintained through military force and psychological manipulation, and structured to systematically drain the resources of the conquered land.

By 1813, as the EIC’s charter approached its renewal, a fierce internal debate raged in Britain: should the gates of India be opened to Christian missionaries?

From the perspective of India, this debate exposed the profound hypocrisy at the heart of British rule: the administrators, who claimed to bring enlightenment and justice, actively suppressed the very spiritual and intellectual freedom that the petitioners sought to impart.

The question of missionary access was not about faith; it was about power, control, and the inherent fragility of a government that survived because its 60 million subjects remained unaware of the "peculiar tenure" by which they were ruled by a mere one million Britons.

The Suppressed Voice: A Conspiracy of Silence Before addressing the

explicit petition for Christian propagation, one must grasp the absolute control the EIC exercised over all forms of intellectual and political discourse within India. The British understood that stability rested on "moral influence, and in a great degree even by prejudice". To maintain this delicate balance, they implemented a rigorous system of censorship that rendered the press in India "perfectly fettered".

The regulations required that newspapers receive the "sanction of the secretary of the government" before publication, under the penalty of "immediate embarkation for Europe". The rationale for this draconian measure was openly discussed in Parliament: the administration feared publications that could criticize native religion and customs, thereby stirring up "irritation and hostility". Crucially, they feared that uncensored information would expose the truth to the people, informing natives "of the peculiar tenure by which the British government held their power".

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as youngsters drift away

Dharamsala, Dec 18 (IANS) At the Norbulingka Institute, a significant centre of Tibetan Buddhist culture, identity, learning and craftsmanship located in the heart of Kangra Valley amidst the Himalayan landscape and once envisioned as a living canvas, the colours are alive, but quietly thinning with youngsters in exile drifting away.

Inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 1995 as a unique sanctuary of thangka paintings, life-like metal religious sculptures and wood carvings where chisels, hammers, looms and brushes would converse with centuries of Tibetan arts and crafts, Norbulingka, a school where the art is taught in both literary and artistic forms under the guidance of talented masters, now finds its stream of young artisans running shallow.

Workshops meant to echo with the rhythm of carving, and the hush of sacred thangka lines, are witnessing fewer apprentices, as the next generation drifts away from patient craft to faster, shinier worlds.

What was conceived as a continuum, hands learning from hands of skilled masters of many different crafts, memory passing through muscle and mind, now risks becoming a gallery of preservation rather than a workshop of renewal, with the art still radiant globally, but the artists-in-waiting increasingly absent.

The Norbulingka Institute, which began to take shape in 1984, amidst the backdrop of the snow-capped Dhauladhar peaks, has been named after the 14th Dalai Lama’s summer palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Lhasa in Tibet.

The Dalai Lama has provided funds for the initial land purchase. He visited Norbulingka Institute on several occasions to see the Tibetan spirit in action, most recently on March 9, 2017, to mark its 21st anniversary and to view a set of 25 thangkas depicting the lives of all 14 Dalai Lamas and their predecessors. The project of 25 thangkas, which took almost 15 years to make, began with Norbulingka’s first painting master, 'Tenba Chophel'. During their visit in 2017, the founders of the institute -- Kasur Kalsang Yeshi and Kim Yeshi -- along with senior members of staff paid respects to His Holiness with

prayers for his long life recited.

The Dalai Lama set up his base in McLeodganj in early 1960, a small and quaint hill station in the suburbs of Dharamsala, where the exile administration is based. He became Chairman of the Norbulingka Trust in 1996, retaining this position till he devolved his political responsibilities to an elected head.

After the Dalai Lama fled to India following the 1959 failed uprising against Chinese rule, he has frequently stressed the need to safeguard Tibetan culture.

And Norbulingka is one of them, dedicated to adapting authentic traditions through self-sustaining means by selling thangka paintings, besides metal Buddhist deities, which the followers believe come to life when they are consecrated by lamas through a ritual, home furnishings, brocade tapestries depicting embroidered images and traditional clothes -stitching a culture together.

Located in Sidhpur in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, with a famed street draped in prayer flags with bowls of steaming thukpa and delicate dumplings, a visit to Norbulingka Institute takes one closer to historical and cultural heritage preserved with nature blending harmoniously.

Norbulingka’s Managing Director, Tsering Phuntsok, told IANS the institute has been playing a crucial role in taking the Tibetan culture to the world over. For refugees, it’s a pathway to earn a livelihood after passing a course that ranges up to six years, besides a pilgrimage of the spirit and preservation of culture and traditions.

The institute supports nearly 300 craftspeople, largely middle-aged, with a few who prefer to don the traditional dress, the chuba, through fundraising and selfsustaining means.

Phuntsok explained to IANS that each thangka, depicting deities, mandalas, and Buddhist teachings with vibrant colours, is a blend of hand-stitched brocades, assembled into patterns on pure silk cloth.

Ceremonial thangkas can be as much as six feet high, requiring at least six months of painstaking work with patience and skill of a pair of hands. On average, the institute gets 9,000 visitors, comprising foreigners, per month, with a nominal entry ticket of Rs 50. The workshops are closed on Sundays.

Citing the reason for not attracting the young stream of Tibetans in the Tibetan arts, Phuntsok said a majority of young people born in India discover employment opportunities in cities and metros after completing their school or college-level studies.

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TRAVEL

Kerala to showcase heritage tourism globally TN: Tiruchy to tap local influduring int’l spice route conference in Jan 2026 encers to boost offbeat tourism, cultural experiences. improve visitor amenities Organised by the Muziris Heritage

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erala is set to showcase its deep maritime legacy to strengthen its footprint in the global heritage tourism market, with the first International Spice Route Conference scheduled to be held in Kochi from January 6 to 8, 2026.

The event is expected to spotlight the historic commercial and cultural networks that linked the Kerala coast with regions extending to the Mediterranean, shaping centuries of global trade and exchange.

Kerala Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas said the conference marked a strategic shift in Kerala's heritage tourism journey.

"Heritage tourism today represents a $600 billion global market, and the Spice Route offers Kerala a powerful and authentic narrative within this space," he added.

By reimagining historic connections, Kerala aims to position itself as a destination for high-value, heritage-focused travellers seeking immersive

Project in collaboration with the Kerala Tourism Department, the conference is being positioned as a flagship international platform that reconnects the ancient spice route with contemporary discourse on culture, history and tourism-led economic development.

The three-day event will be hosted at the historic Bolgatty Palace in Ernakulam, a site closely associated with Kerala's maritime past.

Long before the emergence of modern trade systems, ports along the Malabar Coast -- most notably the legendary port of Muziris -- served as critical hubs linking Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

Driven by monsoon winds, the Spice Route functioned not only as a commercial artery for spices and goods, but also as a conduit for the movement of ideas, faiths, technologies and artistic traditions, creating enduring people-to-people linkages across continents.

Hyderabad to host kite, hot air balloon, drone festivals as part of Sankranti celebrations in Jan

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he tourism department of Telangana has planned an international kite festival, hot air balloon and drone festivals in Hyderabad as part of Sankranti celebrations next month.

The Kite festival will be organised from January 13 to 15 at the Parade Grounds, with participation from international and national kite flyers.

According to the Tourism Department Managing Director, V. Kranti, the department has lined up several events as part of the Sankranti festival celebrations.

A hot air balloon festival will be held on the outskirts of the city during the same period to provide a unique visual and experiential attraction for visitors. A drone

festival is also planned, wherein drone pilots from across the country will participate and showcase their skills, adding a technological and contemporary dimension to the festivities.

Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao on Monday held a review meeting at the Secretariat to discuss the preparations for organising the kite festival.

Emphasising the importance of the event, the Chief Secretary

stated that in accordance with the directions of the Chief Minister, the kite festival should be organised on a grand scale, reflecting Hyderabad’s vibrant culture and festive spirit during the Sankranti festival.

He instructed the concerned departments to come up with a suitable name, distinctive branding, and an attractive logo for the festival to give it a unique identity and wider visibility.

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n a bid to spotlight lesserknown tourist destinations across the district, the Tiruchy tourism department is set to collaborate with local influencers and use social media campaigns to promote spots such as Puliyancholai, Pachamalai Hills, Birds Park and Mangalam Falls.

The plan aims to draw more visitors - particularly young travellers - and boost the local economy by creating additional livelihood opportunities for people living near these sites.

District Tourism Officer S. M. Sribalamurugan said the move reflects how tourism trends today are driven by digital platforms.

According to him, partnering with local influencers can help widen the outreach and create stronger public awareness about scenic yet under-visited destinations.

He added that the department hopes to turn these locations into attractive weekend getaways while ensuring environmental responsibility and community participation.

A major focus area in the district’s tourism strategy is the proposed theme park at Mukkombu. The officer said the project is awaiting a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the water resources department (WRD).

Once clearances are secured and infrastructure works begin, targeted promotional campaigns will be launched to highlight improved facilities at the site.

The planned digital content will showcase newly laid access roads, upgraded basic amenities and enhanced safety measures.

The department believes that providing reliable information about these features will encourage more visitors and promote responsible tourism.

However, residents and travel enthusiasts stress that marketing must go hand in hand with infrastructure upgrades. A Tiruchy resident said many of these tourist locations have strong potential but suffer from limited visibility and lack of proper signage, amenities and travel information.

Pointing to other districts such as Namakkal, Dindigul, Salem and Tirupattur, travel enthusiast N. Saravanan observed that those regions have already established essential facilities, including better road connectivity, clear route maps and dedicated viewpoints.

He argued that Tiruchy must prioritise basic infrastructure before launching influencerdriven promotions.

TN’s Porunai archaeological museum to open to public from today

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he Porunai Archaeological Museum, inaugurated by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin at Reddiarpatti in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, on December 20, will be open to the public from Tuesday.

Conceived as a major cultural and educational landmark for southern Tamil Nadu, the museum is expected to offer visitors an immersive insight into the region’s rich archaeological legacy.

Developed for Rs 67.25 crore, the museum is spread over 13 acres and showcases artefacts excavated from prominent ancient Tamil civilisation sites such as Sivagalai, Adichanallur,

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Thulukkarpatti and Korkai. These sites are considered crucial to understanding early settlement patterns, maritime activity, trade networks and burial practices associated with the Tamirabarani river basin.

An introductory gallery at the museum features portraits and visual depictions of historically significant locations, providing visitors with a broader cultural and historical context. Apart from its exhibition galleries, the museum complex includes an amphitheatre, access roads to the different blocks, a water pool, a decorative fountain with colourful lighting and an open hall

designed to enhance the overall visitor experience.

The museum will remain open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. A major highlight of the facility is the specially designed 5D and 7D virtual reality theatre, aimed at making art and history more accessible, engaging and interactive. Through immersive visual effects, visitors can experience simulations such as sailing on a boat along the banks of the Tamirabarani River and exploring archaeological marvels associated with ancient Tamil civilisation.

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Jan 1-15, 2026 - Vol-6, Issue 10

SPORTS

Asian Games will be the biggest challenge for India in 2026 Ex-Aussie batter Damien team and Jyothi Surekha to return to full scale, unlike Vennam won silver medals in the the scaled-down version to be Martyn in induced coma after compound team and individual held in Glasgow in 2026 with competition. Indian athletes only 10 sports to compete for. meningitis diagnosis fared well in the 2025 Summer The 2026 Asian Games will have

New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) Former Aussie batter Damien Martyn is in an induced coma after being diagnosed with meningitis. The 54-year-old former batter, who played 67 Test matches between 1992 and 2006, reportedly fell ill on Friday and was rushed to the hospital.

Adam Gilchrist, Martyn's close friend and former Australian and WA teammate, confirmed on behalf of his family the 2003 World Cup winner was receiving treatment in hospital.

"He is getting the best of treatment and (Martyn's partner) Amanda and his family know that a lot of people are sending their prayers and best wishes," Gilchrist was quoted by cricket.

com.au.

Meningitis is an inflammation of protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord, and infection can cause harmful brain swelling. Martyn’s condition is being closely monitored.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported externally it was hoped Martyn could be brought out of his coma in the coming days.

"I'm saddened to hear of Damien's illness. The best wishes of everyone at Cricket Australia and in the wider cricket community are with him at this time," the governing body's CEO Todd Greenberg said in a statement.

Martyn was player of the series the last time Australia won an away series in India, top scoring in four of Australia's eight innings in the 2004 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

He played his final Test in Australia's famous win at Adelaide Oval in the 2006-07 Ashes series before suddenly retiring ahead of the third Test of a 5-0 whitewash over England. During his career, he scored 4,406 Test runs at an average of 46.37.

Martyn also played 208 ODIs for 5,346 runs at 40.90, with a highest score of 144 not out. He made a famous 88 not out in the 2003 World Cup final, batting with a broken finger and sharing an epic partnership with captain Ricky Ponting as Australia beat India.

Cummins ruled out of remainder of Ashes, T20 World Cup participation uncertain

Melbourne, Dec 23 (IANS) Skipper Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the rest of the Ashes series after being left out of Australia’s squad for the Boxing Day Test, and it is unclear whether he will be available for the T20 World Cup in February.

Cummins had signalled in his post-match press conference, following the Adelaide Test, that he could be rested to manage an ongoing back issue.

The pacer, who was diagnosed with a lumbar stress reaction after the West Indies tour, pushed the limits of his rehabilitation from a back stress injury to return for the third Test.

He took six wickets in the Adelaide Test as Australia won by 82 runs, retaining the Ashes urn with two games to go.

On Tuesday, head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed his injury omission for the rest of the Ashes

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series.

"He won't play any part in the rest of the series. That was a discussion that we had a long time out around his return. Yeah, we were taking on some risk. We've now won the series, and that was the goal. To position him for further risk and jeopardise him long term is not something that we want to do," McDonald told reporters in Melbourne.

"Pat's really comfortable with that.

If he had any setback in the buildin as well, we would have shut him down straight away.

"Everything went really smoothly, and full credit to him, the medical team and to navigate through that risk profile, to get him back and take six wickets in that game and nail the Ashes series was incredibly pleasing for everyone associated with that," he added.

It remains to be seen if Cummins will be available for the T20 World Cup set to start in February. “I can’t really say at the moment, we are hopeful," said McDonald.

It remains to be seen if he will be available for the T20 World Cup, set to start in February 2026.

Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) After a successful 2025 in which Indian sportspersons shone bright in many events on the global stage, the year 2026 heralds fresher and tougher challenges, and top-most on the radar is the 20th edition of the Asian Games to be held in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya in Japan from September 19 to October 4, 2026.

Olympic sports were a mixed bag for India in 2025 as the country did well in sports like archery, boxing, wrestling, shooting, weightlifting, and hockey. In archery, the Indian men's recurve team of Dhiraj Bommadevara, Tarundeep Rai, and Atanu Das won a silver medal in the 2025 World Cup. While India dominated the compound section, the women's

World University Games, winning 12 medals, including two gold and five silver, but the year's biggest sporting event, the Athletics World Championships, was a disappointment as Neeraj Chopra came out medal-less after finishing in the top two of major events since 2018. Badminton, too, was a mixed bag, and apart from a few medals in junior events and mid-level competitions, only the men's double pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty held their own against strong competition. But now that is all water under the bridge, and Aichi–Nagoya 2026 provides Indian sportspersons the opportunity to make a play of their full potential in the Asian Games with two years to go for the Los Angeles Olympics and four years before the 2030 Commonwealth Games, when the competitions are expected

32 core sports, mostly those that are part of the Olympic Games, and 11 other sports and disciplines, which include five regional sports: Wushu, Sepaktakraw, Kabaddi, Kurash, and Jujitsu. Dancesports, roller sports, surfing, cricket, Esports, Mixed Martial Arts, and Padel will also be part of the schedule.

In all, 45 National Olympic Committees are expected to send their contingents for the 2026 Games, which will be unique as the participants will not be accommodated in a permanent Athletes Village as is usually done, but rather in a cruise ship docked at Kinjo Pier. Participants will also be hosted in temporary villas made from repurposed shipping containers near the Port of Nagoya, and some will be based in several hotels across the prefecture and outlying cities.

India’s Vir Gahrotra wins historic gold at Pole and Aerial Sports World C’ship

Mumbai, Dec 20 (IANS) Indian athlete Vir Gahrotra won a gold medal at the Pole and Aerial Sports World Championship, achieving India’s firstever podium finish at this international event in Budapest, Hungary.

Vir, a 16-year-old from Mumbai, represented India in the Junior B Amateur Men (15–17 years) aerial silk category. Facing competitors from countries with strong aerial sports traditions like Ukraine, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, Gahrotra delivered a technically

demanding and winning performance.

Aerial silk is a performanceorientated form of aerial gymnastics that demands substantial upper-body strength, endurance, flexibility, and artistic expression.

At the championship level, routines are evaluated based on technical precision, execution, and artistry, not just difficulty.

Gahrotra’s gold-winning routine was notable for its control, consistency, and calmness despite fatigue, which earned it the highest scores from the judges.

India achieved a historic milestone by participating in the inaugural POSA World Aerial Championships 2025, organised by the Pole Sports & Arts World Federation (POSA). Held in Budapest, this prestigious

international event gathered top aerial and pole athletes from more than 40 countries.

Vir’s victory marks a historic milestone for Indian aerial sports, as he won the country’s first-ever gold medal at the championship in the Junior B Men – Amateur Aerial Silks category.

This achievement is a proud and significant moment for India’s debut on the international stage.

The four-day championship showcased world-class rigging, with certified international judges overseeing the event. It included top disciplines such as Aerial Silks, Aerial Hoop, Aerial Artistic, and Pole Sport. Although the aerial competitions have finished, the Pole Sport contests are still in progress, with athletes from around the globe delivering exciting performances.

Formula 1 2025 Season turns out to be pivotal year for Indian motorsport

New Delhi, Dec 23 (IANS) Formula 1 has experienced a remarkable rise in popularity across the subcontinent, with India's fanbase expanding to 78.8 million. This significant growth

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coincides with a season marked by outstanding performances, including Kush Maini’s resilient win in Monaco and Arvid Lindblad’s rapid ascent to the F1 grid. The Drivers’ Championship battle was intensely close, culminating in a final that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. As the world celebrates Lando Norris’s dramatic victory in the most competitive season finale in 15 years, the Indian motorsport community looks forward with renewed optimism.

The 2025 campaign is set to be remembered as a modern classic; Lando Norris’s first championship

victory marked a year where resilience was vital for many, and McLaren’s return to the summit ended a historic drought. The sport’s popularity keeps rising, with a record 6.7 million fans attending races globally.

The Indian market's link to F1 is more robust than ever. Recordbreaking viewership confirms India’s vital role in the sport’s worldwide strategy. This growth is supported by extending FanCode’s exclusive broadcast deal through 2028, allowing Indian fans to stay connected to the action as local drivers gear up for the 2026 world stage.

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Shubhanshu Shukla, NISAR mission take India to new heights in 2025; all eyes on Ganganyaan in 2026

New Delhi, Dec 25 (IANS) From Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) to the country getting the first private earth imaging satellite constellation, the Indian space sector added many firsts in 2025. The year 2026 will be marked by critical milestones beginning with the first uncrewed Ganganyaan mission.

The space missions in 2025 were spearheaded by both government-led ISRO and private companies, which together bolstered the space economy at approximately $13 billion. The sector aims to capture 8-10 per cent of the global commercial space market by the next decade.

2025 began with the successful docking of the SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment) satellites -- SDX01, the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target -- weighing about 220 kg each, in January. With this,

India became the fourth nation to ace the space docking technology.

ISRO also marked its 100th launch from the Sriharikota spaceport. The mission, on January 29, successfully placed the NVS-02 navigation satellite into the planned Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, aboard the GSLV rocket.

The Union Cabinet also approved the establishment of the Third Launch Pad (TLP) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre of ISRO at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Space startup Digantara launched Space Camera for Object Tracking (SCOT) satellite aboard SpaceX's Transporter-12 mission to enhance space safety and track Resident Space Objects (RSOs).

Bengaluru-based Pixxel also launched its first three satellites of its Firefly constellation -- India's 1st private satellite constellation.

In February, ISRO released the first major batch of scientific data from its solar mission Aditya-L1, including unprecedented views of a solar flare "kernel".

Notably, the space sector was allotted Rs 13,416.2 crore in the Union Budget 2025-26. Customs duties on satellite and launch vehicle components to boost domestic manufacturing were also removed.

In March, ISRO delivered the first batches of two 32-bit microprocessors, VIKRAM3201 and KALPANA3201, to the Semiconductor Laboratory, Chandigarh, for use in launch vehicle systems.

ISRO's orbital platform completed 1,000 orbits, having successfully hosted 10 private payloads from various startups.

ISRO undertook the 101st launch endeavour with PSLV-C61 mission, in May, to deploy the 1,696 kg EOS-09 Earth Observation Satellite into a 505 km Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit.

While the initial stages of the flight performed as expected, a technical anomaly in the rocket's third stage prevented the mission from reaching its intended orbit.

The space agency also achieved a major technological breakthrough with a series of successful hot tests -- in March, April, and May -- for its 2000 kN-class semicryogenic engine (SE2000) at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC).

In June, Shukla’s historic 18-day mission to the ISS -- a first ever for an Indian and the second to travel to space, after 40 long years following Rakesh Sharma in 1984 -- became the most defining moment in the space sector in 2025.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Gujarat: Namo Drone Didi scheme gives wings to rural women in Banaskantha

Banaskantha, Dec 25 (IANS) The Central government’s womencentric welfare initiatives are giving rural women new wings of empowerment and self-reliance, with the Namo Drone Didi Yojana emerging as a transformative force at the grassroots.

In Banaskantha district, the scheme is enabling women to break traditional barriers and step into technology-driven livelihoods.

A shining example is Asha Chaudhary, a resident of Talepura village in Deesa taluka, who has turned training and opportunity into sustainable self-employment.

Guided by the vision that an empowered woman strengthens not just her own life but also her family, society, and the nation, the PM Modi-led government has rolled out several programmes aimed at women’s economic

independence.

The Namo Drone Didi Yojana is one such initiative that is opening doors to modern skills and income generation in rural India.

After completing her training under the scheme, Asha received a drone kit worth Rs 17 lakh from the Central government.

Equipped with advanced technology and hands-on expertise, she began offering drone-based agricultural services, marking a significant shift from traditional forms of rural employment.

Asha is financially independent and has become a key support system for her family.

Speaking about her journey, Asha said the scheme gave her confidence along with skills, allowing her to envision a future beyond conventional limitations.

Her work has not only improved her household income but has also inspired other women in the village to explore new possibilities.

The reach of government welfare schemes is steadily expanding to remote villages across Gujarat, bringing rural women into the mainstream of development.

ISRO launches its heaviest PM Modi lauds launch of ‘BlueBird 6’, calls it ‘significant stride’ in India’s space sector satellite ‘BlueBird 6’

Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh), Dec 24 (IANS) India's Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3)-M6, carrying BlueBird 6, took off from Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota on Wednesday.

BlueBird 6, a next-generation communications satellite from US innovator AST SpaceMobile, was launched with a goal to beam the broadband straight from space to smartphones without any special gear.

The 43.5-meter-tall rocket, which is supported by two S200 solid boosters, lifted off at 8:55 a.m. following a 24-hour countdown from the second launch pad located approximately 135 km east of Chennai.

After approximately 15 minutes of flight, the spacecraft BlueBird Block-2, travelling on the rocket, is expected to separate and attain its designated orbit at an altitude of around 520 km, according to ISRO. This mission is part of a commercial agreement

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established between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), the commercial division of ISRO, and the USbased company AST SpaceMobile (AST and Science, LLC).

ISRO adopted a careful strategy and chose to postpone the launch of the Launch Vehicle Mark 3 M6 flight by 90 seconds. It was initially scheduled to lift off at 8:54 a.m., but the time was then adjusted to 8:55 a.m. and 30 seconds.

Taking to X, ISRO said, "Mission Success The LVM3-M6 mission has successfully placed the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into its intended orbit."

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh took to X and congratulated ISRO for the successful launch.

New Delhi, Dec 24 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lauded the successful take off of Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3)-M6, carrying BlueBird 6, calling it a "significant stride" in India's space sector.

India's Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3)-M6, carrying BlueBird 6, took off from Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota on Wednesday.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, "A significant stride in India's space sector… The successful LVM3-M6 launch, placing the heaviest satellite ever launched

from Indian soil, the spacecraft of USA, BlueBird Block-2, into its intended orbit, marks a proud milestone in India's space journey."

"It strengthens India's heavy-lift launch capability and reinforces our growing role in the global commercial launch market.

This is also reflective of our efforts towards an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Congratulations to our hardworking space scientists and engineers. India continues to soar higher in the world of space!" he added.

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh also congratulated ISRO for the successful launch.

In a post on X, Singh said, "Kudos Team ISRO for the successful launch of LVM3-M6 carrying

BlueBird Block-2. With the visionary patronage of PM Sh Narendra Modi, ISRO continues to achieve one success after another, reiterating India's growing prowess in Space technology."

The communication satellite, weighing 6,100 kg, is the heaviest payload to be placed into the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in LVM3 launch history. The previous heaviest was the LVM3-M5 Communication Satellite 03, weighing about 4,400 kg, which was successfully launched by ISRO on November 2 in the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

The satellite is part of the next generation of BlueBird Block-2 communication satellites, designed to provide space-based cellular broadband connectivity directly to standard mobile smartphones.

IANS Year Ender 2025: India set to take a big AI leap in 2026 amid govt push New Delhi, Dec 27 (IANS) India's artificial intelligence (AI) strategy, based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of democratising technology, aims to address India-centric challenges and create more opportunities and jobs -- and 2026 is going to be a transformative year for the country which has emerged as the world’s third most competitive one in AI. The country has seen AI talent concentration grow more than threefold since 2016, and now ranks among the top

three countries in US-based Stanford University’s Global AI Vibrancy Tool, reflecting its growing strength in AI talent and infrastructure.

Various initiatives of the government support the development of an AI talent pipeline, like ‘IndiaAI FutureSkills,’ which is one of the pillars of the IndiaAI mission, where focus is on developing AI talent and a research pipeline.

The government informed this month that AI may result in job creation in various streams like

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data science and data curation, and so far, 8.65 lakh candidates have enrolled or trained in various courses, including 3.20 lakh candidates in AI/Big Data Analytics technologies.

The IT Ministry has initiated ‘FutureSkills PRIME,’ a programme for re-skilling/ up-skilling of IT manpower for employability in 10 new/emerging technologies, including AI. Under this programme so far, over 18.56 lakh candidates have signed up on the Future Skills PRIME Portal, out of which, more

than 3.37 lakh candidates have completed their course, according to Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Shobha Karandlaje.

As per a recent Nasscom report titled “Advancing India’s AI skills”, the AI talent in India is expected to grow from 6 lakh–6.5 lakh professionals to more than 12.50 lakh professionals by the year 2027, at a 15 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR).

India’s growing AI talent base is also reflected in global developer participation.

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Jan 1-15, 2026 - Vol-6, Issue 10

IIT Madras’ new precision nanoinjection platform to boost breast cancer drug delivery

WHO, Ayush Ministry holds meeting to foster global integration of traditional medicine

New Delhi, Dec 22 (IANS) An international team of researchers led by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has developed a cutting-edge nanoinjection drug delivery platform that has the potential to make breast cancer treatment safer and more effective.

Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality among women worldwide.

Conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, often harm non-cancerous tissues due to systemic drug exposure.

The new nanoinjection system delivers the anticancer drug doxorubicin directly into cancer cells using thermally stable nanoarchaeosomes (NAs) loaded into vertically aligned SiNTs etched onto a silicon wafer.

The approach creates a precise and sustained therapeutic system that minimises damage to healthy cells by combining nanoarchaeosome-based drug encapsulation with silicon nanotube (SiNT)-based intracellular delivery, said the team, including those from Monash University and Deakin University in Australia.

Experiments on in vitro (cell

culture) and ex ovo (chick embryo) models, published in the journal Advanced Materials Interfaces, demonstrated that the NAD-SiNTs (NanoarchaeosomeDoxorubicin-Silicon nanotubes) induced strong cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells, while sparing healthy fibroblasts.

The NAD-SiNTs triggered cellcycle arrest and necrosis in cancer cells and significantly reduced angiogenesis, the process through which tumours develop new blood vessels, by downregulating key proangiogenic factors.

The platform demonstrated 23 times lower inhibitory concentration (IC50) than free doxorubicin, suggesting higher potency at much lower doses, which can directly translate into lower treatment costs and fewer side effects.

“This research could have transformative implications for healthcare delivery in low- and middle-income countries like India, where access to advanced cancer therapies remains limited by cost. By enabling targeted delivery of smaller doses with higher efficacy, the system can potentially lower the overall expense of cancer treatment and improve patients’ quality of life,” said Dr. Swathi Sudhakar, Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering, IIT Madras.

Ayush Ministry takes Indian traditional medicines to global stage

New Delhi, Dec 28 (IANS) The Ministry of Ayush has signed 25 country-to-country level MoUs for cooperation in the field of Traditional Medicine and homoeopathy, 15 MoUs with international institutes for setting up of Ayush Academic Chairs in foreign nations, 52 institute-to-institute level MoUs for undertaking collaborative research/academic collaboration and supported the establishment of 43 Ayush Information Cells in 39 foreign nations for propagation and promotion of Ayush at global stage.

In a statement on Sunday, the ministry said it has developed a Central Sector Scheme for the Promotion of International Cooperation in Ayush.

The ministry provides support to Indian Ayush drug manufacturers/Ayush service providers to give boost to the export of Ayush products and services, along with facilitating international promotion and development and recognition of Ayush system of medicine.

The Ayush Ministry signed

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an agreement with WHO to establish WHO-Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

This Centre aims to provide support to implement WHO's traditional medicine strategy (2014-23) and to support nations in developing policies and action plans to strengthen the role of traditional medicine as part of their journey to universal health coverage.

An agreement was signed between the Ministry of Ayush and the WHO on May 24, 2025, towards developing Traditional Medicine intervention categories and index for the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI), with a holistic approach and focus on Traditional Medicine systems of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani.

The agreement marks the beginning of work on a dedicated Traditional Medicine module under the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI). This development aligns with India’s vision of bringing its rich heritage of traditional wisdom into the global healthcare mainstream, backed by scientific classification and international standards, according to the ministry.

New Delhi, Dec 22 (IANS) The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Ayush held a two-day key technical meeting to integrate traditional medicine into global health intervention standards, the Ministry said on Monday.

The Technical Project Meeting on traditional medicine (TM), held from December 20-21 in the national capital, aimed to set an intervention code.

The initiative was fundamentally driven by the landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Donor Agreement signed between the Ministry of Ayush and WHO in May. “The agreement serves as the

cornerstone for developing a dedicated Traditional Medicine module within the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI), the international global standard for classifying healthcare interventions, with India facilitating both the financial and technical frameworks necessary to bring ayurveda, siddha, and unani (ASU) systems into the global healthcare mainstream,” the Ministry said.

"The integration of traditional medicine into ICHI is vital because intervention coding provides a common language for health procedures across different countries and medical systems. By standardising these codes, healthcare providers can better document, report, and analyse the frequency and efficacy of traditional treatments," it added.

The technical sessions were chaired by Kavita Garg, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush,

HEALTH

who led the Indian team in the development of National Health Intervention Codes for Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani medicine.

The meeting saw extensive participation from all six WHO regions, including Africa, Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Western Pacific, ensuring a comprehensive global perspective on traditional medicine.

Member states, including Bhutan, Brazil, India, Iran, Malaysia, Nepal, Mauritius, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, the UK, and the US, participated to appraise their country status and harmonise intervention descriptions. The Ministry noted that the project will be undertaken by the WHO with strict timelines, adopting a scientific approach. It will not only aid in clinical research and policy support but also pave the way for scaling up traditional medicine within national health information systems globally.

Himachal starts cultivation of industrial hemp

Shimla, Dec 27 (IANS) In a step to redefine the state’s economic landscape and achieve the vision of a self-reliant Himachal Pradesh by 2027, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu has initiated the 'Green to Gold' initiative, which aims to transition the state from a narrative of illicit trade to global leadership in the bio-economy by legalising and regulating the cultivation of industrial hemp.

CM Sukhu said for decades, cannabis has grown wild across the valleys of Kullu, Mandi, and Chamba, often marred by associations with the illegal drug trade, but henceforth it will be widely be acclaimed for its medicinal properties for pain management and inflammation, besides its uses in textile and apparel industry, paper and packaging industry, cosmetics

and personal care Industry, biofuel and energy industry, etc.

The government has identified this natural resource as a versatile industrial asset capable of producing high-value goods ranging from eco-friendly textiles to advanced bio-plastics.

"With proper regulation and awareness, hemp can become a key driver of eco-friendly industrial development, especially in hill and rural economies like Himachal Pradesh," Sukhu said, as per an official statement.

He said a key pillar of this policy is the strict mandate ensuring that all industrial hemp cultivated in Himachal Pradesh maintains a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content below 0.3 per cent. This scientific threshold renders the plant non-intoxicating and entirely unsuitable for misuse as a drug, while preserving its superior properties for producing high-quality fibre and seeds.

Sukhu said following the Cabinet’s decision on January 24 to clear a pilot project for controlled cultivation is on the anvil. He said farmers were now

backing up from cultivation of traditional crops due to the nuisance created by the wildlife, and monkeys destroying crops, which left little for the farmers to earn.

This strategic shift is designed to replace the plant’s “narcotic” image with a “resource” identity.

Projections indicate that regulated cultivation could generate additional revenue of Rs 1,000 crore to more than Rs 2,000 crore annually, once fully scaled. By providing a robust legal and scientific framework, the state intends to capture a market currently dominated by the black market and international imports, particularly for the burgeoning pharmaceutical and wellness industries. Beyond fiscal gains, the ‘Green to Gold’ initiative offers a sustainable solution for Himachal’s agrarian community.

The Chief Minister said industrial hemp is a climate-resilient crop that requires 50 per cent less water than traditional fibre crops like cotton and thrives even in marginal soils where other crops struggle.

Study finds risk-based approach better for breast cancer screening New Delhi, Dec 27 (IANS) An individualised approach to breast cancer screening that assesses patients' risk, rather than annual mammograms, can lower the chance of more advanced cancers, while still safely matching people to the amount of screening they need, according to a study.

The findings, by the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), based on a study of 46,000 US women, support shifting the approach to screening from one that is based on age alone to one that starts with comprehensive risk assessment to determine

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each woman's optimal screening schedule.

"The findings should transform clinical guidelines for breast cancer screening and alter clinical practice," said Laura J. Esserman, director of the UCSF Breast Care Center.

"The personalised approach begins with risk assessment, incorporating genetic, biological, and lifestyle factors, which can then guide effective prevention strategies," Esserman added.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, accounting for an estimated 2.3

million cases and 670,000 deaths globally.

For decades, screening assumed all women have the same risk, and guidelines were based largely on age, despite strong evidence that individual risk varies widely.

The new study, published in JAMA, compared the standard annual mammogram with an approach based on individual risk.

The results showed that the riskbased screening approach did not increase the frequency of higherstage cancers.

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WHAT’S ON

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INDIA NEWS

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs a preBudget meeting with leading economists, in New Delhi on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

Jan 1-15, 2026 - Vol-6, Issue 10

Jaipur: Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) members take part in a province procession during the 61st provincial convention at Badi Chopad in the Walled City area of Jaipur on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

Ankara: People enjoy themselves with New Year’s light decorations in Ankara, Turkiye, Dec. 27, 2025. As the New Year approaches, Ankara is in festive mood.

Doha: Magnus Carlsen of Norway reacts during the Rapid Open sixth round against Maxime Vachier-Lagrave of France at the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships 2025 in Doha, Qatar, on Dec. 27, 2025.

Shimla: Tourists gather at the Ridge Ground during preNew Year 2026 celebrations, in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

Bishkek: People walk past New Year decorations at the Ala-Too Square in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Dec. 23, 2025.

New Delhi: A contingent of the Indian Army rehearses for the upcoming Republic Day parade on a cold and foggy morning Panaji: Tourists enjoy their vacations at Miramar Beach in at Kariyapa Ground, Delhi Cantt, in New Delhi, Tuesday, Panaji on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

December 30, 2025.

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Mumbai: BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay accompanies party candidates and workers as they proceed to file nominations for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election, at Borivali in Mumbai on Tuesday,

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un waves to cheering residents as he attends a ceremony marking the completion of a hospital and an industrial complex in the western coastal city of Nampho on Dec. 29, 2025,

Mumbai: Managing director of JSW Steel Sajjan Jindal and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attend the World Hindu Economic Forum 2025 in Mumbai on Friday, December 19, 2025.

New York: People view holiday light decorations at Dyker Heights of Brooklyn in New York, the United States, Dec. 23, 2025.

PHOTO FEATURE

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Ayodhya: Devotees throng the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir during the “Pratishtha Dwadashi Patotsav” ceremony in Ayodhya on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

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DO DEEWANE SEHER MEIN

RELEASE DATE: 20 February 2026 LANGUAGE: Hindi (With English Subtitles)

ALPHA

RELEASE DATE: 25 December 2025 LANGUAGE: Hindi (With English Subtitles)

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Jan 1-15, 2026 - Vol-6, Issue 10

PRODUCER: Z Studios, Bhansali Productions, Rancorp Media DIRECTOR: Ravi Udyawar CAST: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Mrunal Thakur

PRODUCER: Aditya Chopra DIRECTOR: Shiv Rawail CAST: Alia Bhatt, Sharvari

IKKIS RELEASE DATE: 25 December 2025 LANGUAGE: Hindi (With English Subtitles)

NEW RELEASES

DIRECTOR: Sriram Raghavan CAST: Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, Agastya Nanda

PRODUCER: Dinesh Vijan

MARDAANI 3

RELEASE DATE: 27 February 2026 LANGUAGE: Hindi (With English Subtitles) PRODUCER: Aditya Chopra

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DIRECTOR: Abhiraj Minawala CAST: Rani Mukerji, Aeklavya Tomer

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BOLLYWOOD COVERAGE

Vadodara: Amarya Shaikh, the youngest fan of superstar Salman Khan, celebrates his 60th birthday with a cake-cutting ceremony at Tandalja in Vadodara, Saturday, December 27, 2025

Mumbai: Actress Bhumi Pednekar arrives at the airport in Mumbai on Saturday, December 27, 2025.

Mumbai: Actress and model Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu arrives at the airport in Mumbai on Monday, December 29, 2025.

Mumbai: Actor Tusshar Kapoor arrives at the airport in Mumbai on Saturday, December 27, 2025.

Mumbai: Actors Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone arrive at the airport in Mumbai on Sunday, December 07, 2025.

Mumbai: Actress Kriti Sanon attends the success party of the movie ‘Tere Ishk Mein’ in Mumbai, Friday, December 19, 2025.

Guwahati: Padma Shri awardee film director Jahnu Barua speaks during the premiere show of his new film Herua Chando, in Guwahati on Monday, December 29, 2025.

Mumbai: Actress Neha Pendse arrives at the airport in Mumbai, Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

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Mumbai: Actor Ibrahim Ali Khan arrives at the airport in Mumbai on Saturday, December 27, 2025.

Mumbai: Singer Udit Narayan arrives at the airport in Mumbai on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.

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Mumbai: Actor Emraan Hashmi spotted at the Mumbai airport in Mumbai on Monday, December 22,

Mumbai: Actor and filmmaker Dhanush, actress Kriti Sanon, and others attend the success party of the movie ‘Tere Ishk Mein’ in Mumbai, Friday, December 19, 2025.

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INDIA NEWS

Krystle D’Souza reacts to replacing Tamannaah Bhatia in ‘Dhurandhar’ song: It’s all about destiny

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opular television actress Krystle D’Souza has opened up about replacing Tamannaah Bhatia in the much-talked-about ‘Shararat’ from the film “Dhurandhar.”

Speaking candidly to IANS, she emphasized that it was all about destiny, saying, “What’s meant to be, will be.” Krystle praised Tamannaah’s talent and beauty, while reflecting on how opportunities sometimes fall into place exactly as they’re meant to.

When asked about reports claiming Tamannaah was rejected for the song, the ‘Chehre’ actress said she had no idea about the decision behind the scenes but praised Tamannaah’s talent, calling her ‘amazing.’

Krystle shared, “I had no idea about all this, but I mean, she’s amazing, she’s beautiful, and she’s so good at what she does.

More power to her, you know—what’s written in someone’s destiny, they receive. I feel like this was meant for me, it was meant for Ayesha, and we got it. But that doesn’t take away from how beautiful Tamannaah is or what a great performer she is.”

“Maybe she would have added her own spark to a song— she brings her own aura, her own limelight, and I think that’s wonderful. I feel proud of every woman who is doing so well, and I’d love to see more women deliver amazing, crazy performances and support one another,” she added.

Krystle D’Souza and Ayesha Khan featured in the song “Shararat” from Dhurandhar. The foot-tapping number has been sung by popular Punjabi singer Jasmine Sandlas and Madhubanti Bagchi.

For the unversed, choreographer Vijay Ganguly recently revealed in an interview that he had initially considered Tamannaah Bhatia for the song, but director Aditya Dhar did not approve the idea. After Vijay’s statement went viral, he clarified on his Instagram stories that the ‘Baahubali’ actress was never actually in the running for the song.

In his statement, the choreographer wrote, “To clarify: Tamannaah Bhatia was never under consideration

Preity Zinta shares heartwarming glimpses of her kids soaked in Christmas cheer

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ctress Preity Zinta added a dose of warmth and festive joy to the holiday season as she offered a heart-melting glimpse into her Christmas celebrations.

The Soldier actress took to social media to share adorable moments of her children, soaking in the magic of Christmas. Taking to Instagram, Preity posted a couple www.indianews.com.au

of images and simply captioned them as, “Merry Christmas and happy holidays from ours to yours. Wish you all loads of love, light and happiness always #Ting #family.”

The first image shows Preity smiling as she poses alongside her husband, Gene Goodenough.

The actress is seen resting her head on his shoulder. The next

candid click features Preity’s daughter, Gia, dancing in front of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Another photo shows her son playing with his father, with the duo twinning in matching outfits.

Preity Zinta often shares heartwarming glimpses of her kids on social media.

For the unversed, Preity tied the knot with Gene Goodenough in 2016, and the couple embraced parenthood in 2021 when they welcomed twins — a son, Jai, and a daughter, Gia through surrogacy.

On the professional front, the actress is gearing up for her return to the silver screen with “Lahore 1947.” Helmed by Rajkumar Santoshi, the film stars Sunny Deol in the lead, with Shabana Azmi, Ali Fazal, and Abhimanyu Singh playing pivotal roles, among others. The project is being backed by Aamir Khan and is set against the historical backdrop of India’s Partition.

Preity made her Bollywood debut with “Dil Se” in 1998 and followed it up with “Soldier the same year.”

She later earned widespread acclaim for her performance as a young single mother in “Kya Kehna.”

She was last seen in Neerraj Pathak’s directorial “Bhaiaji Superhit” in 2018. The film starred Sunny Deol, Ameesha Patel, Arshad Warsi, Shreyas Talpade, Pankaj Tripathi, Sanjay Mishra and Jaideep Ahlawat. facebook.com/indianewsaustralia

ENTERTAINMENT

Aneet Padda describes a lovely future for ‘Saiyaara’ co-star Ahaan Panday in his birthday note

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ewbie actress Aneet Padda showered her 'Saiyaara' co-star Ahaan Panday with love and admiration as she penned an adorable birthday message for him on social media.

Sharing some unseen photos and videos of Ahaan, who has turned 28, Aneet narrated a blessed future for the birthday boy, where the fans are gushing over him.

She wrote, "I’ve seen the future.

I’ve seen passersby smile when you laugh out loud, they can’t help it. I’ve seen colours change in the world around, when your eyes are lost in thought admiring an old woman, watering her plants, unaware. I’ve seen the scribbles in your notepad, holding the musings of an unusual mind, rare and magical. The change of your camera lens, stubborn in its search for beauty in the mundane.

I’ve seen you be so selfless (sic)."

Aneet also shared how her parents, Ahaan's mother Deanne Pandey, and all his other close ones are extremely proud of the

person he has turned out to be.

"I’ve seen my mom and dad trusting you deeply, beaming with love when they ask “ahaan kiven ae? theek hai na?” every video call. I’ve seen Deanne aunty cry every time she sees your face on that poster. Pride mixed with disbelief at her son’s kindness, his soul—at the man she raised. I’ve seen a stranger having a better day, after talking to you. I’ve seen the security guard waiting for his daily chat with you at 2pm sharp.

I’ve seen the world stop and stare at you before it knew why. Before it met its saiyaara on a movie screen. You were always a star, dadi was always proud. I saw the future then and I see it now. It’s all set to come true", she added.

"Happy birthday ahaana, i will always be proud of the person you are. Thank you for giving the world the gift of you", her special birthday wish concluded.

Overwhelmed by these lovely words from Aneet, Ahaan commented, "No words do justice to what I felt after reading this ;()"

Alec Baldwin opens up about battling suicidal thoughts after ‘Rust’ shooting

H

ollywood actor Alec Baldwin has opened up about his struggles with suicidal thoughts after the the ‘Rust’ shooting.

The 67-year-old actor was holding a prop gun on the set of the Western in October 2021 when it discharged, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza, and Balwin was wrapped up in a legal battle as he faced manslaughter charges in connection with the shooting

incident, reports ‘Female First UK’.

The charges against Baldwin were dismissed twice and the case is now over, but he has admitted the stress left him feeling as if he didn't want to live any more.

As per ‘Female First UK’, during an appearance on the Dopey: On the Dark Comedy of Drug Addiction podcast, Baldwin explained, “When you get to that point where you go, 'I don’t want to wake up another day, I’m gonna go’, I swear to God, I mean, to talk about it, and it’s really kind of unappealing to me because to talk about killing yourself and to actually kill yourself are two so profoundly distinctive things”.

He further mentioned, “I think a lot of people, I think countless people think about killing themselves and ending their life, and then very few do. And for me, I remember, I used to lay there in bed and go: 'Oh God, I can’t wake up another day and have it be the same. It’s the same every day. And I can’t do it’.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Priya Banerjee on sharing the screen with hubby

Kareena Kapoor always has Prateik: ‘I literally did it for the kicks and kiss’ food on her mind & her ctress Priya Banerjee has A opened up about sharing latest post is proof screen space with her husband, Prateik Smita Patil in the season four of ‘Four More Shots Please.’

Speaking about the experience, the actress candidly revealed to IANS that working together was a fun and spontaneous decision.

Priya added that she took on the project purely for the excitement and the joy of collaborating with her partner on screen. Banerjee stated, “It felt special to share the screen with Prateik after sharing a new chapter of life with him as after our wedding went viral, the makers reached out for this small cameo.”

“Prateik insisted I do it, saying it would be fun to be a part of one of his most loved shows. It was completely spontaneous I literally did it for the kicks, the kiss, and the joy of sharing that moment with him on screen.”

“Four More Shots Please! returned with its much-awaited final season. Priya Banerjee made a special cameo in the popular series, marking the couple’s first

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ctress Kareena Kapoor always has food on her mind, and her latest social media post confirms the same.

Bebo took to the Stories section of her Instagram handle and posted a stunning photo of herself with pouted lips and black sunglasses.

However, it was the caption that caught everyone's attention.

She admitted that just like any true foodie, she already started thinking about dinner while just having finished her lunch.

"Finished lunch dreaming of dinner", she penned the caption.

However, this is not the first time that Kareena has opened up about her immense love for food.

Recently, filmmaker Karan Johar took to his Instagram and posted a video of Kareena relishing a samosa during her son Taimur's annual day function at school.

In the clip, KJo disclosed to all the Bebo fans that while they were under the impression that the actress was on a diet, she had been caught eating a samosa.

“This is what Kareena Kapoor is doing at the school play, eating a samosa. For all you people who think that she's on a diet, this is

what she's eating – a big samosa!," he added.

Karan also jokingly called Kareena a ‘Carby Doll’, referring to the amount of carbohydrates a single Samosa contains.

“I'm proud of you, Bebo. I'm proud of you. Yosociau're a carby doll. I love it,” added Karan Caught off guard, Kareena revealed that she is not on any diet at the moment.

Work-wise, Bebo has wrapped up the shoot for her forthcoming investigative crime-thriller "Daayra". Helmed by Meghna Gulzar, the much-awaited project will also have Prithviraj Sukumaran as the lead.

Sharing the update on social media, makers, Junglee Pictures dropped a picture of Kareena, Prithviraj, and Meghna smiling at the camera. “#Daayra! It’s a wrap! Months of hard work, creativity, and collaboration have come together to bring this story to life. Immense gratitude to the cast, crew, and everyone who made this journey possible. Onward to the next chapter! In Cinemas 2026,” they captioned the post.

on-screen collaboration after their marriage.

Interestingly, in October, Prateik and Priya walked the ramp together at a fashion event, dressed in stunning white outfits.

Speaking to IANS, the actor shared that walking alongside Priya brings him a sense of comfort, confidence, and joy that he doesn’t experience otherwise.

When asked whether it's more fun walking the ramp with his wife or another actress, Prateik mentioned, “Obviously with my

wife. I am sorry, unfortunately, I don't enjoy it with anyone else. No offence to all the beautiful women in the world. But I will enjoy it only with my wife on the ramp."

On February 14, Priya and Prateik got married at their home in the presence of their closest family and friends. The couple shared a series of stunning pictures from their intimate wedding on Instagram, and captioned them as, “I’ll marry you in every lifetime #priyaKAprateik.”

Here’s how Kate Winslet coped with unwanted attention Oscar winning-actress Kate Winslet feels life is "better" with a "good meal and a bit of Radiohead" and they were among the things that helped her cope with unwanted attention.

The Goodbye June director-and-actress recalled the "horrific" intrusion into her personal life when she was younger and found small ways to find joy while coping with the scrutiny amid the breakdown of one of her marriages.

The actress told BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs that she coped with the attention thanks to "a good meal, a shared conversation, a nice cup of coffee, a bit of Radiohead and a good poo".

She added: "You know, life's all the better for those things."

The actress said that she wasn't "in a particularly good shape" mentally about her body while filming Titanic in her early 20s and her world was "totally turned upside down" once it hit cinemas and she became a global star, leaving her "terrified" to sleep because of the intrusion into her life, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

She said: "I wasn't ready for that world. It was horrific. There were people tapping my phone.

They were just everywhere. And I was just on my own. I was terrified to go to sleep."

Winslet also spoke about how she was told to settle for the "fat-girl parts" by a drama teacher if she wanted to make it as an actress.

Anupam Kher admits to being more dependent on Anil Kapoor after the passing of Satish Kaushik

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nupam Kher has a very special wish for his dear friend Anil Kapoor, who has turned 69 on Wednesday.

Kher uploaded a lovely birthday message for the 'Nayak' actor on social media, saying, "My dearest, dearest friend, Anil, a very happy birthday to you.

May God give you all the happiness in the world, a long and healthy life, peace, success, more success. You are a great friend and a great person and a great anchor. (sic)."

Cherishing their silent mornings

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together and Anil's presence in his life in general, he added, "We have known each other for many years, and it took us a little time to understand each other fully.

But my mornings with you, where you don't talk much, I don't talk much, are the richest moments of my life. I used to earlier say, as a joke, that you should put my name in your ration card, but that's not important now.

I am there in your life. Thank you for being the person that you are.

Kind, compassionate, concerned as a human being and as an actor,

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fantastic. Nobody likes you."

Praising Anil - the actor, Kher shared, "You are a fabulous actor.

I always say to you that you have a modern vision and native wisdom as a person.

And I am overwhelmed sometimes thinking about the contribution you make in my space, especially at this stage of my life. I love you. You are the bestest."

Kher further admitted to being more dependent on Anil after the passing of their close friend and actor Satish Kaushik.

"After Satish went, I know that Ibecame more dependent on you.

And you understand that silently and you have been very kind to me, very silently kind to me. I know that," he confessed.

"May your year and years be filled with great performances.

Already you are doing such great work. And happy birthday once again.

Lots of love. Before I get emotional, I want to say to you.

Happy birthday. Live long," Kher's wish for his buddy concluded.

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